Matt Evans

Screen-free fitness trackers, including smart bands and rings, are gaining popularity as consumers seek health and training data without wrist notifications or screens. The guide highlights the Garmin Cirqa as the strongest overall band for its tactile controls, haptic feedback, Garmin Connect integration and lack of a required subscription. The Google Fitbit Air is positioned as an affordable, lightweight option, while the Amazfit Helio Strap offers basic functionality without subscription fees. In the smart-ring category, RingConn Gen 3 is praised for battery life, comfort and comprehensive tracking, whereas Oura Ring 5 is presented as a premium platform with advanced AI health features. Samsung and established brands such as Whoop and Oura face increasing competition from newer, less expensive devices.

The guide recommends six fitness trackers priced below $100 as lower-cost alternatives to premium devices such as the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Fenix 8. Highlighted options include the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, Google Fitbit Air, Amazfit Helio Strap, and five-star Amazfit Active 2. The Fitbit Air can be used without a subscription but offers additional features through a paid plan, while the Amazfit Helio Strap does not require one. The Active 2 is presented as an especially strong budget fitness watch at a $99 price.

Whoop has partnered with Natural Cycles to give existing Whoop users one free year of the fertility-tracking app. Compatible Whoop MG and Whoop 5.0 devices can automatically transfer overnight skin-temperature data to Natural Cycles, eliminating manual measurements and enabling the app to calculate a daily fertility status. The integration excludes Whoop 4.0, while Natural Cycles also supports Oura, Garmin devices and its own NC Band. Natural Cycles claims to be the only FDA-cleared, hormone-free birth-control app, and its subscription costs $149.99 in the US, £89.99 in the UK or AU$149.99 in Australia.