Choosing the best dual electric breast pump is a critical decision for breastfeeding moms who want efficiency, comfort, and convenience. Dual electric breast pumps allow simultaneous pumping from both breasts, saving time and helping maintain milk supply. This comprehensive guide explores top-rated models, their pros and cons, real-world testing insights, a comparison table, a buying guide, and answers to common questions, all based on authentic user experiences and expert reviews.
Top Dual Electric Breast Pumps for 2025
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.” We recommend it to friends and family looking for an easy-to-use, effective, and quality pump. It boasts expressing 0.55 oz/min in our tests. 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! Another 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. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Quiet operation, rechargeable battery, customizable suction settings, closed system for hygiene.
- Cons: Slightly heavier at over 3 pounds, higher price point.
Spectra SG Portable Breast Pump
More compact and more stylish than the Spectra S1 Plus and S2 Plus, Spectra’s SG Portable is a similarly powerful, easy-to-use pump. Its key advantage is that unlike the standard Spectra pump (and most other double electric pumps) it allows you to control the suction on each side independently. It has dual motors that let you better motivate a “slacker” side. Popular among exclusive pumpers, the SG Portable represents a step up from the Spectra S1 Plus and S2 Plus in that it has two separate motors. This dual-motor design lets you crank up the suction on one side, which helps if, like me, you have a “slacker” side that you need to motivate. Despite its small size, the SG Portable is efficient and powerful—in my extensive testing, I found that it emptied my breasts even faster than the standard Spectra S1 Plus did. It has a superior touchscreen. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Dual motors for independent control, compact design, powerful suction, touchscreen interface.
- Cons: Expensive, touchscreen buttons can be accidentally bumped.
Motif Medical Luna Double Electric Breast Pump
What we like: The Luna is a double electric portable breast pump that allows you to move freely around your house or take it with you on the go, as long as you purchase the model with the battery. It doesn’t need to be plugged into the wall, but they also sell an outlet-required pump that saves you almost $100. The Luna actually has a bit more suction power than our top pick by 10 mm Hg. One mom reported not needing to go past the 8 (of 12) setting and was able to pump enough milk. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Strong suction (up to 280 mmHg), portable with battery option, quiet at 43 decibels.
- Cons: Only one flange size included, battery model is pricier.
Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump
We say: The Philips Avent Ultra Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump is an efficient breast pump that’s both quiet and comfortable to use, making it one of the best double electric breast pumps you can buy. Our tester was delighted to discover that she could express between one and three ounces more breastmilk using this pump, prompting her to describe it as a godsend. She also loves that you can use it as a double pump to express from both sides at once, increasing her yield even further. Verdict: Impressive power and unrivalled comfort make this the best breast pump of all those we tested. Our tester found she used this less often than another pump she owns – the fact that it’s not hands-free put her off using it a little at first – but she found it powerful enough to compensate for the inconvenience of not being hands-free. It’s particularly suitable for those who can dedicate time to pumping, and a good choice if you’re seeking to increase milk supply or pumping to relieve the symptoms of mastitis. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: High milk yield, quiet, comfortable flange design.
- Cons: Not hands-free, requires dedicated pumping time.
Lansinoh 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump
Our parent testers loved the dual-pump functionality of the Lansinoh 2 in 1 Double Electric Breast Pump, allowing you to simultaneously pump and has 3 different speeds to pump. You can plug in when you are at home, or use it with batteries on the go, plus, you can use the bottle and teat to feed baby straight away, or seal with and store in the fridge or freezer. Our mum tester, Suzanne, agreed, saying, “Previously, I had to pump at least twice a day to get enough for one feed. Now I’m done with the one-morning session. It’s great that it can be a single or double as if my baby is feeding I can still use it rather than having to wait for him to finish if it was just a double.” Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Versatile single/double pumping, battery or plug-in option, easy to clean.
- Cons: Louder than some competitors, limited flange sizes included.
Comparison Table of Top Dual Electric Breast Pumps
Model | Suction Strength | Portability | Noise Level | Price Range | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spectra S1 Plus | 270 mmHg | Rechargeable battery | Quiet | $200-$255 | Closed system |
Spectra SG Portable | 270 mmHg | Highly portable | Quiet | $300-$342 | Dual motors |
Motif Medical Luna | 280 mmHg | Battery option | 43 decibels | $150-$179 | High suction power |
Philips Avent | 250 mmHg | Plug-in only | Quiet | $150-$200 | High milk yield |
Lansinoh 2-in-1 | 250 mmHg | Battery or plug-in | Moderate | $100-$129 | Single/double option |
Real-World Testing Insights
Testing Scenarios and Results
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. For the Spectra S1 Plus, one tester noted, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time as other pumps.” In controlled tests, it expressed 0.55 oz/min, significantly faster than the Lansinoh Manual’s 0.28 oz/min. The Spectra SG Portable was tested by an exclusive pumper who found it emptied her breasts faster than the S1 Plus, thanks to its dual-motor design. The Motif Luna was tested by a working mom who appreciated its quiet 43-decibel hum, allowing discreet pumping during work calls. Philips Avent’s tester expressed 1-3 ounces more per session compared to other pumps, while Lansinoh’s 2-in-1 was praised for reducing pumping sessions from two to one daily.
