Garmin CIRQA Ultimate Scientific Review!

2026-08-28 · The Quantified Scientist · video-review · 26:05 · watch on YouTube ↗

wearablesfitness-trackergarminheart-ratesleep-trackinghrvscientific-testingproduct-review

Verdict: recommended-on-biceps

TL;DR

  • Rob (The Quantified Scientist) systematically tested the Garmin CIRQA smart band against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap (exercise HR) and a ZMax EEG headband (sleep stages), worn both on the wrist and on the biceps — placement turns out to be the single biggest factor in this review.
  • On the biceps the CIRQA is one of the best HR trackers he's tested: correlations of 1.00 (spinning), 0.96 (biking), 0.98 (running), 0.91 (weightlifting) → HR score 98/100, rated "great." On the wrist it drops to 93/100 ("good"), with running the weak spot at 0.89 (better than only 27% of tested devices).
  • Sleep stage tracking was unexpectedly better on the biceps too: deep sleep agreement 91% vs 81%, REM 58% vs 45% → sleep score 73 (biceps, "good") vs 64 (wrist, "okay"/third tier). Rob can't fully explain it — possibly a cleaner optical signal with fewer motion artifacts on the upper arm, possibly chance from limited nights.
  • Nightly heart rate and HRV are accurate at both wearing positions; the physical button is a big quality-of-life win over the hit-and-miss automatic activity detection.
  • Verdict: recommended, but wear it on the biceps for exercise. Caveats: the official biceps band is ~€60 and slow to ship, the red colorway looks like a faded pink in person, and the Fitbit Air / Amazfit Helios strap offer comparable performance for $99.

Key moments

  • [00:00] Cold-open hook — Rob holds both CIRQA boxes to camera (frame_0001.jpg) and states the test plan: exercise HR, nighttime metrics, sleep stages, wrist vs biceps.
  • [01:07] Colorway warning — the reddish CIRQA looks like a faded pink in person, very different from the box (frame_0011.jpg shows the unboxing B-roll).
  • [01:53] Methodology — reference devices explained: Polar H10 ECG chest strap for exercise HR, plotted as wrist-left / biceps-right scatter plots (frame_0015.jpg).
  • [02:18–07:45] Exercise HR results — spinning 0.99/1.00, running 0.89/0.98, biking 0.92/0.96, weightlifting 0.73/0.91 (wrist/biceps). Wrist running showed phantom HR spikes.
  • [08:26] Competition percentiles — wrist placement beats only 27% of tested devices for running; biceps placement beats 63–77% across exercises.
  • [09:52] HR scores — biceps 98 ("great") vs wrist 93 ("good"), shown in Rob's spreadsheet (frame_0016.jpg).
  • [10:34] Sponsor/support break — affiliate links pitch, with editor Alex credited (frame_0017.jpg).
  • [11:22] Sleep methodology — ZMax EEG headband as "silver standard" reference (frame_0027.jpg shows the EEG rig; frame_0028.jpg the sleeping setup).
  • [12:33] The surprise — biceps sleep staging beats wrist: deep 91% vs 81%, REM 58% vs 45% (agreement matrix in frame_0025.jpg); Rob offers two theories at [15:48]: cleaner signal vs small-sample chance.
  • [17:26] Sleep-tracker tier list — first tier: Apple Watch, Pixel Watch, Fitbit, Whoop, Oura Ring 4, Eight Sleep Pod (frame_0038.jpg); CIRQA-on-biceps lands second tier, wrist third tier.
  • [21:35] Verdict — button praised, auto activity detection criticized; final advice: biceps for exercise, wrist at night is fine if you don't care about sleep stages ([23:30]); biceps band costs ~€60 in Austria (frame_0044.jpg).

Hook microscope (0-10s)

  • Frames: 20 at 2 fps
  • Word-level transcript (27 words):
  [  0.00s] I
  [  0.46s] performed
  [  0.78s] systematic
  [  1.52s] and
  [  1.92s] scientific
  [  2.46s] testing
  [  3.00s] of
  [  3.36s] the
  [  3.56s] Garmin
  [  3.96s] Circa
  [  4.44s] to
  [  4.94s] find
  [  5.24s] out
  [  5.62s] how
  [  5.92s] good
  [  6.10s] it
  [  6.18s] is
  [  6.42s] at
  [  6.56s] heart
  [  6.92s] rate
  [  7.08s] tracking
  [  7.36s] during
  [  7.64s] exercise
  [  8.34s] at
  [  8.92s] night
  [  9.36s] time
  [  9.60s] measurements

Hook pattern: credibility-first results tease (demo-first variant). The first 10 seconds are one continuous talking-head shot: Rob at his desk, both CIRQA retail boxes held up to the lens (0.0–4.4s) while the words land on "systematic and scientific testing" — the boxes visually anchor what, the words anchor how rigorously. There is no question, no contrarian claim; the hook is a promise of method ("I performed systematic and scientific testing") followed immediately by the three deliverables viewers came for: exercise HR (7.1s), nighttime (8.9s), sleep stages (~10s). Visual change is minimal by design — energy comes from Rob's animated delivery and the neon bike/dumbbell set dressing, not from cuts. The first real cut (to side-by-side scatter-plot B-roll) lands at ~7s, exactly as "heart rate tracking" is spoken, syncing the first data visual to the first data promise.

Editorial profile

  • Shots: 52
  • Cuts/min: 1.99
  • Mean shot length: 30.09s
  • Median shot length: 5.94s
  • Talking-head ratio: n/a (opencv not installed)

Slow, lecture-paced science explainer (~2 cuts/min, 30s mean shot): long talking-head takes alternating with full-screen iPad data plots and annotated spreadsheets, sparse product B-roll on a cutting mat, no motion graphics — the data visuals are the production value.

Quotable moments

  • [06:57] "Definitely you cannot use it reliably, at least, while weightlifting on the wrist."
  • [09:30] "On the biceps, the Garmin Circa is one of the better devices out there."
  • [12:33] "Here's where I was really surprised, because when wearing it on my biceps, the performance really improved, and I cannot really explain this."
  • [23:39] "I wouldn't wear it on my wrist full-time because it really cripples performance."
  • [24:37] "I'm not disappointed with the performance of the Circa and I think it is a proper competitor to the Fitbit Air, but also the Whoop strap."

Entities mentioned

  • People: rob-ter-horst (The Quantified Scientist, host), Alex (editor)
  • Companies: garmin, fitbit, google, apple, whoop, amazfit, oura, eight-sleep, polar, ultrahuman
  • Tools / products: garmin-cirqa, polar-h10, zmax-eeg, fitbit-air, whoop-strap, amazfit-helios-strap, apple-watch, pixel-watch, oura-ring, eight-sleep-pod, garmin-forerunner-570, garmin-forerunner-70
  • Places: austria (pricing/availability context)

Concepts surfaced

  • sensor-placement-effect: where a wearable sits (wrist vs biceps) can matter more than which device you buy — same hardware, dramatically different accuracy.
  • reference-device-validation: judge a wearable by correlating it against a trusted reference (ECG chest strap for HR, EEG for sleep), not against marketing claims.
  • correlation-scoring: summarizing tracker accuracy as a Pearson correlation vs reference, averaged across exercises into a 0–100 score.
  • silver-vs-gold-standard: a consumer EEG headband is "good enough" for comparative sleep-stage testing without a full polysomnography lab.
  • device-tier-ranking: plotting average vs worst-stage sleep sensitivity and dividing the field into four tiers to make buy/skip calls.
  • chance-vs-signal: explicitly entertaining "small sample size" as an alternative explanation before accepting a surprising result — and committing to more data collection to resolve it.

