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The 7 Best Breast Pumps, According to Nursing Moms

A good breast pump can make all the difference—and we’ve found the best options for every mom and budget.
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By Lynsey Eidell, Contributing Writer
Updated February 11, 2024
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Image: BaLL LunLa | Shutterstock
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In a nutshell:

Based on advice from a lactation consultant, a survey of over 300 new and expectant parents from The Bump community and feedback from our team of independent product testers, we chose the Elvie Double Pump as the overall best breast pump. In particular, this pump stood out for its innovative technology, discreet size and convenient, easy-to-clean design.

When it comes to prepping for baby’s arrival, choosing the best breast pump isn’t nearly as fun as picking out a cute layette—but the right pump can change your life (seriously!). No matter your feeding journey, pumping comes in handy in a variety of ways. It not only allows you to collect breast milk when you’re separated from your little one, but it also helps nursing moms keep up their milk supply. Some moms even elect to exclusively pump because of latch issues, oversupply or personal preference. Pumping also lets you build up a milk stash to freeze and store, which will come in handy if you’re returning to work or traveling solo.

When picking out a breast pump, Stacey Fink, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant, suggests that you should first “consider your lifestyle along with your breastfeeding goals.” However you choose to pump, there’s a model that’s right for you and your needs. To find your best match, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about breast pumps, from the various types to what to consider before shopping, and tested and evaluated the best breast pumps on the market today. Keep reading to discover our top picks for every need, including this year’s Best of The Bump winner.

How We Chose and Tested the Best Breast Pumps

For more than 10 years, The Bump has been recognizing the absolute best baby and pregnancy products on the market through our awards series. To help you find the best breast pumps out there, The Bump editors did extensive research to identify the best-selling, most innovative and all-around top-notch products. Then, we put them to the test. Here are the steps we took to create this article:

  • We chatted with a lactation consultant to better understand safety considerations and essential features to keep in mind as you shop for and use a breast pump.

  • We enlisted the help of 15 nursing mothers (with babies ranging in age from newborn to 5 months old) to try out a variety of models. These independent product testers carefully evaluated the products and rated them based on ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, noise level, style and design, quality and value for money.

  • We surveyed over 300 new and expectant parents in The Bump community for additional insight on the ins and outs of specific breast pumps.

  • We leveraged our familiarity with leading maternity brands and trusted online retailers and combed through dozens of options.

  • We considered several factors when sourcing breast pumps, such as size, weight, noise level and value, to name a few.

  • We read user reviews to see how these breast pumps have worked for new moms, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Image: Jaclyn, Taylor, Mallory

Best Breast Pumps

Overall best breast pump

Elvie Double Pump
Image: Target
What We Love
  • Minimal parts to clean
  • Super-quiet when in use
  • Compatible app records pump volumes
Things To Consider
  • High price point

Pumping becomes a chore no more with the Elvie Pump—which is why it earned this year’s Best of The Bump award for overall best breast pump. (Head here to see all of this year’s category winners.) This wearable electric breast pump combines convenience and technology to create a seamless (and simple) pumping experience for mamas. In fact, our product tester loved the Elvie Pump so much, she gave it top scores across all categories—from quality to effectiveness to ease of use and comfort.

The standout feature of the Elvie Pump is its discreet size, which is slim enough to go undetected in most bras. “When using [it], I don’t feel like I have anything on, which is great,” our product tester raved. It’s also quiet enough that people around you won’t know you’re pumping, and infrared sensors automatically turn the pump off when the containers are full (no fiddling in your bra required). The breast pump is controlled by an app on your phone, with a rechargeable battery good for up to six pumping sessions, allowing you to truly use the pump from anywhere (and no longer have to be chained to a nearby outlet). Plus, the tube-free design not only helps keep this pump slim-and-trim, it also means fewer parts for you to clean (and who doesn’t love that?).

What sets the Elvie Pump apart from other wearables is the fact that it doesn’t sacrifice effectiveness. Its customizable technology provides four different rhythms to adapt your pumping experience to your own personal needs, whether you have a heavy letdown and strong output or need a more sensitive and gentle approach. It also has two modes and seven intensity settings to optimize your pumping sessions. “This is the first wearable breast pump that actually works for me,” our product tester reported. “It has great suction, so it collects a lot in a shorter amount of time.”

With its unparalleled design, technology and effectiveness, it’s easy to see why the Elvie Pump is this year’s Best of The Bump award winner.

Dimensions (single pump): 4.3” (L) x 2.7” (W) x 5” (H) | Weight (single pump): 8 oz.

Our product tester says:

“Best pump out there! [It] has the best suction when it comes to wearing a pump on the go. It is a bit pricey, but worth every penny since it does its work beautifully.”

