Finding the best breast pump can leave you feeling like Goldilocks, constantly searching for the perfect fit.
The trouble is that some pumps just won’t be right for you, even if they are right for someone else. What one mom finds comfortable can feel like a specially designed torture device to another. We’ve explored several pump brands and styles, read countless online reviews, and rounded up our top 15.
Whether you want a hands-free option, manual pump, one for larger breasts, or even one you can travel easily with, we’ve got you.
- Battery-operated or power cord
- Expresses milk quickly and comfortably
- Closed system
- Provides true mobility
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean and use
- Strong suction feature
- Includes cooler and ice packs
- Easy to find Replacement parts
- Small and compact
- Monitors feeding patterns
- Double pump extracts high volumes
- Good price for double electric pump
- Portable
- Variable suction speeds
- 10 massage and expression settings
- Backlit screen for nighttime
- Fits in your palm
- Built to last
- Powerful hospital-grade suction
- Closed system
- Keep your hands free
- Tracks volume and pumping history
- Battery lasts for five sessions
- Quiet
- Easy to control suction
- Weighs only 14.4 oz.
- Affordable
- Can be sterilized in microwave
- Soft massage cushion
The Best Breast Pumps of 2024
Here are 15 excellent breast pumps to consider.
Spectra S1 & S2 Breast Pumps
Best Electric Breast Pumps
This unit comes in Spectra Baby USA S1 (blue) and Spectra Baby USA S2 (pink) models. They’re both excellent choices.
The S1 is a tiny bit more expensive than the S2, but it has the option to switch to battery power in case you can’t or don’t want to use the power cord. It’s a little thing, but that rechargeable battery pack could really open up your world when you’re pumping exclusively.
Both products are robust and can last for months or even a year, depending on your usage. They make quick and comfortable work out of pumping your breasts, and you won’t need earplugs when you operate this unit either – it’s extremely quiet.
Both pumps are lightweight at just over 3 pounds. With the Spectra S1 or S2 pump, you can express milk one breast at a time or do both breasts at once. While some electric pumps are loud and attract attention, this one is quieter.
The Spectra purrs like a kitten and feels so close to nursing your baby. I cannot recommend it enough. I used a different highly recommended pump for my first, and used the Spectra S2 for my second, and what a difference! So much more comfortable and effective. I only wish I had the S1 for the battery portability!
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCAnother key feature is that the pumps have a closed system, which means your milk particles won’t go inside the actual motor. This is a more sanitary choice if you need to lend out or give away your pump when you’re done.
The pumps have a letdown mode that signals your breasts to release their milk supply. It also comes with a timer and a night light, which is a welcome addition for those 2 a.m. feedings!
Pros
- The S1 model can be operated with batteries or a power cord.
- Quiet, which makes for a more relaxed pumping experience.
- Expresses milk quickly and comfortably.
- Closed system — safe for multi-person use.
Cons
- The tubes fall off easily during pumping (which means they need to be replaced).
- The pump vibrates during usage.
Our Ratings
Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
Best Hands-Free Breast Pump
Are you a mom on the go? Do you have other kids? Do you have dinners and housework to attend to? Then you need a hands-free breast pump, such as the Medela Freestyle Flex.
This breast pump is designed for moms on the move. It’s very practical since it’s small enough to fit in your bag or even your pocket. The double pump system allows for more milk in less time, which is super-efficient.
The pump connects to a handy app called My Medela. You can track your pumping sessions so you never forget that day’s progress.
The 2-Phase Expression technology mimics babies’ natural sucking rhythms so it’s more comfortable and effective for you.
The breast pump is super quiet, so not only can you use it while multitasking. You can use it next to your sleeping partner or baby, without disturbing anybody.
Pros
- Hands-free, and lightweight unit.
- Mimics the natural sucking rhythm of babies — more comfortable.
- Double pump system for more milk in less time.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons
- The charge only lasts two hours, so it might need to be recharged a few times a day.
- The suction power could be better.
Our Ratings
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump for Large Breasts & Twins
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced model has many features that make it a good investment. Plus, for women with large chests and bigger than average nipples, the nice thing is that you can separately buy extra-large breast shields to make this pump work. Nipple size also varies during breastfeeding, so you will want to have easy options to grab.
