Garmin Launches CIRQA: A Screen-Free Whoop Rival Without Membership Fees
Introduction
Garmin has entered the screenless wearable market with the CIRQA Smart Band, a $199.99 fabric-strapped tracker that drops the recurring membership fee common among its rivals, particularly Whoop.
Key Features
- No Membership Required: Unlike Whoop and Google’s Fitbit Air, the CIRQA offers core tracking features without any subscription fees.
- Competent Tracking: Equipped with Garmin’s Elevate heart-rate sensor, it tracks sleep stages, respiration, heart-rate variability, Pulse Ox, stress, skin temperature, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, training readiness, VO2 max estimates, and over 80 activity profiles with connected GPS from a paired phone.
- Long Battery Life: Rated for up to 10 days of usage, surpassing Fitbit Air’s weeklong battery life but falling short of Whoop’s claimed two-week battery life.
- Versatile Design: Available in seven colors, it can be worn on the wrist or higher up the arm with an optional accessory, reminiscent of the Whoop 5.0 design.
- Additional Services: Users who desire deeper analysis can opt for Garmin Connect+ for $6.99 a month or $69.99 annually.
Market Positioning
Garmin positions the CIRQA as a complementary addition to its smartwatch lineup, emphasizing its discreet design and trusted health and fitness tracking tools. This move challenges Whoop, which has built its business almost entirely on subscription revenue.
Release Details
The CIRQA is listed as available now, though some retailers indicate an on-sale date of July 24, 2026. Garmin’s move comes at a point when Whoop is preparing for a potential public listing after raising funds at a valuation exceeding $10 billion.