The Oura smart ring is the new frontier in the industry. Here’s what it is, how it works, how much it costs, and where you can buy it today in Italy.
The Oura smart ring is one of the most advanced smart rings on the market. It’s a wearable device designed to continuously and non-invasively monitor health and well-being.
Recently, it has been in the news due to the interest shown by the Trump administration and US government institutions. Strategic reasons, combined with preventive ones, have made the Oura smart ring a favorite among the White House’s top brass.
But how does this ring work specifically? Why is it so popular? How much does it cost? And above all, can you buy it in Italy? Let’s take a detailed look at everything you need to know in the next chapters.
What is the Oura smart ring
The Oura smart ring is a high-precision smart ring, considered by many to be the pioneer and market leader in finger-worn devices. Unlike a traditional smartwatch, this device focuses on discreetly monitoring health parameters, based on data collected from the digital arteries.
The manufacturer is Oura Healthy Oy, founded in 2013 in Finland. It was founded by a group of experts and visionaries such as Petteri Lahtela, Kari Kivelä, and Markku Koskela, who had previously worked at Nokia and Polar.
The first Oura model was launched with a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Four generations have followed, culminating in the current Oura Ring 4, released in late 2024.
In 2026, the company exceeded 5.5 million units sold, with over 2.5 million rings purchased between 2024 and 2025. Forecasts for this year indicate a company target of close to $2 billion, while the overall valuation of Oura Healthy Oy is approximately $11 billion.
In addition to selling the device, Oura also offers its own Oura Membership plan for €5.99 per month or €69.99 per year, which provides access to the app’s detailed analytics.
How the Oura smart ring works
The Oura Ring is a device capable of enclosing numerous cutting-edge components in a small space. Designed to be worn 24/7, it has a body made entirely of aeronautical titanium. This material was chosen because it weighs between 4 and 6 grams, less than a coin. It is also scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic.
The coating is PVD, preventing the metal from peeling. The matte version also has a diamond-like coating. It is hermetically sealed and permits immersion up to 100 meters.
In terms of sensors, this ring has three small protrusions to allow contact with the skin of the finger. Underneath the body, infrared LEDs penetrate the arteries of the finger and ensure accuracy comparable to medical heart rate monitors.
It features NTC temperature sensors, capable of detecting variations of just 0.1 degrees Celsius and preventing illness or monitoring the menstrual cycle. And then there’s the 3D accelerometer and gyroscope, useful for detecting movement in any direction. Finally, there are oxygen sensors to measure blood oxygen levels during sleep.
The battery is designed to last between 4 and 7 days, while the memory has a capacity equivalent to 6 weeks of data without interruption. To empty it, simply sync the app from your smartphone.
The latest version of the ring also features a new algorithm that dynamically activates the most suitable sensors based on the position of the ring on your finger. This new feature solves the problem of accuracy if the hardware rotates during the night.
How to use the Oura smart ring
To use the Oura smart ring, first it’s important to choose the correct size when purchasing. First, you’ll receive a set of plastic rings, then you’ll need to wear the test ring for at least 24 hours to determine the correct measurement.
For the initial setup, you’ll need to download the Oura app on iOS or Android, place the ring on the charging base, and wait for it to recognize you via Bluetooth.
You’ll then need to create your profile by entering your age, weight, height, and gender so the algorithm can calculate your metabolism and scores.
Finally, it’s important to ensure that the three protrusions are on the palm side of your hand and that you wear the ring 24/7. To view your data, open the app every morning as soon as you wake up and wait for it to sync. You’ll find three elements:
- Ready: tells you whether you can exercise or whether you need to rest;
- Sleep: shows you the sleep phase graph;
- Activity: encourages you to reach a daily activity goal.
For maintenance, the best time to charge it is during your daily routine. For cleaning, simply wash it with mild soap and water.
What the Oura smart ring monitors
The Oura smart ring monitors a wide range of biometric parameters, all grouped into three broad categories to make the data easier to interpret.
It starts with sleep monitoring, with a detailed section where you can find information on the dream stages, including REM, light sleep, and deep sleep. Then efficiency and latency, to find out how long it takes you to fall asleep and how much time you spent in bed was restful. Finally, timing, which tells you whether your sleep schedule is aligned with your natural circadian rhythm.
The second section is vital and mental health parameters. Here, your resting heart rate is monitored at night and during the day. Then there’s heart rate variability, body temperature, real-time stress levels, and blood oxygen saturation.
The third and final section is activity and movement. Here you’ll find automatic activity tracking, with over 40 types of workouts. Step counting and calorie burn are another important factor, along with inactivity time if you’ve been sitting too long.
Once all the data is cross-referenced, each morning you’re given a score from 1 to 100. This value tells you whether your body is ready for a busy day or needs rest.
Why the Trump Administration Likes the Oura Smart Ring
As mentioned in the introduction, the Trump Administration has shown itself to be very close to this type of technology for a few key reasons.
First and foremost, military readiness monitoring stands out. Oura recently signed multi-million dollar contracts with the US Department of Defense to monitor the health and recovery of soldiers. This objective is in line with policies to enhance military efficiency.
Another key theme is preventive medicine and AI. There are figures close to the administration who are promoting the use of constant biometric data. In this case, the goal is to reduce public healthcare costs through prevention, using artificial intelligence to identify diseases before symptoms appear.
Finally, there’s the topic of lobbying and security. The company has already invested in some lobbying efforts in Washington to position itself as a standard for national security and government personnel monitoring.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: Smart ring Oura, cos’è e come funziona l’anello wearable che piace a Trump
