Can Your Oura Ring Really Track Sleep? Lawsuit Says No

A class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in California alleges that Oura rings significantly oversell their ability to track users' sleep. The complaint, filed on August 20, centers on the claim that Oura's smart rings cannot accurately measure sleep or sleep cycles, despite marketing that suggests otherwise.

Oura promotes its ring as a comprehensive wellness companion, capable of tracking sleep and activity with detailed insights. However, the lawsuit contends that the company claims the ring can measure sleep scores, deep sleep, REM sleep, and other metrics with high accuracy. Plaintiff Madison Surber purchased a ring in 2025 for $513.68 based on these disputed marketing claims.

Attorneys for the plaintiff assert that Oura's estimated 95% accuracy is closer to 50%, essentially a coin toss. They argue that the ring measures heart rate, skin temperature, and body movement, using algorithms to estimate sleep stages, a method they claim is fundamentally flawed as sleep occurs in the brain, not on the finger. Oura, based in San Francisco, stated it disputes the allegations and will defend against them.

The lawsuit seeks to halt Oura's alleged fraudulent advertising and marketing practices. It also aims to secure restitution for customers, including Surber, who may have overpaid for the rings based on unfulfilled advertised benefits. This case contributes to a larger discussion about the value and potential stress associated with wearable health trackers.