Choosing the best breast pump can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide based on real experiences from moms, expert reviews, and rigorous testing. This article highlights top breast pump choices for 2025, focusing on comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Whether you’re an exclusive pumper, a working mom, or need a pump for occasional use, we’ve gathered authentic insights to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choosing the Right Breast Pump Matters
Breastfeeding can take both an emotional and physical toll on the body, but investing in the best breast pump can help make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. A breast pump is your favorite sidekick during lactation, only outdone by your baby. While pumping can make you feel like a trusty cow, it doesn’t have to be frustrating, painful, or time-consuming. The right pump can ensure you have milk available when you’re not able to breastfeed, like when you’re running errands, heading back to the office, or traveling.
Types of Breast Pumps
Breast pumps come in various types, including manual pumps and electric pumps. Each type caters to the different needs of breastfeeding moms. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
- Manual/Hand Pumps: Manual pumps don’t rely on batteries or electricity to work. Instead, you place a breast shield over your breast, a suction is created, and then you move a lever to extract milk from your breasts. Many parents find these pumps convenient and easy to use, and they like that they are in control of the speed of the pumping. However, these pumps don’t usually extract as much milk as battery or electric-powered pumps, and it can be tiring to use your hands to pump. Plus, you can only pump one breast at a time, so they aren’t as efficient as double breast pumps.
- Standard Electric Pumps: These pumps use electricity to power the motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet. 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.
- Wearable/Hands-Free Pumps: Wearable or hands-free breast pumps can be great, says Ordner, but “they’re not going to be quite as efficient and helpful for establishing a milk supply or growing a milk supply.” You may want one anyway, though, because it allows for some flexibility on where and when you can pump. A wearable pump is a good option for traveling, for instance, or if you plan to be away from home for the day only on occasion.
- Hospital-Grade Pumps: These pumps are considered the most efficient pumps out there. They are usually quieter and more comfortable than most other pumps. Hospital grade pumps are pricey, though (about $1000!), so most breastfeeding parents rent them. You can rent one from a hospital or a large baby retail store.
Top Recommended Breast Pumps for 2025
Based on extensive testing, mom feedback, and expert insights, here are the top breast pumps for comfort and efficiency. Each product has been evaluated for ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, quality, value, and design.
Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength 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. She says that the Spectra S1 was by far her favorite. “The Spectra pumped milk extremely efficiently,” she says. “In just 15 minutes, I could express up to 5 ounces per breast, while with other pumps I’d get maybe half that amount.” Plus, she says, the Spectra was easy to use, fit comfortably and was easy to clean.
- Pros: Top marks in our testing for comfort and efficiency. Adjustable suction levels for personalized comfort. Quiet, compact body ideal for working moms. Covered by most insurance providers.
- Cons: At a little more than 3 pounds, this pump is on the heavier side, especially for moms who are looking for something they can tote on public transportation.
Shop Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon
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.”
- Pros: Lightweight and discreet. App-controlled for customizable settings. Strong suction up to 300mmHg. Comfortable for larger breasts.
- Cons: Cannot stand upright when full, requiring careful handling when pouring milk.
Shop Momcozy S12 Pro on Amazon
Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump
For comfortable and convenient pumping, the extra lightweight Medela Freestyle Hands-Free double electric wearable breast pump is a popular choice. It’s super lightweight cups weigh just 76g each, ensuring comfort when worn in a bra, while the separate pump can be carried in your pocket, reducing the weight on your breasts and allowing you to get on with life while you pump. “It made expressing easier and less stressful to find time to do and was very handy around the home, meaning I could express myself anywhere I wanted without finding a power source.”
- Pros: Lightweight cups for comfort. Easy to assemble and clean. Effective at mimicking real feeding experience.
- Cons: Harder breast flanges may be uncomfortable for some users.
Shop Medela Freestyle Hands-Free on Amazon
Elvie Stride Plus Hands-Free Breast Pump
The Elvie Stride Plus is a hands-free breast pump designed for moms seeking powerful performance combined with convenience. With suction up to 280 mmHg and customizable suction and speed settings, this pump ensures effective milk expression with ease. The Elvie Stride Plus allows you to pump discreetly with its ultra-quiet noise-reduction technology; this quiet operation ensures you can pump discreetly at work without drawing attention.
- Pros: Ultra-quiet operation. Real-time tracking app for session monitoring. Long battery life of up to three hours.
- Cons: Less efficient than traditional pumps for establishing milk supply.
Shop Elvie Stride Plus on Amazon
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
A key component of any manual breast pump is the handle. And the swivel handle of the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump sets it apart from the rest. The Harmony offers a great amount of comfort and ease for a manual pump. This is because of the ability to move the handle to the most comfortable position for each individual user and switch positions every time if needed. It has a lower price and higher portability than most electric models.
