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Best breast pumps, tried and tested by breastfeeding mums
Breastfeeding can be an emotionally complex time, so a little help can go a long way. In our mission to help new mums, we've researched and tested the best breast pumps on the market. Read on to discover our verdict on the UK's top breast pumps, as tried and tested by breastfeeding mums.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Mar 26, 2024
Whether you’re exclusively pumping, going back to work or just looking to express the occasional bottle for nights away from your baby, choosing the best breast pump for you is really important. With a wide variety of breast pumps on the market - from the best manual pumps to app-controlled, wearable devices - we've done extensive research to bring you the best breast pumps Mumsnetters have tried, tested and love.
As the UK's largest online network of parents, we know all too well the value of a genuine recommendation from a mum who’s been in your shoes. With this in mind, we put the UK's best baby products through their paces with real parents, as well as vetting and collating authentic reviews from Mumsnet users, to help you make the right choices for your family - whether you're looking for the best changing bag or the best baby bottles.
While not all mums find that they need a breast pump, there are many reasons why you might decide to use one. You may need to relieve engorgement, boost your milk supply, express at work, or share feeding duties with a partner. Before you purchase, it's worth working out what you're looking for in a breast pump. For example:
How often do I want or need to pump?
Do I want the convenience and flexibility of a wearable design or the capacity of a traditional pump?
Would the efficiency of an electric model be useful?
Do I need a hospital-grade breast pump?
Is a double or single pump best for me?
... and crucially, how much do I want to spend?
MAM Move Wearable Breast Pump: Was £200, now £133
Mumsnet-favourite brand MAM have entered the wearable breast pump market with the MAM Move Wearable Breast Pump. Featuring 3 modes and five intensity levels, it also has a silent mode for discreet pumping and has been designed to fit snugly in your bra. Best of all, it's currently 33% off at Boots!
Was £200
Now £133
How we tested the best breast pumps
To help you make an informed decision, we rigorously test breast pumps on an ongoing basis. Our parent testers try out the pumps at home with their own children, in real-life conditions. We score each model based on a number of factors including comfort, durability, ease of set up, ease of use and value for money. We also consulted experts from La Leche League and spend hours combing the Mumsnet forums to see which breast pumps are recommended as best buys and which come with words of warning according to the UK's biggest network of parents.
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust so all Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents and experienced parenting journalists with years of first-hand experience. Our intensive research and testing process is designed to cut through the noise and help you narrow down your choices, so we spend hours researching, speaking to other parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist.
Here's our pick of the best breast pumps to buy in 2024.
Not too pricey for a hospital-grade double pump
Very quiet
Comfortable and efficient
Includes a rechargeable battery which lasts up to three hours
Base unit is quite large
Not wearable
Single or double pump: Double | Power source: Mains and battery | Number of settings: 5 speeds, 12 vacuum levels | Closed system: Yes | BPA-free: Yes
Tried and tested by MNHQ: Read our full Spectra S1 review
A hospital grade breast pump offers greater power and efficiency than other models. If you're looking for a hospital-grade double electric breast pump which won't cost the earth, you can't go far wrong with the Spectra S1. Described by a parent-tester as 'just really, really good', the Spectra S1 is comfortable, portable and easy to use.
Admittedly the Spectra's base unit is pretty big, but with up to 320 mmHg vacuum strength, it is one of the more powerful breast pumps on our list and is extremely effective. It's super quiet as well which scores extra points for practicality, though it's not quite as discreet as some of the wearable pumps on our list, so you may want to opt for one of those if you're looking for a breast pump you can use on-the-go.
A slightly cheaper option is the Spectra S2, which also features an impressive 320 mmHg and is slightly less weighty than the S1 but it doesn't have a rechargeable battery, which is why its slightly pricier sister product pips it to the post for practicality.
Read next: Stock up on more combi-feeding essentials with the best baby bottles and top sterilisers as rated by Mumsnet.
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Elvie Stride - from £143 (for single)
Hospital-grade
Wearable, worn in your bra
Can be controlled using the Elvie app
Expensive
Smaller cup capacity than other hospital-grade breast pumps
Single or double pump: Both options available: Double is £299, Single is £144 | Power source: Rechargeable | Number of settings: 10 | Closed system: Yes | BPA-free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Elvie Stride review
For mums looking for a powerful, wearable breast pump for regular use, the Elvie Stride is a great, modern option that provides the discretion needed for wearing out and about. Our parent tester, Laura, hadn’t always got on with breast pumps and she found the Elvie Stride to be comfortable and efficient, with an app that makes it super-simple to use.
Naturally, because of its wearable design, the Elvie Stride doesn’t offer the cup capacity of other hospital-grade breast pumps, meaning it requires more frequent emptying than higher-capacity hospital grade pumps. As wearable breast pumps go, though, the Elvie Stride is a well-designed offering that’s sure to please many breastfeeding mums looking for flexibility.
