Heyday Apple Watch Band

Finding the Perfect Alternative Band Without Breaking the Bank

Walking through Target last month, I found myself once again drawn to the tech accessories aisle. My Apple Watch Sport Band had seen better days, and I was ready for something fresh without spending $50+ at the Apple Store. That’s when I stumbled upon Heyday bands, and honestly? It’s been a game-changer for my wallet and my style.

After trying several styles and wearing them daily for the past few weeks, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide for anyone considering these affordable Apple Watch band alternatives. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Heyday Apple Watch bands!

What Exactly is Heyday, Anyway?

For those unfamiliar, Heyday is Target’s in-house tech accessories brand that launched a few years back. They’ve quietly built a reputation for decent quality at budget-friendly prices across earbuds, phone cases, and—you guessed it—Apple Watch bands.

Compatibility: Will They Fit Your Watch?

The first question on everyone’s mind is usually compatibility. Heyday Apple Watch bands are compatible with all Apple Watch series, including the newest Series 9 and Ultra models. This universal compatibility is honestly one of their biggest selling points.

Size-wise, Heyday offers bands in both the 38/40/41mm size (for smaller Apple Watches) and the 42/44/45/49mm size (for larger models). I’ve tested them on my Series 7, and they fit perfectly with no issues. The connection mechanism is identical to Apple’s official bands, with the same sliding lock design that makes installation and removal a breeze.

If you’re unsure which size you need, just check the back of your Apple Watch—the size is etched right on the case. Remember that the 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm bands are interchangeable, as are the 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm bands.

Price Point: The Budget-Friendly Appeal

Let’s talk about what initially drew me to these bands: the price. While official Apple bands typically start at $49 for basic Sport models and climb well into the hundreds for leather and metal options, Heyday bands typically range from $14.99 to $24.99, depending on the material and style.

This price point positions them significantly lower than Apple’s offerings while maintaining better quality than the ultra-cheap $5-10 options flooding Amazon. It’s that sweet spot of affordability and decent construction that makes them worth considering.

During my exploration, I caught a few on sale for around $12, which made trying multiple styles much more palatable. Target also frequently includes them in their accessory promotions, like “buy one, get one 30% off” deals, which I took advantage of during my last visit.

Where to Buy: Availability and Options

Heyday is Target’s exclusive brand, so naturally, the primary place to purchase these bands is at Target stores or Target.com. I’ve found the in-store selection to be somewhat limited—usually around 8-10 styles on display—but the online catalog offers many more options.

What I appreciate about buying in-store is the ability to feel the materials and see the colors in person. Screens don’t always represent colors accurately, and I’ve found this particularly true with some of the pastel and metallic finishes.

If you’re shopping online, Target frequently offers free shipping on orders over $35, and you can always utilize their convenient in-store returns if the band doesn’t meet your expectations.

Materials and Quality: What to Expect

Heyday offers Apple Watch bands in several materials, including:

• Silicone/TPU sport bands
• Braided solo loop styles
• Faux leather bands
• Stainless steel mesh loops
• Nylon sport loops
• Beaded/decorative fashion bands

After trying multiple styles, I can speak most confidently about their silicone sport bands and braided solo loops, as these have become my daily drivers.

The silicone bands use a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material similar to Apple’s Sport Band, though not quite as soft or premium feeling. They have a slightly firmer texture but remain comfortable for all-day wear. After three weeks of constant use, my black silicone band shows no signs of deterioration, discoloration, or peeling.

The braided solo loop style surprised me with its comfort. While not as finely woven as Apple’s $99 version, it maintains good elasticity and has a pleasant texture against the skin. I’ve found it slightly less durable than the silicone options, with some minor fuzziness appearing after about two weeks of regular wear.

The stainless steel mesh band I purchased has surprisingly good construction for the price point. The magnetic closure holds securely, and the mesh links haven’t shown any signs of stretching or deformation after regular use.

Durability: Standing Up to Daily Life

For budget-friendly accessories, durability is always a concern. After several weeks of testing, I can confirm that Heyday bands hold up reasonably well to daily wear and tear. The connection points—often the first failure point on cheap bands—feel secure and show no signs of weakening.

The silicone/TPU bands are definitely the most durable options. I’ve worn mine during workouts, showers, swimming, and even a rainy hike without issues. The material cleans easily and resists staining admirably.