Transcript

Source: captions.

[00:03] I performed systematic and scientific testing of the Garmin Circa to find out
[00:06] testing of the Garmin Circa to find out how good it is at heart rate tracking
[00:07] how good it is at heart rate tracking during exercise, at nighttime
[00:10] during exercise, at nighttime measurements, and at measuring your
[00:11] measurements, and at measuring your sleep stages. And I tested both on the
[00:14] sleep stages. And I tested both on the wrist and on the biceps, and I think
[00:17] wrist and on the biceps, and I think that distinction between where you wear
[00:19] that distinction between where you wear it is very important because it will
[00:21] it is very important because it will influence performance, and it will also
[00:23] influence performance, and it will also influence my recommendations to all of
[00:25] influence my recommendations to all of you. Now, for those of you who are new
[00:27] you. Now, for those of you who are new to the channel, my name is Rob, and I'm
[00:28] to the channel, my name is Rob, and I'm a post-doctoral scientist specializing
[00:30] a post-doctoral scientist specializing in biological data analysis. And that's
[00:32] in biological data analysis. And that's the exact focus of today, data and data
[00:36] the exact focus of today, data and data science and analyzing systematic tests
[00:39] science and analyzing systematic tests of the Garmin Circa. And as I said, I
[00:41] of the Garmin Circa. And as I said, I tested it both on the wrist and on the
[00:44] tested it both on the wrist and on the biceps, always with the official bands
[00:47] biceps, always with the official bands and everything set according to the
[00:48] and everything set according to the specifications,
[00:50] specifications, and I will always present them side by
[00:52] and I will always present them side by side as you see it here, always starting
[00:55] side as you see it here, always starting with the data on the wrist and then
[00:57] with the data on the wrist and then showing the biceps data. So, you can get
[00:59] showing the biceps data. So, you can get a good impression of the performance of
[01:02] a good impression of the performance of the Garmin Circa and if it's the right
[01:04] the Garmin Circa and if it's the right choice for you and where you want to
[01:06] choice for you and where you want to wear it. Now, before getting into this
[01:07] wear it. Now, before getting into this data, one quick side note, I actually
[01:09] data, one quick side note, I actually bought two colors and received one from
[01:11] bought two colors and received one from Garmin, and I think the blue color and
[01:14] Garmin, and I think the blue color and the black color really look like they
[01:16] the black color really look like they are on the box. However, the reddish
[01:18] are on the box. However, the reddish color really looks very different than
[01:20] color really looks very different than it does on the box as you can see right
[01:23] it does on the box as you can see right here. So, it's much more of a faded pink
[01:27] here. So, it's much more of a faded pink than this kind of dark red color that is
[01:29] than this kind of dark red color that is on the box. So, be aware, I am not a
[01:32] on the box. So, be aware, I am not a particular fan of this color. It almost
[01:34] particular fan of this color. It almost looks like it's been in the sun too
[01:36] looks like it's been in the sun too long, but I just wanted to mention that.
[01:38] long, but I just wanted to mention that. Otherwise, I do like the design of the
[01:41] Otherwise, I do like the design of the Circa, and especially when worn on the
[01:43] Circa, and especially when worn on the biceps, it doesn't look so big. But as
[01:46] biceps, it doesn't look so big. But as you can see, it is a lot bigger than the
[01:48] you can see, it is a lot bigger than the Fitbit Air, for instance. But today,
[01:50] Fitbit Air, for instance. But today, we're focusing on the Garmin Circa, and
[01:52] we're focusing on the Garmin Circa, and let's start with the heart rate tracking
[01:54] let's start with the heart rate tracking during exercise. Now, the way I test
[01:56] during exercise. Now, the way I test devices is by comparing them to a
[01:58] devices is by comparing them to a reference device. In this case, the
[02:00] reference device. In this case, the Polar H10 ECG chest strap, which can
[02:03] Polar H10 ECG chest strap, which can measure my heart rate very reliably. And
[02:05] measure my heart rate very reliably. And that's always along the horizontal axis
[02:08] that's always along the horizontal axis in these kinds of plots. Then along the
[02:10] in these kinds of plots. Then along the vertical axis, we have the results
[02:12] vertical axis, we have the results according to the Circa with the
[02:14] according to the Circa with the wrist-based testing on the left and the
[02:16] wrist-based testing on the left and the biceps-based testing on the right. And
[02:18] biceps-based testing on the right. And this is for indoor cycling or spinning,
[02:21] this is for indoor cycling or spinning, one of the easier exercises for a device
[02:23] one of the easier exercises for a device to track. And in both situations, both
[02:27] to track. And in both situations, both on the wrist and the biceps, it's doing
[02:29] on the wrist and the biceps, it's doing really well. So, on the wrist, it gets a
[02:31] really well. So, on the wrist, it gets a correlation of 0.99, and the maximum
[02:34] correlation of 0.99, and the maximum correlation is one, so that's really
[02:35] correlation is one, so that's really good. And on the biceps, it's even
[02:38] good. And on the biceps, it's even better at a rounded correlation of 1.00.
[02:41] better at a rounded correlation of 1.00. So, almost perfect with just a few
[02:43] So, almost perfect with just a few moments of deviation. And if we take a
[02:45] moments of deviation. And if we take a look at some example spinning sessions
[02:47] look at some example spinning sessions with the Circa in red and the Polar H10
[02:50] with the Circa in red and the Polar H10 in blue-green, we generally see good
[02:52] in blue-green, we generally see good agreement for the wrist, a little bit of
[02:54] agreement for the wrist, a little bit of deviation here in the beginning. And
[02:56] deviation here in the beginning. And another wrist example, some tiny
[02:58] another wrist example, some tiny deviations. Otherwise, quite good, I
[03:01] deviations. Otherwise, quite good, I would say. This is already good enough.
[03:03] would say. This is already good enough. And then on the biceps, it's even
[03:05] And then on the biceps, it's even better, as you can see right here.
[03:06] better, as you can see right here. Basically, no deviation. Also, this
[03:09] Basically, no deviation. Also, this example, almost perfect. And this was
[03:12] example, almost perfect. And this was the only example with a bit of deviation
[03:14] the only example with a bit of deviation right here and right here. But it's so
[03:16] right here and right here. But it's so minimal that I would say this is
[03:18] minimal that I would say this is basically perfect performance. So,
[03:20] basically perfect performance. So, definitely good on the wrist, but even
[03:23] definitely good on the wrist, but even better on the biceps.
[03:25] better on the biceps. But what about running? This can be
[03:28] But what about running? This can be quite a bit harder, and that's exactly
[03:30] quite a bit harder, and that's exactly what we see here. So, again, the wrist
[03:32] what we see here. So, again, the wrist on the left and the biceps on the right.
[03:35] on the left and the biceps on the right. And we can see that on the right, almost
[03:37] And we can see that on the right, almost all points are on or close to the blue
[03:39] all points are on or close to the blue line. But on the left right here,
[03:41] line. But on the left right here, there's quite a bit more deviation. It's
[03:44] there's quite a bit more deviation. It's not horrible, but the correlation
[03:46] not horrible, but the correlation overall is quite a bit lower now at
[03:48] overall is quite a bit lower now at 0.89.
[03:49] 0.89. Whereas for on the biceps, it's again
[03:51] Whereas for on the biceps, it's again super close to one at 0.98.
[03:55] super close to one at 0.98. So, there it's definitely a lot better
