The 5 Best Breast Pumps, Tested and Reviewed by Nursing Moms
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our team of independent product testers, a survey of over 300 new and expectant parents from The Bump community and advice from a lactation consultant, we chose the Pumpables SuperGenie as the overall best electric breast pump. This pump stood out for its powerful suction, outstanding comfort and amazing commitment to the perfect flange fit.
As a breastfeeding mom who’s tested 14 breast pumps over the past year, I can honestly say that finding the right pump can change your life (seriously!). No matter your feeding journey, pumping comes in handy in various ways. It not only allows you to collect breast milk when you’re separated from your little one, but it also helps nursing moms keep up their milk supply. Some moms even elect to exclusively pump because of latch issues, oversupply or personal preference. Pumping also lets you build up a milk stash to freeze and store, which will come in handy if you’re returning to work or traveling solo.
When picking out a breast pump, Stacey Fink, IBCLC, a certified lactation consultant, suggests that you should first “consider your lifestyle along with your breastfeeding goals.” Plus, keep in mind that your needs may even change from child to child—my pumping needs dramatically changed from my first baby to my second. I primarily pumped with my older son due to his difficulty latching, whereas with my littlest one, I nursed much more frequently. Even my nipple sensitivity changed between children. Thankfully, I’m a mama of two who’s tested and evaluated the top breast pumps on the market to help you make the right choice. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks for every mama, including this year’s Best of The Bump winners, as well as what to consider before shopping.
This article includes recommendations for standard electric breast pumps. If you’re looking for a wearable or manual option, check out our dedicated articles where we’ve tested the best wearable and hands-free breast pumps and best manual breast pumps.
The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify the leading breast pumps on the market. From there:
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I (along with the help of independent product testers) personally tested several electric breast pumps over the course of two months, and at various times of the day to adequately and consistently compare each pump. Milk supply is highest in the morning and dips in the evening, so I made sure I compared, for instance, my 9 a.m. pumping session with one pump to my 9 a.m. session with another pump.
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We surveyed over 300 new and expectant parents in The Bump community for additional insight on the ins and outs of specific breast pumps.
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We interviewed a lactation consultant to better understand safety considerations and essential features to keep in mind as you shop for and use a breast pump.
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To see how these pumps worked for a variety of parents, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what nursing moms value in a breast pump.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best electric breast pump
- High power paired with ultimate comfort
- Comes with a measuring tool and virtual fitting room
- App lets you record pumps and access community pump programs
- Fold-down handle with built-in nightlight
- Pumping time took about five minutes longer than usual
If you are a mom-to-be or a new mother, you’ve likely seen the hype for Pumpables breast pumps. They’re all over Instagram and Facebook, to say nothing of parents’ forums. And while the social media marketing is top-notch, once you actually use the SuperGenie Breast Pump, its quality speaks for itself. With a hospital-grade suction level of 330 mmHg, this is the most powerful pump I tested, and my milk output did not disappoint. But while the SuperGenie is powerful, it’s also comfortable. I don’t say this lightly; over the past year I’ve tested 14 different breast pumps for The Bump, and the Pumpables SuperGenie is one of the most—if not the most—comfortable pump I’ve ever used. This impressive combination of effectiveness and comfort earned the Pumpables SuperGenie this year’s Best of The Bump award for overall best breast pump. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)
What’s unique about SuperGenie is their commitment to providing a proper fit, which is everything when it comes to breast pumps. If the flange is the wrong size, pumping can be a painful experience. As Fink warns, “the ‘standard’ 24 millimeter flanges that come with most breast pumps are the incorrect size for the majority of pumping moms—most women should be using a smaller flange.” But Pumpables offers six size options (15, 17, 19, 21, 25 and 29 millimeters) for a precise and comfortable fit.
While the pump can be purchased on its own (and is compatible with most flange kits), I really feel it’s worth it to spend the extra money on their liquid shield kit, which can be added to any pump purchase in your exact size. The kit comes with a silicone flange that is one continuous, moldable piece comprising the shield and the duckbill valve; therefore, there are no seams that can cause chafing or irritation. Sold alone, the liquid shield kit is $60; when added to a pump purchase, it’s 50 percent off at only $30. And if you’re not sure of your perfect size, Pumpables offers a free printable measuring tool and a virtual fitting room to ensure the most comfortable and productive fit.
