Buying a portable breast pump might just be the way to transform your breastfeeding – giving you back some freedom and the chance to pump in pretty much any location. As a busy mom (is there any other kind 😉 you’ll find portability of a pump makes one part of your life a little easier, but watch out as we’ve discovered that not all pumps are the same and there’s no one perfect fit for all moms.
Some portable pumps just won’t fit your lifestyle, even if they are the best option for other moms. What you find comfortable can feel like a torture device for another. We’ve tried a wide variety of pump brands and styles, reviewed countless customer feedbacks, and settled on our top six favorites.
Whether you want a wearable breast pump, a portable pump, a hands-free option, or a pump for larger breasts, we’ve got you covered. This article will cover the six best portable breast pumps available now.
The 6 Best Portable Breast Pumps to Buy in 2023
Here’s our view of six excellent portable breast pumps that can help you
- Spectra- S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump – Best Portable Breast Pump Overall
- No products found. – Best Wearable Pump
- MEDELA Symphony Hospital Grade Breast Pump – Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump
- Haakaa Manual Breast Pump – Best Manual Breast Pump
- Elvie Pump (Double) Smart Wearable Electric Breast Pump – Best Breast Pump for Quiet Pumping
- MEDELA Freestyle Flex Quiet Portable Breast Pump – Best Hands-Free Breast Pump
1. Spectra – S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
Best Portable Breast Pump Overall
The Spectra- S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump weighs only 3.3 pounds, so it won’t take up too much room in your bag. In addition to being portable, this breast pump features a long-lasting rechargeable battery, making it perfect for travel.
This double electric pump has been designed with technology that provides adjustable suction settings so that you can get the most lifelike experience possible, similar to the feeling of naturally nursing your baby. On a different note, you can use this breast pump as either a single or double electric breast pump.
Regarding hygiene, you can rest assured knowing that the Spectra backflow protector will prevent any milk from coming into contact with the pump’s motor. In addition to keeping your milk protected, this design also makes it simple to clean and maintain the machine. Lastly, for optimal performance, authentic Spectra Baby accessories are highly recommended.
Pros
- Totally portable
- Adjustable suction levels
- Auto-timer with display
- Closed system
- Features a massage mode
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- The pump vibrates during usage
- Let-down mode lacks a self-timer
2. Momcozy Wearable S12 Double Hands
Free Breast Pump- Best Wearable Pump
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This electric breast pump from Momcozy has nine levels and two modes: suction and massage. The suction mode is slow and deep and improves milk flow. This electric breast pump is designed to increase convenience and help nursing mothers produce more milk in a shorter time.
The Momcozy electric pump has innovative pumping technology, and it operates quietly, which is a major plus. This breast pump has a noise level of less than 50 dB, so it won’t wake your baby while you’re pumping. The brand also includes an adjustable built-in bra buckle to make sure you’re comfortable while wearing the pump.
On a different note, the Momcozy electric pump comes with a silicone valve that helps prevent milk leakage. This breast pump can hold up to 180 ml of milk, as indicated by the tick mark on the container. The brand recommends using a volume of 120 ml to get the most out of your pumping sessions.
Taking time to measure correctly and select the right flange size helps improve milk flow. Furthermore, this electric breast pump features a smart and clear LCD screen.
Also included are a memory feature, a rechargeable battery, and a Type-C charging port. Finally, this brand’s breast pump accessories are constructed of soft food-grade silicone. Plus, they are easy to remove, clean, and maintain.
Pros
- Low-noise and painless
- Hands-free for easy move around
- Easy to use and clean
- Lightweight pump
- Two modes available
- Smart LCD display
Cons
- The battery doesn’t last long
- You can’t view the nipple placement
3. MEDELA Symphony Hospital Grade Breast Pump
Best Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
MEDELA has been around since 1961 and is also one of the best brands to buy electric breast pumps. This is a breastfeeding-centric brand with a mission to support mothers in their efforts to breastfeed for as long as they see fit.
