The Problem With The Oura Ring
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2023
- 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/LauraRoberts
(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!)
If you enjoyed this video, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
Instagram: / balancinglaura
TikTok: / balancinglaura
Contact Me: LauraRoberts414@gmail.com
#ouraring #smartring #fitnesstrackers
500 days?! You're so dedicated! Thanks Laura=)
Thank YOU!! 💜
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.
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.
Exactly the same reason why I didn’t buy it so far.
same here@@mokaLARE
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
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
Nice video Laura. Very helpful! Thank You.
Thank you for the review. This video answered a lot of questions I had.
This was a really honest review
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!
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.
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.
It’s $6 a month…
Which doubles the price of the ring after 4 years@@ryanrightnowar7319
Also has a warranty for only one year!
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
@@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.
High production quality. Well done! 👏🏽
do you use an oura ring?
@@osleeve I heard the battery life long term is abysmal. Couple that with the subscription model, no way Jose for me. Sorry. YMMV though!!
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 🤣
Nice review, thank you.
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.
$20 per month is not much. Compare it to all other subscriptions plus eating out. It’s nothing for WHAT you get.
@@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....
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!
what are you planning on purchasing?
You’re 100% right! Subscription fees are unacceptable.
thanks for sharing an honest review 👍🏼
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)
P.s. I just use Gen 2 for sleep tracking now
I love the way you speak ❤
The good, the bad, and the ugly... nice video. I am going on Year Two with my ÕURA Ring.
how do you like it so far?
Very useful video.
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
curious is your Oura still at tip top condition?
Thank you for the very complete review
I was going to buy an Oura ring. But will wait now instead. Thanks for a great video. Hate subscriptions as well.
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.
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.
Agree..,I’m just concerned about the radiation emissions..,what do you think about this?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@j.r9479 Agree. The generation 3 ring only has a 2 year warranty.
thanks...your info helped me decide to find a gen2 ring. You have any suggestions where to buy it?
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.
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
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.
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?
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!
@@BalancingLaurado 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
@@lexa_powerdid you end up getting one?
Hi Great video, I have the gen 1 ring, battery lasts 2 days, i don't like that a monthly fee ..
which size do you wear(for comparison) or do you have any tips for guessing your size
Thanks 👍
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
The monthly fee is a deal breaker for sure.
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
The subscription is a deciding factor for me. If it was free to access the data, I would pay the purchase price.
I would like to try any or all of them and I wonder about exposure to electronics if it's even a thing
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. 😊
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.
I agree, paying for the subscription is really annoying
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.
OMG! Where do you live, middle east? China? It's been 3 months since I have my ring and I love it!!!
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
yeah sound weird right@@laly6980
Was there any specific reason why you wanted to wear the ring on your index finger rather than your ring finger?
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.
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..
Apple will soon come out with its own smart ring, probably without a subscription
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
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.
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.
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.
I wanted to buy the Oura ring but I do not like the idea of having to pay $5.99 subscription monthly fee
How do you guys feel about purchasing a $700 tv then having to pay for Netflix or Max? I'm trying to look at this the same way. Obviously no subscription fee would be better, but if it means advancing the tech forward and better data then why not?
Not true the hardware of these rings are not worth the Money they ask for Initially + you carb use the Ring wirhout using the sub service
@@IdeoDLaw I'm not disagreeing with your points. But if it's between nitpicking everything vs experiencing potential benefits, I choose the benefits. I've spent more money on dumber things.
@@IdeoDLaw in your opinion
This isn’t an equal comparison. With the tv I have the option of watching free things. With the ring you need the subscription to get the data.
This would be an equal comparison if there were multiple companies that you could get your data analyzed from and go with the one that made sense for you.
BUT the biggest difference is this is YOUR health data. Not entertainment produced by someone. They produce the API and display your data. That would be like buying a scale to weigh yourself but you can't see the weight unless you subscribe monthly. Or buying smart lights but can't access the controls unless you subscribe. It defeats the purpose of buying the product. A TV can be used with a Blu-ray device, gaming system, local free channels, or many more connected devices that the user can choose. I'm not aware of any TV that has a subscription fee just to be used as an output (HDMI, etc)
John 14:6 ❤️
Apple is gonna end Oura with their rumored Apple Ring. The monthly subscription is outrageous and so many people have subscription fatigue
i dont want to pay monthly fee for its features
How does the sleep data compare to an Apple or Samsung smart watch (in terms of accuracy or comprehensiveness)?
I do have the ours 3, hate the subscription, it feels is like a scam, I’ll be switching to ultrahuman
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.
Paywall = automatic NO
Great video. I think you just saved me $300
save more by purchasing dhyana smart ring
I considered to get the oura ring but because of that subscription thing to access your data, no thank you! I’m out!
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
Get the Ultrahuman Air. No subscribtion, all of the data!
It is not a fitness tracker 🤷🏼♀️
Did you ever publish a foot conditioning video?
Light exposure? Really? That’s absurd
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
i dont buy products that require subscriptions such as this .
Interesting video but if you think that running a small company like the oura including all the research necessary to keep improving the device with just the sales of the ring, you're completely out of touch with the real world.
Other companies think to be able to do research with just the sale of the ring. They must to be out of touch with the real world… but if they can actually do this Oura will be soon out of touch with the real market.
@@maummagumma doesn’t mean they won’t ever charge monthly. You want cheap, then buy cheap. It’s your money spend it how you want
No thanks ..I dont see importance of this.. I sleep a clear mind..
U R all over the place.
Subscription models like these are total BS. Not worth it
Oura ring looks awesome, but that’s where the pros stop. It needs a charge way too often, it requires you to stare at a cell phone to get any information. The information you get is just about useless and the workout / exercise data is just completely wrong. Then if that isn’t enough, there is a monthly fee… for what?!?! Seriously this “dumb” ring is garbage. Go with a watch that provides way more accurate information, doesn’t need a cell phone and absolutely doesn’t need a monthly fee to work. These guys are crazy, hope they enjoy unemployment
No Subscription for me --- NO WAY
$7 a month = $84 a year
Suckerville!
Pay to play, not for me! I'll wait and see what Samsung comes out with this summer.
Ma Vaffammok Trish