(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)
I just finished reviewing the new Garmin Cirqa, and it's one of the best fitness trackers of 2026. A screen-free wearable, the Cirqa is a direct competitor to the popular Fitbit Air and Whoop 5.0.While these three wearable devices have a lot in common — like the lack of a screen, onboard GPS, and notifications — several key factors set the Garmin Cirqa apart from the Fitbit Air and Whoop 5.0.With that in mind, after two+ weeks of wrist time, here are the five most important things you need to know about the new Garmin Cirqa.1. Garmin Cirqa = Cheaper than Whoop, pricier than Fitbit
(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom's Guide)The Cirqa is pricier than the Fitbit Air but cheaper than the Whoop 5.0. Both the Fitbit Air and Garmin Cirqa are subscription-optional products, with the vast majority of their core features available for free. However, the Cirqa is twice the cost of the Air: $199 vs $99.The more pro-athlete-oriented Whoop 5.0 is technically free, but users must sign up for an annual subscription to use it, which ranges from $199 to $359 a year depending on the tier.2. Garmin Cirqa = Comfier than the Whoop, bulkier than the Fitbit
(Image credit: Future)The Fitbit Air is both thinner and lighter than the Garmin Cirqa. The former weighs just 5.2 g, and the latter weighs 14.8 g (both excluding the strap). Compared to the Whoop 5.0, the Garmin Cirqa is roughly the same dimensions, but the Whoop weighs 26.5 g (no strap), making it less comfortable than the Cirqa.That said, I’ve found the Cirqa strap to be the scratchiest of the bunch, though it does appear to be softening up a bit with wear.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.3. Garmin Cirqa = Battery life also splits the difference
