The 4 Best Breast Pumps of 2025

The Best Breast Pumps

Measured Suction	250 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.55 oz
Suction Settings	12
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm

The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice with thousands of breastfeeding moms across the country. Whether it is top marks in our testing or independent user reviews, everyone agrees that it is a comfortable and efficient pump. One of our lactating testers said, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time.” I regularly recommend it to friends and family looking for an easy-to-use, effective, and quality pump. With a rechargeable battery, you can pump wherever and whenever. This pump has a strong, adjustable suction featuring 12 suction levels and different speeds, which makes finding a comfortable setting easier. In our tests, it pumped 0.55 ounces of milk per minute. It is also pretty quiet, with a measured decibel reading of 44.5 dB in our tests.

This machine is bulkier and heavier, weighing 2.9 lbs, which may not suit those seeking compact and lightweight. Our tester stated, “The S1 is more substantial; I am not a fan of carrying it.” If weight is a concern, a wearable like the Baby Buddha and the Elvie Stride, weigh less than a pound. Being able to wear your pump can help increase opportunities for pumping. Also, the Spectra S1 Plus has a rechargeable battery, making it more portable than the Spectra S2 Plus, which requires an outlet. Budget-conscious buyers might hesitate due to the higher price. However, the Spectra S1 offers superb pumping efficiency and extras like a nightlight, timer, bottle holder, and memory function, making it worth the investment. If those don't convince you, being pain-free with less frustration should.

Read more: Spectra S1 Plus review

Measured Suction	290 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.45 oz
Suction Settings	14
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm

The Baby Buddha is well-liked for its compact and lightweight design. It weighs 0.8 lbs, making it one of the lightest in our tests, and its lanyard-style design provides a higher degree of mobility. With better comfort and 14 customizable settings, many lactating parents felt it was a good pick for efficiency and comfort. Our tests showed an average expression of 0.45 oz/min. Compared to the Elvie Stride, which only expressed 0.12 oz/min. The rechargeable battery has one hour of pumping and can be used while charging. Our tester states, “I found the Buddha latched well, with fewer adjustments for the best performance.” It also has a relatively wallet-friendly price.

Some of our lactating moms found the suction power too strong during the letdown phase, which can be uncomfortable for sensitive breasts or nipples. Alternatively, the Spectra S1 Plus has adjustable suction levels for comfort needs. Also, the Baby Buddha is louder than some wearables, with a decibel reading of 42 dB compared to 40 dB for the Momcozy S9. Our tester noted, “I think it is more obvious than a vibrating phone alert.” Overall, the Baby Buddha pump delivers a solid performance at a budget-friendly price.

Read more: Baby Buddha review

Measured Suction	170 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.12 oz
Suction Settings	2 modes and 10 suction levels per mode
Power Source	Rechargeable Battery
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 24mm, 28mm

The Elvie Stride has a wearable design that fits inside your bra. This allows for hands-free pumping in a lightweight unit, measuring only 0.8 lbs in our tests. One user even wore it during a long bike race! The pump is extremely quiet, with a decibel reading of “LO,” providing discreet pumping. Our tester noted, “The Elvie was really quiet; I could barely hear it over the ambient office sounds.” It also offers two 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. It comes with an app that allows you to track your pumping sessions and control the pump remotely to limit the number of times you have to reach inside your bra.

Some users report that it is uncomfortable for their body shape. One of our lactating testers reported, “I couldn't get a consistent latch once the canal was wet.” While the app provides useful features, it relies on a device connection, and this may not be ideal for those who prefer a standalone pump without setting up an app. It also wasn't as efficient as competitors in our tests, showing an average of 0.12 ounces of milk per minute. On average, the Baby Buddha, another less discrete wearable, expressed 0.45 oz/min. However, the Elvie Stride offers convenience and customization, which may be attractive for those seeking a hands-free pump, and the lower efficiency and higher price might be worth it if you need something on the go.

Read more: Elvie Stride review

Measured Suction	200 mmHg
Measured Milk/Min i	0.28 oz
Suction Settings	2
Power Source	Manual
Available Flange Sizes	21mm, 25mm, 30.5mm, 36mm

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is a budget-friendly, straightforward pump best suited for occasional use. It's handy if you don't require an electric pump but need help with plugged ducts or engorgement. Once your baby transitions to fewer nursing sessions, this manual pump can relieve discomfort during longer breaks between feedings. It has a two-mode operation, offering both letdown and expression modes. The kit includes a 5 oz storage bottle and two ComfortFit flanges in sizes 25 mm and 30.5 mm. In our tests, we expressed 0.28 ounces of milk per minute on average. This is about the average for the group and better than the Medela Harmony with Flex, which only expressed 0.13 ounces per minute in our tests.

