Thank you for all the amazing comments! 1,000+ voices and counting! I am reviewing all of these comments and preparing to share them with Oura directly. Please keep adding your voice to the conversation!
If the rings price would drop to 100$, i wouldn't mind the subscription. But I can not imagine the extra benefits/features, they could come up with, to justify the 70% price increase over the lifespan of this device. Neither did Oura, so they locked basic features behind the paywall. Just to be clear; blood oxygen measurements isn't a big feature. A 30€ xiaomi device can handle that. I thought about buying the gen 3 as my first oura ring. I was really excited about it. But spending 500$ for some gimmicky health data, i didn't have the absolute need for, seems silly and stupid now.
I literally went to buy myself and my wife and Oura ring. At checkout, I read about the 8 dollar/month subscription. Absolutely unacceptable that they expect us to pay for a device that is completely useless without the app, AND pay for the app. This is like buying a TV with a monthly subscription for the remote. Borderline dystopian.
I don’t mind them having a subscription, but the subscription should be for extra features not your basic data. Perhaps there extra features just aren’t enticing enough to get the kind of subscriber numbers they are looking for. Will be looking elsewhere. Thanks Katie!
I almost want to say that they will have to backpedal on this basic data point. How can they possibly sell a device that has an intended purpose: to take a bunch of measurements, and then hold the raw data ransom if you don't cough up $6/month? I can't see this playing out well for them. Particularly in the EU, where there are actual laws against this.
Yea i agree too. A bit disappointing to find out. Even though I’m a lucky first time customer who still have a Life time membership by ordering at the right time. But now it’s less of an option to buy one for people as a gift. Hope they change that and include at least so insightful feature for the basic. Maybe limited access like a couple times a day only.
Basic data - An overview of Sleep, Readiness/ recovery and Activity WILL be available without the subscription but drilling down into the data for more granular data will require access via subscription.
@@somethinginteresting2202 I get that they will have the basic scores. They at least have clarified this. The problem I see is that their big ad on their splash page only mentions a Membership and the same after you click the pre-order. You are only told a membership exists but you don’t know what you do and don’t get with the membership. It takes looking at social media, etc to find that out. A layperson wouldn’t know that, get this ring and be really upset they don’t get like the advertised heart rate, spO2, etc. as part of what their $300 paid for. It’s just not very clear. They at least need to work on that or they may find themselves in hot water.
I was going to buy the oura ring, I was actually waiting for the 3 to come out and was devastated that bc I didn’t buy it earlier I would be shut out of the grandfathering. This pay wall is definitely going to prevent me from being an Oura ring supporter!
That was my plan too after my last device died, I even installed the app after deleting the one from the last device. First it was great to hear that the new Oura Ring 3 was announced, but now with this ridiculous subscription, they can keep it and I’ll stay with mit AW 4…well done Oura!
My wife is a physician and I’m a fitness trainer. We were ready to get on board as well as some of our patents and clients. The membership fee stopped us dead in our tracks. Penalizing new Oura Ring buyers isn’t the way to do business and it would resonate to our trusted patients that we agree with this way of doing business. I believe they should, just charge more up front . We will be waiting for a ring with the same features as Generation 2 , but not with Oura Ring. Sacrificing integrity because demands are high isn’t the answer in the long run.
I waited for the three to buy after having this highly recommended but was turned cold by the fee. After hearing this video I’ll go elsewhere. Probably Apple. Thank you! Oura. Bad move. You were the tops!
TBH, Apple's sleep tracking and battery life is very mediocre compared to Fitbit, but then Fitbit has heart rate tracking problems. If you were considering the Oura ring, it would be because of their sleep tracking and going with Apple would be a step down.
I don't understand you people. Apple is still a subscription model, you just pay every two years instead of monthly because of planned obsolescence....Just look at all the lawsuits!
Thank you for this video. I was very interested in buying the Oura ring, but after all the information you provided I will not be investing in it. No one should have to pay to access they data, that’s absurd.
Not a new user, so I went ahead and upgraded to the new ring and got the lifetime membership. However, I do disagree with locking raw data behind a paywall. We bought the ring to record the data and we should have access to all of that data the ring is collecting. The ring belongs to us. The data also belongs to us. We should not have to pay to access it. I'm fine with Oura locking their daily scores, tips, or access to any algorithmic interpretation that make that data so useful, but the way they're going about this isn't friendly to new customers and it isn't the right ethical move as a company. The only way to fix this and make it right (since I doubt they're going to drop the subscription model completely) is to paywall the RIGHT data - their interpretations of our data, not our data itself. Again I have no problem with a subscription, and even if I didn't get the lifetime membership I'd probably pay for Oura's subscription model anyway. I like the company and I like to support good companies. This isn't coming from someone who just doesn't want to pay a higher price. I don't care if the ring was $600, I'd probably still buy it. It's the principle of what they're doing that's the problem and I hope that they will change their minds.
I agree! Let people pay The subscription fee for oura's insights, but give us our raw data without a subscription! That's what buying the device itself was for.
So glad I saw this, thank you for the information. Like most others, going to wait for Oura to make some reasonable changes and give up some of their greed!
Hard to believe this is the same company that brought Gen1 & Gen2. Two legitimate products taking the company from startup to near mainstream status in the wearable market. I’m guessing they dropped the ball so bad because this was the first time they had investors in their pockets. Consumer loses. Shameful.
Amen. #Oura's subscription model is arrogant. After paying a hefty price customers kinda only rent the ring. You'll never be able to use the whole data without a subscription. I once considered Oura, but a subscription is the single reason I'll never buy an Oura ring.
Oura definitley lost me on this one. I'd rather spend my money on a device like a Joovv, Eight Sleep, or grounding mat that will actually improve my health and implement things proven already to improve sleep (morning sunlight, no screens at night, cold/dark room, etc). Thank you for explaining this so perfectly.
They lost me as a customer. I was planning on asking for one at Christmas but now I'll be researching another product. Thanks for sharing the breakdown of the costs, I appreciate it.
Just finding this video now a year later- but it's so incredibly validating!!! thank you for making it! I really wanted the Oura ring but the subscription has held me back because it doesn't make any sense to me! thank you for the cost breakdown of the different products- super helpful to see how subscription models can be so misleading when it comes to the final cost three years down the line!
I was so excited for Oura 3 to come out as a new customer, but now I'm seriously reconsidering getting it just because of the subscription fee. I would have understood the extra fee for the guided audio sessions but not to access my own data! 😔
Ya, I am right there with you. I was going to purchase a gen3 for myself for better sleep. Well, the stats. I was okay with paying for the ring but the paywall is the only thing that turned me off on buying it. I would rather just charge my Apple Watch before bet and try that way instead of paying $400 and then being cornered into paying monthly to even use the rind.
After ordering the Apple SE, I was going to also get the Oura 3, specifically for its REM tracking (which the SE lacks). But after watching your video, I’ve changed my mind. I’d be willing to pay the $299, but the addition fee is a deal breaker.
Whoever the CEO of this company is, they have lost 99% of potential customers-including myself-from all the comments I have read about the Oura 3 on the few videos I have seen on the subject. Subscription for products? What’s next; a subscription to use our car / house keys!? 😂🤣
@@sidneyblondell yes, I've also seen almost 100% of people give this a hard pass now. One person's comment compared it to printers and how a printer itself is cheap because the companies know they'll get money from you when you need to keep buying ink/toner. If Oura made the rings cheaper to buy, people would probably be more open to then paying for the subscription.
I was waiting for Oura 3 and got super disappointed when I learned about the subscription and decided to rely solely on my Apple Watch when it comes to my data. Thanks for clarifying, Katie.
I checked out your video because I was thinking of buying my first Oura ring. I didn't realize the new ring was going to be subscription based. Such a shame. The ring would have been a luxury purchase for me, but needed because I have sleep issues. I can't justify it now though. As you mentioned in one of your comments below, "If you have to choose, invest in improving your health rather than measuring it." Well said, thanks.
Late on this thread but actually ordered the Oura ring and sizing kit but now seeing the overall cost and on principle alone with a paywall of my personal data think that I will go ahead and ask for a refund and buy an Apple watch instead - thank you for the video.
I was absolutely waiting for and planning on getting the Gen3, but when I first read about the subscription model I changed my mind. As a new user, the deceitful presentation of having my basic data behind a paywall didn’t leave the best impression of the company.
