The 4 Best Breast Pumps

Best Overall Breast Pump

Spectra S1 Plus

The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice among breastfeeding moms for a good reason. Whether it is top marks in our testing or user reviews online, everyone can agree this is a comfortable and efficient pump for most moms. We 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 necessary.

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

This pump has a strong, adjustable suction featuring 12 suction levels and different speeds. Our tests showed a 270 mmHg suction, expressing more milk in less time than competitors like the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow, which measured 150 mmHG. Our tester remarked, “I was impressed with the efficiency performance for both rounds.” It pumped 0.55 ounces of milk per minute during testing. The average was closer to 0.26 oz/min. This pump comes assembled with a useful manual. Our lactating mother said, “I love how quickly I could fill a bottle using the Spectra S1.” Its closed system design prevents tubing condensation and microbial growth, keeping the motor in good shape and breastmilk uncontaminated. You can pump without disturbing your baby or partner with a relatively quiet operation (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, Gena, stated, “The S1 is more substantial; while it is great sitting there, I am not a fan of carrying it.” If weight is a concern, wearable like the Baby Buddha and the Elvie Stride, weighed closer to 0.8 lbs in our tests. 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.

Read more: Spectra S1 Plus review

Best Budget-friendly Breast Pump

Baby Buddha

The Baby Buddha is well-liked for its compact and lightweight design, which allows you to stash it in your purse or diaper bag. 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 a better-than-average comfort performance, many lactating parents felt it was for regular use without pain.

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 Buddha has a strong suction of 290 mmHg in our tests, with 14 customizable settings. This gives you a greater chance of finding the right combination for personal comfort. Our tests showed an average expression of 0.45 oz/min. Compared to the Elvie Stride, another wearable that only expressed 0.12 oz/min. Our lactating tester, Veronica, noted, “I wasn't rushing to pump again after being engorged.” The rechargeable battery has one hour of pumping and can be used while charging. It includes a pump lanyard, a carry tote, detachable tubes, collection bottles, and 24mm comfortable silicone-lined flanges. 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 find 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 and a pressure test result of 270 mmHG. 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 was more obvious than a vibrating phone alert.” It also only measures time in minutes. Considering that some competitors don't measure the time, this is better than nothing. Overall, the Baby Buddha pump delivers a solid performance at a budget-friendly price.

Read more: Baby Buddha review

Favorite Wearable Breast Pump

Elvie Stride

The Elvie Stride has gained attention for its standout feature of being a wearable design that fits inside your bra. This allows for hands-free pumping in a lightweight unit that measured 0.8 lbs in our tests. One user even wore it to a long bike race!

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 pump is extremely quiet, with a decibel reading of “LO,” providing a discreet pumping experience. A similar wearable, the Momcozy S9, had a reading of 40 dB in our tests. Our tester noted, “The Elvie was really quiet; I could barely hear it over the ambient office sounds.” It offers 2 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 to press a button.

Some users felt it was uncomfortable for their body shape. Our lactating tester 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 in our tests showing an average of 0.12 ounces of milk per minute. The Baby Buddha expressed 0.45 oz/min on average. The Elvie can also be pricier. However, the Elvie Stride offers convenience and customization, which may be attractive for those seeking a hands-free pump.

Read more: Elvie Stride review

Best Manual Breast Pump

Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is a budget-friendly, straightforward pump that's best suited for occasional use. It's particularly handy if you don't require an electric pump regularly but need one for situations like dealing with plugged ducts or engorgement. Once your baby transitions to eating more solids and has fewer nursing sessions, this manual pump can relieve discomfort during longer breaks between feedings.

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

It has a two-mode operation, offering both letdown and expression modes. The kit includes a 5 oz storage bottle with a stand 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 during our testing. It had a pressure reading of 200 mmHG in our tests, while the Medela Harmony (another manual pump) had a reading of 240 mmHG.

