Garmin Cirqa: A Whoop killer on the horizon?

Garmin is reportedly preparing to launch its first new fitness tracking band since 2022, potentially named the 'Cirqa,' with an anticipated release by April 2026. Initial listings and FCC filings suggest this device might arrive in multiple sizes and include optical heart rate, body temperature, sweat, and SpO2 sensors. The Cirqa may also track heart rate variability and sleep quality.

This potential new entry into the screen-less fitness tracker market could directly compete with established players like Whoop. A key factor in its favor might be a subscription-free approach, which contrasts with the annual fees charged by Whoop and Oura. While Garmin offers a premium subscription tier, many core features are currently free, suggesting the Cirqa could follow this model.

Garmin's Vivosmart 5, its last fitness band, launched in 2022, indicating that a refresh is long overdue. The company, alongside Google (rumored to be developing a similar Fitbit device), appears poised to capture a segment of the wearables market focused on advanced, screen-less tracking. The absence of onboard GPS on the Cirqa is speculated as a cost-saving measure, requiring users to carry a paired phone for location data during activities.