Best Portable Breast Pumps For Travel

Are you trying to find the best portable breast pumps to allow you to pump while on the go?

Then let us help you decide which is the best travel breast pump for you with our best breast pump for travel guide!

Travel breast pumps are a portable pump that allows you to pump on the go, as and when is needed, whether you’re at the office, in a restaurant, or in the middle of the wilderness. 

Whilst they are generally not as powerful as a plug in electrical pump for multiple daily uses, there are some fantastic options available so you’re still be able to get about, travel, vacation, and work as desired.

But with so many products out different portable pumps out there, which is the best breast pump for you?

To help with your decision, we have made a list of the portable breast pumps for traveling moms, including their features, pros, and cons.

So, let’s take a look at the what’s the best breast pump to travel with!

And if you love this best breast pumps for travel guide, make sure to check out our guides on Elvie breast pump review, Momcozy s9 vs s12, Haakaa breast pump review, and best baby monitor for camping.

This post contains affiliate links. See our full disclosure here

List of 10 Best Portable Breast Pumps

Best Travel Breast Pump

1. Elvie Single Electric Wearable Smart Breast Pump

The Elvie single electrical wearable pump is a great choice for those wanting a discreet breast pump while travelling.

The pump is completely hands free with no tubes to deal with so you can wear it discreetly while you explore. That means, no sitting in your hotel room attached to your breast pump!

It is designed to give women the freedom to move around and multi-task while they are expressing their milk by easily fitting into your nursing bra. You can hold it securely in place with the detachable bra-strap extenders. You may also like this guide on the best bras for Elvie Pump.

The Elvie Pump is very light, weighing just 225g, making this wearable breast pump is ideal for those that want to pump discreetly.

There are no external tube or cords, so you can easily use this pump to express with ease on the go, or while you care for your child, or even sleep!

Another reason we love this pump for travel is that the rechargeable battery charges in two hours via micro-USB, so potentially you don’t even need to buy a specific country adaptor for it.

The battery will also last for 2.5 hours of pumping which is around 5 sessions (depending on your settings).

The Elvie breast pump also makes the most of modern technology with its Bluetooth technology that allows it to be controlled via an application on your smartphone.

Through the app you can choose between 2 modes and 14 intensity settings before saving your preferences. Plus, control the lights on your pump, whether it’s brightening for nighttime or dimming for discretion.

You can also turn the pump on and off and even monitor the milk flow. The app will tell you how much milk has been expressed from each breast and the rate of the flow of milk.

This makes it much easier for mothers to plan their expressing schedule and figure out how long they need to pump to give their baby the right amount of milk. 

You also have the ability to use the pump on either breast for single or double pumping.

Pros

• Capacity- The Elvie breast has one of the best milk capacities on the market, holding up to 10 ounces of milk between the two sides of the pump
• Easy to use – This product is very simple and easy to use, with a straightforward assembly and disassembly
• Freedom – The cordless, hands-free design of this breast pump leaves you free to get on with other things while you are expressing your milk 
• Discreet – The pump fits easily inside your nursing bra and makes very little noise, so you can discreetly express your milk even if you are around other people
• Bluetooth – You can use an app on your smartphone to control the pump and monitor how much milk you have expressed from each breast 
• Comfort – The Elvie breast pump is very comfortable to use

Cons

• Maintenance – The pump needs to be cleaned after each use. Whilst the washable parts are dishwasher friendly, they can still be quite difficult to clean and dry
• Lights – The lights on the display can cause issues with discretion if you are wearing thin clothing, as they might be visible through the fabric

2. HaaKaa Manual Breast Pump

HaaKaa’s manual breast pump is a great inexpensive option. It is a very highly recommended and popular online choice.

If you are travelling to a place where an electric pump is just not practical i.e. hiking or camping, then the HaaKaa’s breast pump is a great recommendation for you.

Using the power of natural suction, you simply squeeze, attach it to your breast, and you’re off. With no wires, attachments, or assembly to the product, it is super easy to clean.

It is designed to resist temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit for added peace of mind and means it can be boiled in water, used in a steam sterilizer, and is also dishwasher safe.

The pump is also as eco-friendly as possible, and pumps are made from high-quality food grade silicone which is BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate-free.

The dimensions of this product are 1.9 x 1.9 x 6.95 inches, and it weighs just 3.52 ounces.

As it is so small, compact, and lightweight, it is the perfect portable tool that can be popped straight in your handbag or baby bag.