The braided and fabric options require a bit more care. They absorb sweat and can become smelly if not allowed to dry properly after workouts. They also tend to show wear faster, with some pilling and fuzziness appearing after a few weeks.

The faux leather bands look nice initially but don’t expect them to age like genuine leather. The surface can begin to crack or peel with regular exposure to water or sweat—something to consider if you’re looking for a band that will patina beautifully over time.

Style Options: Colors and Designs

One area where Heyday truly shines is variety. The brand offers an impressive range of colors and designs that rotate seasonally. During my exploration, I found:

• Solid colors in every shade imaginable
• Two-tone and ombré patterns
• Printed designs (floral, geometric, etc.)
• Metallic finishes
• Seasonal patterns (currently featuring fall themes)
• Bejeweled and decorative options

Target seems to refresh the collection regularly, with new seasonal colors appearing every few months. The summer collection featured bright corals and turquoise options, while the current fall lineup includes deeper burgundies, forest greens, and some textured patterns.

If you’re style-conscious, this variety is a huge selling point. At this price point, you can afford to have multiple bands to coordinate with different outfits or occasions—something that would be cost-prohibitive with Apple’s official bands.

Comfort: Wearing Experience

Comfort is subjective, but I’ve found most Heyday bands to be quite wearable for extended periods. The silicone options are lightweight and don’t trap much heat or moisture against the skin, making them good for all-day wear.

The braided solo loop style is my personal favorite for comfort. The stretchy, breathable fabric conforms nicely to the wrist without pressure points. Since it lacks a buckle or clasp, there’s nothing to dig into your wrist when typing or resting your arm on a desk.

The mesh metal band is surprisingly comfortable as well, though it can occasionally catch arm hair—a common issue with metal bands at any price point.

One comfort consideration: some of the silicone bands have a slightly different curvature than Apple’s official bands, which can leave small gaps between the band and your wrist near the watch case. This isn’t noticeable during wear but might bother perfectionists.

Water Resistance: Workout and Swim Friendly?

Most Heyday bands, particularly the silicone/TPU options, are water-resistant and suitable for swimming, showering, and sweaty workouts. I’ve worn mine through multiple swimming sessions without any deterioration or color fading.

The braided styles hold up to water exposure but take time to dry, which can be uncomfortable if you’re putting your watch back on immediately after swimming.

The faux leather and decorative options should generally be kept away from water. While brief exposure probably won’t ruin them, regular soaking will significantly shorten their lifespan.

Metal bands are water-resistant but may show spotting or require cleaning after exposure to chlorine or salt water. A quick rinse with fresh water after swimming is recommended.

Sizing and Adjustability

Most Heyday bands follow the standard Apple Watch band sizing conventions:

• Buckle-style bands come with multiple adjustment holes
• The braided solo loop styles come in specific sizes (S, M, L)
• Metal bands feature removable links or adjustable closures

I found the sizing to be true to expectations, with the medium solo loop fitting my average-sized wrist comfortably. If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up with the solo loop styles, as they’re more comfortable slightly loose than too tight.

One limitation I noticed is that the solo loop bands don’t offer as many precise size options as Apple’s version, which comes in nine specific sizes. Heyday simplifies to just three size options, which works for most people but might not be perfect for everyone.

Installation: Swapping Made Simple

Installing Heyday bands is identical to the process for official Apple bands. The connection mechanism uses the same design, with small buttons on the back of the watch that release the band when pressed.

To install:

1. Press and hold the band release button on your Apple Watch
2. Slide the current band out
3. Slide the new Heyday band in until you hear a click
4. Tug gently to ensure it’s secure

The connection points on all the Heyday bands I tested felt solid and clicked into place with the same satisfying feedback as Apple’s official bands. I experienced no issues with bands disconnecting unexpectedly during wear.