On top of that, this battery-powered breast pump is so well designed. Not only is it pretty, but it's functional. It has a handle for carrying the pump around the house, if need be—which, as a mom of two, is a necessity for me! Plus, it has a light under the handle that’s perfect for nighttime pumping sessions. In all honesty, I can't think of a single improvement that could be made to the design—it’s beautiful, sleek and easy to use, in part thanks to the corresponding app (one of this pump’s coolest features!). It syncs with the pump (easily, I might add) via Bluetooth to let you control the pump settings and record your pumping sessions. Not only that, but you can even try pumping programs that other moms love via the app. How cool!
I have only one complaint: Where was the Pumpables SuperGenie when I had my first child?
Dimensions: 7.8” (L) x 6.4” (W) x 2.8” (H) | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Milk capacity: 4 oz. per bottle
Our product tester says:
“With most other pumps I've tested, I can’t reach the maximum speed without wincing. With SuperGenie, I can go all the way up without any discomfort. The flange fit me perfectly due to the expert sizing tool.”
Our community says:
I like that the Pumpables pump comes with silicone lined flanges—they call it their liquid shield kit. I have very elastic tissue and silicone inserts or flanges are so much more comfortable for me. – night_nurse, The Bump forum member
Best quiet electric breast pump
- Very quiet
- 4-hour battery life
- Minimal parts to clean and assemble
- Pumping took slightly longer than with other pumps
When my first child was born, I had the loudest electric breast pump—I just didn’t know any better! Four years have passed since then, and I’ve gotten wiser. A breast pump should make your life easier, and a pump that wakes your child up from their nap is not achieving that goal. After testing many of the top breast pumps on the market, I can tell you that the Motif Medical Luna Double Electric Breast Pump is one of the quietest pumps out there, and the clear Best of The Bump winner for best quiet breast pump. The manufacturer claims that the pump’s “quiet <40-decibel hum won’t wake your baby,” and after trying it in my home, I can tell you that it wholly lives up to that promise—I pumped right beside my napping baby and he didn’t stir at all—and he’s a light sleeper! Not only is the Luna ultra-quiet, but its soft hum didn’t get any louder when I adjusted it to a higher setting, unlike most other electric breast pumps.
At under $200 for the battery-operated version of this pump, I was so impressed with the quality you get for the money. It's extremely lightweight, and compact enough to carry around (or out of) the house; I took it to my parent's house right in the diaper bag. Of course, when I'm using a battery-powered device, a long-lasting battery is important to me, and Luna’s longevity didn’t disappoint. The battery lasted several pumping sessions and charged up in less than three hours. I even love the look of this breast pump—it has clean lines and a nice pop of Medical Motif's signature seafoam color. The Motif Medical Luna not only delivers on its promise of low noise levels, it keeps delivering on every other front.
Dimensions: 9.2" (L) x 7.7" (W) x 9.6"(H) | Weight: 2.4 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle
Our product tester said:
“This pump creates minimal noise. /[…] My baby napped during one of my test pumps and he was not the least bit disturbed as I pumped.”
Our community says:
It's comfortable, quiet and empties well. – Tori, The Bump survey respondent
Best easy-to-use electric breast pump
- Easy to operate and clean
- Quick, effective pumping
- Built-in bottle holders
- Clear, comprehensive instructions
- Not as comfortable as some other options
Dr. Brown’s is a household name and trusted brand for feeding babies, so it’s no surprise that their electric breast pump made our Best of The Bump lineup. While assembling this breast pump took a little longer, it was so easy to use and clean. (If you've ever used one of their baby bottles, you know this is classic Dr. Brown’s—easy to use, but lots of pieces!) The instruction packet was outstanding; between a list of FAQs and tips for expressing milk, I felt like I got a full education on pumping. Between the extensive instruction manual, the simple and straightforward controls and easy-to-clean parts, Dr. Brown’s Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump is our standout winner for best easy-to-use breast pump.
The design of the Customflow is geared toward functionality. One of my favorite features is the stretch silicone wall, which wraps around the pump base to secure bottles of milk once you've finished pumping (ensuring absolutely no spills!) I love that this piece is removable, so I can really clean out the base where the bottles sit—no old milk stains here.