It's worth noting you can also rent hospital grade pumps, such as the Medela Symphony.
Related: Find out which sippy cups Mumsnetters rate the highest
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump - £16
Really useful in the early days of breastfeeding when you don’t want to lose any milk
Very small and cord-free, so ideal when you’re on the go
Starts to hurt a little if you use it too much
Not a replacement for a breast pump
Single or double pump: Single | Power source: N/A - manual | Number of settings: N/A | Closed system: No | BPA-free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Haakaa review
While the Haakaa isn’t technically a breast pump, it’s such a nifty breastfeeding accessory that it deserves a place on our round-up. The Haakaa doesn’t require any pumping, and it's a real godsend if your breasts tend to leak when your baby's feeding on the other side.
Our Mumsnet users said it's great for collecting letdown milk that may otherwise have gone to waste. It's also a great option for fuss-free feeding on the go as there's no wires or accessories to faff about with, leaving your hands are free to deal with your baby.
Read next: Stock up on more baby essentials with the best baby baths and top nappy rash cream.
Hands-free, wearable design
Very quiet
Compact and lightweight
Pricey
Can't pump directly into a feeding bottle
Some reviewers reported leaks
Single or double pump: Single | Power source: Battery | Number of settings: Two modes, seven intensity settings | Closed system: Yes | BPA-free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Elvie Breast Pump review
Beloved by many a breastfeeding mother, the Elvie is, for many, the missing link in the breast pump market. Thanks to its hands-free design and compact size which fits neatly into your maternity bra, the Elvie is the ultimate in breastfeeding multi-tasking.
Its rechargeable and cordless, simple to assemble and extremely easy to clean as well. You can control the pump via an app on your phone or by using the buttons on the pump itself. While it's not quite as powerful as the likes of the Spectra, what it lacks in suction power it certainly makes up for in practicality.
Our parent-tester said she would be happy to use the pump while at work and said that most of the time, it wasn't obvious she was pumping at all.
Related: Find the best nipple cream and the top-ranking highchairs according to Mumsnetters
Momcozy M5 Wearable Double Electric Pump - £180
Quiet and discreet
Small - you could wear it out and about
Efficient pumping
Pricey
Price: £153 | Single or double pump: Double | Power source: Rechargeable battery | Number of settings: 3 modes and 9 suction levels | Closed system: Yes | BPA free: Yes | Warranty: 12 months for the unit
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Momcozy M5 Hands Free Breast Pump review
Need to express on the go, at your desk or in public? Then the Momcozy M5 promises to be your perfect breast pumping companion. A little pricey, we know, but this double wearable has earned its title as “the best portable wearable breast pump” as it’s an all-in-one unit that doesn’t require fancy tech or cables, plus it has an extended battery life, with one charge lasting for up to 120 minutes or 4-5 sessions before needing a quick recharge.
This simple yet efficient unit also comes with a new double-sealed flange that snugly fits your breasts, allowing for more efficient pumping and less chance of spillage, plus it has a built-in automatic shut-off function in case you fall asleep or get distracted. We also like the newly upgraded 3-mode functionality which now includes Stimulation – to get your milk flowing, Expression – to improve milk flow and Mixed which is both fast and deep.
Related: Feed in comfort with the best nursing chairs
Lansinoh 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump - £150
Not too pricey compared to other hospital-grade pumps
Three different pumping styles
Easy to assemble
Can be tricky to use hands-free (particularly if using as a double pump)
Some reviewers complained that they had to hold the bottles which resulted in back pain
Single or double pump: Double | Power source: Battery or mains | Number of settings: 3 types of pumping styles, 8 suction levels | Closed system: Yes | BPA-free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Lansinoh 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump review
Another hospital-grade electric breast pump, the Lansinoh 2-in-1 breast pump is smaller, cheaper and easier to handle than the likes of the Spectra and the Ardo, which means it's a great option if you're looking for a pump to take to work.
While it's certainly not as discreet as the Elvie models, the fact that it's a double pump means that you can express breastmilk much faster than using a single pump, and the milk goes directly into a Lansinoh mOmma baby bottle - a previous winner of Mumsnet's Best Baby Feeding Bottle award - making the whole process a lot easier for quick, efficient pumping. The only downside is that the pumps is not hands-free and some reviewers said they had to lean forward while using it.
Read next: Stock up on the best nappies and changing mats.
