Breastfeeding can be both physically and emotionally demanding, but choosing the right breast pump can help make the process smoother and more comfortable.
Just like with other essential parenting purchases, such as cots and pushchairs, there are many options available on the market. To help both first-time parents and those experienced in expressing breast milk make the best choice for their needs and budget, experts have tested leading breast pumps both in controlled lab settings and in real-life situations.
The Best Breast Pumps to Shop in 2025
Below are some of the top-rated choices, with full reviews available further on. Additionally, professional insights provide helpful guidance on what to consider before making a purchase.
Do You Really Need a Breast Pump?
The decision to buy a breast pump depends on whether breastfeeding is chosen as the preferred method of feeding. There are various reasons why a breast pump can be a valuable tool. Some parents may need one when returning to work so they can express milk for their baby to have throughout the day. Others may use it to share feeding responsibilities with their partner.
For parents of premature babies or those whose newborns require medical care and are unable to latch, a breast pump can help maintain milk supply and ensure the baby receives the necessary nourishment.
How to Choose the Right Breast Pump
Breast pumps are available in two main types:
- Manual Pumps: These pumps allow milk to be expressed without requiring power. They offer full control over suction strength, operate quietly, and are generally more affordable.
- Electric Pumps: These models are powered by rechargeable batteries or mains electricity. They often feature adjustable speeds and suction levels. Once properly positioned, they operate automatically. Electric pumps can be particularly useful for maintaining milk supply when returning to work or for increasing supply during the early stages of breastfeeding. Some models are hands-free and fit inside a bra, allowing the user to continue with daily activities while pumping.
Breast pumps also come in single or double designs. A single pump expresses milk from one breast at a time, while a double pump allows for simultaneous expression from both breasts. While a single pump is often more budget-friendly, a double pump can save time and improve efficiency.
Regardless of the type chosen, comfort and relaxation are key factors in successful milk expression. Stress and discomfort can reduce milk output, so ensuring a calm and comfortable environment can make a significant difference.
Important Features to Look for in a Breast Pump
When selecting a breast pump, several features should be considered:
- Adjustable Suction Levels: Finding the right suction setting is essential for comfort. Many models offer different levels of suction, usually around 200 mmHg at the highest setting. A higher suction level often translates to stronger milk expression. Since different settings are needed for the stimulation and expression phases, testing various levels is recommended.
- Double Pumping Capabilities: Expressing milk from both breasts at the same time increases efficiency and saves time.
- Comfortable Flange Sizes: A properly fitting flange ensures effective milk extraction and prevents discomfort.
- Ease of Cleaning: Pumps with fewer parts are easier to clean and sterilize.
- Portability: Battery-operated or lightweight models are ideal for those who need to pump while away from home.
- Quiet Operation: A quieter pump can be especially beneficial for pumping at work or during nighttime sessions.
Will Pumping Every Two Hours Increase Milk Supply?
Regular pumping can help increase milk supply by mimicking a baby’s natural feeding rhythm. Emptying the breasts frequently signals the body to produce more milk. However, the process is not always straightforward.
Milk release is controlled by hormones that respond to emotional states. When feeding directly, these hormones flow more easily, whereas a breast pump may not trigger the same response as effectively. While frequent pumping can encourage milk production, excessive pumping can lead to exhaustion or even an oversupply, which can cause complications.
For those looking to increase their supply, an approach that combines direct breastfeeding with pumping can be helpful. Allowing the baby to feed first and then pumping for an additional ten minutes after feeding can stimulate further milk production without causing unnecessary strain. It is essential to evaluate whether an increase in supply is actually needed before making any adjustments.
When to Start Pumping After Birth
For parents who plan to breastfeed, focusing on establishing a strong feeding routine with the baby before introducing a pump is advisable. The baby’s natural feeding process is the most effective way to stimulate milk production, and the first two weeks play a crucial role in building a healthy milk supply.
A good time to begin expressing is typically between four and six weeks postpartum, once breastfeeding is well-established. However, every experience is unique, and any guidance should be adapted to individual circumstances.
1. Best Overall Breast Pump
Lansinoh Rechargeable Double Electric Breast Pump
If you plan to pump regularly, this double electric pump will be your reliable companion. Our at-home tester, using a breast pump for the first time, highly recommends it: “It’s incredibly easy to use, and the suction power is excellent. I filled my bottles in just 20 minutes.”
