Choosing the best breast pump for large breasts in 2025 can be challenging, as comfort, flange size, and efficiency are critical for a successful pumping experience. This guide compiles authentic reviews, detailed comparisons, and practical advice from real users to help you find the perfect breast pump. From wearable to hospital-grade options, we cover top picks, their pros and cons, testing scenarios, and a buying guide to ensure you make an informed decision.
Why Flange Size Matters for Large Breasts
A breast shield (or breast pump flange) is the clear plastic piece that fits over your nipple. Sometimes the standard shields included with a breast pump aren’t suitable. Using a different brand of collection kit or shields can affect the way your pump works, so consider the sizes available when choosing your pump. To find the best fit you will need to measure your nipple and then try one or more shield sizes around that size. This will help you to know which size works best and is most comfortable for you. Measure the width of the tip of your nipple and choose shields the same size or 1 to 2mm bigger. Check if the size of your shields is correct by looking at how your nipple fits into the tunnel of the breast shield when you pump. Your nipple should fit closely in the tunnel but move freely and easily: If your nipple rubs against the sides, the breast shield is too small. Pumping may be painful and cause nipple soreness or damage. Try a larger size.
If you are having problems finding the right fit, speak to your midwife, lactation consultant or a breastfeeding counsellor. For moms with larger breasts, finding a pump with adjustable or larger flange sizes (24mm and above) is essential to avoid discomfort and maximize milk output.
Top Breast Pumps for Large Breasts in 2025
Below are the top breast pumps recommended for moms with large breasts, based on real user feedback and testing. Each product includes pros, cons, and specific features that cater to larger breast sizes.
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
The best breast pump is the Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength Breast Pump, according to more than 2,100 moms who praise its efficiency, comfort and ease of use. This double electric pump is very easy to clean. The silicone membrane on the pump flange never comes into contact with your breast milk, so you don’t have to wash and sterilize it every time you pump. At under $200, this is also the most affordable portable pump we tested. Think of the Spectra S1 Plus as the workhorse of breast pumps: It’s been around for a while and is more than capable of handling pumping ¡®round the clock. You will get effective, comfortable suction for reliable milk output.
- Pros: A good price for a double electric pump. Lightweight. Easy to clean and assemble. It’s such a relief that you get everything you need to pump right out the box, including a 5-ounce bottle, lid, and 24 mm flanges. It also comes with a stand, which is great to have while you prep a storage container for the milk or prepare to pump the other side. No spilled milk here!
- Cons: This machine is bulkier and heavier, weighing 2.9 lbs, which may not suit those seeking compact and lightweight. In testing, we noticed that the suction improves when the motor is plugged in, rather than battery-powered, and the motor was a little too loud to use discreetly on a work call. Doesn’t come with a carrier.
Shop Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon
Medela Pump in Style Advanced
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. 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: 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. The pump connects to a handy app called My Medela. You can track your pumping sessions so you never forget that day’s progress.
- 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.
Shop Medela Pump in Style Advanced on Amazon
Momcozy All-In-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump
After testing 11 wearable models, we named the Momcozy All-In-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump the best wearable breast pump overall. Our tester found this portable pump to be comfortable, easy to use and effective, thanks to suction that mimics a nursing baby. It also spills less than some of the other models with similar in-bra designs, and is lightweight at about half a pound. The Momcozy All-In-One M5 was the most comfortable breast pump I tested, and it provided the highest milk removal yield thanks to its “baby mouth” lifelike suction.
- Pros: Comfort rating: 5 out of 5. Flange sizes: 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, and 24mm. Milk capacity: 4 ounces per cup. Battery life: Rechargeable; lasts approximately 4 to 8 sessions. I tested this pump because it was suggested to me by several moms as a simple, effective and comfortable option. I also like that it’s a fully in-bra option and comes with a carrying case to help me stay organized.
- Cons: Some reviews note that the motor died after using it for only a few weeks to a few months. We didn’t experience this, but it’s worth noting.
