Homedics Wakeband Review: Does This Silent Alarm Actually Work?
As a parent, I’ve tried everything to wake up my 19-year-old son Ben. Shouting for ten minutes straight. Shaking his shoulders. Nothing works. Ben is what you might call a professional sleeper; he once slept through a proper thunderstorm right over our house and multiple car alarms going off outside his window.
This review was written by myself with our experiences of the Homedics Wakeband, which was sent to me for free in return for sharing our experiences with you. All views are our own, as we loved trying out the Homedics Wake Band.
When I discovered the Homedics Wakeband Silent Alarm, I thought it might be the answer to our morning struggles. After testing this vibrating wristband, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. If you’re dealing with a heavy sleeper or just want a gentler way to wake up without disturbing your partner, this Wakeband review will tell you everything you need to know.
What is the Homedics Wakeband?
The Homedics Wakeband is a simple concept wrapped around your wrist. Instead of blaring sounds that wake up the entire house, this silent alarm uses vibrations to gently (or not so gently) rouse you from sleep.
The Homedics wake band comes in black or cream and connects to your smartphone through a free app. You can set multiple alarms, choose from nine different vibration intensities, and even hit snooze when you need those extra five minutes. The battery lasts up to six days, and it charges magnetically; just stick the charging cable to the back of the device.
At first glance, a silent alarm for heavy sleepers seems almost too simple to work. But sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.
Who is the Homedics WakeBand best for?
In my opinion, the WakeBand is ideal for:
- Couples who get up at different times
- Shift workers
- Parents who don’t want to wake children
- Students in shared accommodation
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing – it is the perfect alarm for deaf people
- Anyone who hates loud alarms will love this silent vibrating alarm
I think the biggest benefit is simply being able to wake up without waking everyone else in the house. Homedics specifically markets the WakeBand towards couples, shift workers and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. When you read on to see what we thought and how it works, you will see why these people really should consider a silent alarm.
Setting Up the Wakeband: Easier Than Expected
I was unsure how easy it would be to set up, but I was impressed. Setting up the Wakeband was surprisingly straightforward.
First, you download the Homedics Wakeband app (available for both Android and iPhone). The app walks you through pairing the device with your phone via Bluetooth. The whole process took about five minutes, if not less. It is as easy as setting up something like a Bluetooth speaker.
The app interface is clean and simple. You can set multiple alarms, just like on your phone. The difference is that each alarm lets you choose how intense the vibration is. Level 1 feels like a gentle tap on your wrist. Level 9 feels more like your phone’s vibration.
You can also choose different vibration patterns – some pulse steadily, others create more complex rhythms. You can experiment until you find what works for you.
The Real Test: Waking Up Ben
Now for the big question: would this silent alarm actually wake up someone who sleeps through thunderstorms? Would this be an alarm for heavy sleepers that actually helped?
I strapped the Wakeband onto Ben’s wrist, set it to the highest vibration level, and crossed my fingers. I waited by his door when I knew it was due to start, instead of barging in with my usual wake-up routine I trusted this kind of silent alarm watch would help.
Fifteen minutes. That’s how long the Wakeband buzzed on his wrist before Ben finally stirred. Fifteen minutes of continuous vibration at the highest setting. I was starting to think nothing short of an earthquake would wake this boy up, but the Homedics Wake Band had done it.
But here’s the interesting part you are waiting for about this vibrating alarm wristband– it did eventually work. And over the following days, something changed. The time it took for Ben to wake up gradually decreased.
I think his brain was learning to recognise the vibration as a wake-up signal. Either that, or the constant buzzing was slowly driving him mad in his sleep. Either way, it worked.
How the Wakeband Performs for Normal Sleepers
Of course, I had to test it on myself too. I’m what you’d call a normal sleeper – not as heavy as Ben, but not someone who wakes up at the slightest sound either.
The Wakeband woke me up easily on vibration level 4. It felt like someone gently tapping my wrist, gradually pulling me from sleep without that jarring shock of a traditional alarm. I actually found it quite pleasant compared to being jolted awake by my phone alarm.
