The Best Parent-Tested Breast Pumps That Lactation Consultants Also Love

Breast pumps may all work in relatively the same fashion—apply suction to the breast, express milk—but they are definitely not all the same. “Pumps have come a long way over the last few years,” says Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC, director of LC content and programming with The Lactation Network. They have become more specialized to the individual needs of the pumping parents. It is so much easier to find a pump that suits your lifestyle, existing milk supply, baby’s age, and how often you need to pump.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, hands-free option, a wearable option so you’re not tied to one place, a manual option to catch letdown, or a hospital-strength electric pump available through your insurance, we’re here to help you narrow down your choices. We spoke with lactation consultants and tested 31 different breast pumps at home, during meetings, and in the middle of the night to find the best ones to help you feed your baby. Our favorites are comfortable (comfort being relative to the world of breast pumps), helped increase our output, are easy to use, and convenient.

Our Favorites

• Best Hospital-Strength Electric Breast Pump: Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
• Best Portable Breast Pump: Spectra 9 Plus Portable Rechargeable Breast Pump
• Best Wearable Breast Pump: Elvie Stride Breast Pump
• Best Manual Breast Pump: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
• Best Open-System Breast Pump: Babyation The Pump

The Different Types of Breast Pumps

• Hospital-Strength Double Electric Breast Pumps: These use electricity to power the pump’s suction motor. Most have suction strengths between the high 200s and 350 mmHg (mmHg means millimeters of mercury, which is the standard unit for measuring vacuum pressure). Most must be plugged into a wall outlet.
• Portable Breast Pumps: An increasingly popular type of pump, these are lighter and have a rechargeable battery so you can use them away from an outlet. These typically have suction strengths in the 200s mmHg range. 
• Wearable Breast Pumps: These are placed inside a regular bra to allow for completely hands-free pumping. Some are entirely wireless, meaning the all parts of the pump are contained in one unit, while others have discreet wires that connect to a small, separate motor. Suction strengths tend to be in the 200s mmHg range. 
• Manual Breast Pumps: A manual pump has no electricity and is either hand-powered with a lever that you compress to create suction or through the use of a suction seal applied to the breast. 
• Open System Breast Pumps: Most pumps have a closed system, but a few are open system. This means there’s no barrier between the pump and the breast milk expressed, so the milk can flow into the tubing while pumping.

What Should I Know About Breast Pumps Before Buying One?

• How to use breast pumps safely
• What is a hospital-grade breast pump?
• Open vs. closed system breast pumps
• What kind of breast pump is available through insurance?
  
• When should I start pumping?
• Can I pump to increase my milk supply?

Best Hospital-Strength Electric Breast Pumps

Breast pumps labeled “hospital strength” or “hospital-grade” use electricity to power their suction motor, typically by plugging into a wall outlet. These are the strongest type of breast pump, typically boasting suction strengths in the 300s or upper 200s mmHg range. While higher suction strength is better for those establishing a milk supply, exclusively pumping, or who are away from their baby, highest doesn’t always mean best. Pressure that is too high may cause pain and hinder milk production.

Best Overall: Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump

Why We Like It

When we tested the Spectra S2, multiple members of our team agreed that this pump truly has it all, checking all our boxes. It’s quiet and relatively lightweight, and we appreciate that it’s a double pump with customizable settings, effective suction, a built-in timer, and a backlit screen that makes pumping at night (like at 2 a.m.) or in dimly lit spaces so much easier.

While the screen display has several buttons and can look intimidating at first, once you get the hang of the buttons—including a cycle button, light button, suction button, and power button—it is very simple to use. And because of all those options, we found that the machine pumped out more milk, more comfortably because it has a massage mode and can reach the high suction rate of 270mmHg. Like most of the pumps on this list, it also has a closed system, which means the milk goes straight from breast to bottle, and none of it gets into the tubes.

But Take Note

While the pump motor is pretty lightweight for a machine with this level of suction, it’s still large and needs to be plugged in, so it’s not convenient for carrying around or doing other tasks like walking. The parts also don’t break down into individual pieces, so if you plan on traveling with this pump, you’ll need a large bag to stash it all.

