Garmin launches Cirqa screenless fitness tracker

Garmin has released the Cirqa, a screenless, subscription-free fitness tracker designed for passive health and activity monitoring. Priced at approximately $199 (£180 / €200 / AU$299), the device integrates into the existing Garmin ecosystem and supports over 80 workout types, including sleep analysis and heart rate monitoring.

The wearable features a lightweight, minimalist design with a removable module and customizable bands available in two sizes. It is positioned as a comfortable alternative for users who may not want to wear a traditional smartwatch to bed or during certain activities like resistance training.

Early assessments highlight several technical challenges. Users have reported inconsistent battery life, which can vary between 4 and 10 days, as well as software bugs and limitations in activity detection, particularly regarding interval training and cycling. Additionally, while the device offers comprehensive metrics, it lacks advanced features such as ECG and may utilize algorithms more tailored toward athletes than casual users.