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Comparison · updated 2026-10-08
A wide-size Oura with membership or lighter subscription-free core tracking?
Ring 4 suits buyers who need Oura’s wider sizing or app; Ring AIR avoids required membership if its local availability and fit check out.
Ring 4 is still relevant for the Oura app and sizes 4 or 15, which Ring AIR does not cover. A verified discount can make the hardware attractive, but the membership continues. Its established software is a reason to consider it; being older does not automatically make it obsolete.
Ring AIR offers core tracking without a mandatory base plan and a lower published weight range. The app and feel deserve a trial if you dislike recurring fees. Optional paid services and uncertain US sale status prevent a blanket claim that it is cheaper or available everywhere.
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| Decision | Oura Ring 4 | Ring AIR |
|---|---|---|
| Status | current | current |
| Reference price | $349.00 | $349.00 |
| Three-year hardware + required plan | $564.64 | $349.00 |
| Subscription | $5.99 / month | No mandatory plan |
| Phone support | ios + android | ios + android |
| Sizes | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 |
| Weight | 3.3–5.2 g | 2.4–3.6 g |
| Sensors and insights | Red, green and infrared LEDs, Photodetectors, Temperature sensor, Accelerometer. Outputs: Sleep, Readiness, Activity, Stress trends, Cycle insights | Infrared PPG, Temperature sensor, 6-axis motion, Red, green and infrared LEDs. Outputs: Sleep, Recovery, Movement, Temperature trends |
| Battery claim | 5–8 days | 4–6 days |
| Charging | Size-specific charger; typically 20–80 minutes. | Size-specific charger; about 180 minutes. |
| Water resistance | Manufacturer states 100 m; not for diving. | Manufacturer states 100 m. |
| GPS | No built-in GPS is stated. Supported routes, distance and pace use the phone’s location services; the phone must be carried. | Built-in or phone-assisted GPS route support is not verified. |
| Platforms | Apple Health, Health Connect, Strava | Apple Health, Health Connect |
| Market availability | US (available), CA (available), GB (available), IE (available), BE (available), NL (available), DE (available), FR (available), IT (available), ES (available), PL (available), SE (available), JP (available) | GB (available), IE (available), BE (available), NL (available), DE (available), FR (available), IT (available), ES (available), PL (available), SE (available) |
| Evidence note | Oura has the deepest published evidence base, but results remain generation- and population-specific. | Independent product-specific validation is less developed than Oura’s. |
| Key strengths | Wide size range; Mature app; Five-to-eight-day claim | No required base subscription; Very light; Broad features |
| Key limitations | Membership cost; Older and larger than Ring 5; Finish stock varies | Four-to-six-day claim; Optional services add cost; US availability unknown |
Reference costs use dated hardware prices and full required monthly payments; introductory months, annual discounts, taxes, shipping and optional services are excluded. Battery figures are manufacturer claims, not our tests.
The reference hardware prices are equal, so recurring fees become a clear differentiator in the USD scenario. Actual local discounts can change that starting point. If you already own a comfortable Ring 4, compare continuing membership against the full cost and disruption of switching rather than treating your existing hardware cost as a new expense.
Confirm market, phone, size and required plan first. A product that fails one is not a match.
Battery and feature claims come from different test conditions. Read each product page’s dated sources and evidence note.
Source-based comparison, not a hands-on review.
Price, dimensions, battery and water resistance.
Price, weight, sensors, battery, OS and subscription.
US and EU prices, included month, cancellation, account transfer and access without membership.
Wellness only. None of these rings diagnoses a condition or replaces professional care.