Engadget reviews the Qalo SL-1: a basic smart band priced like a flagship

[Binary Owen]

Engadget has reviewed the Qalo SL-1, a 199.95 dollar screenless fitness band, giving it 6.8 out of 10. The band combines its readings into a single "Q Score" and tracks activity, sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, heart rate variability, stress, temperature and menstrual cycles. Its battery lasts more than 12 days and there is no subscription. On paper, that is a decent list

Reviewer Daniel Cooper had several complaints. The magnetic silicone strap looks good but "will get easily dislodged if your sleeve slides along at the wrong angle." The band has no automatic workout detection, which he considers essential. He also found that the app's feedback exists "in a vacuum, and are written past-tense," which could be demoralising for people trying to build better habits

His biggest concern is value. At 199.95 dollars, the SL-1 costs the same as Garmin's Cirqa, which does more. Cooper concluded: "For this sort of money, I'd say there are better alternatives, even when you factor in additional subscription fees." He recommends it only as an entry level option

Screenless bands have become a crowded category, with Whoop, Fitbit Air, Garmin and several smaller brands all competing. The no subscription pitch is attractive when so many rivals charge monthly fees. But a band that can fall off and does not spot workouts by itself will struggle against established competition. It fits with the Fitbit Edge leak today, which suggests some people still want a screen after all

Would you pay 200 dollars for a fitness band without a screen? And do subscriptions put you off fitness trackers?

Qalo SL-1 review: A barebones smart band thatwww.engadget.com