In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Pumping is a chore, but it doesn't have to be painful or take up a lot of time. A great breast pump can make pumping fast, efficient, and easy to fit into your life, so you can return to more important things, like your baby.
We tested the 8 most loved pumps by hundreds of moms. We conducted extensive hands-on testing, got help from lactating mothers, and analyzed extensive user feedback. We did comparison testing for efficiency, comfort, ease of use, and more to find the best.
Our favorite breast pump for efficiency is the Spectra S1 Plus. This electric pump is super comfortable and produces more milk in less time than the competition. With a rechargeable battery and silent operation, it is the perfect choice for most.
If your budget is lower but you still need an effective pump, we love the Baby Buddha. The Buddha is lightweight, portable, and works without an outlet. If you want something you can wear hidden in your bra, consider the Elvie Stride. A wearable pump is a game-changer for busy moms and prevents being tethered to an outlet.
Our list of favorite nursing gear covers all the bases, whether you're exclusively breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby.
The Spectra S1 is the most sought-after daily-use pump and is the one we recommend to friends and family looking for an effective and quality pump. It is comfortable, efficient, and easy to use with minimal parts and a rechargeable battery, so you are not a slave to an electrical outlet. The S1 has some serious suction power up to 270 mmHg at a surprisingly friendly cost. Its power, combined with 12 suction levels, creates an efficient pump that can produce more expressed milk in less time than most competitors. This pump comes completely assembled with an easy-to-understand manual and is a closed system via hygienic protectors that connect to the tubing. Best of all, the S1 is quiet, so quiet that you can pump next to a sleeping baby or at work.
The Spectra is not wearable and will, at the very least, tie you to the unit while you pump. While it has rechargeable batteries and can be used without access to an outlet, you might prefer something more discreet, and in-bra like the Elvie Stride for more freedom. The Spectra also has a lot of parts, more than most, so keeping things clean on the go could be more challenging, despite the parts being easy enough to wash. The Spectra S1 is a dynamo pump with the most impressive efficiency. It is comfortable and easy to use, making it our favorite for most.
The Baby Buddha is a cool, tiny wearable that weighs under a pound. It is a lanyard pump with rechargeable batteries and connects to bottles you can use in a pumping bra for more freedom. This pump has fewer parts than most and is easy to use with whisper-quiet pumping. While it isn't discreet, it gives more freedom to move around and do other things than a traditional pump. As one lactating tester stated, “I love being able to do chores while pumping instead of sitting for 20 minutes and getting nothing done.”
If you want something hidden in your bra, we like the Elvie Stride. It can potentially be worn while working and out and about, but it is less effective for some moms. Also, the Baby Buddha has a strong letdown suction that many moms find uncomfortable, and it could be a deal breaker for some. One tester said, “It definitely is uncomfortable, but it doesn't last long and I was able to push through it.” We love that this pump gives moms more flexibility on where they can pump without tying them to an outlet or heavy unit, and could be a better fit for those pumping at home or in privacy than the more expensive and less effective Elvie.
The Elvie Stride is a wearable, in-bra pump that could be a game-changer for many busy moms. This pump includes two units (one for each breast) that are self-contained with a collection cup, pump, and rechargeable battery. It can be used alone or paired with an app and has a pump sound that is so quiet you can use it in many real-world environments without it being obvious you are expressing milk. One tester remarked, “It is quieter than a vibrating phone sound.” It is easy to use, clean, and lightweight, making it a great contender for anyone concerned with portability.
The Elvie is not as efficient as competing wearables like the Baby Buddha and the MomCozy, which express more milk per minute. It also wasn't universally comfortable and could be a poor fit for those with larger breasts. However, it comes with three flange sizes, and we didn't experience pain or discomfort, so this could be a Goldilocks situation where it works for some and not others. The Elvie is also expensive, so if you don't have a strong need for an in-bra pump, it could be more pump than you need. The MomCozy is less costly and could be a good alternative. Overall, the Elvie is a busy lactating mom's favorite, and we think it could be a good option for some who can't sit still for whatever reason.
The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is our favorite manual pump. The Lansinoh pump is a highly effective pump with a greater milk expression per minute than some of the electric options we tested. It has a comfortable flange and offers multiple sizes for greater fit potential. It is fairly quiet with a soft shushing sound, and it has few parts for a quick cleanup. This pump could be a good choice for travel, occasional engorgement relief, or quick at-work use without lugging around an electronic choice you then have to clean. One tester said, “It is so easy to whip this out for quick relief, I don't leave the house without it.”
