Garmin’s rumored screen-less wearable just might be the subscription-free Whoop rival I’ve been waiting for

The sensors on the Garmin Vivosmart 4 fitness tracker — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Garmin hasn’t launched a new fitness tracking band since 2022, but that could change soon if recent rumors and leaks pan out. In fact, the Garmin ‘Cirqa’ could prove to be a Whoop killer for one major reason.

It’s also worth noting that Garmin has yet to launch any new wearables in 2026, so a Garmin Cirqa, or even a replacement for the beloved entry-level Forerunner 55 running watch (also launched in 2022), could also be right around the corner.

Garmin and Google want a piece of the Whoop pie

doing an ECG reading on the Whoop MG — (Image credit: Future)

Garmin’s new, rumored screen-less fitness tracker first showed up on one of the brand's own regional websites earlier this year, initially spotted by the5Krunner. While details are limited, the listing for the Cirqa said it will be available in ‘four to five months,’ making an April launch date entirely possible.

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A separate filing by Garmin for a product called ‘CIRQA’ with the U.S. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), also initially uncovered by the5Krunner, only adds fuel to the fire for a spring/summer 2026 launch.

Of course, Garmin isn’t the only wearables giant hungry for a piece of the Whoop pie. Google is also rumored to be launching a screen-less Fitbit-branded wearable to take on the latest Whoop 5.0.

Garmin Cirqa rumored features and specs

Back sensors on the Garmin Vivosmart HR from 2015

According to details gleaned from the FFC filing, the new Garmin Cirqa fitness tracker might come in two sizes and feature at least an optical heart rate sensor. However, it could also sport body temperature, sweat, and SpO2 sensors, and track everything from heart rate variability to sleep quality.

It also seems possible that the Cirqa won’t have an onboard GPS, likely to keep costs down. This would mean that users will need to carry a paired phone for location data while working out.

Beyond that, we know little about what the rumored wearable will look like, cost, or how long it will last.

Garmin is overdue for a new fitness band

a photo of the Garmin Vivosmart 5 in walk mode — (Image credit: Future/Tom's Guide)

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 — the last Garmin fitness band to debut — might as well be a vampire; it’s so long in the tooth. Launched all the way back in 2022, the model is still technically current (Garmin lists it on the U.S. site), but retirement seems likely soon.

Garmin isn’t alone in neglecting its most entry-level wearables, and there’s no denying the fact that traditional fitness trackers have somewhat fallen out of style over the past four years. Google has similarly largely neglected its Fitbit portfolio, choosing to instead focus on the flagship Pixel Watch series.

Might screen-less fitness trackers be the next wave for both of these wearable tech powerhouses? It sure seems that way.

A subscription-free approach could whoop the competition

A photo of the sensors on the back of the Whoop 4.0 tracker — (Image credit: Future)

While Whoop may be the market leader in screen-less wrist-based fitness trackers, the brand suffers from the same complaints as Oura, maker of the best smart rings in 2026. Simply put, lots of folks aren’t keen on choosing a device that comes with recurring subscription costs.

The Oura Ring 4 subscription is $69.99 a year, and a Whoop subscription ranges from $199 to $349 annually. This could prove a liability for Whoop if Garmin or Google launch competing products without subscription costs.

Garmin presently offers the vast majority of fitness and wellness tracking metrics and insight for free. That said, the brand also has a paid subscription tier, Garmin Connect+, for $6.99 a month. The plan unlocks premium features like nutrition tracking and a personalized AI training coach.

Ultimately, if/when the Garmin Cirqa debuts, I’m guessing that most of the features will be free of charge, just like they are on the best Garmin watches of 2026.

Of course, even if Garmin and Google drop subscription-free Whoop alternatives, they'll still have to compete with the likes of the wallet-friendly Amazfit Helio Strap and the Polar Loop band, both of which also lack recurring costs.

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Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

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