Manual pumps might be physically demanding for users with physical limitations. Our tester reports, “I only got a small amount expressed with each pump; it was exhausting.” Also, it only pumps one breast at a time, so it takes longer to express both breasts. An electric pump, like the Spectra S1 Plus, is better for building milk supply and daily use. Overall, the Lansinoh is an excellent manual pump. It is helpful for moms who need a simple solution; as one tester said, “I liked getting relief from engorged breasts without setting up the electric pump.”

Read more: Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump review

How We Tested

Since launching BabyGearLab, we've purchased and tested over 25 different breast pumps. In this update, we've included the best and most popular pumps. Over several months, we subjected each pump to rigorous testing, assessing efficiency, comfort, ease of use, portability, hygiene, and more. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, we enlisted help from breastfeeding moms who used each pump extensively and provided valuable feedback from their firsthand experiences. We also researched the “word on the street” to get a broader sense of what lactating moms feel about each pump. We combined user feedback and our hands-on and lab test findings to create a complete picture of each breast pump's strengths, weaknesses, and pumping performance.

Why Trust GearLab

Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz(me) leads our breast pump review team. I am a mother of two who breastfed my children and tried multiple pumps while navigating the challenges of being a working mother and maintaining a milk supply. Spoiler alert… I struggled a lot (it's normal).

Our breast pump product comparison and testing 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.

Other contributing team members include Molly Bradac. Molly has over 15 years of experience as a professional nanny and newborn care specialist. Her background also includes lactation education and support for breastfeeding moms. Molly leverages her knowledge and expertise to contribute valuable insights to our breast pump review. In addition to our team, we gathered feedback from pumping mothers who generously shared their thoughts and firsthand experiences with each pump. Gena Bradshaw rounds out the team. As a Senior Review Analyst, Gena brings years of testing experience and knowledge to the review, developing our pumping efficiency tests and more.

Analysis and Test Results

I considered test results, personal experience, and feedback from our team of lactating moms, and reports from users online when ranking pumps. I also included advice from lactating professionals and medical doctors like our own founder, Juliet Spurrier, MD. Our assessment involves analyzing efficiency, comfort, ease of use, portability, and hygiene.

What's the Best Value?

Breast pumps span a range of prices. If you anticipate regular pumping, the best value is a quality pump that delivers performance and comfort, like the Spectra S1. It's more expensive, but it strikes a balance between efficiency and comfort, providing an excellent value for years. If your budget won't allow for the Spectra or you have other goals, the Baby Buddha is a wearable, efficient, and budget-friendly pump. It doesn't match the Spectra S1 Plus' performance, but its affordability and convenience make it appealing if you prioritize portability and budget.

Pumping Efficiency

Efficiency focuses on how many ounces of milk a pump can express compared to the competition. While every mom's milk production varies, some pumps are stronger and more consistent, resulting in faster milk expression. You want an efficient pump to keep your pumping time as short as possible.

Finding a pump that works well and expresses a significant amount of milk in a short period of time is the key to success. I never found the sweet spot in pumping because my first pump didn't have enough settings, and my second pump was too uncomfortable to pump for very long.

The Spectra S1 Plus was an impressive performer during testing, producing an average of 0.55 ounces per minute. The second most efficient is the Baby Buddha, with an average of 0.45 ounces per minute. The worst efficiency in the electric pump group was the Elvie Stride with a measured test average of only 0.12 ounces per minute. The Elvie had some latch issues with lactating users struggling to keep it in place, indicating it might not be ideal for all breast shapes and sizes.

The Lansinoh Manual is the top-performing manual pump, with an average of 0.28 ounces per minute, significantly better than the lowest electric pump. It lags behind most electric options for speed and efficiency, and you can only pump one side at a time, but it performed well.

Our lactating testers reported that the most efficient pumps were the Spectra S1 Plus and the Spectra S2 Plus, with the Baby Buddha close behind. The least efficient electric pump was the Momcozy S9. While this varies somewhat from our simulated breast test results, it generally supports the results when you consider that individual results vary. There is no doubt that the Spectra makes a strong case for number one.