Comparison to Official Apple Bands

Let’s address the elephant in the room: how do these compare to Apple’s official bands? Obviously, at roughly one-third to one-quarter of the price, there are differences:

Material Quality:

• Apple’s silicone feels slightly softer and more premium
• Apple’s metal finishes have better machining and fewer sharp edges
• Apple’s braided loop has finer, more densely woven material

Durability:

• Apple bands generally last longer (years versus months of heavy use)
• Apple’s colors maintain their vibrancy longer
• Apple’s connection points typically remain more precise over time

Design Details:

• Apple’s bands have more refined finishing touches
• Apple offers more premium materials (genuine leather, titanium, etc.)
• Apple’s packaging is more premium

Despite these differences, the value proposition of Heyday bands is undeniable. For the cost of one Apple Sport Band, you can get 3-4 Heyday bands in different styles and colors. For many people, this variety outweighs the incremental quality improvements of Apple’s offerings.

User Reviews and Community Feedback

I’m not alone in my generally positive assessment of Heyday bands. Browsing through Target.com reviews and Apple Watch forums, the consensus seems to be that they offer good value for money.

Most positive reviews highlight:

• Affordable price point
• Good variety of styles and colors
• Comfortable for daily wear
• Decent durability for the price

Common criticisms include:

• Slight color variations from website photos
• Solo loop elasticity wearing out faster than Apple’s version
• Limited availability of some popular styles

Overall, most Heyday bands maintain around 4-4.5 stars on Target’s website, which aligns with my personal experience.

Workout Performance: Fitness Friendly?

As someone who exercises daily, a band’s performance during workouts is crucial. I’ve put several Heyday styles through intense training sessions, and here’s what I found:

The silicone/TPU sport bands perform excellently during workouts. They stay in place, don’t absorb sweat, and rinse clean easily afterward. They’re comparable to Apple’s Sport Band in this regard, though they can feel slightly less breathable during extended sessions.

The braided solo loop also performs well, with the caveat that it absorbs sweat and requires washing more frequently. The benefit is that it maintains a consistent fit during workouts, with no buckle to adjust as your wrist size changes with exertion.

One issue I noticed with high-intensity workouts: the braided solo loop can stretch slightly over time, potentially becoming too loose after several months of heavy use. This is also true of Apple’s version, though it seems to occur more quickly with the Heyday band.

Warranty and Support

Heyday bands come with Target’s standard return policy, which allows returns within 90 days if unused. However, they don’t offer a specific extended warranty for wear and tear beyond this window.

This is one area where Apple has a clear advantage. Apple’s bands are covered under their standard warranty, and Apple Stores will often replace official bands showing premature wear or defects.

That said, given the significant price difference, the limited warranty on Heyday bands seems reasonable. At $15-25, these are essentially semi-disposable accessories that you can replace affordably if needed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your watch band clean extends its life and prevents skin irritation. I’ve found Heyday bands relatively easy to maintain:

For silicone/TPU bands:

• Wipe with a damp cloth for daily cleaning
• Use mild soap and water for deeper cleaning
• Allow to dry completely before reattaching

For braided/fabric bands:

• Rinse with fresh water after sweaty workouts
• Occasional gentle hand washing with mild soap
• Air dry completely (avoid direct heat)

For metal bands:

• Wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints
• Use a slightly damp cloth for more thorough cleaning
• Dry immediately to prevent water spots

For faux leather:

• Wipe with a barely damp cloth
• Avoid soaking or submersion
• Use leather conditioning wipes occasionally

The silicone bands have proven remarkably stain-resistant. I wore a light blue band while cooking with turmeric (a notorious staining agent), and it cleaned up perfectly with just soap and water.

Versatility: From Workouts to Weddings

One question many ask is whether budget bands can transition between casual and formal settings. After testing several styles, I believe certain Heyday options are versatile enough for most occasions.

The mesh stainless steel band looks polished enough for business settings and even formal events. From a distance, it’s difficult to distinguish from much more expensive metal bands.

The solid-color silicone bands in black, navy, or white have a clean, minimal aesthetic that works well in most professional environments, though they do retain a somewhat sporty look.

For truly formal occasions, the faux leather options offer the most sophisticated appearance, though genuine leather bands will always have a slight edge in premium look and feel.

The most casual-looking options are the brightly colored or patterned silicone bands and the braided loops, which have a distinctly sporty aesthetic.

Gender-Specific Designs?

While Heyday doesn’t explicitly label their bands as “men’s” or “women’s,” the collection does include styles that lean toward traditional gender aesthetics. Wider, darker bands with angular details might appeal to those seeking a masculine look, while slimmer bands with decorative elements or pastel colors might attract those preferring feminine styles.

