Are you deciding between Elvie vs Medela breast pumps for your expressing needs? Breastfeeding moms who are pumping exclusively or occasionally will benefit from a pump that ticks all the boxes for them. But, what are the features you should look out for when picking the right breast pump for you?
Elvie and Medela Freestyle Flex breast pumps are designed to be portable. They include a rechargeable battery and are compact and light. The Elvie has no wires or tubing while the Medela has one tubing. Elvie is a wearable breast pump while Medela is connected to a separate pump.
Elvie vs Medela Freestyle (incl. Freestyle Flex) pumps compared – differences and similarities
When comparing the Elvie and Medela breast pumps, breastfeeding moms are looking at the following models from each brand. When comparing Elvie to Medela I chose the Elvie Double Electric over the Curve Manual model because of its advanced features, improved suction capabilities and portability.
- Elvie Double Electric Wearable Smart Breast Pump
- Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
- Elvie Curve Manual Wearable Breast Pump
There are two Elvie products. One is a manual breast pump and the other is an electric product. Medela is also an electric breast pump but while these products share some similarities, they also have notable differences.
Portability
For moms on the go, portability is key. This is where both the Medela Freestyle Flex and Elvie Double Electric Wearable Smart breast pumps are good solutions. The Medela Freestyle Flex pump is small and light enough to fit into your bag, purse, or pocket. It’s also comfortable to hold in your palm.
The Elvie is even smaller and designed to fit neatly into your standard nursing bra with its “all-in-one” wearable breast pump design. There’s no need to fuss about separate parts and having a bag or pocket to hold the pump. It’s already in your bra!
Built-in rechargeable battery included?
Both breast pumps have built-in rechargeable batteries. The Elvie breast pump can be fully charged in two hours using a micro-USB charging cable and gives you up to 2.5 hours of pumping time.
The Medela FF also has a USB-rechargeable battery which also takes two hours to be fully charged and gives you 2 hours of pumping time. However, this timing is dependent on the suction mode selected.
Hands-Free
Both Elvie and Medela breast pumps can be used hands-free. However, it’s recommended to remain stationary while pumping with the Medela system and to use a bustier designed to hold the bottles while expressing milk. The Medela Easy Expression Hands-Free Pumping Bra is designed specifically for this purpose and can be bought as a separate purchase.
When looking at hands-free breast pumps, some breastfeeding moms may consider whether Haakaa can replace an electric pump for pumping while multitasking. However, consider the amount of time it’ll take when using a manual pump compared to the faster electric breast pump.
Suction
The Medela patented Two-Phase Expression Technology imitates your baby’s natural sucking rhythm and it comes with nine intensity settings. The suctioning is powerful and adjustable according to your personal comfort.
The Elvie breast pump has 14 intensity settings for adjusting the suction mode to suit your pumping and comfort needs.
Bottles and Milk Quantity
Both breast pumps hold 5 ounces in each bottle. Both the Elvie and Medela systems come with four bottles, allowing you to double pump at the same time. Medela claims you can pump up to 18 per cent more milk in less time
External Wires and Tubing
The Elvie breast pump is completely free of any wires or tubing, the main reason it’s a popular choice for many pumping moms. The Medela Freestyle Flex does have one tubing and a connector.
Breast Shields
The Elvie double breast pump set comes with two 24mm and 28mm breast shields. The Medela FF set includes two PersonalFit Flex 21mm and 24mm breast shields. These are designed to increase the milk flow while pumping but also keeping you comfortable at the same time.
Smart Technology
Pairing with the MyMedelaapp means you can operate the Freestyle Flex pump from your mobile. The app allows you to track your recently used settings, how much milk you’re expressing, and timing your pumping sessions. It also alerts you when the battery is running low.
The Elvie in-house app allows you to operate your pump remotely from your mobile. It also gives you useful insights such as real-time milk volume and pumping history.
Ease of Use
Elive is convenient and easy to use. All you have to do is charge the pump before placing it, with the bottles, into your bra. You don’t have to fiddle with wiring or tubing and there’s no need to find a place to clip the pump on your body. You can pump comfortably whether you’re stationary or on the move.
Medela requires attaching the bottles to your nipples and a delayed function on the pump gives you time to find the right fit on your breasts. The pump can be attached to your belt, put in a pocket, or held in your palm while pumping. A specially designed bustier gives you more flexibility to move around while pumping hands-free.
Elvie pump review
The Elvie Double Electric Wearable Smart Breast Pump has many pros but at a high cost. Some healthcare insurances will cover a portion of the price, so check with yours before deciding if this is the right breast pump for you.
Features
This wearable breast pump is neat, small and light. The closed, all-in-one system design ensures safe and hygienic pumping without any need to fiddle with wires or tubing. The bottles are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. These bottles are also made with durable materials and can be kept in the fridge and freezer.
Elvie wearers won’t have to worry about embarrassing sounds while pumping as the brand’s patented technology keeps the noise down to a whisper. Assembly is a breeze with guidance from the app and there are only five parts to clean. The breast pump has two modes including let-down and an auto-pause feature that stops the pump when the bottle is full.
Why consider it
If you’re looking for a breast pump that can be used anywhere, whether you’re on the move or working at your desk, the Elvie is a good pick. It’s silent, comfortable, and easy to use with its remote control smart features. It fits into a standard nursing bra and can be personalized to suit your pumping needs.
Pros
- Comes with 4 bottles and 4 breast shields
- No need to be tethered to the wall when pumping
- Long battery life
Cons
- The app can be faulty
- Milk needs to be transferred into the baby’s bottle
- Suction not as good as Medela FF
Watch this video to find out more about this silent, wearable breast pump.
Medela Freestyle and Freestyle Flex pump review
In 2008, Medela introduced the Freestyle breast pump range. Over the years, the design has improved and the result is the upgraded version called the Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump.
Features
The upgraded Medela Freestyle Flex includes innovative features such as a long-life in-built rechargeable battery, easy-to-use LED touch screen, and charging with a USB cable. It’s a closed system, preventing the milk going into the tubing while pumping.
It weighs less than 10 ounces and fits comfortably in a pocket or small bag. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to eight double-pumping sessions, depending on the suction mode you select. And, it includes a USB port for extra convenience.
Why consider it
If you’re looking for a portable electric breast pump with strong suction features, the Medela FF is a good option. It’s also affordable and covered by most health insurance. You can feed your baby directly from the bottle used when pumping. This is also a good breast pump if you’re opting for exclusive pumping.
If you want to compare Medela vs Avent or Medela vs Lansinoh breast pumps, I’ve written in-depth comparison reviews of these brands.
Pros
- Works well for moms multitasking while pumping
- Pauses when the bottle is full
- Comfortable breast shield fits for improved pumping performance
Cons
- Not as quiet as the Elvie breast pump
- More parts to fiddle with
- Battery not as long-lasting on higher suction setting
Watch this video showing you how to use the Medela Freestyle Flex breast pump.
Is Elvie better than Medela?
Elvie was my top pick when I compared Elvie to Willow and Freemie wearable breast pumps. I’m always looking for items that make parenting a whole lot easier for both moms and dads. For that reason, I pick the Elvie Double Electric Wearable Smart Breast Pump as my top pick in this comparison review.
However, if you’re looking for a stronger breast pump at more than half the cost of the Elvie pump, the Medela Freestyle Flix Breast Pump is a very good alternative. Which one would you pick when expressing breast milk for your baby?
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API