Head-to-head

Perifit Care vs Perifit Care+

The short answer

The Perifit Care+ is the smaller, smarter version of the Perifit Care, for about £20 more. Its probe is 6.3cm long and 2.7cm across, against 8.3cm and 3.1cm for the Care, and it adds extra sensors and position detection to flag contractions where you're pushing down or using the wrong muscles. Otherwise they're the same deal: the same free app and games, a battery that never needs charging (with a five-year battery warranty), and a 100-day trial when bought direct.

Position detection is the upgrade I'd pay for, because it gives you feedback on technique rather than just strength. The original Care's case is price, at around £119 against £139, and owners rate it well (4.4 out of 5 from about 1,700 ratings on Amazon UK, against 4.6 from more than 1,200 for the Care+). The Care+'s main complaint, from testers and owners, is Bluetooth dropping out mid-session. The timing advice is the same for both: not in pregnancy, and wait six to eight weeks after birth until a healthcare professional clears you.

My call: the Care+ for almost everyone, since £20 buys a smaller probe and better feedback. Buy the original Care only if you find it well below £119.

Point by point

Measure	Perifit Care	Perifit Care+
Tech Dad Score	7.7	8.3
Feedback & guidance	8.2	9.0
Evidence & medical backing	7.4	7.6
Postnatal suitability	8.2	8.2
Comfort & ease of use	7.2	8.0
Value & ownership	7.6	8.6
Typical price	£119	£139
Type	Biofeedback probe with app	Biofeedback probe with app
Insertable size	8.3cm long, 3.1cm diameter	6.3cm long, 2.7cm diameter
Sensitivity	Detects contractions from 50g	Detects contractions from 50g
Power	Built-in battery, no charging (5-year battery warranty)	Built-in battery, no charging (5-year battery warranty)
App	Free, iOS 15+ or Android 8+	Free, iOS 15+ or Android 8+
Pregnancy use	No; from 6 to 8 weeks after birth with clearance	No; from 6 to 8 weeks after birth with clearance