I’m not here to sell you on the Embr Wave 2. Honestly, after trying it and hearing from others, I can’t recommend it. This wearable device, designed to cool or warm your wrist to manage hot flashes, stress, or sleep issues, sounds like a dream for those of us battling temperature swings.
But despite its sleek design and bold claims, it doesn’t deliver enough to justify its $300 price tag. Let’s break down my experience, the pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against alternatives.
My Experience With The Embr Wave 2
When I first unboxed the Embr Wave 2, I was excited. The rose gold finish and stainless steel Milanese band looked polished, like a chic smartwatch.
It felt like a gadget that could blend into my daily life without screaming, “I’m wearing a medical device!”
The setup was simple—pop it on the inside of your wrist, where those temperature-sensitive nerves are, and either tap the buttons for instant cooling or warming or sync it with the Embr Wave 2 app for more control.
The app promised customizable modes like Turbo Chill for hot flashes or Bear Hug for relaxation, which got me hopeful.
I wore it for three weeks, giving it the recommended two-week adjustment period to see if it could tame my occasional hot flashes and help with sleep.
The first time I hit the cooling button during a hot flash, I felt a wave of icy relief on my wrist.
It was like pressing a cold glass to my skin—refreshing, but fleeting. My body didn’t feel cooler overall, just my wrist. The warming mode was cozy, like holding a warm mug, but again, it didn’t translate to full-body comfort.
I tried the All Night Cool mode for sleep, hoping it’d stop me from waking up sweaty, but I still tossed off the covers at 3 a.m. The device felt bulky on my small wrist, especially when typing or sleeping, and I caught it on doorframes more than once.
The app was a mixed bag. It’s intuitive, letting you tweak session lengths and track usage, but it disconnected from my phone a few times, which was annoying. Battery life was decent—I got about 10 hours of use—but I had to charge it daily with heavy use.
By week three, I was frustrated. The Embr Wave 2 didn’t make my hot flashes less frequent or intense, and it didn’t help me sleep better. It felt like a high-tech gimmick that didn’t live up to its promise.
Pros of The Embr Wave 2
- Discreet and Stylish Design
The Embr Wave 2 looks like a premium smartwatch, not a clunky medical device.
Available in black or rose gold, it blends into your wardrobe effortlessly.
The magnetic Milanese band is adjustable, fitting wrists from 5.3 to 9.25 inches, and it’s splash-proof, so you don’t have to worry about a little sweat or a quick hand wash.
Unlike noisy fans or bulky cooling vests, it’s silent and unobtrusive, which is great for wearing in public.
I got compliments on its sleek look, and no one knew I was using it to fight a hot flash.
- Customizable App Experience
The Embr Wave 2 app is a standout feature. It offers over 30 thermal sessions, from quick 3-minute bursts to 9-hour sleep modes. You can adjust the intensity, duration, and even reprogram the device’s buttons to your favorite settings.
I liked the Track and Learn feature, which showed me how often I used cooling versus warming modes. It’s like having a personal thermostat coach, helping you figure out what works best. The app also pushes firmware updates, keeping the device current without much hassle.
- Non-Invasive and Safe
Unlike hormone therapy or medications, the Embr Wave 2 is non-invasive. It uses a thermoelectric heat pump to deliver cooling or warming pulses, which feels as safe as holding a cold drink or a warm mug. It’s FSA/HSA eligible, which is a plus if you’re looking to use health savings for relief.
For someone like me, wary of pills or invasive treatments, this was a reassuring option, even if the results were underwhelming.
- Decent Battery Life
The battery lasts around 9–15 hours, depending on how intensely you use it. I found it could handle a full day of intermittent use, and it charges in about two hours with the included magnetic charger.
If you’re just using it for occasional hot flashes, you might only need to charge it every couple of days. It’s convenient enough to plug in overnight, and the battery held up well during my testing period.
Cons of The Embr Wave 2
- Limited Effectiveness for Hot Flashes
The biggest letdown is that the Embr Wave 2 doesn’t deliver the full-body relief it promises.
It cools or warms your wrist effectively, but that sensation rarely extends beyond the spot.
During hot flashes, I felt a brief distraction from the icy pulse, but my body still felt hot.
Many users say it reduces the intensity of hot flashes slightly but doesn’t stop them.
If you’re expecting a magic fix for menopause symptoms, you’ll likely be disappointed, like I was.
- Bulky Design for Smaller Wrists
This thing is chunky. At 41mm in diameter and 15mm thick, it’s not subtle on smaller wrists like mine. It clunked against my desk while typing and felt awkward during sleep. Some users with larger wrists found it comfortable, but for me, it was like wearing a mini brick.
The metal band also snagged arm hair, and while a nylon comfort band is available, it’s an extra cost. I scratched the surface lightly after a week, though it held up against bumps.
- Unreliable Customer Service
Customer service is a pain point. One user reported a faulty charger after 30 days and got automated emails with no real help, plus a $50 replacement cost.
Another mentioned skin irritation, possibly a burn, with no resolution. I didn’t need to contact support myself, but these stories make me wary of relying on the company for fixes or returns. It sounds like a hassle if something goes wrong.
- High Price for Limited Results
At $299 (or $20/month with the Embrship subscription), the Embr Wave 2 is steep. Compare that to a $20 ice pack or a $50 personal fan, and it’s hard to justify. The cooling effect is subtle, and for many, it doesn’t outperform cheaper alternatives.
I felt ripped off after spending so much for something that didn’t transform my hot flash experience. Even with a 60-day money-back guarantee, the hassle of returns makes it a risky investment.
