When it comes to choosing a breast pump, it’s important to find one that meets your needs. And for many working moms, getting a portable breast pump that doesn’t have to be plugged into the wall is a must.
That’s because if you work as a restaurant server, bar tender, retail associate, flight attendant, hair stylist, preschool teacher, lab technician or hundreds of other jobs, you probably won’t have access to a place where you can pump in private with a power outlet. Instead, you’ll probably end up pumping in a bathroom stall during your break, and chances are, you won’t be able to plug your pump into the wall from the stall.
So, what are your options? The best bet is to choose a breast pump that runs on batteries or comes with a rechargeable battery so you can pump in the bathroom or in your car.
In the first few years that personal electronic breast pumps were available, most models only worked when they were plugged into the wall. These days, the vast majority of pumps are able to run on AA batteries or have built-in rechargeable batteries.
However, using a pump that runs on AA batteries is not ideal for several reasons:
- You’ll have to replace the batteries frequently, usually after every 5 to 10 pumping sessions. Some models use 4 AA batteries at a time, while others use up to 8 AA batteries, and since batteries cost about $20 for a package of 20, that means you’ll be spending anywhere from $160 to $320 per month on batteries.
- You have to remember to have extra batteries on hand at all times.
- If the pump uses a battery pack, that means there is a heavy thing attached to the pump that you have to lug around with you that just makes pumping a bit more awkward.
That’s why if portability is a must for you, it’s better to try to find a breast pump with a rechargeable battery.
Portable breast pumps with rechargeable batteries are popular because they tend to be lighter weight than many of the other breast pumps, and many moms say that the suction you can get from a portable pump is just as good as the suction you can get from a traditional plug-in pump.
The only real downside to using a rechargeable pump is that you have to REMEMBER to charge it. (Yes, if you have mom brain, remembering something like this is not easy). Many pumps take several hours to charge, so it’s best to charge them overnight so you’ll be all set for the next day.
So, if you are looking for a portable breast pump with rechargeable batteries, we’ve put together a list of some to consider.
Neb Medical’s Top Choice
Other Popular Choices
- Baby Buddha
- Medela Freestyle Flex
Covered In Full By Most Insurances
Ameda Mya Joy Plus
This portable pump fits in the palm of your hand and comes with a tote bag and accessory bag to keep all of your parts in. Its rechargeable battery can be charged with a USB-C cord and lasts for about 2.5 hours on a single charge.
Cimilre P1
This compact pump is the cheapest portable pump on the market. It can fit in the palm of your hand and is super lightweight, weighing only 0.55 lbs. Plus, you can choose your own skin to change the color and pattern of your pump to make it a bit more fun. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery will last about 2 hours on a single charge.
Cimilre S5+
Slightly more powerful than the Cimilre P1, this pump is also slightly heavier at 0.9 pounds. But it has the added functionality of dual-motor technology to allow you to have different suctions and speeds on each breast. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts about 2 hours on a single charge.
Spectra 9 Plus
The sleekest model in the Spectra line-up, the Spectra 9Plus was designed for moms looking for portability. It only weighs 0.5 lbs. and has adjustable suction levels. Its rechargeable battery lasts for up to 2.5 hours of pumping time.
Unimom Opera
The Unimom Opera is not a lightweight option (it weighs 2.5 lbs.), but it does offer dual-motor technology allowing you to tailor your experience for each breast, and its LCD touchpad screen is easy to see at night. Its rechargeable battery lasts for more than 2 hours of pumping time.
Zomee Z2 Electric Breast Pump
Zomee is a relatively new breast pump manufacturer, but this pump has quickly become our favorite for its portable, lightweight design and built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged with a USB either into the wall or into your computer – all at a very reasonable price, which makes it available under most insurance plans. It also has other perks as well, such as a back-lit display and nightlight and soft, silicone breast shields for added comfort.
Z2 Hands Free Breast Pump
The Z2 Hands Free Breast Pump from Zomee comes with hands-free collection cups that allow you to collect milk directly from your breast instead of into separate bottles. It’s also one of the quietest pumps on the market at only 40 decibels. Its built-in rechargeable battery has multiple ways you can charge it, including USB, and it will last for 2 hours of pumping time.
Zomee Z2 Complete Travel Bundle
The Z2 Complete Travel Bundle offers the same technology as above, but without the hands-free collection cups. It also comes with a tote, cooler bag, and ice pack to complete your on-the-go pumping sessions. Its rechargeable battery will last for 2 hours of pumping time.
Available for About a $50-$90 Upgrade Charge with Insurance*
Baby Buddha
One of the smallest and lightest pumps on the market, the Baby Buddha can be hung on a lanyard around your neck, freeing you up to walk around while you pump. Its rechargeable battery can be used for up to 3 hours after each charge.
Elvie Stride
If you’re looking for portability, nothing is more portable than a wearable breast pump, such as the Elvie Stride, which attaches directly to your breasts and doesn’t have any cords. The Elvie is designed to be worn under your clothes, so you can even wear it while you are working, if you want. Read more about the pros and cons of wearable breast pumps here.
Motif Luna with Battery
The Motif Luna with Battery weighs 2 lbs. and offers a backlit LCD screen and nightlight. Its rechargeable battery can get fully charged in only 2.5 hours, and lasts about 2 hours on a single charge.
Phillips Avent Advanced
This portable pump from Phillips Avent is equipped with a pumping belt to let you carry the pump with you while you walk around, as well as a travel bag and pouch. It has soft silicone flanges that fit to your breast, and up to 16 different setting levels. Its rechargeable battery, however, only lasts for 3 sessions on a single charge.
Spectra S1
One of Spectra’s best-selling models, this pump is heavier than many of this list, weighing 2.9 lbs., so it’s not as portable as some others. But it does offer adjustable suction levels and a night light. Its rechargeable battery lasts for up to 3 hours of pumping time.
Spectra SG Portable Double Adjustable
The Spectra SG Portable is lighter weight than the S1, weighing 1.5 lbs., and it has dual-motor technology, allowing you to have different speeds and suctions on each breast. It takes up to 4 hours to charge, but once it is fully charged, the battery will last for up to 2 hours of pumping time.
Available for About a $100-$150 Upgrade Charge with Insurance*
Medela Freestyle Flex
This portable pump from Medela weighs less than 1 lb. and can fit in the palm of your hand. It can also connect to the MyMedela app to allow you to create a personalized profile and track your pumping sessions. Its USB-chargeable battery has up to a 2-hour battery life between charges.
Medela Swing Maxi
Similar to the Medela Freestyle Flex, the Swing Maxi also weighs less than 1 lb. and connects directly to the MyMedela App. It uses a USB charging cable, and its rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 pumping sessions on a single charge.
Available for About a $200-$250 Upgrade Charge with Insurance*
The Medela Sonata is a heavier pump, weighing 2.2 lbs., so it’s not as portable as some of the others on this list. But it does have 2-Phase Expression Technology that goes from massage mode to expression mode with the touch of a button, and its smart technology allows you to connect directly to the MyMedela app to track your pumping sessions. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery only lasts 1 hour on a single charge.
*Estimated based on experience. Subject to actual insurance coverage.
