Garmin Cirqa vs. Whoop: Which Screenless Fitness Tracker Should You Buy?

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The Whoop Group pioneered the concept of a discreet, screen-free fitness device over a decade ago. Since then, other wearable brands have developed a screen-less model for their flagship health and fitness trackers. We’ve already compared the Fitbit Air and Whoop screenless fitness bands, but now another big name is joining the trend: Garmin. The new Garmin Cirqa Smart Band is available to order now and it’s just as minimalist as its Whoop rival.

Screenless wearables track various fitness and health metrics, from heart rate to sleep data and more, without the constant distraction of a screen. All monitored data can be verified via the dedicated companion app on your smartphone. The Garmin Cirqa may be the last fitness tracker to use this design, but Whoop has also innovated with its flagship wristband over the years. Comparing the latest models, which one is more worth buying? The answer comes down to whether you prefer a one-time purchase or a premium subscription.

Unlike Whoop, the Garmin Cirqa offers much of its functionality without the need for a monthly or annual subscription. For the price of $199.99, you get the Cirqa wristband and access detailed activity tracking, 24/7 health monitoring, performance metrics, sleep tracking, and even sleep coaching, all through the Garmin Connect app. However, some premium features are locked behind the Garmin Connect+ plan, which costs $6.99 per month. Nutritional tracking, AI-based Active Intelligence, and several other enhancements are only available with this subscription.

These features have been limited in terms of price since the introduction of Garmin Connect+ in 2025, but despite this, Garmin often beats the Apple Watch for fitness users by giving easy access to very specific health metrics and integrating a long-lasting battery. Like its predecessors, the new Garmin Cirqa promises to last up to 10 days on a single charge – and Garmin’s smartwatches have proven capable of delivering on that promise so far.

When Tom’s Guide reviewed the Cirqa screen-free fitness tracker, its dedicated fitness team found that it had a clear weakness when it came to step counting. In an actual walking test of 5,500 steps, the Cirqa’s step counter was reduced by approximately 16%. However, Garmin claims that accuracy may improve over time as the device gets to know you. In a separate TechRadar test, the Cirqa demonstrated excellent heart rate monitoring accuracy compared to the reference Polar H10 heart rate monitor.

The Whoop fitness tracker is available as a subscription only. When you sign up for a plan, you’ll receive the latest Whoop band (currently Whoop 5.0) and access all the health monitoring features of the Whoop app available for your chosen membership level. The most basic subscription costs $199 per year – the same price you’d pay for a Garmin Cirqa that you could theoretically use for years. If you want absolutely everything Whoop has to offer, you’re looking at a $359 per year subscription. For comparison, an annual subscription to Garmin Connect+ costs $69.99. Factoring in the Cirqa’s $199.99 upfront cost, you’ll be able to enjoy the full extent of Garmin’s features for over two years before the cost equals a full one-year subscription to Whoop.

Now, there are a few things to know before purchasing a Whoop band. More importantly, it offers health insights that other wearable devices don’t have. Whoop is worth an expensive subscription for people interested in an optimized, data-driven lifestyle. CNET reviewed the Whoop 5.0 and drew particular attention to its medical-grade sensors and innovative Healthspan feature. But if you’re looking for a financially reasonable way to live a moderately healthier life, the Garmin Cirqa may be the most prudent choice among today’s lineup of discreet screenless wearables.