The Customflow gives you a choice of two modes (letdown and expression), with adjustable suction and cycle in each mode. The controls are simple and intuitive, like a basic TV remote: one button to switch modes, and + and - buttons to adjust the levels. This electric breast pump is uncomplicated, but still yields my typical two and a half to three ounces of milk per session. And I love that it comes with simple adapters that screw on so you can pump directly into wider neck bottles if you prefer. And when you're done pumping, the Customflow remembers your preferred vacuum level so you don't have to fiddle with it every time you sit down.
Dimensions: 12.8" (L) x 8.7" (W) x 10.5" (H) | Weight: 2 lbs. | Milk capacity: 4 oz. per bottle
Our product tester says:
“I would definitely recommend this pump. The price, ease of use and strength are really important to me, and I know other moms would value these features as well.”
Best budget-friendly electric breast pump
- Affordable price tag
- Comes with flanges in three different sizes
- Can pump directly into Lansinoh bags
- Our product tester felt the pump was noisy
Let’s face it: Top-rated breast pumps typically aren’t cheap. Even when I obtained my pumps through my insurance with each of my children, there was always an additional fee for the pumps I selected. Not to mention that add-ons like extra pumping bottles, storage lids and flanges come at an additional cost. But the Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0, our Best of The Bump winner for best affordable breast pump, is packed with everything (and we mean everything) you need to begin pumping, all for under $130. It includes three different sizes of flanges (most other pumps come with just one), four Lansinoh bottles, a bottle nipple and cover, multiple valves and connection tubes—and even a cooler for breast milk storage. Our product tester Samantha, a mom of a 1-month-old, gave this electric breast pump a 10 out of 10 score for value for money, telling us, “With the amount that comes in the box, I think it's a great value. You really get a lot of bang for your buck.”
Rest assured, the cheap price tag on this pump doesn’t mean you’re getting cheap quality. Samantha was thrilled to share that she pumped more milk than she expected in a shorter time than with other pumps she’s used, and gave it a 10 out of 10 for quality, describing it as a pump that will “hold up for longer periods of time.” She loved how “cute and small” the pump was and how it came in its own black carrying case that was so discreet that you “wouldn't know that a breast pump is [inside].” While she commented that the pump could be noisy, its ease of use, quality, rechargeable battery and (of course) value make it a standout option for pumping mamas.
Dimensions: 6.5" x 6" x 2.8" | Weight: 2.8 lbs. | Milk capacity: 5 oz. per bottle
Our product tester says:
“I really love how it comes with its own carrier, extra bottles, and the amount of flanges included in different sizes is amazing; no need to order anything separate.”
Best portable breast pump
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Comes with a carry bag
- Powerful suction with 21 comfort settings
- Cross-brand component compatibility
- Letdown took longer than with other electric breast pumps
- Not as comfortable as some breast pumps I’ve tried
I’ve tested many breast pumps in my four years of motherhood, and BabyBuddha 2.0 ticks all the boxes: effective, compact, user-friendly, compatible with other brands’ pump components and (drumroll, please) hospital-grade! And that’s not even the best part—this portable electric breast pump is smaller than my iPhone but still able to hit 315 mmHg of suction, making it a powerhouse pump you can keep in a drawstring carrying bag, or even hang from a lanyard around your neck. The BabyBuddha 2.0 is the undeniable Best of The Bump winner for best portable breast pump.
You might be wondering, what differentiates BabyBuddha 2.0 from the original? Additional suction settings—21, to be exact! While the original BabyBuddha is known for its “long pull,” which stimulates a strong letdown and increases pumping efficiency, with the BabyBuddha 2.0 moms can opt out of the long pull if it's too much. The manufacturer added “soft stimulation mode” settings, which not only help mimic baby’s suction pattern to help increase mom’s supply, but also optimize comfort. As someone who appreciates power in a breast pump, but gets uncomfortable when the pump is a little too intense, I love that BabyBuddha listened to their customers' feedback and made changes to provide a more pleasant pumping experience.
A nice little extra touch: I really liked the trackball control you can use to move through the available settings and adjust the suction strength. You can navigate the settings by simply scrolling through with your thumb! And if you want to make the leap from portable to fully hands-free, BabyBuddha sells in-bra collection cups to make things even easier.
