Introduction to Choosing the Best Breast Pump in 2025
Finding the best breast pump can leave you feeling like Goldilocks, constantly searching for the perfect fit. The trouble is that some pumps just won’t be right for you, even if they are right for someone else. What one mom finds comfortable can feel like a specially designed torture device to another. Breast pumps provide moms with the convenience of collecting and storing breast milk whenever breastfeeding is not possible or convenient, including at home, out of the house, or at work. Research shows that intermittent pumping can increase milk supply and help busy and working moms breastfeed for longer.
Top 10 Best Breast Pumps of 2025
We’ve explored several pump brands and styles, read countless online reviews, and rounded up our top 10 breast pumps for 2025. Whether you want a hands-free option, manual pump, one for larger breasts, or one you can travel easily with, we’ve got you.
1. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
When asked their top breast pump recommendation, many moms praised the Spectra S1 Plus. A big selling point of this machine is that it’s cordless, one of the main differences between it and its sister model, the S2—which we also recommend if the cordless feature isn’t important to you. At around 3.3 pounds, the S1 is still a bit cumbersome to carry, but you won’t be tethered to the wall. 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. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Cordless, closed system, quiet, efficient (0.55 ounces per minute in tests), customizable settings
- Cons: Heavy at 3.3 pounds, stock flanges often too large
2. Elvie Stride Double Electric Breast Pump
The Elvie Stride has gained attention for its standout feature of being a wearable design that fits inside your bra. This allows for hands-free pumping in a lightweight unit that measured 0.8 lbs in our tests. One user even wore it to a long bike race! The pump is extremely quiet, with a decibel reading of “LO,” providing a discreet pumping experience. Our tester noted, “The Elvie was really quiet; I could barely hear it over the ambient office sounds.” It offers 2 modes and 10 suction levels per mode, so you can cater to your comfort needs. It is battery-powered with two hours of pumping on a single charge, making it a good workday pump mate. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight, quiet, discreet, app-controlled, hands-free
- Cons: Less efficient (0.12 ounces per minute), latch issues for some breast shapes
3. Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
This is why many What to Expect moms voted the Momcozy S12 Pro as the Best Wearable Breast Pump in the 2025 Mom Must-Have Awards and 2025 Feeding Awards. At less than $150, this portable device packs the power of a hospital grade pump with an impressive suction strength of 300 mmHg. It also has three expression modes — stimulation, expression, and mixed — and nine intensity levels, so you can customize the experience to mimic your baby’s sucking rhythm. But what moms really love about the Momcozy S12 is the comfort. The pump has a unique double-sealed flange, which acts as a cushion and gets rid of that pinch feeling many moms experience. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Affordable, hospital-grade suction, comfortable double-sealed flange, quiet
- Cons: Bulky for smaller frames, parts not dishwasher-friendly
4. Medela Pump In Style Advanced
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. You may need to dial back on the power at first—it gets to work ASAP and doesn’t hold back, although it does go through a two-phase expression technology to mimic your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. The Pump In Style doesn’t have a lot of parts to keep track of, which is a perk. There’s just the pump itself, breast shields, bottles and tubing—and it all easily stores in a petite bag. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Efficient, easy to clean, portable, includes cooler bag
- Cons: Only two speed settings, not hands-free without a pumping bra
5. Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
Willow started it all, and it’s still setting the wearable pump bar with the Willow Go. The Willow Go is better priced than other popular wearable pumps, like the Elvie, while still packing similar features and a great pumping experience. It’s more expensive than just portable pump options, but if you want to be able to pump with most bras and tops, this is a good choice. The reusable cups are easy to see while you pump, so you can check your progress as breast milk fills the pump, and the pieces are large and can be easily cleaned or popped into the dishwasher. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Wearable, easy to clean, affordable for a wearable, spill-proof design
