Screen-Free Fitness: Comparing the Qalo SL-1 and Garmin Cirqa
How these two new $200 wearables compare in terms of battery, metrics, and software.
A New Generation of Screen-Free Fitness Trackers
The fitness accessory market has seen an interesting shift this year. Within a 10-week window, Garmin and Qalo both launched new-generation screen-free fitness bands: the Cirqa and the SL-1. Both devices are priced at approximately $200 and, crucially, do not require a monthly subscription fee for full functionality.
Despite their similar concepts, the devices differ significantly in technical specifications and capabilities. The Garmin Cirqa, released in July, offers a broader range of activities and detailed metrics, while the Qalo SL-1, which arrived in September, focuses primarily on battery longevity.
Technical Capabilities and Functionality
Garmin’s Cirqa stands out for its versatility, supporting over 80 physical activities, whereas the Qalo SL-1 features 54 modes. The Garmin device boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming at depths of up to 50 metres. By comparison, the Qalo SL-1 has an IP68 rating, with the manufacturer recommending it only for depths up to 10 metres.
Both bands measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, sleep phases, and skin temperature. However, their approaches to data analysis differ: Qalo uses a "Q Score" to summarise physical condition into a single metric, while Garmin distributes data across established metrics such as Body Battery, Training Readiness, and VO2 max.
App Ecosystem and Additional Services
While core features are free, Garmin has introduced an optional paid service called Connect+ for $6.99 per month. This subscription is required for AI-generated insights, a nutrition log, training plans, and detailed performance dashboards. Qalo is simpler in this regard, offering no additional paid packages, though its companion app provides less in-depth analysis.
Regarding battery life, the Qalo SL-1 leads with up to 12 days of use, compared to the Garmin Cirqa’s 10-day capacity. However, Garmin is faster to charge, taking 90 minutes to reach full power, while the Qalo takes between one and three hours according to the manufacturer.
Which Should You Choose?
Both devices are compelling, but testing suggests the Garmin Cirqa is the more reliable choice, particularly if automatic activity detection and data precision are your priorities. The Qalo SL-1 is attractive for those seeking a simple tracker with long battery life, though its app functionality and strap system could benefit from further refinement.
For users in Georgia, both devices are interesting options as they offer data collection without the monthly fees that often act as a barrier to purchasing such technology. Before buying, however, it is essential to consider their distinct ecosystems and whether you truly require the detailed analytics that Garmin provides for your daily workouts.