In the world of breast pumps, two contenders have risen to the top: the Elvie Stride and the Momcozy M5. Both promise to make the pumping experience more comfortable and convenient for new mothers. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Why Trust Us
We’ve put both the Elvie Stride vs Momcozy M5 through rigorous real-world testing. Each pump was used for multiple sessions daily over several weeks, in various settings including home, office, and while running errands. Our goal? To simulate real-world usage scenarios and provide you with accurate, unbiased information.
Elvie Stride
71
Out Of 100
We score breast pumps based on objective testing data. Our scoring factors are weighted based on pump's efficiency, portability, comfortability, hygiene and designed to showcase the best breast pumps.Â
Overall Score
Momcozy
76
Out Of 100
We score breast pumps based on objective testing data. Our scoring factors are weighted based on pump's efficiency, portability, comfortability, hygiene and designed to showcase the best breast pumps.Â
Overall Score
Comfort: The Foundation of a Good Pump
Elvie Stride
Comfortable for extended wear, but some users experienced slight nipple soreness after longer sessions.
Momcozy M5
Proved more comfortable for extended wear, with no discomfort reported even after 30-minute sessions.
Momcozy M5, by a narrow margin.
Milk Output: Efficiency is Key
Elvie Stride
Extracted about 15% more milk in 15-20 minute sessions compared to the Momcozy M5.
Momcozy M5
While slightly less efficient, still provided good output.
Elvie Stride, with its superior milk extraction.
Suction Power: Strength Matters
Elvie Stride
Offers up to 300 mmHg of suction power.
Momcozy M5
Provides up to 280 mmHg of suction strength.
Elvie Stride, with its slightly higher suction power.
Noise Levels: Discreet Pumping
Elvie Stride
Operates silently, with the pump part being separate from the collection unit.
Momcozy M5
Produces sound levels below 50dB, which is quiet but not completely silent.
Elvie Stride, for its near-silent operation.
Leak Testing: Spill-Proof Design
Elvie Stride
Performed excellently, allowing bending and lying down without leaks.
Momcozy M5
Leaked slightly when bent backward and had some issues when pouring milk into bottles.
Elvie Stride, for its superior spill-proof design.
App Usability: Smart Features
Elvie Stride
Comes with an easy-to-use app for control and data analysis.
Momcozy M5
Doesn’t have a dedicated app, though other Momcozy devices can use the brand’s app.
Elvie Stride, for its integrated app functionality.
Cleaning: Quick and Easy
Elvie Stride
Takes about 4 minutes to clean and reassemble due to tubes and additional parts.
Momcozy M5
Requires only about 3 minutes for cleaning and reassembly.
Momcozy M5, for its quicker and easier cleaning process.
Size and Appearance: Discreet Pumping
Elvie Stride
Has a separate machine that can be hung outside clothes, offering flexibility.
Momcozy M5
Fully wearable pump, similar to other all-in-one designs.
Tie. Both offer discreet options, catering to different preferences.
Battery Life: Pump Longer
Elvie Stride
Lasts for about five 30-minute pumping sessions on a full charge.
Momcozy M5
Offers 100-120 minutes of use on a single charge.
Elvie Stride, with its longer overall battery life.
Capacity Management: More Milk, Fewer Interruptions
Elvie Stride
5oz capacity per cup.
Momcozy M5
5.5oz capacity per pump.
Momcozy M5, with its slightly larger capacity.
Price Comparison: Budget Considerations
Elvie Stride
Priced around $270.
Momcozy M5
Available for around $200.
Momcozy M5, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Customer Feedback: Real-World Experiences
Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride has a 3.7/5 rating based on over 1400 reviews on Amazon. Users have mixed experiences:
Positive Feedback
- Many users praise the Elvie Stride for its strong suction power, which some find superior to other wearable pumps.
- The pump’s design, with the motor separate from the cups, is appreciated for creating a better seal and reducing spillage.
- Users find it more cost-effective compared to some other high-end wearable pumps.
