Garmin Cirqa Launch: Key Features Explained by Garmin

Garmin has revealed the Cirqa, its first screen-free fitness tracker, marking a new direction for the company’s wearable lineup. Designed to compete with devices such as the Whoop band and Google Fitbit Air, the Cirqa focuses on health and fitness tracking without the distractions of a display. Priced at $199.99, the wearable is now available to order, although Garmin currently lists estimated availability at three to five weeks.

Speaking during the product launch, Garmin product manager Chrissy Wheeler addressed several questions about the new device. She explained that there is no significant advantage to wearing the Cirqa alongside a Garmin smartwatch during workouts. Garmin allows users to prioritize a primary wearable, meaning activities started on a watch take precedence. If both devices record the same workout, Garmin will retain only the primary activity while allowing users to decide whether to save an automatically detected session from the Cirqa.

Wheeler also confirmed that while the Cirqa does not use Garmin’s newest heart rate sensor, it does include skin temperature tracking. She said the latest sensor module was not used because its larger size would have increased the overall dimensions of the wearable.

Unlike many competing screen-free fitness trackers, the Garmin Cirqa includes a physical button. Wheeler said the decision reflects Garmin’s philosophy of giving users more control. The button allows users to manually start and stop activity tracking if they want every second of a workout recorded, while automatic activity detection remains available for those who prefer a hands-off experience.

The Cirqa is also equipped with a vibration motor. According to Wheeler, it supports a smart alarm and provides hourly vibration reminders during an active workout to help users avoid leaving activity tracking running unintentionally.

Garmin also clarified how Connected GPS functions on the device. Wheeler said GPS mapping works with all supported activities, including those detected automatically, allowing users to view mapped routes without manually starting an activity through the companion app.

On the subject of subscriptions, Wheeler emphasized that Garmin remains focused on hardware rather than recurring fees. She said the company offers optional premium subscription services for select features but does not charge customers to access their own health and fitness data, describing Garmin as fundamentally a device-driven business.

The company also confirmed that the Cirqa’s heart rate broadcasting is not limited to Garmin products. Because it uses Bluetooth, the feature can transmit heart rate data to any compatible device that accepts Bluetooth heart rate signals.