It is also super quiet which allows for discreet pumping on the go. HaaKaa are also very aware that every mom is different. And just like every mom is different, so are her breasts.

Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes and so HaaKaa has designed their pump’s flange to fit around and be compatible with any type of breast.

They are also made with a very soft silicone that is gentle and comfortable even on sensitive skin. 

Pros

• Manual – As no power source is required you can pump anywhere in the world
• Very Cheap – Compared with electric pumps the Haakaa is very affordable which is great if you only plan to use it for a short period of time while travelling
• No assembly required – There are no fiddly parts to have to try piece together
• Very quiet – as it is manual you won’t have any additional noise created by an electric pump

Cons

• Single pump – This means you can only pump one breast at a time which can use up valuable travel time
• Not discreet – The pump can not be hidden under your shirt

3. Willow Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump

The Willow breast pump is also a hands-free, cordless, double-sided pump that fits neatly into a nursing bra. It is quiet and discreet, allowing you to express milk on the go without feeling self-conscious. 

The pump and collection cups are in a single unit which means that there are no cords to connect the Willow pump to the collection cups.

The Willow can be controlled using an app on your smartphone. From the app, you can switch between the 7 different levels of pumping to find out which suits you best. It has a maximum suction power of 245 mmHg.

We also love that with the Willow, you can choose between using milk containers or milk bags which can be extremely handy for travelling if you are in a location that cleaning your pump will be difficult. You can simply opt to use the milk bags.

Both the containers and the bags attach easily to the pump to form one unit, so there are no long tubes or external items for collecting the milk. 

The milk containers for the Willow hold 4 ounces for each side.

The pump comes with the bags as standard but the containers have to be purchased separately which can be an added expense. 

One of the best features of the Willow breast pump is that it is designed to work very well even when you are lying down. This is ideal for mothers who like to express milk whilst they are taking a nap.

The Willow pump is a little more discreet than the Elvie pump mentioned above because it doesn’t have any lights on the display.

The Willow is re-chargeable and it takes approximately 2 hours for it to reach its full charge and will last up to 5 pumping session or approximately 2 hours of pumping.

It also comes with a one-year warranty so you can have peace of mind. 

Pros

• Cordless – this pump runs on a battery that can last you hours so you do not need to plug it in while you pump
• Choice – You can use a milk container or a milk bag depending on your preference 
• Cleaning – Some of the parts are dishwasher safe which makes it very easy to maintain 
• Discreet – The pump is quiet and there are no lights on the display which makes it very discreet if you want to use it in public or with company 
• Bluetooth – The pump connects to an app on your smartphone which makes it easy to control and monitor
• Suction feels similar to breastfeeding – the suction of this pump is designed to resemble the feel of a baby breastfeeding, which makes pumping quicker and easier for you
• Secure – The pump will stay in place even while you are lying down, which makes it convenient for mothers who like to express themselves whilst they are sleeping. 

Cons

• Reusable containers sold separately – while this will keep costs down in the long run, if you cannot afford it in one go you will have to keep using the disposable bags
• Expensive – compared to many other breast pump products on the market, the Willow is very pricy

4. Medela Pump In Style

The Medela Pump In Style is a double-sided electric breast pump. It was developed by Dr. Daniela Zini and her husband Dr. Robert Zini.

It was first introduced in 2008 and since then it has quickly become one of the most widely used breast pumps on the market today.

The Pump In Style can powered by either 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries and comes with a black microfiber carrying case, which fits inside your breast pump bag or can be attached to the bag strap for easy transportation.

The battery pack will last up to 2 hours of pumping.

The Medela Pump In Style is made up of four different parts: the breast shield, the milk collection bottle, the electric motor, and the milk storage bottle.

The breast shield is the part of the breast pump that sits on top of the breast and collects milk when you are expressing milk from the breasts.

The breast shield can be removed easily so that you can change the size of the nipple hole. 

The milk collection bottle is where all the milk collected from the breast shield goes.

It is attached to the breast shield and holds approximately 1/3 of a cup of milk at a time. 

The milk collection bottle is removable so that you can empty it whenever you want.

The electric motor is located underneath the milk collection bottle. It works together with the breast shield to help move the milk through the tubing.

The last component of the Medela Pump In Style breast pump is the milk storage bottle.

This is where all the milk stored from the breast shield and the milk collection bottle goes.

The milk storage bottle is connected to the breast shield and the electric motor via tubes. The milk storage bottle can hold about 4 cups of milk.

