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The 9 Best Breast Pumps, According to Nursing Moms

A good breast pump can make all the difference—and we’ve found the best options for every mom and budget.
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profile picture of Lynsey Eidell
By Lynsey Eidell, Contributing Writer
Updated June 26, 2023
mother using breast pump with baby in bed
Image: BaLL LunLa | Shutterstock
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When it comes to prepping for baby’s arrival, choosing the best breast pump isn’t nearly as fun as picking out a cute layette—but the right pump can change your life (seriously!). No matter your feeding journey, pumping comes in handy in a variety of ways. It not only allows you to collect breast milk when you’re separated from your little one, but it also helps nursing moms keep up their milk supply. Some moms even elect to exclusively pump because of latch issues, oversupply or personal preference. Pumping also lets you build up a milk stash to freeze and store, which will come in handy if you’re returning to work or traveling solo.

However you choose to pump, there’s a breast pump that’s right for you and your needs—but determining which one that is can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s where we come in: We’ve broken down everything you need to know about breast pumps, from the various types to what to consider before shopping, and tested and evaluated the best breast pumps on the market today. Keep reading to discover our top picks for every need, including this year’s Best of The Bump winner.

Types of Breast Pumps

Since the first at-home electric breast pump debuted in the US in 1991, moms have been able to take more control of their schedules. And while all breast pumps promise to do the same thing—retrieve your milk—not all pumps are equal when it comes to meeting moms’ specific requirements. Here, we break down the main types to help you find the best breast pump for your needs.

Electric breast pump

Considered the most popular option, electric breast pumps allow you to adjust both the speed and suction. Single models, which pump one breast at a time, are available—but a double electric pump empties both breasts at the same time, making it an especially efficient choice. Electric breast pumps tend to range in price from $100 to $500, and while some need to be plugged into an outlet during use, many portable options are also available.

Manual breast pump

This style of pump doesn’t have a motor, meaning you’ll have to squeeze the lever repeatedly to create the suction needed to express milk. While they’re not as efficient as electric pumps, they’re much quieter, smaller and cheaper, making them a great travel option or a good choice if you don’t pump often. Manual breast pump prices typically start around $30.

Hospital-grade breast pump

The most powerful type of breast pump out there, a hospital-grade pump has a stronger motor than other options. It sucks at a faster and stronger frequency. This type is a good option for parents looking to increase milk supply or those that can’t nurse their child due to medical reasons. These heavy-duty machines often have to be plugged in, and you may need to buy a collection kit (parts that connect your breasts to the pump) separately. This type of power comes at a price—hospital-grade breast pumps are typically expensive (although some hospitals let you rent them for a lower cost).

Battery-operated breast pump

Battery-powered pumps are wireless and tend to be smaller than electric models, making them a convenient option for overnight travel or long commutes. Single or double pump options are available, and some even come with rechargeable batteries.

Wearable breast pump

This is the newest style of breast pumps on the market. Rather than having a separate motor that connects to flanges and bottles, this innovative design combines the motor and milk collection system into a single device that you wear inside your bra, allowing you to pump hands-free. One possible downside? These pumps can get expensive quickly, with some models costing $500 for a double-electric version.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Breast Pump for You

Determining the best breast pump for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, and it’s important to weigh them all before making a selection. Stacey Fink, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant, suggests that you first “consider your lifestyle along with your breastfeeding goals.” According to Fink, you should start by thinking about how and when you see pumping playing a part in your feeding journey. “How frequently do you anticipate pumping? Will you be an exclusive pumper? Someone who pumps while working outside of the home, but nurses while with your baby? Or will you be a ‘date night’ or occasional pumper, expressing breast milk on an ‘as needed’ basis,” Fink says. “All of these factors—and more—come into play when guiding you in selecting a pump to best suit your needs.”

Once you’ve determined how you plan to pump, other details to consider are affordability (including whether or not your insurance covers your breast pump), convenience and portability (especially important for commuting and working moms), features (from timers to apps and more) and the pump’s overall effectiveness. “Every woman is different and therefore may be seeking different things,” Fink says. “I’d encourage you to make a list of your ‘must haves’ or top priorities and select a pump that best meets your requirements.”

