Oura Ring 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Ring: Which Smart Ring Should You Get in 2026?
A smart ring is a tiny computer you wear on your finger. It watches how you sleep, how your heart beats, and how active you are during the day. Right now, the two biggest smart rings you can buy are the Oura Ring 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Ring. This Oura Ring 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Ring comparison breaks down exactly how they differ, so you know which one is worth your money.
Oura just released a brand new ring. Samsung’s new ring — the Galaxy Ring 2 — is not out yet, and won’t be until 2027. So today, you’re really picking between Oura’s newest ring and Samsung’s older one. Here’s what that means for you.
Quick answer: Oura Ring 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Ring
Get the Oura Ring 5 if you want the smartest, smallest ring with the most health features — and don’t mind paying a small monthly fee.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Ring if you already have a Samsung phone and don’t want to pay any monthly fee at all.
Compare them side by side
| Feature | Oura Ring 5 | Samsung Galaxy Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Came out | June 2026 | July 2024 |
| Price | $399 | $399.99 (often on sale) |
| Monthly fee | Yes, $5.99/month | No monthly fee |
| Size | Thinner and smaller | A bit thicker |
| Battery life | 6 to 9 days | Up to 7 days |
| Charging case | Costs extra ($59) | Comes in the box |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Works on phones | iPhone AND Android | Android (Samsung) only |
| Cool extra features | Checks blood pressure trends and breathing at night | Works closely with Samsung Watch and Samsung Health app |
How they look and feel
The Oura Ring 5 is smaller and thinner than the older Oura ring — almost half the size. It comes in six colors and feels more like real jewelry. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a little thicker and only comes in three colors. Both are light enough that most people forget they’re wearing them.
Which one lasts longer without charging?
Both rings are close. Oura lasts 6 to 9 days. Samsung lasts up to 7 days. The difference: Samsung’s charging case comes free in the box and charges the ring fast (80 minutes). Oura’s charging case costs $59 extra, but it can keep the ring powered for up to a whole month while traveling.
Which one tracks your health better?
Oura wins here. It checks over 50 different health signals, including newer things like blood pressure trends and how you breathe while asleep. Samsung’s ring covers the basics well — sleep, heart rate, activity, and an “energy score” — but hasn’t added many new features since it came out in 2024. You can see Oura’s full feature list on its official Ring 5 announcement page, and Samsung lists its ring’s features on its official support page.
Do you have to pay every month?
This is the biggest difference between the two rings.
- Oura charges $5.99 every month (or $69.99 for the whole year) to unlock its best features.
- Samsung charges nothing extra, ever.
Over two years, that adds up to around $140–$170 you’d pay for Oura that you wouldn’t pay for Samsung.
Does it work with your phone?
The Oura Ring works with both iPhones and Android phones. The Samsung Galaxy Ring really only works well with Samsung phones. If you’re not sure what phone you’ll have in the future, Oura is the safer choice.
What about the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2?
Samsung is working on a new ring called the Galaxy Ring 2, but it’s not out yet. Reports say it probably won’t arrive until early 2027, maybe alongside Samsung’s next big phone. Part of the delay might be a legal dispute — Oura has been fighting other ring companies over patents, and that could be slowing Samsung down too. The next Galaxy Ring is rumored to have longer battery life and a thinner design, but nothing is confirmed yet.
So which one should you pick?
- Pick Oura Ring 5 if you want the newest tech, the most health features, and you’re okay paying a small monthly fee.
- Pick Samsung Galaxy Ring if you have a Samsung phone and never want to pay a subscription.
- Wait if you really want Samsung’s newest ring — but be ready to wait until 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay monthly for the Samsung Galaxy Ring? No. It’s free to use after you buy it — no subscription needed.
When does the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 come out? Probably early 2027. Samsung hasn’t given an exact date yet.
Is the Oura Ring 5 worth paying $5.99 a month for? If you want its best features, like blood pressure trends and deep sleep insights, yes. If you just want basic tracking, it might not be worth it.
Can I use the Oura Ring 5 with a Samsung phone? Yes! Oura works with both iPhones and Android phones, including Samsung ones.
Why is Samsung taking so long to release the Galaxy Ring 2? Samsung says it wants the ring to be really good before releasing it, not just on time. A legal fight with Oura may also be part of the reason.
The bottom line
Right now, in this Oura Ring 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Ring matchup, the Oura Ring 5 comes out ahead overall — it’s smaller, smarter, and works on any phone, even though you have to pay a monthly fee. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is still a good choice if you want to avoid paying extra and already use a Samsung phone. Just know its replacement won’t be here for a while.