The “holy grail” of Garmin wearables has finally been spotted. After years of user requests for a screen-free recovery tracker, an official (but premature) listing for the Garmin CIRQA Smart Band appeared on Garmin’s international web stores this morning.
While the pages were quickly taken offline, we managed to capture the details. This isn’t just another fitness tracker—it’s Garmin’s direct shot at Whoop and the Oura Ring.
The Leak at a Glance
The listing (Part Number 010-04675-00) briefly went live across the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Unlike the current Vivosmart series, the CIRQA appears to be a strictly screenless device designed for “invisible” 24/7 health monitoring.
- Product Name: Garmin CIRQA™ Smart Band
- Colors: Black, French Gray
- Sizes: S/M (120-200mm) and L/XL (145-240mm)
- Release Window: Expected May or June 2026 (Shipping cited as 4-5 months)
Why the CIRQA is Changing the Game
The competitor posts are calling this a “minimalist band,” but the technical implications go much deeper. The CIRQA is built for the “Watch Collector” and the “Elite Athlete” who doesn’t want another glowing screen on their wrist.
1. No Screen = Unrivaled Battery
By removing the AMOLED or MIP display, Garmin is likely targeting 10–14 days of battery life. This solves the primary pain point of the Whoop 4.0/5.0, which typically requires charging every 4–5 days.
2. The Elevate Gen 5 (or Gen 6?) Sensor
Rumors suggest the CIRQA will utilize Garmin’s latest sensor array, capable of ECG, Skin Temperature, and high-fidelity HRV (Heart Rate Variability). This data will feed directly into the Body Battery and Training Readiness scores within the Garmin Connect app.
3. Integration with Garmin Connect+
Crucially, the CIRQA was found listed under “Connect+ compatible devices.” This suggests the band will be the flagship hardware for Garmin’s new $6.99/month subscription service, offering AI-driven “Active Intelligence” and the new Performance Dashboards.
Garmin CIRQA vs. Whoop 5.0: The Comparison
| Feature | Garmin CIRQA (Expected) | Whoop 5.0 |
| Display | None | None |
| GPS | Connected (Phone) | Connected (Phone) |
| Subscription | Optional (Basic data free) | Required ($30/mo) |
| Battery Life | 10+ Days | 4-5 Days |
| Ecosystem | Garmin Connect (Free) | Whoop App (Paid) |
Pro Tip: Unlike Whoop, which essentially “bricks” if you stop paying your subscription, the CIRQA will likely allow access to your core health data for free, with only the “AI Coaching” sitting behind the Connect+ paywall.
Is the Garmin CIRQA Right for You?
Many Garmin fans have taken to wearing their Fenix on one wrist and a Whoop on the other—a practice known as “double-wresting.” The CIRQA eliminates this.
If you prefer a classic mechanical watch for your left wrist but want Garmin’s industry-leading recovery metrics on your right, the CIRQA is designed specifically for you. It’s small enough to be worn on the bicep or hidden under a shirt sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Garmin CIRQA release date?
Based on the “4 to 5 months” shipping estimate seen on the leaked product page, we expect an official launch in May or June 2026.
Will the CIRQA have GPS?
No. To keep the size minimal and battery life long, the CIRQA will likely use “Connected GPS,” meaning it hitches a ride on your smartphone’s GPS during outdoor activities.
Can I wear the CIRQA with another Garmin watch?
Yes! Garmin’s TrueUp technology allows multiple devices to sync data to one account, meaning you can wear your Forerunner for runs and the CIRQA for sleep and daily recovery.
Final Verdict
The Garmin CIRQA is the most exciting “stealth” wearable of 2026. It marks a shift from Garmin being a “watch company” to a “data company.”
By offering a screenless alternative to Whoop without the predatory $30/month subscription, Garmin is poised to dominate the recovery market.
