The report card
- Feedback & guidance25% of score8.6
Measures squeeze force directly and uses tilt detection to flag bearing down, with six guided exercise types.
- Evidence & medical backing20% of score7.4
A medical device developed with pelvic health experts, though its four-week results claim is marketing.
- Postnatal suitability15% of score7.0
Wait for GP approval after birth, usually at the six-week check; there is no clear guidance on pregnancy.
- Comfort & ease of use20% of score7.2
The case doubles as a charger, but it uses micro USB, will not charge with the cover on, and owners report connection niggles.
- Value & ownership20% of score6.8
Often about £140, but it cannot be returned once opened unless faulty.
The full review
The Elvie Trainer is the design classic of the category: a smooth, pebble-shaped probe with a tail, a carry case that doubles as a charger, and a free app with six exercises (Lift, Hold, Pulse, Speed, Step and Strength). It measures the force of your squeeze directly, and its tilt technology spots when you're bearing down instead of lifting, which is one of the most common technique mistakes.
Independent opinion is split. Mother&Baby names it the best pelvic floor trainer overall and Mumsnet picks it as the best with an app, but owner ratings are middling: 3.7 out of 5 from more than 1,000 ratings on Amazon UK, and 3.8 from about 300 on Elvie's own site. Common gripes include connection problems, fiddliness and the fact it won't charge with the optional cover fitted.
Elvie advises waiting for GP approval after birth, usually at your six-week check, and suggests seeing a health professional first if you have a prolapse or pelvic pain. It doesn't give clear guidance on pregnancy, so I'd leave it in the drawer until after birth. For hygiene reasons it can't be returned once the seal is broken unless it's faulty.
One more thing: Elvie went into administration in March 2025 and its assets were bought by US breast pump maker Willow, which now runs the brand. The Trainer is still sold and supported, but it's worth knowing when you're relying on an app.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Direct force measurement with tilt detection
- Carry case doubles as a charger
- Polished app with six exercise types
- Frequently discounted from £169
What I don't
- Mixed owner ratings
- Non-returnable once opened unless faulty
- Micro USB charging, and no charging with the cover on
Key specs
- Type
- Biofeedback probe with app
- Sensing
- Force sensors plus tilt detection
- Exercises
- 6 guided exercise types
- Charging
- Carry case charger with micro USB cable
- App
- Free; not compatible with Huawei devices
- After birth
- Once cleared by your GP, usually at the six-week check
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.