7 Best Electric Breast Pumps, Tested by Nursing Moms

If you’re a pumping mom, you’ve probably come across the Pumpables SuperGenie—it's dominating social feeds. We’re here to say there's a good reason for the hype. With a hospital-grade suction level of 330 mmHg, this is the most powerful pump our tester, Christine, has used. Don’t let the power intimidate you, though—it’s also supremely comfortable. “I don’t say this lightly; over the past year, I’ve tested 14 different breast pumps for The Bump, and the Pumpables SuperGenie is one of the most, if not the most, comfortable pump I’ve ever used,” says Christine. This unbeatable combination of power and comfort, paired with seemingly endless rave reviews on threads and forums from exclusive and heavy pumpers, earned the Pumpables SuperGenie this year’s Best of The Bump award for overall best breast pump—for the second year in a row! (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

What’s special about the SuperGenie is its dedication to finding you the right fit, truly going the extra mile compared to other brands. Lactation experts advise that flange size is extremely important. “For years and years, people were using flanges that were too big. And it was bringing way too much of the areola into the tunnel, causing damage,” explains Francie Webb, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant and the founder of Go Milk Yourself. Pumpables offers an easy print-and-cut-out nipple measuring tool and six flange size options, which includes one that’s just 15mm (the smallest of all the pumps we’ve tested). But what really impressed us is that Pumpables offers a completely free virtual pump fitting room. Simply send them over some photos using the measuring tool or a video of you pumping, and they’ll give you expert advice on a proper fit and flange size. When you buy the Pumpables pump, you only receive one size flange (some other brands include two or more sizes) so this is a reassuring way to make sure you get it right at the beginning, and we’d strongly recommend you make full use of the service.

The SuperGenie comes with a traditional plastic flange shield, and it’s also compatible with most other flanges. However, our product tester Christine feels it’s definitely worth spending extra on the liquid shield kit, which adds a whole new level of comfort. This kit consists of a silicone flange that combines the shield and duckbill valve into one continuous piece, so there are no seams to cause chafing or irritation. Thanks to its lovely soft liquid silicone design, the shields mold to breasts super easily. “When used at a higher pumping speed, there was absolutely no discomfort. With most other pumps I've tried, I can't reach the maximum speed without wincing. With SuperGenie, I'm able to go all the way up without any discomfort,” Christine shared, crediting the liquid shields for this. The liquid kit is available for $30, but you can also purchase just the liquid insert as a pack of two for $12.

To top it all off, you can tell that this battery-powered breast pump was designed by someone who actually has extensive experience pumping. The SuperGenie is the perfect balance between style and function. It has a foldable handle for carrying all around the house when needed, which Christine, as a mom of two, found a necessity. Plus, the handle has a built-in light that’s convenient for nighttime pumping. “In all honesty, I can't think of a single improvement that could be made to the design—it’s beautiful, sleek and easy to use, in part thanks to the corresponding app,” says Christine. The Pumpables app easily syncs with the device via Bluetooth, and once you’re in, you can control the pump settings and record your sessions seamlessly. Christine mentions you can even try specific pumping settings that other moms love via the app. All in all, Christine highly recommends this pump. “It has so many fantastic features and the comfort level was so incredible that I feel it's worth every penny,” she says.

Max. suction strength: 330 mmHg | Dimensions: 7.8" (L) x 6.4" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 2.6lbs. | Milk capacity: 4 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 29

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There’s no sugarcoating it: Breast pumps can be expensive. Seeing the price tags on these devices as a first-time mom was a huge wake-up call for me. And even if you can get one through insurance, you’re either receiving a free basic model, or you may have to pay a lump sum out of pocket. Thankfully, the Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 offers parents the best of both worlds. At under $130 it’s the least expensive option on our list, but it’s still packed with everything you need to start pumping. The pump comes with three different sizes of flanges, a whopping four count of Lansinoh bottles, a bottle nipple and cover and multiple valves and connection tubes to set you up for success. And get this—it even comes with a cooler for breast milk storage. Our product tester, Samantha, mom of a 1-month-old, was thoroughly impressed by the pump’s quality and how much she received at a reasonable price point. “With the amount that comes in the box, I think it's a great value. You really get a lot of bang for your buck,” she told us.

The Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 won the title of best budget-friendly pump in our Best of The Bump awards, but “budget-friendly” doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on top-notch details and user-friendly design. “This breast pump was really easy to use and figure out. The controls were pretty simple to understand. It was also really easy to put the parts together and understand what goes where,” the new mom explained. The suction power is worth noting too. Thanks to its 280 mmHg strength, it’s head-to-head with other top-performing electric breast pumps, while also being lightweight and easy to carry around, which Samantha appreciated. Better yet, the pump can even be connected via Bluetooth to the Lansinoh Baby app, which will automatically document each session, so you have one less thing to keep track of.

After using the Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0, Samantha was excited to share that she pumped more milk than she expected in a shorter time than with other pumps she’s used. Moreover, she also gave it top marks for quality, describing it as a pump that will “hold up for longer periods of time.” In short, the great value for money, portable design and user-friendly settings make the Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 a reliable, reasonably priced option for many pumping moms.

Max. suction strength: 280 mmHg | Dimensions: 6.5" (L) x 6" (W) x 2.8" (H) | Weight: 2.8 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 17, 19, 21, 24, 27

With so many buttons, functions and settings, electric breast pumps can be overwhelming—or at least that’s how I felt as a new parent. Thankfully, the Medela Symphony Plus Breast Pump, our Best of The Bump winner for best electric breast pump for first-time moms, offers the opposite of that. It’s often used in hospitals for brand-new mothers and those experiencing low supply—and I can confirm it’s one of the simplest electric breast pumps I’ve ever used. With only two buttons and a dial, it’s incredibly straightforward to operate. Simply turn it on, toggle between stimulation and expression mode and use the dial to turn the suction up and down. As a second-time pumper, I was very impressed with how streamlined and simple this pump is—I wish I’d had this pump with my first baby!

While the Medela Symphony is simple to set up and use, that doesn’t take away from its effectiveness. In fact, it helped me produce the most breast milk I’ve ever pumped in a session. This success can be attributed to its unique initiation technology, which uses mixes of different suction speeds and rhythms intended to either initiate, increase or maintain milk production. The initial stimulation setting made my letdown come really fast. Then, when I switched to expression mode, it started filling up with milk immediately. The sensation genuinely feels somewhat similar to a real nursing session. It has 16 suction levels, and you can easily turn it up or down with the dial.

And that’s not all—the Medela Symphony was also incredibly comfortable. The flanges are made from a typical lightweight plastic, but there’s an added ring around the part of the flange that connects with your breast that’s made of soft silicone. It makes pumping comfy and helps keep a suction throughout the session. Even when I turned the level up to the highest setting, it didn’t hurt like some other pumps tend to do—it was all still very gentle. What's more, this pump is definitely robust; I can see it lasting years. In fact, Medela claims the pump has an expected motor life of 2,500 hours, considerably longer than the other pumps we tested.

The one thing I will note is that this electric breast pump is extremely pricey. The Medela Symphony is a go-to for hospitals—hence the price tag, which is over $1,900. The great news is that parents can rent it. I think this is a valuable shortcut for new moms wanting to increase their supply, without having to spend thousands at once. If I could go back in time to avoid all the newbie pump and supply hassles, I’d rent this in a heartbeat. This pump is so worth it!

Max. suction strength: 250 mmHg | *Dimensions: 10.3" (L) x 8.3" (W) x 12.5" (H) | *Weight:* 7.1 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 18, 21, 24, 27, 30

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Whether you need a pump that lets you move around your home, or a tiny powerhouse that you can easily take on your daily commute, you’ll want a portable electric breast pump, like this option from BabyBuddha, our Best of The Bump winner for easy carrying around. Our tester Christine loved how she was able to slide the little motor into her pocket or hang it from a lanyard around her neck while she pumped. (It even comes with a travel bag to transport everything, which Christine loved.) Don’t be fooled by the pump’s size, though. The BabyBuddha 2.0 may only be as big as an iPhone, but it's packed with an impressive 315 mmHg of suction power and 21 suction levels. That means you’ll get the portability you need, without compromising on effectiveness.

