Choosing the right breast pump can be overwhelming for new moms, with so many options ranging from manual to electric and wearable models. This guide compiles real user experiences, expert insights, and detailed comparisons to help you find the best breast pump for your needs in 2025. Whether you’re an occasional pumper, exclusively pumping, or need a portable solution for work, we’ve gathered authentic feedback to highlight top models, their pros and cons, and practical buying tips.
Types of Breast Pumps
Manual Breast Pumps
Manual breast pumps are hand-operated, requiring the user to squeeze a lever repeatedly to create suction on the breast and express milk. These models are lightweight, portable, and inexpensive. The downside? You’ll be doing a lot of the work yourself with time and technique. They’re generally easy to use, although you might find them a strain on your hands and wrists. They require no technology, so they tend to be the cheapest options, and moms who use a manual breast pump often prefer the feeling of control.
Electric Breast Pumps
Electric breast pumps plug into a wall outlet and are typically the most powerful breast pumps you can buy. You can opt for a double-electric pump, which expresses milk from both breasts at the same time, or a single-electric model, which requires you to express from one breast at a time. Single-electric breast pumps are less efficient, since they essentially double the amount of time you need to spend pumping, but they tend to be more affordable than double-electric models.
Battery-Operated and Wearable Breast Pumps
Battery-operated pumps come in both single and double models. There are also wireless breast pumps that allow for completely hands-free pumping. Battery-operated pumps tend to be smaller and more portable than electric pumps and are ideal if you know you won’t have easy access to an electrical outlet (such as when you’re commuting to work or traveling). Wearable breast pumps like the Momcozy S9 and Elvie Stride offer several benefits for nursing mothers, particularly those who need to multitask or are often on the go. These pumps are designed to be worn inside a bra, enabling mothers to move freely and continue their daily tasks without being confined to one spot for pumping.
Top Breast Pump Recommendations for 2023
Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice among breastfeeding moms for a good reason. Whether it is top marks in our testing or user reviews online, everyone can agree that this is a comfortable and efficient pump for most moms. One of our lactating moms said, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time as other pumps.” With a rechargeable battery, you can pump wherever and whenever necessary. This pump has a strong, adjustable suction featuring 12 suction levels and different speeds. In our tests, it pumped 0.55 ounces of milk per minute. It is also pretty quiet, with a measured decibel reading of 44.5 dB in our tests. This machine is bulkier and heavier, weighing 2.9 lbs, which may not suit those seeking compact and lightweight.
- Pros: Adjustable suction, quiet operation, rechargeable battery, hospital-grade suction.
- Cons: Bulky at 2.9 lbs, higher price point.
Shop Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon
Elvie Stride 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 moms 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. The pump is extremely quiet, with a decibel reading of “LO,” providing a discreet pumping experience. It offers 2 modes and 10 suction levels per mode, so you can cater to your comfort needs.
- Pros: Lightweight at 150g, silent operation, app connectivity for tracking.
- Cons: Some users report inconsistent latch, app glitches.
Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
The Momcozy S12 Pro is a small, discreet pumping unit that sits entirely inside your bra for a wearable solution. It is lightweight and requires no wires or outlets to work. With a double-sealed flange made from suction-sealed materials, it’s designed so that it doesn’t spill or leak, and the stronger suction seal allows for more efficient pumping, as our parent tester, Gethyn, found. “I would often have difficulty positioning my wired electric pump to be able to get a continuous flow of milk, but the suction on this ensures a strong and regular pump.” It boasts 3 modes to mimic your little one’s feeding and 9 levels so you can find the most comfortable level for you. Mums loved how the Momcozy S12 Pro gave them a much more affordable alternative to other wearable breast pumps on the market, such as the Elvie.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight at 680g, leak-proof design.
- Cons: Occasional suction loss if dislodged, 1.5-hour battery life.
Shop Momcozy S12 Pro on Amazon
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
For manual breast pumps, our community liked the Medela Harmony best. Medela came out on top with 62% of the votes. The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is lightweight, portable, and easy to use, making it a great backup or occasional pump. It’s ideal for travel or relieving engorgement. Its 2-Phase Expression technology mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm, which many moms find comfortable.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, no power source needed.
- Cons: Hand fatigue with frequent use, slower than electric pumps.
Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
The Haakaa solves a problem many moms have when nursing: the lost milk on the other side! Because of this, it’s a favorite among moms and lactation consultants, and it’s easy and effective. Just attach it to your breast, squeeze once or twice, and milk starts dribbling out. The Haakaa is made of a food-grade silicone that’s safe for moms and babies. Since it’s one piece, it’s a snap to clean: just put the Haakaa in boiling water for two to three minutes.
