Hands free breast pumps can offer new moms amazing freedom! You can easily pump while doing anything from sleeping to grocery shopping to driving. There are now a few wireless breast pumps on the market, and it’s hard to know which to choose – Elvie vs. Willow. Here are how the two pumps compare so that you can choose the best hands free breast pump for you!
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Wireless vs Hands-free Breast Pumps
Both the Elvie and the Willow are wireless breast pumps that you place into your nursing bra.
In fact, when you buy a double pump, you are actually buying TWO pumps, one for each breast. They aren’t connected at all and can work independently – you can pump on one side or both sides using either Elvie or Willow.
You can turn the pumps on and adjust the suction levels either directly on the pump, or by using an app on your phone. Both pumps automatically sense when your milk lets down and switch to expression mode.
There are some hands-free breast pumps that are not wireless, such as the Freemie Liberty (it fits in your bra but does have tubing and an external pump motor), but this article focuses on the best wireless breast pumps.
Elvie vs Willow Differences
Below are the major differences between the Willow and Elvie at a glance:
Elvie | Willow | |
Price | ||
Storage Capacity | 5 oz (150 ml) bottles | 4 oz (120 ml) bags or reusable container |
Spillproof Capability | No | Yes |
Available Sizes | 21mm, 24mm, and 28mm | 21mm, 24mm, and 27mm |
Pump Parts to Clean | 5 | 2 (3 if you use the container) |
App | Available for iOS and Android | Available for iOS and Android |
Sound | "Silent" | "Quiet" |
Battery | Takes about 2 hours to charge; charge lasts for 2.5 hours of pumping | Takes about 2 hours to charge; charge lasts for about 5 pumping sessions |
Support | Email support | Support via call or text during business hours |
Warranty | Two years on pump; 90 days on pump parts | One year from purchase date; 90 days on pump parts |
Here is a little more detail on these differences.
Milk Containers
The biggest difference between the Elvie and the Willow is what you pump into:
- With the Elvie pump, you pump into a reusable 5oz bottle.
- When you pump using the Willow, you can pump into either a reusable container or into one of their proprietary bags. Both the bags and the container hold 4oz. The bags cannot be reused.
If you pump more than the bag or bottle holds, both pumps will automatically stop to allow you to change out the bag or bottle, so you don’t have to worry about overflowing. You can then switch it out and keep pumping.
Spill-Proof Pumping
If you’re exclusively pumping and decide to get a Willow, I would recommend buying the reusable milk container, as just using the bags will get expensive. For example, if you pump 5 times a day, you’d need 10 bags per day, or about 300 per month. This amount of breast milk bags will cost you over $100 every month.
However, SOME bags may come in handy, as they are spill-proof.
Both the Elvie bottles and the Willow reusable containers may leak if you bend over. Having the option to pump into bags means that when you need to, you can pump lying down, while cleaning, etc.
(Many nurses and doctors in our Facebook group pump using the Willow because they are able to bend over and care for patients while pumping.)
Breast Shield Sizes
Elvie offers the following flange sizes:
- 21mm
- 24mm
- 28mm
The 24mm and 28mm come with the pump; if they don’t fit and you need the smaller size, you can order the 21mm.
Willow offers:
- 21mm (with the reusable container)
- 24mm
- 27mm
Sizes other than the ones listed are not supported for either pump.
It’s critical to make sure that you will fit one of the sizes for the pump that you choose! Neither company accepts returns of opened pumps, and pumping with the wrong size breast shield can damage your nipples. You can review Willow’s sizing chart here and Elvie’s information on sizing is here.
Wearing Wearable Breast Pumps on the Go
Both the Elvie and the Willow can be worn out of the house without being obvious.
One mom in our Facebook group has a Willow, Elvie, and a Freemie, and took photos of herself without a pump and then with each of them. You can see how they compare below:
Image courtesy Adriana in the Facebook group. Used with permission.
(Idaho Jones makes a great case for wearable pumps that you can use to take your pump on the go. You can get 10% off with the code EPUMP.)
Pump Maintenance
The Elvie pump has 5 parts to clean – valve, spout, bottle, seal, and breast shield. They can be washed by hand or on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Pump parts should be completely dry before using again.
Elvie’s pump parts can be sterilized using boiling water, a microwave steam bag, or the dishwasher.
Willow has two parts to clean, the flange and a tube that connects to the pump. These can also be washed by hand or on the top rack of the dishwasher. (If you use the reusable milk container, that adds a third part.)