The Pump In Style Advanced kit already comes with two sizes of breast shields – the 24mm and the 27mm. Before automatically ordering the extra-large shields, you should give the included shields a test drive. The nipple shouldn’t hit the side of the flange, you also shouldn’t be sore from pumping.
Because the pump is attached to the carry-all tote bag that comes with the kit and accessories, you can move the entire thing from one room to another with ease. The Pump In Style Advanced has impressive suction strength which can help keep your supply up, but it’s also adjustable if you prefer a lighter touch. The cooler and ice packs are great for providing moms the freedom to pump when they’re out and about.
Pros
- Strong suction feature.
- Easy to clean.
- Replacement parts are easy to find because the brand is so well known.
Cons
- This pump costs a little more than some on the market.
- It’s a heavy pump, which makes it less ideal for moms on-the-go.
- Open system.
Our Ratings
Medela Sonata Smart Double Electric Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump with App
MyMedela is this company’s tool to help you track your baby’s growth and pumping session output on your smartphone. The Sonata is a sturdy double electric model with 2-phase expression technology and different rhythms designed to mimic the fast beginning and slower progression of breastfeeding. The lithium-ion rechargeable battery even has a little alarm that will ping to remind you when the battery life is low.
The unit is small and lightweight, and surprisingly quiet for what is a strong, “hospital grade” suction. Many women have found that their supply is greatly increased and that they can pump a lot more using this product. It also comes with 1 month of 24/7 lactation support from a Medela lactation counselor, which is amazing.
Pros
- Small and compact — easy to travel with.
- App helps you monitor your feeding patterns.
- Double pump extracts high volumes.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Short operating life: users report the unit breaks down often, and is tricky to fix.
- Good performance, but unreliable.
Our Ratings
Bellababy Double Electric Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump for Working Moms
Some electric breast pumps have short power cords that mean you have to sit right next to an outlet to get any pumping done. Also, offices don’t always have outlets in spots that give you the privacy you need.
The Bellababy pump has a large battery capacity, which makes it easy to bring anywhere and find a comfortable place to pump from.
It’s a closed system, double electric pump which has left and right independent controls where you can choose a different suction speed for each breast. This is an interesting feature because it seems all women have a dominant breast that makes a little or a lot more milk- this could help even out the outputs or empty the breasts evenly.
While you can still hear this pump, it’s pretty quiet, making it a great choice for at-work pumping sessions. It’s easy to assemble, so you won’t cut into your work time too much.
Pros
- A good price for a double electric pump.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to clean and assemble.
- Quiet.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a carrier.
Our Ratings
Motif Portable Double Electric Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump for Travel
As a mom, you need a vacation from time to time. With the Motif Portable Pump, you can pump and travel!
Weighing less than half a pound, the remote fits in your hand and in your bag. You can use this for traveling, or while on the go, and it’s super discreet.
Once you find your favorite settings with this pump, you can use the memory function. The gadget will remember your preferred settings, so you can skip the customization period and just get to pumping.
This device has 10 expression and massage levels so you can find the best fit for your body. The massage settings mimic babies nursing patterns so you can find one that is similar to your baby. The expression mode helps to express the most milk in a short time.
Pros
- Backlit screen and quiet noise for nighttime pumping.
- Super compact and lightweight.
- 10 massage and expression settings.
- The device remembers your preferred settings.
Cons
- Unlike some other pumps, it’s difficult to find replacement parts.
- The suction lessens when the battery is lower.
Our Ratings
Medela Symphony Breast Pump
Best Hospital Grade Breast Pump
This pump was made for intensive use and unless you plan to give it a run for its money, you might want to find a more inexpensive pump. This pump is usually available to rent from the hospital. It uses 2-phase expression technology to help your milk start flowing freely.
If normal pumps are taking too long to remove your milk, you might want to try this because it’s designed to quickly express milk. That’s a big deal when you’re breast-pumping exclusively and start to feel like you’ve spent half your day hooked up to a breast pump.
You can use this pump for expressing milk from one breast at a time or from both at once. It’s a closed system so you won’t get any backflow of your milk into the tubing and motor. That can cut down on the risk of your baby ingesting mold or nasty bacteria along with their breast milk.
Pros
- Built to last; can work for years.
- So quiet you can barely tell it’s on.
- Sanitary, a closed system.
