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Important Update Before You Read Further
Before comparing features, there’s something more important for US shoppers to know: the Ultrahuman Ring Air is currently banned from import and sale in the United States. In October 2025, the US International Trade Commission issued a final ruling in a patent case brought by Oura, ordering exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against Ultrahuman. In practice, that means US retailers cannot restock the Ring Air once existing inventory sells out, and Ultrahuman cannot import new units into the country. Ultrahuman has said it’s developing a new ring design and disputes the underlying patent, but as of this article’s last update, there’s no confirmed relaunch date in the US.
If you’re in the US, this changes the question from «which ring should I buy» to «is Ultrahuman even an option right now.» If you’re outside the US, where the ban doesn’t apply, the comparison below still holds.
Quick Answer
- US shoppers: Oura is effectively your only current option between the two; Ultrahuman’s Ring Air can’t be legally imported or restocked in the US right now.
- Outside the US, choose Ultrahuman if you want a lighter ring with no required subscription and don’t mind a less premium finish.
- Outside the US, choose Oura if you want more color options, integration with Best Buy for in-person sizing, and don’t mind paying a monthly membership.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ultrahuman Ring Air | Oura Ring 4 |
|---|---|---|
| US availability | Banned from import/restock since Oct 2025 | Available |
| Price | ~$349, one price for all colors | From ~$349, up to ~$499 for premium finishes |
| Subscription | Not required | Required ($5.99/month or ~$70/year) |
| Weight | ~2.4g to 3.6g | ~3.3g to 5.2g |
| Colors | 5 finishes (varies by region) | Multiple finishes, including ceramic options |
| Try-before-you-buy | Sizing kit by mail | Sizing kit by mail, plus in-store at Best Buy (US, where available) |
Prices and availability are approximate, change often, and for Ultrahuman specifically, are subject to the US import restrictions described above.
Design and Comfort
Independent reviewers who wore both rings for extended periods generally found them close in comfort, with the Ultrahuman Ring Air noticeably lighter (around 2.4–3.6g versus Oura’s 4–6g on the Ring 4). Reviewers have also noted the Ultrahuman’s simpler, contourless design looks less premium than Oura’s and tends to show scratches more visibly over time.
Health and Sleep Tracking
Both rings track sleep stages, heart rate, temperature trends and daily activity. In side-by-side testing, reviewers have generally rated Oura’s sleep tracking as more polished and consistent, which aligns with Oura’s strong showing in independent accuracy studies covered in our deep sleep tracking research roundup. Ultrahuman has been praised for giving more actionable, real-time nudges (like suggesting the best time for caffeine or exercise) and for a workout-detection history that’s easier to review after the fact, but some testers found Oura logged more accurate outdoor GPS data during runs.
Subscription Costs
This is the biggest practical difference. Oura requires an ongoing membership to access most features, whether you buy the Ring 4 or Ring 5. Ultrahuman does not charge a required subscription, which has been a central part of its pitch as a budget-friendlier long-term option, at least where it’s available to buy.
What to Do If You’re in the US
- If you already own an Ultrahuman Ring Air, Ultrahuman has said existing owners purchased on or before October 21, 2025 will continue to receive support.
- If you don’t own one yet, current US stock is what’s left in retailers’ inventory; once it sells out, it cannot be restocked under the ITC’s order.
- If you want a subscription-free ring instead, RingConn is a comparable alternative that resolved its own dispute with Oura through a licensing deal and remains available in the US.
- If you’re fine with a subscription, the Oura Ring remains the straightforward choice; see our Oura Ring 4 vs Ring 5 guide to pick a generation, or our Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring comparison for another no-import-issue option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy the Ultrahuman Ring Air in the US?
Only from existing retailer stock, if any remains. Since October 2025, a US International Trade Commission ruling bars Ultrahuman from importing or restocking the Ring Air in the United States.
Why did the US ban the Ultrahuman Ring?
The ban followed a patent infringement case brought by Oura. The ITC ruled that Ultrahuman’s ring infringed Oura’s patents and issued exclusion and cease-and-desist orders blocking further imports and sales in the US.
Does the Oura Ring require a subscription?
Yes. Both the Oura Ring 4 and Ring 5 require an ongoing membership to access most sleep, readiness and health features.
Is there a subscription-free alternative to Oura available in the US?
RingConn is one option; it settled its own patent dispute with Oura through a licensing agreement and remains available for sale in the US without a required subscription.
The Bottom Line
For most US readers, this comparison currently has a practical answer rather than a preference-based one: Oura is available to buy new, and Ultrahuman currently is not. Outside the US, or if you already own an Ultrahuman ring, the trade-off is subscription cost versus Oura’s more established, extensively studied sleep-tracking software.
Last updated: September 2026. This is a fast-moving legal situation; check current news before assuming Ultrahuman’s US availability has not changed.
This article was researched and written by our editorial team using the sources below, following the process described on our About Us page. It is not written or reviewed by a medical professional.
Sources
- Tom’s Guide — Oura lawsuit bans Ultrahuman in the US: what it means
- Oura’s official ITC case updates
- NBC News — hands-on Ultrahuman Ring Air review, compared with Oura Ring 4
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Smart rings are consumer wellness devices, not medical devices, and their sleep and health features are estimation tools rather than diagnostic instruments. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health.