Discover our comparison of portable breast pumps, to help you find the one that suits you best. If you are a breastfeeding mother and considering investing in a hands-free breast pump, it is essential to take into account several criteria to find the model that will best meet your needs to maintain your lactation. It’s a tool that can make your breastfeeding experience more comfortable and convenient than ever, but only if you choose best suited to your use. Here are some important points to know and consider before choosing your portable breast pump.
What are the advantages of hands-free breast pumps?
One of the main advantages of hands-free electric breast pumps is their wireless design. You can thus move freely during your draw without being bothered by bulky cables.
Most of these models have different suction modes and levels as well as a rechargeable battery offering excellent battery life, up to several hours depending on the brand. Compact and lightweight, they slip easily under clothing or in a bag to be taken anywhere and allow use anywhere.
I want to express my milk hands-free
While all hands-free breast pumps will allow you to enjoy great freedom of movement, their comfort and effectiveness are not the same from one breast pump to another. Their features differ also depending on the models: available suction levels, suction power, noise level, ease of use, etc.
To help you choose the most suitable one for you, take a closer look at the different types of hands-free breast pumps that exist, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Which hands-free breast pump to choose: comparison of models
Firstly, we can distinguish different types of hands-free breast pumps according to their shape and design.
Several categories are distinguished: breast pumps with bottle-shaped milk collector and nomadic models with a integrated tank.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages which should be analyzed according to your needs.
Portable breast pump with a bottle-shaped reservoir
Let's start by analyzing in more detail the breast pumps whose milk collector is shaped like a bottle.
Advantages of bottled milk collectors
Their clean and slim design allows them to be very discreet under clothing. Please note, however, that on certain breast pumps, small indicator lights during use can somewhat compromise discretion.
Some devices are equipped with plastic breast shields while others are soft silicone, for greater comfort. Once the milk has been expressed, you can choose to store directly in the bottle if a cap is offered with the breast pump.
Disadvantages of bottle collectors
However, these ultra-compact models present several defects. And it is often only after purchasing the breast pump, when using it, that we realize it.
Use 🎯
With this design of breast pumps, many users report difficulty positioning their nipple. Indeed, as the breast pump motor hides the entrance to the nipple, it is difficult to center it and this can make the sucking sometimes painful.
In addition, this type of device generally does not present no tracking screen because they are breast pumps connected to an application and monitoring is done directly on the phone.
Also, you should know that during intensive use, a slight engine overheating can be felt against the skin.
Capacity 🥛
This class of device often presents a smaller capacity than other hands-free breast pumps, not exceeding 150 ml. This can be problematic for morning pumps or if you are producing a lot of milk as this shape will require you to empty the tank frequently.
Another notable disadvantage of this type of model concerns the pouring breast milk which proves impractical. Indeed, when transferring, a small quantity of milk systematically remains at the bottom of the bottle, which can be frustrating for mothers keen to preserve every precious drop of their milk.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
Assembly 🛠️
The assembly of these portable breast pumps made up of many small parts, including seals, can be delicate and complicated.
The multiplicity of small components to assemble not only increases the risk of loss, but also complicates the assembly process, especially for novice users.
Additionally, even correctly assembled, slight gaps between components may persist which may compromise sealing and extraction efficiency of the device.
Interview 🧽
Cleaning bottle-shaped tanks is good often tedious and requires a bottle brush if you want to properly reach the bottom of the container to clean it.
Drying these milk collectors also poses a problem. Their shape does not allow not optimal and complete drying. Often, after drying, water residue persists inside these containers. Residual humidity which can unfortunately promote undesirable growth of bacteria.
Portable breast pump with integrated reservoir
Let's now look at a second type of wireless breast pump design, those with a directly integrated tank. In this category, there are two types of devices:
- “first generation” breast pumps, which have a motor base to clip directly on top the reservoir;
- “all-in-one” models where the motor base is integrated directly in the hull of the breast pump.
Advantages of first generation breast pumps
This type of breast pump seduces its users with their large ease of use. With few parts, assembly is child's play for a quick and very intuitive handling. Their soft silicone breast shields also offer good comfort.
Disadvantages of first generation breast pumps
Limited discretion 👀
However, the discretion of these devices is quite limited. Their protruding engine base makes them more visible under clothes, which can be problematic for those looking for a model that hides entirely.
These wireless breast pumps are also more imposing, and may not be suitable for all bra types. In addition, their operation is also slightly noisier than newer models.