Thank you so much for doing this research for us. As a new customer, I was 100% ready to make an impulse purchase because I wanted to have a better sleep tracker. But I decided to do some due diligence and see what other people had to say, and I am very glad that I came across your research into the pricing and subscription model. This completely turned me off to buying the ring, and I absolutely agree that it’s absurd to have to pay an additional amount to access your own data.
I too was going to get the 3, but hearing that I can't even access my own basic data unless I keep the subscription just makes this a non starter for me. I'm so disappointed in them. It's an awful business practice and pretty much extortion. Thanks for your video.
Late to the game but I was actively planning on buying this ring. I like traditional watches and want to wear mine and have a separate fitness tracker, particularly a sleep based one. Now I'm back on the hunt, because even disregarding price (which is still ridiculous) having my own personal data locked behind a paywall is absolutely insane. Especially when it's the baseline selling point of the product.
Absolutely agree with you. I also like "traditional watches" and have a small collection. I do however have a Samsung Galaxy and a Garmin, both of which I use for tracking data. I found the Samsung to be an excellent device for sleep data but was hoping to get a ring that I could wear daily. The subscription turned me off.
I wanted the Oura very much for it's sleep tracking features. It is pricey at $299 but it's suppose to be the best in the market. Upon researching and listening to vloggers like you, it has made me realize I am still in total control of what I can do with my health, including sleeping habits and exercise without expensive devices. I will continue to improve my health and wait for a company that does not abuse the customer through unreasonable subscription fees.
Bit the bullet and bought an apple watch 8 - the fast charging alone make such a difference, and I have already improved my HR and sleep habit, by using their non-subscription info on the app. Look into it, the tech behind the device make it so that it is not far behind the oura when it comes to sleep tracking
Thank you very much Katie, this is definitely the video I was looking for and needed to make my decision. I was about to order a ring for myself and my wife to start monitoring our rest and sleep. You are absolutely right, this issue of the subscription to be able to see our own data is something incomprehensible and it is more like the company just looking to get richer without thinking about its users. Oura definitely lost us. Greetings from Mexico City!
A fitness ring is such a great idea. I've been looking at Apple Watch, and when I saw Oura, I was almost instantly convinced it would be better for my needs. But getting less data from it than a $90 fitbit doesn't make sense to me. Thanks for showing what the 'free' data consists of.
You articulated my sentiments exactly. If I was a new Gen 3 buyer, the pay wall would put me off immediately, just like the whoop band, no matter how good or deep the data is. I will just stick with my Apple Watch and my sense of my well-being on the day.
wow, you have a point. i just purchased my Oura ring about a week ago before watching this video. im going to return it. it doesn't make sense to pay for a subscription when that was the point of buying the ring in the first place. it's so heartbreaking.
I’ve had the original oura ring and the oura ring 2. I had an open mind to the 3. It is an enticing offer to have the lifetime membership included “for free” if I upgrade, but I agree it is exclusivity to newcomers and just can’t get behind it. Also, I totally HATE that the data that has been readily available to me with my rings will not be available to users without the subscription. That’s a big no from me dawg.
Something tells me they will stop supporting the gen 2 in some way so that people won't be able to use their ring and have to buy a Gen 3 at some point. I've also heard from many people that the ring has many things that go wrong with theirs and customer service is horrible. They don't stand behind their [expensive] product.
I have been researching this ring for both my husband and myself, but no longer. I have watched many you tube videos about it and out of all those videos so far, you are the first to mention the subscription fee. I didn’t even know there was a subscription fee. I am no longer interested in the rings. Thank you for this video.
What no one mentions here, at what is most upsetting is, you get only 1 year warranty on the Gen 3. Now I was an early adopter in 2016. Had 2 first Gen (battery failure) and at least 3 Gen 2's battery issues under warranty them once out of warranty another battery failed and I had to buy new last March). One year for a $250 purchase for technology that, as many can attest, is often faulty. THIS is galling!
Today I went to order an ouraring finally. I saw the subscription and started digging into the additional cost and service. You're spot on. I don't appreciate that they limited the basic information for the new users. We pay for the ring as much as the old users payed for and we are being punished for being a new user. Noway, thank you!
you are not being punished. The existing uses are being rewarded. Oura has done a very bad job of communications. You are not paying to access your data. You are paying a subscription for ongoing software development to make your data more valuable and useful to you.
Companies need to be sustainable and stay in business and it costs a lot of money to support the app and data service behind this device - I have no problem paying a subscription for a quality product and service - there is no free ride buddies !!
Your review of what the subscription really is changed my mind about their ring gen 3. If they don't change their mind and do away with the subscription, I will not be getting an Oura ring
As a product designer who has been through countless releases, I can picture it now: Designer: “Our user research on the gen2 ring suggests that users are probably expecting to receive that data for free as most competitive devices also offer it for free.” Exec: “Yes but we can generate triple the revenue by moving forward with this new subscription model.” Designer: “yes but you’re probably going to also need to consider the cancellations that you will almost certainly experience.” Exec: “Money money money…”
Yes, the top executives are only at the company for a few years so they makes short term decisions for short term income. Then they put on their resume' how much money their decisions generated, and leave off how much it cost. Then get a higher paying job do the same at some other company. This kills companies long term, but helps the constant springing up of the competition.
I was waiting to see O2 released and during the wait, saw the introduction of their subscription model. $300 for the privilege of paying a monthly fee to access my own health data is a hard pass.
I had heard good things about the Oura ring for years and when I saw their ad for the 3rd gen ring, I was actually ready to order on their order page. Then I saw their new subscription program and investigated what the ring would do without a subscription. I've not gone through with the order and have no plans to consider Oura products.
I wholeheartedly believe in this information you’ve posted! I had been waiting to purchase my first Oura until the next gen came out. When I heard that the Oura 3 was coming I was so excited, and was excited about the new features as well. But I was SO disappointed to hear about subscription fee. As you pointed out, while $6 per month doesn’t seem like much I’m not willing to pay to have access to my information. So I’ve now decided not to purchase the Oura 3. I’m sad, as I had been waiting for a while on the 3 to come out to make my first purchase with the company. :(
Hi from Norway. As a watch enthusiast, i am not ready to forgo my Omega watches for a smart watch. But i still want the benefits of tracking my sleep, activity and health. Oura Ring seemed like the perfect answer, but after learning about the Subscription Fee, this is a no go for me.
I am totally on board with you. Holding our data for ransom so they can make money off of us. Subscriptions have prevented me from purchasing such a device.
I am so grateful for your honesty in breaking things down this way. I was going to buy the latest Oura ring but now will hold off. Seeing the limited info without subscription, and additional costs...how eye-opening!
I was searching some info about the « full access » with the membership and thanks to you I’m not gonna buy this ring. I rarely comment youtube video but really thank you for showing all the info that we can’t see if we don’t get the membership.
I got Oura gen2 in 2018 and was rather quite happy about it. So when Oura gen3 was announced I immediately ordered it and got it last September. The HRV readings of gen3 where drastically different from gen2, so I opened a new account for the gen2 and keep wearing both rings. Over the last 4 month I the difference between the two readings is consistent: around 30 unit lower HRV on gen3 then gen2 and also the deep sleep deviation are large, though less consistent. Oura support initially gave me some wishiwashi response and later promised to look into it. In spite of my reminders that the status today
I almost bought an Oura gen 3. But now I will go with a competitor. Bad business model Oura! This will kill their company. I will never pay a monthly fee to access my data! Terrible on Oura's part and this is going to kill their company, because they will now be branded as the company that tried screwing over their customers first with a pay wall.
I can't stand wearing things on my wrists and was feeling very excluded from the fitness tracker market until I discovered Oura. I've been seeking out reviews all day and was on the fence about the initial cost. Your analysis has helped me understand the *actual* cost and the way that they're going about it has definitely made my mind up not to buy. Thank you!
Thanks for explaining it so clearly Katie. Definitely count me among those who was going to buy an Oura 3 and in fact wanted an Oura 2 last year but decided to wait around for the latest. It's a bitter pill to now see that my decision to wait was the difference between a lifetime membership and a lifetime of monthly fees. Also, if Oura is listening: this is why Apple succeeds. They assume the customer is smart, and they offer the best value over the longer haul. That not only gets them the sale today, it gets them a happy customer years later to sell the next thing to. I guarantee that Apple Watch sales get an unexpected lift from decision by Whoop & Oura to get gimmicky with pricing.
Apple does NOT ever offer the best value. They charge triple what they are worth... but they do a good job putting the product together for a great user experience and people don't mind paying triple for that. Personally, Apple is way overpriced for me. The only Apple products i buy are uaed iPads (or used iPad Pros.) But people LOVE their products, even used Apple atuff cost a hefty premium. I would never buy a used iPhone because they are way roo expensive.
