- Live heart rate data will be free for Garmin Cirqa users
- Early testers noticed that it had been placed behind the Connect+ subscription
- The new tracker costs $199.99 / £179.99 / AU$299.99
We’ve already put the recently revealed Garmin Cirqa through an extensive hands-on testing session and came away very impressed. However, those who had early access to the device complained that live heart rate data was locked behind a paywall.
Garmin is now taking this negative feedback into account: as veteran tech journalist Ray Maker reports (via Android Police), live heart rate data will be available to every Cirqa user “in the coming days,” with or without a Garmin Connect+ subscription.
The subscription, which applies to all Garmin wearables, has been the subject of much debate. since its launch last year. For $6.99 / £6.99 / AU$12 per month or $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$120 per year, it gives you access to more metrics and more information about the fitness data you collect.
Live heart rate readings aren’t typically locked behind Connect+, so it’s odd that Garmin initially made this the case with the Cirqa. Regardless of the reasoning or confusion, the anomaly is now addressed, which is good news.
The rise of subscriptions
Happy new update! Garmin will be making a change to Garmin Connect Mobile in the coming days, so you will now be able to see live HR from Cirqa during a workout (previously you could only see the average HR of the workout unless you had Garmin Connect+). You see… comments work. Sometimes. 🙂 https://t.co/q5qL8T4YhZJuly 22, 2026
If you’re new to the Garmin Cirqa (and it was only announced a few days ago), it takes on the Whoop wearables and Fitbit Air by giving you a capable, lightweight wrist tracker without the distraction (and battery drain) of a screen.
Both the Cirqa and Fitbit Air offer basic tracking features for free, with plenty of extras available if you sign up for a subscription. With Whoop groups, like the Whoop MG, a subscription is mandatory, otherwise it’s virtually useless: packages start at $199 / £169 / AU$299 per year.
As we’ve written before, it’s a sign of the times that so many tech devices, from smartwatches to security cameras, now come with monthly subscriptions, which usually robs them of the best features of the device in question.
If you’re tempted by a Garmin Cirqa and its display-less design, it’s available for $199.99 / £179.99 / AU$299.99 direct from Garmin, with availability starting tomorrow, July 24 – and you’ll be able to record heart rate data in real time, via the accompanying Garmin app.
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