Willow Go Review: Pros, Cons & Real Performance
Today, we're diving deep into the Willow Go breast pump. Full transparency: I've been working with and testing Willow pumps since 2018, shortly after their 2017 release. Willow and I have what you might call a "rocky history." I've never been an employee of Willow and never will be, but they did use me in their influencer testing group for a time. Eventually, they discontinued working with us because they didn't appreciate our honest feedback and rigorous testing.
Full Disclosure
The Willow Go I'm reviewing was gifted to me by the company. However, they don't know I'm doing this review, they don't endorse me, and I don't endorse them. They're seeing this review at the same time you are. This is crucial: even when products are gifted, donated, or sponsored, it doesn't affect how I test and review them. Companies don't dictate the content on my channel/website—that's my promise to you.
I am an affiliate for Willow, but I don't communicate or engage with them beyond providing a shopping link and coupons when available. If after this review you decide the Willow Go is right for you, you'll find my affiliate link here.
Design and Build
The Willow Go stands out from other pumps on the market with its unique, proprietary design. While this distinctiveness can be both a pro and con, I personally appreciate that they've created something completely their own. The design is protected by strict patents, even with their manufacturer, which means you won't find Chinese companies or other American brands able to replicate their parts. The pump comes with a 5-ounce container that's slightly slimmer than the Willow 360 or previous generation pumps. It features a more sloped design at the top for a more natural profile. They also sell a 7-ounce container, though if you're hoping for more discretion with the larger size, don't hold your breath—it's no more discreet than a generation pump. When the Go first released, everyone tried to plug the pour spout, which would cause it to explode and forcefully separate the parts after enough pressure built up. After four years, Willow finally acknowledged this was a problem and redesigned the containers with a cap that allows pressure to vent, preventing those explosions.
The Fridge Hack Problem
One of my biggest frustrations is the container back and duckbill combination. The design of silicone on silicone makes fridge hacking virtually impossible. As you pump, all the parts collect milk fat around the duckbill ring. When you refrigerate these parts and pull them back out, everything becomes super slick and greasy, causing the parts to pop off during use. The last thing you want is to remove your Willow Go and find the duckbill at the bottom of the container.
Durability: The Harsh Reality
The parts themselves are decent—I'd give them a 3 out of 5. The major durability flaw is that they can't actually be cleaned in the dishwasher, despite being advertised as dishwasher-safe. They also don't survive steam sterilizers well. Some bottle washers heat too hot and can cause warping. Here's the frustrating truth: The motor has basically no durability. You can guarantee you'll need to replace this pump in about 90 days—and that's if everything goes perfectly with no flaws.
Factors that can kill your pump even faster include improper bra fit, incorrect flange fit, poor charging habits, and improper pump assembly. The cool-down time on this pump is also excessively long, so even trying to extend its life by taking breaks doesn't help much.
App Updates: Russian Roulette
Whether your Willow Go survives can actually depend on app updates. While they've had more successful releases in the last year and a half that haven't mass-murdered pumps, the risk still exists. It's essentially Russian roulette—will an app update kill it, or will it die on its own?
The Warranty Imperative
The good news: Willow still honors their 12-month warranty without problems. You can also purchase an extended warranty. Take this investment seriously—you absolutely need that warranty. I don't recommend buying secondhand Willow Go pumps. You'd have better luck setting money on fire than purchasing a used Willow or trying to sell yours.
Overheating and Safety Concerns
Past Safety Issues: A couple of years ago, myself, other testers, and clients were being actively burned by the Willow Go when it malfunctioned and overheated. Pumps were also melting or catching on fire just from charging.
Current Status: In the last year+, there's been more stability. The latest update seems to have helped balance things out. It still overheats, but it's not an active fire hazard at this point. It's been stable for over a year without overheating to the point of burning someone or catching fire.
Critical Charging Advice
Do NOT charge your pumps immediately after pumping. Don't hook up the charger to a hot hub—this will rapidly kill your pump and fry the internals. I recommend giving it at least a 15-minute break before plugging it into the charger.
Battery Life Expectations
The pump is rated for three 15-minute sessions, but this assumes you're using low to medium suction. If your pump is struggling, overheating more, or you're charging immediately after pumping, expect that to decrease dramatically—you might only get two sessions before it's dead.
Noise Level
The Willow Go is actually pretty quiet. It's not the quietest on the market—Elvie pumps still hold that title—but the Willow Go isn't far behind. You can have phone or in-person conversations while pumping without fear.
Portability and Mobility
It's a wireless pump with no wires or tubing—everything fits in your bra. For maximum leak resistance, use the 7-ounce containers with the cap. While not leak-free, they're the most leak-resistant option if you assemble correctly. Thank you, Willow, for finally giving us the cap—that definitely changed this review's mobility assessment.
App and Smart Features
The ability to control pumps with your phone is a top priority for most parents, and thankfully the Willow Go delivers. You can turn it on, control suction, switch from stimulation to expression—all from your phone. They've recently added features including pumping reminders, timers for 15-minute sessions, ability to save your preferred suction strength, session history tracking, in-app shop for parts, service tab for support, and a learn area with FAQs and tutorials. The app is now quite useful and stable.
Suction and Performance
The Willow Go uses standard tug-and-release suction—it's fantastic for Spectra moms because it's like a mini Spectra in your bra. The suction range is 70 to 260 mmHg, with cycle speeds from 30 to 90 cycles per minute. This pump is NOT for moms wanting really slow but light suction, or really high suction that's fast. It's great for moms in the middle—those using normal programmed settings on most pumps.
Pricing and Value
Originally $350, the pump received such poor reviews that it's been on constant sale. The lowest I've seen is $245, though it typically hovers around $275. Personally, I'd value the pump at about $250 given all the flaws and limitations.
Parts Pricing
Being proprietary parts means higher prices:
• • Containers and duckbills (set): $35
• • Flanges (set): $30
• • Diaphragm (set): $17
• • Charging block (NOT included): $15
My Honest Thoughts
I personally cannot stand that Willow sells everything at a premium while providing mediocre innovation. They haven't innovated since 2019—that's unacceptable. The Go's 2021 release was incredibly sloppy and took four years to address basic issues. Their patents show extreme intelligence, but they can't keep employees—their turnover rate is extremely high, which screams toxic environment. I don't have tons of love for Willow over these last few years as they tend to screw over moms far more than they help.
Final Verdict
Until multiple companies step up and provide something better, I'll keep recommending the Willow Go. It's a solid pump, especially for Spectra-loving moms. Remember: Never use the Willow Go without that warranty. Despite the huge flaws, the Willow Go has winning qualities: prime cycle speeds and suction, very quiet operation, smart features for discreet pumping, large capacity (5-7 ounces), and true wireless design. It's still an investment on the pricey side, but it can absolutely work for you if you know how to optimize it.
I strongly recommend joining our Facebook community if you have or plan to get the Willow Go. We can help you get set up and optimize everything to give you the full 90 days out of your pump before needing a replacement. I hope this review provided all the information you need to make an informed purchase and investment in your pumping journey.