Reasonably priced
Lightweight but durable
Very portable
Open pump system
Not the most efficient pump
Replacement breast shields are pricey
Single or double pump: Single | Power source: N/A | Number of settings: Two phase expression settings | Closed system: No | BPA-free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Medela Harmony review
For those who aren't frequent pumpers, a manual breast pump can be extremely handy, not to mention inexpensive! The Medela Harmony is a great option for expressing on-the-go, thanks to being nice and compact, lightweight and easy to slip into your changing bag.
Unlike many manual pumps such as the Haakaa, the Medela Harmony has two settings for stimulation and expression which you can switch between easily by twisting the handle. And, thanks to it being a manual, it's extremely quiet, with our parent-tester Sam reporting that she'd been able to pump a full bottle in the cinema without anyone noticing!
Read next: Find more feeding essentials with our review of the best nipple shields
Momcozy V1 Hospital Grade Breast Pump
Extremely efficient - our tester said it emptied both breasts in just five minutes
Comfortable
User-friendly instructional video accessible via QR code
Pricey
Motor unit doesn't have an attachment for clothes or body so it's not as transportable as we'd like
Price: £200 | Single or double pump: Double | Power source: Mains and rechargeable battery | Number of settings: 3 modes, 9 suction levels | Closed system: Yes | BPA free: Yes
Tested by MNHQ: Read our in-depth Momcozy V1 breast pump review
If you're looking for a hands-free breast pump which is super quick and efficient, the Momcozy V1 is a great option. Our tester - a busy mum of two - found that the pump was extremely effective at emptying both breasts in just five minutes whilst being comfortable to use.
The double-sealed flange comes in a choice of two sizes - 24 or 27 mm - and is made from soft, food-grade silicone for added comfort and security. It's also made with a 105° wide-angle design for discretion.
While it's not the cheapest or most discreet wearable pump available, its certainly not the most expensive or bulky, making it a great middle-range option for efficient, hands-free pumping.
Looking for a quieter version? Check out our Momcozy V2 breast pump review
More breast pumps: the best of the rest
Pricey but effective
I had the single pump with my first, and then upgraded to the double swing pump for my subsequent children and it was a game changer, esp. with a pumping bra ( so my hands were free). I would def. recommend it.
Double Electric Breast Pump
£160
Discreet and affordable
Reasonably quiet and allowed me to get on with working from home and breastfeeding my daughter for one year. Wonderful wee thing, best purchase ever
Wearable Breast Pump
£90
Hands-free but pricey
It was a lot easier to set up than other pumps I've tried, and it was so comfortable that if I couldn't hear it, I think I could forget I was wearing it.
Medela Freestyle Hands-free Breast Pump
Buy now from AmazonAffordable but noisy
I've found it to be pretty good. It's quick, easy to use and very effective. Plus good value. I know others who have spent £££ on pumps but this one does the job for me.
Breast Pump
£41
Versatile but fiddly
I would recommend to others but say as with anything, you do have to tinker a bit to get the settings to suit.
Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump
£142
Efficient but needs two hands
I couldn't have predicted how stressful and emotionally draining breastfeeding can be in the early days, and, while it was a bit of a surreal experience for a newbie, this breast pump has turned out to be a lifesaver.
Double Plus Breast Pump
£140
Related: The best cribs and bedside co-sleepers for keeping your baby close
How does a breast pump work?
The flange, also known as the breast shield (the bit that’s attached to the funnel), goes over your nipple
The pump uses suction to create a vacuum around the nipple
The vacuum works like your baby sucking and then the milk flows down into the bottle
Manual pumps extract the milk with a lever you work yourself, while electric pumps create a rhythmic vacuum that does the work for you (hurrah!). Before use, make sure you read the instructions carefully.
Read on: Our ultimate guide to pumping breast milk
Do breast pumps cause discomfort or pain?
Pumping shouldn't be uncomfortable, but you may experience some discomfort if the flange fit isn't quite right or if the suction strength is too high when using an electric pump.
Do I need a breast pump if I'm breastfeeding?
There are a number of reasons why you might decide to buy a pump. While every mum should feel happy and comfortable breastfeeding, there will be times when it won’t be possible or when you simply won’t want to. You might consider expressing milk if:
Your baby is premature or unwell and spends time in the NICU
You have a health condition, such as mastitis, which can make breastfeeding painful
Your baby struggles to latch in the early days of feeding and you’re worried about how much milk they are taking in
You return to work and want to continue breastfeeding
You want to up your milk supply – breast pumps may help to increase milk supply through stimulation of the breast. Double breast pumps, in particular, will also yield more milk
You want to share the feeding load
You're worried about supply – knowing you have breast milk stored in the freezer can relieve some of the pressure that comes with breastfeeding
What to think about when buying a breast pump
Where and how often you'll be pumping: If you plan to pump every day, double electric breast pumps are generally more efficient, durable and provide greater flexibility than manual breast pumps. Also think about your goals for pumping, for example whether you want to boost or maintain your milk supply, or pump at work.