Cons
- The milk collection bottles and other items you need for this pump are sold separately in a kit.
- This is a very expensive breast pump.
Our Ratings
Willow Wearable Breast Pump
Best Wearable Breast Pump
Women who want the ability to pump anywhere with their hands-free may like the Willow breast pump. This pump fits inside your bra, so you can wear it as you do your normal daily activities. You won’t have anything sticking outside of your bra – no cords, tubes, or attached bottles that will alert people to the fact that you’re pumping milk.
You can opt to pump into storage bags and pop them into your refrigerator or freezer to build a stash of breast milk. Or you can use Willow’s no-spill reusable container that catches the milk as you go about your day, so you won’t have to worry about embarrassing leaks.
The pump comes in two colors – soft white and quiet gray. It has seven suction levels, similar to what you’d see in the double electric or hospital-strength pumps you may have used in the past. It offers two flange sizes – 24 mm or 27 mm.
Pros
- It lets you keep your hands free.
- Willow app for tracking your volume and pumping history.
- Battery life lasts for as many as five sessions, which will see you through the day.
Cons
- It’s expensive and won’t fit everyone’s budget.
- It isn’t the most silent pump.
- Although you only have two parts to clean with this pump, the shape of the milk container makes it harder to clean.
Our Ratings
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
Best Manual Breast Pump
The Medela manual pump is easy to use and simple to clean. Anyone will be able to figure out how to use it, and it’s a cinch to bring along wherever you go because it fits neatly into purses or bags.
Since you do all the work, manual pumps like this one don’t make noise, and so they’re perfect for pumping discreetly during a lunch break at work. No one has to know what you are doing behind closed doors if you feel uncomfortable about pumping away from home.
Although it includes a 24 mm breast shield, other Medela breast shields will also fit on this unit. This means you’ll be able to set up the most comfortable experience for your body. Best of all, this pump is kind to even the tightest budget.
Pros
- Affordable — won’t break the bank.
- Portable; easy to carry around.
- Quiet, which can be important for those who value discretion.
Cons
- Seems to lose suction over time.
- Can make your hand tired if you pump a lot.
Our Ratings
Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump
Best Portable Breast Pump
This Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump has a small, wide bottle attached to the pump, instead of a longer, thinner one that other portable pumps use. Another thing moms might appreciate about this breast pump is that it’s compatible with other Philips Avent bottles and milk storage containers.
The small, compact size of this pump makes it easy to position and use – you can even operate it with one hand. It has an angled neck, which works with gravity to allow your milk to flow directly into the milk collection bottle, so you won’t have the strain on your lower back of having to lean forward. This pump also has a soft massage cushion designed to stimulate milk flow.
Lastly, moms who aren’t content to just wash their portable pumps will be glad to know this unit can be sterilized in the microwave or by dropping it in boiling water.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Easy on your back because its design doesn’t require you to lean forward.
Cons
- Can squeak a little sometimes while operating.
- You have to press it hard against your breast to form a vacuum.
Our Ratings
Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
Best Milk Catcher Breast Pump
Although this unit from Haakaa is called a pump, there’s no actual pumping involved. You’ll still end up with a significant amount of breast milk by the time you’re done using it, though.
All you do is take this BPA-free, silicone device and attach it to one breast while you’re feeding on the other side. Then just let nature take its course. As you let down and your milk begins to flow from both breasts, this small pump on your free breast will let you catch any extra ounces you would have otherwise wasted. This can be helpful at the beginning of breastfeeding when your breasts are engorged to take off a little milk to feel more comfortable.
And the best part is, there’s no discomfort involved and no extra effort on your part.
Pros
- It’s extremely cheap.
- Easy to use.
- Perfect for traveling.
Cons
- It won’t completely empty your breast.
- Measurements on the bottle are a bit inaccurate.
Our Ratings
Freemie Liberty II Breast Pump
Hands-Free Runner Up
This Freemie hands-free pump is stealth pumping at its finest. It’s a unit that’s a bit like a Robo Bra that collects your milk in two attached funnels. You pop it on and sit back, and the pump extracts your milk right inside your bra. The pump itself is the size of the palm of your hand and it is strong.
Though it’s a slim profile under clothing, each cup holds a full 8 ounces. Because you don’t need to hold anything in place, your hands are free to get on with whatever work you need to, or else enjoy quality time with your baby.