In addition to those factors, Fink also suggests that women pay special attention to a breast pump’s flange size, which is critical for effective and comfortable pumping sessions. “The ‘standard’ 24mm flanges that come with most breast pumps are the incorrect size for the majority of pumping moms—most women should be using a smaller flange,” Fink warns. Some breast pumps come equipped with multiple flange sizes, and a session with an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help determine what flange size is the best fit for you and your body.

But even if you’ve found a breast pump that checks all of your boxes, pumping can still require some trial and error to find your perfect match. “Every woman’s body is unique and can respond differently to the various types of pumps,” Fink says. “You may find you need to experiment with a few styles and brands.”

The best breast pump, though, is “the one that works best for you, you feel most comfortable with and best supports you on your breastfeeding journey,” Fink says.

How We Tested the Breast Pumps

To figure out which are truly the best breast pumps out there, we enlisted nursing moms—with children ranging in age from newborn to 5 months—to thoroughly test the leading options on the market. They used these pumps in their own homes and workplaces, and based on their reviews of ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, noise, quality, style and design and value for money, as well as our own extensive research, we’ve rounded up the breast pumps that are best suited to moms’ various needs.

Image: Jaclyn, Taylor, Mallory

Best Breast Pumps

For more than 10 years, The Bump has been recognizing the absolute best baby and pregnancy products on the market through our awards series. Curious to see which breast pump was named the Best of The Bump award winner this year? Keep scrolling for the overall top pick, plus a list of carefully vetted breast pumps that are good for specific needs, whether you need an affordable manual option or a top-notch hospital grade pump (or anything in between).

Overall best breast pump

Throughout your breastfeeding journey, your breast pump will be by your side through thick and thin—which is why you’ll want one that’s the full package, just like the Elvie Pump. It won this year’s Best of The Bump award for overall best breast pump. Combining convenience and innovative technology, the wearable, electric device can be depended on for a seamless pumping experience every time. This was confirmed by our product tester (the mother of a two-month-old), who gave the hands-free pump top scores across all categories, like quality, effectiveness, ease of use and comfort. Our favorite part about the Elvie Pump has to be its compact, discreet size, which is small enough to go undetected in most bras. Other highlights include how it’s super quiet, can be customized to meet your one-of-a-kind pumping needs and has fewer parts to clean, thanks to its tube-free design.

Dimensions (single pump): 4.3” (L) x 2.7” (W) x 5” (H) | Weight (single pump): 8 ounces

See our full Elvie Pump review—and more of our favorite breast pumps—here.

What We Love
  • Minimal parts to clean, thanks to a tube-free design
  • Pumps at 21,000 oscillations per second (which is below human hearing)
  • Compatible app keeps record of pump volumes and personal settings
Things To Consider
  • High price point

Best wearable breast pump

Elvie Stride Plus Breast Pump
Image: Walmart

When hospital-grade performance meets a wearable design, that’s a breast pump win-win—and exactly what you’ll find with the Elvie Stride Plus. This hands-free, portable pump doesn’t sacrifice any suction strength or effectiveness, making it a favorite of moms who don’t want to be tied down by their pumping sessions. (And let’s be real—who does?) Unlike many other wearable options, this breast pump is designed with collection cups that fit discreetly into your bra, and a separate motor (attached via tubing) that you can wear on your waistband. Because the collection cups don’t house individual motors, you won’t run into the problem of not getting a good latch on one side, which can delay the start of your pumping session and prove to be a pain with some wearables.

Our product tester was so impressed by the Elvie Stride Plus, she told us it was the only pump she’d use going forward. “It does a great job at extracting and it’s hands-free, so I can work and get other things done at the same time,” she raved. “The fact that it’s easy to use without hands or a plug in the wall makes it super convenient to use.”

The Stride Plus boasts other impressive features, including near-silent noise levels (“You can hardly tell I’m pumping,” according to our product tester), an easy-to-use app that controls the 10 intensity settings and keeps record of your pumping sessions, and an included 3-in-1 carry bag that safely transports your pump while also keeping your breastmilk cool. But our product tester was most struck by how comfortable this wearable pump was to use. “The comfort on this pump is incredible!” she said, awarding it a 5 out of 5 for comfort and quality. “I had no irritation whatsoever—definitely the most comfortable pump I’ve ever used.”

The Elvie Stride Plus is so well-designed, our product tester went as far to say that it was “enjoyable” to wear (not a word many moms use when talking about pumping!). Not only is it the best wearable breast pump in our book, it’s a great breast pump period.

