Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Smart Rings

Oura Ring Gen 4 vs RingConn Gen 2 Air

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Oura Ring Gen 4 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about health-conscious users wanting full wellness data — read the strengths below before deciding.

Oura Ring Gen 4
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smart Rings
Oura Ring Gen 4
4 sources$349as of Jul 1

The Oura Ring 4 is the default recommendation in this category and the highest-rated ring here at 4.4. PCMag scored it 4 out of 5 and Android Police 8.5 out of 10, both pointing at the same strengths: sleep and recovery tracking, up to eight days of battery, and a fully titanium body with the old sensor bumps flattened out. It costs $349, then $5.99 a month, and without that subscription you get three daily scores and little else.

Strengths
  • Improved 8-day battery life (up from 7 days)
  • Fully titanium build with wider range of sizes (4-15)
  • Accurate health tracking including heart rate, sleep stages, and body temperature
Watch-outs
  • Requires a subscription for full features; basic data only available without membership
  • Not the best for detailed workout data tracking
  • No built-in GPS for outdoor activities
RingConn Gen 2 Air
Ranked #3 in Best Smart Rings
RingConn Gen 2 Air
7 sources$199as of Aug 1

The RingConn Gen 2 Air keeps the Gen 2's sensor set and drops the price. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart calls it a well-rounded smart ring that does not sacrifice looks, and Tom's Guide says it beats the Oura Ring 4 in three big ways, chiefly price and battery. Heart rate, HRV, SpO2, skin temperature, stress and sleep are all tracked with no subscription. Sleep apnoea detection is gone and the clamshell charging case is now a puck.

Strengths
  • Affordable price point compared to premium smart rings like the Oura Ring 4
  • Accurate heart rate monitoring during workouts and rest
  • Waterproof design allows for swimming and showering
Watch-outs
  • Sleep apnoea detection is reserved for the pricier Gen 2
  • USB-C charging puck replaces the Gen 2's self-powered clamshell case
  • Workout and training tools are thin next to a fitness watch

How they stack up

Oura Ring Gen 4

The Oura Ring Gen 4 offers the most comprehensive health tracking and longest battery life of the group, but it requires a subscription unlike the RingConn Gen 2 Air, which provides basic tracking without one. While it's more accurate than the Samsung Galaxy Ring in health metrics, it lacks the lightweight comfort of the Ultrahuman Ring Air and GPS capabilities.

RingConn Gen 2 Air

The RingConn Gen 2 Air offers the most affordable option among the smart rings, but it lacks the advanced features and accuracy of the Oura Ring Gen 4 and Samsung Galaxy Ring. While it matches the Oura Ring 4 in battery life, it falls short in sleep tracking insights and health monitoring precision, making it a basic alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

Specs side-by-side

SpecOura Ring Gen 4RingConn Gen 2 Air
DisplayN/AN/A
Weight3.3-5.2 grams2.5g
Battery lifeup to 8 days
Built-in GPSno
Sleep trackingyes (including naps)
Heart-rate monitoryes, with ECG
Water resistanceyes, up to 100 meters (up to 12 hours)
Battery5-8 daysUp to 14 days
Waterproof100mYes
Heart RateGreen + IR PPG, 24/7Accurate monitoring
Smart FeaturesBasic tracking
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