Counterpoint Research forecasts more than $1 trillion in cumulative consumer wearables revenue between 2026 and 2032, with revenue growing 12% annually while unit shipments grow 6%.
Garmin’s core business sits in the slowest-growing part of that forecast. Counterpoint puts smartwatches and earbuds at $558 billion combined, the largest revenue pool, with smartwatch value growth seemingly evermore dependent on premium sensors and on-device AI rather than volume. A Forerunner or Fenix buyer knows that Garmin already owns this category. Growth has to come from selling that customer a second device.
Counterpoint research shows that the industry’s 12% revenue growth is largely due to preventive health. That is one market CIRQA targets without asking existing customers to give up their watch.
Smart rings are another fast-growing category in the forecast, albeit from a small base. The existence of a planned Garmin CIRQA Smart Ring is already leaked and known, which would give Garmin a direct position against Oura, Samsung and Ultrahuman.
Smart eyewear is the fastest-growing category Counterpoint identifies, projected to reach $44 billion by 2032, close to a fifth of total wearables revenue. Counterpoint splits the market into two segments: display-less camera-and-audio glasses, where Meta is leading, and AR display glasses, which capture more value and are the natural home for a sports HUD. Garmin has been here before. It built Varia Vision in 2016 before shelving the product. Engo now occupies the sports end of the market. Garmin’s CEO wouldn’t rule out new form factors on the last earnings call, and this site has previously received indications that Garmin is planning a microLED HUD – either for running, cycling or swimming.
Garmin seems to be investing in the right product areas for future growth.
Quick answers
Is the Garmin CIRQA a Whoop competitor?
Yes. CIRQA is a screenless band for recovery, sleep and readiness tracking, priced at $199.99 with no compulsory subscription. It targets the same buyers as Whoop, without the annual fee.
Is Garmin making smart glasses?
No smart glasses have been confirmed. Garmin built a heads-up display, Varia Vision, in 2016 and discontinued it, and Engo now occupies the sports HUD market. Counterpoint forecasts smart eyewear revenue of $44 billion by 2032, and Garmin’s CEO has not ruled out new form factors.
What new wearable categories is Garmin entering?
Garmin launched the CIRQA band in 2026, a CIRQA Smart Ring has leaked through a certification filing, and a return to smart eyewear remains possible. Each targets a faster-growing category than the smartwatch market Garmin already leads.
Last Updated on 20 August 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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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
