The Best Breast Pumps (If You Nurse, Exclusively Pump or All of the Above)

Pros:

• Numerous settings for customized suction and speed
• Rechargeable battery for wireless pumping
• 46% of Babylist parents voted for this as their favorite breast pump

Cons:

• Bulky, heavy
• Takes some trial and error to find your ideal setting

Packed full of features and with almost half of the 6,000+ Babylist users who completed our Best Baby Products survey voting it as their favorite pump, the Spectra S1 Plus easily rises to the top of our list as the best breast pump. It’s also the pump I used multiple times a day (and had great success with) for almost two years as a nursing mom.

The best feature of the S1 is the customization options. The digital controls let you adjust the pump’s speed and suction settings, offering multiple levels of each so you can mix and match to maximize both comfort and output. I found this feature invaluable. There was a learning curve (this “Getting Started” explainer from Spectra will help you figure out which settings to try first), but it was absolutely worth it and made my pumping sessions efficient and comfortable. “The pumps that most people do well with and can really bring out the milk are a little bit more complicated,” says Dixon. “But they will set you up for success because you’ll be able to find the settings your body will respond best to.”

The rechargeable battery, which lasts up to three hours and allows you to pump cord-free, is indispensable. “Always, always choose the [pump with a] rechargeable option,” says Dixon, so you won’t be stuck in one place, “which can lead to negative feelings about pumping.” I couldn’t agree more; I exclusively pumped for my first son with a wired breast pump and felt like I was tethered to an outlet for hours each day.

The S1 also delivers big power with less noise than many comparable pumps. (The brand says the decibel level about equals the hush of a library, a comparison I’d say is accurate.) I loved the thoughtful extras, like how the pump remembers your precise settings from your last session and automatically reverts to those the next time you turn it on. I found the pump timer and the nightlight for late-night sessions helpful, too.

If you’re deciding between the Spectra S1 or S2 Plus, know that the main differences are price tag (the S2 is cheaper) and portability—the S2 doesn’t have a rechargeable battery so you’ll need to be plugged in while pumping. And the S2 is half a pound lighter than the S1.

Real Parent Reviews

“I loved everything about this pump! As an exclusive pumper, this was a must. [It has] a rechargeable battery, making it easy to move around or bring to work. I was even able to pump in the car on my commute home easily. The light built into the handle was perfect for pumping in the dark or low light settings while baby was being fed. Also easy to adjust settings.” — Kate

“Very quiet and portable; lots of different settings. Only comes with 1 flange size so make sure you get one that works. Can pump straight into Philips Avent bottles and Lansinoh storage bags.” — Amanda

“The pump is awesome in every way. I breastfeed normally so I don’t use it all the time, but I love it. The battery rocks, I use it once or twice a day for 30 mins and only charge it like twice a month? So it would probably go for a few days if you exclusively pump. It also remembers your pump settings which is cool but could mess you up if you have a boob that’s more sensitive. Cleaning the parts are a breeze. I like the little nightlight and it has two settings: dim and super bright and if you turn off the pump the light turns off. You don’t have to cycle thru the extra bright setting which might wake up baby. The pump also shuts off after 30 minutes. You’ll pass out pumping probably more than once. I’m keeping this and hopefully can use it for my next baby too.” — Jessica

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Affordable
• Soft silicone breast shields
• Can pump directly into any Dr. Brown’s bottles
• Memory setting lets you save your pumping customizations

Cons:

• Loud
• Weaker motor than some more expensive electric pumps
• No rechargeable battery; must be plugged in to pump

Cost can be a deciding factor if you’re paying out of pocket for your breast pump. The Dr. Brown’s Customflow is an impressive double electric pump priced at a fraction of many similar breast pumps.

The Customflow features two modes, let-down and expression, with multiple settings in each mode to help you find the right custom combo for you. (Let-down is the physiological reflex that causes milk to be released from the breast when a baby latches and begins to suck. Breast pumps with this feature mimic the sucking pattern and strength of a baby to trigger this reflex and get milk flowing at the start of a pumping session.) Like the Spectra S1, a memory setting remembers your preferences so you don’t have to reset the pump each time.

Another noteworthy feature of this pump is the flanges. They’re made from silicone, which some pumpers say is more comfortable than hard plastic. (I find it’s a matter of personal preference. I’ve tried both and prefer plastic, but many of my pumping friends much prefer silicone.) I also like that you can pump directly into Dr. Brown’s bottles, the brand that the most Babylist parents named their favorite in our annual survey.

