Choosing the right insulin pump can be overwhelming, with many options available. Whether you’re looking for advanced automation, ease of use, or compatibility with your lifestyle, this guide compares today’s leading insulin pumps. Explore key features, pump types, infusion sets, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) integration. Our up-to-date comparison helps you navigate the latest technology to find the best pump for your needs.
Let’s dive in and compare the top insulin pumps on the market today!
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Omnipod Dash |
Loop (DIY System) | |||||||
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| Size |
Approx. 2.02″ x 1.47″ x 0.56″ |
Approx. 3.13″ x 2.0″ x 0.6″ |
Pod dimensions: 1.53″ x 2.05″ x 0.57″ | Pod dimensions: 1.53″ x 2.05″ x 0.57″ | 2.1″ x 3.78″ x 0.96″ | Similar to a smartphone | 2.17″ x 3.78″ x 0.87″ | Varies based on chosen hardware |
| Weight |
1.06 oz with battery and full reservoir |
3.95 oz with battery and full reservoir |
0.88 oz (25 g) | 0.88 oz (25 g) | 5.6 oz (158.8 g) | Approx. 5 oz | 2.8 oz (80 g) | Depends on hardware |
| Waterproof Rating |
IP28 (up to 8 feet for 2 hours) |
IP27 (up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) | IP28 (up to 25 feet for 60 minutes) | IP28 (up to 25 feet for 60 minutes) | IP22 (protected against dripping water) | IPX7 (up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) | IPX8 (up to 12 feet for 60 minutes) | Depends on hardware |
| Minimum Age |
6 years |
6 years | 2 years | 2 years | 7 years | 6 years | 2 years | No official age; user discretion |
| Battery Life |
Up to 5 days; wireless charging |
Up to 7 days; rechargeable | 3 days (pod lifespan) | 3 days (pod lifespan) | Up to 7 days; uses AA battery | Up to 3 days; rechargeable | Up to 14 days; rechargeable | Varies based on hardware |
| Tubing |
5-inch tubing; can be worn with adhesive sleeve |
23″, 32″, and 43″ options | Tubeless | Tubeless | 23″, 32″, and 43″ options | Tubeless | 23″, 32″, and 43″ options | Depends on chosen pump |
| Basal Rate (min – max) | 0.1 – 15 units/hour | 0.1 – 15 units/hour | 0.05 – 30 units/hour | 0.05 – 30 units/hour | 0.025 – 35 units/hour | 0.05 – 30 units/hour | 0.04 – 25 units/hour | Configurable |
| Bolus Dose (min – max) | 0.05 – 25 units | 0.05 – 25 units | 0.05 – 30 units | 0.05 – 30 units | 0.025 – 25 units | 0.05 – 30 units | 0.04 – 25 units | Configurable |
| Reservoir Size |
200 units |
300 units | 200 units | 200 units | 300 units | 200 units | 300 units | Depends on chosen pump |
| Total Basals | Multiple profiles; customizable | Multiple profiles; customizable | Up to 24 segments/day | Up to 24 segments/day | Up to 48 segments/day | Multiple profiles; customizable | Up to 24 segments/day | Configurable |
| Unique Basal Profiles | Multiple; customizable | Multiple; customizable | 7 profiles | 7 profiles | 8 profiles | Multiple; customizable | 5 profiles | Configurable |
| Basal Interval | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 5 minutes | Configurable |
| Basal Delivery | Micro-delivery every 5 minutes | Micro-delivery every 5 minutes | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous | Continuous | Configurable |
| Temp Basal |
Yes; up to 250% for 72 hours |
Yes; up to 250% for 72 hours | Yes; adjustable | Yes; adjustable | Yes; adjustable | Yes; adjustable | Yes; adjustable | Configurable |
| Bolus Increments | 0.01 units | 0.01 units | 0.05 units | 0.05 units | 0.025 units | 0.05 units | 0.04 units | Configurable |
| Standout Features |
Smallest durable AID system; full smartphone control; on-pump bolus button |
Touchscreen interface; Control-IQ technology | Tubeless; integrates with Dexcom CGM; smartphone control | Tubeless; PDM controller; no CGM integration | SmartGuard technology; auto basal and bolus adjustments | Dual-hormone delivery (insulin and glucagon) | Compact size; customizable settings | Open-source; customizable; community-driven |
| Standout Restrictions | Requires compatible smartphone for full control | Requires periodic charging; not tubeless | Requires compatible smartphone; limited to certain CGMs | No automated insulin delivery; no CGM integration | Requires Medtronic CGM; not waterproof | Limited availability; dual-hormone version not widely adopted | Limited availability in some regions | DIY system; requires technical setup; not FDA approved |
| Motor Type | Micro-delivery piston | Micro-delivery piston | Electromechanical | Electromechanical | Stepper motor | Electromechanical | Stepper motor | Depends on chosen pump |
| Memory | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Stores up to 90 days of data | Depends on chosen hardware and software |
Here’s a more detailed examination of the key differences and features among the specified insulin pumps:
1. Size and Portability
- Tandem Mobi: Smallest among all durable insulin pumps; designed to fit easily in a pocket or on a waistband with adhesive.
