The Problem With The Oura Ring

After 500 days with the Oura Ring, I have mixed feelings. I share all the pros and cons related to the Oura Ring AND the Ultrahuman Ring, which is a potential alternative.
Oura Ring: ouraring.com/
Ultrahuman Ring: ultrahuman.com/...
(UPDATE: Ultrahuman reached out and gave me a discount code to share with you guys!! Use the code LR10 to get 10% off your order on their website or use AMZULTLR10 on Amazon!)
If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
Instagram: / balancinglaura
TikTok: / balancinglaura
Contact Me: [e-mail]
#ouraring #smartring #fitnesstrackers

[@jeannine8400]

I really wanted the Oura Ring, but had to go with an alternative because of the monthly subscription. Hopefully, they will come out with an Oura ring with no monthly subscription someday.

[@kginoregon8550]

Me too. I got the Ultrahuman Air ($350) and I'm testing the Seafer ($200) on Amazon. The Oura subscription only, with NO lesser free app is a deal breaker. They are taking our money, and a lot of it, then taking our data and using it as they like, with a paywall between the data and the person it belongs to. Not cool. And they stopped selling the Oura 2 so we'd be forced into the subscription deal. Apple, Samsung, and most other makers don't do that, you can by earlier tech for reduced prices. And they stupidly did it when many other companies are joining the competition, so we have choice. And now Oura is suing Ultrahuman because they 'stole' the Oura idea and put similar functionality in their ring? Gimme a break, it's a ring. It records data. Just like the Apple watch is a watch and it records data. Apple didn't sue all the other smart watch makers. Apple didn't sue Oura for using similar sensors in a ring instead of a watch. Makes me glad I didn't go with them. Greedy.

[@mokaLARE]

Exactly the same reason why I didn’t buy it so far.

[@george6252]

same here@@mokaLARE

[@barygol]

Tech world is changing to subscription based models. We'll see it more and more. We might not like it but we have to get used to it

[@george6252]

When they do I will stop using them. Will not be a slave. I only use my Fitbit (Charge 4 above my right ankle) for miles and steps only. If Apple (Apple 8) goes that way I'm gone. I do appreciate your prediction however. @@barygol

[@laurenalexis2745]

500 days?! You're so dedicated! Thanks Laura=)

[@BalancingLaura]

Thank YOU!! 💜

[@RichardRyan-p6f]

Count me in with the other subscription fee boycotters. I had a Gen 1 Oura ring which died recently. (I was kind of amazed it lasted as long as it did). I would have ordered a Gen 3 ring to replace it that day until I learned about the subscription fee. I didn't mind paying another $300, but I balked at paying a monthly fee for the privilege of accessing my data.

[@ryanrightnowar7319]

It’s $6 a month…

[@Legolas7227]

Which doubles the price of the ring after 4 years@@ryanrightnowar7319

[@alanle1471]

Also has a warranty for only one year!

[@barygol]

Tech world is changing to subscription based models. We'll see it more and more. We might not like it but we have to get used to it

[@thecapone45]

@@ryanrightnowar7319It’s the principle of the matter. I can already access my own health data, for free, on my Apple Health. Call Apple greedy, but at least they don’t do that. We have enough subscriptions.

[@positrack99]

The problem with the Oura Ring is the monthly fee.

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

I agree with not liking a monthly subscription (they should offer a yearly at a discounted price), but it does make them accountable to keeping up on the app and future rings as if they don’t customers will leave.

[@hdtravel1]

Companies need to charge subscription fees to be sustainable and stay in business - there is no free ride buddies !!!

[@Eye_of_Horus]

@@hdtravel1then why are there so many that apparently don’t? New Samsung smart ring has no sub fees.

[@exameriko4193]

@@hdtravel1 It's called the purchase price, simp.

[@Sonia-zq9ek]

Thank you for this info!! I was doing some reasearch on it and your video truly helped me. Oh, and a subscription would add stress levels to my oura ring data, so no joyful benefit on there 🤣

[@mannykhan7752]

This was a really honest review

[@PeterHerget]

The good, the bad, and the ugly... nice video. I am going on Year Two with my ÕURA Ring.