Comfort

Comfort closely follows efficiency as a crucial consideration. Several factors contribute to comfort, including the availability of multiple flange sizes (because every boob is different), and the presence of adjustable suction and pump settings. Our goal is to identify the key components we believe increase the likelihood of a comfortable experience for a wide range of users based on feedback from real moms who've been there and pumped that.

Fit and Flange

Flanges are the funnel-shaped parts you position over your breast, centering on the nipple, connected to a collection container. The pump uses suction to draw the nipple into the flange to express the milk. Since nipples, areolas, and breasts vary in shape and size, having the right fit is crucial.

Flanges that don't fit well can lead to discomfort, pain, chafing, bleeding, or even infection. Flanges often come in a variety of sizes and different material types, but most pumps only provide a few sizes with your purchase.

Our lactating testers report that the most comfortable are the Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus. This is somewhat surprising because the flanges are plastic as opposed to silicone. However, they offer 24mm and 28mm flanges in the box, and you can purchase 20 mm and 32 mm, and the suction variation adjustability is high. The Lansinoh Manual is the most comfortable non-electric option. It comes in two flange sizes and is what the company calls “ComfortFit,” which includes a silicone rim lining. The worst option is the Haakaa Gen 1. Our testers felt it was a one-size-fits-a-few product, with a stiffer flange that didn't latch well, causing pinching.

Suction Adjustability

Having lower levels of suction or various suction patterns can make pumping more comfortable and efficient.

The Spectra pumps offer 5 speeds and 12 different suction settings, offering impressive adjustability for comfort. The Baby Buddha has 2 modes and 14 settings, coming in second place with enough adjustability for most moms to find a comfortable setting. This level of variation potential increases the odds of finding the best suction level, speed, or pattern that feels just right (Goldilocks has entered the chat).

Overall Comfort

The Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus earned top marks for comfort. While the flanges are plastic, they fit well without pinching, and the pumps have a wide range of power levels and speed cycles, with modes for massage and expression. Our lactating tester moms noted that the Spectras most closely mimic the natural feel of a breastfeeding baby. Alternatively, the Haakaa Gen 1 ranks low for comfort.

Efficiency vs Comfort

While comfort is super important, you don't want to sacrifice efficiency for comfort. Conversely, you don't want to sacrifice comfort for efficiency.

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

The goal would be finding the most efficient that is also comfortable. The Spectra S1 Plus is one of the most comfortable and efficient.

Ease of Use

When you rely on a breast pump, having one that's effortless to use is crucial. We examined the pump's interface and features, running various tests to gauge its user-friendliness. We prefer pumps with obvious icons and clear settings that are easy to duplicate when you find the best setting for you. While bells and whistles can be fun, like a nightlight or carry bag, they don't help manage pumping. The goal is to find the pump with the features you need that is easy to use.

Both Spectra pumps rank well with 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 remember your settings for next time! The Baby Buddha is also a standout; while its scrolling interface isn't our favorite, it does come with a timer, carry bag, and milk storage.

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump and Medela Harmony with Flex, score high in this metric. They don't have complex interfaces or systems to learn, sparing users from the electric learning curve. However, neither manual pump is the best choice for regular and consistent pumping.

The Elvie Stride is another notable for ease of use. It has minimal intuitive buttons, and a user-friendly app that tracks time, sets levels, and monitors milk volume. We appreciate that you can change the power level without cycling through settings. The user manual includes easy-to-follow instructions and detailed images, but avoiding messes is tricky as some parts lack a firm or secure connection.

Portability

Portability is important if you're using your pump at work or on travel. We considered the pump's weight, accessories, power source, decibel reading, and size to determine how useful it is away from home.

There's a new trend toward mobility with hands-free pumping and rechargeable batteries. The Momcozy S9 Wearable and Elvie Stride fit this trend, and each weighs 0.8 lbs. These pumps fit inside your bra for freedom of movement. Wearable pumps are not for every mom, but they offer a solution if you don't want to be tethered to one spot while pumping. The Elvie Stride is remarkably quiet, has tubes, and can be easily clipped to clothing or a fanny pack. The Momcozy is tube-free, and while slightly louder, the noise difference is minimal.

Thanks to its lanyard, the Baby Buddha is also hands-free. However, some users feel the system is clunky, given the dangling bottles and tubes. You need to pay attention to avoid tangles or pulling tubing, and you'll need a pumping bra to secure the collection bottles. It is important to note that while it is hands-free, it is not discreet like the Elvie or Momcozy.

