The market for screenless fitness trackers is expanding, offering alternatives to feature-rich smartwatches like the Apple Watch. Companies including WHOOP, Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit, Noise and Pebble are now competing in this space, catering to users who prioritize dedicated health tracking without the distractions of apps and notifications.
New Entrants and Price Points
Several brands are vying for position in different price segments. Pebble’s Qore Ultra currently represents the most affordable option, launching at ₹5,999. The Amazfit Helio Strap is available for around ₹8,999, while the Noise REP is priced at ₹9,999. Garmin has entered the market with the CIRQA, which uses the Garmin Connect platform and sells for around $199.99 internationally, though an Indian price has not yet been announced.
Feature Sets and Subscription Models
The Fitbit Air, recently launched in India, is priced at ₹13,999 and incorporates Google’s Gemini-powered Health Coach. While the tracker functions without a subscription, access to more advanced coaching tools requires a Google Health Premium subscription. The WHOOP 5.0, starting at ₹21,990 with a 12-month membership, concentrates on in-depth health, sleep, recovery, and training insights, tracking metrics like strain, recovery, sleep, heart rate, and HRV, and providing personalized coaching via its app.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- WHOOP 5.0: Starts at ₹21,990 (with 12-month membership), offers over 14 days of battery life.
- Fitbit Air: Costs ₹13,999 in India, provides up to seven days of battery life, and features 24/7 heart-rate tracking, HRV, SpO₂ sleep monitoring, and alerts for heart-rhythm issues.
- Amazfit Helio Strap: Priced around ₹8,999, offers up to 10 days of battery life, and tracks heart rate, HRV, SpO₂, sleep, stress, BioCharge energy monitoring, and workout metrics.
- Noise REP: Available for ₹9,999, with recovery, effort, stamina, sleep, and HRV tracking, plus integration with Apple Health, Google Health, and Strava.
- Pebble Qore Ultra: Priced at ₹5,999, offers up to 15 days of battery life and includes 24/7 heart rate and HRV monitoring, SpO₂, stress, sleep, VO₂ Max, and AI-powered health insights with no subscription fee.
- Garmin CIRQA: International price around $199.99, offers more than 80 activity profiles and health monitoring features without a recurring fee.
Apple’s Potential Entry
Currently, Apple offers the Apple Watch, a full-featured smartwatch. However, reports suggest Apple is exploring the development of a screenless wearable that could directly compete with devices from WHOOP, Fitbit, and Garmin, according to reports.