- Overheating Issues
Some users, including me, noticed the device gets warm after long sessions, especially in sleep mode. One user said it overheated under blankets, defeating the purpose of nighttime cooling.
I experienced this during an All Night Cool session—it started cooling but felt warm after an hour, which was counterproductive. The company suggests letting it cool down, but that’s inconvenient when you’re trying to sleep through a hot flash.
Maintenance Tips For The Embr Wave 2
- Keep It Clean and Dry
The Embr Wave 2 is splash-proof but not waterproof, so don’t dunk it in water. I wiped mine with a damp cloth after sweaty workouts, and it held up fine. Use a soft, slightly damp rag to clean the thermoelectric pad and band, especially if you wear it daily.
Dry it thoroughly to avoid moisture damage. If you’re prone to sweating, consider the nylon comfort band, as the metal one can trap grime. Regular cleaning keeps it looking sleek and prevents skin irritation.
- Charge Smartly
The magnetic charger is finicky—make sure the green light is on to confirm it’s charging. I found it best to charge overnight when not in use. Avoid letting the battery drain completely, as it can strain the lithium-ion battery over time.
Check the app for battery status, and don’t leave it plugged in for days to prevent overcharging. If the charger prongs fail, contact the company immediately, but be prepared for potential delays based on user feedback.
- Store Properly
When not wearing it, store the Embr Wave 2 in its included comfort case or a soft pouch to prevent scratches. The metal surface is prone to light scratches, especially if you’re clumsy like me. Keep it away from extreme heat or cold, as the thermoelectric system is sensitive.
If you’re traveling, wrap the charger cable loosely to avoid bending the prongs, which some users reported as fragile.
- Update the App Regularly
The Embr Wave 2 app is key for customizing sessions and getting firmware updates. Check for updates monthly to ensure optimal performance. I noticed the app occasionally disconnected, so toggle Bluetooth off and on if you hit this snag.
Back up your usage data in the app to track patterns, which can help you tweak settings for better results. If the app crashes, restart your phone before reaching out to support.
- Handle with Care
The device is durable but not indestructible. Avoid banging it against hard surfaces, as I did when it caught on a doorframe. The magnetic clasp is strong but can loosen if you’re rough with it.
If you have small wrists, try wearing it higher up your arm to reduce clunkiness, though this might lessen the cooling effect. Always follow the app’s advice to let the device cool down if it overheats during use.
Comparison of Embr Wave 2 With Other Brands
Let’s see how the Embr Wave 2 stacks up against alternatives like the Kulkuf Hot Flash Cooling Bracelet, the Cool On the Go Personal Fan, and good old-fashioned ice packs or heating pads. Spoiler: you might not need to spend $300 to stay comfortable.
The Kulkuf Hot Flash Cooling Bracelet ($199) is a direct competitor, but it only cools, not warms, and has just three settings without app connectivity.
It’s still pricey, but $100 less than the Embr. Users say it feels bulky too, and the cooling is similar—local, not full-body.
I’d pick Kulkuf if I only needed cooling and wanted to save a bit, but it’s not a game-changer either.
Both devices suffer from the same issue: they don’t cool your whole body, just your wrist.
The Cool On the Go Personal Fan ($50) is a budget-friendly option. It’s a small, rechargeable fan offering up to five hours of hands-free cooling.
Unlike the Embr, it’s not discreet—you’ll look like you’re wearing a mini propeller.
But it’s way cheaper and actually moves air, which can feel more effective for hot flashes. I found a fan more practical for daytime use, though it’s less convenient for sleep. If you don’t mind the noise and visibility, this is a solid pick.
Then there’s the classic ice pack or heating pad, costing $10–$20. They’re not wearable, so you’re stuck holding them, but they’re dirt cheap and effective. An ice pack on my neck cooled me faster than the Embr’s wrist pulse, and a heating pad soothed my chills better than the warming mode. The downside? They’re messy and impractical on the go. But for home use, they’re hard to beat for the price.
The Embr Wave 2’s sleek design and app make it feel high-tech, but the others deliver similar or better relief for less. If you’re set on a wearable, Kulkuf is a cheaper alternative. For general cooling, a fan or ice pack wins for value and impact.
Also Read: Is Peach Perfect Happy Hormones Worth It?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For some, it helps. The cooling pulses can reduce the intensity of hot flashes, but they don’t stop them entirely. I found it distracted me briefly, but my body still felt hot. Many users report similar results—it’s hit-or-miss. You might need to experiment for weeks to see benefits, and even then, it’s not a cure-all.
Yes, you can buy it for $299 without a subscription and use it with the free app. The $20/month Embrship includes a lifetime warranty and extras, but it’s not required. I used it without subscribing, and all features were accessible, though customer service issues make the warranty appealing.
The warming mode can feel calming, like sipping hot tea. I found it marginally soothing during stressful moments, but it’s not a replacement for mindfulness or therapy. Some users with anxiety disorders say it helps in public settings, but results vary widely.
Battery life is 9–15 hours, depending on usage, and it charges in two hours. The device itself should last years with proper care, but charger issues and scratches are common. I got about 10 hours daily, but heavy use drained it faster.
Conclusion: Save Your Money
After weeks of testing, I can’t recommend the Embr Wave 2. It’s a clever idea with a sleek look, but it doesn’t deliver enough relief for hot flashes or sleep issues to justify its $300 cost.
Cheaper alternatives like fans or ice packs often work better, and customer service woes add risk. If you’re curious, try it with the 60-day return policy, but don’t expect miracles. Your wallet deserves better.