@@danielgotlib6149 You're entitled to your opinion. And I admit I'm probably in the minority here. I've noticed that most of my disagreements with people on any topic (business, politics etc) ultimately peels back to my belief that people are generally smart, which is an unpopular belief. I don't think people are truly overpaying for Apple products. I think they're paying a lot upfront and recognizing that it's worth it, because of some combo of convenience and longevity. A macbook, for example, does not see the OS stability deteriorate over time the way a Windows machine does.
I was SO EXCITED to see Oura ring 3! I have Oura ring 2 which is almost a year old & I thought I would wait a year or two to buy 3rd model. But seeing the new subscription on basic data certainly changed my mind. I am against this model on basic data, it would be okay only for meditation & sleep story libraries, but not on user data!! I truly hope Oura listens to its customers (when they introduced the new features, they wrote that they do) & will reconsider how this impacts us all.
A company that essentially steals the customers data in order to be able to rent it out to the customer is pure evil. Such a pity, great product, but the business morals of this company make me run in the other direction.
I’ve been wanting to get an Oura, but the subscription really does kill it for me. I just don’t understand how they could really do that to their future customer base
Thanks Katie! I was going to get these for my parents but after watching you explain the 'real' price I'll have to keep looking. They could have just stored the app data on the phone and kept it private for free... This is what happens when the bean counters take control of a tech company lol.
I totally agree with your thoughts. I am just about to buy a device for sleep tracking and the main reason not tu buy Oura is the non-additional value subscription model that they use. I will stay with apple watch even they are not that sofisticated in terms of the software.
So glad I found your video. Previously to watching this I was really excited to get my first Oura ring. Fortunately I always do my research before making just about any purchase. Thank you for bringing their predatory business practices to light! I can confidently say I will never buy one of their products until they free the data from behind a paywall.
Thanks for your insights, Oura clearly took side of health-inequality, meaning those who can afford to pay the premium extra for their data will be able to make better decisions about their health. :( I was hyped about gen 3, but will be looking elsewhere.
The Oura ring seemed like such a perfect solution to what I was looking for, but if my data is going to be held hostage by a subscription, that’s an absolute dealbreaker for me.
Word. You nailed it sister. I have a Gen 2 that I lost and am eager to replace. And even being grandfathered into the new program with no subscription fees, has me put off, as it feel divergent to the Original Oura Vibe that I bought into with my Gen 2. So yes, you're right, purely because of the fee model and not because of the expense, but rather the intent and vibe - it has turned me off. Shame - I was so into that Stealth Heritage form factor.
Selling? I'm new to Oura and about to buy one. If anyone is no longer going to be using theirs, could I buy your Gen 2 off you in order to be grandfathered into the 'no annual fee' for life offer? Please tag or message me if you're able to help.
An informative and well presented video! I wasn't even shopping got a health device, I was just search the internet to see what Orua does. Kudos for speaking up about it. A subscription model only works when it continuously provides "on going" value adds to the subscribers. This model itself sounds like a subscription model holding your data hostage, which is not sustainable. Money grab disguised in a subscription. Lost my trust before they even earn it.
I just stumbled across this video. I know I'm late to comment, but yes, I was about to purchase when I discovered the subscription model they were moving to. It would just make me feel dirty.
After a lot of debate, I have also decided to pass on the Oura Ring. I waited forever for gen 3 to come out before buying, and now I can't help but agree that the company's motivation seems questionably less about health and more about money now. Thanks for addressing this!
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been recommending Oura to people for YEARS. I know concretely I’ve gotten about 10 people to buy it. I used to be floored by how good their customer service was, let alone their products. I won’t be recommending it anymore. Given I’m grandfathered in for free subscription and $50 off I MIGHT still get one for me, but certainly will no longer recommend it.
I was sold on the oura ring I like how much less intrusive a ring is compared to a watch as I don't need a phone on my wrist just helpful wellness information. I immediately decided against it after learning about their subscription model. Not only do they not provide a way stand alone way to interpret its data as I need my phone to do that and a watch can be used as a standalone but then to ask me to pay to access data from my own ring is straight up shady business in my opinion. Thank you so much for your video!
I just recently heard about Oura ring and just tonight decided to look into it thinking I would ask for it for Christmas or even buy my husband one for Christmas. Thank goodness I came across your videos! Wow. I appreciate your candid comments even though you've touted the company and product. That shows you care more about people, truth and integrity than you do your own ego. I applaud you greatly as that is not something many people would do!! Since I would be new to Oura I did have the first thought of "$6 a month isn't so bad." But I did feel sad because it felt like I was being punished for being late to the game. But once I realized that what previous owners got for just the price of the product is something that I would have to pay extra for, I realized it really was a case of punishment so to speak. And it does seem deceptive on their part. Knowing that I will not even have access to the same information that previous owners had has turned me off to this product. That's a bummer because I've never been interested in any of the watch things and now I'll be losing out on a chance to gain potentially valuable health information for both myself and my husband. But thank you again for your honesty!
I had the Gen2 and loved it, and decided to buy the Gen3 and regret it. I was upset about hearing about the subscription model (and it felt like a coercive tactic by Oura to get current users to upgrade), but understanding that companies need to stay profitable, and I wanted to try the new features. No sooner had I bought it than the battery crapped out. Been waiting a while for resolution due to an "unprecedented backlog", and see from other reviewers they are having similar issues with getting Oura CS to respond. So I'll give them a couple more weeks before I dispute the purchase, and then I'll look into the Apple watch - bc at least Apple is the devil I know.
I wanted to get the Oura ring as well, but have heard of this issue regarding the subscription for membership to access all of my data. We don’t charge companies to use our data, I don’t see why we’d have to be charged for accessing our own data. In any case, it’s a hard pass from me due to the subscription! Thanks for your video, commenting too for the Algo!
Thanks for the thoughtful video! I just got Oura 2 earlier this year. On a personal level, the $50 discount and lifetime free subscription is enough for me to stick around, but I genuinely feel a little unsettled about it because of the future viability of this business model and how it screws over future users. I want more people to use this because this device has really helped to change my life. Oura, please consider changing the subscription model to welcome in more new users. Make the basic data available.
I totally agree with you! I hate what they are doing to new customers. What happens when they make generation 4 and charge us for lifetime membership to the ring? Where will it stop? How can they charge $300 for a ring that gives only 3 numbers and not detailed info about it?! Shocking.
OMG yes! I’m so happy you talked about this. A few months ago I was thinking of getting a new tracker and was considering Oura, but I kinda missed the cycle information so I went with Bellabeat and right now, I’m so happy I did cause I don’t have to pay for any of my information, and I basically get everything you get with Oura, and sooooo much more.
I was about to buy the Oura ring, but decided not to because of the subscription fee. I'd LOVE to have an Oura ring, but the reoccurring subscription is wrong and the company lost my business because of it.
I have an Oura Ring 2 and I absolutely love it, literally a life changer. I’m really disappointed with A: the lack of clarity on the subscription launch (first I heard of it was an email from the CEO and the only link I could find was the FAQ page) and B: the cost/limitation this puts on the device. $300 for something that lasts about 3 years is a lot to begin with but a total of $500 for a gen 3 (I’m not in need of an upgrade now so won’t get grandfathered in) is too much. I hope Apple adds more features around HRV and perhaps a temperature sensor. If not Garmin looks like another viable alternative (albeit a very clunky UI).
I was about to buy the 3rd Gen. Now.... not really. And also stopped to suggest it to my clients. The thing i did not like at all is the FOMO they pushed these first weeks ("buy now and have the subscription for free lifetime"). I am not gonna give my personal health data to a company who use these tactics, they lost so many Trust point at this point that i ll be less wary of them only when the whole top management who decided this get sacked.
Right who‘s idea was that?? That guy who decided such a thing, definitely broke the company image in a big way, i‘d like see them react fast to restore some of that damage. Otherwise i will have to stop rooting for this Company. Right now it seems they set course for failing it‘s customers, order for a quick buck. Greedy.
I didn't buy the ring because of the subscription. Plain and simple. I don't even know how much I'm gonna use it, and now I gotta pay a subscription? Pass.
The subscription fee was a deal breaker for me. I was really excited when I found out about the Oura ring and was keen to buy one until I found out about this hidden con :(
Same for me. I can accept a small fee for keeping data. But 8 dollars? That's more than I pay for a google apps business, with loads of functionality. Also an alternative storage solution should be available where you can store locally or at the cloud provider of your own choice, like dropbov, google, office365 etc.