[03:58] So, there it's definitely a lot better when worn on the biceps. And for this
[04:00] when worn on the biceps. And for this exercise, at least on my testing, I can
[04:03] exercise, at least on my testing, I can really recommend getting a biceps band.
[04:05] really recommend getting a biceps band. And we can see that when we take a look
[04:06] And we can see that when we take a look at the individual runs. So, here we have
[04:08] at the individual runs. So, here we have the results for the wrist within red,
[04:11] the results for the wrist within red, the Garmin Circa, and blue green, the
[04:12] the Garmin Circa, and blue green, the reference. And we can definitely see a
[04:15] reference. And we can definitely see a bunch of deviation. This wrist exercise
[04:18] bunch of deviation. This wrist exercise looked a bit better, a bit of deviation,
[04:20] looked a bit better, a bit of deviation, but nothing terrible. But then for
[04:22] but nothing terrible. But then for instance, this run was a lot worse with
[04:24] instance, this run was a lot worse with a lot of spikes in heart rate that
[04:26] a lot of spikes in heart rate that weren't really there. And also here in
[04:27] weren't really there. And also here in the beginning, a bunch of spikes. So,
[04:30] the beginning, a bunch of spikes. So, I'm not sure what was going on here, but
[04:32] I'm not sure what was going on here, but here it really struggled. But if we then
[04:34] here it really struggled. But if we then move to the biceps, this is much better.
[04:37] move to the biceps, this is much better. Here it tracked all my intervals
[04:39] Here it tracked all my intervals correctly, so all the dips in my heart
[04:41] correctly, so all the dips in my heart rate. Only in the beginning did it have
[04:43] rate. Only in the beginning did it have to calibrate a bit.
[04:44] to calibrate a bit. Also this run, almost perfect with a bit
[04:47] Also this run, almost perfect with a bit of deviation. And also right here,
[04:49] of deviation. And also right here, nothing to complain about. So, here it
[04:51] nothing to complain about. So, here it seems it really pays off to wear it on
[04:54] seems it really pays off to wear it on your biceps instead of your wrist for
[04:56] your biceps instead of your wrist for running, at least on me, on my body.
[04:59] running, at least on me, on my body. Now, I always wore it on my left wrist
[05:01] Now, I always wore it on my left wrist as well, but I didn't wear the
[05:03] as well, but I didn't wear the wrist-worn and the biceps-worn
[05:05] wrist-worn and the biceps-worn simultaneously, so I did two periods of
[05:07] simultaneously, so I did two periods of testing. But what about biking? Well,
[05:10] testing. But what about biking? Well, again here we see a difference between
[05:12] again here we see a difference between wrist-worn and biceps-worn,
[05:15] wrist-worn and biceps-worn, but the difference is a bit smaller. The
[05:17] but the difference is a bit smaller. The correlation for biking is 0.92. This is
[05:20] correlation for biking is 0.92. This is still quite good, I would say. There are
[05:22] still quite good, I would say. There are some moments where it detects it to low
[05:24] some moments where it detects it to low heart rate, and also some moments where
[05:26] heart rate, and also some moments where it detects it to high heart rate, but
[05:29] it detects it to high heart rate, but it's not that bad, honestly. And on the
[05:31] it's not that bad, honestly. And on the biceps, this is even better. Most points
[05:34] biceps, this is even better. Most points are on or close to the blue line. There
[05:36] are on or close to the blue line. There were just a few moments where it
[05:38] were just a few moments where it detected it to low heart rate, but the
[05:40] detected it to low heart rate, but the correlation is a lot higher now at 0.96.
[05:44] correlation is a lot higher now at 0.96. So, this looks really good. And if we
[05:45] So, this looks really good. And if we take a look at some examples, so here we
[05:47] take a look at some examples, so here we have the wrist-worn example. This
[05:49] have the wrist-worn example. This already looks quite good for this
[05:50] already looks quite good for this example session. Also here, it's
[05:52] example session. Also here, it's relatively minor, mostly some delays in
[05:55] relatively minor, mostly some delays in picking up on changes in my heart rate.
[05:58] picking up on changes in my heart rate. And here we had some weird peaks again,
[06:00] And here we had some weird peaks again, but otherwise this is already not that
[06:02] but otherwise this is already not that bad, honestly. And compared to the
[06:04] bad, honestly. And compared to the competition, quite good. But then if we
[06:06] competition, quite good. But then if we look at the biceps result, this is much
[06:08] look at the biceps result, this is much better. So, much closer to reality. Here
[06:11] better. So, much closer to reality. Here a small deviation, but really very
[06:14] a small deviation, but really very minor. And this would be really good in
[06:16] minor. And this would be really good in my opinion. So, also for biking, it does
[06:20] my opinion. So, also for biking, it does pay off, at least on my body, to wear it
[06:22] pay off, at least on my body, to wear it on your biceps compared to the wrist.
[06:24] on your biceps compared to the wrist. Now, at night, that might be a bit
[06:26] Now, at night, that might be a bit different that you'll see in a second.
[06:28] different that you'll see in a second. But I want to close off by looking at
[06:30] But I want to close off by looking at strength training. And here it usually
[06:32] strength training. And here it usually pays off a lot to wear it on your biceps
[06:34] pays off a lot to wear it on your biceps versus the wrist, cuz there's so much
[06:37] versus the wrist, cuz there's so much tension on your wrist when you're
[06:38] tension on your wrist when you're weightlifting.
[06:40] weightlifting. And here, surprisingly, it also wasn't
[06:43] And here, surprisingly, it also wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped on the
[06:46] quite as good as I'd hoped on the biceps, but it is definitely a lot
[06:48] biceps, but it is definitely a lot better. So, on the biceps, we got a
[06:50] better. So, on the biceps, we got a correlation of 0.91 for strength
[06:52] correlation of 0.91 for strength training, whereas on the wrist, the
[06:55] training, whereas on the wrist, the correlation is 0.73. So, really low. So,
[06:58] correlation is 0.73. So, really low. So, definitely you cannot use it reliably,
[07:01] definitely you cannot use it reliably, at least, while weightlifting on the
[07:03] at least, while weightlifting on the wrist. On the biceps, it's still a lot
[07:05] wrist. On the biceps, it's still a lot better. In the higher heart rate range,
[07:07] better. In the higher heart rate range, we have too low heart rate sometimes,
[07:10] we have too low heart rate sometimes, but as you'll see, it's not the worst.
[07:12] but as you'll see, it's not the worst. So, here we have some wrist-based
[07:14] So, here we have some wrist-based example. You can see that many of the
[07:16] example. You can see that many of the peaks were not tracked and some weird
[07:18] peaks were not tracked and some weird heart rates were tracked. Also here on
[07:20] heart rates were tracked. Also here on the wrist, many of the peaks in my heart
[07:23] the wrist, many of the peaks in my heart rate were missed.
[07:25] rate were missed. But on the biceps, it's also far from
[07:27] But on the biceps, it's also far from perfect. This weightlifting session,
[07:29] perfect. This weightlifting session, some of the peaks were missed, so
[07:30] some of the peaks were missed, so definitely not great. This was a lot
[07:32] definitely not great. This was a lot better. So, here I was bench pressing,
[07:35] better. So, here I was bench pressing, and there it did actually quite okay.
[07:37] and there it did actually quite okay. Most of the peaks were generally
[07:39] Most of the peaks were generally detected. And here during dips, I
[07:41] detected. And here during dips, I believe, it was also still quite good,
[07:43] believe, it was also still quite good, and this is where many devices struggle.
[07:46] and this is where many devices struggle. So, overall, not the worst, but also not