Manual pumps might be physically demanding for users with physical limits. 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. It boasts a pressuring reading of 270 mmHG, expressing 0.55 oz/min in our tests. Overall, the Lansinoh is excellent for a silent manual pump. It is a helpful tool 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

Notable: Passive Letdown Collection Container

Haakaa Gen 1

The Haakaa Gen 1 is not an award winner, but it is an option we think fills a niche many women might not know about. Since it isn't like a traditional breast pump, it didn't perform well in testing. But it can still be a useful tool and inventive solution for passive breast milk collection. Made from soft silicone, it attaches to your breast and works with one long suction pull.

Measured Suction	n/a
Measured Milk/Min i	0.19 oz
Suction Settings	1
Power Source	Manual
Available Flange Sizes	30mm

This option works well for moms with a strong letdown and issues with leaking while nursing. In our tests, it expressed 0.19 oz/min, with a high of 4 oz over 20-minutes. It's also a valuable addition for those who can easily hand-express breast milk. It's a breeze to clean with only 1 part, and many moms appreciate collecting extra milk. Our lactating tester remarked, “I thought it was great for helping capture milk I'd otherwise lose.” It is easy to use away from home with a silent operation, a weight of 0.2 lbs in our tests, and no need for electricity.

The Haakaa can loosen if it isn't attached well or your baby kicks it, which might result in spilled milk. Most users report the suction keeps it in place most of the time. Our testers said, “I don't think the Haaka is great for bigger breasts, as it struggled to stay put.” Other users had trouble coordinating it with a breastfeeding baby. While it might require some trial and error, most felt that mastering the Haaka was worth the effort. Overall, we think this affordable device is great for abundant milk production or for those interested in passively collecting milk while nursing.

Read more: Haakaa Gen 1 review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	79	Spectra S1 Plus Best Overall Breast Pump	$216
	72	Baby Buddha Best Budget-friendly Breast Pump	$190
	67	Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump Best Manual Breast Pump	$33
	65	Spectra S2 Plus	$172
	64	Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump	$120
	58	Elvie Stride Favorite Wearable Breast Pump	$270
	57	Medela Harmony with Flex	$42
	55	BellaBaby Double Electric Breast Pump	$80
	55	Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow	$261
	51	Haakaa Gen 1 Notable: Passive Letdown Collection Container	$23

How We Test Breast Pumps

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 combined our hands-on and lab testing findings to create a complete picture of each breast pump's strengths, weaknesses, and pumping performance.

Our testing of breast pumps is most heavily weighted on Efficiency and Comfort as we believe these factors impact your satisfaction with a breast pump more than the others. Our complete set of 5 test metrics and their weighting include:

• Efficiency (35% of overall weighting)
• Comfort (25% weighting)
• Ease of Use (15% weighting)
• Portability (15% weighting)
• Hygiene (10% weighting)

Our exhaustive and detailed testing process provides you with the critical information needed to make a well-informed decision. We meticulously examined various metrics and completed more than 25 individual tests per breast pump. With test results and breastfeeding mom input, we score and rank products to award our top picks.

We tested multiple types of breast pumps, including:

• Double electric pumps — The most common type of pump
• Portable/Wearable — A double electric pump you can wear for easier use while doing other tasks.
• Manual — Single-sided, simple hand pump for occasional pumping to relieve engorgement or prevent leaking
• Passive collection — Passive collection device that creates soft suction to collect milk from one breast while you pump or feed your baby with the other breast.

Why Trust GearLab

Our breast pump review at BabyGearLab is led by Dr. Juliet Spurrier, our founder and mom-in-chief. As a mother of two, Dr. Spurrier combines her personal experiences as a breast pump user with her impressive 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 Senior Review Editors Wendy Schmitz and Molly Bradac. Wendy is a mother of two who breastfed her children and used multiple pumps while navigating the challenges of being a working mother and maintaining a milk supply. Spoiler alert… she still struggled (it's normal).

Molly holds 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

To shape our recommendations, we considered test results, personal experience, and lactating user feedback. We also included advice from lactating professionals and medical doctors like our own founder, Juliet Spurrier, MD. Our comprehensive assessment of the breast pump competition 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, we believe the best value is a quality pump that consistently 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. The Baby Buddha is a wearable, efficient, 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. If you anticipate pumping only occasionally, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump will do. It is an effective way to express breast milk without breaking the bank.

