Garmin CIRQA is officially here! A lightweight display-less band monitors health and doesn't require a subscription

For years, smart device manufacturers have been figuring out how to keep you glued to your screen for as long as possible. Garmin is now betting on the opposite: its new CIRQA band has no screen and aims to disappear from your attention as much as possible. Instead of notifications and flashing lights, it quietly monitors your health and fitness in the background. The established Whoop thus has another interesting competitor besides the recently introduced Fitbit Air from Google.

A band you don’t want to feel or see

The entire concept is based on a simple idea – to be as unobtrusive as possible. The device has no display, doesn’t light up or vibrate for every message, so it won’t distract you while running, sleeping, or working. The module, measuring 27 × 47 × 9 millimeters, weighs less than 15 grams and is hidden in a ComfortFit textile strap. You can wear it classically on your wrist, or as an armband – for example, under a shirt or while cycling, where a watch might get in the way.

That the novelty was coming was no secret, after all – we last wrote about it when Garmin accidentally revealed its features on its website recently. Now, after long months of speculation, it is officially here. According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts up to ten days on a single charge, although actual battery life varies depending on the activated functions. The band can also handle swimming thanks to its 5 ATM water resistance, and it continuously sends measured data to the Garmin Connect app, where you can review it at your leisure later.

What all does Garmin CIRQA measure?

Under the inconspicuous casing, a decent array of sensors is hidden. The device continuously measures heart rate, its variability, stress level, and blood oxygen saturation, and also adds skin temperature and the Body Battery energy monitor. It automatically recognizes and records over 80 sports activities, from running to yoga. However, it can only track an accurate outdoor route when connected to the phone’s GPS – the new device does not have its own satellite chip.

Sleep, women’s health, and training readiness

Sleep is a major chapter. CIRQA offers a sleep score, its individual phases, nap detection, and so-called sleep consistency, which shows how well you maintain your circadian rhythm. Women will also appreciate menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, including ovulation estimation based on skin temperature; data can be linked with the Natural Cycles app, which, however, only works with its own subscription. The manufacturer also emphasizes that it is not a medical device and the numbers serve for overview, not for diagnosis.

Athletes will be more pleased with the training readiness score, an overview of training status, or VO2 Max fitness estimation. Additionally, through the LiveTrack feature, loved ones can track your real-time location, and the band can also broadcast heart rate to other Garmin devices, such as an Edge cycling computer.

However, the main weapon is the operating cost. You don’t pay any subscription for basic health tracking, which is exactly how Garmin wants to undercut its competitor Whoop. But it’s not entirely free: smarter features like training plans, nutrition tracking, meditations, or breathing exercises are unlocked only with a paid Garmin Connect+ subscription.

Price and availability

Garmin CIRQA will cost 4,990 crowns in the Czech Republic. You can pre-order it on Alza, where it is expected to go on sale from July 24th. There are two strap sizes to choose from (S–M and L–XL) and several color variants – from understated black to more vibrant shades.

Are you tempted by a smart band that deliberately displays nothing?

Sources: Garmin, Alza