Garmin CIRQA Fail #2, Heart Rate Accuracy: Running Interval Test Result
A performance test of various wearable fitness trackers during a running interval session revealed significant discrepancies in heart rate accuracy. The Garmin CIRQA performed poorly compared to the WHOOP and Fitbit AIR, which showed the highest statistical agreement.
Why it matters
Accurate heart rate monitoring is critical for athletes and health-conscious users relying on wearable technology for training and health metrics.
After my open water test with CIRQA two days ago, today was a more meaningful interval session. It was very hot, and in the end I decided that 5x 3 minutes would be enough. I was running a bit faster than I expected, which was nice but certainly not maximal; all that gym work seems to have been paying off after all.
I was on the Thames towpath, which is a combination of tarmac and hard-packed gravel, i.e., a good running surface.
I had a lot of gadgets on test: Frontier X Plus chest strap, Apple Watch Ultra 3 (left wrist), Garmin CIRQA (right wrist), Fitbit Air (left forearm underside), Amazfit Helio (right forearm underside), Polar SENSE (right biceps).
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