For busy moms seeking a convenient and discreet way to pump breast milk, wearable breast pumps have become a game-changer. Two leading brands in this space, Elvie and Willow, offer innovative solutions that promise to revolutionize the pumping experience. But which one is right for you? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of these two popular wearable breast pumps.
| Feature | Elvie Pump | Willow Go |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 (double pump) | $329.99 |
| Weight | 7.9 oz per pump | 13.5 oz per pump |
| Milk Capacity | 5 oz per pump | 5 oz per pump (7 oz option available) |
| Battery Life | 2.5 hours | Up to 3 pumping sessions |
| Noise Level | Very quiet | Quiet, but slightly louder than Elvie |
| App Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-free Operation | Yes | Yes |
| Parts to Clean | 5 per pump | 2 main parts |
| Milk Collection | Reusable bottle | Reusable container or disposable bags |
Design and Portability
Elvie Pump
The Elvie Pump boasts a sleek, compact design that fits discreetly inside your bra. Weighing just 7.9 ounces or 225 grams per pump, it’s significantly lighter than traditional electric pumps and even its main competitor, the Willow Go.
Willow Go
While slightly bulkier at 13.5 ounces per pump, the Willow Go still offers a wearable design that allows for hands-free pumping. Its rounded shape is designed to mimic a natural breast contour, potentially offering a more discreet look under clothing.
Winner: Elvie Pump – Its lighter weight, sleek, and more compact design give it an edge in portability and discretion.
Suction Strength and Efficiency
Elvie Pump
The Elvie offers adjustable suction with a maximum strength of 240-250 mmHg. While this is sufficient for many users, some moms report that it doesn’t quite match the power of hospital-grade pumps.
Willow Go
With a maximum suction strength of 280 mmHg, the Willow Go offers more powerful extraction. This increased suction can lead to more efficient pumping sessions for some users.
Winner: Willow Go – Its stronger suction power may result in more efficient milk extraction in less time for many users.
Ease of Use
Elvie Pump
The Elvie is praised for its user-friendly design. It’s easy to assemble, with parts that click together intuitively. The pump automatically switches from stimulation to expression mode and offers a straightforward interface on the pump itself.
Willow Go
While still relatively simple to use, the Willow Go has a slightly steeper learning curve. Some users report initial difficulties with achieving a proper latch, though this typically improves with practice.
Winner: Elvie Pump – Its intuitive design and ease of assembly make it more user-friendly, especially for first-time pumpers.
Milk Collection and Storage
Elvie Pump
Milk is collected in a reusable 5 oz bottle attached to the pump. This allows for easy transfer to storage bags or bottles after pumping.
Willow Go
The Willow Go offers two options: a reusable 5 oz container or disposable bags (up to 7 oz). The ability to pump directly into storage bags can be a significant time-saver for some moms.
Winner: Tie – This largely comes down to personal preference. The Elvie’s reusable bottle is eco-friendly, while Willow’s bag option offers convenience.
Noise Level
Elvie Pump
The Elvie is known for being exceptionally quiet, making it ideal for discreet pumping in various settings.
Willow Go
While still relatively quiet compared to traditional pumps, the Willow Go is slightly louder than the Elvie.
Winner: Elvie Pump – Its near-silent operation gives it an edge for moms who need to pump in quiet environments.
App and Smart Features
Elvie Pump
The Elvie app allows you to control the pump remotely, track milk output in real-time, and view pumping history. However, some users report occasional connectivity issues.
Willow Go
Willow’s app offers similar features, including pump control and milk tracking. It’s generally regarded as more reliable in terms of connectivity and accuracy.
Winner: Willow Go – While both offer smart features, Willow’s app tends to be more consistent and user-friendly.
Battery Life
Elvie Pump
With a battery life of approximately 2.5 hours, the Elvie can typically handle a full day of pumping for most users.
Willow Go
The Willow Go promises up to 3 pumping sessions on a full charge, which may translate to slightly less total pumping time compared to the Elvie.
Winner: Elvie Pump – Its longer battery life provides more flexibility for all-day use without recharging.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Elvie Pump
With 5 parts to clean per pump, the Elvie requires a bit more effort in the cleaning department. However, all parts are dishwasher safe, which can simplify the process.
Willow Go
The Willow Go has fewer parts to clean, with just two main components needing attention after each use. This can significantly reduce cleaning time and complexity.
Winner: Willow Go – Fewer parts to clean means less time spent on maintenance and more time for other activities.
Price and Value
Elvie Pump
At $499.99 for a double pump system, the Elvie is on the higher end of the price spectrum for wearable pumps.
Willow Go
Priced at $329.99, the Willow Go offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too many features.
Winner: Willow Go – Its lower price point provides better value for budget-conscious moms.
Expert Take: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Elvie Pump and Willow Go offer excellent solutions for moms seeking a wearable, hands-free pumping experience. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Elvie Pump if:
- You prioritize a compact, sleek design and lightweight pump
- Near-silent operation is crucial for your pumping environment
- You prefer a longer battery life for all-day use without recharging
- Ease of use is your top priority, especially if you’re new to pumping
Opt for the Willow Go if:
- You need stronger suction for more efficient milk extraction
- Budget is a significant consideration
- You prefer the option to pump directly into storage bags
- You want a more reliable app experience for tracking and controlling your pumps
You can also read our honest comparison between Elvie Stride vs Momcozy.
Ultimately, both pumps have their strengths, and either can be a game-changer for busy moms. Consider your lifestyle, pumping needs, and budget to make the best choice for you and your baby.
Remember, while wearable pumps offer convenience, they may not completely replace traditional electric pumps for all moms. Some users find it beneficial to have both types on hand for different situations.
Whichever pump you choose, remember that every mom’s breastfeeding and pumping journey is unique. Don’t hesitate to consult with a lactation specialist if you have specific concerns or need personalized advice on selecting and using a breast pump.
