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Qalo SL-1 vs. Garmin Cirqa: How these minimalist wearables compare

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Qalo SL-1 vs. Garmin Cirqa: How these minimalist wearables compare

Both screenless bands cost about $200 and work without a subscription, but their specs are pretty different.

Garmin and Qalo both launched screenless fitness bands just 10 weeks apart this year — and also priced them four cents apart at about $200 each. Garmin announced the Cirqa on July 21, and Qalo followed on September 29 with the SL-1. Neither of the bands has a display or requires a paid membership to work, separating them from Whoop, whose bands come with a membership starting at $199 per year.

Looking at their respective spec sheets, Qalo claims the longer battery life while Garmin lists the deeper water rating, more activity types and more training metrics. The Garmin wearable also has an optional paid software tier that Qalo doesn't. We've tested both in depth: our Garmin Cirqa review scored it 7.4 out of 10, while our Qalo SL-1 review gave it 6.8.

Qalo sells the SL-1 for $199.95 with a black silicone strap and a charging dock. Extra straps will set you back $34.95 apiece. No subscription is required to use the band, and the companion app is free.

99 Cirqa tracks its features without the need for a subscription. 99 per year. Cirqa's manual lists things like AI-generated insights, nutrition logging, Live Activity Stats, training guidance and a performance dashboard among the features that need the subscription. It also says that guided workouts require a subscription, and that some activities may too. Both bands are eligible for HSA and FSA spending.



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