Dimensions (carrying bag): 9.8” (L) x 7.5” (W) x 7.7” (H) | Weight: 1.03 lbs.

“I would definitely recommend this pump to any new mama. It is the best pump I’ve tried and will be the only one I use from now on.”

What We Love
  • Two modes and 10 intensity settings allow you to customize your pumping sessions
  • The hospital-grade motor has noise-reduction technology
  • The carry bag has a section for your washable pump parts, plus an ice pack and cooler bag
Things To Consider
  • Several parts to clean
  • Product tester reported a learning curve

Best affordable wearable breast pump

Bellababy W38 Hands-Free Breast Pump
Image: Bellababy

Wearable breast pumps aren’t exactly known for being wallet-friendly, but this option from Bellababy manages to deliver on price without sacrificing quality. The single version rings in at $50 and the double version at $90, which is considerably less than other wearable pumps on the market—but the Bellababy W38 performs just as well as competitors that cost five times as much (or more, in some cases). In fact, our product tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for both quality and value for money. “The quality of this pump is great,” she shared. “It will definitely last for more than one kid.”

The Bellababy W38 also provides an excellent pumping experience, thanks to its four different pumping modes and nine levels of suction strength. It allows moms to both customize and optimize their pumping sessions, a fact that impressed our product tester. “I was able to collect the same amount of milk I would from my hospital-grade pump,” she told us.

Being a wearable pump, one of the standout features of the Bellababy W38—besides its affordable price and top performance—is its portability. “[I] love that it’s portable and that I can carry it around and bring with me on trips,” said our product tester. Plus, “the noise level was great, not loud,” she added, which helps to keep pumping sessions discreet. For mothers who work, travel frequently or just enjoy a life on-the-go, the Bellbaby W38 is a fantastic—and budget-friendly—option.

Dimensions (single pump): 6.7” (L) x 5.7” (W) x 3.4” (H) | Weight (single pump): 1.41 lbs.

“I would recommend this pump a million times over. It’s comfortable, small and you can bring it anywhere.”

What We Love
  • Affordable
  • Easy to pump on the go
  • Few parts to clean
Things To Consider
  • The double option is more expensive (though still far less than other similar pumps)

Best manual breast pump

The original portable breast pumps were manual breast pumps—and the best in the category is hands-down (or hands-up, in this case) the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump. It’s one of the few manual breast pumps to not only provide two different size flanges (both with ComfortFit technology to reduce irritation), but also two different pumping modes (stimulation and expression). The result is a pumping experience that’s both comfortable and efficient.

“The effectiveness was wonderful. It brought my letdown almost right away,” our product tester shared. Plus, “with the different flange sizes, I was able to find the perfect size for me, making it very comfortable.” It’s no wonder she awarded the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump 5 out of 5 for quality, comfort and ease of use.

Other ways the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump wins moms over are its handle design (which prevents hand fatigue while pumping) and its minimal parts (read: less to clean). Even better news is the fact that many of the Lansinoh parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup with this pump even easier. Our product tester was a major fan, and judging by more than 7,000 five-star Amazon reviews, she’s not alone.

[This pump] is comfortable, versatile, comes with a bottle and is very convenient,” she said. And at around $30, it’s cost-effective too.

Dimensions: 3.9” (L) x 7.5” (W) x 7.5” (H) | Weight: 4.8 ounces

“In an emergency situation, I’m so glad to have this pump. It truly relieves anxiety.”

What We Love
  • Few parts to clean, and many that are dishwasher-safe
  • Pumps directly into Lansinoh bottles
  • Comes with two different size flanges
Things To Consider
  • A manual option might not be for everyone

Best portable breast pump

Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump
Image: Target

If you’re looking for a pump that has perfected performance and portability, look no further than the Spectra 9 Plus. This lightweight pump is a breeze to tote around, with a rechargeable battery pack that’s slim enough to fit in your pocket as you pump (and what could be better for moms on-the-go?). In fact, our product tester was blown away by how portable the Spectra 9 Plus was. “It’s different than anything I’ve ever used before,” she said. “I love that I can put it in my pocket and not be attached to a wall for 20 to 30 minutes during a session—especially as a mom of three.” And with the optional CaraCups attachment, you can enjoy hands-free functionality for even greater freedom.