If you’re comparison shopping, know that there are some big differences between this pump and a more expensive model like the Spectra S1. The Customflow is noticeably louder when in use. It’s not rechargeable, so you’ll always need to be plugged into an outlet while pumping. The motor is not as powerful. (A breast pump’s suction level is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. The Spectra S1’s suction level is 260 mmHg; the Customflow is 230 mmHg.) And there’s no carry handle. For some pumpers, these may be dealbreakers, but for others, not so much—it usually comes down to personal preference and specific pumping needs.

Real Parent Reviews

“For milk collection, this pump is comparable to my other one (Ameda Mya Joy). I collected roughly the same amount of milk from both pumps. There’s a little bit of a learning curve to using the pump since there’s several features and suction levels, but it wasn’t overly difficult to figure out. Size-wise, this pump is a decent size. The amount of parts on this pump is a bit inconvenient. One thing I wish this pump had is a handle. The side compartments are super convenient and easy to use, but I feel with all the pump parts in the compartments, a handle would make it much easier to move everything. Overall, not a bad pump, and it does the job without compromising the amount of milk pumped.” — CAmom

“I love this pump. It’s a little noisy so that’s why it gets 4 stars. I just throw a pillow over it and put a cloth diaper under it to quiet it down, if I’m pumping while the baby is sleeping.” — Bval

“This is one of 3 pumps that I have used since I started breastfeeding. I absolutely love that I can pump directly into Dr. Brown’s bottles, as that is what my son uses since he was in the NICU. The silicone flanges make a world of difference! The hard plastic ones I have hurt when massaging while pumping and working on get a duct unclogged, where the silicone ones there is no pain! It is the louder of the pumps that I have used, but not a significant difference where I feel like I need to talk louder.” — DaSquire12

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Hands-free and wireless
• More affordable than many similar wearables
• Not (too) bulky under clothing

Cons:

• 45º of mobility (milk spills out the top if you lean over too far)
• Reduced output for most pumpers as compared to a traditional double electric pump
• App has limited capabilities (no output tracking)

A wearable breast pump is a hands-free, completely portable pump you can wear right in your bra. With no cords or attachments, everything you need (even the motor) is built into the pump cups—no tubing, wires or milk collection bottles needed.

TL;DR on wearables: Most pumpers report they don’t get the same milk output with wearable pumps as they do with traditional breast pumps. Lactation experts will also caution against relying on a wearable pump as your primary breast pump. That’s because wearables fit and express milk differently than traditional double electric pumps, often leaving milk behind—and milk left behind “is going to tell your body that you don’t need it,” which can lead to decreased milk supply, says Spaeth. But results vary person-to-person and a wearable pump can be game-changing when you need to pump on the go. (Our Best Wearable Breast Pumps guide offers more information about wearables, their pros and cons and lactation consultants’ recommendations on how and when to use them.)

The Willow Go is my top pick for the best wearable breast pump. It’s more affordable than the original Willow and the Elvie by a few hundred dollars and, in my experience, easier to use and just as strong. “Amazing pumps. Absolutely made my pumping journey so much easier and has made it so that we are still going strong,” one Babylist pumper told us in our Best Baby Products survey. While I find there’s a learning curve with any wearable, I went from popping the Willow Go out of the box to pumping milk in under 10 minutes or so the first time I used it. Nipple alignment—which I struggled with when using other wearables in the past—was surprisingly easy. (Nipple alignment can be tough with wearables because, unlike when you’re pumping a traditional flange, you can’t see what you’re doing. And it’s important because properly aligned nipples equal a tight seal between you and the pump and ensure good suction for maximum milk output.)

I also liked the pump’s easy-to-operate controls. There are two modes, stimulation and expression, and nine different suction strengths, making it easy to find both a comfortable and efficient setting. Like many pumpers, I found I had to pump longer with the Go and got a few ounces less milk than with my primary pump (the Spectra S1). But as a secondary pump, it was clutch when I needed it. It was much more portable and perfect for when I needed to pump at a work event, on an airplane or in my car.

The Go uses reusable storage containers rather than disposable bags, something I prefer as it’s one less thing to purchase and creates less waste. (It is one more item to wash, though.) The pump comes with five-ounce containers, but you can purchase seven-ounce ones separately if you have a bigger supply. I got about five pumping sessions before needing to recharge the pump. There’s also a compatible app that allows you to operate the Go and track your pumping session time.