“The Elvie Stride has much better suction than the Double Electric Wearable Pump. The separate pump portion makes the cups less heavy, creating a better seal and stronger suction. I feel more mobile because I’m not as worried about spilling.” – Emily
Negative Feedback
- Some users report issues with durability, with pumps malfunctioning after a short period of use.
- Customer service experiences have been frustrating for some, particularly regarding returns and replacements.
“After two weeks of light use, the suction stopped working. Elvie’s policy of not accepting returns and only sending replacement parts, which can take 3-5 days to arrive, is frustrating for nursing moms who can’t afford to stop pumping.” – Karen P.
Momcozy M5
The Momcozy M5 is the best-seller in electric breast pumps on Amazon, boasting a 4.1/5 rating based on over 2200 reviews.
Positive Feedback
- Users appreciate the pump’s affordability compared to other wearable options.
- Many find it easy to use and clean, with good battery life.
- The hands-free design is a significant selling point, allowing moms to multitask while pumping.
“I like this pump better than my insurance-provided one! I usually get more milk out of this one, and being hands-free, I can do things while I pump. The battery life is good – I can usually pump 3 or 4 times before charging.” – Ellen Barker
“These are great, time-saving, easy to use, and easy to clean. I wear them a lot sitting at my desk, doing chores around the house, or on my commute home.” – Kyle D.
Negative Feedback
- Some users find the pump noticeable under clothing, though opinions on this vary.
- A few customers have reported issues with missing parts or the need to purchase additional components separately.
“Hate that this comes with only one flange! Didn’t notice until I received it and now have to order another. $20 for one is absurd but there is no other choice.” – Kyle
Key Differences and Similarities
Now that we’ve explored the detailed features and user experiences of both pumps, let’s summarize their key differences and similarities. This at-a-glance comparison will help you quickly identify which features matter most to you:
| Feature | Elvie Stride | Momcozy M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Separate pump and collection unit | All-in-one wearable design |
| Suction Power | Up to 300 mmHg | Up to 280 mmHg |
| App Integration | Yes | No |
| Capacity | 5oz per cup | 5.5oz per pump |
| Battery Life | ~150 minutes (5 x 30-min sessions) | 100-120 minutes |
| Price | ~$270 | ~$200 |
| Customer Rating |
3.7/5 (1400+ reviews) More about Elvie Stride |
4.1/5 (2200+ reviews) More about Momcozy M5 |
Are they Covered by Insurance?
When considering the purchase of a breast pump, many parents wonder about insurance coverage. Let’s explore how the Elvie Stride and Momcozy M5 fare in this regard:
Affordable Care Act and Breast Pumps
First, it’s important to understand that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover the cost of a breast pump. This provision aims to support breastfeeding mothers by making pumps more accessible. However, the type of pump covered (manual, electric, or hospital-grade) and the method of coverage (rental or purchase) can vary depending on the insurance provider.
Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride is often covered by insurance, making it an attractive option for many mothers. Elvie has partnerships with several insurance providers and durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers. To check if your insurance covers the Elvie Stride:
- Visit the Elvie website and use their insurance checker tool.
- Contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage for the Elvie Stride.
Many users report success in getting partial or full coverage for the Elvie Stride, though the process may require some paperwork and persistence.
Momcozy M5
The Momcozy M5, being a more budget-friendly option, is less commonly covered by insurance compared to the Elvie Stride. However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get coverage:
- Check with your insurance provider about their breast pump coverage policies.
- Some insurers offer a stipend for breast pump purchases, which could be applied to the Momcozy M5.
- If your insurance doesn’t cover the Momcozy M5 specifically, you might be able to get reimbursement for part of the cost as an out-of-network purchase.
Both the Elvie Stride and Momcozy M5 are typically eligible for purchase using Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) funds. This can be a great option if your insurance doesn’t cover the specific pump you want. Read more about insurance in our in-depth Insurance Guide on how to get a breast pump through insurance.
Verdict—Elvie Stride Vs Momcozy M5
Both the Elvie Stride and Momcozy M5 offer compelling features for pumping moms. The Elvie Stride stands out with its higher suction power, better leak protection, and smart features. However, the Momcozy M5 wins on comfort, ease of cleaning, and affordability. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget.