I am looking for a practical and discreet breast pump
Imperfect retention and sealing ⚖️
On this type of model, maintaining the engine base is not not always optimal, which limits mobility during use, at the risk of seeing the motor base come off while expressing milk.
And above all, many users report recurring leak problems, whether through leaning forward movement (through the top hole designed to empty contents) or via detachment of the base during use.
Reduced functionality 📉
Compared to other electric models wireless, the first generation breast pumps also have fewer features.
In fact, these devices are not systematically equipped with a screen. It is therefore not not possible to follow the drawing time or suction intensity.
Likewise, changes in modes (mimicking different sucking rates between the milk ejection reflex and when the milk flows) are not done not automatically as on newer models.
Lower power 🪫
Finally, the suction power of the first generation models is generally less compared to more high-end hospital or electric models.
Less powerful from the start, they also lose performance during use. The majority of users report that this type of motor does not hold up very well over time.
Also be careful, if you have a low milk supply or small breasts, this type of breast pump could not suitable for effectively maintaining your lactation.
Overall, first generation breast pumps therefore present several defects which compromise their reliability and effectiveness.
“All-in-one” portable breast pump
To overcome these disadvantages, a new category of breast pumps, the “all-in-one” model saw the light of day.
Advantage of the Emy Pump “all-in-one” breast pump
This new generation of wireless breast pumps retains the same advantages than the first generation: quick assembly, easy handling, intuitive use and optimal comfort thanks to the silicone breast shields.
But, this device is distinguished by a more refined and discreet design, a better reliability, but above all, superior performance.
More discretion 🤫
THE “all-in-one” model Emy Pump is the perfect example. Her compact and elegant ergonomic design makes it the ideal companion for breastfeeding mothers looking for a double or single electric breast pump.
Portable and silent, it allows completely discreet use fully dressed. With Emy Pump, you will be able to express your milk imperceptible way, no more prying eyes or annoying noises!
Better performance 🔋
Beyond its neat aesthetics, the Emy Pump wireless breast pump shines above all by its high performance, comparable to those of wired rental devices.
With a suction power of up to 300 mmHg, it effectively stimulates and maintains lactation.
Emy Pump also has an enduring battery which offers great autonomy, which can go up to more than 2h30 of use.
Useful and essential features 💡
The Emy Pump cordless breast pump has also been designed to allow simple and intuitive handling. He only has useful and essential features when expressing milk: 3 suction modes adjustable to 9 intensity levels as well as an LED screen to monitor the duration and remaining autonomy.
Another advantage of the Emy Pump device compared to first generation breast pumps: to perfectly imitate the natural suckling process, his sucking patterns change automatically during the draw.
Different breast shield sizes included🎯
For a better comfort and a perfect fit to your chest, whatever its morphology, the Emy Pump kit includes 6 different breast shield options (15, 17, 19, 21, 24 and 28 mm).
This range of breast shields therefore offers essential flexibility for optimize milk extraction because a suitable and adjusted breast shield is crucial for maximize draw efficiency.
This wide choice allows each mother to find your ideal size and adapt to physiological changes common during breastfeeding, such as variations in breast size or differences between them.
Optimized assembly and cleaning 👌
The assembly and cleaning of the Emy Pump “all-in-one” breast pump have been designed to be as practical as possible, with a closed system without small parts or joints. And above all, very easy to assemble and assemble, in just 20 seconds!
The innovative shape of the BPA-free milk collector also makes it much easier its complete cleaning and above all, its complete drying to eliminate any risk of bacterial development. And for moms in a hurry, the pieces are even dishwasher safe!
In summary, the Emy Pump breast pump ticks all the boxes to be the best hands-free breast pump : the power of a wired breast pump, but in an ultra-compact format!
Disadvantages of “all-in-one” breast pumps
Some minor negative points should nevertheless be noted: the design of this type of breast pump does not allow them to stand up straight. It is therefore not possible to store freshly expressed milk in the tank for a long time.
As well as higher than the capacity of the bottle collector models (which is generally less than 150 ml), the capacity of “all-in-one” breast pumps may be slightly lower than those of first generation portable breast pumps (which can reach 200 ml).
For example, the reservoir of the Emy Pump hands-free breast pump can hold up to 160 ml of milk, which already equates to a large print volume.
In any case, these small defects are largely compensated by all the advantages practicality, mobility, performance and hygiene that this new benchmark brings in portable breast pumps.
