We asked 300 people which screenless fitness tracker they’d buy, and the results are pretty close

In 2026, screenless fitness trackers are becoming increasingly popular as people seek a calmer, quieter approach to health monitoring. Two notable contenders in this category are the Fitbit Air and the Garmin Cirqa, both of which do not require screens or subscriptions to function.

A recent poll conducted by Tom's Guide involved over 300 respondents, and the results indicate a clear preference between the two devices. Forty-one percent of respondents would choose the Fitbit Air, while thirty-one percent would opt for the Garmin Cirqa. A smaller percentage, thirteen percent, would consider the Whoop 5.0, and twelve percent would go for the Oura Ring 5. Only one percent mentioned they would purchase a different screenless tracker.

While the Garmin Cirqa is priced at $199, which is double the cost of the Fitbit Air at $99, both devices share several similarities. They both operate without screens and primarily rely on a companion app for interaction. The Garmin Cirqa does have one physical button to start and stop workouts, providing a tactile user experience.

Both devices offer excellent companion apps. The Fitbit Air uses the new Google Health App, which, with a monthly subscription, includes an AI health coach powered by Gemini. The Garmin Cirqa, on the other hand, integrates seamlessly with the Garmin Connect app, enabling users to transfer data between their watch and the screenless tracker easily.

Ultimately, the choice between these two devices comes down to personal preference and budget. The Fitbit Air may be more comfortable on the wrist, but users may require a monthly subscription to unlock the device's full potential. The Garmin Cirqa, while twice the price, offers subscription-free data and a side button that enhances workout data accuracy.