Although it shares a similar size and shape with its sibling, the Spectra S2 relies on an electrical outlet, and the Spectra S1 Plus comes with a rechargeable battery with up to three hours of operation. This distinction is important for those wanting an away-from-home pump with a battery.

Loudness

We tested the noise levels at the maximum suction for each pump because loud pumping can hinder relaxation and milk production. We also considered unusual or strange noises, with a preference for quieter breast pumps.

The Haakaa Gen 1 has a silent, no-motor design. The Elvie Stride is also remarkably quiet, with a low vibrating sound that resembles a gentle “shhh,” but it's so quiet that louder background noises easily mask it. The Spectra contenders are relatively quiet and emit a purring noise, with a noticeable click at the end of the suction.

The Medela Pump in Style has a noise level equivalent to that of a conversation, moderate rainfall, or a refrigerator's hum, making it one of the loudest we tested. While the Baby Buddha had no unusual noises, it was noticeably loud.

Overall Portability

The Haakaa Gen 1 earned the highest score for portability with a lightweight, minimal design. It was followed by the manual Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump and Medela Harmony with Flex. The Elvie Stride is a winner for electric pumps, but the wearable design is a hassle if you don't need it. If you can sit for 20 minutes in a comfortable space, then the Baby Buddha would be a go-to with a long-lasting battery, lighter weight, carry bag, and fairly quiet operation. The Spectra S1 Plus is super efficient and has a rechargeable battery, but it is heavier than the Buddha, with a weight of 2.7 lbs.

Ease of Cleaning

Maintaining hygiene is essential, as it directly impacts milk quality. While evaluating hygiene, we considered the number of parts, part accessibility, and whether specialized baby bottle brush are required to clean them. We strongly recommend a closed system pump because it's designed to prevent contaminants from entering the tubing, which connects to the motor.

The Haakaa Gen 1 has an open system, and the silicone material can attract hair and lint, but it's the easiest pump to clean. It has an all-in-one design that only requires a standard bottle brush. The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump has a closed system, fewer parts, and is dishwasher-safe. The pump's components are accessible, especially the wide-mouth bottles, which can be scrubbed using a bottle brush. The Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus are each equipped with eight parts. Cleaning them isn't challenging, but reassembling them takes time.

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.

• Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump — We love this highly-portable, wearable in-bra pump. But it struggled in our efficiency testing and was louder than the Elvie Stride, which cost it points with testers and prevented it from being a favorite, but it is budget-friendly and not the worst performer.
• Medela Harmony with Flex — This manual pump struggled to keep up with our preferred manual choice of the Lanoish, which is more efficient and quieter.
• Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow — While it is a well-known brand, this version of the Medela couldn't match the efficiency and comfort of the Spectra pumps.
• Haakaa — If you need passive collection for leaking while breastfeeding or otherwise, the Haakaa could be the right fit, but it isn't effective or comfortable.

How to Pick the Best Breast Pump

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. I did not like the pump my sister swore by, and wish I'd bought a different model.

Pick a Type

Most breast pumps are either manual or electric. Each type has pros, cons, and costs to consider. We'll explore both to help you determine which best meets your needs. Sometimes, a combination is the most practical approach.

Manual Pumps

Manual breast pumps require you to do the work and only express one breast at a time. They work by using a flange and a lever that you squeeze and release to create suction. Manual pumps are handy for travel, quick engorgement relief, or to address leaks. They are inexpensive, easy to use, clean, and transport.

Electric Pumps

Electric pumps use an electric motor. Some are wearable and allow for untethered and hands-free pumping thanks to rechargeable batteries. They come in single (one breast) or double (both breasts simultaneously) versions. Most pumps easily convert a double pump into a single. Electric pumps are practical and efficient. This efficiency helps maintain a good milk supply and saves time. Investing in a double electric pump is a good idea if you need to pump frequently, especially if you're a working mom or exclusively feeding your baby using a bottle.

Home or Away

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.

How Often

Daily expression arguably requires a high-quality, double electric pump. This allows regular pumping without a hiccup and multiple settings to find the right one with the most effective and comfortable setting.

Conclusion

Selecting the best breast pump for you is a personal journey influenced by budget and unique needs. Between our breast pump selection, test results, and detailed information, I believe you can find the perfect pump. By streamlining the pump selection process and making it stress-free, you can return to caring for your baby.