Our community says:

"It's a very quiet pump, easy to operate and very effective." – Laura, mother of two

Buy Now

Best hospital-grade breast pump

Spectra S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Breast Pump
Image: Target
What We Love
  • 12 levels of hospital-grade suction
  • The night light and timer for late-night sessions
  • Two flange sizes included
Things To Consider
  • Not as portable as other options

When it comes to hospital-grade breast pumps, Spectra has been a longtime leader in the field—and the S1 Plus model is no exception. While this pump touts having a rechargeable battery and a portable pump, what really makes the S1 Plus stand out is simple: Its hospital-grade motor.

The motor provides 12 levels of suction strength, resulting in solid, productive pumping sessions. “The volume and speed of milk collection was excellent,” our product tester told us. “I had a higher output than with other pumps I’ve used in this price range.” And while that strong suction results in quicker pumping sessions and higher output, what it doesn’t produce is irritation or discomfort (thanks, in part, to two included different-size flanges for a proper fit). “The suction and vibration on this pump made it incredibly comfortable,” our product tester shared, awarding the S1 Plus a 5 out of 5 for comfort and quality. “I did not find that I had to sacrifice output for comfort, which was great.”

The Spectra S1 Plus is a solid option for women looking to maximize their pumping sessions while at home. “I could easily see this being a primary pump I use for my baby’s first year and beyond,” our product tester reported, and we agree—Spectra breast pumps are built to last.

Dimensions: 7.9” (L) x 7.9” (W) x 6.7” (H) | Weight: 3.3 lbs.

Our product tester says:

“If someone is looking for a primary pump for use at home, this is a great option—it’s effective, easy to find replacement parts, comfortable and durable.”

Our community says:

"The pump is quiet and comes with a small night light for night pumps. It's easy to clean and easy to store. I also loved the express/massage features and the high quality of the pump." – Katrina, mother of one

"The effectiveness and quality are unmatched. I was an exclusive pumper for a year and couldn’t have done it without this pump. It consistently gave the most output out of the multiple pumps I tried." – Susan, mother of one

"I like that it's battery operated, easy to use, compatible with other types of cups, fairly quiet and affordable with insurance." – Alexandra, mother of one

Buy Now

Best affordable breast pump

What We Love
  • Three flange sizes included
  • Rechargeable battery
  • App compatible
  • More affordable than other options
Things To Consider
  • Noisy, according to our product tester

Breast pumps don’t have to break the bank, and the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 is a prime example. This model features everything (and we mean everything) a pumping mom could need, including three different sizes of flanges (most other pumps come with just one), four Lansinoh bottles, a bottle nipple and cover, multiple valves and connection tubes—and even a cooler for breast milk storage. This stacked pumping kit has a price tag of $161, which is far less than its fellow standard electric breast pumps (that come equipped with much less, we might add). “With the amount that comes in the box, I think it's a great value. You really get a lot of bang for your buck,” our product tester said, giving the SmartPump 3.0 a well-deserved 5 out of 5 for value for money.

The value that you get with the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 is undeniable, but so is the quality. Our product tester gave this Lansinoh breast pump a perfect score in the quality department, describing it as a pump that will “hold up for longer periods of time.” It’s also a breast pump that does its primary job of pumping extremely well. “It collected way more milk than I expected in the time frame that I actually pumped for,” our product tester reported. In other words, the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 breast pump has achieved the trifecta: It’s effective, comfortable and affordable to boot.

Dimensions: 10.8” (L) x 7.1” (W) x 7.7” (H) | Weight: 4.6 lbs.

Our product tester says:

“I really love how it comes with its own carrier, extra bottles and the amount of flanges included in different sizes is amazing—no need to order anything separate.”

Buy Now

Best portable breast pump

Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump
Image: Target
What We Love
  • CaraCups allow for hands-free pumping
  • Hospital-strength suction
  • Super-quiet when in use
Things To Consider
  • LED screen may be bright at night

If you’re looking for a pump that has perfected performance and portability, look no further than the Spectra 9 Plus. This lightweight pump is a breeze to tote around, with a rechargeable battery pack that’s slim enough to fit in your pocket as you pump (and what could be better for moms on the go?). In fact, our product tester was blown away by how portable the Spectra 9 Plus was. “It’s different from anything I’ve ever used before,” she said. “I love that I can put it in my pocket and not be attached to a wall for 20 to 30 minutes during a session—especially as a mom of three.” And with the optional CaraCups attachment, you can enjoy hands-free functionality for even greater freedom.

The Spectra 9 Plus breast pump also shines when it comes to pump performance, thanks to a hospital-grade motor and 10 different levels of suction strength. This allows for optimal milk production and means mamas don’t have to choose between portability and performance when it comes to their breast pump. Our product tester even reported producing more milk with the Spectra 9 Plus than she did with other pumps, awarding it 5 out of 5 for effectiveness and ease of use. “I got over 4 oz. per side,” she shared. “With other pumps, I’ve only been getting 2 to 3 oz.—so this helped me extract more milk.” The proof is in the oz.: The Spectra 9 Plus is an all-around standout pump.