You can’t be quite as mobile with the Go as you can with some other wearable pumps—you’ll need to stay (mostly) upright while pumping, otherwise milk will leak out of the top of the cups. I didn’t find that to be an issue, but it’s something to consider. There are also five parts to clean per pump, which is time-consuming, although not all that different from the number of parts you’ll need to clean on some traditional breast pumps. And two of the lactation experts we spoke to cautioned that larger-breasted people may struggle more with wearables and fit.

Real Parent Reviews

“This pump is incredible! Having used what feels like every type of pump (both electric and manual, hands-free and not) on the market, the Willow Go pump has finally made me settle on one and put the rest into storage. I love that first and foremost, my output is the same as what I would typically get from a typical plug-in wall breast pump. The pull-and-release suction method works better for me, and I love that there are lots of suction levels/customization options (6 stim levels and 9 expression levels) and that I can toggle back and forth between stim/expression by the push of a button—AND!!! do it all without being hooked up to a wall. I’m a big fan of no single-use plastic bags in this model (better for the environment!) and even if it means that the pump isn’t fully 100% spill-proof, it still comes pretty close to it. I’ve found this pump quiet enough (and discreet enough) for zoom meetings, and also means that I can get up and go in the morning (and afternoon, and evening) and that I don’t have to spend hours each day immobile just to feed my kiddo breastmilk. Would highly recommend to any mom (future or existing) in the market for a breast pump!” — Victoria

“I’ve exclusively pumped for two babies and paid out of pocket for the Willow Go when it was released. Here are my thoughts after using it for 3+ months. Pros: Suction pattern is extremely similar to the Spectra, strong but not rough. The pump can remove/prevent clogs even when dropping pump sessions. Not heavy. Compact but holds up to 7oz. Easy to empty. Easy to clean. Cons: Parts are hard to find and expensive to replace. They do not last nearly as long as Willow recommends. Shipping is expensive…Milk will slosh out the air hole in the top, so you’re not fully worry-free mobile, but definitely close enough…All things considered, the Willow Go is a fantastic pump. There is no truly perfect pump, but if I had to recommend any pump, I will recommend this any time.” — Erin W.

“After a lot of events that happened post-birth, I ended up needing to build back my milk supply. It was really hard taking care of a newborn while stuck to a wall, so I ordered these in [an] attempt to allow myself to pump while caring for my daughter. It has tremendously helped me by allowing me the ability to pump while my hands are tied with her. Highly recommend if you’re on the go or need something just while busy with baby and can’t stay tied down to a plug.” — Bonnie

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Less than half the cost of other wearable pumps
• Double-seal flange design for snug fit
• Long battery life (5-6 pumping sessions)

Cons:

• Very bulky (not subtle under clothing)
• Can be tricky to reassemble after washing
• Some users experience inconsistent/unreliable suction and battery life

Many parents aren’t sure how a wearable pump will perform for them or how often they’ll use one. At less than half the cost of most wearables, the S12 from Momcozy is a good way to test the waters without breaking the budget. It’s also a good option if you know you’ll need a wearable but only on occasion. “I didn’t think it would be that great since it was so cheap and I had a crazy oversupply, but it was great to have when I would go to a hockey game or somewhere with my husband that would have me out of the house past ‘pumping time,’” one Babylist pumper told us. “I would pump in the car to or from wherever we went, [and] the Momcozy took just enough off the top that I was comfortable until we got home and I could use my regular pump.”

Unlike pricier wearables where the motor is built into the body of the pump, the motor on the S12 sits on the exterior of the cups. (It’s the square part on top of each cup.) It makes using these pumps less discreet but still provides the same ultra-convenient, hands-free pumping experience. The clear cups, even with the motor attached, are lightweight and slip right into your bra. They feature a double-sealed flange for a snug fit, which is important for proper suction. And there are three modes and nine suction levels and a run time of about one and a half hours.

If you’re comparing the S12 to other more expensive wearables, know that in addition to the S12 being less discreet, it’s also heavier. It holds less milk and is more prone to leaks. Some pumpers also report that the pump stops working properly (the most common complaints are that one of the motors starts to lose suction and that the battery is inconsistent), but that isn’t the case for all users.