The Spectra 9 Plus breast pump also shines when it comes to pump performance, thanks to a hospital-grade motor and 10 different levels of suction strength. This allows for optimal milk production, and means mamas don’t have to choose between portability and performance when it comes to their breast pump. Our product tester even reported producing more milk with the Spectra 9 Plus than she did with other pumps, awarding it 5 out of 5 for effectiveness and ease of use. “I got over 4 ounces per side,” she shared. “With other pumps, I’ve only been getting 2 to 3 ounces—so this helped me extract more milk.” The proof is in the ounces: The Spectra 9 Plus is an all around standout pump.

Dimensions (pump):‎ 2.8” (L) x 1.9” (W) x 4.8” (H) | Weight: 10 ounces

“Pumping can be a chore, but having the option to use a wearable changes the game and allows the ability to multitask. This is perfect for when I need to pump on the go or when I’m back in my office.”

What We Love
  • CaraCups allow for hands-free pumping
  • Hospital-strength suction that’s as quiet as a library
Things To Consider
  • The LED screen can be bright for pumping at night

Best breast pump for working moms

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Managing pumping while working can be a daunting task. You need to pump as much as you can in as little time as possible, and if you’re taking calls, you’ll likely want to maximize discreteness and manage your noise levels. But the Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump helps to calm some of those worries, and make the lives of working and pumping moms easier in the process.

There’s a laundry list of reasons why we love the Willow Go for working moms. For starters, it has one of the slimmest profiles and is one of the only wearable pumps to fit entirely into your bra, allowing you to pump virtually undetected. The Willow Go also has the highest capacity of any wearable pump, at a whopping seven ounces. And with a battery life that lasts three full pumping sessions, you can go a full workday without having to plug in your pump once. When you get home from work, five out of the Willow Go’s six parts are dishwasher-safe.

Our product tester put the Willow Go to the test by using it at work herself—and was just as impressed as we were. “I’m a pediatric nurse in a clinic and I was able to comfortably wear these around the office,” she said. Not only was she able to wear it while working, she also reported having productive pumping sessions with the Willow Go. “I was very surprised to find I produced the same amount of volume as my wall pump,” she shared. “This pump exceeded my expectations.”

Dimensions (single pump):‎ 4.7” (L) x 3.15” (W) x ‎5.3” (H) | Weight (single pump): 1 lb

“I think a lot of people who return to work aren’t able to maintain their supply or keep up with pumping because they have to be tied to the wall. This pump gives the freedom to keep working and make sure you’re getting your pump sessions in.”

What We Love
  • Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning
  • 15 hospital-grade suction levels
  • High volume capacity at seven ounces per pump
Things To Consider
  • Our product tester reported difficulty with set-up

Best hospital-grade breast pump

When it comes to hospital-grade breast pumps, Spectra has been a longtime leader in the field—and the S1 Plus model is no exception. While this pump touts having a rechargeable battery and a portable pump, what really makes the S1 Plus stand out is simple: Its hospital-grade motor.

The motor provides 12 levels of suction strength, resulting in solid, productive pumping sessions. “The volume and speed of milk collection was excellent,” our product tester told us. “I had a higher output than with other pumps I’ve used in this price range.” And while that strong suction results in quicker pumping sessions and higher output, what it doesn’t produce is irritation or discomfort (thanks, in part, to two included different-size flanges for a proper fit). “The suction and vibration on this pump made it incredibly comfortable,” our product tester shared, awarding the S1 Plus a 5 out of 5 for comfort and quality. “I did not find that I had to sacrifice output for comfort, which was great.”

The Spectra S1 Plus is a solid option for women looking to maximize their pumping sessions while at home. “I could easily see this being a primary pump I use for my baby’s first year and beyond,” our product tester reported, and we agree—Spectra breast pumps are built to last.

Dimensions:‎ ‎7.9” (L) x 7.9” (W) x 6.7” (H) | Weight: 3.3 lbs.

“If someone is looking for a primary pump for use at home, this is a great option—it’s effective, easy to find replacement parts, comfortable and durable.”

What We Love
  • Up to 12 levels of hospital-grade suction
  • The night light and timer allow for easy middle-of-the-night sessions
  • Two sizes of flanges provided
Things To Consider
  • Despite having a rechargeable battery, its bulk and weight reduce its portability

Best fast-pumping breast pump

Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
Image: Momcozy

Nobody wants to spend more time pumping than they have to—especially when it comes to those middle-of-the-night sessions. That’s where the Momcozy Wearable S12 Pro comes in, helping to speed up your pumping sessions without sacrificing output.