Willow recommends not using a microwave sterilizer bag to sterilize their pump parts. They can be sanitized using a dishwasher, a countertop sterilizer, or boiling water.
Apps
Elvie and Willow both have apps that are available for iOS and Android. You can download them from the app store and connect your pump.
Using the apps, you can turn your pump on and off, adjust the suction strength, see how much you’ve pumped, and track pumping output over time for each breast.
Sound
Elvie claims to be “silent,” while Willow states that it is “quiet.”
Battery
Both pumps take about 2 hours to fully charge.
Elvie’s charge will hold for about 2.5 hours of pumping, while Willow says that it lasts for about 5 pumping sessions.
One of the comments notes below that, with the Willow, you may want to buy an extra charger, since you have to charge two pumps, and only one is provided with the pump. (If you buy a double pump, the Elvie comes with two charging cords.)
Customer Support
Elvie offers support via email (questions@elvie.com).
Willow offers customers support via phone or text (1-888-WILLOW-3) during business hours.
Neither pump can be returned to the manufacturer once opened. However, retailers like Target or BuyBuyBaby may accept a return under certain circumstances, so you may want to check return policies before buying.
Warranty
Elvie offers a two year warranty on the pump and 90 days on the pump parts.
Willow’s warranty is one year from purchase, and they also cover the accessories for 90 days.
Wireless Breast Pump Prices and Insurance Coverage
The latest version of both the Elvie and the Willow are similarly priced at around $500 for two pumps. (Most people will want to double pump, and therefore will need one pump for each breast.)
If you have health insurance in the United States, you should be entitled to one breast pump, at no cost, per pregnancy.
However, exactly what type of pump that a policy covers can vary a lot. Some policies will cover the rental of a hospital-grade pump, others will cover a double electric pump, and some will just cover a manual pump.
Most policies will not cover a Willow or an Elvie – but that doesn’t meant that you necessarily would have to pay the full cost out of pocket if you decide to get one.
Options that you can look into include:
- Upgrading your covered pump. Aeroflow Breastpumps stocks both the Elvie and the Willow, and you may be able to get it at a discounted price through them. If you haven’t gotten your pump through insurance yet, fill the linked form and see if you can get one at a discount.
- Getting your pump partially covered out-of-network by your insurance.
- Using your FSA or HSA (if you have one) to pay for your pump. Breast pumps are medical devices and generally eligible for reimbursement.
So those are the differences between the Elvie and the Willow – which do you think is the best hands free breast pump currently on the market. Have you tried one? Let us know what you think!
I have a discount code for the Willow! Use EPUMP to get $25 off.
References- Elvie. https://www.elvie.com/
- Willow. https://www.willowpump.com/
Hi, I am curious if anyone has used either of these pumps with inverted nipples? I’m pregnant with my second and am vaguely remembering that I got way more milk if I massaged while pumping with my first. That seems impossible with these types of pumps? I reached out to customer service of both pumps as well, but wanted to ask here also.
thanks!
I am an EP-er and I have large breasts (34K). I’m finding it impossible to find a nursing bra/bra that can fit both my willow pumps and my breasts. The bras suggested on Willow’s website do not fit. Shoving the pumps in a bra makes my boob curve around them (imagine pushing lego into a marshmellow). Of course, their return policy means I’m out $1K. I asked the company before I bought the pumps if they worked with larger cup sizes and they said “yes”. Turns out, they lied. I’ve talked to five of their customer service reps and none of them have bras to suggest to larger chested people. I was made to feel like my body was the problem, not their product. Don’t buy willows!!!
Although I did not use an Elvie or Willow at the time, while I was pumping/bf my breast got to a 34L. I used bras from the links below. It was a challenge finding ones that would fit so I understand the struggle. Hopefully this helps you. 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07L6NMHYJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
http://www.hotmilklingerie.com
I love my Elvie. I use it while at work, out and about and while traveling (live in Italy) and it has seriously saved my pumping journey. I’m approaching 6 months and my next goal will be 7 months. I also have an S1 but only use it when I’m home. I use my Elvie on the lowest setting 1-2 and get about what I would get with my S1. I also use the BeauGen cushions and they are 🙌🏼🙌🏼. I have small nipples so have to use the smallest flanges available and still need cushions. I am a traditional under supplier but have been power pumping using my Elvie and the S1 and have been able to increase my output slowly but surely. I was torn between the Elvie and the Willow but ultimately decided on the Elvie because the hub life is longer (500 hours vs 200 hours) and with them both being $500 I wanted a longer hub life. It really is a life saver. If you can afford it do it. Though as a side note, I am interested in trying the freemie with the baby Buddha but alas there comes a point where trying different pumps gets too expensive and I am doing well with the Elvie.