- Tandem t:slim X2: Compact and lightweight but larger than the Mobi. Features a touchscreen, which adds to its dimensions.
- Omnipod 5 & Dash: Tubeless pods attach directly to the skin, eliminating the need for external pump housing. Pods are discreet and lightweight but slightly bulkier compared to the Tandem Mobi.
- Medtronic 780G: Larger and bulkier than tubeless options; designed for high performance, making it less discrete.
- iLet Bionic Pancreas: Smartphone-like design, making it familiar but less discreet than Omnipod systems.
- Dana Diabecare IIS: A compact design with less emphasis on appearance and more on functionality.
- Loop (DIY system): The hardware varies depending on the pump and setup chosen, ranging from discrete to bulkier options.
2. Waterproof Ratings
- Omnipod 5/Dash and Tandem Mobi have the highest waterproof ratings (IP28), making them ideal for swimming or extended water exposure.
- Tandem t:slim X2: Lower waterproof rating (IP27), suitable for accidental splashes or brief water exposure.
- Medtronic 780G: Only resistant to dripping water, making it less reliable for water-related activities.
- Dana Diabecare IIS and iLet: Similar ratings to Tandem Mobi but less often emphasized in marketing.
- Loop: Waterproofing depends entirely on the hardware selected, offering varied levels of water resistance.
3. Tubing vs. Tubeless Design
- Omnipod 5/Dash: Completely tubeless, offering freedom of movement and easier management for active users.
- Tandem Mobi/X2 and Medtronic 780G: Require tubing, which can be a drawback for some users but allows for a greater reservoir capacity.
- Dana Diabecare IIS: Tubed design with customizable lengths to suit user preference.
- Loop: This can be configured with tubed or tubeless pumps, depending on the chosen hardware.
4. Basal and Bolus Delivery
- Tandem t:slim X2 and Mobi: Highly customizable basal rates and bolus delivery. Basal rates can be adjusted as low as 0.1 units/hour.
- Omnipod systems: Deliver insulin continuously with a higher maximum basal and bolus rate (up to 30 units/hour or per bolus), making it suitable for insulin-resistant users.
- Medtronic 780G: Offers the smallest increment adjustments (0.025 units), providing fine-tuned delivery.
- Dana Diabecare IIS: Similar flexibility but lacks the intuitive user interface of Tandem or Medtronic systems.
- Loop: Completely user-configurable, allowing for precise settings and unique adjustments based on individual needs.
5. Battery Life
- Tandem Pumps (Mobi/X2): Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Mobi offers wireless charging, while X2 uses a USB-C cable.
- Omnipod 5/Dash: Each pod has a built-in battery lasting for its 3-day lifespan.
- Medtronic 780G: Powered by a replaceable AA battery, which offers longer operation times but is less eco-friendly.
- iLet and Dana Diabecare IIS: Rechargeable batteries with average lifespans of 3-7 days, depending on usage.
- Loop: Battery life varies entirely on the pump used.
6. Features and Smart Capabilities
- Tandem t:slim X2: Offers advanced Control-IQ technology for automated insulin delivery based on CGM input. Works seamlessly with Dexcom G6/G7 CGMs.
- Omnipod 5: The first tubeless AID (automated insulin delivery) system integrated with Dexcom CGM, offering automated basal adjustments.
- Medtronic 780G: Includes SmartGuard technology, capable of automatic basal and bolus corrections with Guardian CGM integration.
- iLet: Unique as a dual-hormone delivery system (insulin and glucagon), offering functionality unavailable in other pumps.
- Dana Diabecare IIS: Compact, simple design without flashy features, focusing on reliability.
- Loop: Highly flexible and customizable but depends on the user’s technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
7. Standout Restrictions
- Tandem Mobi: Requires a compatible smartphone for full functionality; not suitable for users without such devices.
- Omnipod Dash: No CGM integration, which is a major drawback compared to Omnipod 5.
- Medtronic 780G: Limited to Guardian CGM; no integration with popular CGMs like Dexcom.
- Loop: DIY setup is complex, requiring technical expertise and manual configuration.
8. Memory and Data Management
- Tandem, Omnipod, Medtronic: Store up to 90 days of insulin and usage data, accessible via compatible apps.
- Loop: Memory depends on the hardware but offers the ability to sync with apps like Nightscout for cloud-based data tracking.
- Dana Diabecare IIS: Focuses on basic functionality, offering sufficient memory for short-term data storage but lacking advanced reporting tools.
Conclusion
The best choice depends on individual priorities. For example:
- Active, tech-savvy users may prefer the Omnipod 5 for its tubeless design and CGM integration.
- Precision-focused users may lean toward the Medtronic 780G for its fine-tuned basal increments.
- Flexibility enthusiasts might select Loop for its customizability despite its DIY nature.
- Compact-size seekers will benefit most from the Tandem Mobi.