Objective To compare the efficacy of transumbilical single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy and and three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods From January 2013 to December 2013, 68 patients were recruited and divided into single incision group and three-port group based on the willingness of the patients. Comparative study was condacted on the length of operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage, gallbladder removal time, postoperative complication, postoperative eating time, pain scores, postoperative satisfaction, hospital stay and hospitalization expenses. Results Four patients in single incision group were converted to three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The other patients were successfully operated, without conversion to three-port laparoscopic or open surgery. Compared with three-port group ,the assessment indexes in single incision group including intraoperative hemorrhage and postoperative eating time were not significantly different, while the transumbilical single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a longer operating time (50.7±25.4) minutes versus (25.4±8.5) minutes, less pain (1.2±0.5 versus 2.7±0.6), better cosmetic results (4.4±0.6 versus 3.1±0.8)and less hospitalization expenses (6998.9±489.7 versus 8013.4±229.6)yuan, and the assessment indexes were significantly different(P＜0.05). Conclusions Although the transumbilical single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a difficult procedure, it is a safe and economical technique with superior cosmetic effect. The feasibility of clinical research is determined by the ability of the surgeon, and patients should be selected carefully.