Elvie vs. Willow - Which One Is The Better Buy?
The Elvie and the Willow are the breast pumps of the future!
They're like superhero gadgets that fit snuggly inside your bra and let you pump like a boss. No more awkward tubes or cords dangling around, no more feeling tethered to a machine. These babies let you pump on the go, hands-free and incognito.
But hold up, they're not exactly the same. Depending on your unique situation, one might be the clear winner. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of both and figure out which one suits you best.
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Benefits of the Elvie and the Willow breast pump:
Super convenient. Untethered pumping = more pumping. So you can fill up those milk jugs (or bags) faster than ever before!
Allow you to do more. Go hands-free and gain more hours in the day for yourself. Multitask like a boss and get things done while pumping like a pro.
Extremely portable. Need to take your pump on the go? No problem! Both the Willow and Elvie can be packed up and stashed in your bag like a secret weapon.
The Elvie and The Willow share some similarities…
They both:
Are women-led startup companies (yay!)
Are completely wireless. You don’t have to be plugged in anywhere and there are no wires connecting you to the wall or pump
Are double electric breast pumps. (although the Elvie DOES allow you to purchase a single unit if desired)
Fit directly into your bra or tank top
Allow you to pump hands-free and with total freedom
Come with 2 breast shield (flange) sizes (24 and 28 mm are included, 21 mm can be purchased separately)
Have 7 suction settings
Can be controlled via a free app
Have washable parts that are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
Are around the same price
May be covered by your Insurance
Hold a charge relatively well, so you won’t need to find an outlet at every use
Take approximately 2 hours to be 100% charged
Have a charge that lasts about 2.5 hours, depending on the intensity setting you use
Differences between the Elvie and The Willow breast pump:
THE WILLOW WEARABLE BREAST PUMP
WILLOW Pros:
Spill proof design. The Willow allows you to have TOTAL freedom of movement. You can literally pump from any direction (and that includes laying down). You can even try doing yoga while pumping! (the Elvie doesn’t allow you as much freedom of movement… you have to remain in an upwards position) Heck, you could even do a somersault or two and the Willow will still keep on pumping! It's a true feat of engineering wizardry, if you ask us.
Optional disposable bags. If you like the idea of taking one step out of the pumping process, The Willow allows you to pump into bags that serve as both collection and storage bags. (although you DO have to purchase the bags separately)
Has fewer parts to wash than the Elvie. (only 2! compared to Elvie’s 5)
Slightly longer lasting battery
The app is very reliable, more so than the Elvie
Slightly stronger suction strength than the Elvie, which means you may be able to pump more milk with the Willow
WILLOW Cons:
Only holds 4oz. of milk per side (The Elvie holds 5oz)
Disposable bags are expensive - and if you want to use their reusable container, you have to purchase that separately
More of a learning curve to use than the Elvie
Harder to clean. Willow claims its system is easy to clean because there are only two parts: the flange and the flex tube. However, these two parts include small tubes and crevices that have to be cleaned with the included brushes.
You can only charge one pump at a time since it comes with only 1 wall socket charger (Elvie comes with 2 USB chargers)
Is larger. (about 1.5x as large in both weight and bulk than the Elvie)
Milk containers are more difficult to use than the Elvie.
Have a dedicated right and left version, while Elvie pumps can go on either side.
Noisier than the Elvie. You may get looks if you’re out in public.
THE ELVIE WEARABLE BREAST PUMP
ELVIE Pros:
Can hold 5 oz. of milk on each side (Willow only holds 4oz)
Significantly quieter than the Willow It’s virtually silent
Lighter in weight than The Willow.
It’s more discreet. The pump is shaped nicely to fit inside your bra without anyone noticing
Easier to clean. The Elvie’s system has more parts to clean (five on each side), however there are no weird tubes or crevices.
You can buy one unit to keep your costs down. You have to buy both units with The Willow.
Comes with 4 reusable bottle containers so you don’t have to keep shelling out money for bags (The Willow doesn’t come with anything reusable to store).
Charge both hubs at the same time. Comes with 2 USB charging cables, so you can charge them from your laptop (Willow only comes with 1 wall charger)
ELVIE Cons:
No disposable bag options. You can only use reusable milk containers.
You have to remain in an upward position. (walking, standing, sitting). The Elvie pumps don’t come with spill-proof technology. (the Willow does)
More pieces to clean (5 of them for each side, but they’re easier to clean than the Willow’s 2 parts)
App isn’t as user-friendly or reliable as the Willow app
Charge doesn’t hold as long as the Willow
Added step. Because you pump into a container (vs. pumping directly into a reusable bag).
Differences in Flanges
The Elvie offers you two flange sizes straight outta the box, while the Willow lets you customize your pump to your specific measurements. But, be warned, if you measure wrong, your flange might be a total flop. So, measure twice, pump once!
Storage bags difference
Now, the Willow is a real game-changer because it pumps that liquid gold directly into its own freezer-safe bag, and thanks to a one-way valve, there's no risk of spilling. But, let's be real, those proprietary bags can be pricey compared to regular ol' breast milk bags you can find at the grocery store. And if you're not freezing your milk, you're gonna go through disposable bags like crazy.
Now, the Elvie does have a solution with their reusable plastic milk containers. You pump directly into those bad boys, then transfer the milk to whatever bag you like before freezing. But hold up, it's gonna cost you $50 for just one set, and you can't pump without 'em. Plus, you gotta clean 'em and then find another container to store your milk in if you wanna keep pumping.
Time to choose your pump!
Will you choose the willow or the elvie?
The Willow is a PERFECT for you if:
you would like complete freedom of movement and don’t want to think about your positioning. (you can literally do yoga while wearing it!), or if you want a slightly higher suction strength to increase your pumping output. Buy The Willow!
The Elvie is a PERFECT for you if:
you’re budget friendly (you don’t have to buy additional bags/containers and there’s the option to purchase only 1 side) or you’ll be pumping around others since it’s quieter and more discreet than the Willow. Buy The Elvie!