The Momcozy Wearable S12 Pro makes the process of pumping more efficient, thanks, in part, to its hospital-grade pump and nine levels of intensity, which can be tailored to each breast. But 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. This double-seal not only results in faster, more efficient pumping sessions, but it also helps prevent any precious breast milk from leaking out. “The pump was very effective in pumping a good amount of milk in a short amount of time,” our product tester raved, giving it a top score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness.

The S12 Pro doesn’t just save you time spent pumping—it also takes little-to-no time to fully charge. In just 90 minutes the breast pump battery is ready to go, leaving you free from any cords or plugs. And once it has a full battery, the charge lasts anywhere from five to six pumping sessions, delivering hospital-grade power at a noise level our tester described as “surprisingly quiet.” We love anything that makes life easier for mamas, and this pump from Momcozy certainly fits the bill.

Dimensions (single pump):‎ ‎‎5.7” (L) x 3.1” (W) x 7.1” (H) | Weight (single pump): 1.5 lbs.

“I love that I was able to walk around and do some chores while pumping. It didn’t budge at all even while [I was] moving around… It gets the job done.”

What We Love
  • Less leakage
  • The ability to customize each breast’s level and mode
Things To Consider
  • Can be bulky in a bra

Best affordable breast pump

Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 Rechargeable Breast Pump
Image: Walmart

Breast pumps don’t have to break the bank, and the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 is a prime example. This breast pump comes equipped with everything (and we mean everything) a pumping mom could need, including three different sizes of flanges (most other pumps come with just one), four Lansinoh bottles, a bottle nipple and cover, multiple valves and connection tubes—and even a cooler for breast milk storage. This stacked pumping kit has a price tag of $161, which is far less than its fellow standard electric breast pumps (that come equipped with much less, we might add). “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,” our product tester said, giving the SmartPump 3.0 a well-deserved 5 out of 5 for value for money.

The value that you get with the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 is undeniable, but so is the quality. Our product tester gave this Lansinoh breast pump a perfect score in the quality department, describing it as a pump that will “hold up for longer periods of time.” It’s also a breast pump that does its primary job of pumping extremely well. “It collected way more milk than I expected in the time frame that I actually pumped for,” our product tester reported. In other words, the Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0 breast pump has achieved the trifecta: It’s effective, comfortable and affordable to boot.

Dimensions:‎ 10.8” (L) x 7.1” (W) x 7.7” (H) | Weight: 4.6 pounds

“I really love how it comes with its own carrier, extra bottles and the amount of flanges included in different sizes is amazing—no need to order anything separate.”

What We Love
  • Three included flange sizes (25, 28 and 30.5 millimeter)
  • The rechargeable battery and Lansinoh baby app make this a portable option
Things To Consider
  • Noisy

How We Chose the Best Breast Pumps

To help you find the best breast pumps on the market today, The Bump editors did extensive research to identify the best-selling, most innovative and all-around top-notch products out there, combing through user reviews, leveraging our familiarity with leading pregnancy brands and relying on our own experiences as new and expectant parents. And then we put those breast pumps to the test. We enlisted the help of nursing mothers (with babies ranging in age from newborn to 5 months old) to use these breast pumps and carefully evaluate each for ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, noise level, style and design, quality and value for the money.

Pairing this rigorous testing protocol with our own expertise and insights, we bestowed the prestigious Best of The Bump award to the overall best breast pump. And then we went one step further, using the testing results to identify other standout options that are particularly good for your specific needs. All this, to ensure that you find a quality product with plenty of bang for your buck that’ll prove a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

About the writer:

Lynsey Eidell has researched and written dozens of product reviews for The Bump, from the best pregnancy belly bands to the best baby bassinets and beyond. She’s also written about entertainment, pop culture, weddings and motherhood for digital publications including PEOPLE, Glamour, Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, Allure and more. She is a graduate of Villanova University and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she currently lives with her family. When she’s not busy writing, she is kept equally busy by her three young boys, who are 7, 4 and 3.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Stacey Fink, BSN, RN, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant, registered nurse and owner of Lactation Express based in New Jersey.

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