(Credit: Garmin)
Screenless activity trackers are the latest battleground for wearable makers, and Garmin is ready to enter the race with the Cirqa Smart Band, which is designed to reduce distractions while collecting your everyday health data
The device features 24/7 health monitoring, tracking heart rate, skin temperature, stress, sleep, women’s health, and more. It also features Garmin’s Body Battery tech to give you a clearer picture of your energy levels through HRV status, VO2 max, and other training stats
The Cirqa Smart Band can track 80 activity types, with automatic detection of typical exercises such as running and walking, plus specialized modes for other activities such as archery and yoga. Each is activated through the Garmin Connect app, where you can review all your data
Other features include LiveTrack location sharing with friends and family, plus connected GPS when you take your smartphone with you on a workout. Garmin estimates the Cirqa Smart Band lasts up to 10 days before needing a recharge
The screenless fabric design is built to be worn on your wrist or as an armband, and it comes in seven colors: Black, Captain Blue, Citron Gray, Dark Olive, French Blue, French Gray, and Mauve.
(Credit: Garmin)
The device is out now and costs $199.99. There’s no dedicated subscription required to access basic features, unlike some rivals such as Whoop. However, some of Garmin’s more advanced features, such as AI-powered intelligence, nutrition, 3D maps, and coaching guidance, are locked behind Garmin Connect+ for $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year
Fitness tracking devices that minimize distractions by omitting a display have been popularized by Whoop, as well as the rise of smart rings, such as Oura and the Samsung Galaxy Ring
More recently, Google released the screenless Fitbit Air, which earned 4.5 stars from PCMag. Andrew Gebhart’s review said, “The Fitbit Air is a lightweight, affordable screen-free fitness tracker that delivers strong sleep and heart rate tracking plus standout AI coaching, making it the best all-around entry in the category.”
