(checked 2026-10-10)2,333 ratings on the Gold, size 8 listing (76% 5-star, 8% 1-star, 2% 2-star).
The top pick at WIRED, PCMag, Tom's Guide, ZDNET and CNET: 40% smaller than the Ring 4, comfortable, with accurate sleep and stress tracking and about 10 days of battery in PCMag's test. The catch is the $399 price plus a $6-a-month membership that WIRED says still feels mandatory, and sizes stop at 6-13.
Subscription: Required for most data: Oura Membership $5.99/mo or $69.99/yr; without it you see only Readiness, Activity and Sleep scores (WIRED, PCMag)
Top complaints
- Membership on top of a $399 ring
PCMag and ZDNET list the price as a con, and WIRED says the $6-a-month membership 'still feels mandatory' because only the three daily scores show without it. Amazon's review summary says value for money is mixed, with some owners calling it overpriced.
- Workout tracking is hit or miss
PCMag calls automatic workout tracking hit-or-miss, CNET says it is 'not the best fitness tracker', and WIRED says it isn't the right choice for athletes who need live workout stats or built-in GPS.
- Sizing and reliability complaints
Tom's Guide notes the Ring 5 comes only in sizes 6-13 versus the Ring 4's 4-15. Amazon's summary says size is mixed, with some finding it smaller than expected, and functionality is mixed, with some saying it never works correctly. WIRED adds that Symptom Radar still isn't as predictive as Oura claims.
What owners love
- Smallest, most comfortable ring
WIRED and Tom's Guide cite a 40% smaller design than the Ring 4 (2.28 mm thick, from about 2 g). Tom's Guide calls it the comfiest ring in its guide and the only one with sensors flush to the inside.
- Accurate sleep and stress tracking with a clear app
PCMag lists accurate sleep and stress tracking and an informative, well-organized app. ZDNET calls it the best app interface, and Amazon owners say it tracks sleep, activity and heart rate well.
- Long battery for a ring
PCMag measured 10.5 days. Oura rates it at 6 to 9 days depending on size (WIRED, Wirecutter).
- You won't pay a monthly fee
- You need size 4-5 or 14-15 (Ring 4 covers those)
- You already own a Ring 4
- The most comfortable, low-profile ring
- Detailed sleep, stress and recovery insights
- iPhone or Android users who don't mind a membership
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Overall, 4.0 Excellent (list updated 2026-09-22). Cons: expensive, hit-or-miss automatic workout tracking.
- WIRED: Best smart ring overall (updated July 2026), but Symptom Radar isn't as predictive as Oura claims and the subscription still feels mandatory.
- Tom's Guide: Best overall (updated 2026-09-22), and with RingConn one of the two 'safest choices' while Oura's patent cases continue.