All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
For years, I was a die-hard smartwatch fan. I loved tracking my exercise, steps, and—as the technology began to evolve—metrics like sleep, recovery, and more. Having unique insights about my health and activity all laid out in easy-to-read data helped me better plan my workouts and understand why I might be feeling out of it. (Spoiler: It was usually because I had a glass of wine the night before or stared at my screen too late.) However, I started to tire of always having a wearable strapped to my wrist. I didn’t always want to be sporting a noticeable smartwatch, and I began to get annoyed by excess notifications.
Then, fitness rings hit the market. First came the Oura Ring, which was followed by, most notably, the Ultrahuman Air Ring. After working as a health and fitness journalist for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of testing dozens of fitness trackers for myself—and tracker rings quickly became my favorite way to collect consistent health data. After testing both popular devices, I’m sharing my honest reviews on each (including their design, metrics, and overall experience), along with how they compare to the other.
In This Story
Oura Ring 4 vs. Ultrahuman Ring Air
For me, the biggest draw of both of these rings is the fact that they look like a subtle piece of jewelry. Nevertheless, they offer an abundance of metrics—some of which they have in common, and some which are unique to each ring. And, in my experience, they are often more accurate with sleep data than other wearables. Compared to a smartwatch or other fitness trackers, these rings also have an impressively long battery life (four to eight days), which is such a game changer to avoid interruptions of continuous health measurements. And since they’re considered health-supporting devices, they are covered by HSA/FSA. I tested them out side by side, one on each hand, and here are my thoughts on how they stack up.
“Oura rings feel like the wellness world’s greatest signifier: The ring is instantly recognizable to anybody in the know, and anytime I’ve talked to somebody who also had one on (Jennifer Aniston, Emma Corrin), they’ve always wanted to talk stats. “‘What’s your sleep score?’ can be the ultimate brag in a way,” Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba says, calling it “the OG and most prevalent chic wearable tech out there.”
Both are available in six different different finishes—Oura is available in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, or Rose Gold; while Ultrahuman comes in Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, and Rose Gold—so you can decide on the look that best suits your personal style. Personally, I’ve been on a mixed-metal kick, so I opted for a gold Oura and a silver Ultrahuman.
As mentioned, what’s great about both of these options is that they actually look like jewelry (some people on TikTok have even shared tips for creating a gorgeous ring stack with them). Their designs do slightly differ, though. The Oura has a beveled edge, which makes it appear to have a smaller width than its more squared-edge counterpart, although they are technically the same width (depending on ring size). The Ultrahuman, however, is a bit thinner (2.45mm vs. 2.8mm). Personally, I think this combination of details (thickness, width, and shape) makes the Oura option look somewhat more like an actual ring. In fact, I often get compliments on that ring before people realize it’s actually a wearable.
Weight-wise, both of these rings are featherlight. When I first started wearing them, they were noticeable, since they’re much more substantial than my everyday rings. However, after just a few days, I started to forget they were even there.
I will say, since the Ultrahuman has a more squared-off edge, it tends to get caught on things occasionally—something I haven’t yet experienced with the Oura ring.
Another thing worth noting is that a lot of people complain about the rings getting scratched and showing signs of wear pretty quickly. I wore both of these nonstop throughout the day (including while lifting weights) and noticed the silver Ultrahuman was more resilient than the gold Oura, which did get a bit scratched up.
In all, in this category, my personal preference is Oura—for its ease of wear and more stylish design. Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tells me she’s more fond of the sleeker, thinner Ultrahuman ring. The styles are similar, so it really comes down to personal preference.
Both Oura and Ultrahuman rings are data powerhouses, monitoring everything from sleep to recovery. Here’s a side-by-side rundown of what these rings measure:
| SLEEP | ENERGY MONITORING | HEALTH WELLNESS | CYCLE TRACKING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Score | Personalized Activity Goals | Illness Detection | Cycle Insights |
| Sleep Stages | Readiness Score (based on temperature trends, heart rate, sleep) | Daytime Stress | Fertility Window |
| Automatic Activity Detection | Blood Oxygen Sensing | Period Prediction | |
| Activity Score, Cardio Capacity, and Resilience | Cardiovascular Age and Heart Rate Monitoring |
| SLEEP | ENERGY MONITORING | HEALTH WELLNESS | CYCLE TRACKING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Score | Circadian Alignment (suggests optimal times to expose yourself to natural sunlight, exercise, etc.) | AFib Detection | Cycle Ovulation |
| Sleep Stages | Caffeine Window (optimal time for caffeine intake) | Cardio Adaptability | Pregnancy Insights |
| Screentime | Vitamin D (optimal times for you to step outside) | Stress Rhythm | |
| Steps, Distance, and Calories | |||
| VO2 Max tracking, Dynamic Recovery Score, and HRV Interpretation |
After using both rings side by side, it was interesting to see how drastically their metrics differed at times. That said, it was an important reminder that these wearables are not medical devices—and they’re most useful for establishing your baseline and then noting when your body deviates, rather than providing clear-cut health data. “The best way to use a tracker is to view it as one piece of your overall fitness puzzle,” Emily Schofield, certified personal trainer and regional gym manager at Ultimate Performance Los Angeles says. “It is a really good tool you can use to keep an accurate record of your steps…and a relatively accurate record of your sleep and your recovery.”