The Lansinoh is a single-pump only, and expressing both breasts will take time. If you don't have extra time or you lack the hand or arm strength to fully express your breasts, a double electric pump like the Spectra S1 Plus is likely a better bet. Besides the physical effort, the Lansinoh is a great side-piece to an electric pump for those who need to pump regularly, or a standalone choice for those who hope never to pump. No matter where you are in the lactating world, it could be nice to have around for those moments when you didn't expect to need it but do.
The Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump is a highly portable, wearable in-bra pump. It is smaller than some competitors and has a low acoustic level. We like the fewer, easy-to-wash and assemble parts, and the lighter weight makes it easy to wear and easy to carry in a purse or other bag not dedicated to your pump. As one lactating tester said, “I like that I can take it almost anywhere and no one knows I have it with me or am wearing it.”
The MomCozy struggled in our efficiency testing and was louder than the Elvie Stride, which prevented it from being a favorite. It requires two outlets to charge, and we were never successful in getting both sides to pump simultaneously. While this is perhaps not a deal-breaker, it takes some getting used to compared to those that create the same suction on each side. However, the MomCozy is a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a discreet pumping experience, and many felt it was more comfortable than the more efficient Elvie Stride.
The Haakaa is a good choice if you need passive collection for leaking while breastfeeding or otherwise. It is a self-contained, one-part unit that has a slight learning curve, but once you get it, it is easy to use. We like the idea of catching milk that would otherwise be lost and the straightforward design that is easy to clean with a bottle brush. While it isn't a traditional pump, it could be the right fit depending on your needs.
The Haakaa is not an effective way to express milk. In fairness, it wasn't designed to be. Electric pumps like the Spectra S1 Plus are a better choice for regularly pumping both breasts for collection and storing milk for future use. The Haakaa also isn't super comfortable. Despite the softer silicone design, it is a one-size-fits-some situation with many moms struggling to get a good seal or comfortable connection. If you tend to leak between feeding or pumping sessions, or you need a way to catch milk while your little one is nursing, this could be a great solution. Otherwise, it likely isn't the product you're looking for.
The Medela Harmony with Flex is a manual pump that is very portable, lightweight, and has fewer parts. Its straightforward design makes it easy to assemble and clean. The manual effort is on par with other manual pumps, and we like the silicone flange edge, which makes it more comfortable for some.
This pump struggled to keep up with our preferred manual choice, the Lanoish, which is more efficient and quieter. It also isn't as comfortable and is somewhat more challenging to clean. We think the Medela is a potential choice for those with Medela accessories who might benefit from having a system that pairs well with a Medela electric pump or storage system. Otherwise, we like the Lansinoh manual marginally better.
Plug-in Wall Adapter or External Battery Pack (AA)
Available Flange Sizes
21mm, 24mm
The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow is a dual electric pump from a well-regarded brand. It has multiple accessories, like a storage bag and a cold pack to keep milk chilled away from home. It is a smaller pump, fairly lightweight, and easy to carry. Plus, its expression rate during testing is an average of 5 ounces over 20 minutes, which is pretty good compared to the competition.
This pump is so easy that it borders on frustrating. With no visual or screen indicators, it is impossible to know what setting you are using or how long you have been pumping via the unit. While it remembers your last setting, it still doesn't tell you what that is if you need to adjust it, which could result in discomfort or longer pumping times trying to make minor adjustments, something sleep-deprived moms don't need. We think most moms would appreciate more details like those provided by the Spectra S1 Plus screen or the Elvie Stride's app, making this pump one of our least favorites.
The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow includes accessories, like an insulated cooler bag and a cold pack.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Second Hand Breast Pumps
While not recommended, if you use a previously owned, single-user closed system pump, you must buy brand-new accessories for hygiene and safety. This includes new tubing, breast flanges, bottles, lids, membranes, and valves.
How We Tested
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested over 25 different breast pumps. For months, we assessed efficiency, comfort, ease of use, portability, hygiene, and more. We enlisted help from breastfeeding moms who used each pump and provided valuable firsthand feedback. We combined all the information to create a complete picture of each pump.
