WIRED's review of the Oura Ring 5 highlights new health-tracking and privacy features that could make the device more appealing for corporate wellness initiatives. According to author Boutayna Chokrane, the Ring 5 adds GLP-1 tracking, allowing users to log injections or oral medications, monitor side effects, record weight changes, receive dose reminders, and view progress recaps via the Today tab. The feature arrives as GLP-1 drugs gain widespread adoption for long-term health management.
Privacy and Data Control
Oura has placed greater emphasis on data privacy with a new time-based Data Deletion feature. According to WIRED, users across all Oura generations can erase data from specific periods without deleting their entire health history. Members also gain more granular oversight with configurable controls over how their data is used and shared with third parties. These controls are critical for enterprises considering wearables for employee health programs, where data governance is paramount.
Multi-Ring Support
The Ring 5 introduces the ability to pair multiple rings on a single account. Users can switch between a Ring 4 and Ring 5 without paying for an additional membership, preserving health history across devices. Chokrane notes that this allows her to alternate between the Ring 5 and her Ring 4 Ceramic based on style preferences, without sacrificing data continuity.
Competitive Landscape
According to WIRED, the gap between Oura and its competitors has narrowed considerably. Samsung's Galaxy Ring integrates well with Galaxy phones; Ultrahuman avoids subscription fees entirely, and RingConn offers some of the best battery life in the category. However, Chokrane states that Oura still delivers the strongest software experience, despite the required $6-per-month subscription to access Readiness, Activity, and Sleep Scores. Without it, users can only view those scores.
Upgrade Decision
The article makes the upgrade path clear:
- First-time smart ring buyers or those upgrading from Ring 2 or Ring 3 – the Ring 5 is an easy recommendation due to smaller design, improved comfort, and expanding software.
- Ring 4 owners – the decision is less straightforward. Chokrane reports seeing no dramatic gains in sensor accuracy, and most software additions are coming to older hardware. Unless the slimmer design or improved comfort justifies the cost, waiting another generation is advised.
| Feature | Oura Ring 5 | Competitors (Samsung, Ultrahuman, RingConn) |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 tracking | Yes, with medication logging, side effects, weight, reminders | Not mentioned |
| Data deletion | Time-based, per-period | Varies |
| Multi-ring support | Yes, one account | Not available |
| Subscription required | $6/month for full scores | Ultrahuman: no subscription; Samsung: no subscription; RingConn: no subscription |
| Software experience | Best in class, per WIRED | Good, but integration varies |
The Oura Ring 5 remains the smart ring that most influences how users train, sleep, and recover, according to Chokrane. For enterprise technology leaders evaluating wearables for workforce health, the combination of advanced tracking, privacy controls, and multi-device flexibility positions Oura as a strong candidate, though the subscription cost and incremental upgrade value should be weighed carefully.
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