Through my own testing, I found they both had strengths in different areas. For me, the accuracy of Oura’s sleep monitoring and recovery score felt superior to that of Ultrahuman—particularly because the data and input felt more aligned with what my body was actually feeling. I also really appreciate Oura’s daily stress and resilience tracking, which monitors how well your body recovers from day-to-day physiological stress, and offers supportive tips.
“The things that surprised me about the Ultrahuman are how much more in-depth it goes—there’s apparently so much more information out there to learn! My favorite feature is that it tells you the best window to drink caffeine,” Anbouba says—a point that Murden agrees with.
When it comes to fitness tracking, Oura offers activity detection—which, admittedly, isn’t the most accurate. Whereas with Ultrahuman, you need to log a workout manually, similar to other fitness wearables. That said, there’s certainly room for improvement in the fitness tracking realm. While both rings excel at detecting high-intensity HIIT workouts and long runs, neither the Ultrahuman nor Oura rings were great at identifying and monitoring low-intensity workouts like yoga and Pilates. It can’t tell you worked out.
Ultrahuman also has a few unique features that I really enjoy—namely, circadian alignment and caffeine window. The former feature offers daily suggestions for how to best get your circadian rhythm in check throughout the day. For instance, it alerts you when it’s a good time to get outside in the sunlight, and when it’s best to shut off screens. The caffeine window goes hand in hand with this feature: It lets you know when you should ideally stop drinking caffeine during the day, based on your personal metrics and sleep schedule.
I also appreciate that both of these rings feature cycle tracking and fertility window insights. That said, admittedly, I didn’t find either of them to be terribly accurate at predicting my cycle beyond the standard timing of my periods. However, what really stood out to me is the fact that Oura syncs with the Natural Cycles app, which I have found to be incredibly accurate (in fact, it’s the first FDA-cleared birth control app). It’s also worth noting that Oura has prioritized supporting women’s health research from day one.
There is so much in regards to the various metrics that I could dig into, but ultimately it boils down to which data is most valuable to you and your health goals.
Since the rings don’t have any kind of screen, you don’t know any of your metrics until you opt to check their respective apps. To be completely honest, both of these apps give you a lot of information—and it takes a little while to get acclimated to the data and how to use it to support your health goals.
“I have always found the [Oura] home screen really easy to interpret and understand. It streamlines all the basics you want to know at a glance, but doesn’t go so in-depth that you feel like you know too much or become so aware about something that you get wrapped up or upset (I already know I slept poorly! I don’t need it rubbed in my face!),” Anbouba continues.
The main page of the Oura app provides a “Spotlight” section, which I appreciate. First thing in the morning, this area provides clear readouts for your “Readiness” and “Sleep” scores right at the top, along with some top-line insights and tips (for example, it might note that your heart rate was elevated more than normal, which could indicate you ate dinner too close to bedtime). As the day progresses, this spotlight section instead displays progress towards your “Activity Goal,” along with your daytime stress reading. (If your metrics suggest you’re particularly stressed, then the app might provide a Headspace breathing exercise to try.)
If you keep scrolling, you can also find tiles for your heart rate, heart health, sleep trends, cycle insights, body clock, and bedtime suggestions. When you click on any one of these tiles, the app takes you to a new page with more thorough insights. There’s also a shortcut bar at the top of your screen, which you can also customize with your favorite metrics. If you scroll all the way down on the app, you’ll find a “What’s New” section, which includes opportunities to participate in health research, and the latest from “The Pulse Blog,” which is Oura’s wellness publication.
The layout of the Ultrahuman app overlaps slightly with that of the Oura, with a few key differences. When you open the app in the morning, you’ll similarly find info on your sleep and “Dynamic Recovery.” Unlike Oura, however, the layout for recovery is outlined based on six distinct metrics (resting heart rate, skin temperature, seven-day HRV form, last night’s HRV, sleep index, and stress rhythm score), and your overall score is dependent on how many of those metrics are within range. You also get a movement score for the day, based on your volume of activity. Personally, I found the Ultrahuman app experience to be a bit more complicated and overwhelming compared to the more polished Oura interface.
