Apple, Fitbit, whoop, Pebble: fitness trackers compared. The screenless fitness-tracker market in India is no longer limited to WHOOP and Fitbit. Amazfit, Noise, Pebble and Garmin now offer alternatives across different price points, while Apple Watch remains a broader smartwatch option. Apple is also reportedly exploring a future screenless wearable. By Priyanka Shaw Technology Correspondent, TelecomTalk Published on Oct 3, 2026 3:57pm IST Highlights. * WHOOP, Fitbit, Garmin, Amazfit, Noise and Pebble now compete across different price segments. * Fitbit Air brings Google's Gemini-powered Health Coach to India's screenless tracker market. * Apple currently offers Apple Watch rather than a screenless fitness band, although reports suggest it is exploring the category.

Qalo's screenless health tracker has a Smart Ring companion, too. Qalo's new subscription-free fitness SL-1 Smart Band works on its own as a Whoop competitor but is even better when paired with the company's smart ring. Reading time 2 minutes Qalo, maker of a subscription-free smart ring competitor to Oura, apparently has Whoop in its crosshairs, too. The company just announced the SL-1 Smart Band, a new screenless wearable device for your wrist that tracks all the same health data as the company's SR-2 Smart Ring, allowing you to seamlessly switch between them depending on the scenario. The strategy is an increasingly common one in a wearable space where capturing as much data as possible is the goal, and Qalo makes it more compelling by being relatively affordable. The SL-1 is a small rectangular puck of sensors that looks similar to a Whoop 5.0 or competing devices like the Garmin Cirqa, which can be fitted with a variety of silicone and fabric wristbands. Qalo says the device is water-resistant up to around 30 feet and can last over 12 days on a single charge (qualities that will have to be tested in a review), but if you're drawn to the minimalism of screenless wearables, it seems to fit the bill. More importantly, all of the health tracking basics are covered: The SL-1 can monitor your sleep, movement, blood-oxygen levels, heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, skin temperature, and menstrual cycles, all without a subscription. Qalo combines that data into a daily "Q Score" that gives you a sense of your health that day and also offers things like menstrual prediction and automatic workout detection. The real draw of the SL-1 is how it works with Qalo's SR-2 Smart Ring, though. Both devices contribute data to the same health profile, making it possible to switch which device you're wearing without losing data in the process. Qalo imagines its rings working for most people during the day or as a more comfortable option while you're sleeping, with the SL-1 band being for more intense workouts or activities where you need your hands and fingers free. Samsung has pitched wearing its Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch together using the same logic. The lightweight Galaxy Ring works on its own, but it's even more useful as the wearable you turn to when you don't want a large screen on your wrist. Google's Fitbit Air could serve the same purpose for anyone who already owns a Pixel Watch. Qalo might not be able to deliver hardware and software at the level of Samsung or Google, but its devices could still be a good alternative because they're relatively inexpensive. The SL-1 Smart Band and SR-2 Smart Ring each retail for $200, meaning you can purchase them both for around the price of an Apple Watch Series 12. For anyone trying to capture as much data as possible, that could be a lot easier to swallow.

WHOOP launches Niall Horan WHOOP band. WHOOP has collaborated with Niall Horan, During the biggest world tour of Niall Horan's solo career, WHOOP is celebrating the moment with a custom WHOOP band inspired by Niall's Irish roots and passion for music. The band launch will be powered by content captured from Niall's preparation for the biggest tour of his life. A SuperKnit band designed in collaboration with Niall Horan for the biggest tour of his career. Inspired by the natural greens surrounding his home in Ireland, it features custom etching that reflects a life spent on the road and on stage. Made with their signature SuperKnit for all-day comfort and versatility, it's designed to move with him from rehearsal to recovery. Priced at €49, the new band arrives as Horan brings Dinner Party Live On Tour to audiences around the world. Following the tour's opening in Birmingham on 22 September, Irish fans will welcome him home for four nights at Dublin's 3Arena on 9, 10, 12 and 13 November 2026. The launch will be supported by content captured during Horan's preparations for the tour, featuring him wearing his new band and offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the build-up to his live performances. The collaboration brings together the Irish heritage and love of music that inspired the design with his established relationship with WHOOP. A long-standing WHOOP member, Horan became an investor and brand ambassador in September 2025. The partnership focuses on recovery, sleep and overall wellbeing, sharing insights into how he incorporates WHOOP into his routine both on and off tour. Since rising to global fame as a member of One Direction, Horan has built a solo career spanning four studio albums: Flicker (2017), Heartbreak Weather (2020), The Show (2023) and Dinner Party (2026). His latest release secured his third UK Number 1 album and the biggest opening week of his solo career to date. Features of the Niall Horan WHOOP band Strength Trainer Compatible Premium Metals Adjustable ECG Compatible WHOOP MG Compatible