[@osleeve]

how do you like it so far?

[@KrisHesselmark]

I was grandfathered into the Free for life program if I upgraded to a Ring 3. But since I 2-3 months prior had bought a Gen 2 Ring and saved up for that Ring. I couldn't justify spending the same amount of money 2-3 months later on an upgrade just for the free membership :/ I kinda understand why they keep the membership, its a better economic model for the company, but don't charge a premium on top of that for the product x)

[@KrisHesselmark]

P.s. I just use Gen 2 for sleep tracking now

[@alanle1471]

After less than three years my Gen2 Oura ring battery needs to be recharged after 6 hours of sleep having recharged it before going to sleep. Warranty only covered two years. Oura G3 warranty is only one year. Paying $300 for a product that might last two years in addition to monthly fee is Not worth it. Looking at either Apple or Garmin Watch or some other ring which lasts longer , has no monthly fee and has a better warranty.

[@j.r9479]

Same! I complained to customer service and they offered $50 off purchase of new ring. Why would I purchase another product and pay a subscription when the ring is a brick after 2 years.

[@alanle1471]

@@j.r9479 Agree. The generation 3 ring only has a 2 year warranty.

[@lulubebe3901]

Humans have existed without tracking their own data- what is the point of "moderately not accurately" tracking data, with paying so much, as well as giving up your info to them - while they keep making new versions for you to pay for, math is not mathing

[@chuckmullen9691]

Humans also existed without pasturization or automobiles, but time marches on. This is a preference thing. If it’s not something you want (as you clearly don’t), the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. To you. That’s entirely fair, but for others it is. Most things in life require a tradeoff, and for folks who want these insights, a bit of data sharing is worth it. To them. And to them, it “maths” just fine, I’m sure.

[@marcogonzalez1451]

Since I had the misfortune of ordering the wrong size and needed to exchange it, they now refuse to accept a return of a ring that’s not working. In multiple emails they have not asked what the problem is to try to help fix it. 😢 There’s nowhere to leave a review.

[@jamesbroughton7870]

Excellent video gave me a lot of really good information presented well I actually agree 100% with the subscription it's just getting to where you can't even breathe without a subscription anymore

[@chrishyde7798]

I agree with you about the pay wall to gain access to your own personal data. I think it is disingenuous that the company charges a premium for the product and then charges a monthly fee to gain access to your own data. I had an Amazon Halo that was a similar pay model. The activity tracker was a bit more affordable at about $70 US, but the monthly fees added up over time. When Amazon discontinued super the tracker became landfill waste. A bummer because it was helpful for sleep and as a step/workout tracker. I won't buy another activity tracker that involves a monthly fee, it's just not worth it.

[@jakubszrodt9064]

100% agree about the monthly fee, doesn't make sense at all. I'm still at GEN1 (on my 3rd year now) and hope to keep it as long as possible! Love your analysis

[@osleeve]

curious is your Oura still at tip top condition?

[@AVillaBeats]

My luv my Oura ring! I got the Gucci Oura ring, which looks great and came with the subscription for free for life. The ring is consistent and gives great data. Just my opinion.

[@moow950]

Apple will soon come out with its own smart ring, probably without a subscription

[@HunkyBrit]

I totally agree with your comments re the Oura subscription ON TOP of the high price. If you add it up, paying $5.99/mth is a not insignificant $71.88/yr. Now, IF the ring lasts 2yrs (if you're lucky!), then that's a significant $143.76 on TOP of the $299 purchase price, so the best part of a WHOPPING $443!!!! And by then it'll need replacing, and the same all over again! That's nearly $18 a MONTH to own. That's a lot of money for what it's doing! Having owned an Oura Gen 2, and then Gen 3 for just one MONTH, before they shut me out of the data I previously got, wanting me to pay $5.99 each and every month, that was when I threw the towel in. How DARE they do that! The Gen3 ring was already MORE than the Gen2 (yes it has more tech, but I’ve just PAID for that with the higher purchase cost; and now they want to charge even MORE, buy PAYING to access MY data! This company is greedy and unethical, I think. Definitely I would avoid Oura and go for the Ultrahuman (hope they don’t suddenly do the same as Oura did! ), as it’s only $50 more to purchase and NO ongoing, monthly charge to sting users with.