Dimensions: 2" (L) x 5" (W) x 1.5" (H) | Weight: 6.8 oz. | **Milk capacity: 4.4 oz. per bottle
Our product tester says:
“I love the design of this pump—it almost looks like a smaller iPhone. It's compact and portable, yet powerful. I absolutely love that it came with a carrying bag and that everything can be comfortably taken with you on the go.”
Breast Pumps Comparison Chart
Overall best electric breast pump | Best quiet electric breast pump | Best easy-to-use electric breast pump | Best budget-friendly electric breast pump | Best portable breast pump | ||
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Overall Best Pumpables SuperGenie Breast Pump | Motif Medical Luna Double Electric Breast Pump | Dr. Brown’s Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump | Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 | BabyBuddha 2.0 | ||
Price | $$$ | $$ | $ | $ | $$ | |
Weight | 2.4 lbs. | 2 lbs. | 2 lbs. | 2.8 lbs. | 6.8oz | |
Milk capacity | 4 oz. per bottle | 5 oz. per bottle | 4 oz. per bottle | 5 oz. per bottle | 4.4 oz. per bottle | |
Max suction | 330 mmHg | 280 mmHg | 230 mmHg | 280 mmHg | 315 mmHg | |
Closed system | ||||||
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Since the first at-home electric breast pump debuted in the United States in 1991, nursing moms have been able to take more control of their schedules. And while all breast pumps promise to do the same thing—retrieve your milk—not all pumps are equal when it comes to meeting moms’ specific requirements.
Determining the best breast pump for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, and it’s important to weigh them all before making a selection. According to Fink, you should start by thinking about how and when you see pumping playing a part in your feeding journey. “How frequently do you anticipate pumping? Will you be an exclusive pumper? Someone who pumps while working outside of the home, but nurses while with your baby? Or will you be a ‘date night’ or occasional pumper, expressing breast milk on an ‘as needed’ basis?” Fink says. “All of these factors—and more—come into play when guiding you in selecting a pump to best suit your needs.” A powerful hospital-grade pump might be a good option for parents looking to increase milk supply or those who can’t nurse their child due to medical reasons. Or, if you’re someone who travels often or has a long daily commute, a battery-powered pump, which is wireless and tends to be lighter, might be a convenient option.
Once you’ve determined how you plan to pump, other details to consider are affordability (including whether or not your insurance covers your breast pump), convenience and portability (especially important for working moms), features (from timers to apps and more) and the pump’s overall effectiveness.
“Every woman is different and therefore may be seeking different things,” Fink says. “I’d encourage you to make a list of your ‘must haves’ or top priorities and select a pump that best meets your requirements.” And you may find your must-haves change. I pumped consistently in the early months to establish my supply with both boys, but with my second baby, I pumped only when I wasn’t home or to build up a stash of milk for when I began feeding him solid foods.
Fink also suggests that women pay special attention to a breast pump’s flange size, which is critical for effective and comfortable pumping sessions. Some breast pumps come equipped with multiple flange sizes, and a session with an international board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help determine what flange size is the best fit for you and your body.
But even if you’ve found a breast pump that fits right and checks all of your boxes, pumping can still require some trial and error to find your perfect match. “Every woman’s body is unique and can respond differently to the various types of pumps,” Fink says. “You may find you need to experiment with a few styles and brands.”
The best breast pump, though, is “the one that works best for you, you feel most comfortable with and best supports you on your breastfeeding journey,” Fink says.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a journalist and storyteller from New York. She approaches her craft with the intention of making women feel less alone in motherhood. Carpenter’s favorite job is being a mama of two little boys: her toddler, Cole, and baby, Rylan. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, she has a rich professional background in product development and a full-blown obsession with products that make life easier and more fun! Carpenter has an eye for quality and experience, having managed all steps of the product supply chain from inception to delivery. Her writing has been published in Motherscope, The Kindred Voice, and Mantra Wellness, among others.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Stacey Fink, BSN, RN, IBCLC, is a board-certified lactation consultant, registered nurse and owner of Lactation Express based in New Jersey.
The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 new parents from among The Bump community, and asked what breast pumps they used and what they liked and disliked about them.
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