Finding the best breast pump can leave you feeling like Goldilocks, constantly searching for the perfect fit. The trouble is that some pumps just won’t be right for you, even if they are right for someone else. What one mom finds comfortable can feel like a specially designed torture device to another. We’ve explored several pump brands and styles, read countless online reviews, and rounded up our top 6 for 2025. Whether you want a hands-free option, manual pump, one for larger breasts, or even one you can travel easily with, we’ve got you.
Top 6 Breast Pumps of 2025
1. Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
Both products are robust and can last for months or even a year, depending on your usage. They make quick and comfortable work out of pumping your breasts, and you won’t need earplugs when you operate this unit either – it’s extremely quiet. Both pumps are lightweight at just over 3 pounds. With the Spectra S1 or S2 pump, you can express milk one breast at a time or do both breasts at once. While some electric pumps are loud and attract attention, this one is quieter. The Spectra purrs like a kitten and feels so close to nursing your baby. I cannot recommend it enough. I used a different highly recommended pump for my first, and used the Spectra S2 for my second, and what a difference! So much more comfortable and effective. I only wish I had the S1 for the battery portability!
The pumps have a letdown mode that signals your breasts to release their milk supply. It also comes with a timer and a night light, which is a welcome addition for those 2 a.m. feedings! The S1 model can be operated with batteries or a power cord. Quiet, which makes for a more relaxed pumping experience. Expresses milk quickly and comfortably. Closed system ¡ª safe for multi-person use. The tubes fall off easily during pumping (which means they need to be replaced). The pump vibrates during usage.
- Pros: Quiet operation, lightweight, closed system, long battery life, night light.
- Cons: Tubes may detach, slight vibration during use.
- Price: Approx. $200
- Buy on Amazon
2. Elvie Stride Breast Pump
This is our Editor’s Choice of breast pump, and the favourite of our mom testers. It’s not the cheapest breast pump by a long shot, but, we think the price is worth it, with one mom even saying it was “life-changing” for her. Elvie calls this pump the smallest, quietest and smartest breast pump available to buy – and not only do they have the stats to back up that claim, but seeing is believing. Seriously, we can’t recommend this enough. It’s a total game-changer, and once you’ve used it, you won’t ever want to go back to any other electric or manual breast pump.
The Elvie Stride Plus is a hands-free breast pump designed for moms seeking powerful performance combined with convenience. With suction up to 280 mmHg and customizable suction and speed settings, this pump ensures effective milk expression with ease. Designed with comfort in mind, it includes breast shields in sizes 21 mm and 24 mm, with additional sizing options available. The Elvie Stride Plus also features a real-time tracking app, allowing you to monitor your sessions and stay on top of your pumping routine. With a battery life of up to three hours, a portable design, and easy-to-clean components, the Elvie Stride Plus is a top choice for moms who need efficiency and flexibility in their pumping routine.
- Pros: Hands-free, quiet, app connectivity, portable, comfortable fit.
- Cons: High price, may not suit all breast sizes without additional flanges.
- Price: Approx. $299 (Double)
- Buy on Amazon
3. Momcozy S12 Pro Wearable Breast Pump
This is why many What to Expect moms voted the Momcozy S12 Pro as the Best Wearable Breast Pump in the 2024 Mom Must-Have Awards and 2024 Feeding Awards. At less than $150, this portable device packs the power of a hospital grade pump with an impressive suction strength of 300 mmHg. It also has three expression modes ¡ª stimulation, expression, and mixed ¡ª and nine intensity levels, so you can customize the experience to mimic your baby’s sucking rhythm. But what moms really love about the Momcozy S12 is the comfort. The pump has a unique double-sealed flange, which acts as a cushion and gets rid of that pinch feeling many moms experience. “I’ve been using the Momcozy S12 for a few months now, and I’m truly impressed by how this compact device holds its own against larger pumps,” Holly Crocker, an exclusive pumping mom of two, writes in her review of the Momcozy S12.
- Pros: Affordable, powerful suction, comfortable flange, multiple modes.
- Cons: Battery life may not match claims, less discreet than some wearables.