Breast Pump Efficiency

Efficiency focuses on how many ounces of milk a pump can express. While every mom's milk production varies, some pumps are stronger and more consistent, resulting in more and faster milk expression.

Efficiency

Product	Bottle	Breast	Pressure
Spectra S1 Plus	9.5	9.0	10.0
Spectra S2 Plus	5.3	9.0	10.0
Baby Buddha	7.9	8.0	8.0
Lansinoh Manual	5.3	5.0	7.0
BellaBaby Double	3.1	7.0	7.0
Momcozy S9	4.2	5.0	7.0
Medela Pump in Style	4.8	7.0	2.0
Medela Harmony Flex	3.1	5.0	5.0
Elvie Stride	3.0	6.0	2.0
Haakaa Gen 1	4.0	3.0	1.0

You want an efficient pump to keep your pumping time to as short as possible. To assess efficiency, we conducted tests to evaluate each breast pump's milk expression performance and suction strength.

Bottle Efficiency

To ensure consistent and equitable evaluations, we used the Emulait bottle with medium flow for all in-use laboratory pump tests. Our objective was to measure how many ounces each pump could express within 20 minutes. We conducted multiple tests, taking the average of the results.

Finding a pump that can work well and express a significant amount of milk in a short period of time is the name of the game. Whether a lactating mom finds this experience a minor inconvenience of time or a big downer, efficiency is key when caring for an infant. So, the most milk in the shortest time period is the goal.

The Spectra S1 Plus was an impressive performer during testing, producing an average of 0.55 ounces per minute. In just over 10 minutes, it reached the 5.5-ounce mark, one of the highest results in the group. 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 in our bottle test, and lactating users also struggled, indicating it isn't ideal for all breast shapes and sizes.

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is the top-performing manual pump with an average of 0.28 ounces per minute, performing better than the lowest electric pump. While it lags behind some electric options in terms of speed and efficiency, and you can only pump one side at a time, it performed well. In our tests, the Haakaa collected a significant amount of milk with its passive letdown system. While it doesn't score well in this sub-metric, we were satisfied, given the small effort and that it isn't actually a pump.

Lactating Mother Efficency

We also gave lactating mothers all of the pumps to test hands-on and provide efficiency feedback. While all mothers' milk production and pumping are different depending on the time of day, demand, and more, we thought it was important to use the machines in the real world. Because the lactating testers used all of the pumps, it offers a side-by-side comparison that can potentially translate to your expected experience.

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 with the manual pumps at the bottom.

Pressure Guage Testing

In addition to our in-use pump tests, we used a Medela Vacuum Gauge to measure the negative pressure generated by each product. These measurements were taken while running each pump at its highest settings. This test objectively compares pumps and evaluates performance relative to each other.

The Spectra S1 Plus produced a 270 mmHg reading, which matched the manufacturer's claim. The same is true for the Spectra S2 Plus. The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow produced 160 mmHg, which is far below the manufacturer's claim of 295 mmHg. The Elvie Stride produced 170 mmHg, which is below the manufacturer's claim of 300 mmHg.

Every mom's anatomy and milk supply will vary, so finding the right suction strength and levels that work best for you is essential. Also, a woman's breast milk output is directly related to the supply and demand cycle. Every mom produces different amounts of milk, and it's important not to get discouraged regardless of where you fall on this spectrum.

Overall Efficiency

Overall efficiency results combine the test results from our bottle test, lactating tester feedback, and the measured pressure test.

The most efficient pump overall is the Spectra S1 Plus. This unit offers impressive pressure performance in our tests with a reading of 270 mmHG. It expressed up to 5.5 ounces in a 20-minute session and was a favorite amongst lactating mothers. The worst performer was the Elvie Stride, with a disappointing expression result of 0.12 ounces per minute and a high of 2.6 ounces in 20 minutes, with a pressure gauge test result of 170 mmHG, which was one of the lowest in our tests.

