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Hands-free breast pumps are a blessing for new moms. But, which hands-free breast pump should you get, Willow or Freemie? In our Willow vs Freemie breast pump comparison, we’ll discuss both products in detail. We’ll tell you how they are different, whether you should buy them, and list their features, pros and cons.
Hopefully, by the end of the comparison, you’ll be able to make a clear choice as to which hands-free breast pump is right for you.
Bottom Line Up Front Summary: The Willow Breast Pump is a better option than Freemie. Even though it’s more expensive than the Freemie Breast Pump, the high price is justified by the wireless experience. In the case of Freemie, you need to keep the pump connected to the electric outlet throughout the pumping session.
Nevertheless, with Willow, all you need to do is charge the battery for around two hours to use the pump wirelessly. A completely charged battery life can support up to five pumping sessions.
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Main Differences Between Freemie vs Willow Breast Pump
Before moving to the detailed reviews of both Willow and Freemie Breast Pumps, let’s quickly look at their main differences:
- Willow is a hands-free and wireless breast pump, whereas Freemie Breast Pump is a double electric hands-free and wired breast pump
- Willow operates on battery, whereas Freemie Breast Pump stays connected to an electric outlet throughout the pumping session
- Willow comes with spill-proof milk bags or reusable milk containers for collecting milk supply, whereas Freemie Breast Pump comes with collections Freemie cups that cannot be used to store milk
Thankfully, the folks at Willow are offering our readers a generous $50 off their order, using code WILLOW50A at checkout! Great deal for a great pump.
Willow vs Freemie Breast Pump – A Detailed Comparison
So, we’ve already listed the key differences between Willow and Freemie breast pumps. Now, let’s look at the detailed review of each product and see what our experts have to say.
Willow Pump
With the Willow Breast Pump you can do pretty much everything while you are collecting milk for your baby. This pump is an innovative hands-free breast pump. You get two breast pumps; one for each side. You also get 24 milk collection bags, two flanges, a battery charger, two cleaning brushes, two flex tubes, and two carrying bags.
All you need to do is place them inside your nursing bra, position them to latch, and switch them on. Moreover, you don’t need to attach any bottles to the pump. The pump comes with spill-proof milk storage bags or a reusable milk container (each bag and container can hold up to 4 ounces of milk) that automatically collects the pumped milk and stores it.
You can connect the pump mechanism to your smartphone using an app to monitor the pumping period and track the milk volume that you’ve pumpedf. Willow also provides customers with personalized coaching and customer support. As you can see, the Willow Breast Pump is drastically different from the traditional breast pumps on the market. No tubes, no separate hands-free bras, no bottles attached; the product is simple, comfortable, and easy to use.
The pump is designed in a way that naturally fits on your breast. The latest version of the Willow Pump comes with a transparent flange that allows you to see how much milk you have collected in the milk bag.
However, there are a few things that we did not like about the product. The first thing is the price. While the product is convenient to use and portable, the price range is not suitable for potential customers on a shoestring budget.
Nevertheless, if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health spending account (HSA), you can purchase the breast pump without hurting your pocket. You can also apply for reimbursement through your insurance if it covers breast pumps.
Another not-so-great thing about the product is that the reusable container is not included in the original product packaging. Even though you get 24 milk bags with the breast pump, if you are more comfortable using the reusable storage milk containers, they are sold separately. Nevertheless, just like the breast pump, you can purchase the breast pump accessories also with your FSA or HSA.
Willow Pump Features
- All-in-one breast pump that can easily fit in your bra
- Allows you to pump hands-free
- Uses no-spill technology to pump and collect milk
- Can be connected to an app to track the pump period, the volume of milk collection, pump history, and so on
- Quiet and convenient to use
- Comes with seven levels of suction unlike hospital grade pump options and traditional double electric breast pumps; two unique lower suction levels and a new sensitivity setting
- Compatible with both Android and iOS (iPhone 6 and above)
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA free
- Comes with a one-year warranty
- Comprises a rechargeable battery that can be used for up to 5 pumping sessions
Pros:
- Does not require any external cords, tubes, or collection bottles
- 100% wireless functionality
- Milk automatically flows into the milk bag or reusable collection container
- The suction of the pump motor is similar to that of a baby, enabling natural milk flow
- Allows you to multitask while you pump
- Comprises only two pump parts that need to be cleaned – the flex tube and flange
- Quieter than many other breast pumps on the market
Cons:
- Expensive than many other hands-free breast pumps on the market.
- Reusable container are not sold with the product; you need to purchase it separately
- Some nursing moms mentioned that they felt slight stinging sensations on using the pump
Read More: Willow Breast Pump Review: Is This Cord-Free Pump Worth It?
Thankfully, the folks at Willow are offering our readers a generous $50 off their order, using code WILLOW50A at checkout! Great deal for a great pump.
Freemie Breast Pump
The Freemie Breast Pump is a double electric hands-free breast pump. The product comprises a pumping unit, a power cord, two funnels, two collection cups, and a connection kit with different tubes and valves. Each collection cup can store up to 8 ounces of milk.
So, whether you are working on your computer or reading a book, you can conveniently pump breast milk without using your hands.
With the Freemie Breast Pump, all you need to do is place the cups under your bra, connect the pump to a 120V electric outlet and begin your pumping session. The cups may provide your breasts with a bulky look; nevertheless, that shouldn’t bother you much. The best is less noisy than many other breast bumps on the market and provides you with a discrete pumping experience.
Even though Freemie’s suction power is not as good as other branded hands-free pumps on the market, the comfort offered by Freemie collection cups is really good. Assembling the pump does not consume a lot of time and the connections are pretty easy.