The vibration is strong enough to wake you, but gentle enough not to feel unpleasant. It’s like having someone shake your shoulder very persistently but politely. I genuinely liked the Homedics Wake Band and found it an easy way to wake up.
What I liked after using the WakeBand for a few weeks
When I first heard about a vibrating alarm wristband, I wasn’t convinced it would wake me up. I expected it to feel too gentle or be easy to ignore. What surprised me was how natural it felt compared to a phone alarm.
Instead of being startled awake by a loud noise, the vibration felt more like someone gently nudging me awake. I found myself waking up feeling calmer and less groggy. It was also reassuring knowing I wasn’t disturbing Ben if I needed to get up earlier than him.
After a few weeks of use, I found the comfort was good enough that I often forgot I was wearing it overnight. That was important because I’m quite sensitive to anything bulky on my wrist when I sleep.
Comfort and Design: Built for All-Night Wear
One of my biggest concerns was whether the Wakeband would be comfortable enough to wear all night. The Wakeband surprised me here. The fabric strap is genuinely soft and lightweight. The device itself is small and flat enough that it doesn’t dig into your wrist when you sleep on your side.
The adjustable strap fits a range of wrist sizes, which is perfect for a vibrating alarm wristband. The only minor issue I noticed was that the fabric strap of the Homedics Wake Band can get a bit sweaty during warm nights. But it’s nothing worse than wearing a watch to bed.
App Features: Simple But Effective
The Homedics Wakeband app won’t win any design awards, but it does everything you need it to do. Setting alarms is straightforward – just like setting them on your phone, but with the added vibration controls.
You can set multiple alarms for different days of the week. The snooze function works exactly as you’d expect. Tap the device when it starts buzzing to get five more minutes. Though you can turn off snooze if you prefer. I turned it off for Ben!
Battery Life: No Daily Charging Stress
One thing I really appreciate about the Homedics Wakeband is the battery life. The company claims up to six days, and in my experience, that’s probably accurate for people who don’t take long to wake. After 2 days of 15 minutes of buzzing each time, it was down to 50%. That said, it is easy to charge during the day for wearing at night, so this isn’t an issue.
The magnetic charging is clever, too. Just place the charging cable near the back of the device, and it snaps into place. No fumbling with tiny charging ports or USB cables. Charging is quick as well. An hour plugged in seems to give it enough power for several days of use.
Is the Homedics Wakeband Worth £29.99?
I think the Homedics Wake band is absolutely worth the money – especially if you’re dealing with a heavy sleeper or want to avoid disturbing your partner. It is currently on offer in black for £24.99!
For context, we’ve tried everything else. Louder alarm clocks, multiple phone alarms, and even one of those sunrise simulation lamps. Nothing worked as consistently as the Homedics Wakeband has for Ben. The fact that it gradually became more effective over time suggests it’s actually training his brain to respond to the vibration.
For normal sleepers, it’s a gentler, more pleasant way to wake up. The fact that it doesn’t disturb anyone else in the bed is worth the purchase price alone.
The build quality seems solid, and the three-year guarantee gives additional peace of mind.
What Could Be Better
No product is perfect, and the Homedics Wake band has a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning.
First, it only works when connected to your phone via Bluetooth. If your phone dies overnight or you forget to turn Bluetooth on, the alarm won’t work.
Secondly, I feel perhaps for people like Ben, maybe there could be an even more intense vibration option? That said, this is working, so maybe I don’t need to worry!
Who Should Buy the Homedics Wakeband?
The Wakeband is perfect for several specific situations:
Heavy sleepers who struggle with traditional alarms. If you’re someone who sleeps through multiple phone alarms or needs someone else to wake you up, the Homedics Wakeband might be your solution.
People who share a bed and don’t want to wake their partner. The Homedics Wake Band silent alarm means you can get up for early shifts or appointments without disturbing anyone else.