I’m a first time mom due in July and considering purchasing an Elvie or Willow pump but after looking at sizing, my nipples are smaller than 21 mm, probably closer to 17-18 mm. I’m just wondering if anyone has noticed using a larger flange size (i.e. if I were to use 21 mm on either pump) affected the functionality or effectiveness of the pump and milk output? TIA!
You might be able to use Beaugen cushions with the 21s and be okay!
When I first started pumping (12 months ago) I was also ~18mm. The first couple of weeks were so, so horrible with figuring out what I needed! I, personally, had a hard time using my beaugen cushions with my willow. Talking with their reps, they recommend a fold with it that many (other) women successfully use. I love them now with my pumpinpals for home use. Throughout my pumping, my nipples have unfortunately changed. The 21 mm now fits perfectly. At first, I was a little chafed, but I was also using the 24 mm flange because willow hadn’t made the 21 mm yet. My output was never affected, but I definitely went through quite a bit of nipple butter. Hope that helps?
Everyone is different. Because you are a FTM you won’t really know how your nipples are going to be until you start pumping. I ended up having elastic nipples and was told I needed like 19mm when 24mm gave me the best output and no pain. If you go too small or too big it can cause blisters or clogged ducts. Hopefully you find or found something that works for you! It’s all trial and error!
I exclusively pumped for 12 months!
Yes they have a sizing range. You would want the 21mm if your nipples are within the range you mentioned. Just make sure you’re measuring the base of your nipple, not the tip.
I have used the elvie for EPing for 5 months now and have gone from loving it vehemently to begrudgingly tolerating it. I do still love the freedom it allows me, especially when I am at work, on commute, or even at home trying to live life with a baby. However, I agree with the other comments on leakage and squeaking. As for leakage for some reason the elvie ends up leaking out the button that you press to release the Reusable container, which for me I do not notice until I go to take the unit out and find my bra saturated. While this is a waste of perfectly good milk and requires a fun change of your bra anc potentially shirt (depending how much leaked) it is also important to note this requires you to also do some extensive internal cleaning of the unit to make sure you get all the residual milk out or else it will dry and start to smell and could get into your milk.
The squeaking is actually easily fixed but annoying. If you reach out to elvie support they will send you a new flange. Discard your old one (or if youre like me and hate throwing $15 dollars away for nothing just use it when you could care less if it’s noisy. Like at home.) and use the fresh new one, squeak gone. The plastic of the flange ends up warping over time and stops laying flat causing the squeak as it is pulled in with the machines suction. Annoying but customer support does help fix this issue.
Another user commented on it shutting off on their nipple at full suction. I too have had this occur and if you reach out to support they will send you a new hub (you have to return the old one) which is helpful and fixes the situation.
My biggest headache (which I have not found a way to fix) is that sometimes the silicone vacuum m ring will get wet with milk that has gotten into the vacuum m chamber. If this vacuum is even slightly wet the suction is cut down to near nothing. Now it’s easy to fix by pausing the unit, pulling it out of your shirt, pulling the flange out, taking the circle off, wiping it and the plastic flange completely dry, putting it back together putting it back in your bra, turning it back on… It gets old fast. Especially if it happens multiple times in one pump session.
These are just my experiences over the last 5 months. Customer service on the elvie is amazing and they will send you replacements within 2 – 3 days but I am going to be trying the willow next to see if it works better.
Have you tried the Willow yet?
I’m due in May and I pumped with my first in 2014 using a Medella. Since then, I have repeatedly said that breastfeeding/pumping was the most stressful part of being a new mom for me. The timing of it made me feel enslaved and insane. One of my most proud / ridiculous memories is of my medella hooked up to a minivan cigarette lighter and to my home-made-cut-the-nipple-holes-for-the-flanges-bra while driving down I65 because we had to travel for a family funeral and my husband needed a break and I needed to pump and drive the last leg of a 20hr trip. That being said, the option of something wireless is possibly what would have kept me pumping past the six month mark. New moms may not want to discount the convenience of these new pumps is all I’m saying. Pumpin’ ain’t easy.