I’ve been waiting years to be able to afford the Oura ring, got really excited about the 3 and exactly for the reasons you mentioned reversed my decision due to the non-transparent subscription fee to access basic measurement data. Without it i would have pre-ordered the ring the day I received the release email, it really broke my heart.
I was looking into the Oura Ring when i chanced upon your review. Thank you for speaking up for consumers’ rights and laying the facts out for us to make a purchase decision. I have decided not to purchase the Oura Ring and had brought an Apple Watch instead. Cant stand the fact that we are technically being ‘punished’ for trying to be a new user. Singapore, thank you!
I'm 100% with you on this. Everyone wants to charge a membership fee. As you say, when you already pay such a large amount up front for a product you don't want to need an additional monthly fee to use it. I really wanted this ring, but that's definitely a deal breaker for me
Having to purchase device, than pay a fee for my information it's collecting is the only reason I'm not buying an oura. I work in healthcare industry, with the mandated 'information Blocking" removal, AUC updates, one EHR, and googlehealth, etc the algorithm and my personal data shouldn't be an additional charge over the device. Or make it open source, so could write own API interace to retrieve, etc. Or make additional features, like being able to upload into OneEHR electronic patient portals or medical systems for our primary's to review.
Spot on. I was *very* interested in the oura ring... until I found out about the subscription fee. Now it's a hard pass. I'm tired of paying so many monthly fees. They all add up! Imo, they should have two-tier pricing. No subscription fee for what you consider basic and $6 for those who want all the extra fitness stuff. Guac is extra, I get it. But don't offer me basic (sleep) features and charge me extra!
Thank you so much for looking into this. I completely agree with your analysis and it's a shame Oura has decided to implement a subscription model in this way. Not all subscriptions are created equal.
Thank you for sharing this video! I wish I had done a lot more research before buying the Oura ring. Clearly, the subscription didn't stop me. But when my ring stopped working (wouldn't sync to my phone) less than 6 months after I got it, and after being on email threads with slow, poor customer service for a month, I really regret getting it. Even the replacement ring they sent me doesn't work. The case is still in the process of being resolved. So for folks on the fence about the subscription, know that customer service is really bad, should something happen to your ring. And for that reason, coupled with what Katie talks about in this video should be enough not to get an Oura ring.
Well said Katie! I was so ready to buy my first ring, but their approach to the subscription model by removing key data and insight previously available is a sign of a greedy, out of touch company... they lost me. I hope they are listening.
Great video, and I totally agree with everything you said. I've got a gen 2, so I wouldn't be paying for the subscription (if I upgrade quickly), but there's something that doesn't feel right about it now - I won't be upgrading. It's such a strange move; before buying the Oura I did all the research and compared it to watches and the Whoop, and one of the things that tipped me over to the Oura was the lack of subscription, I bet lots of others were the same 🤷♂️
I was about to order the 3 as a User of the 2, directly at the announcement. Even only seeing that there is service made me wonder how long it would take till they announce something additional which everyone needs to pay. It was such a let down and shock for honestly a company I really admired for their work, that I put the ring down at the next charge cycle and never put it on again!
I personally bought 2 Oura rings for friends and 3 people bought rings at my recommendations. I bought my Oura ring after seeing your recommendation, and I agree with your assessment of the situation. Thank you so much Katie 🙏🏼
Completely agree with you Katie. This push towards subscription based hardware is anti-consumer at its base. Subscription makes sense for software based products or for hardware which is *massively* sold at a discount. Without the option this is simply a slap in the face for consumers. Reading stories of BMW holding features like heated seats behind subscriptions in the UK tells you exactly where the markets would like to head. We need to vote with our wallets. I am very interested in buying an Oura ring- but not with these predatory business tactics.
Thank you so much for this TH-cam video regarding the Oura 3 pricing. A friend of mine highly recommended this device to me but unfortunately I missed the deadline for the grandfathering deadline. I don't understand why companies sell a device that has sensors and electronics built into it...which they charge you for. Then they restrict the info those sensors measure, holding you hostage for a subscription. I can understand if there's a real optional subscription that offers deeper analysis or fitness/health programs, but all the baseline tracking data should be accessable to the owner. So I decided to purchase the Fitbit Sense instead, as it offers most of the data and sleep tracking without any required subscriptions. I'd prefer a ring but I'll just settle for a watch. I would have paid a base price increase of $100 for the ring...too bad they hopped on the financial vampire pricing model. Too bad, promising piece if tech.
Hit the nail on the head with this vid. I think Oura's play is to make their products more exclusive (again) by marking up the price, as they have been becoming more mainstream recently. Foul play on their part.
Thanks Katie. I'm one of those who really wanted to buy the Oura.....but changed my mind because of the extra $72/year subscription. I agree with your comment. The "deep information" should be "standard information".
I've been looking at health tracking devices recently, and Oura came up as the top contender. It is, as you said, the fact that they're charging fees for the raw data collected over the course of wearing the device, without offering any additional benefits, puts me off. I totally understand that this may be part of a loyalty program that awards earlier purchasers, but unless they're giving something more than the raw data access and the mere analytical graphs and charts that could be created with excel or similar apps/programs, they should not be charging subscription.
Currently watching videos last minute when I realized it was nearly the end of the special upgrade offer deal. I am a gen 2 user and switched over from the WHOOP strap SPECIFICALLY due to the lack of a subscription fee. They are not worth the investment and are simply unnecessary. All I was looking for was an accurate and non-cumbersome way to gather sleep data that doesn't suck costs out on a regular basis. The biggest difference for me with the ring is that I cant wear it while I play tennis like I comfortably could with the WHOOP but I digress, sleep is the most valuable metric to track in my opinion. I probably won't ever upgrade unless they do something about the subscription fee. Sad to see them following the subscription pricing model trend but no surprise as it's proven to be very lucrative for companies.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have been tinking about getting an Oura ring but after hearing that they basically hold your data hostage....I changed my mind! I hate when companies get so greedy that they become crooks! No Thank you!
I was really excited for this ring as I am going into knee surgery in a week and I was hoping that the ring would help me track my recovery and bring me back faster. However, the addition of the subscription made me hesitant and now I’m looking for another option. I would gladly get this ring without the subscription but for now, that’s impossible. Wonderful video! Thanks
Thank you for all the amazing comments! 1,000+ voices and counting! I am reviewing all of these comments and preparing to share them with Oura directly.
Please keep adding your voice to the conversation!
Lost me as a potential customer.
Great article. Sad about Oura. They seemed to me so good people/company. Not so shure about it. Smell greed here and is not smelling nice.😉😉🤨☹
If the rings price would drop to 100$, i wouldn't mind the subscription. But I can not imagine the extra benefits/features, they could come up with, to justify the 70% price increase over the lifespan of this device. Neither did Oura, so they locked basic features behind the paywall. Just to be clear; blood oxygen measurements isn't a big feature. A 30€ xiaomi device can handle that.
I thought about buying the gen 3 as my first oura ring. I was really excited about it. But spending 500$ for some gimmicky health data, i didn't have the absolute need for, seems silly and stupid now.
would be amazing if you can recommend us another ring :) as always I enjoyed the video... thank you!
@@erickvidbaz3086 i'm pretty sure, there is no other ring health tracker so far.
I literally went to buy myself and my wife and Oura ring. At checkout, I read about the 8 dollar/month subscription. Absolutely unacceptable that they expect us to pay for a device that is completely useless without the app, AND pay for the app. This is like buying a TV with a monthly subscription for the remote. Borderline dystopian.
"You will own nothing and be happy"
In the old days you could get up & change the channel but on flat screens it’s a pain
I thought about getting one but yeah the subscription was what turned me off
Expect you still buy the TV, and continue to pay monthly for streaming services.
@@reecethomson5990 true… or buying a phone and having to pay for a data plan
I don’t mind them having a subscription, but the subscription should be for extra features not your basic data. Perhaps there extra features just aren’t enticing enough to get the kind of subscriber numbers they are looking for. Will be looking elsewhere. Thanks Katie!
100% agree. Thanks for sharing!
I almost want to say that they will have to backpedal on this basic data point. How can they possibly sell a device that has an intended purpose: to take a bunch of measurements, and then hold the raw data ransom if you don't cough up $6/month? I can't see this playing out well for them. Particularly in the EU, where there are actual laws against this.
Yea i agree too. A bit disappointing to find out.
