If you are a mama interested in giving pumping a try, you have probably spent hours researching the best breast pump… because, let’s face it – there are so many options, and so many opinions. As someone who owns (and uses) more than one pump, it seemed beneficial to shed some light on the comparison between Momcozy VS Willow wearable pumps.
I own a set of both of these pumps, and both have pros and cons… so let’s get to it.
Oh, and a quick note: I am NOT sponsored or currently working with either of these brands, Willow OR Momcozy. I did my own research and made both purchases out of my own pocket.
Considering making the switch to a hands free pump yourself? Read Why I Switched to a Hands Free Pump to help get some clarity on the decision (especially since I already owned two double electric breast pumps before the switch).
Momcozy VS Willow … The Common Denominator
Although I am not working directly with either brand in sponsorship or partnership, this article contains affiliate links (the links go to Amazon) and I may make a small commission if you go through the link to make a purchase. Your price does not change. Thank you for helping support All Behind A Smile!
For clarity’s sake, the Momcozy pump I own and use is an S12. The Willow pump I have IS the older generation, GEN 1, no longer available (to my knowledge) on Amazon or on the brand website, although they are available through secondhand sellers (sometimes even new) if you are comfortable with that option.
Pretty obviously, the common denominator between these two brands of breast pumps is that they are both hands free wearable pumps… but do they have anything else in common?
- They are both closed systems
- Both charge fairly quickly
- They are both fairly large (although I think the Willow is a little larger)
- Both work well with the same bra type (I have been using the Hofish brand and have been very happy with them)
- Would highly recommend either Lanolin or CoBoo natural pumping spray with both pumps (I have used both at different times/situations)
- Can be very uncomfortable if not placed correctly, but sometimes it’s hard to gauge placement until pump has started
Momcozy S12 Wearable Breast Pump
In the battle of Momcozy VS Willow, let’s start with the Momcozy, shall we?
PROS
- More accessible price point (currently about $140 for the S12 on Amazon)
- Easily available for purchase
- Collects milk in a reusable container, so no waste
- Easy to use, although assembly does have a small learning curve
- Flanges are silicone and feel more natural/sit more comfortably on your breasts
- Easy to slip into a tank top or other lower neck/looser top without exposing yourself – so easy to use around people, or in other situations where you might not want to have to leave to put a pump on
- Automatically shuts off after 30 minutes
- Easy to read LCD screen with timer
- Has massage mode option (although I rarely use it)
- Remembers your settings and picks up with the same settings next session
CONS
- The “extension” straps for a nursing bra that come with the pump would not work and just fell off even when tightened, so you might have to wear a different bra when pumping to use it
- Must be completely dry after washing or it doesn’t function quite as well (so no last minute washing)
- More parts to wash (five parts per pump)
- Can only sit or stand while pumping
- Only 2-3 full 30 minute pumping sessions with full charge
- Shuts off with very little warning (usually when you are on the third pumping session with the same charge; sometimes the third session does NOT go a full 30 minutes before the battery dies)
- Seems very loud to the user (hard to hear other sounds like talking), although most people don’t even know I’m pumping unless told
Willow Gen 1 Wearable Breast Pump
The Willow breast pump is probably more well known than the Momcozy, but it’s time to review some pros and cons.
PROS
- Lets you pump in ANY position, even laying down
- Pumps into disposable bags, so you can refrigerate or freeze
- Great for traveling (no spillage since it pumps directly into bags)
- Less cleaning (five parts for Momcozy VS Willow only having two parts to clean)
- Super easy to use – you turn it on and push “+” or “-” to adjust the suction and that is all
- 4-5 full 30 minute pumping sessions with full charge
- The Willow Gen 1 has an app that tracks milk flow in real time, and can show you your milk production over time (I don’t use this feature, and other than to say it exists, cannot say much on the topic)
- The indicator light changes colors to let you know the charge status of your pump
- Fairly quiet (sound doesn’t tip people off to pumping status)
CONS
- Expensive (the only comparable generation currently available on Amazon is Willow Gen 3, for $500 – unless you find a secondhand pump elsewhere).
- More waste (the Gen 1 ONLY pumps into disposable bags although in some areas these bags are recyclable)
- More of a learning curve (there is a “flip to finish”, not hard but need to remember)
- Comically large when in use (can make you very self-conscious)
- Only uses specially designed bags which are a bit expensive
- No display so suction level and timing are a bit of guesswork
- Flanges are plastic and do NOT flex to fit your shape, so can feel a bit unnatural
- Will likely NOT work with your everyday nursing bra without stretching it out and eventually ruining it; would need to wear a different bra for this purpose (see Hofish under Momcozy VS Willow… the Common Denominator)
The Takeaway
Although obviously which pump you choose would depend on what factors are important to you, to me there is an obvious winner.
I originally purchased my Willow Gen 1 breast pump with the belief that it was among the best brands of the wearable pumps on the market, hoping to extend my breastfeeding journey with two boys under two. Unfortunately, the pump (even older and pre-owned) was very expensive and it wasn’t everything I’d hoped. In fact, I felt guilty using it at home (every use required two bags, because I would pump both breasts at the same time. As an exclusive pumper, this gets VERY expensive for a primary pump) and the Gen 1 does NOT have the option to pump into reusable containers (although I believe both of the newer generations of Willow, Gen 2 and Gen 3, offer the option for reusable containers OR bags).
The Momcozy S12 was a purchase I made when I had maybe two pumps worth of Willow bags left, and the bags were not available for purchase at the time. Although I am planning on saving my remaining Willow bags (and purchasing more) for road trips and other travel, my primary wearable breast pump will be the Momcozy S12.
With that being said, I would be open to trying Willow again later, with a newer generation.. especially an option that allows for pumps OR bags; who knows? Maybe Momcozy VS Willow would have a different result.
In the battle of Momcozy VS Willow, Momcozy wins for me.. which one would you choose? If you already purchased one, are you happy with it, or do you wish you’d chosen differently? Let me know in the comments below.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
[…] trips, my Momcozy wearable breast pump is a MUST… but you can read the comparison between Momcozy VS Willow Wearable Pumps for yourself to help decide which one suits […]