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Oura Ring 5 vs RingConn Gen 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Oura Ring 5 ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on sleep tracking, comfort & sizing, durability.
The biggest complaint about the Oura Ring 5 is membership on top of a $399 ring; for the RingConn Gen 2 it's battery stops holding a charge; rings stop working. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Oura Ring 5 | RingConn Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in smart rings | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Subscription ring | No-subscription ring |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 19% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Sleep tracking | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Battery life | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| App & insights | 4.0 | — |
| Comfort & sizing | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $200 · $$ $200–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Oura Ring 5
- 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.
RingConn Gen 2
- Battery stops holding a charge; rings stop working
Amazon's review summary says some owners report the battery stops holding a charge and the ring stops working after a few months, and calls durability a concern.
- Few workout modes
Tom's Guide notes it tracks a relatively modest number of activities, such as running, cycling and yoga.
- Mostly a secondary recommendation
WIRED lists it as an honorable mention, mainly $100 more than the Gen 2 Air for sleep apnea monitoring, VO2 max and titanium. Amazon owners are split on whether it's worth the price.
Who should pick which
Pick the Oura Ring 5 if
The most comfortable, low-profile ring
Detailed sleep, stress and recovery insights
iPhone or Android users who don't mind a membership
Skip it if: 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
Pick the RingConn Gen 2 if
Sleep apnea monitoring without a subscription
Long battery with a pocketable charging case
A titanium ring for less than Oura
Skip it if: You want a top-rated pick (the Gen 2 Air is the one experts recommend); You want workout tracking; You want proven long-term reliability
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