The BabyBuddha 2.0 Breast Pump is the updated version of the brand’s first breast pump, which was a game-changer in pumping communities due to its high-strength motor and compact design. However, some moms found the suction strength to be too powerful. Taking that feedback into account, the 2.0 pump offers gentle settings and a stimulation mode to solve these concerns. In our research, exclusively pumping moms raved about this new model, praising how portable and user-friendly it is, and that they appreciate the long pulls for extra milk output. Christine definitely agrees. “I used this pump after an illness and again when my son dropped one feeding a day, so my milk production was a little less than normal. However, the milk volume (an average of 2 ounces total collection each time I tested) was comparable to other pumps I’d tested,” she shared.

Bottle stands are also included to make the pumping process more straightforward. “The bottle stands make [the pumps] more secure so that you don't lose precious pumped milk,” says Christine. When expressing at home or on the go, you’ll also appreciate the discreet noise level. “I was really impressed with how quiet this pump is, and while it did get slightly louder with increased settings, it was not at all bothersome. The sound easily blends in with background noise—it isn't a jarring noise or a noise that would stand out in a public place,” Christine explains. The bottom line: If you’re looking for a lightweight pump packed with enough power to express your milk efficiently, this is the option for you.

Max. suction strength: 315 mmHg | Dimensions: 8.9" (L) x 7.4" (W) x 7" (H) | Weight: 0.8 lbs. | Milk capacity: 4.7 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 24, 28, 32 and 22mm insert

A breast pump should make your life easier, and a pump that wakes your child up from their nap is not achieving that goal. One of the tradeoffs for the high power output of an electric breast pump is that sometimes they can make too much noise. Motif set out to remedy this problem with their Luna Double Electric Breast Pump. The brand claims that the quiet hum, which clocks in at under 40 decibels (dB), won’t disturb your little one—and according to our tester Christine, it’s true. “After trying it in my home, I can tell you that it wholly lives up to that promise. I pumped right beside my napping baby, and he didn’t stir at all—and he’s a light sleeper,” reports the mom of two. It’s one of the quietest pumps on the market, and the clear Best of The Bump winner for the best quiet electric breast pump.

In addition to its quiet performance, the Motif Medical Luna stood out because of its comfort. The Luna features a special massage mode, which is a big hit among the pumping community. Even when Christine pumped at higher speeds, she still reported that it was always very comfy and painless. “This was one of the most comfortable pumps I have ever used, and yet I still collected a nice volume of milk,” she said. One thing Christine did note was that it took a little longer than others she tested to express the same amount of milk, but it’s so comfortable that she didn’t mind.

This gem is one of Motif’s best-selling pumps, and there’s no question why. For a mid-range price, it’s impressive what you get: Minimal noise, lightweight design, premium comfort and a battery that lasts over two hours on a full charge. All of these factors work together to create a pump that truly meets the needs of busy new moms. It not only hits the mark on its promise of low noise levels, but it also delivers on other fronts.

Max. suction strength: 280mmHg | Dimensions: 9.2" (L) x 7.7" (W) x 9.6" (H) | Weight: 2 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 16, 19, 21, 24, 28

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The Spectra Synergy Gold is like the Swiss army knife of the pumping market. It’s the most customizable, do-it-all electric pump I’ve ever seen. The innovative pump allows you to not just adjust settings per breast, but tailor each breast’s pumping experience exactly how you want to, with 15 detailed expression modes, a five-speed cycle setting, massage modes, dual breast controls for all functions and even an option to save your previous settings. This kind of functionality is ideal for frequent pumpers who have different flows and preferences per breast. As Webb says, “I’m thinking of someone I know whose left side is like a milk monster right now, and right, not so much. It would be great to be able to adjust that.” With the Synergy Gold, if you need this customization, you’ve got it. I was blown away by everything you can do on this pump, although we’d expect no less from a Best of The Bump winner for individual breast adjustment.

