A good breast pump can make the pumping process faster, easier, and more comfortable so those early morning or mid-workday sessions are less disruptive and frustrating.
After researching 31 breast pumps and putting 13 to the test for five months, we’ve identified standouts that suit multiple pumping styles and needs. Our recommendations include the double electric Spectra S1 Plus, a mainstay that has been our top-pick pump since 2018, as well as a manual pump and more portable electric options.
In recent years, companies have debuted a variety of “wearables”—pumps designed to allow you to pump discreetly on the go. Such models tend to be both more expensive and more polarizing than traditional pumps, as some people find that they don’t work as well. We’ve concluded that the best in this category are the Elvie Pump and the more budget-friendly Willow Go, and we’ve made both of them our picks in our separate guide to wearable breast pumps.
If you’re new to pumping, we offer a primer on breast pump parts and perspective to help you sort through the many options.
Our pick
Spectra S1 Plus
This quiet, compact pump has a rechargeable battery and separate modes for suction strength and suction speed, making it more customizable and easier to use than competitors.
Spectra S2 Plus
If plugging in is no problem, you could save money and weight with the Spectra S2 Plus, which is the same pump but without a rechargeable battery.
After five years of following conversations in online moms groups, we’ve concluded that a clear majority of people who have used double electric pumps from multiple brands prefer Spectra’s pump over competing models. In our own testing, we found that the Spectra S1 Plus extracts milk as effectively as any other breast pump and is also significantly quieter and easier to use than other top double electric pumps. With separate modes for suction strength and suction speed, it’s also more customizable than competitors. The plug-in-only Spectra S2 Plus works just as well.
Upgrade pick
Spectra SG Portable
This sleek, compact pump is more portable than the Spectra S1 or S2, plus it allows you to control the suction on each side independently.
The Spectra SG Portable is just as powerful and easy to use as our top pick but offers the added advantage of dual motors so you can control the suction on each side independently. It’s also half the weight of our top pick (just 1.5 pounds versus 3.3 for the Spectra S1) and much more compact and portable. The color scheme—white with gold trim—makes this pump feel far more sophisticated than the baby blue and pink used on the S1 and S2. At close to twice the price, though, this model commands a big premium for those particular benefits.
Also great
BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump
This compact pump is notably easy to move around with—and quick to extract your milk, once you adjust to its unique expression cycle.
The powerful and effective suction of the BabyBuddha Portable Breast Pump has earned it a devoted following among exclusive pumpers. Compared with the Spectra S1, the BabyBuddha pump has a longer, more intense pull pattern in its expression mode—this suction may be too strong for some people and takes some getting used to. And though it’s more portable than our other picks in this guide, the 1-pound BabyBuddha is not a true wearable pump since it requires the use of a pumping bra to hold its traditionally shaped flanges in place, while its control unit and tubing hang from the neck via a lanyard. See our guide to the best wearable breast pumps to explore true wearable options.
Our pick
Medela Harmony
With a smooth, swiveling handle, the Medela Harmony is easier to grip and squeeze repeatedly than other manual models.
The Medela Harmony is as effective (sometimes even more so) at extracting milk as any other manual pump we’ve tried. It’s the only manual pump we’ve tested that has a swiveling handle. We found that this design makes the Harmony more comfortable to use over longer or more frequent pumping sessions, because you can use it from whichever hand position feels best—or change hand positions frequently. It’s widely available, with easy-to-find replacement parts and accessories.
Also great
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
When you’re nursing (or pumping) on one breast, this silicone vessel catches letdown from the opposite breast, saving milk that would otherwise go to waste.
When suction on one breast—from a nursing baby or a pump—triggers a letdown, the release of milk from the other breast, the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump collects it well. This simple, lightweight, sock-shaped device works by suction. You squeeze the bell-shaped collection vessel, position the shield over the nipple, and then release the base. Many people find that the Haakaa device holds itself in place, hands-free. The milk collects in the bell below, after which you can easily pour it into another container.