Light sleepers who find traditional alarms too harsh. If you’re someone who jumps awake at the sound of a regular alarm, the gentle vibration might be more pleasant.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing. The strong vibration can serve as an effective wake-up method when audio alarms aren’t suitable.
Parents of newborns who need to wake up for night feeds without waking the baby or their partner.
Who might not get on with the WakeBand?
No product is perfect and I think it’s worth being honest about who might struggle with it.
If you’re an extremely heavy sleeper who regularly sleeps through multiple alarms, you may find even the highest vibration setting isn’t enough. Some customer reviews suggest the strongest setting still wasn’t powerful enough for certain users.
Similarly, if you don’t own a smartphone, the WakeBand probably isn’t the best choice as setup requires the companion app.
My Thoughts on the Homedics Wakeband
I no longer dread mornings. I don’t have to stand outside Ben’s door shouting and banging on his door. The Wakeband has given both of us more independence and less stress.
It’s solved a problem that was genuinely affecting our daily lives. The device is well-made, comfortable to wear, and surprisingly effective – even for the deepest sleepers.
If you’re struggling to wake up someone in your household, or if you want a gentler way to start your mornings, the Homedics Wakeband is worth trying.
Is the Homedics WakeBand worth buying?
After testing the Homedics WakeBand myself and seeing how well it worked for Ben, I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a quieter and less stressful way to wake up.
It’s not trying to be a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Instead, it solves a very specific problem: waking you up without disturbing everyone else. For couples, shift workers, parents and anyone who dislikes loud alarms, that’s exactly what makes it so useful.
Where to Buy
The Homedics Wakeband is available directly from the Homedics website and various online retailers. I’d recommend buying from an authorised seller to ensure you get the full three-year warranty.
A few tips if you decide to buy one:
Start with a lower vibration level and gradually increase it if needed. You might be surprised at how little vibration you actually need to wake up.
Make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is working properly before relying on it as your main alarm. Keep a backup alarm set for the first few nights.
Give it time to work, especially if you’re a very heavy sleeper.
The Homedics Wakeband isn’t a miracle device, but it’s a simple, effective solution to a common problem. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
FAQ
Does the Homedics WakeBand work for heavy sleepers?
It depends on how deeply you sleep. Ben found it effective, but some users report needing the highest vibration settings. If you regularly sleep through multiple alarms, results may vary.
Can the WakeBand wake deaf or hard-of-hearing users?
Many users who are deaf or hard of hearing have reported positive experiences with the WakeBand because it relies on vibration rather than sound.
Does the WakeBand need a phone nearby?
You need a smartphone to set up and manage alarms through the app. Once configured, the wristband stores your alarm settings.
How long does the battery last?
Homedics states that the battery lasts up to six days between charges, although actual battery life will depend on how frequently you use alarms and vibration intensity settings.
Is the WakeBand comfortable to sleep in?
I found it comfortable enough to wear overnight and many users report that they barely notice it once they’re asleep.
Can I set multiple alarms?
Yes, the app allows multiple alarms, making it useful for different schedules throughout the week.
Alternatives to the Homedics WakeBand
If you’re considering the WakeBand, you may also want to look at:
- Smartwatches with vibration alarms
- Fitness trackers such as Fitbit devices
- Dedicated vibrating alarm clocks
- Sunrise alarm clocks
However, I found the simplicity of the WakeBand refreshing. Unlike a smartwatch, it focuses on one job: waking you up quietly.
TL;DR
The Homedics Wake Band is amazing when it comes to waking a teenager who can sleep through anything! I also loved the wake band and found it helpful.
It has 9 different vibration intensities, and you can snooze it too. Charging it is easy, and the battery lasts well. The Homedics Wake Band is perfect for a low-effort, easy-to-use gadget for couples who get up at different times and do not want to disturb each other.
I would recommend the Homedics Wakeband for anyone looking for a silent alarm or an alarm with a difference. For less than £30, the Homedics Wakeband is a great buy, and we would definitely recommend it.
Buy the Homedics Wake Band from Amazon
