Oura Ring 3 vs Biostrap Kairos: Which Sleep Tracker is Better?

Key Takeaways

• Oura Ring 3 uses advanced sensors to monitor heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and sleep stages.
• Biostrap Kairos offers detailed sleep analysis through automatic and manual tracking options.
• Oura Ring 3 is lightweight and non-intrusive, while Biostrap Kairos is a wristband suitable for enterprises and researchers.
• Oura Ring 3 has a battery life of up to 7 days, whereas Biostrap Kairos needs frequent charging.
• Pulsetto is a highly effective vagus nerve stimulation device designed to reduce stress and enhance sleep quality, that complements the Oura Ring 3 and other sleep tracking devices.

Oura Ring 3 vs Biostrap Kairos Overview

Purpose of the Device

The Oura Ring 3 is a sleek and discreet smart ring designed to track various health metrics, with a minimalist aesthetic that resembles regular jewelry. Unlike traditional fitness trackers or smartwatches, it focuses on advanced health monitoring without the distractions of notifications.

A person wearing the Oura Ring 3 on their index finger.

Biostrap Kairos is a wearable device introduced by Biostrap USA and is designed primarily for enterprise and research applications rather than the consumer market. It focuses on providing advanced insights into the autonomic nervous system, particularly through stress resilience measurement and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Design and Comfort

Design and comfort are crucial when choosing a sleep tracker, as you'll be wearing it throughout the night. The Oura Ring 3 is crafted from lightweight materials such as titanium, making it comfortable to wear all day and night. Its sleek design ensures it won't interfere with your daily activities.

The Biostrap Kairos is a wristband that needs to be worn snugly above the wrist bone. While some users find wristbands comfortable, others may prefer the less obtrusive design of a ring.

Here’s how Biostrap Kairos must be worn. When tracking sleep, place the wristband snugly above the wrist bone, so it isn’t too tight or too loose. 

Key Features

Both the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos come packed with features to help you understand and improve your sleep quality.

• Oura Ring 3: Tracks sleep stages (deep, light, REM), heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and respiratory rate.
• Biostrap Kairos: Has automatic and manual sleep tracking, detailed sleep analysis, and health metrics like heart rate and oxygen saturation. 

Oura Ring 3 vs Biostrap Kairos Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos. 

*Prices were collated at the time of writing and may be different now.

While both devices track sleep, the Oura Ring 3 is more consumer-focused, providing detailed sleep scoring and insights. The Biostrap Kairos, on the other hand, prioritizes enterprise-level biometric monitoring and stress resilience analysis.

Oura Ring 3 Overview

Health Metrics Monitored

The Oura Ring 3 monitors various health metrics that give you a better understanding of your well-being. These include:

• Heart Rate
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
• Body Temperature
• Respiratory Rate

By keeping track of these metrics, you can spot trends and make informed decisions about your health. For example, a consistently low HRV score might indicate that you're not getting enough rest or are under stress.

Battery Performance

One of the practical aspects of the Oura Ring 3 is its long battery life. It can last up to 7 days on a single charge. Charging is simple and the device takes 20-80 minutes to reach full capacity.

Material and Design

The Oura Ring 3 is made from lightweight titanium with a durable Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating, available in two models—Heritage and Horizon—with various color options like Silver, Black, and Gold. Weighing between 4 to 6 grams and measuring 7.9mm in width and 2.55mm in thickness, its design prioritizes comfort and functionality. With a water resistance of up to 100 meters, users can wear it during activities like showering and swimming. The design includes a small groove to ensure proper sensor placement against the skin and improve health tracking accuracy.

Comparing the Horizon and Heritage models of the Oura Ring 3. 

App Integration

The Oura Ring 3 connects with the Oura app to provide a comprehensive overview of health metrics, including sleep, activity, and readiness scores. The app offers personalized insights and recommendations based on individual health goals. You can track sleep stages and heart rate, with data presented in an intuitive format. 

Additionally, it connects with platforms like Google Fit and Apple Health, enhancing its utility in health management. The app also has mindfulness features (e.g., meditation and breathing) to improve overall well-being and sleep quality. 

Biostrap Kairos Overview

Health Metrics Monitored

The Biostrap Kairos monitors a wide range of health metrics not just for sleep, similar to the Oura Ring 3. These metrics include:

• Active & Resting Heart Rate
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
• Interbeat Intervals (IBI)
• Comprehensive Sleep Analysis
• Activity Metrics
• Respiratory Rate

One of the standout features of the Biostrap Kairos is its ability to provide detailed sleep analysis. This includes tracking sleep stages and offering insights into your sleep quality. Users can benefit from understanding how much deep, light, and REM sleep they are getting each night.

Battery Performance

On the other hand, the Biostrap Kairos requires more frequent charging compared to the Oura Ring 3 since it can only last up to 5 days on a single charge. 

To ensure accurate sleep tracking, it's recommended to charge the device either after waking up in the morning or while getting ready for bed at night. In fact, you must ensure that the wristband is at least 50% charged before going to bed.