Even though I’m a lucky first time customer who still have a Life time membership by ordering at the right time.
But now it’s less of an option to buy one for people as a gift.
Hope they change that and include at least so insightful feature for the basic.
Maybe limited access like a couple times a day only.
Basic data - An overview of Sleep, Readiness/ recovery and Activity WILL be available without the subscription but drilling down into the data for more granular data will require access via subscription.
@@somethinginteresting2202 I get that they will have the basic scores. They at least have clarified this. The problem I see is that their big ad on their splash page only mentions a Membership and the same after you click the pre-order. You are only told a membership exists but you don’t know what you do and don’t get with the membership. It takes looking at social media, etc to find that out. A layperson wouldn’t know that, get this ring and be really upset they don’t get like the advertised heart rate, spO2, etc. as part of what their $300 paid for. It’s just not very clear. They at least need to work on that or they may find themselves in hot water.
Decided not to purchase Oura due to the monthly fee that is required to see the data needed to help you track your health and sleep.
I was going to buy the oura ring, I was actually waiting for the 3 to come out and was devastated that bc I didn’t buy it earlier I would be shut out of the grandfathering. This pay wall is definitely going to prevent me from being an Oura ring supporter!
Exactly the same mate. I was invested, I patiently waited and then.. this!
Same been waiting for the the 3 release, especially with the tracking inaccuracies in the 2
Same here! :(
Same
That was my plan too after my last device died, I even installed the app after deleting the one from the last device. First it was great to hear that the new Oura Ring 3 was announced, but now with this ridiculous subscription, they can keep it and I’ll stay with mit AW 4…well done Oura!
I think you convinced me not to buy, great points!
Dear Oura, I would have bought, but not with the membership fee.
My wife is a physician and I’m a fitness trainer. We were ready to get on board as well as some of our patents and clients. The membership fee stopped us dead in our tracks.
Penalizing new Oura Ring buyers isn’t the way to do business and it would resonate to our trusted patients that we agree with this way of doing business.
I believe they should, just charge more up front . We will be waiting for a ring with the same features as Generation 2 , but not with Oura Ring.
Sacrificing integrity because demands are high isn’t the answer in the long run.
Circular smart ring
I waited for the three to buy after having this highly recommended but was turned cold by the fee. After hearing this video I’ll go elsewhere. Probably Apple. Thank you! Oura. Bad move. You were the tops!
Thanks Christine! Probably a good decision even though the watch sleep data isn’t as detailed
TBH, Apple's sleep tracking and battery life is very mediocre compared to Fitbit, but then Fitbit has heart rate tracking problems. If you were considering the Oura ring, it would be because of their sleep tracking and going with Apple would be a step down.
I don't understand you people. Apple is still a subscription model, you just pay every two years instead of monthly because of planned obsolescence....Just look at all the lawsuits!
@@Quand9 people are still using gen1 Apple watches
@@v01c3 lol with like 1h of battery life. My friends are complaining about battery life on one that's 1.5 year old
Thank you for this video. I was very interested in buying the Oura ring, but after all the information you provided I will not be investing in it. No one should have to pay to access they data, that’s absurd.
If you don’t believe that health tracking companies should put your personal data behind a subscription fee, leave a comment below.
Fuck that shit!
You are right!
Disgusting of them, would never support this company, was actually interested til the subscription. 6 is way to high
Dissapointed. I would understand giving access to their meditation collection but to see your data makes no sense.
+1
Not a new user, so I went ahead and upgraded to the new ring and got the lifetime membership. However, I do disagree with locking raw data behind a paywall. We bought the ring to record the data and we should have access to all of that data the ring is collecting. The ring belongs to us. The data also belongs to us. We should not have to pay to access it.
I'm fine with Oura locking their daily scores, tips, or access to any algorithmic interpretation that make that data so useful, but the way they're going about this isn't friendly to new customers and it isn't the right ethical move as a company.
The only way to fix this and make it right (since I doubt they're going to drop the subscription model completely) is to paywall the RIGHT data - their interpretations of our data, not our data itself.
Again I have no problem with a subscription, and even if I didn't get the lifetime membership I'd probably pay for Oura's subscription model anyway. I like the company and I like to support good companies. This isn't coming from someone who just doesn't want to pay a higher price. I don't care if the ring was $600, I'd probably still buy it. It's the principle of what they're doing that's the problem and I hope that they will change their minds.
I agree! Let people pay The subscription fee for oura's insights, but give us our raw data without a subscription! That's what buying the device itself was for.
This is the perfect summary of how I feel.
Whoever stores the data, owns the data. This is why all data based apps have a click here button.
So glad I saw this, thank you for the information. Like most others, going to wait for Oura to make some reasonable changes and give up some of their greed!
Your assessment changed my mind from buying one. Thanks for the insight and open comms.
Ōura really dropped the ball in this roll out
Hard to believe this is the same company that brought Gen1 & Gen2. Two legitimate products taking the company from startup to near mainstream status in the wearable market. I’m guessing they dropped the ball so bad because this was the first time they had investors in their pockets. Consumer loses. Shameful.
@@Stephen2697. I agree.
greediness🤑🤢🤮
To be clear, the new ring does a lot more.
@@brianpollie8361 yeah like a constant drain on your wallet...
Amen. #Oura's subscription model is arrogant. After paying a hefty price customers kinda only rent the ring. You'll never be able to use the whole data without a subscription. I once considered Oura, but a subscription is the single reason I'll never buy an Oura ring.
Oura definitley lost me on this one. I'd rather spend my money on a device like a Joovv, Eight Sleep, or grounding mat that will actually improve my health and implement things proven already to improve sleep (morning sunlight, no screens at night, cold/dark room, etc). Thank you for explaining this so perfectly.
Thank you David! I totally agree. If you have to choose, invest in improving your health rather than measuring it.
@@katie_moore But for many of us lay people we can’t improve what we don’t know and measuring is what we need to decide how or what to improve.
@@stephaniekatz9466 I thought the same thing, then just started writing it down on a piece of paper.
@@stephaniekatz9466 Can't improve your health without an expensive product? Yes you can. Don't fall for it
Isn't Joovv like 5 grand lol
They lost me as a customer. I was planning on asking for one at Christmas but now I'll be researching another product. Thanks for sharing the breakdown of the costs, I appreciate it.
What one are you thinking of getting
Agree which product are you looking at?
Just finding this video now a year later- but it's so incredibly validating!!! thank you for making it! I really wanted the Oura ring but the subscription has held me back because it doesn't make any sense to me! thank you for the cost breakdown of the different products- super helpful to see how subscription models can be so misleading when it comes to the final cost three years down the line!
I was so excited for Oura 3 to come out as a new customer, but now I'm seriously reconsidering getting it just because of the subscription fee. I would have understood the extra fee for the guided audio sessions but not to access my own data! 😔
Ya, I am right there with you. I was going to purchase a gen3 for myself for better sleep. Well, the stats. I was okay with paying for the ring but the paywall is the only thing that turned me off on buying it. I would rather just charge my Apple Watch before bet and try that way instead of paying $400 and then being cornered into paying monthly to even use the rind.
+1
After ordering the Apple SE, I was going to also get the Oura 3, specifically for its REM tracking (which the SE lacks). But after watching your video, I’ve changed my mind. I’d be willing to pay the $299, but the addition fee is a deal breaker.
Whoever the CEO of this company is, they have lost 99% of potential customers-including myself-from all the comments I have read about the Oura 3 on the few videos I have seen on the subject. Subscription for products? What’s next; a subscription to use our car / house keys!? 😂🤣
@@sidneyblondell yes, I've also seen almost 100% of people give this a hard pass now. One person's comment compared it to printers and how a printer itself is cheap because the companies know they'll get money from you when you need to keep buying ink/toner. If Oura made the rings cheaper to buy, people would probably be more open to then paying for the subscription.
Was going to, but not now. Thank you very much.
I was waiting for Oura 3 and got super disappointed when I learned about the subscription and decided to rely solely on my Apple Watch when it comes to my data. Thanks for clarifying, Katie.
I checked out your video because I was thinking of buying my first Oura ring. I didn't realize the new ring was going to be subscription based. Such a shame. The ring would have been a luxury purchase for me, but needed because I have sleep issues. I can't justify it now though. As you mentioned in one of your comments below, "If you have to choose, invest in improving your health rather than measuring it." Well said, thanks.
Late on this thread but actually ordered the Oura ring and sizing kit but now seeing the overall cost and on principle alone with a paywall of my personal data think that I will go ahead and ask for a refund and buy an Apple watch instead - thank you for the video.