- Pros: Easy to use, collects letdown milk passively, simple to clean.
- Cons: Open top requires careful handling, not for active pumping.
Shop Haakaa Silicone Pump on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Model | Type | Weight | Suction Levels | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 2.9 lbs | 12 | Rechargeable, ~3 hrs | $150-$200 |
| Elvie Stride | Wearable Electric | 150g | 10 | 2.5 hrs | $200-$300 |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable Electric | 680g | 9 | 1.5 hrs | $100-$150 |
| Medela Harmony | Manual | ~4 oz | N/A | None | $20-$40 |
| Haakaa Silicone | Manual Milk Collector | ~3 oz | N/A | None | $15-$30 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Spectra S1 Plus
In our tests, the Spectra S1 Plus pumped 0.55 ounces of milk per minute, making it one of the most efficient models. Testers noted its comfort and quick pumping sessions, with one mom finishing in half the time compared to other pumps. Its quiet 44.5 dB operation was discreet enough for use in shared spaces.
Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride was tested in a busy office setting by a working mom. She pumped while typing, and the silent operation (decibel reading “LO”) ensured no disruption. The app tracked 4-5 sessions daily, but some testers reported occasional latch issues when the flange was wet, requiring repositioning.
Momcozy S12 Pro
A mom tester used the Momcozy S12 Pro during a hospital stay, pumping 4-5 times daily. The double-sealed flange ensured no leaks, and she collected 4 oz per session. However, if she moved too much, the pump occasionally lost suction, requiring minor adjustments.
Medela Harmony
The Medela Harmony was tested for occasional pumping during travel. A mom used it for 10-minute sessions, collecting 2-3 oz per side. While effective, she noted hand fatigue after extended use, making it less ideal for frequent pumping.
Haakaa Silicone Pump
Testers used the Haakaa while nursing on the opposite breast, collecting 1-2 oz of letdown milk per session. Its passive design required minimal effort, but careful handling was needed to avoid spilling due to the open top.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Breast Pump
When researching the best breast pumps, consider these important factors:
- Pumping Frequency: Think about how often you’ll be pumping. If you plan to pump at least a couple of times a week, a manual pump doesn’t make sense, because you’ll have to expend a lot of time and energy to use it. In that case, it’s probably worth investing in a double-electric pump.
- Noise Level: While no breast pump is entirely silent, some are louder than others. If you’ll be pumping around other people, in an office, or during conference calls, you may want to choose one that’s generally recognized as being relatively quiet.
- Portability: When determining the portability of a breast pump, several factors are crucial to consider. Firstly, the overall weight of the pump is important as it affects how easy it is to transport. Additionally, consider the volume and number of accessories required, as a higher number of parts can complicate mobility.
- Insurance Coverage: Each year, we help hundreds of thousands of new and expectant moms receive a pump through insurance. Check with your provider to see if models like the Spectra S1 or Medela are covered. Learn more about breast pumps through insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a breast pump if I plan to breastfeed exclusively?
Experts say no, so it really comes down to personal preference. But if you do, how do you pick? Not every mom will need a breast pump, but some of the most common reasons why someone would want to pump are: temporary separation between mom/baby, due to a medical need or a return to work, or if there are weight concerns with the infant, moms can pump to supplement babies’ nursing with their own milk.
How soon should I start pumping?
If that’s not the case, many lactation experts recommend waiting a few weeks before you start pumping to make sure that you and your baby develop a solid breastfeeding routine first. Many moms find that around four to six weeks is a good time to start pumping and storing milk.
Are wearable breast pumps as effective as traditional electric pumps?
Wearable breast pumps like the Momcozy S9 and Elvie Stride offer several benefits for nursing mothers, particularly those who need to multitask or are often on the go. However, some testers found that traditional pumps like the Spectra S1 Plus produced more milk per minute (0.55 oz vs. 0.3-0.4 oz for wearables).
How do I clean and store breast pump parts?
Since it’s one piece, it’s a snap to clean: just put the Haakaa in boiling water for two to three minutes. For electric pumps, a closed system breast pump has a barrier that stops milk from leaking into the mechanism and prevents any cross-contamination from bacteria or viruses. These breast pumps are much easier to clean, with fewer parts exposed to milk and bacteria. CDC Guidelines on Breast Pump Hygiene.
Conclusion
Finding the right breast pump depends on your lifestyle, pumping frequency, and budget. The Spectra S1 Plus excels for efficiency and power, while the Elvie Stride and Momcozy S12 Pro offer hands-free convenience for busy moms. Manual options like the Medela Harmony and Haakaa are perfect for occasional use or collecting letdown milk. Use our comparison table and buying guide to make an informed choice, and check insurance options to save on costs.