- Cons: Less discreet, requires specific storage bags
6. BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump
The BabyBuddha is a standout breast pump that is highly portable and offers efficient pumping. It has six stimulation modes and nine expression modes that you toggle through by using a little trackball. You can’t control the suction speed and strength separately, though. At less than a pound, it’s lightweight and compact enough to wear while you’re moving around the house, and you can easily travel with it by storing all the pump parts in the included drawstring backpack. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight, portable, efficient (0.45 ounces per minute), includes backpack
- Cons: Requires pumping bra, less customizable than Spectra
7. Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable Breast Pump
The Lansinoh Discreet Duo is a compact and efficient double electric breast pump designed to fit seamlessly into busy moms’ lives. Its portable, discreet design allows you to pump while going about your daily activities. This pump features nine levels of suction and four pumping modes, delivering a powerful suction strength of up to 260 mmHg to maximize milk expression. It includes leak-resistant six-ounce reusable breastmilk collection cups and comes with two flange sizes (21 mm and 24 mm). Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Compact, quiet, customizable suction, leak-resistant cups
- Cons: Limited flange sizes, less powerful than hospital-grade pumps
8. Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump
This haakaa breast pump is a hugely popular choice with mums. This 100ml pump offers a hassle-free pumping solution for mums. Simply squeeze the pump and attach it to your breast and let the natural suction action do all the work for you. This haakaa pump is BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free. “I love the haakaa so much I bought 3. Invaluable. During the night when baby wakes to feed I put a Haakaa on the opposite breast while he feeds. Everyone is different but I have a lot of let down when feeding so that will fill the entire 100ml sometimes.” Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Affordable, portable, no cleaning required, collects letdown milk
- Cons: Not for active pumping, easy to knock off and spill
9. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
The lightweight, compact design of this manual breast pump makes it easy to pack in your bag to use away from home. The soft silicone cushion helps to stimulate let down comfortably and gently. This pump comes with a travel cover, standard massage cushion, 4oz bottle and teat, plus a sealing disc for milk storage. It features a simple, no-frills design that makes it easy to transport and use for times when you’ll be away from your baby for a few hours or need to just relieve a bit of pressure from your breasts. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Lightweight, affordable, easy to use, portable
- Cons: Single breast pumping, limited suction control
10. Motif 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: Powerful suction, portable with battery option, compatible with Avent bottles
- Cons: Louder than Spectra, more parts to clean
Comparison Table of Top Breast Pumps
| Model | Type | Suction Strength | Weight | Price Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 270 mmHg | 3.3 lbs | $200-$250 | Cordless, efficient |
| Elvie Stride | Wearable | 280 mmHg | 0.8 lbs | $300-$350 | Hands-free, quiet |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable | 300 mmHg | 0.7 lbs | $100-$150 | Double-sealed flange |
| Medela Pump In Style | Double Electric | 250 mmHg | 1 lb | $150-$200 | Easy to clean |
| Willow Go | Wearable | 280 mmHg | 0.9 lbs | $250-$300 | Spill-proof |
| BabyBuddha | Portable Electric | 260 mmHg | 0.9 lbs | $150-$200 | Compact, portable |
| Lansinoh Discreet Duo | Wearable | 260 mmHg | 0.8 lbs | $100-$150 | Leak-resistant cups |
| Haakaa Silicone | Manual | N/A | 0.2 lbs | $15-$30 | Collects letdown |
| Medela Harmony | Manual | N/A | 0.3 lbs | $20-$40 | Portable, simple |
| Motif Luna | Double Electric | 280 mmHg | 2 lbs | $100-$200 | Battery option |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Spectra S1 Plus
The Spectra S1 Plus was an impressive performer during testing, producing an average of 0.55 ounces per minute. In just over 10 minutes, it reached the 5.5-ounce mark. Testers noted its comfort and speed, with one mom completing sessions in half the time compared to other pumps. It was tested in home and office settings, maintaining quiet operation.
Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride was tested for hands-free use, including during a bike race and office work. It averaged 0.12 ounces per minute, less efficient due to latch issues for some users. Its quiet operation (below ambient noise) made it ideal for public settings, but testers noted bulkiness under clothing.
Momcozy S12 Pro
Tested by moms at home and on the go, the Momcozy S12 Pro delivered hospital-grade suction (300 mmHg). One tester, Kareene, pumped efficiently in 10-minute sessions, appreciating the quiet operation and double-sealed flange comfort. It was less discreet for smaller frames.
Haakaa Silicone
The Haakaa was tested during nighttime feeds, collecting 100ml of letdown milk from the opposite breast. Testers loved its simplicity but noted the risk of spilling if knocked off during active movement.
Buying Guide for Breast Pumps
Key Factors to Consider
- Purpose: The type of breast pump—or breast pumps—you’ll need depends on when, where, and how often you’ll be using it. “The first thing to think about is how the parent will use the pump. So a regular separation, for example, versus going back to work or school, where you’re going to be separated from your baby every day for several hours,” says Jacque Ordner, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
- Suction Strength: Adjustable suction levels allow 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.
- Portability: If you go the manual route, you will have the most portable possible breast pump that you can buy. Automatic systems are much larger since you need to include the breast shields, bottles, pump system, battery pack, charger(s), vacuum tubes, etc.
- Price: Most breast pumps on our list cost between $30 (manual pumps) to $300. Regardless of what it costs, it’s still cheaper than buying formula every week, plus health insurance plans may cover the cost of the pump.
- Insurance Coverage: Many women obtain a breast pump through health insurance. Dukas-Janakos has noticed a trend of women getting their primary, traditional double electric pump through insurance, then buying a wearable version for added convenience.
Steps to Choose the Right Breast Pump
- Determine your pumping frequency (occasional, daily, or exclusive).
- Assess your lifestyle—do you need a hands-free or portable option?
- Check flange sizes for comfort; nipple size varies during breastfeeding.
- Consult a lactation consultant to match the pump to your needs.
- Verify insurance coverage for cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between single and double breast pumps?
Single breast pumps are used for expressing from one breast at a time. As single breast pumps are less bulky than double pumps, they are a handy choice to put in your bag and use while you are out and about. Double breast pumps can help you to save time when expressing. Expressing with a pump that attaches to both breasts at once is an ideal way to express more milk in less time.
Are wearable breast pumps as effective as traditional pumps?
Wearables may not extract as much milk as standard electric pumps. They also tend to be more polarizing, with some people strongly disliking pumps that other people love. Almost all of the wearable-pump owners we surveyed owned a double electric pump, too. And they regularly alternated between pumps, depending on the situation, their comfort level, and their milk supply.
How often should I clean my breast pump?
The FDA states that all parts of the pump that come into contact with breastmilk should be cleaned after every single use so that bacteria can not grow. Use room-temperature water to rinse each piece after pumping and then wash in warm water for 10 to 15 seconds and scrub with liquid dishwashing soap to thoroughly cleanse each piece. In some cases, you can put parts in the top rack of the dishwasher — but be sure to check the pump’s manual before doing so.
Can I use a breast pump to increase milk supply?
Frequent emptying of the breasts does signal to the body to produce more milk; however, it’s important to find a balance, as pumping excessively can lead to exhaustion or even oversupply issues. “If your baby is going to the breast well, I would always advise that you allow them to feed at the breast first and then, once you’re happy that baby has finished, spend 10 minutes after the feed pumping,” says Broadbridge.
Conclusion
Choosing the best breast pump for 2025 depends on your lifestyle, budget, and breastfeeding goals. From the efficient Spectra S1 Plus to the discreet Elvie Stride, each pump offers unique features to suit different needs. Manual options like the Haakaa and Medela Harmony are perfect for occasional use, while wearable pumps like the Momcozy S12 Pro and Willow Go cater to multitasking moms. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect fit, and consult a lactation consultant for personalized advice. For more breastfeeding resources, visit La Leche League International.