Garmin CIRQA: Simply Too Big. #Fail
The CIRQA is too long for most wrists, and on a slim arm it looks odd. Everything else about the device that needs improvement can be fixed with a software update. The size can’t.
Garmin has got most of it right. The feature set covers the relevant ones you would otherwise get on a sub-$500 Garmin watch, with Body Battery, Training Readiness, HRV Status, Training Status and VO2max all free. The 10-day battery claim is honest. The Gen 4.1 sensor is a reasonable choice at $199.99.
Connect+ is the weak point, because the live activity view shows almost nothing without a subscription and charging for live heart rate on a heart rate band is hard to defend. Garmin may or may not fix that, but it is the kind of thing that gets fixed. Firmware ships and subscription tiers get rebalanced.
The module is 47mm long, and that is what buyers are stuck with for as long as they own it.
Measured against Whoop
In the author’s opinion, Whoop defined what a screenless band should look like, so it makes for a natural comparison.
| Against Whoop 5.0 / MG | Length | Width | Thickness | Footprint | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whoop 5.0 / MG | 34.7mm | 24.0mm | 10.6mm | 833mm² | 26.5g |
| Garmin CIRQA | +35% | +13% | -15% | +52% | -22% |
| Polar Loop | +21% | +13% | -15% | +36% | +9% |
| Amazfit Helio Strap | -2% | +1% | 0% | -1% | -25% |
| Fitbit Air | +1% | -29% | -22% | -29% | -55% |
Note: Weights are the complete device including the default band. Amazfit publishes 20g for the Helio Strap without stating whether the band is included.
Length is the problem
The CIRQA module is the same length as the body of a Fenix 8 in its 47mm case, although the Fenix spans more wrist once its lugs are counted. Garmin has managed to build a device with no screen, no GPS and no Wi-Fi with a body as large as its flagship multisport watch.
The width barely differs from Whoop, but the extra length is what stands out even in Garmin’s official launch photographs.
Thickness and weight are actually wins
The CIRQA is both thinner and lighter than Whoop, neither of which shows up in a product shot. That’s probably why neither has come up in the criticism since launch!
Fitbit went too far the other way
The Fitbit Air is far narrower and lighter than Whoop, but it pays for that in sensor area. Its pod is 17mm wide against Garmin’s 27mm, which limits how much optical array will fit behind the glass.
Who this affects
On a 7-inch wrist the CIRQA sits flat, and anyone who already wears a 51mm Garmin will not think twice about it. Below a wrist of about 6.5 inches, the module starts to run past the flat part of the wrist and onto the curve, which is where it looks wrong and where the sensor may lose even contact with the skin.
The bicep band mostly solves it
Wearing the CIRQA on the upper arm removes the problem almost entirely. The bicep is a flatter and larger, softer surface; CIRQA’s 47mm appears normal against the biceps, and even so it’s often out of sight under a sleeve. Garmin had the sense to ship an upper arm band at launch, at $59.99 in both sizes.
Garmin CIRQA Smart Band
Screenless health and fitness band (no subscription required)
+other retailersQuick answers
How big is the Garmin CIRQA?
The module measures 27 x 47 x 9mm and weighs 14.8g. Complete with the S/M band it is 20.7g, and 21.2g with the L/XL band. The band itself is 24mm wide, narrower than the 27mm module.
Is the Garmin CIRQA bigger than Whoop?
Yes in length and footprint, no in thickness and weight. The CIRQA module is 35% longer than the Whoop 5.0 and covers 52% more skin, but it is 15% thinner and 22% lighter complete with band.
Will the Garmin CIRQA fit small wrists?
The S/M band fits 120mm to 200mm wrist circumference, so it will fasten. The question is the 47mm module rather than the strap. Below roughly a 6.5 inch wrist the module runs onto the curve of the wrist rather than sitting flat.
Is there a smaller version of the Garmin CIRQA?
No. Garmin sells two band lengths and one module size. Whoop, Polar and Fitbit all do the same.
Does the upper arm band solve the size problem?
Largely, yes. The bicep is a flatter and larger surface, and the module is hidden under a sleeve. Garmin sells a dedicated upper arm band in black at $59.99 in both S/M and L/XL.
Last Updated on 24 July 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
Does anyone know if the skin temperature baseline is synced between multiple devices?
I have my doubts whether this is even possible (especially with a Gen5 and Gen4 device) which would mean that you can’t just switch between the band and a watch on a day to day basis.
No preorder for me until this is clarified / solved.
you mean if there were conflicting baselines from different device sources.
good quesiton
idk the answer.
I think forerunner 70/170 also features a gen 4.1 sensor, which came before cirqa
Correction: 170 does have a skin tem sensor but 70 does not
it has a temp sensor but i believe it is different to what we see on elevate
I think I’m mistaken both doesnt have a skin temperature sensor
Thickness en weight determine the wear and feel of a watch. So win win for garmin here
Why is the length a problem?
A classic dress watch in 38mm case size (without crown) has an average lug tu lug of 45mm.
If you go up to 40mm watch its a lug to lug of 47mm.