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Is the Oura Ring waterproof?

A person typing wearing the Oura Ring.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Oura Ring is a highly sought-after wearable device available in different styles and price ranges. In fact, Oura just announced its latest model, the Oura Ring 4. It allows users to track their sleep and recovery, stress levels, illnesses, and fitness routines — and it even provides features specific to women’s health. With so many features, you might wonder whether this smart ring is waterproof. Let’s find out.

Is the Oura Ring waterproof?

Technically, the Oura Ring is not waterproof, which is the case for most modern gadgets. Instead, it’s water-resistant up to 330 feet (100 meters). You’ll often find water resistance protection on products, which is good, but it’s not exactly the same as being waterproof. But what does that really mean? We explain below.

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Can you go swimming with the Oura Ring?

A promotional image of the Oura RIng 4's different color options.
Oura

The Oura Ring has a certain level of protection that allows you to wear it while swimming, showering, and snorkeling. However, wearing the Oura Ring during scuba diving or when there is a risk of extended water submersion or extreme pressure is not advisable. Oura recommends avoiding wearing the ring in such scenarios to ensure its longevity and proper functioning.

Oura further explains: “The Oura Ring operating temperature ranges from [-10 to 52 degrees Celsius and 14 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit]. You can safely wear your ring in the shower, hot tubs, saunas, ice baths, and cryotherapy tanks. However, extended exposure to extreme temperatures (below 0°C/32°F or above 35°C/95°F) may lead to battery damage.”

How does this compare to other smart rings?

Of Oura’s chief competitors, only the Ultrahuman Ring Air provides similar water resistance. The Oura Ring offers the same level of protection as the Apple Watch Ultra, making it an excellent alternative to smartwatches. However, it surpasses the Apple Watch Series 2 or later and the Google Pixel Watch 3, which can only resist water up to 50 meters. The Samsung Galaxy Ring also stands out as a competitor with its waterproofing, though it’s not up to the same standard as the Oura Ring.

The Oura Ring 4 costs $349 or more depending on the finish you choose. Preorders are available on the official website and will ship on launch day, October 15.  You can also buy older Oura Ring models at Best Buy and Amazon. The Gen 3 ring is available in two primary styles (Heritage and Horizon) and is available in a number of finishes, including silver, black, stealth, gold, rose gold, and, most recently, titanium.

Bryan M. Wolfe
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.
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