What I appreciate about the collection is its inclusivity—there are plenty of neutral options that would look appropriate on any wrist. The sizing is also universal within each watch size category, so the choice comes down purely to aesthetic preference rather than fit requirements.

During my shopping, I noticed several couples selecting complementary bands rather than identical ones—perhaps matching colors but in different styles that suited their individual preferences.

Return and Exchange Policy

Target’s standard return policy applies to Heyday bands: unused items can be returned within 90 days with a receipt for a full refund. Without a receipt, you may still be eligible for a merchandise return card.

In my experience, Target has been quite accommodating with exchanges, especially if you’re simply swapping for a different color or size. I exchanged a solo loop that was too tight without any hassle, even though I’d opened the package to try it on.

One tip: keep your receipt or ensure the purchase is linked to your Target Circle account to make returns as smooth as possible.

Longevity: How Long Do They Last?

After several weeks of testing, I can’t provide definitive long-term durability data, but based on construction quality and early wear patterns, here are my projections:

• Silicone/TPU bands: Likely 6-12+ months of daily wear before showing significant degradation
• Braided solo loops: 3-6 months before stretching or fraying may become noticeable
• Mesh metal bands: 6-12+ months, with potential clasp weakening over time
• Faux leather: Highly dependent on exposure to moisture, possibly 4-8 months of regular wear

These estimates assume regular wear, including workouts and water exposure where appropriate. With gentle use and proper care, you could certainly extend these timeframes significantly.

The most common failure points I’ve observed in budget bands (not just Heyday) are:

1. Connection points to the watch
2. Buckle or clasp mechanisms
3. Material degradation from sweat and UV exposure

So far, the Heyday bands show no issues with the first two points, which is promising for their overall longevity.

Compatibility with Cases and Screen Protectors

If you use a case or screen protector with your Apple Watch, you’ll be pleased to know that Heyday bands work well with most third-party accessories. I tested them with both a thin bumper case and a full coverage case, and encountered no interference issues.

The band connection points are dimensionally identical to Apple’s specifications, so they slide into place without putting stress on your case. The only potential issue might be with extremely bulky protective cases that extend significantly beyond the watch body, but these would affect any band, not just Heyday ones.

Making the Right Choice: Which Heyday Band Should You Buy?

After trying numerous styles, here are my recommendations based on different priorities:

For maximum durability:
The solid silicone/TPU sport bands are your best bet. They withstand water, sweat, and daily abuse better than any other style. The black, navy, and darker colors also show less dirt and staining over time.

For comfort:
The braided solo loop wins here, with its seamless, buckle-free design that conforms to your wrist. Just be sure to get the right size, as too tight will be uncomfortable and too loose won’t provide accurate heart rate readings.

For style versatility:
The mesh stainless steel band offers the most crossover potential between casual and formal settings. The silver finish works with virtually any outfit and occasion.

For workout performance:
The silicone sport band design provides the most secure fit during high-movement activities and handles sweat with ease.

For fashion-forward options:
Look to the seasonal collections, which often include on-trend colors and patterns that can complement your wardrobe.

Final Thoughts: Are Heyday Bands Worth It?

After extensive testing and comparison, I believe Heyday Apple Watch bands offer exceptional value for money. While they don’t quite match the refinement or longevity of Apple’s official bands, the significant price difference more than compensates for these limitations.

If you’re the type who enjoys changing your watch band frequently to match outfits or occasions, Heyday bands are an absolute no-brainer. The ability to own multiple styles for the price of a single Apple band transforms your watch from a tech accessory into a fashion statement.

For those who prioritize absolute premium quality and are willing to pay for it, Apple’s official bands remain the gold standard. But for the vast majority of Apple Watch users seeking a balance of quality, variety, and affordability, Heyday bands represent one of the best options in the current market.

I’ve personally retired my Apple Sport Band to “special occasion” status and now rotate between three Heyday bands for daily use—a black silicone for workouts, a navy braided loop for casual days, and a silver mesh for more polished settings. This variety has genuinely enhanced my Apple Watch experience, all without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking to replace a worn-out original band or simply expand your collection, Heyday’s offerings deserve serious consideration. Just be warned: once you realize how affordable and versatile these bands are, stopping at just one becomes nearly impossible!