I was absolutely waiting for and planning on getting the Gen3, but when I first read about the subscription model I changed my mind. As a new user, the deceitful presentation of having my basic data behind a paywall didn’t leave the best impression of the company.
Thank you so much for doing this research for us. As a new customer, I was 100% ready to make an impulse purchase because I wanted to have a better sleep tracker. But I decided to do some due diligence and see what other people had to say, and I am very glad that I came across your research into the pricing and subscription model. This completely turned me off to buying the ring, and I absolutely agree that it’s absurd to have to pay an additional amount to access your own data.
I too was going to get the 3, but hearing that I can't even access my own basic data unless I keep the subscription just makes this a non starter for me. I'm so disappointed in them. It's an awful business practice and pretty much extortion. Thanks for your video.
Late to the game but I was actively planning on buying this ring. I like traditional watches and want to wear mine and have a separate fitness tracker, particularly a sleep based one. Now I'm back on the hunt, because even disregarding price (which is still ridiculous) having my own personal data locked behind a paywall is absolutely insane. Especially when it's the baseline selling point of the product.
Check out “Circular Ring”
Would you rather buy an Oura Ring for $500+ without a subscription, or $300 with a subscription?
@@aexetanius I would definitely buy it for more than 500 without subscription yes, and many people has this same feeling probably
Absolutely agree with you. I also like "traditional watches" and have a small collection. I do however have a Samsung Galaxy and a Garmin, both of which I use for tracking data. I found the Samsung to be an excellent device for sleep data but was hoping to get a ring that I could wear daily. The subscription turned me off.
@@aexetaniuswhat’s the $500 ring without a subscription? Circular?
I wanted the Oura very much for it's sleep tracking features. It is pricey at $299 but it's suppose to be the best in the market. Upon researching and listening to vloggers like you, it has made me realize I am still in total control of what I can do with my health, including sleeping habits and exercise without expensive devices. I will continue to improve my health and wait for a company that does not abuse the customer through unreasonable subscription fees.
I’ve been watching reviews for weeks. Finally decided to settle for Fitbit charge 4
It is the best Oura ring on the market. It's less accurate and less precise than fitbit. But if you want a ring...
Bit the bullet and bought an apple watch 8 - the fast charging alone make such a difference, and I have already improved my HR and sleep habit, by using their non-subscription info on the app. Look into it, the tech behind the device make it so that it is not far behind the oura when it comes to sleep tracking
Thank you very much Katie, this is definitely the video I was looking for and needed to make my decision. I was about to order a ring for myself and my wife to start monitoring our rest and sleep. You are absolutely right, this issue of the subscription to be able to see our own data is something incomprehensible and it is more like the company just looking to get richer without thinking about its users. Oura definitely lost us. Greetings from Mexico City!
A fitness ring is such a great idea. I've been looking at Apple Watch, and when I saw Oura, I was almost instantly convinced it would be better for my needs. But getting less data from it than a $90 fitbit doesn't make sense to me. Thanks for showing what the 'free' data consists of.
Which Fitbit and which features
.
You articulated my sentiments exactly. If I was a new Gen 3 buyer, the pay wall would put me off immediately, just like the whoop band, no matter how good or deep the data is. I will just stick with my Apple Watch and my sense of my well-being on the day.
good plan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Wendy!
wow, you have a point. i just purchased my Oura ring about a week ago before watching this video. im going to return it. it doesn't make sense to pay for a subscription when that was the point of buying the ring in the first place. it's so heartbreaking.
I’ve had the original oura ring and the oura ring 2. I had an open mind to the 3. It is an enticing offer to have the lifetime membership included “for free” if I upgrade, but I agree it is exclusivity to newcomers and just can’t get behind it. Also, I totally HATE that the data that has been readily available to me with my rings will not be available to users without the subscription. That’s a big no from me dawg.
Thanks Preston! Agreed dawg!
Something tells me they will stop supporting the gen 2 in some way so that people won't be able to use their ring and have to buy a Gen 3 at some point. I've also heard from many people that the ring has many things that go wrong with theirs and customer service is horrible. They don't stand behind their [expensive] product.
I have been researching this ring for both my husband and myself, but no longer. I have watched many you tube videos about it and out of all those videos so far, you are the first to mention the subscription fee. I didn’t even know there was a subscription fee. I am no longer interested in the rings. Thank you for this video.
What no one mentions here, at what is most upsetting is, you get only 1 year warranty on the Gen 3. Now I was an early adopter in 2016. Had 2 first Gen (battery failure) and at least 3 Gen 2's battery issues under warranty them once out of warranty another battery failed and I had to buy new last March).
One year for a $250 purchase for technology that, as many can attest, is often faulty.
THIS is galling!
Today I went to order an ouraring finally. I saw the subscription and started digging into the additional cost and service. You're spot on. I don't appreciate that they limited the basic information for the new users. We pay for the ring as much as the old users payed for and we are being punished for being a new user. Noway, thank you!
you are not being punished. The existing uses are being rewarded. Oura has done a very bad job of communications. You are not paying to access your data. You are paying a subscription for ongoing software development to make your data more valuable and useful to you.
Companies need to be sustainable and stay in business and it costs a lot of money to support the app and data service behind this device - I have no problem paying a subscription for a quality product and service - there is no free ride buddies !!
Your review of what the subscription really is changed my mind about their ring gen 3. If they don't change their mind and do away with the subscription, I will not be getting an Oura ring
As a product designer who has been through countless releases, I can picture it now:
Designer: “Our user research on the gen2 ring suggests that users are probably expecting to receive that data for free as most competitive devices also offer it for free.”
Exec: “Yes but we can generate triple the revenue by moving forward with this new subscription model.”
Designer: “yes but you’re probably going to also need to consider the cancellations that you will almost certainly experience.”
Exec: “Money money money…”
Yes, the top executives are only at the company for a few years so they makes short term decisions for short term income. Then they put on their resume' how much money their decisions generated, and leave off how much it cost. Then get a higher paying job do the same at some other company. This kills companies long term, but helps the constant springing up of the competition.
I was waiting to see O2 released and during the wait, saw the introduction of their subscription model. $300 for the privilege of paying a monthly fee to access my own health data is a hard pass.
I had heard good things about the Oura ring for years and when I saw their ad for the 3rd gen ring, I was actually ready to order on their order page. Then I saw their new subscription program and investigated what the ring would do without a subscription. I've not gone through with the order and have no plans to consider Oura products.
Same here. Was ready to place the order, but now I won’t
I wholeheartedly believe in this information you’ve posted! I had been waiting to purchase my first Oura until the next gen came out. When I heard that the Oura 3 was coming I was so excited, and was excited about the new features as well. But I was SO disappointed to hear about subscription fee. As you pointed out, while $6 per month doesn’t seem like much I’m not willing to pay to have access to my information. So I’ve now decided not to purchase the Oura 3. I’m sad, as I had been waiting for a while on the 3 to come out to make my first purchase with the company. :(
Hi from Norway.
As a watch enthusiast, i am not ready to forgo my Omega watches for a smart watch. But i still want the benefits of tracking my sleep, activity and health.
Oura Ring seemed like the perfect answer, but after learning about the Subscription Fee, this is a no go for me.
I am totally on board with you. Holding our data for ransom so they can make money off of us. Subscriptions have prevented me from purchasing such a device.
Agreed! thanks for sharing!
I am so grateful for your honesty in breaking things down this way. I was going to buy the latest Oura ring but now will hold off. Seeing the limited info without subscription, and additional costs...how eye-opening!
I was searching some info about the « full access » with the membership and thanks to you I’m not gonna buy this ring. I rarely comment youtube video but really thank you for showing all the info that we can’t see if we don’t get the membership.
I ordered the upgrade for the free subscription but if I were a new user the subscription fee would cause me to pass on it and buy something else.
I got Oura gen2 in 2018 and was rather quite happy about it. So when Oura gen3 was announced I immediately ordered it and got it last September. The HRV readings of gen3 where drastically different from gen2, so I opened a new account for the gen2 and keep wearing both rings. Over the last 4 month I the difference between the two readings is consistent: around 30 unit lower HRV on gen3 then gen2 and also the deep sleep deviation are large, though less consistent. Oura support initially gave me some wishiwashi response and later promised to look into it. In spite of my reminders that the status today
I almost bought an Oura gen 3. But now I will go with a competitor. Bad business model Oura! This will kill their company. I will never pay a monthly fee to access my data! Terrible on Oura's part and this is going to kill their company, because they will now be branded as the company that tried screwing over their customers first with a pay wall.