I have the Elvie and the Medela Symphony. I originally loved the freedom that the Elvie gave me as using the big Medela pump made me feel like a cow. Big issue with the Elvie for me is the amount of time it takes for me to get a decent amount of milk- usually 1 hour compared with 20mins with the Medela. Also agree with others regarding the squeaking noise and I have found that one side has started leaking which is very very annoying as I don’t realise until I’m removing it and find my clothes are wet and lots of milk has been wasted. For these reasons I have given up on the Elvie for now and am using only the Medela and I’m getting much more milk. I also don’t like that you have no idea how much (if any) milk you have pumped due to the pumps being hidden in your bra. Very frustrating when you check after an hour and see next to no milk!
I am currently using an Elvie pump as on the go and nighttime option. I can say it’s way more convenient than traditional electric pumps, BUT only when it’s working properly. I wore it in the store, around friends and while driving. The advantage of it that it’s really quiet, quieter than any of the pumps I have, it’s cordless and no tubing is a huge advantage! Also it fits well in the nursing bra well and if you put nursing pads on top of the lights it’s hard to notice under clothes. I can hear it, but it there are other noises no one else can hear it. Unfortunately, sometimes it makes squeaky noises. I’ve e-mailed the support about that but the troubleshooting instructions they sent me didn’t help. So it’s the first disadvantage. The second thing that I’m not a fan of is the suction. It’s so inconsistent, that annoys me the most. At times there is no suction at all, so I can pump 1 ounce on one side within 15 minutes while I usually get 3-5 ounces with my medela pump within first ten minutes. But sometimes it feels like it’s pinching my nipples, I was bleeding once because it pinched my nipple and just turned off. The third thing is that if you mobe around and not sit still , the indicator might show it’s full even though it’s only half full and not even 2.5 ounce. so i have to take it out , look how full it is, turn it off and on again to continue pumping. And yes, you can’t lean forward with it because of the leakage. You definitely need a more powerful and consistent pump if you are exclusively pumping.
Question: I struggled with pain due to flanges that were too big. I currently pump with freemie closed system cups & a baby Buddha pump with 18mm flange adapters and finally have healing nipples. Considering getting the Elvie, but wondering if my freemie flange adapters can fit in it to adjust the size to smaller than their 21mm option?
Hi Robin! I’m not sure. You can call them and ask, OR I might try a pair of 21mm flanges with BeaugenMom inserts (that will cut the size down to 19s). Do you think that might work?
https://www.beaugen.com/pages/faq
I have the elvie and I have already had them send me three replacements because of high pitched noises and inadequate suction. I emailed them this morning to see if I can get a refund but I doubt they will. I wish I had gotten the willow. The elvie’s Suction, even on properly working hubs is so light that I hardly get half the milk I do with my amenda. Save your money! My friend has the willow and said her suction is so strong
I am duen in December and I am only getting 6 weeks of maternity leave and will be returning to my full time job as a hospitalist NP. I am basically going to have to be pumping all day as I work 5 or 7 days on, then 5 or 7 days off. I need a pump I can use while seeing patients. I used the ameda pump with my first, but only had to pump a couple times a day. It seems like there are a lot of pros and cons to each. Just looking for some feedback from those ladies who have used either or to get a better feel of which one I should go with. Thanks!
I follow @fran.ish on instagram and she is a resident who sees patients while using a Willow. The Willow might be better because you have the spill-proof bag option.
I’ve used the Willow 1.0 for the past couple of months and have recently upgraded to the 2.0. My reusable containers should arrive this week! 🙌🏼 I have LOVED my willow. I am a CRNA (working in the OR) and I literally come home and thank my pumps everyday. It has been a lifesaver for pumping on the go, pumping somewhat discreetly while working, and for generally making pumping easier without easy access to a lactation room. The suction is wonderful/strong and through frequent use I have been able to get my output on par (well… pretty close) with my spectra. My only downside with this pump has been the flange sizes available. Using the 24mm has caused chafing and discomfort despite utilization of nipple butter with every pump…but I was able to order a 21mm with the reusable container! I do recommend this pump to working mommas or moms who want more freedom while pumping!
It sounds like the launch of Willow’s new reusable containers is what folks have been looking for…. after reading the reviews, I was concerned by the Elvie’s suction and the Willow’s disposable bag system, but I feel pretty confident going for the Willow 2.0 now!
Yes! I need to update this post this week about the reusable containers. That definitely changes things!
I was an EPer with my first baby for 7mo and now pregnant again- I used the spectra with great results the first time around( Medela PIS was my backup)
My concern is cost of willow for an EPer BUT I need a pump that has good suction – what’s the suction level of these pumps in user opinions?
