This page will compare Penomet and Bathmate (Hydro, Hydromax, and HydroXtreme) side-by-side showing all the important differences.
Warning (Dec 2021): Penomet may no longer be active. We attempted to contact their support several times and have not heard back.
All three pumps listed are very similar. Filling them up with water is the same, the pressure is very similar, the quality is very high, they are all comfortable, and all will give you gains with proper and consistent use. If you already own one of the pumps mentioned above, there is no reason to upgrade or switch.
However, there are slight differences that make some pumps superior to others. But that depends on the individual and your personal goals.
Below is a quick comparison of the common facts provided by the official merchandisers (prices are in $USD):
Penomet
Bathmate Hydro7
Hydromax & HydroXtreme
$127 to $297
$110
$139 to $399
Released in 2010
Released in 2009
Released in 2013
One size – 9 inches max.
One size – 9 inches max.
Six sizes – 11 inches max.
Replaceable pump gaiters (strength depends on package)
Pump gaiter is built-in and non-replaceable
Medium strength gaiters (with Premium package) or Strong (with X85)
Penomet only comes in one size. That size may be a bit too large if you have less than 4.5 inches of erect length. In that case, choose Bathmate Hydro7, Hydromax5, or HydroXtreme5.
If your penis size is more than 7.5 inches, consider Penomet or the Hydromax9. Remember that beginners gain their first inch very quickly, and you want this pump to be a long-term investment.
For an average penis size (5 to 7 inches), any pump brand will suit you.
Further readings: since Bathmate sizing is more complicated than Penomet due to the different models, we created a specialized Size Guide for Bathmate pumps.
Value for the money
Both pumps are more expensive with their respective version that provides more suction force. That is because that extra strength provides room for long-term growth. If you have the money, we recommend you invest in a stronger gaiter. However, if you do not want to spend extra money, you will find that the standard gaiters are powerful enough and will still provide great results for beginners and intermediates.
After assessing all the pressure levels of all the pumps (see the next section for more details), we found that Hydromax is not worth the money, especially not at the higher end $200 mark (for a bigger pump of similar strength, you will need to pay more).
For the best value for beginners (price to strength ratio and flexibility), we recommend the Penomet Extra for around $197. You get a strong gaiter combination for a reasonable price. You also have the potential to upgrade the pump in the future by buying a stronger gaiter (rather than replacing the entire unit).
Upgradability
Penomet is the only pump that offers removable gaiters. Bathmate’s rubber is built-in and can never be replaced or upgraded.
Having upgradable gaiters provides longer use potential, progressive force improvement, and more flexible routines.
Penomet wins this category.
Pressure
After trying out both pumps, I found that the maximum pressure for Penomet (with the premium red “Force 80” gaiter) is stronger than the maximum pressure with Hydromax.
The Penomet pressure adjustment with different gaiters is excellent for beginners and for long-term use. Additionally, we found that the X85 gaiter (sold separately) is much stronger than HydroXtreme.
TL;DR: for the strongest potential pump, you need to choose HydroXtreme. However, for the strongest pressure out-of-the-box, choose Hydromax.
You will always have enough power, even after long-term use, when you feel like you are maxed out.
The Bathmate Hydro series (not Hydromax) has a weaker gaiter, which is comparable to the Penomet “Force 60” gaiter included in the Standard package. Beginners will find this gaiter more than enough for the first 4 months of use.
The external hand pump on the HydroXtreme does not increase by a lot pressure (since the gaiter is the same) but rather adds more control and more enjoyable pumping experience.
This video (released by Bathmate, different from our findings) shows a pressure comparison:
Comfort
Hydromax comfort pad
The Penomet gaiters are made of a harder and tougher silicone while Bathmate and Hydromax use a slightly softer rubber. The difference to the skin is not very noticeable under water. All pumps are very comfortable, and the gaiters hold pressure very well. Silicone, however, is stronger than rubber, which is why Penomet is able to achieve stronger pressure.[1]
The Hydromax comes with a removable comfort pad. This is a personal preference item, and we found it optional and unnecessary as the soft rubber is very comfortable by itself. Some users reported a potential loss in suction in the shower, so using the pad comes down to personal preference. Penomet used to offer a comfort pad in the past, but they discontinued it after negative customer feedback.
All three pumps are very comfortable for long-term use, but the Hydromax comfort pad was slightly easier on the skin.
See this video (released by Bathmate) for a quick comfort comparison:
Cleaning
The Penomet pump is easier to clean because the gaiters can be easily removed from the vacuum tube. The Penomet Premium package comes with a cleaning foam called ‘Gun Oil Shine’.
Bathmate is still very easy to clean, but the winner for cleaning is Penomet.
Final recommendations
All the pumps above are high-quality products that will give you gains with consistent use. The ultimate choice out of the 3 series we recommend is the Hydromax. It offers the best value for the money, most comfort, upgradability potential, and the strongest pressure for long-term growth.
If you have the money, go with the HydroXtreme package. Get the ultimate power and comfort and never buy another pump.
If you have a tighter budget, pick the Penomet Extra or Standard (you can upgrade the gaiters later).
The cheapest pump discussed is the Hydro7 for $110. Decent choice for beginners as well.
Another important factor you have to consider is your current penis size (learn how to measure correctly).
If your erect penis size is smaller than 4.5 inches, pick the specialized Bathmate/Hydromax[2] penis pump that fits your size (see the table above).
Purchasing from the right place
The pumps have too many resellers out there. Many of them sell counterfeits and offer fake coupons and discount offers. Make sure you know who you are giving your credit card. Follow the official websites mentioned below:
Sorry for asking this here but I couldn’t find a place to leave a comment on your Penomet review page. I saw you guys noted the maximum length for Penomet is 11in (please correct me if I’m wrong). Do you have measurements for the Penomet’s maximum girth (both circumference and diameter would be great). I’m considering upgrading my current pump and these numbers would be very helpful.