[@marley2944]

$20 per month is not much. Compare it to all other subscriptions plus eating out. It’s nothing for WHAT you get.

[@HunkyBrit]

@@marley2944 LOL! But it's NOT $20 per month, it's less (if you're talking just the subscription). I think you miss the thrust of my argument: Why pay a hefty up-front fee AND then a monthly subscription cost? And as for WHAT you get: well it's not in fact very much, and CERTAINLY costs Oura virtually nothing to 'collect'. Remember, they want your data as much as you, for THEIR use; but then want to CHARGE you to access what should rightfully be yours anyway! I do not want to be abused or taken for a mug, which is why I no longer use Oura! Also, if you didn't know, the EMF coming from the ring has dubious health consequences over time. Sure you can put it in 'airplane' mode, but then you don't get your 'live' real-time data. I rest my case....

[@positrack99]

@@marley2944 same people that have a $1000 phone, $400 ring, $400 watch, $150 a month subscription, eat out every night, have a $800 car payment and then complain that this generation is priced out of home ownership.

[@KappaOnTour]

Went for the RingConn Gen 2 due to the fact that it doesnt need a monthly fee to function properly and it offers many functionalities for sleep tracking and overall well being.

[@paulsharp5473]

I’m with you there. These subscription cons are a ripoff.

[@imranhusain1657]

Super Video ! Have been toying with the idea of getting an Oura ring but the subs is a big deterrent. You have given me a good insight to the alternative!

[@osleeve]

what are you planning on purchasing?

[@danathompson3152]

Hi! Thanks for your honest review. I have been undecided about the Oura ring, but after your review and reading other reviews I will try a different fitness tracker. I will look into the Ultra Human ring. Thanks again!

[@alessandrosparacio4769]

I agree, paying for the subscription is really annoying

[@acooper37]

Im with you, I want to get the Oura ring gen 3, but im not paying for a monthly subscription to go along with the cost of the ring.

[@sbkpilot1]

Paywall = automatic NO

[@northernman22]

Subscription models like these are total BS. Not worth it

[@JordanKyle]

With my company, I can pay for the subscription straight from my FSA. I know it’s still paying a subscription but it for sure feels way better than paying the subscription outright

[@selw0nk]

The Samsung Galaxy Ring does not have a subscription fee.

[@RMILLSMMA]

Great video. The subscription put me off too. I'm really hoping Garmin will do one as I'm a bit of a Garmin fanboy. 😅

[@drcemdede]

Thank you for the review. This video answered a lot of questions I had.

[@MonsieurLabbe]

Thank you for the very complete review

[@peters8841]

Wow really appreciate this review, was very close to buying one but charging me a membership just to use the product I already bought? No thanks lol.

[@ninilustig]

Either go to the docs, or pay the business company to watch your own health!..nice review

[@klt479]

The monthly fee is a deal breaker for sure.

[@tungerooski]

Thanks for sharing your perspective… I usually try to avoid monthly subscriptions too. Just curious, does Oura record any data that Apple Watch doesn’t?

[@BalancingLaura]

I think body temperature is the only thing that the Oura Ring tracks that the Apple Watch doesn't. BUT there are some features the Apple Watch has that Oura doesn't. It's a better activity tracker but it can also detect irregular heart rhythms or when you fall - those features can literally be life savers!

[@lexa_power]

@@BalancingLaura​​⁠do all models track temperature for the Oura ring? I have POTS and it was suggested to me that i should get one but i don’t understand the difference between the cheaper and more expensive models

[@mayabarnes8989]

@@lexa_powerdid you end up getting one?

[@maki3336]

My question is, why doesn't your apple watch do all that? I have a garmin venue 3 smartwatch. It does all that and stay charged between 8 and 10 days! The battery life of that ring and apple watches are totally unacceptable.

[@Adidance23]

I'd love to get a smart ring, but it won't track my lifting workouts... On the flip side, wearing a watch at night might be uncomfortable since I have really shallow and restless sleep. Do you have any advice on how to balance this?