This product could not be more discreet for working moms who might not have the time to step away from their desks every time they pump. Alternatively, this pump can easily be used around others without too much distraction and without you needing to remove any clothing.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight feel.
- Freedom to snuggle your baby, work, or relax while pumping.
- Adjustable suction levels.
Cons
- It might not work well for larger busts.
- Comes at a higher price point.
- Battery might not be the best.
Our Ratings
Philips Avent Single Electric Breast Pump
Best Single Electric Pump
The joy of this Philips Avent single electric pump is twofold: firstly, it’s cheaper than a double electric pump, which makes it a good alternative for moms who’d rather save their cash. Secondly, it lets you get breastfeeding and pumping done in one shot, saving you time as you essentially get two feeds for the effort of one.
Avent’s pump has also been designed to eliminate lower back strain for moms. Many pumps require you to lean forward to let gravity assist you, but because of the design on this one, you don’t need to lean forward at all.
When you use this breast pump, you start with the stimulation mode to let your body know it’s time to release milk. But after that, you get to choose which setting feels most comfortable to you – low, medium or high.
Pros
- Comfortable pumping experience.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Some moms have reported that the unit breaks down.
- Loses suction over time.
Our Ratings
Elvie Pump Double Silent Wearable Breast Pump
Best Bag-Free Wearable Pump
The Elvie Pump is a bag-free wearable pump. You eliminate the need for a flimsy and difficult-to-clean bag. Instead, the pump is connected to a bottle. This makes it much easier to distribute the milk into baby bottles. Plus, it’s easier to clean.
Also, the entire unit is wearable, so you can pop it on under your clothes and go about your other tasks. Whether you’re on the go, working, or just doing jobs around the house — the Elvie Pump doesn’t get in the way.
In fact, you can pump anywhere you want and nobody will even notice. This breast pump is almost silent, so you can pump in peace.
The Elvie Pump fits inside standard nursing bras. It’s cordless so it’s hassle free. Plus, it comes with a handy app — Elvie Pump — so you can track your pumping sessions and control the pump remotely.
Pros
- Bag-free — all five parts are dishwasher safe.
- Wearable under standard nursing bras.
- Nearly silent.
- Hands-free and tube-free.
Cons
- The unit is quite big, so for petite moms, it can be quite noticeable.
- Some customers say that it hurt their nipples, as the suction was strong.
Our Ratings
Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Pump
Most Affordable Electric Pump
This Lansinoh pump fits the description of a good, mid-range quality you can trust. You get a lot for your money: a closed, hospital-grade system with a stimulation phase, adjustable speed and suction levels, and a kit with all the accessories you could need.
Some moms really love that this unit offers three pumping “styles”, and can run off battery power or its main cable. It’s a double pump with special back-flow caps that prevent the milk from flowing back into the tubes. Plus, it comes in a helpful carry bag.
If a pump has hurt you in the past, this one may be up your alley since it’s geared towards lighter, more massage-like suction than other pumps. Many first-time moms report that they pumped for the first time with no issues using this unit.
Pros
- Gentler on the breasts, so great for first-time breastfeeders.
- Affordable quality.
- Hygienic, closed system.
Cons
- The gentler suction may feel too weak to moms with heavy flow.
- The pump can be a little loud.
Our Ratings
Types of Breast Pumps
Breast pumps come in two broad types: single and double. Single pumps can only attach to one breast at a time, whereas double pumps attach to both. Double pumps tend to express more milk but come at a higher price.
Pumps can also be further broken down into the following different categories:
Manual Breast Pumps
These have no external power source and rely on you to generate the suction or vacuum by using your hands to squeeze a handle.
Pros
- Manual pumps tend to be light and portable.
Cons
- They usually express much less milk due to their reduced suction power.
Personal Electric Pumps
Electric pumps have a much greater suction strength than manual pumps.
Pros
- Usually come with electronic features, such as LCD screens, a timer, multiple expression modes, and sometimes even a nightlight.
Cons
- The disadvantages of electric pumps are their weight and higher cost.
Hospital Grade Pumps
A hospital-grade breast pump is usually a double electric breast pump that has a closed system, a long motor life, and is durable enough to express milk 8 or more times a day (1). Hospital strength pumps are often rented, due to their higher prices. Many office spaces provide these for working moms, who only have to bring their own pump parts to work.