Elvie Stride Double Electric Breast Pump
For mamas wanting a hands-free pumping solution, look no further than the Elvie Stride Double Electric Breast Pump. With its portable, lightweight design and silent operation, it allows users to express milk discreetly and comfortably making it ideal for mums going back to work. Our mum tester, Samantha, found it to be a game changer when she returned to work. “In the morning, when I needed to express myself, I would be in the house working and would find it extremely convenient that I could still use both hands to type. I found that gave me back so much freedom, and most of the time, I would catch myself forgetting that I was expressing milk,” She said.
- Pros: Type: Electric hands-free. Suction levels: 10. Weight: 150g. Milk Capacity: 150 ml each. Pumping usage time: 2.5 hrs (depending on your setting). The pump base is lightweight and comes with a clip so you can wear it on your clothes. It was the lightest of the portable/wearable combination pumps I tested, and I found it easy to clip onto pockets and the waistband of pants.
- Cons: You’ll also need somewhere to store the milk as soon as you’re done pumping. I had the most spills with this set from not closing the cups correctly or not holding the full cups in the right way.
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Breast Pump | Type | Flange Sizes | Suction Levels | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 24mm (larger available) | 12 | 2.9 lbs | $150-$200 |
| Medela Pump in Style Advanced | Double Electric | 24mm (XL available) | Variable | 1.18 lbs | $200-$300 |
| Momcozy M5 | Wearable | 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 24mm | 9 | 0.5 lbs | $100-$150 |
| Elvie Stride | Wearable | 24mm, 28mm | 10 | 0.33 lbs | $200-$300 |
Real-World Testing Scenarios
To ensure these pumps work well for moms with large breasts, real-world testing scenarios were conducted by lactating parents and reviewed by experts. Here’s how the top picks performed:
Spectra S1 Plus Testing
The Spectra S1 Plus came out on top in our 2017 comparison testing of double electric breast pumps, and after a second round of testing in 2025 and 2025, we remain confident that it’s the best overall option if you’re mostly planning to sit in one spot during pumping sessions. Our lab tester, Gena, stated, “The S1 is more substantial; while it is great sitting there, I am not a fan of carrying it.” In testing, we noticed that the suction improves when the motor is plugged in, rather than battery-powered, and the motor was a little too loud to use discreetly on a work call. However, it was highly effective for moms with larger breasts, with 24mm flanges included and larger sizes available for purchase.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced Testing
We had lactating parents test 41 different breast pumps. They assessed each pump’s comfort, ease of setup and use, portability, effectiveness, noise level, and overall value. Testers also compared and contrasted the pumps against each other and against pumps they’d used previously. 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. One tester noted, “I would recommend this to someone who, like me, has difficulty using other pumps. This one worked well for me, unlike other fancier pumps.”
Momcozy M5 Testing
I tested 11 of the top wearable breast pumps to find the very best. I tested each pump for three days, gauging comfort, ease of use, effectiveness, value and quality. I took notes on the pros and cons of each pump and rated them in terms of my comfort and overall impression on a scale from 1 to 5. The Momcozy All-In-One M5 was the most comfortable breast pump I tested, and it provided the highest milk removal yield thanks to its “baby mouth” lifelike suction. For moms with large breasts, the availability of multiple flange sizes (up to 24mm) made it a standout.
Elvie Stride Testing
Our mum tester, Samantha, tested the Elvie Stride with a 7-month-old. She found it to be a game changer when she returned to work. “In the morning, when I needed to express myself, I would be in the house working and would find it extremely convenient that I could still use both hands to type.” The lightweight design and multiple flange sizes (24mm and 28mm) ensured comfort for moms with larger breasts, though careful handling was needed to avoid spills.