[07:48] So, overall, not the worst, but also not the best, but I would definitely again
[07:50] the best, but I would definitely again recommend wearing it on the biceps. But,
[07:52] recommend wearing it on the biceps. But, we can again compare this performance to
[07:54] we can again compare this performance to that of the competition that's displayed
[07:56] that of the competition that's displayed right here for the wrist-based wearing
[08:00] right here for the wrist-based wearing with the four exercises we looked at
[08:02] with the four exercises we looked at before. So, spinning, biking, running,
[08:05] before. So, spinning, biking, running, and weightlifting, where we used that
[08:07] and weightlifting, where we used that correlation value here along the
[08:09] correlation value here along the vertical axis, so the higher the better.
[08:11] vertical axis, so the higher the better. And the Garmin Circa is indicated with a
[08:14] And the Garmin Circa is indicated with a red line and a red dot, and it's doing
[08:16] red line and a red dot, and it's doing really well for spinning. So, there I'm
[08:19] really well for spinning. So, there I'm happy, and it's doing better than 63% of
[08:21] happy, and it's doing better than 63% of devices I've tested in the past, but
[08:23] devices I've tested in the past, but it's so high up that it's basically good
[08:25] it's so high up that it's basically good enough.
[08:26] enough. Then, we have biking. There, I would say
[08:29] Then, we have biking. There, I would say it's starting to struggle. It's doing
[08:30] it's starting to struggle. It's doing better than just over 50% of devices, so
[08:33] better than just over 50% of devices, so still quite okay, but here there are
[08:35] still quite okay, but here there are definitely devices that are doing
[08:37] definitely devices that are doing significantly better.
[08:39] significantly better. And for running right here, we can see
[08:41] And for running right here, we can see it's really a bit of an issue, at least
[08:43] it's really a bit of an issue, at least on my body. The correlation is 0.89, so
[08:46] on my body. The correlation is 0.89, so quite low, and it's doing better than
[08:48] quite low, and it's doing better than only 27% of devices, so 73% of devices
[08:53] only 27% of devices, so 73% of devices were doing better than the Garmin Circa
[08:55] were doing better than the Garmin Circa on the wrist. And also for
[08:57] on the wrist. And also for weightlifting, it's really not that
[08:58] weightlifting, it's really not that good. However, as we saw, that changes
[09:01] good. However, as we saw, that changes when you wear it on the biceps. So, for
[09:04] when you wear it on the biceps. So, for spinning, a correlation of 1.00, doing
[09:07] spinning, a correlation of 1.00, doing better than 77% of devices.
[09:10] better than 77% of devices. On the bike, a correlation of 0.96,
[09:12] On the bike, a correlation of 0.96, doing better than three-quarters of
[09:15] doing better than three-quarters of devices.
[09:16] devices. Then, for running, also a high
[09:18] Then, for running, also a high correlation at 0.98, doing better than
[09:20] correlation at 0.98, doing better than 63% of devices.
[09:23] 63% of devices. And for weightlifting, still doing
[09:25] And for weightlifting, still doing better than close to 70% of devices with
[09:28] better than close to 70% of devices with a correlation of 0.91.
[09:31] a correlation of 0.91. So, on the biceps, the Garmin Circa is
[09:33] So, on the biceps, the Garmin Circa is one of the better devices out there, and
[09:35] one of the better devices out there, and then I can definitely recommend it for
[09:37] then I can definitely recommend it for those that want to use it during
[09:38] those that want to use it during exercise. And we usually give this
[09:40] exercise. And we usually give this course. Now, I will give a separate
[09:43] course. Now, I will give a separate score for the biceps and the wrist. And
[09:46] score for the biceps and the wrist. And this is calculated as the average
[09:48] this is calculated as the average correlation over the three cardio
[09:50] correlation over the three cardio exercises. So, the heart rate score for
[09:53] exercises. So, the heart rate score for the Garmin Circa worn on the biceps is
[09:55] the Garmin Circa worn on the biceps is 98, which is really good.
[09:59] 98, which is really good. However, on the wrist, it's a bit lower
[10:00] However, on the wrist, it's a bit lower at 93. Still good, I would say, but not
[10:03] at 93. Still good, I would say, but not great, which is why the Garmin Circa on
[10:06] great, which is why the Garmin Circa on the biceps gets a rating of great,
[10:08] the biceps gets a rating of great, whereas on the wrist, it just gets a
[10:10] whereas on the wrist, it just gets a rating of good.
[10:12] rating of good. And that's mostly influenced by those
[10:14] And that's mostly influenced by those running results and also somewhat by
[10:17] running results and also somewhat by those biking results. It's still not
[10:19] those biking results. It's still not terrible, but it could be better, which
[10:21] terrible, but it could be better, which is why it's only good. So, again, I
[10:23] is why it's only good. So, again, I really recommend wearing it on the
[10:25] really recommend wearing it on the biceps. But, what about sleep stage
[10:28] biceps. But, what about sleep stage tracking? Can it track your sleep
[10:30] tracking? Can it track your sleep reliably at night? And this was
[10:32] reliably at night? And this was surprisingly good, but I'll get to that
[10:34] surprisingly good, but I'll get to that in a second. First, I quickly want to
[10:37] in a second. First, I quickly want to ask for your support because running
[10:38] ask for your support because running this channel next to my full-time job as
[10:40] this channel next to my full-time job as a scientist is neither easy or cheap. I
[10:43] a scientist is neither easy or cheap. I have to pay my editor, Alex, for
[10:45] have to pay my editor, Alex, for instance. I have a bunch of camera gear.
[10:47] instance. I have a bunch of camera gear. And of course, it just costs a lot of
[10:49] And of course, it just costs a lot of effort to keep this going. Now, if you
[10:51] effort to keep this going. Now, if you want to support there's multiple ways of
[10:52] want to support there's multiple ways of doing that. The easiest way is by using
[10:54] doing that. The easiest way is by using my affiliate links down below. If you do
[10:56] my affiliate links down below. If you do end up getting a Circa or maybe you want
[10:59] end up getting a Circa or maybe you want a Whoop strap, an Amazfit Helios strap,
[11:01] a Whoop strap, an Amazfit Helios strap, a Fitbit there, another device, or
[11:03] a Fitbit there, another device, or anything at all on Amazon for that
[11:05] anything at all on Amazon for that matter. Also have a general link. If you
[11:07] matter. Also have a general link. If you use that before making any Amazon
[11:08] use that before making any Amazon purchase, you support the channel each
[11:11] purchase, you support the channel each time you make a purchase. And if there's
[11:13] time you make a purchase. And if there's a discount, these affiliate links give
[11:14] a discount, these affiliate links give you the best discount possible. Thanks
[11:17] you the best discount possible. Thanks so much for considering. Also, don't
[11:18] so much for considering. Also, don't forget to like this video and subscribe
[11:21] forget to like this video and subscribe to the channel.
[11:22] to the channel. But, let's get back to the testing. Now,
[11:24] But, let's get back to the testing. Now, the way I test the sleep stages is by
[11:27] the way I test the sleep stages is by comparing it against the ZMax EEG
[11:29] comparing it against the ZMax EEG device, which can actually measure my
[11:31] device, which can actually measure my brain waves and was specifically
[11:33] brain waves and was specifically designed for sleep studies. Now, this is
[11:35] designed for sleep studies. Now, this is sort of a silver standard, not a gold
[11:37] sort of a silver standard, not a gold standard, but good enough to give an
[11:38] standard, but good enough to give an impression of the sleep stage tracking
[11:40] impression of the sleep stage tracking performance.