What is the best cordless breast pump?
In addition to the design, when looking to acquire a hands-free breast pump, the question of device connected or not comes up often. So to guide you in your choice and find the one that best meets your needs, we help you take stock of the models of breast pumps, connected or autonomous.
Connected breast pumps
A connected breast pump is a modern device which synchronizes with a smartphone application to extract the breast milk.
Advantages of connected breast pumps
Among their advantages, we can cite the precise monitoring of drawing sessions via the dedicated application, allowing you to record the duration, date and quantity of milk expressed.
These devices also offer customizable programs according to your needs and notifications in case of full bottle.
So even though we might believe that these breast pumps are a technological revolution for breastfeeding, they are not not free from defects.
Disadvantages of connected breast pumps
Indeed, these models also present significant disadvantages which it is better to know before deciding to invest in such a device.
Often incorrect information 📲
There reliability of information displayed on the application can sometimes be approximate, particularly regarding the remaining battery level of the breast pump as well as the volumes of milk expressed.
Often too approximate, you will have to correct the values manually at the end of each of your drawing sessions if you want to have correct monitoring. The full bottle notification is therefore also not very reliable.
To convince yourself of this, just look at the comments left on blinds models that have an application, the feedback is unequivocal!
Connection problems 🛜
Of the connection problems are also commonly reported by users of these wireless models, which may result in interruptions during printing.
The effectiveness of the breast pump may therefore be compromised if you move too far from your phone, if it goes to sleep, or in the event of a loss of network connection, thus reducing the flexibility promised by the device.
In addition, this type of breast pump has a Bluetooth antenna and requires you to have your smartphone within reach. L'impact of wave emission on milk production has not yet been studied.
Limited practicality and flexibility ❌
Despite their advanced features, the grip connected breast pumps are generally longer. In addition to the constant need to have your phone nearby to control the breast pump, these models do not have a tracking screen.
In addition, their design can sometimes limit comfort and practicality, often with only one breast shield size available and a bottle-shaped container which complicates cleaning and drying.
And finally, theirs is price is also much higher than traditional models. So think carefully before investing. A less expensive model and a free tracking app might also do the trick for your needs.
Autonomous breast pumps – not connected
Non-connected or stand-alone breast pumps are portable breast milk extraction devices that operate independently, without requiring a connection to a smartphone or application.
They thus allow a simple and straightforward use with integrated controls on the device itself.
Advantages of stand-alone breast pumps
Handling autonomous breast pumps is very fast and above all, intuitive. It allows mothers to have a more natural user experience and less stressful, by eliminating technology-related complications.
Simple and quick handling ⌚
Unconnected breast pumps offer immediate handling thanks to a screen and controls directly accessible from the breast pump.
Without the need to connect to a phone, these devices allow mothers to be operational in just a few moments, thus simplifying their milk pumping experience.
An intuitive interface ✅
The use of autonomous breast pumps is also characterized by the absence of complex settings and of superfluous modes.
With no apps to configure or monitor, these devices offer simple and efficient user experience.
An autonomous breast pump therefore allows you to focus on the essentials: a effective milk extraction for your baby.
Safe use 📵
Unconnected breast pumps, such as the Emy Pump model, offer increased security in eliminating wave emissions and the risk of interference.
The design of autonomous breast pumps also makes cleaning easier thanks to their design, often different from the classic bottle shape found for connected models.
Finally, this type of model is also cheaper than connected models. Another interesting point to know is that they also generally have fewer components to fail.
Disadvantage of stand-alone breast pumps
The main disadvantage of stand-alone models is that the absence of automated session tracking. Of course, it is entirely possible to use a free third-party app to compensate for this lack.
In conclusion, choosing between a connected and non-connected breast pump will depend on your personal priorities. If you prefer simplicity and reliability, a standalone model like the Emy Pump could be ideal.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a Detailed tracking and advanced features, a connected breast pump may be suitable, despite some potential drawbacks.
Hands-free breast pump: making the right choice
To choose the hands-free breast pump that suits you best, several factors must be taken into account:
- the intended frequency of use;
- the budget;
- ease of cleaning;
- the desired comfort of use;
- the importance you attach to session monitoring…
You can find even more criteria to consider in our detailed guide to choose your wireless breast pump wisely.
And if you are still hesitant, do not hesitate to consult the reviews other mothers or to ask your midwife for advice. This feedback will help you make the best hands-free breast pump choice for you and for your baby!
