I had used the gel because the doctor had free samples and it was very difficult to apply - very dry and pasty and you're not supposed to use lotion with it. Apparently the pump form comes out in a thinner/easier to spread/larger amount so that it is easier to apply, but it is also newer and thus very expensive (they gave me a free first prescription card for it but I never did fill it.) If price is important, go with the gel, but for ease of application, I hear the pump is better.