Buying Guide for Breast Pumps
Before you buy or hire a breast pump, the first things to consider are your reasons for expressing and how often you plan to pump. You will get the most benefit from a pump that closely matches your personal circumstances. Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the right breast pump:
- Determine Your Pumping Frequency: For many mums who are expressing less often or only on occasions to have some breast milk on hand, a personal electric pump or hand pump will be adequate. If you’re planning to exclusively pump right out the gate, you might want a device that’s strong enough to get your supply flowing when you’re still in the hospital or just recently home.
- Check Flange Sizes: Comfortable flange sizes: A proper fit is crucial for effective and pain-free pumping. Pumps typically come with different sizes of flanges, and you also have the option of purchasing flange inserts to create an even better fit.
- Consider Portability: Consider battery-operated or lightweight models if you’ll be pumping away from home. Wearable pumps are small pumps that fit inside your bra and allow you to move about freely. Once set up they are designed to be hands-free and discreet.
- Evaluate Suction and Settings: Adjustable suction levels: This allows you to find the most comfortable setting. Generally, a higher suction level means more power, and thus better suction strength. To collect an optimum amount of milk, you’ll need to adjust suction levels in the stimulation and expression phase.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. Insurance companies often dictate the pump type, when you can apply for it, and whether you have the freedom to purchase your own and get reimbursed or if you must only choose a covered pump. Sites like Babylist can help you find out which pumps may be covered by your insurance plan.
Pros and Cons of Different Pump Types
There’s no one type of pump that’s best for everyone. They each have their place — and they each have pros and cons. Before shopping, familiarize yourself with the different styles of pumps.
- Double Electric Pump: One of these is necessary if you’ll pump most days, at work or at home. You’ll need the power and efficiency. Traditional pumps that you plug into an outlet are the largest and use wires, but they’re the most reliable and, we’ve found, result in the highest breastmilk yield. But you might prefer a wearable, wireless double electric if you want to easily multitask.
- Wearable Pump: These are placed inside a regular bra for completely hands-free pumping. Some are entirely wireless, meaning all parts are contained in one unit, while others have discreet wires that connect to a small motor, which can be clipped to clothing or tucked in a pocket. Suction strengths tend to be in the 200 mmHg range.
- Manual Pump: Cheap, non-electric hand pumps are great for relieving engorgement, clearing clogged ducts or working to increase a low milk supply. You can also use one as a backup to your primary pump, or use it for a one-off event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flange size should I use for large breasts?
Measure the width of the tip of your nipple and choose shields the same size or 1 to 2mm bigger. Your nipple should fit closely in the tunnel but move freely and easily. If your nipple rubs against the sides, the breast shield is too small. Try a larger size, such as 24mm or above.
Are wearable pumps effective for large breasts?
Wearable pumps are small pumps that fit inside your bra and allow you to move about freely. They may not always remove the milk well enough to maintain your supply unless you are also breastfeeding your baby directly or using another good-quality pump. For moms with large breasts, ensure the pump offers flange sizes that fit comfortably.
Can I get a breast pump through insurance?
Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. A doctor’s note may be required if you need a specific pump for a medical reason. Check with your insurance provider or sites like Babylist for covered options.
How often should I clean my breast pump?
Cleaning is important because bacteria can grow on breast pump parts and sicken your baby. The CDC recommends that breast pump parts that come into contact with breast milk be fully washed either in a dishwasher or in a tub with warm, soapy water after each use, and allowed to air-dry. Consider sanitizing once a day, especially if the baby is younger than 2 months old, was premature, or is immunocompromised.
Conclusion
Finding the best breast pump for large breasts in 2025 requires careful consideration of flange size, pump type, and lifestyle needs. The Spectra S1 Plus stands out for its reliability and affordability, while the Medela Pump in Style Advanced offers customizable flange sizes for larger nipples. For hands-free convenience, the Momcozy M5 and Elvie Stride are top wearable options. Use our buying guide and comparison table to choose the pump that best fits your needs, and consult a lactation consultant for personalized advice. For more breastfeeding tips, visit La Leche League International.