[11:41] performance. So, on top in this overview, we have the
[11:43] So, on top in this overview, we have the reference device, so deep sleep, light
[11:45] reference device, so deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep. And then on the
[11:47] sleep, and REM sleep. And then on the left here, we have the Garmin Circa, in
[11:50] left here, we have the Garmin Circa, in this case, the wrist-based tracking.
[11:53] this case, the wrist-based tracking. Now, deep sleep agreement is actually
[11:54] Now, deep sleep agreement is actually quite good at 81%.
[11:57] quite good at 81%. So, 81% of what the reference said was
[12:00] So, 81% of what the reference said was deep sleep was also deep sleep according
[12:02] deep sleep was also deep sleep according to the Circa one on the wrist. The light
[12:05] to the Circa one on the wrist. The light sleep tracking here is okay, I would
[12:07] sleep tracking here is okay, I would say, at 67%,
[12:09] say, at 67%, but quite a bit of light sleep according
[12:11] but quite a bit of light sleep according to the reference was instead read as
[12:12] to the reference was instead read as deep sleep, REM sleep, and awake time.
[12:16] deep sleep, REM sleep, and awake time. And finally, REM sleep agreement is
[12:18] And finally, REM sleep agreement is where the Circa, on me at least, really
[12:20] where the Circa, on me at least, really struggled. Only about 45% of what the
[12:23] struggled. Only about 45% of what the reference said was REM sleep was also
[12:25] reference said was REM sleep was also detected as REM sleep by the Circa.
[12:28] detected as REM sleep by the Circa. Instead, quite a bit over 50% was
[12:31] Instead, quite a bit over 50% was predicted as being light sleep. But,
[12:33] predicted as being light sleep. But, here's where I was really surprised,
[12:35] here's where I was really surprised, because when wearing it on my biceps,
[12:38] because when wearing it on my biceps, the performance really improved, and I
[12:40] the performance really improved, and I cannot really explain this. So, right
[12:43] cannot really explain this. So, right here, we see the deep sleep agreement is
[12:45] here, we see the deep sleep agreement is now 91%.
[12:47] now 91%. Light sleep agreement is actually very
[12:49] Light sleep agreement is actually very similar at about 69%,
[12:51] similar at about 69%, but now REM sleep agreement is quite a
[12:53] but now REM sleep agreement is quite a bit better at 58%. So, it increased
[12:56] bit better at 58%. So, it increased quite a bit,
[12:57] quite a bit, and I cannot fully explain it. I have
[12:59] and I cannot fully explain it. I have some theories, and I'll get to those in
[13:01] some theories, and I'll get to those in a second, but let's first take a look at
[13:03] a second, but let's first take a look at some example nights. First, for on the
[13:05] some example nights. First, for on the wrist right here. So, on top, we have
[13:07] wrist right here. So, on top, we have the reference, on the bottom, the Garmin
[13:09] the reference, on the bottom, the Garmin Circa. And I marked the deep sleep as
[13:11] Circa. And I marked the deep sleep as detected by the reference device in sort
[13:14] detected by the reference device in sort of purple, and we can see that much of
[13:16] of purple, and we can see that much of the deep sleep detected, almost all of
[13:17] the deep sleep detected, almost all of it by the reference, is also detected by
[13:19] it by the reference, is also detected by the Circa, but some extra was detected.
[13:22] the Circa, but some extra was detected. And we see the same for this night,
[13:23] And we see the same for this night, again, on the wrist. Most of the deep
[13:25] again, on the wrist. Most of the deep sleep was correctly detected. So, deep
[13:27] sleep was correctly detected. So, deep sleep doesn't appear to be the issue.
[13:29] sleep doesn't appear to be the issue. Though, as you can see right here, for
[13:31] Though, as you can see right here, for instance, on the biceps, some extra deep
[13:33] instance, on the biceps, some extra deep sleep is sometimes detected. And the
[13:35] sleep is sometimes detected. And the same here. Most of the deep sleep is
[13:37] same here. Most of the deep sleep is correctly detected, just a bunch of
[13:38] correctly detected, just a bunch of extra is there as well. And this is a
[13:40] extra is there as well. And this is a general pattern, but where it mostly
[13:42] general pattern, but where it mostly struggles is REM sleep, and it seems to
[13:44] struggles is REM sleep, and it seems to detect less REM sleep on me in general.
[13:47] detect less REM sleep on me in general. So, here you can actually see, according
[13:49] So, here you can actually see, according to the reference on top, I had 1 2 3 4 5
[13:52] to the reference on top, I had 1 2 3 4 5 sleep cycles, all of them ending in REM
[13:54] sleep cycles, all of them ending in REM sleep, but only some of these endings of
[13:57] sleep, but only some of these endings of my sleep cycle were detected by the
[13:59] my sleep cycle were detected by the Garmin Circa, only three out of five in
[14:02] Garmin Circa, only three out of five in this case.
[14:04] this case. Also, for this night right here, you can
[14:05] Also, for this night right here, you can see that much of the REM sleep is
[14:07] see that much of the REM sleep is detected, but not all of it, and also
[14:09] detected, but not all of it, and also some of it is missed. And the same is
[14:11] some of it is missed. And the same is true here on the biceps, where here a
[14:13] true here on the biceps, where here a lot of it was detected as awake time.
[14:15] lot of it was detected as awake time. This part was missed, but some of it was
[14:17] This part was missed, but some of it was correctly detected. And in general, for
[14:20] correctly detected. And in general, for the biceps, it seemed that a little bit
[14:22] the biceps, it seemed that a little bit more REM sleep was correctly detected
[14:24] more REM sleep was correctly detected as, for instance, for this night right
[14:25] as, for instance, for this night right here, where basically all of the
[14:27] here, where basically all of the segments, at least, are correct, but the
[14:28] segments, at least, are correct, but the duration is a bit different. And you can
[14:30] duration is a bit different. And you can see the same here, that a little bit
[14:32] see the same here, that a little bit more REM sleep was detected here, but
[14:34] more REM sleep was detected here, but the exact location of the segments
[14:36] the exact location of the segments wasn't the exact same. This is a little
[14:38] wasn't the exact same. This is a little bit more in line with the reference.
[14:40] bit more in line with the reference. Now, we can actually compare this
[14:42] Now, we can actually compare this performance of both devices, also that
[14:44] performance of both devices, also that of the competition out there, and that's
[14:46] of the competition out there, and that's displayed in this overview right here,
[14:48] displayed in this overview right here, where along the horizontal axis, we have
[14:50] where along the horizontal axis, we have the average sensitivity over those three
[14:53] the average sensitivity over those three sleep stages, and along the vertical
[14:55] sleep stages, and along the vertical axis, we have the worst out of those
[14:57] axis, we have the worst out of those three sleep stages. It would be REM
[14:59] three sleep stages. It would be REM sleep in this case. And we can see the
[15:01] sleep in this case. And we can see the Garmin Circa on the wrist and on the
[15:03] Garmin Circa on the wrist and on the biceps on really two different
[15:04] biceps on really two different positions. So, here we have the Garmin
[15:06] positions. So, here we have the Garmin Circa on the wrist,
[15:08] Circa on the wrist, and right here, we have the Garmin Circa
[15:11] and right here, we have the Garmin Circa on the biceps.
[15:12] on the biceps. >> [music]
[15:12] >> [music] >> And the better devices are towards the
[15:14] >> And the better devices are towards the top right. And the Garmin Circa now is
[15:17] top right. And the Garmin Circa now is in sort of the second tier of device, so
[15:19] in sort of the second tier of device, so getting quite good when worn on the
[15:21] getting quite good when worn on the biceps, but on the wrist, it's quite a
