Wearable Pump Comparison

I want to start this by explaining that “wearable pumps” and “portable” pumps are categorized completely differently in my opinion. I have an entire separate post on portable pumps, as well as collection cups that pair with portable pumps coming next. In this post, we will talk through some of the pros and cons of different wearable pumps.

Let me explain…

Wearable pumps are pumps that can be worn in the bra. The motor, flange, and collection container are all within the same piece worn in the bra without tubing or the need for a “hands-free” bra.

Portable pumps are pumps that can be touted around without being tethered to the wall, and are many times hand-sized, themselves. However, portable pumps have the pump motor separate from the flanges/bottles (connected by tubing like a “regular” breast pump). Portable pumps tend to be a bit stronger, seemingly better suction, less leaking, and in some cases- easier to clean than the “wearable” pumps for most women.

My thoughts on wearables

Wearable pumps are incredible and definitely have their place! I think they can be amazing for throwing on “on the go” when you are out in public and want to be discrete, if you have a demanding job where it’s difficult to take those legal breaks, or you work “out in the field”, etc. There are so many instances where a wearable pump is a better option than not getting that milk moving at all, or some instances where it’s the only option. However, I do want to acknowledge that though wearable pumps have their place, it’s truly best that they aren’t used as a primary pump (especially if you use your pump often or exclusively). Most wearable pumps just don’t tend to empty the breast as well as a more traditional pump for most women. The motor typically isn’t quite as strong and the mechanics/fit just aren’t the same as a traditional or hospital grade pump. I will share more about my experience with this, as well as some other mamas’ experiences at the bottom of this post!

I also wanted to give the disclaimer that I am not affiliated with any of these pump companies and this post is in no way sponsored or paid for. I just wanted to create a resource you could come to if you’re choosing between different wearable pumps. I provide facts and stats about these pumps from the pump manufacturers, list off some potential pros and cons, and share my experiences with using these pumps myself (yes, I always trial each pump I share about!). These are all my own, unbiased opinions based on personal experience as a working mother of 4, and my professional experience as a Certified Lactation Counselor and Mom Baby Nurse.

If you’re looking for a pump comparison between the Elvie and the OG (original) Willow Pump— I share my thoughts and experiences here.

This post will look at 4 wearable pumps: Elvie Pump | Willow Go | LM Imani | Momcozy

Elvie Pump

Cost

$549 for double (4 installment payments of $137.49) and $299.99 for single (4 installment payments of $74.99)

Size

Elvie Pump is pretty discrete for a wearable pump! In my opinion, anything you wear in your bra (besides your breasts) are going to look slightly abnormal. So no wearable pump is going to offer the benefit of “no one can tell at all, whatsoever'“, but this one is pretty dang close. The shape also seems to conform well to the breast. You can see below how it looked in my (years-old, milk-stained, but favorite!) supportive bra and with a normal shirt on.

What’s included

2 motors (hubs) if purchased a double
4 Bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
2 Breast Shields (24mm)
2 Breast Shields (28mm)
4 Valves
4 Spouts
4 Seals
4 Storage Lids
4 Bra Adjusters
2 USB Charging Cables
2 Carry Bags
Instructions for Use— download the app

HSA/FSA eligible

yes

Hygienics

Elvie pump is a “closed system” so milk cannot get to motor; dishwasher safe, BPA free

Cleaning

Only a few pieces, but sometimes the inner container is hard to get to and clean with a regular sized brush

How much it holds

Each collection cup holds 5oz/150mL, both freezer and fridge safe; I did feel that the sensors in the pump that showed up in the app would sometimes be slightly “off” based on what I would actually get. Regardless, I think it’s important to go off of your own measurements, not just what the app says!

Flange sizes

Includes 2 sizes flanges (24mm and 28mm), but 21mm can be purchased separately if needed

Leaks/Ensuring a proper fit

This was a bit tricky with the pump system being enclosed. Elvie recommends lining up the flange to nipple to ensure it’s centered, before sliding on the pump. I also recommend wearing a very supportive bra. You want the pump to be as flush against the breast as possible, otherwise it can easily lose suction + leak. I did notice some leaking with movement on occasion

Modes

Elvie pump has 2 modes: stimulation + expression modes; it auto switches from stim to expression mode at 2 minutes (but if you need to switch before 2 mins, or want to switch modes throughout your sesh, you can in the app!); you can have a different mode on each side while pumping if needed

Pump Strength

(~220mmHG)— In my opinion, this pump is a much gentler option (which may work better for some than others!)— remember, higher suction/vacuum does not mean more milk. It truly depends how your body responds to suction + what levels you’re comfortable with! I, however, needed the highest level of suction for this pump to work well for me, and my yield still wasn’t the same as with one of my “regular pumps”, but only a little bit off!

Noise

Elvie pump is pretty quiet and discrete, but you can still hear the motors running if it’s completely quiet— which is to be expected

App

The app helps keep your pump up to date, lets you know about updates, and allows you to see how much you are pumping per side/ mode/ suction strengths/ etc

Battery Life

Rechargeable USB, made for 2.5 hours of pumping— I am usually able to get about 3 pumping sessions before needing to charge, but it truly depends on the settings you use. If you aren’t needing the highest level suction, for example, you may be able to squeeze in a 4th pump before a charge is needed. The pump does take around 2 hours to charge.

Warranties

2 year warranty on pump motor (hub) and 90 day warranty on washable parts

Pros— Discrete and quiet, gentle and comfortable, smaller size than competitors, okay battery life

Cons— Expensive, not a strong suction (if you’re someone who needs that!), ensuring a proper centering of nipple in flange takes practice/hard to see, leaking with movement (which is sad because the point of wearable pumps is to be able to move), takes a while to charge, the app bugs are frustrating

I put up a box within my Instagram community to ask their thoughts about the Elvie + experience (good and bad!) to help share different sides and perspectives. I attached some of the responses here.

I share my personal experience with this pump at the end.

The Willow Go

Cost

$329.99 (+$17.99 if you need flanges other than 21 or 24mm)

Size

Willow Go is bulky in my opinion. As stated before, no pump will look like you “aren’t wearing anything extra”, but this one is large and heavy. I was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t any sleeker than their original first gen Willow pump. It’s still bulky and heavy compared to the Elvie. Below (first 2 photos) is the Willow Go in my bra and (last 2 photos) is one Willow Go + one Elvie Pump in my bra. You can see how the willow protrudes further outward than the Elvie.