Real Parent Reviews

“It comes [in] 24mm flange size but you need to order the other flange sizes separately. I did not know this until days after baby was born and you may not know accurate flange size until then so while using it leaked until I ordered different sizes. They are still kind of bulky, and sometimes get pushed around depending on the nursing bra but it’s better than sitting around or holding tubes. You cannot lounge back but that’s ok—I am truly hands-free and able to do dishes, sweep, work on computer, etc.” — Nia G.

“I had the traditional Spectra breast pump, but it was so cumbersome (even for a “portable” pump). Not having tubes or giant cones to hold in place was a game changer with Momcozy. I could pump ANYWHERE HANDS FREE. It also has 3 different modes so I could massage my nipples for a while before switching to expression mode effortlessly. The suction was just as powerful, if not more powerful than my Spectra.” — Babylist Best Baby Products survey feedback

“It’s okay to use once a day. It leaks A LOT and I wind up losing a lot of milk and need to change my clothes frequently.” — Brittany

“I love these pumps and have used them once a day, about 4 times a week, for the past month. About a week ago, I noticed the motors sounded weaker. Even on a full charge, they sound off and the suction isn’t as strong, even though I’ve turned it up. I’m really disappointed because I love the design of these. The silicon flange is much more comfortable than the hard plastic one I have for my “normal” pump and fits better. There’s little risk of spilling and the small hole that milk comes out of is great for filling the ice cube containers I use to pre-portion my freezer stash. So, if the motors didn’t seem to be dying after about a month of light use, I’d be giving these five stars!” — Rebekah Q.

Pros:

• Super compact (smaller than a smartphone) + high-powered motor
• Weighs just half a pound
• Includes silicone breast shield inserts for extra comfort

Cons:

• Loud
• New, lower suction settings still too powerful for some
• Short battery life

Initially fueled by social media buzz and now a well-known favorite among pumping parents, the BabyBuddha breast pump is revered for its power and portability. This pump is what’s known as a portable pump: a cross between a traditional electric breast pump and a wearable. It’s hands-free, but not cord-free—you’ll still need to run tubing from the pump to your flanges. But the motor is strong and the pump weighs just half a pound, so it’s small enough to wear around your neck or in your pocket. The portable hybrid design works well for someone who wants the convenience of a wearable pump but the strength of a traditional one. And unlike true wearables, you can use this pump as your primary breast pump if you’d like—the highest setting on the BabyBuddha exceeds that of the (much, much larger) Spectra.

This 2.0 model is the new and improved version of this popular pump. While the OG pump had a stimulation mode with five levels and an expression mode with nine, the 2.0 offers six levels of “soft” stimulation, six levels of classic and nine level so experession mode. These changes were made in response to many pumpers’ feedback that the original suction levels were too strong, myself included—I loved the portability of the BabyBuddha but found that even the lowest settings caused me too much discomfort. Several testers we spoke to noticed a big difference with the 2.0 version, most noting that the pump was now much more comfortable to use. (Some still found it too powerful, however.)

The brand touts the pump as being quiet, but we think it’s actually on the louder side when compared to many other pumps. Many pumpers also complain about a short battery life. And, while not condoned by the brand itself, there are tons of BabyBuddha hacks to help you figure out how to use your pump with other pump brands’ components. These hacks are useful if you have a particular brand or style of flange or collection cup that you love and you want to pair them with your BabyBuddha pump.

Real Babylist Reviews

“The ONE thing I wanted to change about the older version was to have a soft stimulation mode, and you really delivered!!! It’s PERFECT and exactly what we needed so that a lot more moms can use this pump. If you’ve heard the “oh man, baby Buddha is way too strong for me” or “oh that long pull will suck out your soul” go ahead and try the new soft Read more about review stating New & Improved is an understatementstimulation mode, it’s a total game changer for this pump!!” — Anna

“The pump is wonderful; it has replaced my spectra as my primary pump. Portable and an overall more comfortable experience. Very powerful. My one critique is that it was frustrating to have to purchase additional flanges in my size. Purchasers should be able to simply select the size flanges needed and that size should automatically come with purchRead more about review stating Great Pumpase of the product. I don’t know why pumps presume women use the 24mm size…” — Lauren

“Love this pump, it can be quite intense but I feel that it completely empties me every time!” — Savannah H.