[@Evanturar]

Great video. My Suunto watch does all of this and there is no subscription and it lasts for two weeks between charges. I lift weights, run, bike, swim, sleep, hike, everything and it’s comfortable. Paying for data monthly is stupid.

[@margiegamboa9179]

I WAS GOING TO BUY IT BUT I DON’T LIKE TO PAY MEMBERSHIP FEES. I GUESS I WILL ACQUIRE A TRACKER WITHOUT THE DUES.

[@PaulKoeniger]

Very useful video.

[@lyndagabriel6539]

Thanks for the video! I'm about to try both... I hesitated with Oura due to the subscription, but I'll see how much I get from it. As a scientist, I'd much rather a bit more expensive accuracy, than inexpensive inaccuracy. The subscription model may keep them innovating/developing... and if it doesn't, the market may force them to remove it if it doesn't have a clear benefit over the non-subscription players.

[@HunkyBrit]

Also, in case you weren't aware, they changed 'how' they measure their data (meaning criteria), and that between an earlier incarnation of the software, and the later, the readings were quite markedly different. We're talking total sleep, REM and deep etc. How it was measured gave altogether different results, which after several years in the making, didn't give me much confidence in the data I was reading. Is the new methodology more accurate, or in fact less? We've no way of knowing! EVERYTHING'S a guesstimate. I'm not blaming Oura for doing this to improve measurements, but it did make me seriously question data accuracy, which seemed after all to more akin to 'wetted finger in the air' than anything resembling 'accurate'. Then when the monthly membership came along in ADDITION to paying a hefty up-front fee (which increased a fair amount for the Gen3 model as well - so double whammy), that's when I called it a day. Never again will I buy and support Oura.

[@awesometastic-yq9ws]

So so interested in Oura ring but Subscription sucks.. if subscription will guarantee a full replacement of the unit if I break it, that’s probably the only reason I will go for it..

[@thecapone45]

Apple is gonna end Oura with their rumored Apple Ring. The monthly subscription is outrageous and so many people have subscription fatigue

[@garlicboy5692]

i dont want to pay monthly fee for its features

[@zozzrc]

I've had my ring since feb 22 and it will no long hold a charge. The warranty is only for a year. That, along with the subscription fee makes it not worth it to me.

[@Puppysofia]

I wanted to buy the Oura ring but I do not like the idea of having to pay $5.99 subscription monthly fee

[@Sketchupdave]

I'm waiting before getting the Ultrahuman, Oura sued them claiming they stole some IP. I do not feel sorry for Oura because of their subscription.

[@ethanpowell3203]

As much as a subscription hurts to stomach, I get it. These companies can’t rely solely on hardware sales to fund R&D and continuously improve software. They need a steady form of income to keep the progress going. Otherwise, they’d just become the next pebble watch story. So if you truly get benefit from a product, I personally think it’s worth supporting the company with a monthly subscription. But that’s just my opinion.

[@asanta2023]

Agree..,I’m just concerned about the radiation emissions..,what do you think about this?

[@vladi1475S]

I considered to get the oura ring but because of that subscription thing to access your data, no thank you! I’m out!

[@pkundrat]

Was there any specific reason why you wanted to wear the ring on your index finger rather than your ring finger?

[@johnmorelli3775]

Nice video Laura. Very helpful! Thank You.

[@sanny78622]

I fucking hate the subscription thing too. I mean if it were cheap... but it's really fucking not! 500-600$ for a ring and they still want a subsription??!?

[@davemTX2023]

7 months later, what is your favorite ring? I wear swiss watches - so no apple watch for me

[@anja6807]

I found the membership us a " no go " the ring is so expensiv. Rings are always unkomfortabel when doing crafts ,

[@mikemeetstec]

High production quality. Well done! 👏🏽

[@osleeve]

do you use an oura ring?

[@mikemeetstec]

@@osleeve I heard the battery life long term is abysmal. Couple that with the subscription model, no way Jose for me. Sorry. YMMV though!!

[@berdog2904]

I live in a country where I am not allowed to buy the Oura Ring. I am also allergic to subscriptions so I am happy because Oura is not clear about this matter. Bottom line I stick to my AppleWatch and forget about the Ring.