As a leader in the breast pump industry, MEDELA has long been regarded as an expert advocate of breastfeeding due to the company’s groundbreaking, evidence-based designs. That’s why MEDELA is the leading breast pump brand in the United States, as evidenced by its widespread use in hospitals and popularity among new mothers.
This hospital-grade pump uses tried-and-true 2-Phase Expression technology to boost milk flow and ejection rates while maintaining maximum comfort. With the 2-Phase Expression technology, you may double-pump and increase your milk supply by 18%.
Additionally, thanks to this technology, the use of this pump mimics the natural nursing rhythms, making it more comfortable for your baby. Additionally, this double breast pump is comfortable, efficient, and whisper-quiet.
Whether you need to pump late at night or early morning, this MEDELA pump won’t wake anyone up because of how quietly it operates. During pumping, mothers can quickly return to the stimulation phase with the help of a simple one-touch letdown button.
Lastly, note that the MEDELA SYMPHONY pumping kit is sold differently. The kit includes bottles, breast shields, valves, tubes, and other necessary components you need to get started.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Closed system
- Powerful hospital-grade suction
- Whisper quiet operation
- Efficient and comfortable
- Maintains milk supply
Cons
- Incompatible with any other connector
- The interface is a bit wonky
4. Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
Best Manual Breast Pump
Haakaa is another reputable brand to buy high-quality breast pumps. This best-selling manual pump is highly recommended by lactation experts, celebrities, doulas, and breastfeeding mothers all over the world! Manual breast pumps from this brand are made of premium food-grade silicone.
Haakaa manual pumps are also phthalate, PVC, and BPA-free. The Haakaa Silicone manual pump uses the power of natural suction to help you express milk. Simply fold back the flange, squeeze the body of the pump, and center the opening over your nipple.
Release the flange and watch the pump do its magic. One of the perks of choosing this pump is that it doesn’t require any assembly or cord. Plus, the inside is smooth and extremely easy to clean. Simply boiling the pump in water for three minutes is enough to get it ready for use.
Furthermore, this breast pump is lightweight and portable. It fits perfectly in your handbag or baby bag. Plus, this manual pump is travel-friendly and you can use it to express anywhere discreetly, silently, and quickly. Lastly, the lid of this pump is durable and won’t lose its shape under pressure and pulling.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Leakproof
- Heat and cold resistance
- Easy cleaning and care
- Compact one-piece design
Cons
- Small 4-ounce capacity
- The auction power is a bit low
5. Elvie Pump (Double) Smart Wearable Electric Breast Pump
Best Breast pump for Quiet Pumping
The Elvie breast pump is among the lightest, smallest, and quietest breast pumps on the market. The discreet design of this pump allows you to enjoy some peace and quiet and pump on your terms. With this wearable breast pump, you can express milk at home, on the go, and even at work.
The Elvie pump is the only pump on the market to use powerful, miniature Piezo pumps, which generate suction with the help of tiny discs rotating at 21,000 oscillations per second. That’s beyond human hearing.
The pump has an intuitive design that saves time and doesn’t require any skills to master. Furthermore, this breast pump has a gentle but powerful suction. The Elvie breast pump comes with seven intensity settings and two modes.
This pump uses a novel pumping pattern in combination with ultra-smooth Piezo suction to provide soft suction without compromising efficiency. On a different note, the Elvie breast pump features a smart app that allows you to control the pump from your phone.
With the smart app connected, you can control the pump, track your pumping history, and monitor your milk volume in real-time without reaching into your bra.
Pros
- Comes with two breast shields
- Discreet design
- Gentle and powerful suction
- Dishwasher safe
- Closed system pump
- BPA-free materials
Cons
- Pricey
- Doesn’t work if the pump isn’t properly aligned
6. MEDELA Freestyle Flex Quiet Portable Breast Pump
Best Hands-Free Breast Pump
This pump is the second portable breast pump from MEDELA to make our list. This portable breast pump is ideal for working mothers who need to pump on the go. It weighs less than one pound and you can easily fit it into your baby bag, pocket, or purse.
This quiet portable pump from MEDELA is designed for busy moms who need to pump multiple times a day. The 2-Phase Expression Technology used by the pump maximizes milk production, allowing for greater milk flow and less time spent on the process overall.