We purchased and tested every unit in this review with lactating parents and in-house lab testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz leads the breast pump team. Wendy is a mother of two who breastfed and tried multiple pumps while navigating the challenges of being a working mother and maintaining a milk supply. Our breast pump protocol is medically reviewed by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mom-in-chief. As a doctor and mother of two, Dr. Spurrier combines her personal experiences as a long-time breast pump user with her qualifications as a board-certified pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to shape our review testing standards and product selection.
We used each and every pump in this breast pump review in our testing process.
Rounding out the team is Molly Bradac. Molly has over 15 years of experience as a professional nanny and newborn care specialist. Her background includes lactation education and support.
All About Breast Pumps
Choosing the right breast pump can be challenging. It's important to understand that your pumping journey may be different from that of your family and friends. Even with advice from experienced friends, your needs may vary from theirs. Each pump has its strengths, weaknesses, and costs to assess.
Types of Pumps
The two main types of breast pumps are manual and electric. For some new moms, one of each is the most practical path forward to meet multiple needs. Pumping away from home is best completed using an electric pump. It is fast and easy to do multiple times a day. However, an electric pump might be overkill if you only need quick engorgement relief. Alternatively, pumping at home with a manual option can be exhausting if you hope to express the most milk.
Manual pumps like the Medela Harmony work with hand expression and can be useful for travel or occasional pumping when electric pumps aren't available or baby is not around.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Manual Pumps
Manual breast pumps are hand-operated and pump one breast at a time via a flange and manual lever that creates suction via a simple squeeze and release operation to express milk. They are best suited for the sporadic or occasional user. Once milk supply is well-established, this kind of pump can be a nice companion to an electric pump for travel, quick relief from engorgement, or temporarily stopping leaking. They are less expensive than electric pumps, light and portable, and have minimal parts, so they fit easily into a purse or carry-on.
Electric pumps do the hard work for you with variable suction and speed so you can get pumping done efficiently and simultaneously from both breasts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Electric Pumps
An electric breast pump has a motor that runs on electricity via an AC adapter, car adapter, rechargeable battery, or battery pack. They are available in single (pump one breast) and double versions, with wearable designs (discrete in-bra and less discrete) allowing more mobility. Based on their power and consistent pumping rhythm, electric pumps are more effective and efficient than manual pumping, which aids in maintaining a good milk supply and saves time. A double electric pump is a worthwhile investment if you pump more than 3x/week. Working moms, moms with supply challenges, or those who exclusively feed expressed breast milk can benefit from a double electric pump.
The primary goal of an efficient breast pump is to optimize milk expression while being time-efficient. The photo here displays the Spectra S2 Plus.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficient Pumping
The heart of a breast pump is how fast it takes for a pump to express “x” ounces of milk. Although every mom is unique in their milk production, some products pump more milk faster.
We tested each pump to see how efficiently they pumped milk by lactating users.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
However, it is a common misconception that more suction power/strength results in more milk. Each person's anatomy and milk supply are unique, so it is important to find what works best for you. More suction strengths and patterns can help ensure you find the most effective setting for your body.
The Spectra S1 was one of the most efficient pumps in our in-lab tests and with all lactating moms.
The most efficient electric pump is the Spectra S1 Plus. In our in-house testing and with locating moms, we pumped the most milk in the least amount of time while using the Spectra S1. If your goal is to pump the most milk in the least amount of time, it is hard to find something better than the S1 Plus.
The most efficient wearable pump is the Baby Buddha. However, this pump is not the kind you can wear in your bra. The Momcozy S9 Wearable is the most efficient if you aim to pump without visible collection bottles. However, the Elvie Stride was preferred by most of our lactating testers both for comfort and capacity.
The Lansinoh has impressive efficiency for a manual, one-sided pump.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The most efficient manual pump is the Lansinoh. This hand pump managed to pump more milk than many electric competitors. However, it is essential to remember that your hand strength and endurance level will impact how much milk you can express and how often. We wouldn't recommend a handheld manual pump for most everyday pumping needs.
What is "Hospital-Grade"?
Manufacturers use “hospital-grade” to imply strong suction, but the FDA doesn't regulate this term. The use and meaning of “hospital grade” is inconsistent and doesn't guarantee a specific quality, safety, or performance.