[@laly6980]

OMG! Where do you live, middle east? China? It's been 3 months since I have my ring and I love it!!!

[@berdog2904]

Thanks for convincing me, I found a way to order a used gen2 one and it will arrive at the end of the month@@laly6980

[@SuperChooser123]

yeah sound weird right@@laly6980

[@ValenHawk]

i dont buy products that require subscriptions such as this .

[@Holyfolly]

I’ve had my ring for almost a month now and I’m finding the data seems to be off and I’m not sure why. The customer service isn’t very helpful either.

[@vimal_did_it]

I love the way you speak ❤

[@narmen1984]

my biggest issue is how to track my steps when on a walking treadmill while I work. My arms don't swing! So what kind of device if any can accurately track steps when my hands are typing and not swinging? I've resorted to strapping my Garmin Venus smartwatch to my leg but it's not accurate, every step is about 1.5-2 steps. - Guess I have to wait until we have some sort of nanobot tech in our bodies to track leg movements LOL

[@graphicbear]

Long ago I had the Fitbit 1.0 when it came out, which was just a clip that goes on your pocket. It looks like they currently sell the Fitbit Inspire that you can use with a clip accessory rather than the wristband. They used to sell a necklace accessory option too. But it was mostly just a simple pedometer with software back in the day. Just be sure to check your pockets before you wash your pants. I had to use the Best Buy protection coverage a few times for that reason, though they may be waterproof now.

[@mandykaur2552]

Oura ring without subscription fee : vote below

[@reyan1028]

Think of the subscription fees as tips. The programers need to eat too.

[@hdtravel1]

Companies need to charge subscription fees to be sustainable and stay in business - there is no free ride buddies !!!

[@wealth2244]

Wear workout gloves when lifting weights.

[@joefishtale]

I agree that it is annoying that everything is moving to a subscription model. That being said, you actually get something out of your Oura subscription. They host your data, extrapolate it, and offer you insights. Being upset about a subscription model is silly. Your phone has a subscription, without it, you couldn’t make calls. I do agree though, i found it annoying at first too, but I do see a benefit to the data.

[@AlexHop1]

Great video! I, too, don't like subscription fees. It puts us at the mercy of the company's decisions about future pricing.

[@changeorbeextinct]

Samsung ring is coming out.

[@3204clivesinclair]

Remember when many, many companies offered a 'free' service, only to then introduce a subscription - the list is VERY long. Also, $millions of money is spent by people on subscriptions they rarely, or never use. In the UK 5.99 is about two coffeeshop coffees a week.

[@sarahcaldwell1610]

Does anyone know if the Ultrahuman & Clue app pairing is insightful into predicted fertility like the Oura & Natural cycles pairing is? Trying to figure out if I would like to get the Ultrahuman as I use Clue already and would love for a similar thing to the offerings of Oura/NC minus the silly extra monthly costs just to see the data and predictions.

[@dawnfrier]

I bought an Oura ring a week ago because a friend loves hers. It is a drag paying for the subscription but I wonder how accurate it is? I am pretty sure one night I slept only 2 hours but it picked up 6. Have you had that kind of discrepancy?

[@BalancingLaura]

Interesting!! I don’t think I’ve had that big of a discrepancy but I’ve definitely had mine tell me I was sleeping when I wasn’t. I’d be curious to know if this happens to you again (I hope not)!

[@dawnfrier]

@@BalancingLaura Laura thank you for responding. Most of that chunk of time it shows light sleeping. If light sleeping feels like being awake then the Oura ring is accurate. So I have come to terms with that.

[@NizarNoor]

I'm glad I got the lifetime membership because I feel like I've earned it. I've been supporting them since Gen 1 & 2 and genuinely (and organically) influenced friends & colleagues.

[@hdtravel1]

If you already have an Apple Watch or other fitness tracker or Smart Watch then you do NOT need a fitness tracker ring - this device is for people that do not want to wear a Smart Watch.

[@BDNADLER]

The monthly subscription is a nuisance. If you really need a subscription to take advantage of the watch, $6 per month is not terrible. However, assuming you really need a subscription, Oura should offer an annual option for $60. Pay the regular price for 10 months in one lump sum, get a full year. This would give people an incentive to buy an annual subscription, if it is really needed.