- Pros: Affordable and highly portable. Easy to clean with no motor or tubing. Comparable milk output (2-4 ounces) to some electric pumps.
- Cons: Can lose suction over time as the O-ring wears out. Not suitable for frequent pumping.
Shop Medela Harmony Manual on Amazon
Breast Pump Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Suction Strength (mmHg) | Portability | Noise Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Electric | Up to 350 | Moderate (3+ lbs) | Quiet (43 dB) | $200-$250 |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable | Up to 300 | High | Quiet (<50 dB) | $100-$150 |
| Medela Freestyle | Wearable | Up to 280 | High | Quiet | $300-$350 |
| Elvie Stride Plus | Wearable | Up to 280 | High | Ultra-Quiet | $250-$300 |
| Medela Harmony | Manual | Variable | High | Silent | $30-$50 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights
We tested the top 10 breast pumps from Spectra, Medela, Baby Buddha, Elvie, and more to find the most efficient and comfortable options. 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.
- Spectra S1 Plus: 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.” In testing, it yielded up to 5 ounces per breast in 15 minutes, significantly outperforming other pumps.
- Momcozy S12 Pro: Testers noted its strong suction and leak-proof design, with one user reporting a consistent 3-4 ounces per session. Its app control was a standout feature for busy moms.
- Medela Freestyle: Our mum tester said, “The cups attached easily and fit around your anatomy and shape well, expressing milk quickly.” It was effective for home use but less portable due to the need for a separate pump unit.
- Elvie Stride Plus: The pump’s quiet operation (below 40 dB) made it ideal for workplace use. Testers achieved 3-4 ounces per session, though it was less effective for exclusive pumpers.
- Medela Harmony: Several moms reported getting about the same amount of milk (2-4 ounces on one side) compared with their electric pump, making it a reliable backup option.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Breast Pump
Selecting the right electric breast pump involves considering your specific needs and lifestyle. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
- Suction Power and Settings: Begin by evaluating the suction power, as this is crucial for effective milk expression. Look for pumps with adjustable suction settings to customize your experience for comfort and efficiency. Breast pump suction strength is usually measured as mmHg, which is millimeters of mercury, the standard unit of measuring vacuum pressure.
- Comfort: Ensure the pump offers various flange sizes to fit comfortably and promote effective milk flow. Flange/breast shield sizes can impact your pumping comfort and effectiveness. All breast pumps come with 1-4 pairs of flanges in different sizes to help you find the best fit.
- Portability: If you travel frequently or need to pump at work, consider wearable breast pumps with a compact design and a rechargeable battery. Manual pumps are also highly portable for occasional use.
- Noise Level: The noise level is important, especially for working moms who may need a quieter, more discreet pump suitable for public or shared environments. Some pumps have motors that are louder than others. It can be hard to know how loud a pump is until you’ve tried it, so be sure to read reviews.
- Battery Life: Check that the battery life is sufficient for your pumping sessions, ideally lasting several hours on a single charge. Wearable pumps like the Momcozy S12 Pro support up to 9 sessions per charge.
- Ease of Cleaning: Like most things that come into contact with the human body, breast pumps need to be cleaned. 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.
For more detailed guidance, visit the CDC’s breast pump cleaning guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an electric breast pump mimic a baby’s suction?
Yes, Momcozy electric breast pumps are designed to mimic a baby’s natural sucking patterns. They often feature adjustable settings that allow users to find a rhythm and strength that closely resembles the feel of a baby nursing, which can be more comfortable for the mother and effective in stimulating milk flow.
Are wearable breast pumps as effective as traditional pumps?
“Wearable pumps often tend to be less efficient than a traditional pump,” says Tolman. They may not offer the same level of suction or milk output as larger, traditional pumps. However, they are a game changer for moms who need portability and convenience.
How do I choose the right flange size?
In most cases, you don’t need to know your flange size before buying a pump. You can get an idea of your flange size by measuring your nipples during weeks 38-39 of pregnancy, but you will get your most accurate measurement after 2 weeks postpartum. If you need help with flanges or inserts, Aeroflow’s lactation consultants can help you find the perfect flange fit.
How often should I clean my breast pump?
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. Check your own pump’s instruction manual, though, because cleaning directions vary by manufacturer. Consider sanitizing once a day, especially if the baby is younger than 2 months old, was premature, or is immunocompromised.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember about breast pumps is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are general guidelines about what type of pump is best for different situations, but it’s also a matter of which pump works best for you and which feels more comfortable. If possible, it’s good to try a few different pumps. Pumping can be a challenge for many of us, but there is usually a pump out there that will work for your body. For personalized support, contact a lactation consultant (IBCLC) or visit La Leche League for breastfeeding resources.