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric hospital-strength; closed system
• Portable: No
• Battery: None
• Weight: 3.3. Pounds
• Suction Strength: 270mmHg
• Accessories Included: Four flanges in two sizes (24 and 28 mm), power cord, two bottles, two duckbill valves, two backflow protectors, two tubes

Runner-Up for Best Overall: Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Think of the Spectra S1 Plus as the workhorse of breast pumps: it’s been around for a while and is more than capable of handling pumping ‘round the clock. You will get powerful and effective suction for reliable milk output (though not quite as powerful as the non-portable Spectra S2, according to our editors who have used both). As far as comfort goes, it’s on par with most double-electric pumps. 

The S1 is easy to operate, and though we were slightly annoyed by the fact that it doesn’t default to letdown mode when you first turn it on, you can save your favorite settings. It also comes with two different breast shield flange sizes. It’s not going to be covered by all health insurance plans (or may only be covered up to a certain amount, leaving you to pay the difference), but it’s considerably less expensive than many others that offer similar suction.

But Take Note

It’s a loud pump, and like the Spectra S2, the pump motor itself is bulky. You could technically hold the pump and carry it around or maybe even stick it in a backpack, but it’s not the best choice if you want to be mobile. The battery can hold its charge for several hours, though, and it will at least allow you to sit anywhere in a given room, rather than being tethered to the wall by an outlet. 

The Details

• Pump type: Double electric hospital-strength; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable with AC power cord
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Suction Strength: 270 mmHg
• Accessories included: Four flanges in two sizes (24 and 28 mm), two tubes, two duckbill valves, two backflow protectors, two wide-neck bottles

Most Affordable Double Electric Pump: Lansinoh Smartpump 3.0 Rechargeable Breast Pump

Why We Like It

When you buy the Lansinoh 3.0, you pretty much get everything you need to get started pumping: a cooler for transporting, nipples to feed your baby right from the included bottles, and three different size breast flanges. This is a huge advantage, because: most pumps only come with only two flange sizes and the right flange fit is crucial to getting a good suction and thus, better output. The 3.0 also comes with the very helpful feature of being able to pump directly into storage bags so you can stash your milk immediately (and with fewer accessories if you’re at work or on the go). And if you’re a high producer, you can buy larger bags so you don’t have to switch bags or bottles halfway through pumping, which is a big plus. 

First-time pumpers and veterans alike can lean into the “smart” part of this pump, the Lansinoh Baby app. You can use it to control the pump (adjusting mode and suction), track how much you’ve pumped, and also keep an account of your baby’s feeding schedule and diaper changes. 

And how about the most important feature, how well it actually pumps? 

Our editor who used this brand-new pump is a veteran pumper herself, and she was initially skeptical of it due to its considerable weight and apparent complexity. But after weeks of testing, she wound up preferring the Lansinoh above other pumps because of its efficient letdown mode, the secure fit of the flange, and the fact that its sucking strength isn’t uncomfortably strong but still quite effective.

But Take Note

If you’ve never used a breast pump before, the Lansinoh 3.0 might be a little visually overwhelming at first, because it comes with a lot of parts. However, each part is designed with a specific and helpful purpose, and when you take a closer look, you’ll see it’s color-coded to be quite user-friendly. For instance, the diaphragms are purple, and the duckbills an opaque, so you can distinguish them from each other, which makes assembly and clean-up easier as you move through your pumping journey. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric hospital strength; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable battery-powered or plug-in; power cord included
• Weight: 4.62 pounds
• Suction Strength: Not listed
• Accessories Included: Three breast flange sizes (25, 28, and 30.5 mm), pump motor, cooler, four bottles

Best Portable Breast Pumps

Portable electric breast pumps are lighter than most plug-in electric models. They are typically powered by rechargeable battery packs that you simply charge up and take on the go with you, though many also come with an AC adapter to plug them into the wall. These pumps are generally less powerful than those labeled “hospital-grade.—most portable breast pumps have suction strengths in the 200s mmHg range. 

Best Overall: Spectra 9 Plus Portable Rechargeable Breast Pump

Why We Like It

This breast pump requires a pumping bra to hold it in place if you want a hands-free experience, but it’s powered by a portable motor, which makes it useful for multitasking. You can tuck the motor in your bra, let it hang, stash it in a large pocket, or hold it (we do wish it came with a clip like the Elvie Stride.) And even with a streamlined and lightweight design, we gave this pump high marks for suction with 10 different levels. And at under $200, not only is this our best overall portable pump, it’s also the most affordable on our list. 