Selecting the flange size for you can make the pumping experience more comfortable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Keeping it Comfortable
Most moms experience some discomfort when they first begin breastfeeding. However, most find that it gets better over time once they get the hang of it and their baby develops an experienced latch. This can also be the case with breast pumps. We found that some pumps were more comfortable depending on their flanges (the cone-shaped part that covers the breast), suction levels, and different pumping settings.
The Momcozy S9 had some of the softest silicone flanges in the group, but the fit wasn't as fantastic for our testers, though they did enjoy it for comfort overall.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Soft silicone flanges or those that come in multiple sizes for different breast shapes and sizes were considered more comfortable than stiffer plastic or options with only a single-size flange. Many lactating moms find the in-bar wearables less comfortable for this reason; there isn't much you can do about the flange size or how it fits. We recommend looking for pumps with flange size options or those that are generally well-regarded by many moms, like the flanges on both Spectra models, which most lactating moms universally love.
Testers like the soft silicone edge on the Lansinoh flange edge.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pumps with more settings can also be more comfortable to use. Adjusting the amount and pattern of suction can help you find that Goldilocks crossroads where everything feels “just right.”
The Baby Buddha has 14 settings, two modes, and four flange sizes. The Spectra pumps have five speeds, 12 settings, and four flange sizes. The Elvie Stride has two modes and 10 suction settings, and three flange sizes are available. The Haakaa is the least comfortable with a one-size fit and no adjustability.
While testing the Medela Harmony with Flex, it felt less hand-friendly, especially compared to other manual pumps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficiency vs Comfort
Comfortable pumping is super important, but you don't want to sacrifice efficient pumping for comfort or vice versa. Finding a pump that is easy to use, expresses the most milk per minute, and is comfortable time after time is key to long-term pumping success.
Efficiency vs Comfort
Product
Efficiency
Comfort
Spectra S1 Plus
9.0
8.2
Spectra S2 Plus
9.0
8.2
Baby Buddha
8.0
6.8
BellaBaby Double
7.0
7.4
Medela Pump in Style
7.0
6.4
Elvie Stride
6.0
6.2
Momcozy S9
5.0
6.6
Lansinoh Manual
5.0
5.6
Medela Harmony Flex
5.0
4.8
Haakaa Gen 1
3.0
2.2
This chart shows comfort as it compares to efficiency.
The Spectra S1 Plus offers enough suction variability in both power and pattern to help most users find a comfortable setting.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Spectra S1 Plus and the Spectra S2 both offer exceptional efficiency, a comfortable design, and enough suction variations for most users to find a good setting. For wearable pumps, we like the Baby Buddha, but while wearable, the Buddha is not discreet. The Elvie Stride is the most comfortable in-bra, discreet choice, but its efficiency varies widely from person to person.
The Haakaa is a stiff silicone with a single flange size and a fairly stiff rim that can be uncomfortable if it doesn't fit your breast shape or size.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The manual pumps and passive collection device were the most uncomfortable and not all that efficient. With limited variability for adjustment to size or strength of suction, this isn't super surprising.
The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow does not have a display screen. Reading the user manual beforehand will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the buttons and functions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Easy is Important
You might end up married to your pump for a few years or more if you have multiple children. Finding one that is easy to use can ease the hassle of daily use and make the experience more tolerable.
The Spectra S1 Plus has a user-friendly interface. The screen displays important information, like suction level, cycle speed, timer, etc. It also features a built-in nightlight, useful for late-night pumping sessions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Some pumps were complicated to set up, while others were quite intuitive. This is especially key if you are an exclusive pumper, a working mom, or travel often with your pump and need to use it in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The Baby Buddha has a scroll-style interface, but at least it gives setting information on its screen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Finding a pump with fewer parts, easy assembly, and intuitive icons is more important than finding one with all the bells and whistles. We prefer simplicity, but some modern pumps offer apps and Bluetooth, which might appeal to some users. While features like nightlight or bottle holder might sound appealing, in the end, we think most moms will be far more impressed with a quick setup and fast cleanup.
The Elvie Stride has a straightforward interface, but its helpful app offers insights and details about your pumping session.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A few questions to consider might be:
How many parts does it have?
How quickly can it be used, taken apart, cleaned, dried, and then reassembled?
Does it require a wall outlet, or can it run on batteries?
