Oura Rings Finally Get a Charging Case
Oura has finally addressed my biggest (and perhaps most minor) complaint about its iconic smart ring: it now comes with a battery-powered charging case so you can charge it while out and about. New ring colors are also available, and finally, multiple ring support lets you switch between them.
Oura also announced Health Panels, a feature that allows you to schedule a blood test at the Quest lab and view the results in the Oura app. Whoop recently announced a similar feature , and Ultrahuman launched Blood Vision earlier this year.
Why I’m So Excited About the Charging Case
For as long as I’ve been using Oura rings —starting with the second generation—the charging system has always worked the same way: you take the small round stand on your nightstand, place the ring on it, and pull it over the small cylinder protruding from the base. I’ve never liked this design: the ring is too easy to fall if you catch your foot on the cord in the dark. It’s also not the most convenient option for travel.
The Oura ring now comes with a charging case . The case holds about five charges, so you can recharge the ring by inserting it into the case, then closing it and putting it in your pocket or gym bag. (I prefer charging the ring while weightlifting.) Traveling with the charger is now easy, and you don’t have to worry about losing the ring if the charger falls.
Now the bad news: this “puppy” costs $99, and it’s a separate add-on; you can’t buy it in place of the bedside charger when you buy a new ring.
As with nightlight chargers, it depends on your ring size. For example, a size 8 ring will require a size 8 charger. The new charging case doesn’t appear to be available on Oura’s website yet, but it should be available soon. (If you don’t want to wait or want to save money, I found this third-party case that fits your charger —either the 3rd or 4th generation. It’s not as elegant as the official one, though.)
You can now switch between rings
Today, Oura announced a new collection of ceramic rings in four colors: white, navy blue, pastel green, and pink. The new rings feature the same internal components as the metal Ring 4, so this isn’t a new generation of rings, just a new look. (Oura also notes that the ceramic rings are supposed to be more scratch-resistant, and each ring comes with a polishing sponge to maintain its shine.) All colors cost $499, the same as the gold and rose gold finishes of the standard Ring 4.
With so many color options, Oura seems to be hoping existing users will fork out for a second ring. The company is building support for multiple rings into the app—another feature I’m surprised wasn’t there before. (When I tested the 3rd and 4th-generation rings for comparison , I had to completely reset the ring to switch, or use two different accounts.) Oura says you’ll have to select which one you’re wearing in the app, so it’s not as seamless as how Garmin or Apple handle multiple devices. (Garmin lets me choose a “priority device” and then I can switch at will; Apple simply gives you the freedom to switch at will, and it does its best to ensure that.)
If you no longer need your old ring after upgrading, Oura offers a ring recycling service that will provide you with a shipping label to return your old ring. Any Oura ring, including old or broken ones, can be recycled through this program. (You must first restore the ring to its factory settings.) Rings submitted for recycling are not eligible for return or refund.