Elvie vs Willow Breast Pump Comparison and Guide

If you are exploring breast pumps, you have probably already heard of Elvie and Willow. These compact, hands-free devices fit discreetly inside your bra, allowing you to express milk while moving through your day. 

For many working mothers, this convenience is not just a nice-to-have but a necessity. In fact, more than 70% of working moms rely on breast pumps to continue breastfeeding while managing their careers.

In this Mama Talk guide, you will find a clear, side-by-side comparison of the Elvie vs Willow, covering suction strength, comfort, portability, noise level, battery life, cleaning ease, and cost. By the end, you will feel informed and confident in choosing the pump that fits your lifestyle and supports your breastfeeding goals.

At a Glance:

• Choosing the right pump can make your pumping experience easier and more comfortable.
• Hands-free, wearable pumps provide mobility and convenience for busy moms.
• Customizable suction settings allow you to adjust the pump to suit your body’s needs.
• A discreet and quiet design makes it easier to pump in public or at work.
• Insurance coverage options make breast pumps more accessible to many moms.

Why Choosing the Right Breast Pump Matters?

When you are already balancing recovery, feeding schedules, and the emotional ups and downs of new motherhood, the last thing you need is a pump that makes life harder. Here’s why it matters:

• Comfort and Consistency: The right pump can support your comfort, confidence, and consistency. A poor fit can make pumping harder than it needs to be.
• Part of Your Routine: Your pump is a vital part of your day, helping you care for both your baby and yourself. Choosing the right one ensures it fits smoothly into your routine.
• Informed Decision: It’s not about picking the ‘best on paper’; it’s about choosing what works best for you, mama.

Choosing the right pump can make a world of difference. Today, wearable breast pumps have seen a 30% rise in adoption, offering moms the flexibility to pump while moving through their day, making it easier to balance motherhood with daily tasks.

Elvie vs Willow at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at the key features of both Elvie and Willow. This side-by-side comparison will help you weigh which pump fits your needs best:

Note: Both pumps are wearable and hands-free, but small differences, like suction power, battery life, and noise level, can make a big impact depending on your usage patterns. Whether you prioritize quietness, suction strength, or flexibility, both pumps offer unique benefits.

Pros and Cons of the Elvie Pump

The Elvie Pump is known for its quiet operation and discreet use. However, like any product, it has its strengths and limitations, which are important to consider before making a decision.

Pros

A few standout features make the Elvie Pump a great choice for many, especially those seeking discretion and ease of use.

• Ultra Quiet: Elvie’s near-silent operation makes it ideal for discreet pumping during work, calls, or even while spending time with family. No more worrying about noisy sessions!
• Reusable Bottles: The Elvie uses reusable bottles, which are not only eco-friendly but also save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for disposable bags.
• App-Controlled: The Elvie app tracks your milk output and gives you real-time insights, so you always know how much milk you’ve pumped and can adjust settings as needed.

Cons

While Elvie offers great features, there are some drawbacks to consider:

• Slightly Lower Suction: Compared to Willow, Elvie offers a gentler suction at 220 mmHg. While still effective for many, it may not be as powerful for those who need stronger suction for a more efficient pumping session.
• Occasional App Lag: Some users have reported lag or disconnections with the Elvie app, which could impact the real-time tracking of sessions.
• Smaller Capacity: With a maximum capacity of 5 oz per pump, it might require more frequent emptying for those with higher milk output.

Pros and Cons of the Willow Pump

The Willow Pump is known for its stronger suction and versatile container options, but it also comes with a few trade-offs.

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Pros

For those looking for more power and customizability, the Willow Pump offers several advantages.

• Stronger Suction: Willow offers a more powerful suction at up to 280 mmHg, making it closer to hospital-grade pumps. This is great for moms who need more power for faster, more efficient milk expression.
• Reusable Containers Option: The Willow Go offers the choice of using reusable containers or disposable bags, giving you the flexibility to decide based on your preferences and lifestyle.
• App-Controlled: The Willow app allows you to control suction levels, track your milk output, and even get expert-backed advice, making it highly customizable to your pumping needs.

Cons

The Willow pump also has a few downsides, such as:

• More Parts to Clean: Compared to Elvie’s 6 parts, Willow has additional components if using reusable containers, which can make cleaning a bit more time-consuming.
• Higher Noise Level: Although Willow is marketed as quiet, many users find it noisier than Elvie, especially at higher suction levels, which could be noticeable in quieter settings.
• Higher Price: Willow’s higher price point may be a factor for some moms, especially considering the additional cost of disposable bags and the overall investment.