Pros
- Typically “closed systems” so no milk ever backflows to the pump/engine — which means they are perfect for multiple users.
Cons
- Comes at a higher price.
How to Choose a Breast Pump
Before you randomly pick a breast pump based on a friend’s recommendation, remember that you both might be looking for very different things. We’re all on different paths in life, with different bodies, different babies, and different sets of goals and obstacles.
Nevertheless, any woman looking to purchase one of the best breast pumps will want to go over this list of factors to consider:
Do I Need a Breast Pump?
Some women who breastfed exclusively have gotten by without a pump, but, I swear, I have no idea how they did it.
When my baby was ten weeks old, I went back to work. I would have loved nothing more than to be a stay-at-home mom, but since my student loans were hanging over my head, there was no way around it – I had to go back to work.
Sometimes I was lucky, and I was back home after a 6-hour workday, but there were days where things were super busy, and I put in 12-hour days. I hated every minute of it, and I would have rather spent that time with my baby, but it was something I had to do.
The only way I was going to make breastfeeding a doable option was by pumping while I was at work. If I had any hope of breastfeeding, I had to express milk with a pump so my baby could eat while I wasn’t with her.
Think of the breast pump as your modern-day ‘wet nurse’. In past times when a mom couldn’t nurse her own child, someone in the village would do it for her. Now when moms have to go back to work when their babies are so young, you are able to provide your own breast milk to your baby when you are away.
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCEven if you aren’t returning to work, you’ll still likely encounter situations when you’ll need refrigerated or frozen milk on hand for your baby to eat. Whether it’s a family emergency, a medical situation or simply a night out with friends, you can’t be attached to your baby 24/7.
Sometimes you don’t get to decide if you are going to nurse – your baby does that for you. In some cases, babies aren’t able to latch properly onto the breast, but they can feed from bottles. If you want to breastfeed in those situations, you’ll have no choice but to pump so your baby still gets the benefits of breast milk. This type of breastfeeding is called ‘Exclusive Pumping’ (4).
Open System or Closed System?
A closed system pump keeps the parts that collect the milk completely separate from the parts that pump it out. This barrier prevents mold, dust, or spoiled milk from contaminating things.
An open system pump has no such barrier, so milk can get into nooks and crannies in the unit and encourage bacterial growth. True, it’s possible to buy clean tubes and parts for an open system pump, and you can try to sterilize the individual pieces. However, you’ll never completely sterilize the motor itself, which could harbor microbes that could get into your baby’s milk.
If you’re getting a second-hand or rental “hospital grade” pump, make sure it has a closed system. Breast pumps are not supposed to be donated due to hygiene reasons, Medela has a recycling program for when you’re completely done with your pump (5).
Breast Pump Accessories You Might Need
You may want to buy extra breast shields (also known as flanges) and valves to have on hand for when you don’t feel like washing up right after pumping. It can be difficult to find the time immediately after a feed, especially if you’re pumping multiple times a day. If you’re not feeling well or just enjoying a lazy day with your baby, a drawer of extra parts will come in handy. Pump parts need to be replaced pretty frequently to make sure you are getting the best suction (6).
Having a compartmentalized breast pump bag can help you organize all your spare parts and keep everything in its correct place. Many breast pump bags also include insulation or have a built-in cooler to help you transport your expressed milk when on-the-go. Anything to make carrying everything easier.
Using a nursing bra or hands-free pumping bra can give you more freedom and help by allowing you to express milk without having to remove your bra.
You’ll also need breastmilk storage bottles so you can keep that liquid gold safe in the refrigerator or freezer. If you plan to pump at work you should also consider purchasing breast milk storage bags or a mini cooler bag with ice packs so you can keep your breast milk cold until you get home. If you have a refrigerator at work, use it, but if your commute is a long one, you’ll still need a way to get those bottles home safely.
Some accessories aren’t necessities, but they can make your life easier – like a bottle drying rack, or a nursing cover that can help you pump in public without feeling self-conscious.
Breast Pump FAQs
Breastfeeding is such an important part of your child’s early life, and the right pump can make the difference between it being a painful disappointment or a happy success. We know it can be a drag to research all the models out there, but more than worth it when you consider what you gain by buying just the right one.