Pros

• Double sided – You can express from both breasts at the same time
• Closed system – Making it easy to clean as milk does not come in contact with the tubing
• More Milk in Less Time: Advanced motor technology generates vacuum with MaxFlow micro-vibrations for effective breast milk expression
• Comfortable: You have a choice of two breast shields sizes (21mm & 24mm) for a better fit. They also have a soft rim and oval shape for more comfort and a better fit
• Lightweight: It is only 1.18 pounds makes it easy to travel with

Cons

• No display – Which makes it harder to see your pump settings, especially at night
• Not cordless – The pump is connected to the collection containers via a tube
• Multiple parts – makes it easier to lose parts while travelling and takes more time to put together

5. Lansinoh SignaturePro Double Electric Pump

The Lansinoh double electric pump is a really popular pump choice.

In this purchase, you will receive one breast pump tote bag, an expression set, a signature pro pump base, replacement white duckbill valves, storage and nipple caps for included bottles, and an A/C power adapter.

There is also an option to add nursing pads to the bundle which you can find here. The Signature Pro has an abundance of great features.

It has hospital strength suction which includes eight different suction levels so that you can optimize each pumping session and maximize your own comfort.

It also has three pumping styles and two-phase technology so not only can you maximize comfort but efficiency too.

It also mimics a baby’s natural style! It has a closed system to prevent milk backup and keep things more hygienic.

If this wasn’t enough, it also has easy-to-use buttons and an electric LED display that can indicate time, suction level, pumping modes, and battery power.

In terms of product information, it is 6 x 5 x 4 inches in diameter and weighs 2 lbs. It is made of plastic and also requires batteries (6AA.) It is also dishwasher safe.

Pros

• Storage bag – Comes with an ice bag for storing your milk supply
• Adjustable pumping speeds – so you can easily select a settling best for you
• Whisper quiet– ideal for late pumps
• Portable design – Both battery-powered and electric. The battery pack can use both rechargeable batteries and AA battery

Cons

• Not cordless – The pump is connected to the collection containers via a tube
• Multiple parts – makes it easier to lose parts while travelling and takes more time to put together

6. Medela Manual Harmony Single Hand Breast Pump

The Medela Manual Harmony Single Hand Breast Pump is another great manual breast pump choice for travelling.

This purchase includes one harmony breast pump, 24mm PersonalFit Flex Breast Sheild, 5oz breast milk bottle, lid, and stand, one harmony connector, a valve, a membrane, as well as instructions and breastfeeding information guide.

This pump is small and light which makes it great for travel. It can easily fit into a bag nicely and discreetly. The flex technology is a great additional feature. 

The unique 105-degree angle, oval shape, and soft rim create a perfectly fitting breast shield that keeps mum comfy while pumping and optimizes the amount of milk being produced.

It also uses researched-based technology which mimics a baby’s natural sucking behavior to help stimulate milk flow. 

There are also fewer parts to assemble, disassemble, and then clean, leaving you with more time to spend with your baby.

Madela’s breast pump is 6.56 x 2.76 x 7.87 inches and weighs 9.6 ounces. 

Pros

• Manual – As no power source is required you can pump anywhere in the world
• Let-down Feature – Two-phase technology to mimic baby
• Handle – for ergonomic pumping

Cons

• Manual – requires more effort than other an electric pumps
• Single pump – so you can only pump one breast at a time

7. LittleLucky Wearable Hands Free Breast Pump

LittleLucky’s hands-free pump is another great hands-free pump for travelling.

This electric rechargeable pump that has a cordless battery operated pump with nine suction powers and a 27mm flange.

It includes a breast pump, duckbill valve, shoulder strap adjustment buckle, sealing rings, USB cable, and a user manual.

What’s so great about this pump is that it is totally hands-free, which, as any mom will tell you, is very convenient, especially while travelling.

It is small and lightweight without any tubes or wires and so slips perfectly into your bra.

Simply pop it on your breast and let it do the work. There are just five parts to this product so assembly is nice, quick, and easy.

All of the parts can be cleaned with boiling water, steam, or bottle sterilizers, with the exception of the pump motor. It is also great for those who want to keep pumping nice and discrete.

It is ultra-quiet and has applied noise-reduction technology which makes the motor’s volume – 35dB – barely audible.

This wearable breast pump also has an HD, LED display which will indicate the current mode, suction power, and working time.

It has a 2-phase technology that allows you to pick between a stimulation or expression mode.