[15:24] biceps, but on the wrist, it's quite a bit lower, more in the third tier of
[15:26] bit lower, more in the third tier of devices. And interestingly, I don't
[15:28] devices. And interestingly, I don't think I ever published a video, but I
[15:30] think I ever published a video, but I did some testing of the Garmin
[15:31] did some testing of the Garmin Forerunner 570 on my biceps, that also
[15:35] Forerunner 570 on my biceps, that also did a little bit better. The overall,
[15:37] did a little bit better. The overall, the Forerunner 70, which I recently
[15:39] the Forerunner 70, which I recently tested, was already a little bit
[15:40] tested, was already a little bit improved compared to some other testing
[15:42] improved compared to some other testing that I did. So, what does this mean? Why
[15:44] that I did. So, what does this mean? Why do I get better sleep stage tracking
[15:45] do I get better sleep stage tracking results on my biceps than on my wrist?
[15:48] results on my biceps than on my wrist? Well, there's a couple of things I can
[15:49] Well, there's a couple of things I can think of. First of all, maybe there's
[15:51] think of. First of all, maybe there's just less artifacts when you wear it on
[15:53] just less artifacts when you wear it on your biceps. And it could be because
[15:55] your biceps. And it could be because there is fewer degrees of freedom, so
[15:57] there is fewer degrees of freedom, so less noise in the signal. There's a
[15:59] less noise in the signal. There's a clearer heart rate signal. Everything is
[16:01] clearer heart rate signal. Everything is just measured much easier on the biceps
[16:04] just measured much easier on the biceps with less noise, which could make it
[16:06] with less noise, which could make it easier for the algorithms to get
[16:08] easier for the algorithms to get reliable sleep stage tracking. Whereas
[16:10] reliable sleep stage tracking. Whereas on the wrist, there's just an extra
[16:12] on the wrist, there's just an extra degree of freedom of movement at night,
[16:14] degree of freedom of movement at night, which could interfere with the signals.
[16:16] which could interfere with the signals. So, that's one explanation. Maybe the
[16:17] So, that's one explanation. Maybe the input data is better.
[16:19] input data is better. The second explanation could be that
[16:21] The second explanation could be that this is by chance. This is just because
[16:23] this is by chance. This is just because I did too little testing, and overall,
[16:25] I did too little testing, and overall, they would end up in the middle
[16:26] they would end up in the middle somewhere. That could also be true. And
[16:28] somewhere. That could also be true. And I'm not really sure what the explanation
[16:30] I'm not really sure what the explanation is. Is it actually better on the biceps,
[16:32] is. Is it actually better on the biceps, or is it by chance? Well, I will
[16:35] or is it by chance? Well, I will actually keep wearing the Garmin Circa
[16:36] actually keep wearing the Garmin Circa on my biceps to see if this sort of
[16:39] on my biceps to see if this sort of pattern holds, or if it actually
[16:41] pattern holds, or if it actually degrades a bit over time and ends up
[16:44] degrades a bit over time and ends up maybe in the middle here somewhere. If
[16:46] maybe in the middle here somewhere. If the first explanation is true, that
[16:48] the first explanation is true, that would also mean that if you get a good
[16:50] would also mean that if you get a good signal on the wrist, that potentially
[16:52] signal on the wrist, that potentially the sleep stage tracking also gets
[16:53] the sleep stage tracking also gets better. As you will see, for instance,
[16:55] better. As you will see, for instance, in my Garmin Forerunner 170 review,
[16:57] in my Garmin Forerunner 170 review, where I only had a few nights of data,
[16:59] where I only had a few nights of data, that was also quite a bit better. So,
[17:01] that was also quite a bit better. So, potentially, if the fit is really good
[17:02] potentially, if the fit is really good and the input signal is good, it could
[17:04] and the input signal is good, it could be that the Garmin Circa, or whatever
[17:07] be that the Garmin Circa, or whatever device you're wearing from Garmin, is
[17:08] device you're wearing from Garmin, is actually quite decent at sleep stage
[17:10] actually quite decent at sleep stage tracking. In general, it is promising to
[17:12] tracking. In general, it is promising to see that most of the devices I tested
[17:14] see that most of the devices I tested relatively recently from Garmin do end
[17:17] relatively recently from Garmin do end up sort of more in this second, high
[17:19] up sort of more in this second, high third tier of devices instead of all the
[17:21] third tier of devices instead of all the way down here. So, it does seem that
[17:23] way down here. So, it does seem that potentially there has been some
[17:25] potentially there has been some improvement with Garmin. Now, just to
[17:27] improvement with Garmin. Now, just to clarify, what do I mean when I talk
[17:28] clarify, what do I mean when I talk about tiers of testing? Well, I usually
[17:30] about tiers of testing? Well, I usually divide this graph into four segments
[17:32] divide this graph into four segments where we have first tier right here,
[17:35] where we have first tier right here, which are the best devices. Then we
[17:37] which are the best devices. Then we roughly have second tier right here. And
[17:41] roughly have second tier right here. And then, depending if it's still worth to
[17:42] then, depending if it's still worth to split it, you could say that there's
[17:45] split it, you could say that there's third tier here and
[17:48] third tier here and fourth tier here. But, I would already
[17:49] fourth tier here. But, I would already say that third tier and fourth tier
[17:51] say that third tier and fourth tier probably aren't worth much in terms of
[17:53] probably aren't worth much in terms of sleep stage tracking. If you are
[17:56] sleep stage tracking. If you are interested in your sleep stages at the
[17:58] interested in your sleep stages at the moment, I would recommend going for
[18:00] moment, I would recommend going for first tier or potentially second tier.
[18:02] first tier or potentially second tier. So, first tier in my testing include the
[18:05] So, first tier in my testing include the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch, different
[18:08] Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch, different Fitbit devices. So, Fitbit and Pixel are
[18:11] Fitbit devices. So, Fitbit and Pixel are owned both by Google, so basically the
[18:12] owned both by Google, so basically the same algorithm. Then we have the Whoop
[18:15] same algorithm. Then we have the Whoop strap. My Oura Ring 4 testing, though
[18:17] strap. My Oura Ring 4 testing, though the Oura Ring 5 actually ended up in
[18:19] the Oura Ring 5 actually ended up in second tier. And then, of course, we
[18:21] second tier. And then, of course, we have the Eight Sleep Pod, my favorite
[18:23] have the Eight Sleep Pod, my favorite sleep improvement device. Now, I'll keep
[18:24] sleep improvement device. Now, I'll keep this short. It's not a wearable. It's a
[18:26] this short. It's not a wearable. It's a device that goes around your mattress
[18:27] device that goes around your mattress and it can also include a blanket that
[18:29] and it can also include a blanket that can actively cool and heat each side of
[18:32] can actively cool and heat each side of the bed for you and your partner
[18:33] the bed for you and your partner independently. For me, in summer, this
[18:35] independently. For me, in summer, this has been a game changer to improve my
[18:37] has been a game changer to improve my sleep. But, both in the shorter and
[18:39] sleep. But, both in the shorter and longer term, it's quite expensive. So,
[18:40] longer term, it's quite expensive. So, only get it if you can really afford it.
[18:43] only get it if you can really afford it. If you just want sleep stage tracking, I
[18:45] If you just want sleep stage tracking, I would definitely recommend going cheaper
[18:47] would definitely recommend going cheaper if you don't want that cooling
[18:48] if you don't want that cooling functionality. And you can get, for
