We Tested How Accurate Oura’s Temperature Data Is!

After almost a year with the Oura Ring on my finger, the question I get asked the most is- how accurate is it? How can you rely on a tiny device for something as precious as your health?

While some metrics are meant to be taken with a grain of salt, the one I so highly regard is the period tracking. With the base of these predictions being the skin temperature recorded by the Ring, it got me thinking: how accurate is the temperature data on the Oura Ring? So, I did a little research for myself.

What the Research Says

Oura conducted a study with 16 individuals over a week, comparing the temperature taken by the Ring and research-grade iButton under lab and real-world conditions. The performance was matching almost 99% under lab conditions and 92% in the real world. They also concluded that the Oura Ring reflects changes in one’s physiology and not the environment.

Another study reflected Oura’s accuracy in tracking nocturnal skin temperature and the changes that coincide with various phases of the menstrual cycle.

A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed 50 COVID-19 cases and concluded that the Oura Rins could detect signs of fever and illness in 76% of people by studying the temperature changes.

My Journey with Oura’s Temperature Tracking

Oura takes the temperature readings every minute while sleeping; therefore, an average temperature reading for the entire night is more accurate than an on-spot measurement taken by an oral thermometer.

Oura also takes 60 nights to set a baseline temperature with which it can detect deviations. Now, 60 nights seems a lot in the beginning, but it only solidifies the accuracy of the Oura Ring. Along with this, the baseline temperature for each individual is tailored according to the person’s lifestyle.

Luckily, I haven’t had the chance to test out its COVID-19 detecting abilities, but it has warned me about falling ill well beforehand a couple of times. With deviations in my temperature as little as 0.13°C, it advises me to take things slow. Personally, I load up on my vitamin C intake and multivitamins in case I have something important lined up.

The temperature tracking is remarkable, with deviations I wouldn’t normally notice. It takes these into account and gives a dead accurate prediction for my next period. I also love the fact that the battery lasts so long, almost 6 days on a single charge so that it doesn’t spend more time on the charger than my finger.

I do have to point out it doesn’t explicitly say that you’re coming down with COVID-19 or typhoid or the type of illness. Especially since illnesses like COVID-19 are also asymptomatic, it only detects temperature deviation and tells you you might be on the verge of falling sick and to take it slow.

It is always advised to consult your doctor for any kind of health concern.

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