I can't stand wearing things on my wrists and was feeling very excluded from the fitness tracker market until I discovered Oura. I've been seeking out reviews all day and was on the fence about the initial cost. Your analysis has helped me understand the *actual* cost and the way that they're going about it has definitely made my mind up not to buy. Thank you!
same!
Same!
I was about to buy the oura ring and then I found out about the subscription fee and decided to go spend my money somewhere else
Thanks for explaining it so clearly Katie. Definitely count me among those who was going to buy an Oura 3 and in fact wanted an Oura 2 last year but decided to wait around for the latest. It's a bitter pill to now see that my decision to wait was the difference between a lifetime membership and a lifetime of monthly fees.
Also, if Oura is listening: this is why Apple succeeds. They assume the customer is smart, and they offer the best value over the longer haul. That not only gets them the sale today, it gets them a happy customer years later to sell the next thing to. I guarantee that Apple Watch sales get an unexpected lift from decision by Whoop & Oura to get gimmicky with pricing.
Apple does NOT ever offer the best value. They charge triple what they are worth... but they do a good job putting the product together for a great user experience and people don't mind paying triple for that. Personally, Apple is way overpriced for me. The only Apple products i buy are uaed iPads (or used iPad Pros.)
But people LOVE their products, even used Apple atuff cost a hefty premium. I would never buy a used iPhone because they are way roo expensive.
@@danielgotlib6149 You're entitled to your opinion. And I admit I'm probably in the minority here. I've noticed that most of my disagreements with people on any topic (business, politics etc) ultimately peels back to my belief that people are generally smart, which is an unpopular belief. I don't think people are truly overpaying for Apple products. I think they're paying a lot upfront and recognizing that it's worth it, because of some combo of convenience and longevity. A macbook, for example, does not see the OS stability deteriorate over time the way a Windows machine does.
I was SO EXCITED to see Oura ring 3! I have Oura ring 2 which is almost a year old & I thought I would wait a year or two to buy 3rd model. But seeing the new subscription on basic data certainly changed my mind. I am against this model on basic data, it would be okay only for meditation & sleep story libraries, but not on user data!! I truly hope Oura listens to its customers (when they introduced the new features, they wrote that they do) & will reconsider how this impacts us all.
A company that essentially steals the customers data in order to be able to rent it out to the customer is pure evil. Such a pity, great product, but the business morals of this company make me run in the other direction.
I’ve been wanting to get an Oura, but the subscription really does kill it for me. I just don’t understand how they could really do that to their future customer base
Pay to play.
Pay to win.
Thank-you for your video, girlfriend.
Thanks Katie! I was going to get these for my parents but after watching you explain the 'real' price I'll have to keep looking. They could have just stored the app data on the phone and kept it private for free... This is what happens when the bean counters take control of a tech company lol.
I totally agree with your thoughts. I am just about to buy a device for sleep tracking and the main reason not tu buy Oura is the non-additional value subscription model that they use. I will stay with apple watch even they are not that sofisticated in terms of the software.
So glad I found your video. Previously to watching this I was really excited to get my first Oura ring. Fortunately I always do my research before making just about any purchase. Thank you for bringing their predatory business practices to light! I can confidently say I will never buy one of their products until they free the data from behind a paywall.
Thanks for your insights, Oura clearly took side of health-inequality, meaning those who can afford to pay the premium extra for their data will be able to make better decisions about their health. :( I was hyped about gen 3, but will be looking elsewhere.
The Oura ring seemed like such a perfect solution to what I was looking for, but if my data is going to be held hostage by a subscription, that’s an absolute dealbreaker for me.
Word. You nailed it sister. I have a Gen 2 that I lost and am eager to replace. And even being grandfathered into the new program with no subscription fees, has me put off, as it feel divergent to the Original Oura Vibe that I bought into with my Gen 2. So yes, you're right, purely because of the fee model and not because of the expense, but rather the intent and vibe - it has turned me off. Shame - I was so into that Stealth Heritage form factor.
Thanks for the kind words Amrit!
Agreed! Might still do it though :/
Selling?
I'm new to Oura and about to buy one.
If anyone is no longer going to be using theirs, could I buy your Gen 2 off you in order to be grandfathered into the 'no annual fee' for life offer?
Please tag or message me if you're able to help.
An informative and well presented video! I wasn't even shopping got a health device, I was just search the internet to see what Orua does.
Kudos for speaking up about it. A subscription model only works when it continuously provides "on going" value adds to the subscribers. This model itself sounds like a subscription model holding your data hostage, which is not sustainable. Money grab disguised in a subscription. Lost my trust before they even earn it.
I just stumbled across this video. I know I'm late to comment, but yes, I was about to purchase when I discovered the subscription model they were moving to. It would just make me feel dirty.
After a lot of debate, I have also decided to pass on the Oura Ring. I waited forever for gen 3 to come out before buying, and now I can't help but agree that the company's motivation seems questionably less about health and more about money now. Thanks for addressing this!
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been recommending Oura to people for YEARS. I know concretely I’ve gotten about 10 people to buy it. I used to be floored by how good their customer service was, let alone their products. I won’t be recommending it anymore. Given I’m grandfathered in for free subscription and $50 off I MIGHT still get one for me, but certainly will no longer recommend it.
I was sold on the oura ring I like how much less intrusive a ring is compared to a watch as I don't need a phone on my wrist just helpful wellness information. I immediately decided against it after learning about their subscription model. Not only do they not provide a way stand alone way to interpret its data as I need my phone to do that and a watch can be used as a standalone but then to ask me to pay to access data from my own ring is straight up shady business in my opinion.
Thank you so much for your video!
I just recently heard about Oura ring and just tonight decided to look into it thinking I would ask for it for Christmas or even buy my husband one for Christmas. Thank goodness I came across your videos! Wow. I appreciate your candid comments even though you've touted the company and product. That shows you care more about people, truth and integrity than you do your own ego. I applaud you greatly as that is not something many people would do!! Since I would be new to Oura I did have the first thought of "$6 a month isn't so bad." But I did feel sad because it felt like I was being punished for being late to the game. But once I realized that what previous owners got for just the price of the product is something that I would have to pay extra for, I realized it really was a case of punishment so to speak. And it does seem deceptive on their part. Knowing that I will not even have access to the same information that previous owners had has turned me off to this product. That's a bummer because I've never been interested in any of the watch things and now I'll be losing out on a chance to gain potentially valuable health information for both myself and my husband. But thank you again for your honesty!
I had the Gen2 and loved it, and decided to buy the Gen3 and regret it. I was upset about hearing about the subscription model (and it felt like a coercive tactic by Oura to get current users to upgrade), but understanding that companies need to stay profitable, and I wanted to try the new features. No sooner had I bought it than the battery crapped out. Been waiting a while for resolution due to an "unprecedented backlog", and see from other reviewers they are having similar issues with getting Oura CS to respond. So I'll give them a couple more weeks before I dispute the purchase, and then I'll look into the Apple watch - bc at least Apple is the devil I know.
I wanted to get the Oura ring as well, but have heard of this issue regarding the subscription for membership to access all of my data. We don’t charge companies to use our data, I don’t see why we’d have to be charged for accessing our own data. In any case, it’s a hard pass from me due to the subscription! Thanks for your video, commenting too for the Algo!
Thanks for the thoughtful video! I just got Oura 2 earlier this year. On a personal level, the $50 discount and lifetime free subscription is enough for me to stick around, but I genuinely feel a little unsettled about it because of the future viability of this business model and how it screws over future users.
I want more people to use this because this device has really helped to change my life. Oura, please consider changing the subscription model to welcome in more new users. Make the basic data available.
I totally agree with you! I hate what they are doing to new customers. What happens when they make generation 4 and charge us for lifetime membership to the ring? Where will it stop? How can they charge $300 for a ring that gives only 3 numbers and not detailed info about it?! Shocking.
OMG yes! I’m so happy you talked about this. A few months ago I was thinking of getting a new tracker and was considering Oura, but I kinda missed the cycle information so I went with Bellabeat and right now, I’m so happy I did cause I don’t have to pay for any of my information, and I basically get everything you get with Oura, and sooooo much more.
Nice! thanks for sharing an alternative!
I was about to buy the Oura ring, but decided not to because of the subscription fee. I'd LOVE to have an Oura ring, but the reoccurring subscription is wrong and the company lost my business because of it.