I’m leaning toward elvie(no bags) but if it can’t suction well then it’s useless – I used my spectra s1 on level 6-9 typically
Thanks for help!!
Hi Carrie! I have heard from a few people that the Elvie suction is not as strong as they’d like. It’s so hard to know without being able to try it first and with the learning curve. If you KNOW you need strong suction and would be using it as your main pump, I would hesitate a bit.
One option that might work well is to use a Baby Buddha with closed system Freemies. The suction on that thing almost ripped my nipples off. If you do this get the Belly Baby tubing to hack it all together. (Feel free to email me if you want more info. Also I have a discount code for the Baby Buddha.)
I use my spectra on levels 8-10 and typically only use levels 1-2 on my Willow. It is a STRONG suction. I’m super excited to try the new reusable milk container… but I can’t expound on that quite yet
I agree with some others here that Willow is not a good pump for inexperienced users. I don’t have any problems with it but I’ve already been EPing for 11 months this time around and have EPd in the past as well. I have a Medela PISA and a Freestyle, a Freemie Liberty and a Willow. I love the Willow. It does have some serious “suck power” but I can lay on my back and pump! As an EPer, that’s a big deal when it comes to sleep. Especially for me because I pump to donate. There is no actual small human that needs me to be awake here!
Just a couple things to mention:
FIRST, Willow does ship their 27mm flange for free with your purchase of a Willow. You don’t have to buy it separately.
ALSO Willows parts can be put in a countertop sterilizer – so they can be sterilized – just not in a microwave bag.
LAST, buy an extra charger. It only comes with one. Sad story since most of us have two breasts.
Thank you soooo much Kirsten! I really appreciate this!
I also have a PISA, how would you compare the suction?
Hi* I have used both pumps! Unfortunately the Elvie leaked, which was a huge problem and ended in me returning the pump. The willow is fantastic, however, it sounds like a printer, is very noticeable and very expensive for exclusive pumping. On the plus side, the suction is great, something to get used to, the pump literally latches onto you and feels quite odd in the beginning. It definitely extracted milk better than the Elvie for me personally, I too usually have to pump for a lot longer. The Elvie was my first choice for sure, it’s lighter and more comfortable, you can barely hear it or notice it at all and the reusable bottles was the cherry on top. I hope they will fix the leakage problem as I have seen a few posts about that same problem. I’ve also used the Freemie Liberty, also great, easily concealed and low noise. But piping can get annoying.. I hope this helps whomever is struggling to chose next!
Thank you so much Robyn!!
Robyn! Would you mind sharing what each pump sounded like (volume + sound) compared to the Medela? I am a server at a restaurant and have no time to go pump (if I pump, I don’t have tables, if I don’t have tables, I don’t make money 😬). I’m *extremely* nervous that customers will hear the pumps while I’m serving them. 😐 Would you, or any one else, happen to have some advice? I keep hearing that they’re ‘quiet’ or ‘silent’ and fear that could be misleading.
I’ve got exclusively pumped for 16 weeks now with an Elvie, and it’s great. The freedom it gives – I can pump in the car, at baby group, in the shops and no one even knows I’m pumping. It is especially good for me as I take ages to empty, 30 mins +, which is a long time to be tied to a plug!
I actually get more output quicker with an Elvie but I don’t always feel fully empty (mainly because it’s hard to do breast compressions and massage with it on) so I supplement a couple of times a day with my hospital grade Ardo Calypso.
Thank you so much for the feedback!
I would not recommend Willow for a first time pumper. It does not give as much output of milk compared to the Medela pumps. After you purchase it, you find out there are many other “tricks” you have to do in order to get it to switch over from stimulation phase to expression phase. The Willow pump is also not as comfortable as the Medela pump especially because it’s limited in the selection of flange sizes. Don’t waste your money if you’re not experienced in pumping milk.
Thanks so much for sharing your perspective Shar – super helpful!
I use the willow 2.0 and pump in style Medela. The willow is good as a secondary pump but is not as good for extracting milk as the Medela. It’s good for work and when I’m out of the house but would not work as a primary pump. Also the ads are misleading about how noticeable the pump is. It is breast shaped but can make your chest look unnaturally huge when on. Bags are also expensive leading to it costing about a dollar each time you want to pump. Finally, I think my experience with the Medela made it easier to use the willow. For a first time pumper would recommend traditional pump first.
This is my first and I use the medela PISA but am looking for something to constantly pump with as I have little time throughout the day. I suppose i would like to know what you mean by experience in pumping for this to be a good purchase