Garmin’s u-turn was confirmed by Ray Maker of DC Rainmaker, who was one of the first commentators to spot that the feature was kept out of the hands of non-Connect+ users. Given that the phrase ‘no subscription required’ features heavily in Garmin’s marketing for the Cirqa, the fact that such a core aspect of the fitness tracking experience was hidden behind a paywall is absurd.
After all, the Garmin Cirqa is positioned as the more cost-effective option to the Whoop Strap, which can only be used with an annual subscription in tow, with the minimum price set at £169/$199.
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
The Cirqa isn’t the only Whoop competitor on the beat, however, as its launch comes just months after the slimmer and more affordable Fitbit Air hit the scene.
Although it can also operate without a subscription, our take is that the Fitbit Air is at its best when you do sign up for the Google Health Coach tier, which includes a wealth of AI-infused insights based on your collected data, effectively giving you access to a personal trainer at all times.
By comparison, the Cirqa (with the initial exception of live HRM) is designed to give you all of Garmin’s core metrics included in the £179.99/$199.99 upfront cost, such as Sleep Score, Training Readiness and workout results.
Popular or just lacking in stock?
If you’ve yet to pick one up but are hoping to do so soon, you may be waiting a fair while to get your hands on one.