- Price: Approx. $140
- Buy on Amazon
4. Willow Go Wearable Breast Pump
The best wearable breast pump is the Willow Go. Parenting writer Sara Gaynes Levy tested the Go and seven other wearable breast pumps to find the best options for everyone, including those pumping at work. “I felt very comfortable moving around and washing bottles, brushing my teeth, or making dinner with it on.” The reusable cups are easy to see while you pump, so you can check your progress as breast milk fills the pump, and the pieces are large and can be easily cleaned or popped into the dishwasher. The Willow Go comes with 21-mm and 24-mm flanges; if you need a smaller size, you’ll have to purchase a shield. The included guide makes it simple to figure out if the sizes included will work for you. Each side of the pump has an opening at the top to pour breast milk out of, so don’t bend over while wearing this pump, and make sure you have milk storage (like a baby bottle or milk freezer bag) ready for when your pump session is over.
- Pros: Hands-free, easy to clean, comfortable for multitasking.
- Cons: Risk of spillage if bending over, additional flanges may be needed.
- Price: Approx. $350
- Buy on Amazon
5. Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced model has many features that make it a good investment. Plus, for women with large chests and bigger than average nipples, the nice thing is that you can separately buy extra-large breast shields to make this pump work. The pump connects to a handy app called My Medela. You can track your pumping sessions so you never forget that day’s progress. The 2-Phase Expression technology mimics babies’ natural sucking rhythms so it’s more comfortable and effective for you. The breast pump is super quiet, so not only can you use it while multitasking. You can use it next to your sleeping partner or baby, without disturbing anybody. Hands-free, and lightweight unit. Mimics the natural sucking rhythm of babies ¡ª more comfortable. Double pump system for more milk in less time. Easy to use and clean. The charge only lasts two hours, so it might need to be recharged a few times a day. The suction power could be better.
- Pros: Quiet, app connectivity, comfortable for larger breasts, easy to clean.
- Cons: Short battery life, suction could be stronger.
- Price: Approx. $250
- Buy on Amazon
6. Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
As recommended by experts like Tolman, manual pumps are perfect for quick sessions and portable use. The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump offers a simple, efficient solution for moms seeking occasional pumping or a reliable backup. This pump features flanges in 25 mm and 30.5 mm sizes, while the easy-express handle design reduces hand fatigue, allowing for a more comfortable pumping experience. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos, a registered dietitian and new mom, calls this a “game changer” that was a “pain-free way to build up a freezer supply of breast milk.” A manual pump can only be used on one breast at a time, and be prepared for some hand fatigue. But given its 70,000+ five-star Amazon reviews, the fact that it weighs less than a pound and is priced cheaper than a large takeout pizza, you may as well try it.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to use, no power source needed.
- Cons: Hand fatigue, single-breast pumping, slower than electric models.
- Price: Approx. $30
- Buy on Amazon
Comparison Table of the Best Breast Pumps
Model | Type | Suction (mmHg) | Battery Life | Price | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spectra S1 Plus | Double Electric | 270 | 3+ hours | $200 | Quiet, portable |
Elvie Stride | Wearable | 280 | 3 hours | $299 | Hands-free, app-connected |
Momcozy S12 Pro | Wearable | 300 | ~90 minutes | $140 | Affordable, comfortable |
Willow Go | Wearable | 280 | ~2 hours | $350 | Easy to clean |
Medela Pump In Style | Double Electric | 250 | 2 hours | $250 | App connectivity |
Lansinoh Manual | Manual | N/A | N/A | $30 | Lightweight, affordable |
Real-World Testing Scenarios
Spectra S1 Plus Testing
One of our lactating moms said, “I loved this pump, it was comfortable and pumped so quickly I was done in half the time as other pumps.” We recommend it to friends and family looking for an easy-to-use, effective, and quality pump. I pumped in my home office, at the breakfast table, in the car, on the bus, in an RV¡ªI even pumped at the crowded Austin City Limits Music Festival, right up near the stage during Benee’s set.