Comfort

When evaluating breast pumps, comfort closely follows efficiency as a crucial consideration. Let's be honest. Pumping can be far from a relaxing experience, and it comes with a learning curve (sometimes a steep one). You aren't likely to do it if it hurts or makes you want to cry. It doesn't have to hurt to work, and pain is an indicator that something isn't right.

Comfort

Product	Fit	Suction Adjust	Flange	User Experience
Spectra S1 Plus	8.0	8.0	5.0	9.0
Momcozy S9	6.0	6.0	9.0	9.0
Spectra S2 Plus	8.0	8.0	5.0	9.0
BellaBaby Double	6.0	9.0	7.0	7.0
Baby Buddha	6.0	8.0	7.0	6.0
Medela Pump in Style	5.0	7.0	7.0	8.0
Elvie Stride	5.5	6.0	6.0	8.0
Lansinoh Manual	8.0	4.0	7.0	4.0
Medela Harmony Flex	5.0	4.0	7.0	6.0
Haakaa Gen 1	1.0	1.0	9.0	7.0

Several factors contribute to this comfort aspect, including the material of the flange (the cone-shaped part that covers the breast), the availability of multiple flange sizes (because every boob is different), and the presence of adjustable suction and pump settings to help you find a comfortable but efficient setting.

Every mom's unique anatomy and sensitivity play a role in the comfort equation. Therefore, our goal with this metric 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

A workhorse pump should be tolerable and relatively comfortable for those pumping regularly to establish a milk supply. It shouldn't cause discomfort or pain during or after use.

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 right can lead to discomfort, pain, chafing, bleeding, or even infection. Problems pumping can lead to problems breastfeeding if you aren't careful. 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 were the Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus. This is somewhat surprising because the flanges are plastic and not softer silicone. However, they offer 24mm and 28mm flanges in the box, and you can purchase 20 mm and 32 mm. 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. It is a one size fits most, and our testers felt it was more of a one size fits a few. The flange is stiff, and it didn't latch well, which caused pinching.

Suction Adjustability

Having lower levels of suction or various suction patterns can make pumping more comfortable and sometimes more efficient. Those with more possible suction settings earned higher scores for this sub-metric.

The Bellababy Double Electric Breast Pump has 4 different modes and 9 suction levels. While it has a lot of potential, our users found it somewhat frustrating to find the right combination. Both Spectra pumps and the Baby Buddha come in second, with 2 modes and 14 settings for the Buddha, and 5 speeds at 12 different power levels for the Spectras.

Overall Comfort

A workhorse pump should be relatively comfortable when pumping regularly to establish or bank a good milk supply. It shouldn't cause discomfort or pain during or after use.

Both the Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus earned top marks as the most comfortable pumps. While the breast flanges are plastic (we typically prefer silicone), they fit well without pinch points, and the pumps have a wide range of power levels and speed cycles, incorporating modes for massage and expression. This allows you to adjust and customize your pumping. Our lactating tester moms noted that the Spectras most closely mimic the natural feel of a breastfeeding baby.

The Haakaa Gen 1 ranks low in the comfort metric. While its cushy silicone material might initially seem like it would be comfortable, it didn't check all the boxes we seek in the comfort department. Its one-size-fits-all 30mm flange might not work for all breast shapes and sizes, which many users reported. Also, as a passive milk collection system, it lacks the versatility to fine-tune suction strength and cycle speed. But if your nipples need a break from the repetitive suction and regular pumping, this could be useful occasionally.

The Medela Harmony with Flex also falls short for comfort. The pump features a single 24mm flange, and our search for alternative flange sizes on the manufacturer's website proved fruitless. Being a manual pump, it requires a fair bit of effort, and the handle design wasn't the most hand-friendly. It felt flimsy, and the spinning handle feature didn't help. Alternatively, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump earns a slightly higher score as it comes in two flange sizes with silicone rims, which boosts comfort and helps maintain suction. While manual pumps have their place in the pumping world, they require more effort, making pumping sessions less relaxing compared to electric pumping.

