Finding the right breast pump can be a game-changer for new moms, balancing comfort, efficiency, and convenience during the breastfeeding journey. With countless options available, from manual to electric and wearable models, selecting the best one depends on lifestyle, pumping frequency, and personal comfort needs. This guide compiles insights from real moms, lactation experts, and rigorous testing to highlight the top 10 breast pumps for 2025, focusing on comfort and efficiency. Each product has been evaluated for its performance, portability, and ease of use, ensuring new moms can make informed choices.
Why Choosing the Right Breast Pump Matters
A better breast pump has the potential to make the significant chore of pumping milk for your baby more efficient, comfortable, and, ultimately, more gratifying. Breast pumps are essential for moms who want flexibility, whether returning to work, sharing feeding duties, or building a milk stash. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and a reliable pump supports this goal by maintaining milk supply and enabling multitasking. Key factors to consider include suction strength, flange fit, portability, and noise level, as these directly impact the pumping experience.
Top 10 Best Breast Pumps for New Moms
Below is a curated list of the top 10 breast pumps, each excelling in comfort, efficiency, or both, based on real-world feedback and testing.
1. 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. This electric pump performed well for our lactating testers and felt comfortable while pumping. Our in-lab results show it offers impressive suction and efficiency with some of the best pumping results in our tests. Christine Mattheis, What to Expect’s Editorial Director, tested five types of breast pumps and said, “The Spectra pumped milk extremely efficiently. 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: Hospital-grade suction, quiet operation, rechargeable battery, customizable settings.
- Cons: Heavier at 3 pounds, not ideal for discreet commuting.
Shop Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon
2. Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
The Momcozy Wearable S12 Pro makes the process of pumping more efficient, thanks, in part, to its hospital-grade strength (270 mmHg suction, the highest among the wearables that fared well in our testing) and nine levels of intensity, which can be tailored to each breast. Plus, this breast pump also features a double-sealed flange design—as opposed to the typical single seal—which allows for a closer fit to the breast and maximum suction. “The pump was very effective in pumping a good amount of milk in a short amount of time,” raved our product tester Kareene, who gave it a top score of 10 out of 10 for effectiveness. The noise level was surprisingly quiet.
- Pros: Lightweight, discreet in-bra design, strong suction, app control.
- Cons: May leak if poorly positioned, 4-ounce capacity per cup.
Shop Momcozy S12 Pro on Amazon
3. Elvie Stride Plus Wearable Breast Pump
The Elvie Stride Plus is our pick for best overall hands-free pump due to its efficiency, comfort, minimal noise level, sleek design and outstanding quality. Our product tester Karly raved, “the comfort on this pump is incredible! It is definitely the most comfortable pump I’ve ever used, and for that reason, also the most effective.” It offers 2 modes and 10 suction levels per mode, so you can cater to your comfort needs. The lightweight cups seamlessly contour to the natural shape of your breast, and you can order an additional flange to fit your size.
- Pros: Quiet (40 dB), app-connected, hospital-grade suction, ergonomic design.
- Cons: Expensive, takes time to master positioning.
Shop Elvie Stride Plus on Amazon
4. Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
What the AirPods did for headphones, the Willow did for breast pumps: Made the experience entirely hands-free and cordless (with no dangling bottles!). Moms can choose between the Willow 360 and the Willow Go. Both pumps are app-connected to control and track pumping sessions. Willow Go was designed to optimize milk output and pumping comfort with 15 levels of hospital-strength suction, more than most other wearables. Sassos, who tested Willow Go, said “Level nine is very high power for a cordless pump.” The Willow Go containers hold up to 5 ounces of breast milk.
- Pros: Cordless, app tracking, high suction, 5-ounce capacity.
- Cons: Not dishwasher-safe, milk transfer requires care to avoid spills.
5. Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow
The Medela Pump In Style is a popular breast pump that gets the job done efficiently. This pump has technology that’s inspired by hospital pumps to deliver some serious suction power. It goes through a two-phase expression technology to mimic your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. There’s just the pump itself, breast shields, bottles and tubing—and it all easily stores in a petite bag. It comes with two sizes of breast shields to find one that most comfortably covers your nipples. There’s also a battery pack and included cooler for pumping on the go.
- Pros: Lightweight (1 pound), reliable suction, easy to clean, portable bag.
- Cons: Louder than some competitors, suction may feel intense initially.
Shop Medela Pump In Style on Amazon
6. BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump 2.0
The powerful and effective suction of the BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump has earned it a devoted following among exclusive pumpers. In May 2025, BabyBuddha introduced the BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump 2.0. This pump has the same unique pull patterns (and sleek, lightweight design), but it now features a new “Soft Stimulation Mode” with six settings, offering a slightly lower suction range. Our tester said it’s her favorite pump so far—comfortable, improves supply, portable, and relatively quiet.
- Pros: Compact, strong suction, hands-free with pumping bra, budget-friendly.
- Cons: Not fully wearable, tubing can be cumbersome.
7. Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable Breast Pump
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of over 300 parents from The Bump community and advice from a lactation consultant, we chose the Lansinoh Discreet Duo as the overall best wearable breast pump. In particular, this pump stood out for its innovative technology, discreet size and an output comparable to standard electric pumps.
- Pros: Discreet, high output, innovative design, comfortable fit.
- Cons: Limited flange size options, battery life could be longer.
Shop Lansinoh Discreet Duo on Amazon
8. Motif Luna Double Electric Breast Pump
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. One mom reported not needing to go past the 8 (of 12) setting and was able to pump enough milk. The Luna actually has a bit more suction power than our top pick by 10 mm Hg.
- Pros: Strong suction (up to 280 mmHg), portable with battery, affordable.
- Cons: Louder motor, battery model costs more.
9. 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. It’s easy to clean since there’s no motor or tubing. Some considerations: The pump can lose suction over time as the O ring becomes ragged, but it’s fairly easy to locate spare Medela parts to replace or fix this pump.
- Pros: Affordable, portable, no power source needed, comfortable handle.
- Cons: Manual effort required, less efficient for frequent pumping.
10. Haakaa Manual Breast Pump
The Haakaa pump (a mom and IBCLC favorite!) creates a strong seal around your breast and then extracts milk as you let down. It suctions itself onto the breast to create a latch, can track the exact number of ounces being pumped, and will switch from stimulation to expression based on when your body starts letdown.
- Pros: Simple, passive milk collection, no manual pumping, lightweight.
- Cons: Not ideal for active pumping, limited to letdown collection.
Shop Haakaa Manual Pump on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Pump Model | Type | Suction Strength (mmHg) | Weight | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 300-350 | 3 lbs | $150-$200 | Exclusive Pumping |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable | 270 | 0.5 lbs | $100-$150 | Multitasking Moms |
| Elvie Stride Plus | Wearable | 270 | 0.8 lbs | $300-$550 | Discreet Pumping |
| Willow Go | Wearable | 270 | 0.6 lbs | $200-$350 | Travel |
| Medela Pump In Style | Double Electric | 300 | 1 lb | $150-$200 | Working Moms |
| BabyBuddha 2.0 | Portable | 280 | 1 lb | $100-$150 | Portability |
| Lansinoh Discreet Duo | Wearable | 270 | 0.7 lbs | $150-$200 | Discreet Use |
| Motif Luna | Double Electric | 280 | 2 lbs | $100-$150 | Budget-Friendly |
| Medela Harmony | Manual | N/A | 0.3 lbs | $20-$40 | Occasional Use |
| Haakaa Manual | Manual | N/A | 0.2 lbs | $15-$30 | Passive Collection |
Real-World Testing Scenarios
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, we enlisted help from breastfeeding moms who used each pump extensively and provided valuable feedback from their firsthand experiences. 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 example, the Spectra S1 Plus was tested by moms pumping 3-5 times daily, yielding 4-5 ounces per session in 15 minutes, even under stress. The Momcozy S12 Pro was worn during household chores, with testers noting its ability to maintain suction while moving. The Elvie Stride Plus was used during Zoom meetings, praised for its near-silent operation. Manual pumps like the Haakaa were tested for passive collection during nursing, capturing 1-2 ounces per letdown without effort.
Buying Guide for Breast Pumps
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.
- Type of Pumping:
- Exclusive Pumping: Choose a pump with strong suction and efficient milk expression capabilities.
- Occasional Use: A more portable and lightweight model may suffice.
- Comfort: Ensure the pump offers various flange sizes to fit comfortably and promote effective milk flow.
- Battery Life: Check that the battery life is sufficient for your pumping sessions, ideally lasting several hours on a single charge.
- Portability: Pumps vary in this department, so it should be a factor you strongly consider. Some breast pumps require you to be plugged into an electric outlet at all times, which confines you to a certain area.
For more tips, visit What to Expect’s Breast Pump Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I choose the right flange size?
Flange/breast shield sizes can impact your pumping comfort and effectiveness. 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, lactation consultants can help you find the perfect flange fit.
2. Are wearable pumps as effective as traditional pumps?
Wearable pumps often tend to be less efficient than a traditional pump. They may not offer the same level of suction or milk output as larger, traditional pumps. However, models like the Momcozy S12 Pro and Elvie Stride Plus offer hospital-grade suction, making them comparable for many moms.
3. How often should I pump to maintain supply?
In order to build and maintain milk supply, you will need to express your milk at least as often as your baby normally breastfeeds or a minimum of every two to three hours, eight or more times in 24 hours.
4. Can I get a breast pump through insurance?
Yes. Most insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost of your breast pump. You can speak directly with your provider or ask your ob-gyn to guide you through options. For more details, check Aeroflow Breastpumps.
Conclusion
Choosing the best breast pump for new moms involves balancing comfort, efficiency, and lifestyle needs. The Spectra S1 Plus stands out for exclusive pumpers, while wearable options like the Momcozy S12 Pro and Elvie Stride Plus cater to multitasking moms. Manual pumps like the Haakaa offer simplicity for occasional use. By considering suction strength, portability, and flange fit, you can find a pump that supports your breastfeeding journey with ease.