It also has nine adjustable suction power levels so you can regulate it to your personal breastfeeding needs.

The battery of this product is a 1200mAh rechargeable lithium polymer. It has a charging time of two hours and a working time of seventy minutes.

It is 5.9 x 3 x 3 inches and weighs in at 14.36 ounces with a capacity of approximately eight ounces. 

Pros

• Ultra-Quiet – won’t make a lot of noise and helps be discrete.
• Hands-free – can go about your daily life while expressing milk.
• Easy to clean
• Affordable – compare with the Elvie and Willow pumps the LittleLucky pump is very affordable

Cons

• Battery life – Only 70 minutes of working time.
• Only single pump – can only pump one breast at a time

8. Spectra S1 Breast Pump

The Spectra s1 is a very popular breast pump!

It’s lightweight and features a durable handle that makes it easy to carry around.

Now, this pump is bigger than other pumps on this list weighing 2.9 pounds, but it is still compact enough to travel with. 

The electric breast pump is also rechargeable, with a three-hour battery life to ensure that you have plenty of time to pump without worrying about the battery going flat. 

The Spectra s1 pump comes with more features than a lot of the other pumps on this list, including adjustable suction levels, a massage mode, and an auto-timer so you can control how long you pump. You can also choose between single and double pumping. 

The massage mode allows you to mimic the feeling of a baby feeding to give mothers a more natural and comfortable pumping experience. 

The pump is also super quiet, so you can pump at night without waking up your baby or any partners in the room. You can use the night light to help you see the controls.

You can also set yourself a timer if you need to so you know when you have been pumping for long enough. 

The motor of the S1 provides a powerful suction power of 320mmHg which is great for those with low milk supply or who struggle to express.

The S1 has a closed system which prevents the milk from getting into certain parts of the pump like the motor make it very easy to clean.

But all of these features come at a price, and that is the high cost! This pump isn’t cheap, but it is easy-to-use, comfortable, portable, and packed full of features.

Pros

• Multi Suction Levels – powerful 320mmHg suction power with multiple settings allowing you to set the pump to the best suction settings for you.
• Very quiet – you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone around you when you use this pump. It is quiet enough that you can use it in the same room as your sleeping baby or partner without worrying about waking them up
• Closed-system – this is a closed system pump, which makes it very easy to clean
• Can double or single pump – if you want to breastfeed and pump at the same time then you can
• Portable – rechargeable battery lasts up to 3 hours

Cons

• Weight – the S1 is heavier and bulkier than other pumps on this list

9. Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump

Easily the most unique and arguably hassle-free way to collect milk on the go is by using the Elvie Curve.

This manual breast pump has a totally unique design, unlike anything we have ever seen before.

Made from silicone, this soft breast pump is actually worn directly on your breast underneath your bra.

This unique design allows for manual, hands-free pumping whenever your breast is full.

Alternatively, you can discreetly express milk using your hand whenever you feel uncomfortable.

Giving mothers the opportunity to control their level of suction too, this breast pump is capable of holding 4 oz of milk before the bottle will need to be emptied.

After the breast pump has pumped any milk you have in your breast, it has been cleverly designed to sit comfortably and stably without spilling any milk. It does this by sitting on its front.

Conveniently, there are only two pieces that make up this pump.

This makes cleaning a lot easier when you’ve finished. We took a closer look at this pump and found that despite it sitting in your bra, there are no obvious signs that it’s there.

Pros

• Manual – As no power source is required you can pump anywhere in the world
• Hands-free – You don’t have to do anything to catch the milk
• Comfortable – This pump sits comfortably on your breast
• Neat design – The unique design is pretty awesome

Cons

• Pricey – This breast pump is a bit more expensive than other manual breast pumps on the list.

10. Bumblebee Manual Breast Pump

If you’re looking for another manual breast pump for travel then the Bumblebee manual breast pump is a great choice.

Like the Haakaa manual breast pump, Bumblebee has designed a pump that is effortlessly attached to the breast, naturally expresses milk, and feels extremely comfortable on the breast.

We love this pump for travel, as it comes with a lid, stopper, and a neat travel bag. This makes life so much easier when transporting or storing your excess milk.

To attach the breast pump, squeeze the silicone piece and place it on your breast. That is all you need to do. 

The pump’s natural suction will then kick in. The pressure created will express your milk and store it straight into the bottle that holds 3.5 oz of milk.