This double electric pump is also really easy to clean for a few different reasons. First, the silicone membrane on the pump flanges never actually comes into contact with your breast milk, so you don’t have to wash and sterilize them every single time you pump. Second, it’s a closed system, so you pump directly into bottles that attach right to the pump, meaning those tubes stay clean. Cleaning pump parts is one of the most onerous tasks of feeding babies without a closed system, so just having two parts to tackle comes as such a relief.

But Take Note

We did notice during testing that the suction improves when the motor is plugged in, rather than battery-powered and the motor was also a little too loud to use discreetly on a call. Additionally, it only comes with one flange size and no clip for the motor. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric battery-powered; closed system 
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable and AC power cord
• Weight: 0.5 pounds
• Suction Strength: 260 mmHg
• Accessories included: Two flanges (24 mm), two tubes, two duckbill valves, two backflow protectors, two wide-neck bottles

Easiest to Use: Medela Pump in Style

Why We Like It

Pumping on the go is easy with the Medela Pump in Style. This pick is a great option for parents who plan to take their breast pump to and from work every day because it’s compact and comes with all the carrying gear you could possibly need. For parents heading back to work full-time, it could also make for a great secondary pump to leave at work. 

The set includes a portable battery pack and a discreet purse-like shoulder bag that fits all the pump components and bottles perfectly. Best of all, unlike most other pumps, it comes with a cooler bag and an ice pack so you can keep your breast milk chilled even if you don’t have access to a refrigerator and ensure it stays cool on the ride home from work.

Medela has been a top name in breast pumps for decades, and this workhorse pump is a great example why. We appreciate the simple, straightforward design that promotes ease of use. The buttons are minimal and easy to understand, which is a boon for bleary-eyed new parents (and middle-of-the-night pump sessions). In our testing, milk output was comparable to our favorite pumps.

But Take Note

This pump doesn’t come with any exceptional functionality that would make it one of our top picks. It lacks some helpful features that other pumps have, such as a timer, dual controls, or a light, and it has only minimal settings and adjustability. We also found the flanges and collection bottle a little bulky and the pump a bit noisy. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric battery-powered; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable battery pack; AC power cord
• Weight: 1.18 pounds
• Suction Strength: 240 mmHg
• Accessories Included: Four storage bottles, four breast shields in two sizes (21 and 24 mm), two breast connectors with membranes, tubing, cooler, ice pack, carrying bag

Quietest Portable Pump: Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Given how quiet the Philips Avent Double Electric Breast Pump is, we would have no qualms about using it during a Zoom meeting (unless, perhaps, if we were leading the meeting or giving a presentation.) We were also very impressed by how tiny and light (just 3 pounds!) this pump is. 

You can easily fit the entire pump in a small bag—yet it’s still very durable. That means we have no worries about tossing it in our backpack or tote for a commute or longer trip. We also love the included belt that you can clip the pump motor to, allowing for mobile pumping, as well as the silicone inserts that make pumping super comfortable. 

Because this doesn’t feel as strong as other electric pumps we tested though, we recommend it as a portable travel option, not your main, everyday pump. It would be great if you have a long car commute and want to pump while you drive–just be sure to use a hands-free pumping bra.

But Take Note

One drawback we discovered during testing is that the battery doesn’t hold a charge as long as we need it to for a full day of pumping, so a recharge was necessary after about three pumping sessions. If you have access to an outlet, that shouldn’t be a problem.

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric battery-powered; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Lithium-ion batteries (included), 4-hour charge; AC power cord
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Suction Strength: 270 mmHg
• Accessories Included: Two pump bodies and caps, two flanges (30 mm), two bottles, two diaphragms, two valves, two tubes

Best Wearable Breast Pumps

Wearable breast pumps are those that are entirely hands-free and very discreet. They can be placed in a traditional bra and don’t require the purchase of a special pumping bra. Many are entirely wire-free, which means all the pump components are fully contained in one unit. Other wearable pumps have wires to connect to a small, separate motor. These typically have stronger suction than the fully contained models. Wearable pumps are great for when you need to get other things done while pumping, and most are quiet and discreet enough to use during a Zoom meeting or even some in-person work circumstances.