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	9.6	7.8
Baby Buddha	7.9	6.9
Spectra S2 Plus	6.8	7.8
BellaBaby Double	4.5	7.4
Lansinoh Manual	5.7	5.9
Momcozy S9	5.0	6.6
Medela Pump in Style	4.3	6.3
Elvie Stride	3.1	6.0
Medela Harmony Flex	3.8	4.9
Haakaa Gen 1	3.2	2.4

The goal would be to consider both attributes and find the most efficient option that is comfortable for you. Pumping can already feel like a chore, but it shouldn't be painful, and it shouldn't take forever. The Spectra S1 Plus is one of the most comfortable and efficient, so theoretically, you should be able to pump more milk in less time as comfortably as possible. Alternatively, the Baby Bella Double Electric might be relatively comfortable, but it doesn't seem to be very efficient in our tests, which could lead to longer times stuck to the machine.

Ease of Use

When you rely on a breast pump, having one that's effortless to use is crucial. You want something you can get started swiftly and be done with quickly. We examined the pump's interface and features, running various tests to gauge its user-friendliness. Simple and straightforward use is nice as long as it doesn't come at the expense of usefulness.

Ease of Use

Product	Interface	Features
Baby Buddha	7.0	9.0
Elvie Stride	9.0	7.0
Spectra S1 Plus	8.0	8.0
Spectra S2 Plus	8.0	8.0
Medela Harmony Flex	9.0	6.0
Lansinoh Manual	9.0	5.0
Medela Pump in Style	5.0	9.0
Momcozy S9	7.0	5.0
Haakaa Gen 1	9.0	1.0
BellaBaby Double	4.5	4.0

We preferred those with obvious icons and clear settings that are easy to duplicate during each session when you find the best setting for you. While bells and whistles can be fun, like a nightlight or carry bag, they don't do anything to help easily manage pumping. The goal would be to find the pump that offers the features you need in a way that is easy to utilize.

Both Spectra pumps rank highly with a screen that provides feedback on your setting, time, and more. You also don't need to cycle through the settings if you bypass yours; you can go back instead. Plus, they remember your setting for next time! The Baby Buddha is also a standout for ease of use. While its interface isn't our favorite, with lots of scrolling, it does have useful features like a timer, carry bag, and a way to store pumped milk.

Overall Ease of Use

The manual pumps in our review, 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 learning curve that comes with feature-packed electric pumps. However, neither will be the right choice for regular and consistent pumping of any real volume.

The Haakaa Gen 1 doesn't come with instructions, but it's relatively straightforward. Simply place it with one squeeze and proper placement, and you can relax while passive letdown does the work. This all-in-one design is incredibly simple to use since it has no interface, no assembly, and nothing to plug in.

The Elvie Stride is another notable contender in this metric. It only has a few intuitive buttons and the accompanying app is user-friendly, serving as a virtual screen, allowing you to keep track of time, set levels, and monitor milk volume. The app enhances the user experience, but without it, there's limited data collection. We appreciate that you can change the power level without cycling through the multiple settings. The user manual includes easy-to-follow instructions and detailed images. Unfortunately, avoiding messes with the Elvie is tricky, and some parts lack a firm connection or a sense of security in their design.

Conversely, the BellaBaby Double Electric Breast Pump is the group's most convoluted. It could have been a straightforward system, but it is needlessly complex. The buttons are finicky and lack intuitiveness, the screen's sensitivity changes, and you must cycle through the power levels (which can be uncomfortable) to return to lower settings. Last, the user manual is confusing, lacking explanations for the power levels and offering no guidance or troubleshooting support.

Portability

Portability is an important factor if you're considering using your pump at work or during travel. We considered the pump's weight, number of accessories, and size to determine how convenient it would be to carry the kit around.

Portability

Product	General	Weight & Size	Acoustics
Haakaa Gen 1	10.0	10.0	10.0
Elvie Stride	9.0	8.0	9.0
Medela Harmony Flex	9.0	9.0	8.0
Momcozy S9	9.0	7.0	8.0
Baby Buddha	8.0	8.0	4.0
Lansinoh Manual	9.0	9.0	2.0
Medela Pump in Style	7.0	5.0	4.0
Spectra S1 Plus	6.0	3.0	7.0
BellaBaby Double	7.0	6.0	2.0
Spectra S2 Plus	2.0	3.0	7.0

We also included information on whether it needs a power source and how loud it is when pumping, as these factors can limit when and where you can pump.