I have an Oura Ring 2 and I absolutely love it, literally a life changer. I’m really disappointed with A: the lack of clarity on the subscription launch (first I heard of it was an email from the CEO and the only link I could find was the FAQ page) and B: the cost/limitation this puts on the device. $300 for something that lasts about 3 years is a lot to begin with but a total of $500 for a gen 3 (I’m not in need of an upgrade now so won’t get grandfathered in) is too much. I hope Apple adds more features around HRV and perhaps a temperature sensor. If not Garmin looks like another viable alternative (albeit a very clunky UI).
I was about to buy the 3rd Gen.
Now.... not really. And also stopped to suggest it to my clients.
The thing i did not like at all is the FOMO they pushed these first weeks ("buy now and have the subscription for free lifetime").
I am not gonna give my personal health data to a company who use these tactics, they lost so many Trust point at this point that i ll be less wary of them only when the whole top management who decided this get sacked.
yeah, FOMO of missing out and the ambiguity around the subscription fee. They did a lot to squeeze extra revenue...
Same.
Right who‘s idea was that?? That guy who decided such a thing, definitely broke the company image in a big way, i‘d like see them react fast to restore some of that damage. Otherwise i will have to stop rooting for this Company. Right now it seems they set course for failing it‘s customers, order for a quick buck. Greedy.
I didn't buy the ring because of the subscription. Plain and simple. I don't even know how much I'm gonna use it, and now I gotta pay a subscription? Pass.
The subscription fee was a deal breaker for me. I was really excited when I found out about the Oura ring and was keen to buy one until I found out about this hidden con :(
Well said!
Same for me. I can accept a small fee for keeping data. But 8 dollars? That's more than I pay for a google apps business, with loads of functionality. Also an alternative storage solution should be available where you can store locally or at the cloud provider of your own choice, like dropbov, google, office365 etc.
I’ve been waiting years to be able to afford the Oura ring, got really excited about the 3 and exactly for the reasons you mentioned reversed my decision due to the non-transparent subscription fee to access basic measurement data. Without it i would have pre-ordered the ring the day I received the release email, it really broke my heart.
I am so glad I saw this video. The paywall that Oura has is unacceptable, shady, and I won't be buying it until they make some serious changes.
I was looking into the Oura Ring when i chanced upon your review. Thank you for speaking up for consumers’ rights and laying the facts out for us to make a purchase decision. I have decided not to purchase the Oura Ring and had brought an Apple Watch instead. Cant stand the fact that we are technically being ‘punished’ for trying to be a new user. Singapore, thank you!
I'm 100% with you on this. Everyone wants to charge a membership fee. As you say, when you already pay such a large amount up front for a product you don't want to need an additional monthly fee to use it. I really wanted this ring, but that's definitely a deal breaker for me
Having to purchase device, than pay a fee for my information it's collecting is the only reason I'm not buying an oura. I work in healthcare industry, with the mandated 'information Blocking" removal, AUC updates, one EHR, and googlehealth, etc the algorithm and my personal data shouldn't be an additional charge over the device. Or make it open source, so could write own API interace to retrieve, etc. Or make additional features, like being able to upload into OneEHR electronic patient portals or medical systems for our primary's to review.
Spot on. I was *very* interested in the oura ring... until I found out about the subscription fee. Now it's a hard pass. I'm tired of paying so many monthly fees. They all add up! Imo, they should have two-tier pricing. No subscription fee for what you consider basic and $6 for those who want all the extra fitness stuff. Guac is extra, I get it. But don't offer me basic (sleep) features and charge me extra!
EXACTLY! I'm ok with optional subscriptions.
Thank you so much for looking into this. I completely agree with your analysis and it's a shame Oura has decided to implement a subscription model in this way. Not all subscriptions are created equal.
Thank you for sharing this video! I wish I had done a lot more research before buying the Oura ring. Clearly, the subscription didn't stop me. But when my ring stopped working (wouldn't sync to my phone) less than 6 months after I got it, and after being on email threads with slow, poor customer service for a month, I really regret getting it. Even the replacement ring they sent me doesn't work. The case is still in the process of being resolved. So for folks on the fence about the subscription, know that customer service is really bad, should something happen to your ring. And for that reason, coupled with what Katie talks about in this video should be enough not to get an Oura ring.
Well said Katie! I was so ready to buy my first ring, but their approach to the subscription model by removing key data and insight previously available is a sign of a greedy, out of touch company... they lost me. I hope they are listening.
So true! I left some Tweets on their twitter site. More people should do that. Maybe they’ll listen or they will block me. We’ll see.
Great video, and I totally agree with everything you said. I've got a gen 2, so I wouldn't be paying for the subscription (if I upgrade quickly), but there's something that doesn't feel right about it now - I won't be upgrading. It's such a strange move; before buying the Oura I did all the research and compared it to watches and the Whoop, and one of the things that tipped me over to the Oura was the lack of subscription, I bet lots of others were the same 🤷♂️
yup! you are NOT alone! A lot of people saw Oura as the alternative to Whoop. That is changing
Thank you for your video. I was considering the Oura, but now I am leaning for the Apple watch. 😎
I was about to order the 3 as a User of the 2, directly at the announcement. Even only seeing that there is service made me wonder how long it would take till they announce something additional which everyone needs to pay. It was such a let down and shock for honestly a company I really admired for their work, that I put the ring down at the next charge cycle and never put it on again!
I personally bought 2 Oura rings for friends and 3 people bought rings at my recommendations. I bought my Oura ring after seeing your recommendation, and I agree with your assessment of the situation. Thank you so much Katie 🙏🏼
Completely agree with you Katie. This push towards subscription based hardware is anti-consumer at its base. Subscription makes sense for software based products or for hardware which is *massively* sold at a discount. Without the option this is simply a slap in the face for consumers. Reading stories of BMW holding features like heated seats behind subscriptions in the UK tells you exactly where the markets would like to head. We need to vote with our wallets. I am very interested in buying an Oura ring- but not with these predatory business tactics.
Thank you so much for this TH-cam video regarding the Oura 3 pricing. A friend of mine highly recommended this device to me but unfortunately I missed the deadline for the grandfathering deadline. I don't understand why companies sell a device that has sensors and electronics built into it...which they charge you for. Then they restrict the info those sensors measure, holding you hostage for a subscription. I can understand if there's a real optional subscription that offers deeper analysis or fitness/health programs, but all the baseline tracking data should be accessable to the owner.
So I decided to purchase the Fitbit Sense instead, as it offers most of the data and sleep tracking without any required subscriptions. I'd prefer a ring but I'll just settle for a watch. I would have paid a base price increase of $100 for the ring...too bad they hopped on the financial vampire pricing model. Too bad, promising piece if tech.
Hit the nail on the head with this vid. I think Oura's play is to make their products more exclusive (again) by marking up the price, as they have been becoming more mainstream recently. Foul play on their part.
Aligned! Thanks!
Thanks Katie. I'm one of those who really wanted to buy the Oura.....but changed my mind because of the extra $72/year subscription. I agree with your comment. The "deep information" should be "standard information".
I've been looking at health tracking devices recently, and Oura came up as the top contender. It is, as you said, the fact that they're charging fees for the raw data collected over the course of wearing the device, without offering any additional benefits, puts me off. I totally understand that this may be part of a loyalty program that awards earlier purchasers, but unless they're giving something more than the raw data access and the mere analytical graphs and charts that could be created with excel or similar apps/programs, they should not be charging subscription.
Currently watching videos last minute when I realized it was nearly the end of the special upgrade offer deal. I am a gen 2 user and switched over from the WHOOP strap SPECIFICALLY due to the lack of a subscription fee. They are not worth the investment and are simply unnecessary. All I was looking for was an accurate and non-cumbersome way to gather sleep data that doesn't suck costs out on a regular basis. The biggest difference for me with the ring is that I cant wear it while I play tennis like I comfortably could with the WHOOP but I digress, sleep is the most valuable metric to track in my opinion. I probably won't ever upgrade unless they do something about the subscription fee. Sad to see them following the subscription pricing model trend but no surprise as it's proven to be very lucrative for companies.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have been tinking about getting an Oura ring but after hearing that they basically hold your data hostage....I changed my mind! I hate when companies get so greedy that they become crooks! No Thank you!
I was really excited for this ring as I am going into knee surgery in a week and I was hoping that the ring would help me track my recovery and bring me back faster. However, the addition of the subscription made me hesitant and now I’m looking for another option. I would gladly get this ring without the subscription but for now, that’s impossible. Wonderful video! Thanks