Best Overall: Elvie Stride Breast Pump

Why We Like It

When you hear “Elvie,” you probably think of the very popular cordless wearable Elvie (more on that one below), but the Elvie Stride is different—it’s still wearable, but it has two short tubes that connect the breast shields to the separate motor. The breast shields collect milk inside the cups that tuck into your shirt or bra, just like the original Elvie, but the connecting tubes go to an external motor that gives the Stride its increased pumping power. The reason that this pump is our top pick though, over its better-known counterpart, is because it has enough suction to classify as “hospital-grade”, which means more milk production in less time—a gift no nursing parent will take for granted. 

The motor is still wearable and battery-powered, so it can go anywhere as you hang it around your neck like a lanyard, tuck it in your pocket, or clip it to your bra or waistband. It’s difficult to see how much milk you’re actively pumping, but the connected app on your phone does monitor active milk levels, as well as your pumping history. You can also program the pump, turn it on and off, and switch between 20 different pumping modes through the app. We found the milk output to be just as good as with the other top pumps we tested. 

If you notice some retailers list Elvie Stride and others Elvie Stride Plus, the Plus comes with a carrying bag, wet bag, and insulated bag with an ice pack.

But Take Note

One tradeoff comes with the wearable cups: It can be tricky to pour the milk into new containers without spilling some of that liquid gold. Also, while the pump is rechargeable and includes USB-charging cords, it doesn’t come with a wall charger. 

Another small annoyance is that you do have to let the parts dry completely between sessions, or you won’t get a good seal.

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric wearable; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable battery, 3-hour charge; charging cable
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Suction Strength: 300 mmHg in single-cup set-up
• Accessories Included: Two cup fronts, two cup seals, two breast shields (24 mm), two caps, tube splitter, two short tubes (for the cups), one long tube (for the hub), clip, cover, two valves, two diaphragms

Best Wireless: Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump

Why We Like It

For some parents, the Elvie is essential to keep them pumping while doing everything else necessary to raise a child. The wearable pumps let you be completely hands-free and mobile because all of the parts, from milk collection to the battery to the motor, are built into each breast shell. We found this pump to be very intuitive to put together and use. We also love how discreet, durable, and lightweight it is. We even pumped at the movie theater, and no one else noticed. 

You can wear the Elvie to pump while feeding your baby, changing the baby, holding the baby, doing the laundry, cooking, or driving the car. Some of our editors were about to give up on pumping until finding this option. The pump automatically monitors your output and will stop when you reach its maximum capacity of 5 ounces per shell. Elvie’s customer service is also very responsive if you run into any issues with your pump.

But Take Note

The one caveat to consider with the Elvie is that some parents—especially those with larger breasts or nipples—may find the pump is not the best fit. Breast milk output does depend on a secure fit, so the output may vary for some people. The pump is also quite expensive, but if your other option is giving up pumping or breastfeeding, the cost may be worth it. Some insurance companies may even cover a portion of the cost.

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric wearable; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable, lasts 2.5 hours; charging cable included
• Weight: 7.9 ounces
• Suction Strength: 220 mmHg
• Accessories Included: Two hubs, four bottles, four breast shields in two sizes (24 and 28 mm), four valves, four spouts, four seals, four storage lids, four bra adjusters, two carry bags

Easiest to Use: Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Like the Elvie Stride, the Medela Freestyle is a wearable, portable hospital-grade pump that has outside tubes that connect to an external motor. In testing, setup was a breeze because of the three-part design for each side: First, you line up the membrane onto the breast shield, then you snap the breast shield into the cup. An audible “snap” into place lets you know the cup and shield are secure, and you’re ready to start pumping with no fear of spilled milk. Once you start pumping, the transparent cups let you confirm everything is working and see how much you’re getting out.

The ease of setup also translated into ease of use. One tester said it was her favorite of the four pumps she’s tried. The controls are super intuitive and the overall design was exceptional. The bottles have nice wide mouths. We also found it lightweight and comfortable. Our editor even forgot she was pumping while wearing it. One more “easy” score for us: You can sterilize the parts in a Medela microwave bag.

But Take Note

When we tested this pump, we did have some technical issues with the LCD monitor misfiring, and overall, we did find this pump to be too loud to comfortably pump discreetly during a Zoom meeting. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric wearable; closed system
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable; includes charging cable
• Weight: 2.29 pounds
• Suction Strength: 245 mmHg
• Accessories Included: One tube, two cups, two membranes, four breast shields in two sizes (21 and 24 mm)

Best Manual Pumps

Instead of an electric motor, manual breast pumps use either hand power via a lever you compress to create suction or a vacuum suction seal. These are a great option for when you need minor relief from an overfull breast, for situations when you don’t have access to an electric outlet or a rechargeable pump, or when an electric pump is too strong or painful (such as if you have mastitis). 

