Compare the Best Insulin Pumps Features, Size, CGM Integration

Choosing the best insulin pumps 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 best 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 take a look at this insulin pump comparison!

	Tandem Mobi	Tandem t:slim X2	Omnipod 5	Omnipod Dash	Medtronic 780G	iLet Bionic Pancreas	Dana Diabecare IIS	Loop (DIY System)
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 the 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 the 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 a compatible smartphone for full control	Requires periodic charging; not tubeless	Requires a 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
Links	Tandem Mobi	Tandem t:slim X2	Omnipod 5	Omnipod Dash	Medtronic 780G	iLet Bionic Pancreas	Dana Diabecare IIS	Loop

Details for the Best 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 than the Tandem Mobi.
• Medtronic 780G: Larger and bulkier than tubeless options; designed for high performance, making it less discreet.
• iLet Bionic Pancreas: A smartphone-like design, making it familiar yet 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 chosen pump and setup, 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 per 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 most minor 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 features a built-in battery that lasts 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 depending 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 it 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 a compatible device.
• Omnipod Dash: No CGM integration, which is a significant 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 prefer the Medtronic 780G for its finely tuned basal increments.
• Flexibility enthusiasts may choose Loop for its customizability, despite its DIY nature.
• Compact-size seekers will benefit most from the Tandem Mobi.