Let’s face it—most tech wearables tend to be clunky and far from stylish. But if you’re going to have something on your hand every day, you’ll likely want it to look attractive and maybe even match your other accessories. That’s the concept behind Oura’s latest release, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic.
The Ring 4 Ceramic marks Oura’s debut line of smart rings without any metallic coating. Instead, these rings are crafted from zirconia ceramic, a type of ceramic known for its durability, which Oura claims offers both elegance and comfort.
I’ve been using the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic for three weeks now, and here’s what I’ve found.
Before diving into the details, it’s important to mention that the software powering the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic is identical to that of the Oura Ring 4, so I won’t be focusing much on the technical aspects. For more on that, you can read our Oura Ring 4 review.
Finish and feel
The Oura Ring 4 is available in four shades: Midnight (a deep blue), Cloud (white), Tide (a soft teal), and Petal (a pale pink). Priced at $500, it’s $150 more than the base model of the standard Ring 4, and comes in sizes 4 through 15.
I chose the Midnight color. While it’s technically a dark blue, it can look black from a distance—or even a deep green, according to some. The ring doesn’t immediately appear to be a piece of tech, which is great if you want something that looks good without losing out on features.
Image Credits:Oura
Compared to the original Ring 4, the Ceramic edition is slightly bulkier, but the difference isn’t dramatic. The titanium model is 2.88 mm thick, while the ceramic version is 3.51 mm.
Depending on the size, the ring weighs between 5.1 and 8.1 grams, making it heavier than the Titanium Ring 4, which ranges from 3.3 to 5.2 grams.
Even though the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic is both thicker and heavier than the previous version, I still found it comfortable and light, especially when compared to a typical metal ring. It feels like a normal ring, just a bit chunkier.
The surface of the ring is smooth and doesn’t attract fingerprints as easily as the titanium models. Because zirconia ceramic is warmer and less slippery than titanium, the Ring 4 Ceramic can sometimes feel a bit “tacky,” meaning it might stick slightly to your fingers, but I quickly got used to this sensation.
According to Oura, the ring’s color comes from natural minerals in the ceramic, which helps it stay bright and prevents fading. (Of course, I’ve only had the ring for three weeks, so I can’t speak to its long-term durability, but so far the color looks just as vibrant as when I first got it.)
Durability
Oura notes that the Ring 4 Ceramic can get scuffed by softer metals, such as those in kitchenware or gym equipment. They recommend using the included Polishing Pad to remove these marks. (My review unit didn’t come with this pad, though.)
There were times I thought I saw scratches on the ring, but they turned out to be smudges that I could easily wipe away with my shirt or sweater.
Oura also suggests wearing the ring on your non-dominant hand to reduce the risk of damage. However, it felt most natural on my dominant index finger, so that’s where I wore it for the past three weeks—exposing it to more wear and tear than most users might experience.
Image Credits:TechCrunch/Aisha Malik
On my first day with the ring, I wore it through a hectic travel day to TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. I wasn’t sure how it would fare as I dragged my luggage, accidentally knocked it against counters (I’m a bit clumsy!), or let it brush against the airplane window while napping.
Surprisingly, the ring came through all of that without a scratch. There were several moments when I was convinced I’d damaged it—like grabbing a rusty railing at the Point Arena Lighthouse or forgetting to take it off before washing dishes—but it didn’t show any lasting marks.
It’s also worth noting that the ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, so you can wear it while showering or doing dishes. Still, I removed it before washing dishes, since Oura warns that contact with softer metals can cause scuffs.
Since I’ve only had the ring for a few weeks, I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually picks up some scratches or dents, especially since I wore it on my dominant hand.
Final thoughts
Aside from its looks, the ring was genuinely helpful in tracking my heart health, sleep, and stress levels via the Oura app. Each morning, I looked forward to checking my “readiness score,” which combines short- and long-term data to show how prepared you are for the day.
Battery performance has also been solid—I’ve only needed to charge it once a week, which matches Oura’s claim of five to eight days per charge.
Deciding between the titanium and ceramic versions really comes down to your style preferences and budget. Since the only real differences are the color and material, it’s a matter of whether you prefer a modern, colorful look or the classic metal smart ring appearance.
If you’re after a smart ring that stands out with its color and design, the Oura Ring 4 Ceramic could be the perfect choice for you.