[@Spinkles_343]

Your ring seems quite lose, is that ever a problem? I just got one and it's a bit on the loser side, trying to decide if i need to size down but not keen about the cost involved in that :/

[@donniesorrow]

This really helped! I am new to fitness tracking and became aware of the Oura ring from watching a Chalene Johnson youtube. Thank you!!

[@petekadenz9465]

It’s the subscription model that explains why I haven’t bought the Oura Ring.

[@henriwolbrink]

Your iWatch won't be accurate, your wearing it way too loose. I agree that it's rediculous to sign for a subscription at these prices. You can buy similar rings now for less than 50USD without subscription. And it even does more. Like Blood pressure and more. By the way. I think understand that this is your personal view. But many people aren't interested in all those sport modes at all. Unless they want see their sexual activities and scores. They prefer a quiet health/sleep tracker. No more. Further my watch has to be analog, solar and only giving essential notifications. And regarding possible furure updates? Oura had plenty of time to integrate those functionalities. So I wonder if they don't suffer from a lack of internal memory. And only add them in a future version. I can support this, but it strange to see them taking this long.

[@zackc799]

A big thing on the Ultrahuman vs oura ring price comparison is yes the lower end model oura is cheaper, but I think everyone agrees it doesn’t look as nice (it has a weird bump), and realistically a huge reason why you’re buying a ring vs other wearables is appearance - so I do think ultrahuman defo wins on price by a fair margin - idk about the rest though

[@mindhy3]

I do have the ours 3, hate the subscription, it feels is like a scam, I’ll be switching to ultrahuman

[@johnsharkey2948]

When working out w:ring..use gloves 2 protect your ring & still get the info..

[@alessandrozironi884]

Hi, I didn't catch which of two rings shows the sensors light during the night.

[@frankdempsey9510]

They should incorporate a yearly subscription in the price of purchase.

[@USCollege]

you guys have finally made the oura ring completely unusable. It's power hungry; there is no set way to charge and use it and now I can't even get it to report O2 after a night of rest; getting very disappointed Prof. John Amaral

[@jasoneaton9477]

No thanks ..I dont see importance of this.. I sleep a clear mind..

[@Leslee_Lane]

The subscription is a deciding factor for me. If it was free to access the data, I would pay the purchase price.

[@Stopnaziruzzia]

I was going to buy an Oura ring. But will wait now instead. Thanks for a great video. Hate subscriptions as well.

[@UghIHateTheseThings]

You’re 100% right! Subscription fees are unacceptable.

[@hdtravel1]

Companies need to charge subscription fees to be sustainable and stay in business - there is no free ride buddies !!!

[@tRiXMaddy]

​@@hdtravel1 should be part of the product cost imo not a separate fee

[@fabianobe]

I have a gen 2 for 3 years and now the battery is dead and out of warranty, they told to buy a new one :(( wat

[@saralee9292]

thanks...your info helped me decide to find a gen2 ring. You have any suggestions where to buy it?

[@stephensloan4933]

John 14:6 ❤️

[@johnsharkey2948]

😮what r the other ring brands?

[@robd38]

Hi Great video, I have the gen 1 ring, battery lasts 2 days, i don't like that a monthly fee ..

[@freedo201]

Great video. I think you just saved me $300

[@Meghaaru]

save more by purchasing dhyana smart ring

[@joscayaa]

which size do you wear(for comparison) or do you have any tips for guessing your size

[@kmadrid2325]

Super helpful and well done!

[@dawnfrier]

Ps loved your honest video.

[@susaka8584]

It is not a fitness tracker 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@osleeve]

thanks for sharing an honest review 👍🏼

[@emiliascharm]

I would like to try any or all of them and I wonder about exposure to electronics if it's even a thing

[@BalancingLaura]

I wonder about EMF exposure as well but with the Oura Ring it's fairly minimal and you can enable airplane mode. Here's an article I just found on their website: ouraring.com/blog/oura-confirmed-emf-safe-allows-airplane-mode/ I would think enabling airplane mode on other devices like the Apple Watch would be the safest way to use them. 😊

[@frederickfrost6561]

Nice review, thank you.