Best Overall: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

Why We Like It

You can’t get much simpler than this pump: it requires no charging, no electricity, and no special accessories other than your hand to control the suction. We loved that we could toss the Harmony in our luggage or bag for easy traveling, and the suction power is totally controlled by how hard and fast you press the handle. In fact, some of us who haven’t had luck with electric pumps have much better experiences with the complete control of a manual one. 

It’s also such a relief that you get everything you need to pump, right out of the box, including a 5-ounce bottle, lid, and 24 mm breast shield. It also comes with a stand, which is great to have while we prep a storage container for the milk or prepare to pump the other side. No spilled milk here!

But Take Note

Your hand will get tired after a full session of pumping—there’s no way around that—and, of course, there’s no option to hide it under your shirt or use it hands-free.

The Details

• Pump Type: Single manual suction
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: None
• Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Suction Strength: Not listed
• Accessories Included: 24 mm breast shield, bottle with lid, valve and membrane, connector, bottle stand

Most Affordable: Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Powered solely by suction, rather than a motor or manual pumping action, the Haakaa seals to your breast, then the vacuum action works its magic. We felt the Haakaa was best used at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey when you might have extra milk as your supply adjusts—you can easily pop it on one breast to collect the letdown while your baby nurses on the other side. This means none of that valuable milk goes to waste (especially if you freeze it for later), and it makes things considerably less messy. 

The single-piece pump collects up to 4 ounces of milk at a time. Because of its very low price point and the fact that the whole pump can be tossed right in the dishwasher (yes, you read that correctly!), it’s a great addition to your feeding journey. 

But Take Note

If you’re using it for full pumping, you might want to keep an eye on the seal to make sure it doesn’t come dislodged, because we found that can happen without really noticing. And though it’s completely silent, you can’t hide this device under a shirt if you want to be discreet.

The Details

• Pump Type: Single manual suction 
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: None
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Suction Strength: Not listed
• Accessories Included: Bundles available that include a stand and/or lid

Most Discreet Manual Pump: Elvie Curve Manual Wearable Breast Pump

Why We Like It

Most manual pumps are hand-powered or, in the case of the Haakaa, still shaped like a traditional pump flange-and-bottle combo, which makes the Elvie Curve’s wearable design that fits entirely in your bra so distinctly different. It can collect up to 4 ounces of milk in one session and you can adjust the level of suction. Testers appreciate the simple, minimalist design. We can simply attach it to our breasts and then go about our day. Its unique design means it can sit tipped on its front to prevent spillage once you’re done pumping—and the fact that it fits entirely in your bra means your little one can’t accidentally kick it off your breast if you use it to catch letdown while breastfeeding. 

The pump is very intuitive and was a breeze to assemble and set up. There are only two pieces, making the pump both foolproof and portable. It was also easy to use after some initial adjusting to find the right pumping angle and wasn’t painful or uncomfortable. The included silicone carry bag is flexible and protective, and makes it easy to stuff the pump into a purse or diaper bag without fear of harming it. Best of all, the pump is entirely dishwasher-safe and incredibly durable, showing no signs of wear and tear during our tests.

But Take Note

While it has adjustable suction, the suction isn’t quite as strong as the Haakaa. Also, testers reported that if it wasn’t placed properly, air would leak out, making an unpleasant farting noise. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Manual wearable 
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: N/A
• Weight: 4 oz
• Suction Strength: Not listed
• Accessories Included: Carry pouch

Best Open System Breast Pump

In most pumps, the milk doesn’t actually enter the tubing. Open system breast pumps, on the other hand, are those that lack a barrier between the pump and the milk being expressed. This typically means the milk can flow into the tubes while pumping. For this reason, open system pumps tend to use disposable tubing. If reusing tubing, be sure to clean it after each use.The lack of a barrier also means there is a small risk of breast milk getting into areas of the pump that are impossible to clean. 

