Garmin Cirqa Replaces Fitbit Air

Garmin Cirqa: A Game-Changer in Screenless Fitness Trackers

The Garmin Cirqa smart band has officially been announced, and after using it for almost 24 hours, I can confidently say it’s set to replace my Fitbit Air for good. As a long-awaited rival to the Whoop Strap, the Garmin Cirqa offers a more affordable alternative with no subscription required.

The Fitbit Air, which arrived a few months ago, brought a revamped Google Health app, but its true power is only unlocked with the additional Google Health Coach service, which carries a monthly cost of £7.99. In contrast, the Garmin Cirqa provides a robust fitness tracking experience with all the bells and whistles, including access to workout details, Sleep Coach, and Training Readiness.

Key Features of the Garmin Cirqa

The Garmin Cirqa has a physical button that starts tracking a workout with a single press, making it easier to use than the Whoop Strap or Fitbit Air. It also offers a longer battery life of up to 10 days, compared to the Fitbit Air’s 7 days. Additionally, the Garmin Cirqa provides AI-driven insights with the optional Garmin Connect+ subscription, but its core features are more than sufficient without it.

As someone who’s been reviewing smartwatches for close to a decade, I find the Garmin Cirqa’s scaled-back approach refreshing. It’s a great alternative to the Garmin Venu X1, and I may even consider using it as my primary fitness tracker. The Garmin Cirqa is a significant improvement over the Fitbit Air, and its features make it an attractive option for those looking for a screenless fitness tracker.

Comparison to Other Devices

The Garmin Cirqa is a strong contender in the screenless fitness tracker market, which has been dominated by the Whoop Strap. The Fitbit Air, which was released earlier in 2026, is a good device, but it can’t match the Garmin Cirqa’s features and value. Other devices, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, offer more comprehensive smartwatch experiences, but they may not be the best choice for those looking for a screenless fitness tracker.