Engadget's comparison of the Oura Ring 5 and Apple Watch Series 12 concludes that there is a clear winner for most buyers, but the choice depends heavily on your phone and lifestyle. Both devices track sleep, steps, heart rate, and menstrual cycles, and both offer readiness scores. However, the Apple Watch Series 12 is a multipurpose wearable with a touchscreen, GPS, and cellular options, while the Oura Ring 5 is a more passive tracker that relies on your phone for nearly everything.
The biggest practical difference is workout tracking. The Series 12 provides real-time stats on your wrist, including running cadence and precise GPS location, while the Oura mostly auto-detects activity and often requires you to pull out your phone for live data. The review also notes that smart rings are a poor choice for weightlifters due to potential damage from barbell knurling. On the other hand, the Oura Ring 5 lasts six to nine days on a charge, compared to daily charging for the Apple Watch, making it more convenient for continuous sleep and health data.
Platform support is a decisive factor. The Apple Watch Series 12 requires an iPhone, while the Oura Ring 5 works with both iOS and Android via Health Connect. The review also highlights Oura's subscription model: without a $6 monthly or $70 yearly membership, users lose access to 24/7 heart rate tracking, blood oxygen levels, and third-party integrations. Apple provides similar health insights at no extra cost, though it aims to lock users into its broader ecosystem.
Ultimately, Engadget recommends the Apple Watch Series 12 for iPhone owners who take fitness seriously or want a wearable that works independently of their phone. The Oura Ring 5 wins by default for Android users, and otherwise appeals to people who want a general health overview without constant notifications or screen time. The review cautions against choosing based on aesthetics alone, as the functional differences are far more significant.