[18:50] functionality. And you can get, for instance, a Fitbit Air for 99 bucks,
[18:52] instance, a Fitbit Air for 99 bucks, which already has really good sleep
[18:54] which already has really good sleep stage tracking. And now, potentially
[18:56] stage tracking. And now, potentially also the Garmin Circa on the biceps is
[18:58] also the Garmin Circa on the biceps is already quite good. And then, the Eight
[19:01] already quite good. And then, the Eight Sleep Pod is not worth it because it's
[19:02] Sleep Pod is not worth it because it's just so expensive. If you still want to
[19:04] just so expensive. If you still want to try it out to see if you like it and
[19:06] try it out to see if you like it and want to get the best discount possible,
[19:08] want to get the best discount possible, I do have an affiliate link to Eight
[19:09] I do have an affiliate link to Eight Sleep up here or down here.
[19:11] Sleep up here or down here. But, getting back to the testing, this
[19:12] But, getting back to the testing, this is looking promising and again,
[19:14] is looking promising and again, potentially a reason to wear your Garmin
[19:17] potentially a reason to wear your Garmin Circa on the biceps because it could
[19:19] Circa on the biceps because it could potentially give a more clean input
[19:21] potentially give a more clean input signal. So, let's actually score this
[19:24] signal. So, let's actually score this sleep stage tracking again on the biceps
[19:27] sleep stage tracking again on the biceps and the wrist separately. Then, the
[19:29] and the wrist separately. Then, the sleep score for the Circa on the biceps
[19:31] sleep score for the Circa on the biceps is 73 and on the wrist, 64, which gives
[19:36] is 73 and on the wrist, 64, which gives the Garmin Circa on the biceps a rating
[19:38] the Garmin Circa on the biceps a rating of good sleep stage tracking and on the
[19:40] of good sleep stage tracking and on the wrist, only okay. Still not the worst,
[19:43] wrist, only okay. Still not the worst, but definitely third tier.
[19:45] but definitely third tier. Now, one other thing that you can track
[19:47] Now, one other thing that you can track at night is your heart rate and heart
[19:49] at night is your heart rate and heart rate variability. And if you just care
[19:50] rate variability. And if you just care about that, there the Garmin Circa on
[19:52] about that, there the Garmin Circa on the wrist appears to be quite okay. So,
[19:54] the wrist appears to be quite okay. So, here we have the wrist-based results for
[19:56] here we have the wrist-based results for heart rate according to the reference
[19:58] heart rate according to the reference along the horizontal axis and the Circa
[20:00] along the horizontal axis and the Circa on the wrist along the vertical axis. We
[20:03] on the wrist along the vertical axis. We can indeed see that most points are on
[20:05] can indeed see that most points are on or close to the black line and we're
[20:06] or close to the black line and we're looking in a really narrow range. So,
[20:08] looking in a really narrow range. So, from 39 to let's say 55 bpm, it's just
[20:12] from 39 to let's say 55 bpm, it's just doing really well. And on the biceps,
[20:14] doing really well. And on the biceps, it's basically the same. The points are
[20:15] it's basically the same. The points are very close to the black line. So, both
[20:18] very close to the black line. So, both [music] would definitely be good enough
[20:20] [music] would definitely be good enough for me. We can look at some example
[20:21] for me. We can look at some example nights right here for the wrist, for
[20:23] nights right here for the wrist, for instance. So, we have the reference in
[20:25] instance. So, we have the reference in red and the Garmin Circa in blue-green
[20:27] red and the Garmin Circa in blue-green and they generally overlap very well in
[20:29] and they generally overlap very well in this narrow range with some minor
[20:30] this narrow range with some minor deviations. Also right here, the general
[20:33] deviations. Also right here, the general patterns agree very well also on the
[20:34] patterns agree very well also on the biceps. So, there there's not a big
[20:37] biceps. So, there there's not a big difference between wearing it on your
[20:38] difference between wearing it on your wrist or on the biceps and both are
[20:40] wrist or on the biceps and both are doing a good job. But, what about your
[20:42] doing a good job. But, what about your HRV or heart rate variability? Well,
[20:45] HRV or heart rate variability? Well, this is also generally measured quite
[20:47] this is also generally measured quite reliably. So, this is the wrist-based
[20:49] reliably. So, this is the wrist-based result with again, the Circa on the
[20:52] result with again, the Circa on the vertical axis and the reference along
[20:53] vertical axis and the reference along the horizontal axis.
[20:55] the horizontal axis. And most points are very close to the
[20:57] And most points are very close to the black line. So, it does seem that in the
[21:00] black line. So, it does seem that in the higher HRV range, that Garmin measures a
[21:03] higher HRV range, that Garmin measures a slightly lower HRV, but this could be an
[21:05] slightly lower HRV, but this could be an algorithmic difference. So, how they
[21:07] algorithmic difference. So, how they define their HRV. And the same is true
[21:10] define their HRV. And the same is true here on the biceps. We have basically
[21:13] here on the biceps. We have basically very similar results for on the wrist
[21:16] very similar results for on the wrist and the biceps. I just tested it on the
[21:18] and the biceps. I just tested it on the biceps quite a bit longer. And if we
[21:19] biceps quite a bit longer. And if we take a look at some example sessions, we
[21:22] take a look at some example sessions, we can indeed see that in the higher
[21:24] can indeed see that in the higher ranges, the reference is a little bit
[21:25] ranges, the reference is a little bit higher, but the overall patterns are
[21:28] higher, but the overall patterns are super similar both on the biceps and the
[21:31] super similar both on the biceps and the wrist. And I just have nothing to
[21:33] wrist. And I just have nothing to complain about here. So, overall, what
[21:36] complain about here. So, overall, what is my verdict on the Garmin Circa
[21:38] is my verdict on the Garmin Circa Smartband?
[21:40] Smartband? >> [music]
[21:40] >> [music] >> Well, I've really enjoyed using it. And
[21:42] >> Well, I've really enjoyed using it. And the one thing that actually makes a huge
[21:44] the one thing that actually makes a huge difference is that it has a button on
[21:46] difference is that it has a button on it. Now, this might seem small, but this
[21:48] it. Now, this might seem small, but this is a big quality of life improvement for
[21:50] is a big quality of life improvement for me because I can just start my exercise
[21:53] me because I can just start my exercise by clicking on the device and it will
[21:55] by clicking on the device and it will start. It gives a little green light.
[21:57] start. It gives a little green light. So, that's one downside of wearing it on
[21:59] So, that's one downside of wearing it on the biceps. If you have a long sleeve,
[22:00] the biceps. If you have a long sleeve, you cannot see if you started or stopped
[22:02] you cannot see if you started or stopped it. So, it will give a different pattern
[22:04] it. So, it will give a different pattern of
[22:05] of whether you start or stop it, but
[22:07] whether you start or stop it, but looking at the light is really the only
[22:08] looking at the light is really the only reliable way of knowing whether you're
[22:10] reliable way of knowing whether you're starting or stopping an exercise. So, I
[22:12] starting or stopping an exercise. So, I have accidentally let it run for a bit
[22:14] have accidentally let it run for a bit too long, but then I don't have to rely
[22:16] too long, but then I don't have to rely on the automatic activity detection,
[22:18] on the automatic activity detection, which has been a bit hit and miss for me
[22:21] which has been a bit hit and miss for me on the biceps especially, where it has
[22:23] on the biceps especially, where it has missed a bunch of exercises. Or when I
[22:25] missed a bunch of exercises. Or when I went on a long hike, for instance, none