While frequent charging can be a minor inconvenience, the detailed insights provided by the Biostrap Kairos can make it worth the effort.

Material and Design

The Biostrap Kairos is designed to be worn on the wrist, making it a more traditional option compared to the Oura Ring 3. This design choice may also appeal to people who prefer wrist-worn devices over rings. The wristband is made from durable materials and is designed to be comfortable for long-term wear.

The Kairos track can also be worn on the forearm or biceps with an armband - this is ideal for situations where wrist accessories are not allowed, such as in surgical environments or even for athletes.

Wearing the Biostrap Kairos correctly is essential for accurate tracking. The wristband should be placed snugly above the wristbone, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose. This ensures that the sensors can accurately monitor your health metrics.

App Integration

The Biostrap Kairos integrates seamlessly with its app, providing users with a comprehensive view of their health data. This app presents the sleep data in an accessible format. For those interested in granular detail, the Biostrap has a Sleep Lab subscription. 

In addition to basic sleep features, Biostrap Sleep Lab features comprehensive monitoring with biometric recordings every two minutes, tracking of arm and leg movements, snoring detection, and circadian rhythm analysis. It also provides a circadian score and detailed sleep accounting. You can also generate shareable PDF reports to share with friends, family, or healthcare professionals.

Two views of the Sleep Lab app.

User Experience

Comfort and Wearability

Here's how the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos compare:

• Oura Ring 3: Lightweight and non-intrusive; easy to wear all day and night. The ring is also water-resistant. 
• Biostrap Kairos: Worn on the wrist, which some users may find more comfortable than a ring. Can also be worn on the forearm and bicep but the strap must be purchased separately - priced at $30 per strap.

Both devices are designed to be worn continuously, but personal preference will play a significant role in determining which one is more comfortable for you. 

Accuracy and Reliability

Both the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos use advanced sensors to monitor health metrics.

The Oura Ring 3 uses research-grade sensors such as a 3-axis accelerometer, relative SpO2 Sensor, etc. to track heart rate, HRV, body temperature, and sleep stages.

Similarly, the Biostrap Kairos has a highly sensitive CMOS-based optical sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, etc. to accurately track heart rate, HRV, oxygen saturation, and sleep stages. Its sleep analysis can help you understand your sleep patterns and make informed decisions about health too - or allow researchers to deduce the health status of their research participants.

Real-Life Application

In real-life applications, both devices offer valuable insights that can help improve your sleep quality and overall health. The Oura Ring 3 provides personalized sleep insights and suggestions, such as adjusting your bedtime routine or reducing caffeine intake. For example, its Readiness Score can tell how ready you are to face your day based on physiological responses and movement patterns.

The Biostrap Kairos, with its detailed sleep analysis and health metrics, can help you understand your sleep patterns and make lifestyle changes to improve your well-being. Because of the price, it’s a lot more suitable for research purposes or Remote Physiological Monitoring.

Subscription and Additional Costs

The Oura Ring 3 comes with an optional subscription service with advanced insights and personalized recommendations. The subscription costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. This subscription enhances the overall user experience by providing more detailed health insights and sleep analysis.

On the other hand, the Biostrap Kairos has a Sleep Lab subscription for those interested in detailed sleep analysis. This subscription allows users to manually start and stop sleep sessions for comprehensive data capture. The cost of the Sleep Lab subscription varies, so it's essential to check the Biostrap website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Final Thoughts

Both devices offer comprehensive sleep tracking and health insights, but they differ in design, user experience, and additional costs.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what matters most to you. If you prefer a lightweight, non-intrusive design and long battery life, the Oura Ring 3 might be the better choice. Its advanced sensors and personalized insights can help you improve your sleep quality and overall health.

However, if you prefer a wrist-worn device with detailed sleep analysis and additional health metrics (especially for research purposes), the Biostrap Kairos could work.

Pulsetto: A Perfect Complement for Sleep Tracking

While the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos have their unique strengths and can help you achieve better sleep quality, it's worth mentioning Pulsetto as a valuable addition to your sleep improvement toolkit. 

Pulsetto is meant to be worn around the neck - keeping your hands free to focus on other tasks.

Pulsetto stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating the body's stress response and promoting relaxation. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, it helps to slow down heart rate and breathing, creating a calming effect that can facilitate the transition to sleep.

• Ideal for immediate stress relief and relaxation
• Various intensities & programs
• 20,000+ satisfied users worldwide
• Stylish and user-friendly design

Take control of your sleep health today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How accurate are the sleep metrics reported by the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos?

Both the Oura Ring 3 and Biostrap Kairos use advanced sensors to monitor sleep stages and health metrics. While both devices are generally accurate, individual experiences may vary. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for wearing and using the devices to ensure the best results.

Can these devices track other activities?

Yes, both devices offer activity tracking in addition to sleep monitoring. The Oura Ring 3 tracks daily activity levels and provides a Readiness Score each morning. The Biostrap Kairos also tracks various activities and offers detailed health metrics, such as heart rate and oxygen saturation.