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Compact & portable
• 100% wireless & tube-free
• Quiet

Cons:

• Can’t pump hands free
• Can get tiring
• May not yield as much as milk an electric pump

“I bought it in a pinch because I forgot to pack part of my electric pumps on a trip out of town. I’ve officially left my electric pump in the dust and will never look back,” is what one pumping mom had to say about this manual breast pump from Medela in our Best Baby Products survey. “[It’s] much more simple. I don’t have to worry about charging it, and it has much fewer parts to clean. Transferring the milk into bags is easier, quicker, and cleaner. It’s also easier to take on the go. I wish I’d bought it sooner.”

I agree. Manual pumps often get overshadowed in the tech-heavy world of breast pumps, but they’re invaluable to some pumpers. They’re straightforward, affordable, portable and they work—and you’ll never have to worry about finding an outlet or running out of battery. I’ve tried several different manual pumps and always come back to the Medela Harmony due to its comfort and effectiveness.

This pump is ideal if you’re an occasional pumper or for when you’re on the go and need to express a few ounces quickly and without the hassle or bulk of a full-size pump (think date night, a long car trip, etc.). Since it’s small, silent and doesn’t involve any cords, discreet pumping is pretty easy. Its angled design allows you to sit comfortably when you pump, ensuring milk flows naturally into the container. It even comes with a bottle stand to help prevent a spill. And yes, your hand will likely get tired, but if you’re only using it periodically it’s not a big deal.

Real Parent Reviews

“It’s great to have on hand when you may need a pump but can’t bring your electric pump or if you don’t plan to pump. I would recommend getting the help of a friend who’s used one before or a lactation counselor but it’s relatively easy to use and is a lifesaver to have on hand when you need it!” — Hayley

“I exclusively breastfed both of my babies but occasionally pumped to build a small a ‘just in case’ stash. I got a Spectra through insurance my first pregnancy but since I wasn’t pumping regularly, I never responded well to it and I found the learning curve frustrating and not worth the effort in my case. I’m so glad I tried this hand pump. I found it comfortable to use and I was always able to express a good amount of milk. I also like that I could pump directly into the bottles, mark them with a dry-erase marker and save for later (I had high lipase milk so I needed to prep it before freezing). There aren’t a ton of parts and it was easy enough to clean after using. It’s also small and came in handy a few times (for a quick all-day trip and then a multinight work trip) when I needed to relieve my boobs while I was away from my baby.” — Brie

Additional Specs

Pros:

• Completely silent & discreet (zero motor)
• Hands-free, tube-free & wireless
• Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

• Only holds up to 3 oz
• Not meant for regular pumping
• May not fit well on larger breasts

This breast pump is about as low maintenance as it gets. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this one-piece pump attaches to your breast and uses passive suction to collect milk—no hands (or power source) required.

Parents find this type of pump most useful during the first few months postpartum when their supply is still regulating and they’re looking to start building an extra milk supply. “I’ve stashed so much milk in the freezer just collecting what leaks out with these,” one Babylist pumping parent told us in our Best Baby Products survey. Many others said they used the pump to catch letdown on one side while their baby nursed on the other.

There are several other passive suction pumps on the market similar to this one, and most of them are great—but I love the Trove because of its unique shape. It sits right in your bra flush against your breast, so there are no worries that your baby will kick it off. It’s also streamlined and comfortable.

The one thing to keep in mind is, although it acts as a collection device, don’t forget that the Trove is a pump. (One with light suction, but a pump nonetheless.) That means that if you’re struggling with oversupply and using the Trove at every breastfeeding or pumping session, you’re actually encouraging your body to make more milk, which could become an oversupply issue down the road.

Real Parent Reviews

“I had a Hakka from my first baby and was always annoyed with it getting knocked while feeding the other side. Found these and the price was right to at least try it out. After a week of use, I had to buy a second. These fit in the bra so no accidental kicks (ouch) or spills. They are also way more gentle than Hakka but just as effective. Easy to clean with the Boon cactus tool set I already had.” — Allison H.

“I found this to be incredibly helpful and effective when I was just a few days to a few weeks postpartum. It’s simple to use and passive and I collected a decent amount of milk with it. However, once my milk was regulated I found I used it less and less so it’s not a long-term item for me (which makes it not necessary in my opinion). But since it’s pretty inexpensive and it was helpful in the early days I would still generally recommend it!” — Gabrielle B.

Additional Specs