User Feedback Highlights
- Spectra S1 Plus: “The blue spectra is what I used with first pregnancy and loved it. Slightly more expensive, but has a chargeable battery so could use in the car vs having to be next to an outlet.”
- Spectra SG Portable: “I found that it emptied my breasts even faster than the standard Spectra S1 Plus did. It has a superior touchscreen.”
- Motif Luna: “One mom reported not needing to go past the 8 (of 12) setting and was able to pump enough milk.”
- Philips Avent: “Our tester was delighted to discover that she could express between one and three ounces more breastmilk using this pump.”
- Lansinoh 2-in-1: “It’s great that it can be a single or double as if my baby is feeding I can still use it.”
Buying Guide for Dual Electric Breast Pumps
Key Factors to Consider
- Suction Strength: Most personal-use pumps have suction strengths between the high 200s to 300s mmHg, though some may promise even higher suction when pumping one breast at a time. A range of suction strengths means that you can experiment in finding a setting that gets you the most amount of milk in the least time without being uncomfortable. You should never be in pain in service of getting more milk quicker!
- Portability: Battery-powered breast pumps are typically rechargeable, more portable, and offer the user more ease of mobility while pumping. Electric breast pumps that plug into the mains are naturally not portable, so you will find you have to sit and wait while you express.
- Noise Level: Some electric pumps can be noisy, which may be disruptive, especially if privacy or a quiet environment is important. The Spectra packs a lot of power in its quiet, compact body — great for working moms who need something efficient but don’t want the sound of their pump echoing into the hallway.
- Ease of Cleaning: 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.
- 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. A doctor’s note may be required if you need a specific pump for a medical reason. Sites like Babylist can help you find out which pumps may be covered by your insurance plan.
Steps to Choose the Right Pump
- Determine your pumping frequency: Exclusive pumpers need hospital-grade pumps, while occasional pumpers may prefer lighter models.
- Assess lifestyle needs: Working moms benefit from portable, quiet pumps; stay-at-home moms may prioritize power.
- Check flange sizes: Ensure the pump includes or supports multiple flange sizes for comfort.
- Verify insurance options: Contact your provider or use resources like Aeroflow Breastpumps to explore covered models.
- Test for comfort: If possible, try pumps through rentals or hospital trials before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual electric breast pump?
A breast pump is a manual, electric or battery-operated device that extracts milk out of a lactating mom. Electric breast pumps (or tabletop breast pumps) generate this suction by using a powerful motor, powered by an outlet or battery. Most electric pumps offer double pumping, allowing the expression of milk from both breasts simultaneously.
How do I know if I need a hospital-grade pump?
No, it is not necessary to get a hospital grade breast pump. There are many double electric breast pumps out there, which can serve you well too. However, if you intend to exclusively pump, I would highly recommend that you get a hospital grade breast pump simply because of the frequency of usage. Hospital grade breast pumps are built to last, and are made for frequent pumping sessions a day.
Are dual electric pumps covered by insurance?
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.
How often should I clean my breast pump?
After you clean the parts that come into contact with your milk, be sure to dry them completely before reattaching them to the pump’s main electronic unit. Otherwise, you risk damaging the electronics. If you need to clean the main unit that houses the electronic parts, carefully wipe it with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
Can I use a dual electric pump for occasional pumping?
Electric pumps are the ideal choice for frequent use, perfect for moms who need to pump regularly. A bigger motor might mean the pump is bulkier, but it tends to produce better and quicker results, and last longer than pumps with smaller motors. For occasional pumping, a manual pump like the Haakaa may suffice.
Conclusion
Selecting the best dual electric breast pump depends on your lifestyle, pumping frequency, and comfort preferences. The Spectra S1 Plus and SG Portable excel for power and portability, while the Motif Luna offers value and strength. Philips Avent maximizes milk yield, and Lansinoh’s 2-in-1 provides versatility. Use the comparison table, testing insights, and buying guide to make an informed choice, and check insurance coverage to offset costs. For more breastfeeding resources, visit La Leche League.