How Long Does Each Pumping Session Take?

When it comes to pumping, timing is key, but it’s important to remember that session lengths vary based on factors like your milk flow, letdown, and personal comfort. Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Elvie: Most moms find that Elvie takes around 15–20 minutes per session. For those with a faster letdown, Elvie may feel quicker, while others may appreciate the gentler suction, which could take slightly longer to express milk.
• Willow: Willow sessions typically last 20–25 minutes. With stronger suction and the ability to use leak-proof bags, Willow may help express more milk in fewer sessions, but it might take slightly longer for each session.

Pro Tip: Rather than focusing on the clock, try timing your pumping sessions based on your baby’s feeding rhythm. Many moms find that syncing pumping with their baby’s feeding schedule helps both with comfort and milk output.

Elvie vs Willow: Battery Life, Warranty, and Cleaning Process

Both pumps offer similar battery life and charging times, but differ in warranty and cleaning ease.

Battery Life

Both pumps offer comparable battery life, though session frequency may differ based on suction strength.

• Elvie:
  • Battery Life: About 2.5 hours per charge, allowing for 3–4 pumping sessions of around 20–30 minutes each.
  • Charging Time: Approximately 2 hours for a full recharge.
• Willow:
  • Battery Life: Also 2.5 hours per charge, providing 3–5 pumping sessions, depending on your suction settings.
  • Charging Time: 2 hours to fully charge.

Warranty

While Elvie offers a longer warranty on the pump, Willow provides a standard one-year coverage on its device.

• Elvie: 2 years on the pump hub, 90 days on parts.
• Willow: 1 year on the pump, 90 days on accessories.

Cleaning Process

Both pumps are easy to clean, but the Willow’s additional reusable containers may increase cleaning time.

• Elvie:
  • Parts to Clean: 5 parts, dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning .
  • Reassembly: Quick reassembly with minimal parts to handle.
• Willow:
  • Parts to Clean: 5 parts, with additional reusable containers. The disposable bags reduce cleaning time but require ongoing costs.
  • Reassembly: Some users find cleaning and reassembling Willow takes longer, especially when using the reusable containers.

Elvie vs Willow: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right pump is about finding what works best for you, mama. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your choice based on your personal needs and lifestyle:

Choose Elvie if:

• You want a discreet, quiet pump for pumping in public or during meetings.
• You prefer a lightweight, compact design that’s easy to wear.
• You want a simpler cleaning process with fewer parts.
• You’re looking for eco-friendly, reusable containers to reduce ongoing costs.

Choose Willow if:

• You need stronger suction for faster milk expression.
• You require full mobility, whether lying down or on the move.
• You’re okay with extra cleaning time for more components.
• You prefer disposable bags for ease of use.

At the end of the day, the best pump is the one that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and supported in your breastfeeding journey. Consider what fits your daily life, your milk production needs, and your preference for ease of use.

Final Words

Both Elvie and Willow are designed to make your pumping experience easier, more convenient, and more comfortable. Whether you choose Elvie or Willow, at the end of the day, the best pump is the one that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and supported in your breastfeeding journey. 

Consider what fits your daily life, your milk production needs, and your preference for ease of use.

Always check your insurance eligibility, talk to other moms for personal experiences, and find what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

You’ve got this, and whatever pump you choose, you’re already making great strides in caring for your baby and yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which pump is better for working moms?

A: Both Elvie and Willow are great for working moms. Elvie is quieter and more discreet, making it perfect for pumping during work calls or meetings. On the other hand, Willow provides more flexibility, allowing you to pump while lying down or moving around, which could be ideal if you’re constantly on the go.

Q: How does the suction compare between Elvie and Willow?

A: Willow offers stronger suction with a 280 mmHg maximum, making it closer to hospital-grade. Elvie, with 220 mmHg suction, is gentler but still effective for most moms, especially those looking for a quieter experience.

Q: How often do I need to clean the pumps?

A: Elvie has fewer parts, making it quicker to clean. Willow requires cleaning more parts if using reusable containers, but can be simplified by opting for disposable bags, though these add an ongoing cost.

Q: Are these pumps covered by insurance?

A: Yes, both Elvie and Willow can be covered by insurance, but coverage depends on your specific plan. Elvie may offer more widespread insurance options, while Willow may require you to purchase additional bags.

Q: Which pump is more discreet?

A: Elvie is known for its quiet operation, making it the better choice for discreet pumping, especially in public spaces or during meetings. Willow can be a bit louder, particularly at higher suction settings, but still quieter than traditional pumps.