Garmin Cirqa vs. Fitbit Air: Testing Which Screenless Tracker Rules the Walk

The Walk Test: Putting Wearables to the Test

For the fitness enthusiasts following our team at Tom's Guide, you know that a new device launch isn't complete until it undergoes our signature 'walk test.' While modern fitness trackers offer an impressive array of advanced metrics, the foundational ability to accurately count steps remains the most critical benchmark for any wearable.

Following the recent launch of the Garmin Cirqa ($199), we set out to see how it performs against the reigning champion of budget, screenless trackers: the Fitbit Air ($99). Both devices aim to provide comprehensive health monitoring—tracking heart rate, sleep quality, menstrual cycles, and skin temperature—without the distraction of a screen or the need for a monthly subscription service.

Methodology: The Manual Count

To ensure complete accuracy, I carried a $5 manual mechanical counter throughout my 5,000-step test. Every step taken was registered on my mechanical device, which served as the absolute ground truth. I wore both the Garmin Cirqa and the Fitbit Air on the same wrist to ensure both devices were subject to identical arm movements, as both utilize internal accelerometers that measure the natural swing of the arm to determine movement.

The Results: A Clear Winner

After completing the 5,000-step journey, the data comparison revealed a significant difference in accuracy:

• Manual Counter: 5,500 steps
• Fitbit Air: 5,552 steps
• Garmin Cirqa: 4,605 steps

The Fitbit Air proved to be exceptionally accurate, overcounting by only a nominal margin. In contrast, the Garmin Cirqa struggled significantly. Furthermore, a major technical hurdle arose with the Garmin device: it failed to categorize the excursion as a dedicated walk, resulting in a generic '45-minute workout' log that lacked specific distance or step data.

The Verdict: Why Accuracy Matters

While Garmin emphasizes that its algorithm learns and adapts to the user over time, the initial performance of the Cirqa was disappointing compared to the reliable Fitbit Air. It is worth noting that I have been using the Fitbit Air for months, whereas the Cirqa was fresh out of the box. However, for users seeking immediate, reliable step-counting right out of the gate, the Fitbit Air remains the clear victor. I will continue to test these devices in various environments to determine which truly offers the best value for long-term health tracking.