Garmin launches screen-free Cirqa fitness band without subscription fees
Garmin says the Cirqa tracks health, sleep and more than 80 activities while offering up to 10 days of battery life.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Garmin has introduced the Cirqa, a display-free fitness band aimed at people who want health and workout tracking without another screen on their wrist. The device also enters a crowded subscription-heavy fitness market with no required membership fee, according to Garmin.
The company says Cirqa uses heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature and motion sensors to monitor activity and health throughout the day and night. Garmin says removing the screen is meant to reduce distractions and help the band reach up to 10 days of battery life between charges.
Garmin says the Cirqa is available through its online store with an adjustable fabric strap that can be worn on the wrist or higher on the arm. The Verge reported that Garmin’s store lists the band at $99.99, though its summary of the announcement also described the device as $199.99.
The band comes in french gray, mauve, captain blue and black, according to Garmin. Users manage the device through the Garmin Connect app, while a single side button can be set as a shortcut for a preferred activity.
How Cirqa compares with rivals
Garmin is positioning Cirqa against screen-free or low-distraction fitness trackers from Whoop and Google’s Fitbit line. The Verge reported that Google’s Fitbit Air costs $99 and offers an optional Google Health Premium plan priced at $99 a year for advanced features.
Whoop’s latest tracker hardware is tied to memberships that start at $199 a year, according to The Verge. Garmin says Cirqa does not require a subscription to use its health and fitness features.
Cirqa can track more than 80 activities, including running and yoga, according to Garmin. The Garmin Connect app also shows training progress, workout effectiveness and whether the user appears ready for another session or may need rest, the company says.
Health and sleep tracking
Garmin says the band can monitor heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, metrics that may help identify signs related to conditions such as asthma and sleep apnea. The company also says Cirqa tracks sleep stages, breathing and heart rate overnight.
Each morning, the app can present a sleep score based on those readings, allowing users to compare one night’s rest with earlier sleep data, according to Garmin. The device is designed to be worn continuously, which Garmin says supports its round-the-clock wellness tracking.
Garmin says skin temperature data can also be used for menstrual cycle tracking. The company says that feature can support period predictions and estimates of past ovulation.
The Cirqa broadens Garmin’s wearable lineup beyond watches with screens, while keeping the company’s fitness and recovery tools tied to its app. Its no-subscription approach gives buyers another option in a category where some rivals charge recurring fees for fuller access to health insights.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.