Dimensions (pump): 2.8” (L) x 1.9” (W) x 4.8” (H) | Weight: 10 oz.

Our product tester says:

“Pumping can be a chore, but having the option to use a wearable changes the game and allows the ability to multitask. This is perfect for when I need to pump on the go or when I’m back in my office.”

Buy Now

Best breast pump for working moms

What We Love
  • Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
  • 15 hospital-grade suction levels
  • High volume capacity
Things To Consider
  • Difficult to set up, according to our product tester

Pumping while working can be a daunting task. You need to pump as much as you can in as little time as possible, and if you’re taking calls, you’ll likely want to maximize discreteness and manage your noise levels. But the Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump helps to calm some of those worries and make the lives of working moms easier in the process.

There’s a laundry list of reasons why we love the Willow Go. For starters, it has one of the slimmest profiles and is one of the only wearable pumps to fit entirely into your bra, allowing you to pump virtually undetected. The Willow Go also has the highest capacity of any wearable pump, at a whopping seven ounces. And with a battery life that lasts three full pumping sessions, you can go a full workday without having to plug in your pump once. When you get home from work, five out of the Willow Go’s six parts are dishwasher-safe.

Our product tester put the Willow Go to the test by using it at work herself—and was just as impressed as we were. “I’m a pediatric nurse in a clinic and I was able to comfortably wear these around the office,” she said. Not only was she able to wear it while working, but she also reported having productive pumping sessions with the Willow Go. “I was very surprised to find I produced the same amount of volume as my wall pump,” she shared. “This pump exceeded my expectations.”

Dimensions (single pump): 4.7” (L) x 3.2” (W) x 5.3” (H) | Weight (single pump): 1 lb.

Our product tester says:

“I think a lot of people who return to work aren’t able to maintain their supply or keep up with pumping because they have to be tied to the wall. This pump gives the freedom to keep working and make sure you’re getting your pump sessions in.”

Our community says:

"Really effective and easy to use. The brand also offers great customer support." – Annemarie, mother of one

Buy Now

Best fast-pumping breast pump

What We Love
  • 9 hospital-grade suction levels
  • Customize each breast’s level and mode
  • Double-seal design increases efficiency
Things To Consider
  • Can be bulky in a bra
  • Annoying to clean, according to some reviewers

Nobody wants to spend more time pumping than they have to—especially when it comes to those middle-of-the-night sessions. That’s where the Momcozy Wearable S12 Pro comes in, helping to speed up your pumping sessions without sacrificing output.

The Momcozy Wearable S12 Pro makes the process of pumping more efficient, thanks, in part, to its hospital-grade pump and nine levels of intensity, which can be tailored to each breast. But this breast pump also features a double-sealed flange design—as opposed to the typical single seal—which allows for a closer fit to the breast. This double-seal not only results in faster, more efficient pumping sessions, but it also helps prevent any precious breast milk from leaking out. “The pump was very effective in pumping a good amount of milk in a short amount of time,” our product tester raved, giving it a top score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.

The S12 Pro doesn’t just save you time spent pumping—it also takes little to no time to fully charge. In just 90 minutes the breast pump battery is ready to go, leaving you free from any cords or plugs. Once it has a full battery, the charge lasts anywhere from five to six pumping sessions, delivering hospital-grade power at a noise level our tester described as “surprisingly quiet.” We love anything that makes life easier for mamas, and this pump from Momcozy certainly fits the bill.

Dimensions (single pump): 5.7” (L) x 3.1” (W) x 7.1” (H) | Weight (single pump): 1.5 lbs.

Our product tester says:

“I love that I was able to walk around and do some chores while pumping. It didn’t budge at all even while [I was] moving around…It gets the job done.”

Buy Now

Best hand-operated breast pump

Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Few parts to clean
  • Pumps directly into Lansinoh bottles
  • Two flange sizes included
  • Affordable price point
Things To Consider
  • A manual option might not be for everyone

The original portable breast pumps were hand-operated breast pumps—and the best in the category is hands-down (or hands-up, in this case) the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump. It’s one of the few non-electric breast pumps to not only provide two different size flanges (both with ComfortFit technology to reduce irritation), but also two different pumping modes (stimulation and expression). The result is a pumping experience that’s both comfortable and efficient.

“The effectiveness was wonderful. It brought my letdown almost right away,” our product tester shared. Plus, “with the different flange sizes, I was able to find the perfect size for me, making it very comfortable.” It’s no wonder she awarded the Lansinoh 5 out of 5 for quality, comfort and ease of use.