The only downside we found when taking a look at the Bumblebee manual breast pump was that the flange might not suit every woman.

Admittedly, it does fit most busts, providing plenty of softness and flexibility, however, if it doesn’t fit you, you will have to purchase an additional flange.

Pros

• Manual – As no power source is required you can pump anywhere in the world
• Consists of only a few pieces – The Bumblebee breast pump only comes with 4 different pieces
• Travel bag included – The addition of a travel bag is a neat touch
• Affordable – This breast pump costs very little

Cons

Small storage space – The Bumblebee can only hold 3.5 oz of milk

Buyer’s Guide on Best Portable Breast Pump for Travel

Each type of travel breast pump will have its own set of features, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

When it comes to purchasing your product, you want to take the time to think about exactly what you are expecting from it.

You need to think about its specific purpose and find which styles are more suited to you personally.

Here we have compiled all the different features that you need to consider before making your purchase. 

Types Of Pump

Electric Breast Pump

These pumps as stated in the name require electricity, and so are mains operated and need to be plugged into an outlet.

This can be a slight disadvantage as it limits where you can pump and means that if you don’t have access to an outlet, you can’t pump.

These types of pumps are, however, generally the most powerful type of pump which is a great advantage.

Electric breast pumps come as single or double pumps. The double pumps are the more effective model of the two as they allow you to pump more milk at a quicker rate, but they are also the more expensive model.

If you’re shopping on a budget the single pump may be more beneficial to you. 

Battery Operated Pump

Battery-operated pumps have the advantage of being able to be used no matter where you are. Although, as is the case with any battery-operated product, batteries die.

It is important to make sure you have enough batteries to last as they won’t work without them. These, too, come as single or double pumps.

Battery pumps are also usually wireless which means they allow for hands-free pumping. Great for pumping on the commute. 

Manual Breast Pump

A manual pump does exactly what it says in the name. It’s a pump that is operated manually.

To use this device, you squeeze a lever that causes suction on the breast and lets you express your milk. 

These can be really handy because there is no situation where you can’t use them. Simply pull them out of the bag and use them as needed; there are very few restrictions to them.

It does mean, though, that you are doing the bulk of the work yourself.

While they are cheaper than other pumps, they are the pumps that require the most effort but unfortunately also produce the least milk. 

You can read more on the difference between a manual and electric pump in out Manual vs Electric guide.

Closed Vs Open Systems

When choosing between an open and closed system, I would always recommend a closed or ‘hospital-grade system.’

They are the more expensive of the two but are the much more hygienic option. 

The closed system has a barrier that stops the milk from entering into the tubes which can make it much more difficult to sterilize.

The open system does not have this barrier and so milk flows through the tubes and can come into contact with the pump mechanism. 

Discretion

It really does vary when it comes to how discrete a pump is.

Ideally if you are looking for a discrete pump you’ll look for a wearable, hands-free pump that is ultra quiet.

Then you will need to decide if you are okay with a pump that has tubing that can be tucked under your shirt and connected to the pump or if you want an all in one unit that fits discretely into your bra.

Noise Levels

Different pumps vary in the noise levels they produce so it is something to consider when you are making a purchase.

A loud pump may not be an issue if you have a baby that can sleep through anything but as we all know that’s not always the case. 

If you’re going to be pumping a lot and want to make sure that you’re not going to disturb anyone you may want to consider a quieter pump.

These are also great if you are often in conference calls or need to pump in quieter spaces such as libraries. 

Weight

You might need to take weight into consideration depending on the purpose of your purchase.

If you’re buying a travel pump when you don’t travel often, or do not plan on using it constantly, it being a heavy pump to carry around won’t be much of a problem.

On the other hand, if this is going to become a piece of equipment you plan to have around your arm for big portions of the day, multiple times a week, you’re going to want to check that it’s as light as possible. 

Final Thoughts on Best Breast Pump for Travel

Having a portable breast pump is essential if you are wanting pump whilst travelling.

The good news is that there are plenty of great options to choose from including both manual breast pump for travel and electric breast pumps that have a battery pack.

So, which one would we choose?

Our top pick for the best breast pump to travel with is the Elvie Single Electric Wearable Smart Breast Pump due to it’s high level of discretion, large 5 ounce capacity, tracking app, and of course it’s portability.

And if you loved this mini fridge for breast milk guide and want to check out any more of our guides, we recommend checking out these guides on best manual breast pumps, Freemie vs Willow breast pump, and Elvie vs Willow breast pump.