Elvie Stride Testing
Mother&Baby’s Features and Reviews Editor Samantha Ball testing out the Elvie Stride breast pump. “It comes with a number of different sized flanges along with a detailed guide on how to measure which is brilliant because other pumps I’ve used did not include different sized flanges and you really can’t get a great pumping output when it doesn’t fit correctly.”
Momcozy S12 Pro Testing
“I’ve been using the Momcozy S12 for a few months now, and I’m truly impressed by how this compact device holds its own against larger pumps,” Holly Crocker, an exclusive pumping mom of two, writes in her review of the Momcozy S12. She noted its ability to handle daily pumping sessions while multitasking at home.
Willow Go Testing
“I felt very comfortable moving around and washing bottles, brushing my teeth, or making dinner with it on.” The tester used it during commutes and at work, appreciating its discreet design but cautioning against bending over to avoid spills.
Medela Pump In Style Testing
“I really relied on my Pump in Style to get through a year of pumping while holding down a full-time job,” a veteran mom told us. “I could pump and clean up in two half-hour breaks because the machine was so reliable and the parts were so easy to clean.”
Lansinoh Manual Testing
A manual pump can only be used on one breast at a time, and be prepared for some hand fatigue. But given its 70,000+ five-star Amazon reviews, the fact that it weighs less than a pound and is priced cheaper than a large takeout pizza, you may as well try it. Testers found it ideal for occasional use during travel or power outages.
Buying Guide for Breast Pumps
Before you buy or hire a breast pump, the first things to consider are your reasons for expressing and how often you plan to pump. For many mums who are expressing less often or only on occasions to have some breast milk on hand, a personal electric pump or hand pump will be adequate. You will get the most benefit from a pump that closely matches your personal §ã§Ó§Ö§Õ§Ö§ß§Ú§ñ. To help you with your decision, we have rated your pump options based upon: the length of time you might need to use a pump, e.g. days or weeks … Short term – less than 4 weeks Long term – 4 weeks or more Occasional use – once a day or less Frequent use – more than once a day.
- Flange Size: The flange, sometimes called the breast shield, is the part of the pump that goes on your breast. The correct size is crucial to a good fit and seal. The wrong size can make pumping painful, damage your nipple, and decrease your milk output. Most pumps have a flange sizing guide, but if you’re unsure, ask a lactation consultant.
- Pump Type: In general, a “double electric pump is the best fit for most families,” says Rebekah Huppert, a certified lactation consultant at the Mayo Clinic. Wearable pumps are small pumps that fit inside your bra and allow you to move about freely. Once set up they are designed to be hands-free and discreet.
- Insurance Coverage: Yes. Most insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost of your breast pump. You can speak directly with your provider or ask your ob-gyn to guide you through options. You can also enlist the help of a third party site, such as Edgepark Breast Pumps to simplify the process.
- Hygiene: The parts of the breast pump that come into contact with your breasts or your breast milk should be sterilised to ensure that they are clean and free from germs and bacteria. The usual sterilising methods used are boiling water, microwave, steam, and cold-water sterilisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I pump?
Pump as often as your baby feeds, typically every 2-3 hours, to maintain supply. For occasional use, 1-2 times daily may suffice.
Only hospital-grade pumps like the Medela Symphony are safe for multiple users due to their closed system. Personal pumps should not be shared.
What’s the difference between manual and electric pumps?
Manual pumps are affordable and portable but require hand effort and are slower. Electric pumps are faster, often double-sided, and ideal for frequent use.
How do I choose the right flange size?
Measure your nipple diameter and select a flange where the nipple moves freely without rubbing or pulling in too much areola. Consult a lactation consultant if unsure.
Are wearable pumps as effective as traditional pumps?
Wearable pumps offer convenience but may extract less milk than double electric pumps. They’re best for multitasking or occasional use.
Conclusion
Choosing the right breast pump in 2025 depends on your lifestyle, budget, and pumping frequency. From the powerful Spectra S1 Plus to the hands-free Elvie Stride, each of our top 6 picks offers unique benefits. Use our buying guide and comparison table to find the perfect fit, and always prioritize flange size and hygiene for a comfortable experience. For more breastfeeding support, visit La Leche League International.