Lastly, the kit’s Overflow Protection and closed system design help to keep breast milk out of the tube.
Pros
- Touch screen LED display
- USB rechargeable battery
- Provides true mobility
- Easy to clean and use
Cons
- Lacking suction power
- The charge only lasts two hours
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Portable Breast Pump
Your requirements will be personal to you with your own priorities for lifestyle, needs, body-shape, and your baby’s needs. For example, you might travel a lot (we’ve written about traveling with your pump) or want to setup a stash of milk supplies in the freezer… or both! Whatever your needs, any mama searching for the best portable breast pumps will want to consider the following factors before making purchases.
Type of Breast Pump
There are two main types of portable breast pumps: single and double pumps. The double pump can be attached to both breasts at once, while the single pump can only attach to one. Pumping milk is a time-consuming and sometimes painful process.
Double pumps are preferable to single pumps if you want to minimize the amount of time you spend attached to your pump. While double pumps are more efficient than single ones, they do come at a higher price. Portable breast pumps can further be broken down into three different categories: manual, electric, and personal pumps.
Manual breast pumps are those that require manual suction or vacuum generation from the user. You’ll have to squeeze the handle to generate suction. They are perfect for those who need something light and easy to carry around. However, their reduced suction means they can only express a little amount of milk at a time.
Compared to manual pumps, the suction strength of electric pumps is far greater. They usually come with electronic features like pumping history, multiple expression modes, a milk tracker, LCD screens, and a timer.
Electric pumps have the drawbacks of being heavier and more expensive. Lastly, hospital-grade pumps are typically double electric pumps with a “closed system.” This means that milk never flows back to the pump.
They have a long pump motor life and are perfect for multiple users. They can withstand eight or more expression sessions a day without breaking a sweat. However, they are more expensive and are typically rented rather than purchased.
Milk Volume
If your milk flow is heavy, you need a breast pump that can handle the heavy usage. Certain pumps are designed for infrequent use, while others can withstand daily or even numerous pumping sessions.
For example, you may find manual pumps tedious and time-consuming if you intend to pump a lot. Knowing how much milk you’ll need to pump a day will help you better decide on the type of pump to buy.
Take a look at our article on drinks to increase milk volume and power-pumping to increase milk production.
Effectiveness
In addition to selecting a pump that makes multitasking easy, you should choose one that allows you to express your milk quickly and efficiently. Go for pumps with powerful suctions and a variety of suction settings so you can find the one that works best for you.
If you’re going for electric pumps, prioritize one that has a timer, many suction levels, and a silent mode to help prime your breasts for milk production.
Ease of Use
When choosing a breast pump, it’s important to consider how easy it is to clean and assemble the device after each pumping session. Also, consider how quickly and effortlessly the milk pours into bottles for use. A pump that is quick and simple to set up and use precisely is ideal, especially if it has a smart app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do hands-free breast pumps work?
Yes, hands-free pumps really do work! They allow you to pump wherever and whenever is convenient for you.
2. What makes a breast pump portable?
If the breast pump provides you freedom of movement, then it is portable. A portable breast pump doesn’t need to be close to an electric outlet during use. A portable breast pump lets you pump while you’re driving, folding laundry, or running errands.
3. Can you sleep wearing a breast pump?
Although it may be sometimes difficult to keep your open eyes while pumping milk, dozing off is not recommended. Because prolonged pumping can cause discomfort and undue tension on your nipples, experts advise limiting pumping sessions to 15-20 minutes at most.
Furthermore, not all pumps have bottles or bags that prevent spills, so you’ll want to stay awake while pumping. A change in position can also result in the loss of all your breast milk.
Conclusion
A portable breast pump is a great tool to have for busy moms who need to build and maintain their milk supply. This article has already provided a list of the six best portable breast pumps currently available on the market.
Remember, every mom has different needs, so don’t choose a breast pump based only on your friend’s recommendations. We’ve provided you with a buying guide in this article on how to choose the best portable breast pump for your specific needs.