There's a new trend in breast pumps toward mobility with hands-free pumping and rechargeable batteries. The Momcozy S9 Wearable Breast Pump and Elvie Stride fit this trend. These pumps fit inside your bra, allowing you to move around while pumping. They offer convenience for working moms on the move who can't sit to pump. The Elvie Stride is remarkably quiet, has tubes, and can be easily clipped to clothing or a fanny pack. On the other hand, the Momcozy is tube-free, and while slightly louder, the noise difference is minimal. Both are easy to transport. 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.

Thanks to its lanyard, the Baby Buddha is also hands-free. However, some users find the system to be clunky, given the dangling bottles and tubes. Although it is hands-free, you need to pay attention to avoid tangles when multitasking during pumping sessions, and you'll need a pumping bra to hold the collection bottles in place. We think these are minor trade-offs for the added convenience of hands-free pumping. It is important to note that while it is hands-free, it is not discrete like the Elvie or Momcozy.

The Spectra S2 Plus didn't score well in this metric. Although it shares a similar size and shape with its sibling, the Spectra S2 Plus relies on an outlet for power, while the Spectra S1 Plus comes with a rechargeable battery offering up to three hours of cordless operation. This distinction can be a determining factor for those who require an away-from-home pump where an outlet might not be in the pumping area.

Acoustics

During our portability assessment, we specifically evaluated the noise levels at the maximum suction for each pump because loud pumping sounds can hinder the relaxation that's helpful to milk production. We also considered whether there were any unusual or strange noises coming from the pumps. While extra noise at work may deter interruptions during a pumping session, it can be problematic when pumping in bed next to your partner. In general, quieter breast pumps are preferable; we think you'll likely agree.

The Haakaa Gen 1 earns a top spot in this submetric due to its silent operation, primarily attributed to its no-motor design. The Elvie Stride also stands out for its remarkably quiet operation, and it's even quieter than the Spectra breast pumps. During testing, it had a low vibrating sound that resembles a gentle “shhh,” but it's so quiet and unobtrusive that louder background noises can easily mask it. We definitely think it offers a quiet and discreet pumping experience.

The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow had more noise-related observations during usage. It produced a thumping noise along with a rattle. The noise level of most electric breast pumps can fluctuate depending on the suction intensity and cycle speed, and for the Medela Pump in Style, the pump's highest sound reading was measured at 59 dB. This noise level is equivalent to the sound level of a conversation, moderate rainfall, or a refrigerator's hum. While not obnoxious, it's certainly noticeable and one of the louder options in our review. While the Baby Buddha and BellaBaby Double Electric Breast Pump didn't have any unusual or abnormal noises during operation, both were noticeably louder than the others.

Both of the Spectra contenders are relatively quiet in operation and emit a noise similar to a purring cat, with a noticeable click at the end of the suction motion. It's low-pitched and not disruptive; some may consider it white noise. Our measurements show that the noise level falls within the 44 dB range during testing. Most people should be able to use these pumps without disturbing others, whether watching TV or being near someone napping.

Overall Portability

Keeping it simple makes a pump uber portable, but keep in mind that it can limit how and when you pump, and going non-electric can reduce your milk production due to a lack of demand.

The Haakaa Gen 1 earned the highest score for portability due to its minimal, incredibly light design. It was followed by the manual pump contenders, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump, and Medela Harmony with Flex. These options have fewer, easy-to-carry parts and are relatively quiet during operation. The Elvie Stride is a winner for electric pumps, but it could be more of a hassle than you want if you don't need to move while pumping. If you can sit and spend 20 minutes pumping in a comfortable space, then the Baby Buddha would be a go-to as it is battery operated, comes with a carry bag, is fairly quiet, and weighs less than a pound. That said, if you mostly pump at home, the Spectra S1 Plus is super efficient and has a rechargeable battery, so your session could potentially be shorter and not require an outlet.

Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene is essential when using a breast pump, as it directly impacts the cleanliness of the milk you provide for your baby. When we evaluated hygiene, we considered a few things. First, for each pump, we checked how many parts required cleaning. Second, we looked at the accessibility of the parts and whether common tools, like a baby bottle brush, help the process. If parts are dishwasher-safe, we consider that beneficial as it streamlines the cleaning process. We also checked if the pump is an open or closed system. We strongly recommend a closed system because it's designed to prevent contaminants from entering the tubing, which connects to the motor. This can create a risk for germs or bacteria to grow.

In our review, most of the contenders fall within the average range when it comes to hygiene. This is mainly because they have closed systems and share similar cleaning methods. Only a select few slightly outperform the group but for different reasons.

The Haakaa Gen 1 has an open system, and the silicone material can attract hair and lint, but compared to the competition, it's the absolute easiest pump to clean. You won't find a breast pump with fewer parts to manage and clean. Its one-part, all-in-one design is as straightforward as possible and requires nothing more than a standard bottle brush.

The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump has a closed system, a handful of parts to clean, and it's also dishwasher-safe for added convenience. The pump's components are accessible, especially the wide-mouth bottles, which can be scrubbed using a bottle brush to remove milk residue. In the realm of breast pumps.

The Spectra S1 Plus and Spectra S2 Plus are equipped with more parts, totaling eight each, which is more than most competitors. Cleaning these parts isn't particularly challenging, but the most significant factor to consider is the time-consuming process of reassembling the system. The greater number of parts makes the reassembly more demanding in both time and attention than those with streamlined designs.

The Medela Harmony with Flex also has several pump parts, and this posed a challenge when it came to reassembly. It was somewhat more burdensome for a manual pump, and we consider it to have the same level of effort comparable to that of an electric pump. Also, the small o-rings used in this pump are easy to misplace, and without them, the pump doesn't function properly. We think this reduces the pump's overall user-friendliness in the hygiene department.

How to Pick the Best Breast Pump

Choosing the right breast pump can be a challenging decision; there are so many brands and styles! Even if your seasoned friends swear by their favorites, it's essential to recognize that your pumping journey may differ from theirs. Finding the one that suits your needs can help in your breastfeeding or breastmilk efforts.

Pick a Type

Breast pumps fall into two main categories: manual and electric. Each type has its own pros, cons, and costs to consider. In the following sections, we will explore both types to help you determine which one best meets your unique requirements. Sometimes, a combination of both might be the most practical approach.

Manual Pumps

Manual breast pumps require the user 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. These pumps are great for times when a mom doesn't need to pump very often. Once a mom's milk supply is well-established, manual pumps can be handy for travel, quick relief from engorgement, or to address temporary leaks. They are less expensive than electric pumps and are easy to carry around because they're small and lightweight. You can take them in your purse when you're going out. A top-notch manual pump should make the expression process easy and efficient.

Electric Pumps

Electric breast pumps operate using a motor that's powered by electricity. Some electric pumps offer innovative designs with rechargeable batteries, allowing you to move while pumping. They are available in single (pumping one breast at a time) or double (pumping both breasts simultaneously) versions. If you ever need to pump only one breast, most pumps can easily convert a double pump into a single by closing off one of the suction ports where the tubing attaches. Electric pumps are generally best known for their power and consistent pumping rhythm, making them more effective and efficient than manual pumps. This efficiency helps maintain a good milk supply and saves time. If you find yourself needing to pump frequently, especially if you're a working mom or exclusively feeding your baby with expressed breast milk, investing in a double electric pump is a good idea.

Home or Away

Pumping away from home regularly is probably best completed using an electric pump as it is fast and easy to do multiple times a day without much effort. However, if you need a quick manual expression for relief, then an electric pump might be overkill. Alternatively, pumping at home with a manual option can be exhausting if you hope to get a significant amount of milk.

How Often

The daily expression really requires a high-quality electric pump. This allows for regular pumping without a hiccup and multiple settings to find the right one with the most effective suction.

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, we 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. We believe there is something for every lactating person who wants to collect and potentially store that liquid gold.