Garmin · Reviewed by Waveform Clips · Published 2026-08-03
Based on a review by Waveform Clips (accessed 2026-08-03).
Based on this review alone: skip it — no standalone gps, only phone-connected gps, unless no subscription required for core features is your only priority.
The reviewers express significant disappointment with the Garmin Circa, particularly its lack of built-in GPS and shorter-than-expected battery life for a screenless device. Andrew states, "I almost feel like that's dead on arrival for this." They conclude it's a "big miss" for Garmin, despite some positives like no subscription fee.
This review covers the new Garmin Circa screenless activity tracker, comparing its features, size, battery life, and cost against competitors like Whoop and Fitbit Air. The hosts discuss its pros and cons, focusing on key aspects such as GPS functionality, subscription model, and overall value proposition for users.
The Garmin Circa disappoints despite its brand reputation, as core feature omissions make it a questionable competitor in the screenless tracker market. It lacks standalone GPS, requiring phone tethering for location data, and its 10-day battery life is surprisingly short compared to other screenless trackers or even Garmin's own watches with screens. While it might appeal to existing Garmin users seeking supplemental tracking, others should seek alternatives with integrated GPS or better battery performance. If you are already deeply invested in the Garmin ecosystem and want a secondary, screenless tracker, this could fit; otherwise, its limitations make it difficult to recommend for general use.
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The Garmin Circa is a screenless activity tracker.
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The product is named Garmin Circa.
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The Garmin Circa has a button on the side, which the reviewer finds promising for customization.
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The Circa is roughly the same size and shape as expected, similar to Whoop but potentially thinner, and wider than the Fitbit Air.
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The Garmin Circa costs $200 and does not require a subscription, making it a one-time purchase.
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Replacement bands for the Circa are expensive at $49 for a wrist band or $60 for an arm band, compared to Fitbit's more reasonable $35 accessory prices.
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The reviewer is confused by the Garmin Circa's 10-day battery life, finding it short compared to their Garmin Fenix 8 Pro watch which gets 14 days with a large AMOLED screen.
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The Garmin Circa does not have standalone GPS; it requires a connection to a phone for GPS tracking, which reviewers consider a "big miss."
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The reviewer believes that without standalone GPS, the Circa should have a 30-day battery life, making its actual 10-day battery life seem insufficient and confusing.
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One reviewer states their Fitbit Air lasts about 7 days on a charge.
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Reviewers compare the Circa's 10-day battery life to Whoop (10 days) and Fitbit Air (7-8 days), noting that Garmin's claim of 10 days might fall short in real-world usage.
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The Circa tracks typical stats including activity, heart rate, sleep, HRV, calories, body battery/training readiness, and includes a sleep coach and general sleep tracking in its free features.
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The Garmin Circa has vibrations only for alarms, lacks an altimeter for tracking floors climbed, and does not provide vibrations for general notifications.
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The side button can be used to quick-launch activities, complementing its auto-tracking features and the Garmin Connect app.
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The Garmin Circa uses the same proprietary charger as other Garmin devices, which a reviewer dislikes.
The Garmin Circa is available for a one-time purchase of $200 and does not necessitate an ongoing subscription. While Garmin Connect Plus offers additional features like live heart rate zones and coaching for a monthly fee, the core functionality of the Circa is free to use.
The Garmin Circa lacks built-in standalone GPS functionality. For GPS tracking during activities like running or biking, it must be connected to your smartphone. The reviewers consider this a significant oversight, especially for a Garmin product known for outdoor activities.
Garmin states the Circa has a 10-day battery life. However, reviewers expressed disappointment, noting that their Garmin Fenix watch with a large AMOLED screen lasts 14 days, and they expected a screenless device without GPS to last closer to 30 days. One reviewer's Fitbit Air only lasts about 7-8 days, suggesting the Circa's 10-day claim might be barely adequate.
The Garmin Circa tracks a comprehensive set of health and fitness metrics. These include general activity, continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep patterns (with a sleep coach), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), calorie expenditure, Body Battery energy levels, and Training Readiness scores.
The Garmin Circa is described as roughly the same size and shape as the Whoop band, possibly a little thinner in height off the wrist. However, it is wider than the Fitbit Air and reviewers still found it somewhat "chunky" compared to the very minimal Fitbit Air, especially if worn alongside another watch.
The Garmin Circa is equipped with a vibration motor, but its functionality is limited to alarms. It does not vibrate for incoming notifications such as texts or calls, which one reviewer specifically highlighted as a missing feature. Additionally, it lacks an altimeter for tracking floors climbed.
40/100 source quality
The Waveform Clips team discusses the Garmin Circa, a new screenless activity tracker intended to compete with Whoop and Fitbit Air. They note its $200 price point and lack of a subscription, which are positives. However, the reviewers are largely disappointed by its features, particularly the absence of built-in GPS and a 10-day battery life, which they find too short for a device without a screen. They suggest it might be best suited as a secondary device for existing Garmin watch users who want continuous tracking without their main watch.
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This page converts Waveform Clips's review of the Garmin Garmin Circa into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted