The report card
- Labour features30% of score7.8
Four preset programmes and a boost button cover the essentials, but there is no contraction timer.
- Ease of use mid-contraction25% of score8.6
Simple controls that are hard to get wrong mid-contraction.
- Pads & build15% of score8.2
Dual-channel output with the same large 40 x 100mm pads as its sibling.
- Value & hire options20% of score7.6
About £70 to buy is a lot for no timer; the £24.95 hire is the cheapest official option.
- Use after birth10% of score7.0
Works as a general TENS for back pain and period pain after birth.
The full review
The original Elle TENS has been around for years and remains one of the most popular labour units in the UK. It's a straightforward dual-channel unit with four preset programmes, adjustable intensity and a boost button for contractions, supplied with four large 40 x 100mm pads, two AA batteries, a pouch and a neck cord.
Its reputation rests on owner feedback. It averages 4.7 out of 5 from more than 800 ratings on Amazon UK, it tops Mumsnet's labour TENS roundup, and Expert Reviews picks it out for preset modes that keep things simple when your mind is on bigger things. The same caveat applies as for every TENS: it isn't for birth pools.
What it lacks is a contraction timer, which Babycare added on the Elle TENS 2 along with an updated interface and backlight. That's why I rank it just behind its sibling. It matters less if you're hiring: Babycare TENS charges £24.95 for seven weeks, posted at 37 weeks with a freepost return.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Very simple to use mid-contraction
- Excellent owner ratings over many years
- Cheapest official hire at £24.95 for seven weeks
- Large pads and dual-channel output
What I don't
- No contraction timer
- Only about £10 cheaper to buy than the Elle TENS 2
Key specs
- Channels
- Dual channel
- Programmes
- 4 presets with boost button
- Contraction timer
- No
- Power
- 2 x AA batteries
- Pads
- 4 x 40 x 100mm
- Hire
- 7 weeks for £24.95 (direct)
Head-to-heads
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.