Willow vs. Elvie: What’s the Difference?

Willow and Elvie pumps can be found on most “Best Wearable Pump” lists, and for good reason! Both companies have become popular names in the wearable breast pump community. While both are great pumps, you are here to understand the differences as they relate to the most important factor… YOU!

Let’s dig a little deeper!

Here’s a brief overview of the differences between Willow and Elvie:

• Willow 3.0 offers 360 degree leak-proof mobility; Elvie must be worn while upright.

• Willow pumps have milk collection options. Willow 3.0 options include ready-to-store milk bags or reusable containers. Willow Go includes 5 oz or 7 oz milk containers.

• Willow 3.0 and Elvie have similar battery lives.

• Willow Go is similar to Elvie double, but has greater milk capacity and app features. Willow Go it’s roughly $200 less than Elvie double. Willow 3.0 and Elvie double are the same price. With Willow 3.0 you get complete leak-proof freedom, and Apple Watch compatibility.

Both Willow and Elvie pumps give you the freedom to multitask while pumping - if you want to, that is. While both are completely tubeless, each has its own unique range of motion.

• Willow 3.0 provides 360 degree mobility, meaning you can pump in any position: laying down, bending over, you name it! Better yet, the pump won’t leak either! The 100% leak-proof capability requires the ready-to-store milk bags. Moms love the milk bags because you won’t spill a drop, and they’re so easy when pumping on the go. You don’t have to worry about transferring milk. You can pop them right in your bag, cooler, or freezer spill-free. Willow 3.0 also has reusable container options.

• Willow Go's fully in-bra design allows you to pump discreetly and efficiently, while remaining upright (generally 45° mobility without leaks)Moms choose Willow Go for– you guessed it…pumping on the go, without requiring the 360° leak-proof mobility Willow 3.0 provides.

• Elvie is the smallest, all-in-bra breast pump. You can move around or sit down as long as you are upright, giving you the freedom to multitask while pumping.

Battery life. Nothing is worse than realizing you need to use a device and it’s not charged. We get how important battery life is, especially when it comes to your breast pump!

Here’s the breakdown of each pump’s battery life:

• Willow 3.0 lasts up to 5 pumping sessions.

• Willow Go lasts up to 3 pumping sessions

• Elvie lasts between 5 and 6 pumping sessions.

All three pumps take approximately 2 hours for a full charge.

Cost is a huge factor in deciding which pump you are going to purchase. While Willow offers two pumps at different price points, Elvie offers the ability to purchase a whole breast pump set or a single breast pump that can be used on both breasts, one at a time.

• Willow 3.0 - $499.99

• Willow Go - $349.99

• Elvie - $549.99 (double), $299.99 (single)

Each woman’s body is different and breasts are no exception. While pumps are made for every woman, flanges are not one size fits all.

The size of your breasts are not the only factor to consider. To ensure a proper pumping session and effective milk output, you will need to make sure you are using the flange sized appropriately for your nipple size. Not sure what size you are? We can help with that!

• Willow 3.0 is designed to work with small and larger breast sizes, including G and H cups. The Willow 3.0 comes with 24mm flanges included, with the option to choose inserts or flanges ranging from 13mm to 27mm at check out for an additional cost.

• Willow Go is designed to work with small and larger breast sizes. The Willow Go comes with 21mm and 24 mm flanges included, with the ability to purchase inserts or larger sizes ranging from 13mm to 27mm.

• Elvie pumps are designed for different breast sizes as well. The Elvie pump(s) come with breast shield sizes 24 mm and 28 mm, with options to purchase a 21mm breast shield.

A major difference between wearable pumps and traditional pumps is milk capacity. With some traditional pumps, you can attach a larger bottle as your output grows.

When using a wearable pump, if your output is more than the capacity of the collector, you will need to pause your session, empty the container, and then restart. No one wants to have to stop and start pumping multiple times - it’s nice to have options for milk capacity!

Let’s see how the pumps measure up in milk capacity:

• Willow 3.0 has a 4 oz per breast capacity whether you choose the containers or the milk bags.

• Willow Go offers the highest capacity of wearable pumps with the option between a 5 or 7 oz reusable container per breast.

• Elvie's reusable bottles hold 5 oz of milk per breast.

Struggling with a breast pump is the last thing anyone wants to do. You want something that is going to be easy to assemble, pop in a bra, and use. Both Willow and Elvie are designed with the busy mom in mind

• Willow 3.0 is designed to be easily assembled with only three parts, two of which are dishwasher-safe. To help you feel confident in your pump usage, you can monitor your pumping session live in the Willow mobile or Apple Watch app!

• Willow Go can be assembled one-handed and has dishwasher safe parts. Pumping sessions can be timed in the Willow App in real-time..

• Elvie has 5 easy to assemble parts that are also dishwasher safe. In consideration of the busy lifestyle of a mom, Elvie includes a carry bag for your pump(s). The Pump With Elvie app is available to monitor and track pumping sessions on your Elvie pump.

While the Willow Go and Elvie are close competitors, Willow has notable differences.

Willow Go offers all of the benefits of a Willow Pump for only $349! And Willow 3.0? This pump is in its own league with its leak-proof mobility features, milk collection options, and Apple Watch compatibility!

Willow is always here to support you on your motherhood journey. For more information on what sets us apart from the crowd, check out our blog full of free resources for moms. We’ll be waiting for you!