[22:27] went on a long hike, for instance, none of that was tracked. So, having that
[22:29] of that was tracked. So, having that button is really good. The automatic
[22:31] button is really good. The automatic activity detection could be a bit
[22:33] activity detection could be a bit better, which is an extra reason to have
[22:35] better, which is an extra reason to have that button. I do hope while wearing it
[22:37] that button. I do hope while wearing it longer that Garmin learns how to
[22:39] longer that Garmin learns how to interpret my behavior basically and
[22:41] interpret my behavior basically and learns to classify that better over
[22:43] learns to classify that better over time.
[22:44] time. I decided to put a general cardio
[22:46] I decided to put a general cardio profile on that button, so you have to
[22:48] profile on that button, so you have to decide beforehand what is going to be
[22:50] decide beforehand what is going to be the profile that's going to be used when
[22:52] the profile that's going to be used when you click on that button. But it works
[22:54] you click on that button. But it works really well. I've had no complaints, no
[22:56] really well. I've had no complaints, no accidental presses either when worn on
[22:58] accidental presses either when worn on the wrist or on the biceps. And if we
[23:00] the wrist or on the biceps. And if we quickly summarize the testing results, I
[23:03] quickly summarize the testing results, I would say that the Garmin Circa both on
[23:05] would say that the Garmin Circa both on the wrist and the biceps is doing a
[23:07] the wrist and the biceps is doing a great job at tracking my heart rate and
[23:09] great job at tracking my heart rate and heart rate variability at night. The
[23:11] heart rate variability at night. The sleep stage tracking for some reason was
[23:13] sleep stage tracking for some reason was a good on my biceps, but only okay on
[23:16] a good on my biceps, but only okay on the wrist. And I would be curious to see
[23:18] the wrist. And I would be curious to see if this holds in the long run. And then
[23:20] if this holds in the long run. And then the heart rate tracking is only good on
[23:22] the heart rate tracking is only good on my wrist where it especially struggled
[23:24] my wrist where it especially struggled during running in my case, but on the
[23:27] during running in my case, but on the biceps is just great and I can
[23:28] biceps is just great and I can definitely recommend it. So, if you
[23:30] definitely recommend it. So, if you don't care too much about your sleep
[23:32] don't care too much about your sleep stages based on my testing at least, I
[23:34] stages based on my testing at least, I would say it's fine to wear your Garmin
[23:35] would say it's fine to wear your Garmin Circa on your wrist at night and then
[23:37] Circa on your wrist at night and then wear it on your biceps during exercise.
[23:40] wear it on your biceps during exercise. I wouldn't wear it on my wrist full-time
[23:42] I wouldn't wear it on my wrist full-time because it really cripples performance
[23:44] because it really cripples performance and you will likely get a lot better
[23:47] and you will likely get a lot better performance on your biceps. Now, these
[23:49] performance on your biceps. Now, these biceps bands at the moment aren't cheap
[23:51] biceps bands at the moment aren't cheap or easy to get. I hope third-party
[23:53] or easy to get. I hope third-party manufacturers will start to make them.
[23:55] manufacturers will start to make them. And also the sizing is a bit weird. So,
[23:57] And also the sizing is a bit weird. So, it's not a standard buckle, but quite a
[23:59] it's not a standard buckle, but quite a narrow attachment right here. So, I hope
[24:02] narrow attachment right here. So, I hope third-party manufacturers will start to
[24:05] third-party manufacturers will start to create Garmin Circas, but at least in
[24:07] create Garmin Circas, but at least in Austria at the moment, if you want
[24:08] Austria at the moment, if you want yourself an official biceps band, it
[24:11] yourself an official biceps band, it sets you back close to 60 bucks, whereas
[24:13] sets you back close to 60 bucks, whereas a whole Fitbit Air on your wrist then is
[24:16] a whole Fitbit Air on your wrist then is only 99 bucks. So, quite expensive and
[24:19] only 99 bucks. So, quite expensive and it usually takes quite a while to get
[24:21] it usually takes quite a while to get it. So, if I go for the larger version,
[24:23] it. So, if I go for the larger version, they only deliver in a couple of weeks.
[24:25] they only deliver in a couple of weeks. But still, I think it's worth to get
[24:27] But still, I think it's worth to get one. I think it's fine to wait for a bit
[24:29] one. I think it's fine to wait for a bit until Alex I start selling some. Or if
[24:32] until Alex I start selling some. Or if you're really keen on getting the best
[24:33] you're really keen on getting the best results, just bite the bullet and get
[24:35] results, just bite the bullet and get the expensive armbands.
[24:37] the expensive armbands. Overall though, I'm not disappointed
[24:39] Overall though, I'm not disappointed with the performance of the Circa and I
[24:41] with the performance of the Circa and I think it is a proper competitor to the
[24:44] think it is a proper competitor to the Fitbit Air, but also the Whoop strap and
[24:46] Fitbit Air, but also the Whoop strap and the Amazfit Helios strap. Now, it is
[24:48] the Amazfit Helios strap. Now, it is still on the more expensive side. Not
[24:50] still on the more expensive side. Not Whoop expensive, but for instance, the
[24:53] Whoop expensive, but for instance, the Amazfit Helios strap and the Fitbit Air
[24:55] Amazfit Helios strap and the Fitbit Air will only set you back 99 bucks and also
[24:58] will only set you back 99 bucks and also have really good performance. I'm
[24:59] have really good performance. I'm actually working on a dedicated review
[25:01] actually working on a dedicated review where I put the Garmin Circa and the
[25:03] where I put the Garmin Circa and the Fitbit Air side by side and there you
[25:06] Fitbit Air side by side and there you can really judge which is the right
[25:08] can really judge which is the right device for you. Now, in terms of app
[25:10] device for you. Now, in terms of app experience, what I do appreciate is the
[25:12] experience, what I do appreciate is the Garmin Circa works a lot better offline
[25:14] Garmin Circa works a lot better offline than the Fitbit Air did at least up till
[25:16] than the Fitbit Air did at least up till a while ago where the Fitbit Air just
[25:18] a while ago where the Fitbit Air just wouldn't sync exercises when you're not
[25:20] wouldn't sync exercises when you're not connected to the internet. That's at
[25:22] connected to the internet. That's at least how it was recently. Otherwise,
[25:24] least how it was recently. Otherwise, the Fitbit Air is also great option.
[25:26] the Fitbit Air is also great option. >> [music]
[25:26] >> [music] >> Now, if you do decide to get yourself a
[25:29] >> Now, if you do decide to get yourself a Garmin Circa, a Garmin Circa bicep band,
[25:31] Garmin Circa, a Garmin Circa bicep band, a Whoop strap, a nice little Helios
[25:34] a Whoop strap, a nice little Helios strap, an Ultrahuman Pro ring, an Oura
[25:36] strap, an Ultrahuman Pro ring, an Oura ring, another device or anything at all
[25:39] ring, another device or anything at all on Amazon for that matter, even
[25:41] on Amazon for that matter, even something as small as toilet paper or
[25:42] something as small as toilet paper or coffee beans, you want the best discount
[25:44] coffee beans, you want the best discount possible and to support the channel,
[25:46] possible and to support the channel, there's different affiliate links down
[25:48] there's different affiliate links down in the description below, many of which
[25:49] in the description below, many of which give you the best discount possible.
[25:52] give you the best discount possible. Now, don't forget to like and subscribe
[25:54] Now, don't forget to like and subscribe and also watch this video on the Fitbit
[25:56] and also watch this video on the Fitbit Air and this video on the Eight Sleep
[25:59] Air and this video on the Eight Sleep Pod.
[26:01] Pod. >> [music]

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