Best Overall: Babyation The Pump

Why We Like It

The Babyation pump is an all-in-one device, with everything you need in one container: a cooler, bottle holder, pump motor, and storage for all the parts you need. There’s also an accompanying app that lets you see how much you’re pumping, your milk history, program custom pumping settings, and control your live pumping. 

We appreciate both the streamlined design and how comfortable it is—the lightweight silicone breast shields are the only part you need on your body while pumping. One parent loved the “minimalist” flanges and called the pump a “game-changer.” They’re small, don’t require a bra to use hands-free, and you can even pump while you lie down and doze off. You feel less like a factory cow without bottles hanging off of you, and at the end of the day, you’ll only have the flanges to clean and sterilize. 

Unlike the other standard electric pumps on this list that have closed system tubing (where the milk goes into a container and bypasses the tubes), the Babyation pumps milk from the flanges through disposable tubes and into containers held in the pump case. But because you can replace the tubing, flanges, and milk containers, the pump itself is safe to use secondhand, if you want to resell it or pass it on to a friend.

But Take Note

Because it’s impossible to clean the tubes milk is pumped through after use, you have to replace them every 24 hours. The disposable tubing costs about $35 every 20 days, and if you want to be environmentally mindful and avoid tossing the tubes in a landfill, you can request a recycling bag from Terracycle and ship them back in pre-paid packaging. Compared to other pumps, there’s a steeper learning curve to using this one, and the flange sizing requires some trial and error. This pump also costs considerably more than the others on the list. 

The Details

• Pump Type: Double electric, open system 
• Portable: Yes
• Battery: Rechargeable; charging cable included 
• Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Suction Strength: 250 mmHg
• Accessories Included: Two pairs of breast shields, two bra pads, four bottles, twenty sets of tubes, one ice pack, one strap, one tube storage bag, two sets of posts
  

Other Notable Breast Pumps

We also tested the breast pumps below, but they didn’t make the cut for our favorites for a few different reasons. 

• Momcozy S12: This wearable pump has good suction, but it isn’t as user-friendly as the other pumps we tested, and the fact that it requires part replacements every two months is a big drawback. Plus, parts aren’t dishwasher or sterilizer-safe, which makes cleaning a pain. 
• Willow 360: We wanted to love this pump, but it just didn’t perform as well as we’d hoped. It’s loud, yielded less milk than almost every other pump we tested, and was difficult to clean. Willow recently rebranded their Willow 3.0 pump as the Willow 360.
• Evenflo Advanced Double Electric: Aside from being awkward to carry around thanks to the lack of a handle, this pump also did not appear high-quality and was difficult to clean. We also found it didn’t have a strong enough suction to produce a good milk output. 
  

Our Testing Process

Twelve real-life pumping parents on our staff tested all of the breast pumps on our list, comparing and contrasting the features of each pump against each other to see how they held up to each other (as well as other pumps they had used in the past). Additionally, editors on our team who previously used these pumps also weighed in with their experiences, to get a more complete picture.

We asked each parent to consider the following factors for each pump they tested: 

• The comfort of the pump
• How much milk they were able to pump and how long it took
• How easy the pump was to set up and use
• How portable the pump was
• Whether it would pass the “Zoom test,” i.e. if you could comfortably use it on a Zoom call without muting yourself
• The cost of the pump in comparison to its features

To find out more about how to choose the best breast pumps and use them safely, we interviewed experts:

• Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC, director of LC content and programming with The Lactation Network, which connects families with insurance-covered breastfeeding support including lactation consultations and breast pumps. 
• Rebekah Scroggy, RN, CLC, a Ceres Chill expert lactation consultant, and a breastfeeding manager with Louisville, Kentucky’’s health department

How to Use Breast Pumps Safely

Using a breast pump might seem pretty straightforward, but there are some safety tips to keep in mind, for both you and your baby.