Other ways the Lansinoh wins moms over are its handle design (which prevents hand fatigue while pumping) and its minimal parts (read: less to clean). Even better news is the fact that many of the Lansinoh parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup with this pump even easier. Our product tester was a major fan, and judging by thousands of five-star Amazon reviews, she’s not alone. “[This pump] is comfortable, versatile, comes with a bottle and is very convenient,” she said. And at around $30, it’s cost-effective too.

Dimensions: 3.9” (L) x 7.5” (W) x 7.5” (H) | Weight: 4.8 oz.

Our product tester says:

“In an emergency situation, I’m so glad to have this pump. It truly relieves anxiety.”

Buy Now

Types of Breast Pumps

Since the first at-home electric breast pump debuted in the US in 1991, moms have been able to take more control of their schedules. And while all breast pumps promise to do the same thing—retrieve your milk—not all pumps are equal when it comes to meeting moms’ specific requirements. Here, we break down the main types to help you find the best breast pump for your needs.

Electric breast pump

Considered the most popular option, electric breast pumps allow you to adjust both the speed and suction. Single models, which pump one breast at a time, are available—but a double electric pump empties both breasts at the same time, making it an especially efficient choice. Electric breast pumps tend to range in price from $100 to $500, and while some need to be plugged into an outlet during use, many portable options are also available.

Hand-operated breast pumps

This style of pump doesn’t have a motor, meaning you’ll have to squeeze the lever repeatedly to create the suction needed to express milk. While they’re not as efficient as electric pumps, they’re much quieter, smaller and cheaper, making them a great travel option or a good choice if you don’t pump often. Manual breast pump prices typically start around $30.

Hospital-grade breast pump

The most powerful type of breast pump out there, a hospital-grade pump has a stronger motor than other options. It sucks at a faster and stronger frequency. This type is a good option for parents looking to increase milk supply or those who can’t nurse their child due to medical reasons. These heavy-duty machines often have to be plugged in, and you may need to buy a collection kit (parts that connect your breasts to the pump) separately. This type of power comes at a price—hospital-grade breast pumps are typically expensive (although some hospitals let you rent them for a lower cost).

Battery-operated breast pump

Battery-powered pumps are wireless and tend to be smaller than electric models, making them a convenient option for overnight travel or long commutes. Single or double pump options are available, and some even come with rechargeable batteries.

Wearable breast pump

This is the newest style of breast pumps on the market. Rather than having a separate motor that connects to flanges and bottles, this innovative design combines the motor and milk collection system into a single device that you wear inside your bra, leaving your hands unoccupied. One possible downside? Hands-free pumps can get expensive quickly, with some models costing $500 for a double-electric version.

What to Consider When Choosing a Breast Pump

Determining the best breast pump for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, and it’s important to weigh them all before making a selection. According to Fink, you should start by thinking about how and when you see pumping playing a part in your feeding journey. “How frequently do you anticipate pumping? Will you be an exclusive pumper? Someone who pumps while working outside of the home, but nurses while with your baby? Or will you be a ‘date night’ or occasional pumper, expressing breast milk on an ‘as needed’ basis,” Fink says. “All of these factors—and more—come into play when guiding you in selecting a pump to best suit your needs.”

Once you’ve determined how you plan to pump, other details to consider are affordability (including whether or not your insurance covers your breast pump), convenience and portability (especially important for commuting and working moms), features (from timers to apps and more) and the pump’s overall effectiveness. “Every woman is different and therefore may be seeking different things,” Fink says. “I’d encourage you to make a list of your ‘must haves’ or top priorities and select a pump that best meets your requirements.”

In addition to those factors, Fink also suggests that women pay special attention to a breast pump’s flange size, which is critical for effective and comfortable pumping sessions. “The ‘standard’ 24mm flanges that come with most breast pumps are the incorrect size for the majority of pumping moms—most women should be using a smaller flange,” Fink warns. Some breast pumps come equipped with multiple flange sizes, and a session with an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help determine what flange size is the best fit for you and your body.

But even if you’ve found a breast pump that checks all of your boxes, pumping can still require some trial and error to find your perfect match. “Every woman’s body is unique and can respond differently to the various types of pumps,” Fink says. “You may find you need to experiment with a few styles and brands.”

The best breast pump, though, is “the one that works best for you, you feel most comfortable with and best supports you on your breastfeeding journey,” Fink says.

About the writer:

Lynsey Eidell has researched and written dozens of product reviews for The Bump, from the best pregnancy belly bands to the best baby bassinets and beyond. She’s also written about entertainment, pop culture, weddings and motherhood for digital publications including PEOPLE, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, Allure and more. She is a graduate of Villanova University and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she currently lives with her family. When she’s not busy writing, she is kept equally busy by her three young boys, who are 7, 4 and 3.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Stacey Fink, BSN, RN, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant, registered nurse and owner of Lactation Express based in New Jersey.

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new parents from among The Bump community, and asked whether they used a breast pump and what type they used.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.

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