In this podcast, Gary Scheiner and I dive deep into a question I get all the time: Which insulin pump is right for me? Whether you’re brand new to automated insulin delivery (AID) or looking to upgrade, this guide walks you through every AID system currently available in the U.S.—including Beta Bionics’ iLet, Omnipod 5, Tandem’s t:slim X2 and Mobi, and the Medtronic 780G. At the time of filming, the twiist pump from Sequel Med Tech hadn’t yet launched, so it’s not included in this video. You can read all about the twiist AID system in the article below.
Let’s break down the pumps we covered by what really matters: how they work, who they’re best for, and what to consider before making the switch.
Quick Pump Comparison at a Glance:
iLet Bionic Pancreas: Fully automated—no carb counting or correction boluses. Enter one setting—your weight, and it does the rest. Great for simplicity and ease of use.
Omnipod 5: Tubeless, waterproof, and compatible with Dexcom G6, G7 and Libre 2 Plus. Best for kids, active users, and those who dislike tubing.
Tandem t:slim X2: Control-IQ+ tech, auto-correction boluses, sleep/exercise modes. Ideal for users who want an on-board screen. Extended 7-day infusion set expected in 2026.
Tandem Mobi: Small, screenless and phone-controlled. Same algorithm as t:slim X2, but more compact and can be worn adhered to the body. A tubeless form factor is expected in 2026.
Medtronic 780G: All-in-one system with Guardian 4 or Simplera Sync CGM. Advanced Meal Detection Technology. Delivers auto corrections every 5 minutes. 7-day infusion set and great if you want a closed tech ecosystem.
Who Might Prefer What?
Beginners → iLet
Kids/Active Lifestyle → Omnipod 5, Tandem Mobi
Control-Oriented Users → t:slim X2, Medtronic 780g
Discreet Wearers → Tandem Mobi, Omnipod 5
All-in-One Fans → Medtronic 780G
Other Key Differences:
Algorithms:
iLet: Fully automated, less thinking
Omnipod: Adaptive learning
Tandem: Control-IQ+, one auto-bolus an hour
Medtronic: Frequent auto corrections
CGM Compatibility:
iLet: Dexcom G6 & G7, Libre 3 Plus
Omnipod: Dexcom G6 & G7, Libre 2 Plus
Tandem t:slim X2: Dexcom G6 & G7, Libre 3 Plus
Tandem Mobi: Dexcom G6 & G7
Medtronic: Simplera Sync & Guardian 4
Cost/Warranty in the US:
Omnipod: Pharmacy benefits (pay as you go)
Medtronic: 4-year warranty
Tandem: 4-year warranty & pharmacy (location-dependent)
iLet: 4-year warranty & pharmacy benefits
Final Thoughts:
Choosing an AID system is personal. Your lifestyle, budget, comfort level, and even your tech preferences all play a role. There’s no one-size-fits-all pump—but the good news? The options available today are smarter, more user-friendly, and more customizable than ever.
If you want to see how each pump actually works side by side, watch our podcast where Gary walks us through form factor and lifestyle, algorithms, CGM pairings, and more in the full episode—plus we share real-world insights that can help you make a confident choice.
Watch the episode below or listen at the top of the page.
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Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.