What stands out to me about this app is the “Circadian Rhythm” section, which gives you minute-by-minute info on where you are in the circadian cycle, along with how to best optimize it. For instance, at noon, it tells me light exposure has minimal impact on my circadian clock. Just below this metric tile, there’s a section for “Caffeine Window,” which similarly provides day-by-day tips and info on when to halt caffeine intake. There’s also a “Quick Start” section, which is where you can find breath work classes and manually log workouts. Generally, you might have to wait longer for the Ultrahuman to sync your data than the Oura.
It’s worth noting that the Ultrahuman app doesn’t come with any kind of additional subscription fee, whereas the Oura app costs $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year (new members get the first month for free).
Both rings offer health-monitoring add-ons, as well. Ultrahuman offers the metabolism metrics feature (called Ultrahuman M1 Live), which requires continuous glucose monitoring (GCM). This feature costs an additional $299 per month (for two CGM), $699 for three months (six GCM), or $2,399 for a year (26 GCM). The brand also sells the Ultrahuman Home, a health device that monitors environmental markers in the home that impact your health (this costs $549). Oura also offers the option for metabolic health support. You can get the Stelo Glucose Biosensor by Dexcom for $99, which allows you to measure your glucose levels over time.
Overall, I find the app experience of Oura a bit more user-friendly and easy to read. That said, the additional cost is worth considering.
Oura Ring Gen 4
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
- Colors: Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 8 days
- Water Resistance: Yes
- GPS: No (it uses GPS from your phone)
- Additional Specs: Measures HRV, temperature, resting heart rate; research-grade sensors
- Weight: 3.3 to 5.2 grams (depending on ring size)
- Thickness: 2.88mm
Ultrahuman Ring
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
- Colors: Silver, Black, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Battery Life: 4 to 6 days
- Water Resistance: Yes, up to 100 meters
- GPS: No
- Additional Specs: Infrared Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, non-contact medical-grade skin temperature sensor, caffeine window detection
- Weight: 2.4 to 3.6 grams (depending on ring size)
- Thickness: 2.45 to 2.8 mm
Verdict
As with any fitness device, the best option really depends on your personal lifestyle, preferences, and health goals.
The Oura ring is ideal for everyday wellness seekers who want a sleek, minimalist wearable that puts sleep, recovery, and balanced well-being front and center. The app is user-friendly, diffusing complex health data into easy-to-understand insights. This ring is also great for anyone who is interested in tracking and understanding their menstrual cycle. Overall, I’d say the Oura is better for anyone seeking simple metrics, a chic design, and subtle health support.
The Ultrahuman, on the other hand, is perfect for fitness enthusiasts and biometric-obsessed users who are really interested in digging deeper into their health data. Since this one also offers a metabolism tracking add-on and an at-home monitor, it’s also a great option for people who want to go that next level when it comes to optimizing health. In that regard, I’d say it’s better suited for people who love granular data and don’t mind wearing a more utilitarian-looking ring.
Everything You Need to Know
What is the purpose of a smart ring?
Much like any fitness tracker, a smart ring is ultimately intended to help gain insights into your health and better support your well-being goals. And while they’re not perfectly accurate, they do help establish a baseline for your body, which can be incredibly beneficial. These rings offer “a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond just hitting a step count or burning calories. It provides deep insights into your sleep, recovery, and overall readiness—perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle who needs to balance high-performance days with intentional rest,” Louis Chandler, Alo Moves and Alo Wellness Club trainer, tells Vogue.
What’s more, “[they] can be a powerful tool for staying accountable and gaining insights into your overall well-being. Whether you’re just getting started or pushing toward specific training goals, the data they provide can help you make more informed choices and see real progress over time,” says Chandler.
What to look for in a smart ring
Smart rings offer a wide range of metrics, and what to look for really depends on your goals. Some of the most common metrics include sleep quality, recovery, heart rate variability, cardiovascular health, and stress monitoring. “Ultimately, the best tracker is the one that aligns with your goals and lifestyle—and that you’ll actually enjoy using,” says Chandler.
Who should use a smart ring?
Anyone interested in gaining more insights into their health. They can be great motivators for health goals, and useful tools for improving sleep, prioritizing recovery, or just supporting overall wellness.
That said, Rebecca Skolnick, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and cofounder of MindWell NYC, notes these devices aren’t for everyone: Anyone with a history of disordered eating or other mental health conditions that may be exacerbated by an influx of data or metrics should steer clear.
Most importantly, choose a fitness tracker that aligns with your day-to-day life and goals, says Schofield. “If a watch works for you, fantastic. If you prefer a ring, go for it.”