Another tester, who had previously struggled with hand-expressing colostrum, was skeptical but found this pump to be a game-changer, managing to express 60ml on the first use. With eight settings for letdown and expression modes and large collection chambers to catch every drop, it excels in efficiency.
While the pump is slightly heavy due to its motor and impressive three-hour battery life, you can still use it while plugged in if it runs out of charge. Cleaning is simple, as it can be sterilized by boiling on the stovetop.
2. Easiest to Use Breast Pump
Medela Swing Maxi Double Pump
This model uses Medela’s two-phase technology, replicating a baby’s natural feeding rhythm by starting fast to stimulate milk flow before slowing down for efficient expression. The result? A natural, comfortable pumping experience.
With nine suction settings, even the strongest mode remains gentle. It’s easy to break suction when finished, and the pump can be quickly dismantled for easy cleaning. It can be sterilized using boiling water or Medela’s microwavable bags.
Lightweight and intuitive, it earned top marks for ease of use. “Easy to set up, use, and clean,” one tester noted. A win all around.
3. Best for Pumping On the Go
Pippeta Wearable Breast Pump
Stylish in a soft pink hue, this pump is as functional as it is attractive. The clear LED display allows easy navigation through 12 suction levels, and a massage mode helps alleviate breast discomfort.
Compact and wireless, it fits comfortably inside a feeding bra, allowing for discreet pumping while moving around or working from home. It’s also remarkably quiet.
The only drawback? It requires a 2.5-hour charge and cannot be used while charging.
4. Best Smart Breast Pump
Elvie Stride 2 Pump
An upgraded version of its predecessor, this pump features redesigned silicone cups for a better fit and increased comfort. “The different-sized nipple inserts made it highly adaptable and incredibly comfortable to wear,” a tester shared.
With hospital-grade suction strength (300 mmHg), it efficiently drains the breast while remaining gentle and quiet. The pump is fully app-controlled, allowing users to track sessions easily.
One minor drawback: after expressing, milk needs to be transferred to a bottle, and some testers found this process a bit tricky due to occasional leakage.
5. Most Comfortable Breast Pump
Momcozy M6 Double Electric Breast Pump
Designed for maximum comfort, this hands-free pump features an angled flange that mimics a baby’s mouth, encouraging a natural letdown. Nine suction levels and a micro-vibration mode help extract every last drop.
With a noise level under 50 dB, it’s quiet and discreet. A handy carry case adds to its convenience.
However, take care when removing the pump, as it cannot stand upright once full. Thankfully, it has a well-designed pouring spout for easy transfer to a bottle.
6. Best for Customizable Modes
Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Pump
Described as a “godsend” by one tester, this pump closely mimics natural breastfeeding with six suction levels and nine expression strengths.
Bottles attach directly to the pump, eliminating the risk of spills, and it can also pump directly into pre-sterilized storage bags.
The only downside is its slightly heavy weight, so handle it with care.
7. Best for Easy Pouring
Fraupow Wearable Breast Pump
Comfortable and easy to wear, this pump’s added straps ensure a secure fit in your bra. One tester found it ideal for multitasking, saying she could do housework while pumping.
Made with soft silicone, the funnel adapts to most breast sizes. Though it comes with only one flange size, seven others are available separately.
Unlike some models that require stovetop sterilization, this one can also be cleaned in the microwave or an electric steamer.
8. Best for Accessories
MAM Move Wearable Breast Pump
Designed for busy moms, this hands-free pump offers five suction modes and comes with useful extras like a storage bag, four flange sizes, and an anti-colic bottle. A quiet mode makes nighttime pumping less disruptive.
Testers found the collection chamber slightly tricky to remove at first, but it becomes easy with practice. The pump stands upright when removed, reducing spill risks.
9. Quietest Wearable Breast Pump
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Wearable Breast Pump
With multiple suction strengths, expression, and massage modes, this pump provides a customizable experience. The companion app helps track pumping sessions.
At just 30 dB, it’s the quietest wearable pump on this list.
“Comfortable, easy to use, and simple to clean,” one tester praised.
Two flange sizes are included, with more available on the Tommee Tippee website. The unit is slightly heavy, so a secure bra is recommended for hands-free use.
10. Best Manual Breast Pump
Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump
Unlike most manual pumps, this model offers both stimulation and expression modes. Use the shorter handle for quick, shallow pumps to stimulate letdown, then switch to the longer handle for deeper suction once milk starts flowing.
“It didn’t cause any pain while squeezing,” one tester said.
Some testers found the initial handle assembly slightly tricky, but it becomes second nature with use.