To put it lightly, the Spectra brand has been loved by members of the lactation community for years. In online pumping forums, you’ll see moms hyping this pump up for its dual motors and independent adjustability, and I can see why. Turning the pump on, my first impression was that it was super high-tech. It has a user-friendly touchscreen, and there are buttons and settings for just about everything. Some of these include vacuum and vibration strength, settings for how fast you want the cycle of each pump to be and a stimulation mode. Then, of course, you can customize these options for your left and right breasts individually. You can really personalize the experience to your specific needs.

Another thing moms love about the Synergy Gold is its on-trend design. “Style” and “breast pumps” aren’t usually used in the same sentence, but this is an exception. It features a softly glowing touchscreen, metallic gold details and modern milk collector cups. This pump will definitely look pretty sitting in your cozy pumping station.

Overall, the Spectra Synergy Gold probably offers the most personalized experience on the pumping market. In my opinion, new moms may find all of the functions and buttons to be overwhelming, but if you’re a heavy pumper who craves an extensive range of settings with customization per breast, there’s no doubt this pump will be a great fit for your needs.

Max. suction strength: 270 mmHg | Dimensions: 7" (L) x 7" (W) x 9.5" (H) | Weight: 3.9 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5.4 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 16, 20, 24, 28, 32

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The Annabella Double Breast Pump is another pump you’ve probably seen all over your social feeds—and with so many heavy pumpers raving about it, we had to see if it lived up to the hype. After testing it, I fully understand the buzz. The Annabella Double Breast Pump features a special tongue mechanism that immediately caught my eye. According to the brand, it’s the “world’s first [pump] to feature advanced tongue-simulating technology, which mimics a baby's natural suckling pattern to promote higher milk production.” I can confirm—this technology triggered my letdown very fast, almost instantly. The unique pumping mechanism actually feels like baby is suckling at your breasts. It’s so realistic, it’s almost baffling—in a good way! The Annabella gave me the quickest letdown and pumping session I’ve ever had, so it truly earned its Best of The Bump award for best electric breast pump for fast letdown.

Of the 13 pumps I’ve tested for The Bump, the Annabella was one I was especially drawn to, not only because of its impressive technology, but also because of its on-trend design. From the packaging to the colors, branding and style, it made the entire pumping experience feel elevated and more personal. The brand did a great job of really making it seem like you were getting welcomed into a cool club, rather than purchasing a piece of machinery. It’s a game-changer for the pumping market and makes each session feel cozy and stylish. I wouldn’t mind taking these pumps out and about or on trips, and thanks to the rechargeable battery, I definitely could.

While it’s highly effective and aesthetically pleasing, the Annabella Double Breast Pump has even more to offer; it’s also super comfortable. The pump offers nine adjustable suction levels, multiple tongue and stimulation modes and a soft and rubbery silicone flange shield, so you can find the perfect comfort level. Speaking of the flange, there’s no need for additional insert pieces or separate sizes. You choose from two sizes when you order and then you can adjust the flange size to suit the exact size of your nipples by turning a simple dial up and down. It’s an impressive special feature which makes the process even more intuitive and streamlined.

All of this combined made my pumping sessions ultra-cozy, except for how heavy the Annabella Double Breast Pump is to hold. The tongue mechanism adds extra weight to the flanges, and—there’s no sugarcoating it—it’s kind of tiring holding them in place while you’re expressing. And while you do get a pumping bra with your purchase, it’s a one-size-fits-all option, so you may want to invest in a strong, snug-fitting style to support the flanges. That said, my letdown was so fast when using this that I don’t mind getting another bra for the Annabella. If you want a more unique pumping experience mimicking natural nursing, this is worth the investment—just be prepared for some added weight!

Max. suction strength: 250 mmHg | Dimensions: 4" (L) x 4" (W) x 2" (H) | Weight: 2.1 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle | Flange options (mm): 18-24, 25-28