Oura Ring 4 Faces Off Against Circular Ring 2: A Detailed Comparison

The smart wearables market continues to evolve, with two significant contenders emerging: the Oura Ring 4 and the Circular Ring 2. Both rings are priced at $349 and offer a range of features designed to track health metrics and fitness activities. With the Circular Ring 2 recently launched, comparisons between these two devices highlight key differences and similarities across several categories, including pricing, design, health features, and battery life.

Price and Subscription Options

The Oura Ring 4, which debuted earlier, operates on a subscription model requiring a monthly fee of $5.99 for full access to its app features. While this may deter some potential users, the investment is justified by the comprehensive insights it provides.

In contrast, the Circular Ring 2 offers most of its features without a subscription, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers. Although it is also planned to include advanced features like blood pressure and glucose monitoring, these may be subject to a future paywall. This has caused some frustration among early backers, as these features were initially touted as “stretch goals” rather than core offerings. Nevertheless, the Circular Ring 2 wins this round due to its subscription-free access to essential functionalities.

Sizes, Finishes, and Design

When it comes to size and finish options, the Oura Ring 4 offers a wider selection, available in sizes ranging from 4 to 15 and six different finishes, including Gold, Rose Gold, and Brushed Titanium. The Circular Ring 2 is limited to sizes 6 to 14 and four finishes.

Despite the Circular’s smaller range, its sizing process stands out. Users can easily determine their size through an app, which is a significant improvement over Oura’s method of mailing a kit of plastic rings. Therefore, this category results in a draw, as both rings excel in their respective areas.

The durability of these devices is crucial for everyday wear. Both rings feature an all-titanium exterior, but the Circular Ring 2 has shown susceptibility to scratches after just a week of use. The Oura Ring 4 is designed with recessed sensors, making it more comfortable over extended wear. Additionally, while the Circular Ring is rated IP68 for dust and moisture resistance, allowing it to withstand water exposure during showers, the Oura Ring 4 boasts a 50-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming.

Health and Fitness Tracking Features

Both smart rings include sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature, along with accelerometers for movement tracking. The Oura Ring 4 is often regarded as the gold standard in smart ring data accuracy, providing extensive insights into health metrics, sleep quality, and energy levels.

The Circular Ring 2 introduces ECG readings and AFib detection, features not currently available in the Oura Ring. Despite this, the Oura Ring delivers a more comprehensive analysis of wellness data, offering a greater variety of tracked metrics, which solidifies its position as the preferred option for holistic health monitoring.

In terms of fitness tracking, the Oura Ring can automatically detect and track up to 40 different workout types, while the Circular Ring 2 is limited to basic workout detection. Hence, the Oura Ring emerges as the superior choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Charging

Both the Oura Ring 4 and Circular Ring 2 claim a battery life of up to eight days. However, real-world testing suggests that the Oura Ring typically lasts around six days per charge. In contrast, early feedback indicates that the Circular Ring 2 may achieve closer to seven days of use.

Moreover, the Circular Ring 2 includes a portable charging case that can fully recharge the device in just 30 minutes, offering added convenience for users on the go. This advantage further cements the Circular Ring 2’s appeal in terms of battery management.

Conclusion: Overall Assessment

Ultimately, both the Oura Ring 4 and Circular Ring 2 present compelling options in the smart ring market. While they share the same initial price of $349, the Oura Ring incurs additional long-term costs due to its subscription requirement.

The Oura Ring 4 is recognized for its durability, comprehensive health insights, and extensive fitness tracking capabilities, making it the overall winner. Conversely, the Circular Ring 2 stands out for its heart health monitoring capabilities and better battery life, indicating that it may appeal to specific users, particularly those interested in ECG and AFib detection.

As the market continues to innovate, both devices will likely evolve, potentially integrating new features that enhance their functionality. For now, the competition remains fierce, and consumers will need to weigh their priorities when selecting the ideal smart ring for their lifestyle.