The report card
- Suction & effectiveness25% of score8.5
Powerful suction in independent reviews, plus memory and power pumping programmes.
- Comfort & fit20% of score7.5
26mm shell with a 22mm insert; other sizes sold separately.
- Ease of use & cleaning15% of score7.5
Plenty of settings to learn, and the app is optional.
- Portability & power15% of score8.0
USB rechargeable, with up to eight sessions per charge.
- Noise10% of score7.0
No published noise figure.
- Value15% of score7.5
Fair for the features, but not cheap.
The full review
Ardo is a Swiss brand whose hospital pumps are used in NHS hospitals, and the Alyssa is its compact rechargeable double. It charges by USB and, according to Ardo, manages up to eight sessions per charge. It works as a single or double pump and uses a closed system.
Its two headline features are software. Memory Plus saves your whole pattern of suction and speed changes and replays it next time, and the automatic Power Pumping programme runs a one-hour sequence of three pumping and two rest phases, imitating cluster feeding. Ardo says power pumping is recommended by healthcare professionals to increase supply; I'd talk it through with your infant feeding team before you start. The free MyArdo app can control the pump too, but it's optional.
You get a 26mm breast shell with a 22mm silicone insert in the box. MadeForMums named it the best pump for powerful pumping at home, praising its suction and range of settings, but noted that you'll need both hands (or a pumping bra) and that it isn't cheap. Ardo also sells a hands-free version with in-bra cups for around £190.
Pros and cons
What I like
- Automatic power pumping programme
- Memory Plus saves your personalised session
- USB rechargeable, with up to eight sessions per charge
- Optional app control and tracking
What I don't
- Needs a pumping bra to be hands-free
- One shell size plus an insert in the box
- Lots of settings to learn
Key specs
- Type
- Double electric (single or double pumping)
- Battery
- USB rechargeable, up to 8 sessions
- Programmes
- Memory Plus and automatic Power Pumping
- App
- MyArdo, optional
- Shields in box
- 26mm shell with 22mm silicone insert
- Closed system
- Yes
Head-to-heads
What I read
This is a research-led review. These are the main sources behind the scores, alongside patterns in verified owner reviews. How I review.