Last Updated on February 1, 2025 by Kian
Hello again, Kian Harvey here! Today, we’re diving into one of the most frequently asked questions: “What’s the difference between the Oura Ring Horizon and the Heritage?” Many of you have been curious about whether the Oura Ring Horizon’s rose gold version is significantly different from the Heritage style. Is it more comfortable? More stylish? Does it offer better tracking? This comprehensive comparison of Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage will explore these factors in detail, with a special focus on the thickness and design differences between these two popular models.
Oura Ring Horizon Vs Heritage Thickness: Unboxing & Measuring The Rings
To answer these questions accurately, I used a digital caliper to measure the thickness of both the Horizon and Heritage rings. Here’s what I found:
- Oura Ring Heritage Thickness:
- At its thinnest point: 3.42 millimeters
- At its thickest point (with sensors): 4.10 millimeters
- Oura Ring Horizon Thickness:
- At its thinnest point: 2.73 millimeters
- At its thickest point (with sensors): 3.88 millimeters
The measurements reveal that the Oura Ring Horizon is slightly thinner overall compared to the Heritage. This difference in thickness might seem minimal, but it has a noticeable impact on comfort and wearability, which we’ll discuss further.
Design and Comfort: Rounded vs. Flat
One of the main differences between the Oura Ring Horizon and Heritage lies in their design:
- Heritage Style: Features a flat top surface, giving it a more traditional and understated look. While stylish, the flat surface creates a “plateau” effect that some users might find less comfortable, especially when worn on the middle finger.
- Horizon Style: Boasts a fully rounded design, making it sleeker and more modern. The rounded edges reduce the feeling of thickness, providing a more seamless fit on your finger.
When wearing the Horizon, the smooth and rounded edges make it feel lighter and less obtrusive, particularly when placed on the index finger. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and a modern aesthetic.
Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage: Weight Comparison
In terms of weight, the difference is almost negligible:
- Heritage Ring: Weighs approximately 0.11 ounces
- Horizon Ring: Weighs slightly more at 0.14 ounces
To put this into perspective, both rings weigh less than two pennies, so they’re incredibly lightweight and won’t feel cumbersome during daily wear.
Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage: Tracking Capabilities
Both the Oura Ring Horizon and Heritage offer advanced tracking features, including:
- Readiness Score: Provides an overview of how ready your body is for the day, based on metrics like sleep and recovery.
- Sleep Tracking: Tracks various sleep stages, including REM, light, and deep sleep, as well as oxygen saturation (SpO2).
- Activity Monitoring: Measures steps, calorie burn, and overall activity levels.
The Horizon and Heritage models share the same internal sensors, so their tracking accuracy is identical. However, the newer Horizon model’s design might make it slightly more comfortable for all-day wear, which can lead to more consistent data collection.
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Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage: Compatibility with Devices
While both rings are compatible with iOS and Android, many users report a smoother experience when pairing them with an iPhone. The Oura app’s synchronization tends to work better on iOS devices, making it easier to access data like heart rate, readiness, and activity trends.
If you’re using an Android device, the experience might be slightly less seamless, but the core functionality remains unaffected. Whether you’re a team iPhone or team Android, the Oura Ring remains one of the most reliable wearable fitness trackers available.
Real-Life Usage: Comfort and Functionality
The key to choosing between the Oura Ring Horizon and Heritage lies in understanding your personal preferences:
- Heritage Style:
- Best for those who prefer a classic, understated look.
- Ideal for users who don’t mind adjusting the ring throughout the day due to its flat design.
- Horizon Style:
- Perfect for those who value a modern, sleek appearance.
- Offers greater comfort thanks to its rounded edges, making it less noticeable on the finger.
Both rings are designed for long-term wear, but the Horizon’s smoother edges make it slightly more comfortable during activities like typing or exercising.
Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage Thickness: Key Differences
The Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage thickness debate is one of the most significant factors to consider. Although the thickness difference might seem small, the Horizon’s thinner, rounded design provides a noticeable improvement in comfort. This difference is particularly important if you plan to wear the ring on your middle finger, where the flat design of the Heritage can feel more obtrusive.
Pricing and Style Options
The price difference between the two models is another consideration:
- Heritage: It starts at $399 and is available in multiple finishes, including silver, black, and gold.
- Horizon: Starts at $499, with additional options like rose gold and polished silver.
The rose gold Horizon ring is particularly eye-catching and has become a favorite among users who want a stylish accessory that doubles as a fitness tracker.
Oura Ring Horizon vs Heritage: Similarities
While Horizon and Heritage have some design differences, they share many similarities that make them equally powerful and functional. Here’s what they have in common:
1. Advanced Sensors and Tracking Capabilities
Both the Horizon and Heritage are equipped with the same research-grade sensors, meaning they offer identical tracking capabilities. Whether you’re monitoring your heart rate, sleep stages, body temperature, or activity levels, both models deliver the same level of accuracy and reliability. I’ve tested both rings side by side, and the data they provide is consistently precise.
2. Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Oura Ring is its impressive battery life, and this is true for both the Horizon and Heritage. Both models can last up to 7 days on a single charge, and they charge quickly—anywhere from 20 to 80 minutes for a full charge. This is a huge advantage over other wearables that require daily charging.
3. Durability and Materials
Both the Horizon and Heritage are made from durable titanium, which makes them resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear. They’re also water-resistant up to 100 meters (328 feet), so you can wear them while swimming, showering, or sweating during workouts without worrying about damage.
4. Oura Membership Features
Both models come with access to the Oura Membership, which provides personalized insights and guidance based on your data. Whether you’re tracking your sleep, stress levels, or activity, the app offers actionable recommendations to help you improve your overall well-being. I’ve found this feature incredibly useful for making small, meaningful changes to my daily habits.
5. Compatibility and Connectivity
Both the Horizon and Heritage are compatible with the Oura App, which supports multiple languages and integrates with over 40 third-party apps like Apple Health and Google Fit. They also use Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) for connectivity, ensuring that your data syncs seamlessly with your smartphone.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re trying to decide between the Oura Ring Horizon and Heritage, here’s a quick summary:
- Choose the Horizon if you value comfort, modern design, and a sleek appearance. Its rounded edges and slightly thinner profile make it ideal for all-day wear.
- Choose the Heritage if you prefer a classic design and don’t mind the slightly thicker, flat-top style. It’s a great option for those who want a more traditional-looking ring.
No matter which models you choose, both the Horizon and Heritage offer industry-leading health-tracking capabilities, making them excellent investments for your wellness journey.
So, which style do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below! And as always, thank you for reading my review. Stay tuned for more comparisons and in-depth reviews of the latest wearable tech.