Suction strength: Consider suction power (measured in mmHG) and the number of suction levels of your chosen breast pump. Electric breast pumps typically provide greater suction power (and therefore less pumping effort) than manual pumps.
Noise level: Do you need a breast pump that's quiet and more discreet, for example if you're pumping at work?
Portability: Think about your breast pump's size and weight, especially if you plan to travel often. Will you have access to a power outlet? If you plan to express on the go, a battery-powered breast pump will enable you to move around more freely.
How easy it is to clean: If you plan to use your breast pump everyday, closed system breast pumps are generally easier to clean than open system pumps. Also think about whether you'll be using a steriliser and dishwasher for cleaning. Are the breast pump parts dishwasher-safe?
Price: Assess your budget to find the right balance between cost and your pumping needs. Also consider warranty length, how easy it is to source replacement parts and whether the pump comes with added extras.
What’s the difference between an open and closed system?
All pumps will have some sort of tubing that connects the pump to its milk collection parts.
In a closed system pump, the milk can’t get into the tubing. This means that the pump is easier to keep clean, can be used for future children and can even be sold or passed on when you’re done with it.
Open system pumps allow the milk to enter the tubing. This means that they’ll need to be cleaned and dried carefully to ward off any mould or bacteria.
How to clean a breast pump
A breast pump must be cleaned and sterilised after every use, so you’ll want something that's quick and easy to clean and store, ideally with a minimal amount of parts.
A pump that can be popped into the dishwasher or steriliser can be a lifesaver. And with all the other equipment that seems to come with a baby, you need to make sure it’s easy to store away when you don’t need it.
How to store breast milk
Once you’ve expressed you’ll also need to know how to store your breast milk safely. It can be stored in:
A breast milk storage bag or a sterilised bottle or container
A fridge for up to five days at a temperature of 4°C or lower
A freezer for up to six months
The ice compartment of a fridge for two weeks
Always try to store your breast milk in small quantities and label it with the correct date.
The different types of breast pumps – which breast pump is best?
There a several different types of pumps to suit different needs. Remember that not all breast pumps suit every women. If one isn’t working for you, do try another.
1. Manual breast pumps
Manual pumps are used when milk supply is established. To use a manual pump, you squeeze a lever or a bulb to create suction, but you will need to keep squeezing to find the correct rhythm.
Manuals tend to be smaller and less noisy (most of the time) than electric pumps so they can be easier to carry around and less irritating to listen to.
They also cost less than an electric pump, so if you aren’t expressing regularly or aren’t completely sure that you want to express, then it may be better to go for a manual option first.
Manual pumps are a good choice if you’re not planning to use a pump very often and want something lightweight, easy to use and easy to assemble.
2. Manual silicone pumps
Soft silicone pumps, like the Haakaas and the NatureBonds, are more of a breastfeeding accessory than a proper pump. Cheap, small and simple to use, they suction to your boob and collect milk automatically.
They are a good choice if you want to collect milk from one breast while breastfeeding from the other.
3. Electric breast pumps
An electric pump is designed for women who have an established milk supply. They come in single and double models and work by themselves, which can be a huge time-saver for mums who regularly express.
4. Battery-operated and rechargeable breast pumps
Not as powerful as electric pumps, but, like manual models, they are usually portable and lightweight. Battery-powered and rechargeable pumps can be very discreet and easy to use on the go, unfortunately most of them, like the Elvie, come with a hefty price tag.
5. Hospital-grade breast pumps
Hospital-grade devices are more powerful than standard electric pumps. They are typically double pumps and can be used to express milk from both breasts at the same time.
They’re closed system pumps which means they are safe to be used by multiple mums – often you can rent these through your local hospital.
What is the best breast pump to buy?
Thanks to its popularity with Mumsnetters, midwives and experts, we've named the Medela Swing Maxi the best breast pump for 2024. It's comfortable, simple to use and promises to pump 18% more milk than other brands.
Read next: Best nipple shields for comfortable breastfeeding
How we chose our final recommendations
To draw up our carefully selected recommendations list, we scored each breast pump out of 45 based on eight main categories:
Set-up
Safety and stability
Day-to-day use
Signal
Battery
Cleanliness
Aesthetics
Value for money
Each tried-and-tested product was then offered an award based on where we think it performs best for different needs and situations. We especially made sure to include a breadth of breast pumps to suit a variety of families and budgets, leaving no stone unturned.
Why you should trust our reviews
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we choose the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products, or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family.
There's no incentive for us to be lazy with our research or in our testing process. There's no reason for us to respond to pressure from retailers or brands trying to promote new products. It's actually quite the opposite and we think it's a good system, one that keeps us focused on making parents lives' easier.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.
Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.
After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.