You can easily unassemble the pump and clean it. The pump weighs approximately 3 pounds. It comes with two different funnel sizes to accommodate most nursing moms, and an extra filter to ensure the milk valves remain clean.
Talk about the price of the pump and you won’t be disappointed. It’s slightly expensive but many new moms find it budget-friendly. It’s a value-for-money product.
There are precisely two things we did not like about the Freemie breast pump. Firstly, it does not operate on a battery and you need to keep it plugged in throughout the pumping period. And, secondly, some moms who have been using the product for a few months mentioned that sometimes the milk flows back into the tubes.
All in all, the Freemie Breast Pump can be a suitable choice for new moms who are looking for a reasonably priced hands-free breast pump that provides a peaceful and comfortable pumping experience.
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Freemie is an excellent choice if you are in need of a powerful pump that you can use at home or at work. The pump allows expressing milk with your clothes on, and has two cups for double pumping in the same time.
Freemie Pump Features
- Electric breast pump that allows you to pump while wearing your clothes; does not require batteries
- Comes with concealable, hands-free collection cups that are compatible with most electric pumps on the market
- Tubes are long enough to allow movement; if required
- Provides you with two options – single and double pumping
- Both cups together can collect up to 16 ounces of milk
- Lightweight and cost-friendly
- Product dimensions – 9.1 x 8.4 x 8.1 inches
Pros:
- Allows you to pump milk while wearing your clothes
- Provides a comfortable and noiseless pumping experience
- Easy to assemble and use
- Budget-friendly; especially for a double electric hands-free breast pump
- Collection cups work with all kinds of bras
- Allows you to pump on one side and nurse your baby on another
- Pump does not lose its suction power even after repeated use
- Pump suction is not harsh on the nipples
- Cup collection system instills a sense of dignity, privacy and motivation to pumping mothers
- Suitable for traveling and pumping in the workplace
- If you need to stop suddenly, simply disconnect the tubes and leave the cups in your bra; however, ensure you don’t leave the milk in the cups too long
Cons:
- Pump unit is large and weirdly shaped
- You’ll have to buy a car adapter if you want to use it in your car
- You cannot store milk in the collection cups
- Pouring milk from the collection cups in bottles or storage bags can be a cumbersome task
- Cannot be used wirelessly; needs to be connected to the electric outlet throughout the pumping session
- Milk can flow back into the tubes if the pump is not disconnected on time
Read our full Freemie Freedom Double Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump Review
Freemie is an excellent choice if you are in need of a powerful pump that you can use at home or at work. The pump allows expressing milk with your clothes on, and has two cups for double pumping in the same time.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Elvie Breast Pump
If you don’t think Willow and Freemie wearable pumps are the right brands for you, the Elvie Pump is a great product to consider. It is a completely discreet hands-free breast pump; in fact, it’s quieter than Willow.
You can collect the milk in a reusable, removable bottle, instead of a disposable bag. The Elvie Pump is also more portable and lightweight than Willow and Freemie wearable breast pumps.
Medela Pump
Medela is a brand that is both popular and trusted. And, the Medela Breast Pump can be yet another alternative to Willow or Freemie wearable breast pump.
The pump is comfortable to use, portable, lightweight, BPA-free and can be used for multiple milk collection sessions daily.
The rechargeable battery provides you with the flexibility to express as and when you like.
We personally use and recommend Aeroflow Breastpumps for the Freemie Pump. Great prices AND most moms qualify for a FREE PUMP with your current insurance.
FAQs About Willow vs Freemie Breast Pump
Some moms mentioned that they were able to obtain partial or full reimbursement for their purchase of the Willow Breast pump through insurance. Every insurance company has a different reimbursement policy when it comes to breast pumps. The same applies to Freemie Breast Pump. Our provided provider for insurance covered pumps is Aeroflow breastpumps.
Yes, the Willow Breast Pump comes with hospital suction power for single and double pumping.
No. Per nursing moms who are using the Willow Breast pump, it is comfortable and not painful at all.
Yes. While many breast pumps on the market use gravity and leak when you lay down, both Willow and Freemie Breast Pumps allow you to pump while you are lying down. However, since Freemie remains connected to an electric outlet, you need to be more careful.
A 20-minute charge of the Willow Breast Pump can provide you with one complete pumping session. The battery takes about two hours to charge completely.
Our Verdict: Willow vs Freemie Breast Pump
Now that you know almost everything about these two pumps – Willow and Freemie Breast Pumps, have you been able to make a clear choice?
Bottom Line Summary: In our opinion, the Willow Breast Pump is a better option than Freemie pumps. Even though it’s more expensive than the Freemie Breast Pump, the high price is justified by the wireless experience.
In the case of Freemie, you need to keep the pump connected to the electric outlet throughout the pumping session. Nevertheless, with Willow, all you need to do is charge the battery for around two hours to use the pump wirelessly. A completely charged battery can support up to five pumping sessions.
With the Willow Breast Pump, you get transparent milk bags or reusable containers that can be used to collect as well as store milk.
However, in the case of the Freemie Breast pump, you only get collection cups that can be used to collect milk. Therefore, while we agree that Willow is not an affordable option, the complete product, its functionality and the comfortable, wireless, and silent pumping experience are completely worth paying the extra bucks.
Final thoughts on Freemie or Willow
We hope you found this Willow vs Freemie Independence Breast Pump comparison useful. If you have any follow-up questions or wish to add anything, please post your queries/comments in the comment section below. Our expert moms and dads will be more than happy to help. Also, if there are any other products that you’d like us to compare, do let us know. We would love to help you!
Thankfully, the folks at Willow are offering our readers a generous $50 off their order, using code WILLOW50A at checkout! Great deal for a great pump.
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