• Use the right size flange: The flange (the part of the pump that goes on your breast) is crucial to getting a good fit and seal. The wrong size can make pumping painful, damage your nipple, and decrease your milk output. Most pumps have a flange sizing guide. If the pump does not include your size, you can order it separately. Rosenthal notes you may need a different size flange for each breast and change sizes as your baby gets older. If you are struggling to find the right flange fit, ask a lactation consultant. 
• Get to know your pump before your baby is born: Strapping on a pump at 3 a.m. for the first time after giving birth and trying to decipher instructions while half-asleep is probably not the best plan (we speak from experience). Rosenthal recommends getting acquainted with your pump—its parts, assembly, use, charging, and cleaning—before your due date. The user manual, the manufacturer's website, YouTube videos, and a certified lactation consultant can all be great resources for learning about your pump. 
• Don’t over-pump: You may be tempted to build up a huge stash of stored breast milk, but Rosenthal says that’s not necessary for most families. What’s more, over-pumping can lead to issues like oversupply, sore nipples, and exhaustion. Rosenthal recommends beginning by pumping enough to be a few bottles ahead. Then, when you need to build up a larger store for work or travel, meet with a lactation consultant about four weeks ahead of time to create a plan and discuss how much breast milk you need to save up. 
• Follow the pump’s cleaning guide: Be sure to wash your hands before handling pump parts. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing the pump and its parts. Some parts may only be hand-washed, while others are dishwasher and sterilizer-safe. If you don’t follow the instructions, you run the risk of breaking the parts or causing a malfunction. There are three ways to sterilize parts: cold, UV, and heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed guidance on how to wash and sterilize your pump.
• Brush up on breastmilk storage tips: Remembering the 4–4–6 rule can simplify storage: breast milk stays good for up to four hours at room temperature, four days in the fridge, and six to 12 months in the freezer. Rosenthal recommends dating your breast milk containers, using the oldest milk first, and always checking to be sure it doesn’t have an odd or bad smell before giving it to your baby. You should store milk on the fridge or freezer shelf, not in the door, for more temperature stability.

What Is a Hospital-Grade Breast Pump?

The quality and suction strength of most commercially available personal-use breast pumps should be fine for most pumping parents. If your doctor recommends a true hospital-grade pump, it may be possible to rent one rather than buy since they can cost thousands of dollars. Hospital-grade pumps can be useful for people who have issues with low milk supply, are exclusively pumping, have medical conditions that affect milk production, or whose babies have difficulty latching and nursing. Some personal pumps are advertised as “hospital-grade” or “hospital-strength,” but this is more for marketing than a true indication of suction strength.

Open vs. Closed System Breast Pumps

Most breast pumps are “closed system,” meaning they have a barrier between the pumping mechanism (the motor and other components) and the milk. This barrier ensures the milk can’t become contaminated by the motor or other parts and has less exposure to the open air. In closed system pumps, the milk doesn’t enter the tubes. Open system breast pumps lack this barrier. That means the milk can flow into the tubes while pumping and that there’s a small risk of breast milk getting into areas of the pump you can’t access to clean. Pumping parents should clean and sterilize the tubing after each use if they plan to use it again to reduce the risk of mold or germs developing. Many open system pumps use disposable tubing. 

What Kind of Breast Pump Is Available Through Insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. Insurance companies often dictate the pump type, when you can apply for it, and whether you have the freedom to purchase your own and get reimbursed or if you must only choose a covered pump. A doctor’s note may be required if you need a specific pump for a medical reason. Babylist can help you find out which pumps may be covered by your insurance plan. 

When Should I Start Pumping?

Some parents start hand-expressing milk before their baby is born, but pumping during pregnancy could cause contractions, so if this is an option you’re thinking about, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Once your baby is born, you can start pumping as soon as you like, although if you can, it’s usually most effective to have your baby nurse from the breast as much as possible to establish your milk supply. (In most situations, babies are more efficient than breast pumps!)

How Can I Pump to Increase My Milk Supply?

Breast milk works in an “on-demand” fashion: your body produces more milk as needed. It’s best to establish your supply early instead of trying to increase your supply later. If possible, nurse your baby frequently postpartum to establish your supply. To increase supply, you can pump in between nursing sessions. Scroggy notes that if you’re having issues with low supply, it’s best to use a traditional plug-in electric pump. “For some low-supply parents, a wearable pump might not be strong enough,” she explains. You may need to work with a lactation consultant to develop a plan to increase your supply. 

Who We Are

Simone Scully is the former editorial director of commerce parenting content at Dotdash Meredith and an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering health and parenting issues. She’s also a mom who spent several years pumping and breastfeeding her son. 

Olivia Campbell is a journalist, essayist, and author with over fifteen years of experience writing about women’s health issues. She is a health and parenting editor at Dotdash Meredith and the New York Times bestselling author of “Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine.” She breastfed three kids for a total of nine years and used her sister’s enormous hand-me-down Pump in Style.