Both Spectras have similar parts and are easy to keep clean, but the number of parts increases assembly time.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Spectra pumps have a screen that provides feedback on the settings, time, and more. You can toggle back and forth in settings, so there is no discomfort going through each setting to find your favorite. Plus, they will remember your settings for the next time! But they have several parts and would require their own bag to take them to work. The Baby Buddha is also a standout; while its scrolling interface isn't our favorite, it comes with a timer, carry bag, and milk storage. The manual pumps are easy to transport, use, and clean with fewer parts, but they take longer to express each breast one at a time thoroughly.
The Elvie Stride allows you to pump on the go, even when walking or performing other tasks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
Depending on your pumping goals, a portable or lightweight wearable pump might be useful. Considerations like the pump's weight, size, how loud it is, batteries, and the ability to wear it impact how easy they are to use at home and away. If you plan to pump at work or travel a lot, this could be very important to your pumping experience.
Outside of manual hand pumps, which are incredibly lightweight and portable, electric pumps with rechargeable batteries or the ability to wear them when moving about are gaining in popularity for busy moms. They allow moms to pump from virtually any location without the need for an outlet and sometimes without the need for extended privacy.
Like the Momcozy, a portable pump can easily be stashed in a bag without hassle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The MomCozy and the Elvie Stride are both lightweight and fit in your bra. They allow for hours of pumping between charges and are quiet enough to potentially wear discreetly while going about your regular activities. While they are somewhat less efficient than the Spectra S1, they could be more useful depending on your lifestyle and where you need to pump.
Those pumps not listed had a decibel reading of LO or made no noise like the Haakaa.
The Spectra S1 Plus has a rechargeable battery and can fit in a dedicated breast pump bag to easily access pumping supplies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Alternatively, the Spectra S1 has rechargeable batteries and is one of the most efficient in the group, so your pumping time might be shorter. It is also quiet, and while you'll need a dedicated space for pumping, and it weighs more, it can provide a more relaxed experience that forces you to sit and take a break while pumping; something every mom deserves.
Despite not having a podium finish in our review, many users consider the Pump In Style with Max Flow a decent pump.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Other Notable Breast Pumps
We've tested more than 25 pumps. The following is a list of the pumps that didn't make it into our list of top-ranked products and why.
Willow Go — The in-bar pump is a compelling choice for those busy moms who need to move while pumping. It is a double pump that pairs with an app like the Elvie and is comfortable for many. There are reports of leaks and failing pumps, which prevented it from making our list.
Elvie Pump — The Elvie Pump doesn't have tubes to worry about like the Elvie Stride. It has a slim profile and might work better for various breast shapes and sizes. It pairs with an app, and the battery lasts for 5-6 pumping sessions. Unfortunately, it is expensive, making it less accessible for all, but perhaps worth the expense if you need to be cord-free.
Spectra SG Portable — This pump is similar to the Spectra S1 Plus that won an award in this review. It is smaller and weighs less with a rechargeable battery. If you need something smaller than the Spectra S1 and don't mind paying extra, it could be an option for your shortlist.
Lansinoh Discreet Duo Wearable-- This in-bra wearable is similar to the MomCozy , the Elvie Stride we tested, and the Willow Go . It has four parts and is easy to use, with a lower price. However, we worry about its effectiveness, given the lower efficiency of Lansinoh pumps we've tested in the past.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Selecting the best breast pump for you is a personal journey influenced by budget and unique needs. You can find the perfect pump between our breast pump selection, test results, and detailed information. By streamlining the pump selection process and making it stress-free, you can return to caring for your baby. If you're on the go with your breast pump, you might also need a dedicated breast pump bag.
Meet Your Review Team
Wendy Schmitz Senior Review Editor Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more
Juliet Spurrier, MD Mom-in-Chief Dr. Juliet Baciocco Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), mother of two, and founder of the Baby section of GearLab. Juliet earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Italian Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and her Medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington DC. She completed her pediatric residency at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science... read more
Molly Bradac Senior Review Editor Senior Review Editor, Molly Bradac, is a core member of the GearLab Baby product review team. With over 14 years of experience as a Nanny and Newborn Care Specialist, Molly has changed more diapers than most parents would in four lifetimes. She is the literal Mary Poppins of GearLab. Her extensive experience includes helping children establish sleeping routines, creating calming environments for sleep, and overnight care for newborns, managing feeds and diaper changes by the glow of a night... read more
