The best breast pumps to make expressing as comfortable as possible
Breastfeeding can take both an emotional and physical toll on the body, but finding the best breast pump can help make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
As with all parenting buys, from the best cots to the best pushchairs, there's a lot of choice on the market. This is why the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have spent time testing the best ones on the market and we've sent them out to our parenting panel to use day, in to help first-time parents, and veterans alike, decide which one is best.
The best breast pumps to shop in 2025
These are our experts' top-rated buys at a glance, but scroll on for the full reviews. We also spoke with Louise Broadbridge, aka The Honest Midwife, for her expert advice on what to consider before you buy.
Do I really need a breast pump?
Whether you need a breast pump or not depends on whether you decide to breastfeed. There are many reasons why you might want to invest in one:
“It may be that you are returning to work and wish to express so your baby can still get breast milk during the day, or it may be that you want to share the feeding with your partner,” explains Broadbridge.
“Parents with babies that are born prematurely or spending time in the newborn unit may need to use a breast pump if their baby is unable to latch,” she adds.
How do I choose the right breast pump for me?
There are two different types of breast pumps:
Manual: These pumps manually extract your milk, without the need for power, which means you have ultimate control over how strong the suction is. They are quiet, cheaper to purchase and easy to use.
Electric: Powered by a rechargeable battery or mains electricity, electric pumps usually have adaptable speeds and suction power. Once positioned correctly, away they go! They may be a better option for women who want to maintain their supply when going back to work or looking to increase supply in the early days. Some are also hands-free and can be placed inside your bra, allowing you to get on with life, alongside pumping.
You can also choose between single or double pumps. The first is often cheaper but will take longer to switch sides, while a double lets you pump from both breasts simultaneously.
“The most important thing to remember is that you can have the best breast pump in the world, but if you are uncomfortable or stressed your body is likely to release less milk, so staying relaxed is key!”, advises Broadbridge.
What features should I look for in a breast pump?
The Honest Midwife breaks down the main features below:
Adjustable suction levels: This allows you to find the most comfortable setting. We’ve made a note of the highest level of suction offered by each pump in the key specification section, which usually sits at around 200 mmHg. Generally, a higher suction level means more power, and thus better suction strength. To collect an optimum amount of milk, you’ll need to adjust suction levels in the stimulation and expression phase. What works for you will be a case of trial and error, and most models on our list have an abundance of settings to try.
Double pumping capabilities: Saves time and increases efficiency
Comfortable flange sizes: A proper fit is crucial for effective and pain-free pumping.
Ease of cleaning: Pumps with fewer parts are easier to clean and sterilise.
Portability: Consider battery-operated or lightweight models if you'll be pumping away from home.
Quiet operation: Especially important if you’re pumping at work or during the night.
Will pumping every two hours increase milk supply?
In theory, regular pumping can help to increase supply, as this mimics the baby’s natural feeding rhythm, and the emptying of the breast signals your body to increase milk supply. However, it’s not always as straightforward as that.
“Your body releases hormones to stimulate the release of milk when feeding. These hormones are directly related to your emotions and may not flow as freely if the stimulus is a breast pump,” explains Broadbridge.
Frequent emptying of the breasts does signal to the body to produce more milk, however, it’s important to find a balance, as pumping excessively can lead to exhaustion or even oversupply issues.
“If your baby is going to the breast well, I would always advise that you allow the baby to feed at the breast first and then once you are happy that baby has finished, spend 10 minutes after the feed pumping,” advises Broadbridge.
“You may not need to increase your milk supply so I would only recommend trying to do so if there are concerns about baby's feeding and/or weight gain,” she adds.
When to start pumping after birth?
The Honest Midwife tells her expectant mothers to focus on breastfeeding first.
“I would advise trying to get breastfeeding well established before trying to master the pump. Nothing will stimulate the milk production system as well as baby, and the first two weeks are a key time to get a good supply going,” she explains.
“A good time to start expressing would be between four and six weeks once you are confident with how things are going. Remember though, what you read both here and online is offered as a guide,” she warns, as every experience differs.
For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
How we test breast pumps
In the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, we evaluate the pump’s usability, including whether it fits comfortably inside a bra. We assess the weight, the ability to stand on its own after use, and how easily the milk can be poured into bottles or storage containers, and where relevant, screen, setting, and battery life.
We also review the instructions, and any additional resources such as videos or apps. We test the different modes, such as let-down and expression, and look at how easy it is to assemble, clean, and store, and if extra parts or spares are readily available. Finally, we examine the overall design, durability, and quality to ensure it’s well-made and built to last.
We also send each device out to a panel of parents, including first time mums and non-first-time mothers, who were happy to test out the products at this stage of their baby's feeding journey. We asked them to give detailed feedback on design, instructions, ease of use and overall performance.
And while we’re confident in our thorough reviews, a final note from The Honest Midwife: “It’s important to note that every mother and baby duo are different, and nothing will beat a full assessment from your midwife or lactation consultant to put together a plan that is right for you.”
2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump
Score: 97/100
If you’re planning on regularly pumping, then our winning and long-lasting double electric pump will be your new best friend.
Our at-home tester expressed for the first time using this pump and would strongly recommend it to other first-timers: “It’s so easy to use, and the suction power is great. I managed to fill up my bottles in 20 minutes,” she said. Another tester, who previously struggled with hand-expressing colostrum, didn’t have high hopes for her milk but told us this pump was a lifesaver after helping her express 60ml after the first use. There are eight settings for letdown and expression modes, and two large collection chambers ready to catch every drop.
With such a high score it’s hard to find fault, however it’s slightly on the heavier side, due to the motor and generous three hours of battery life. If it runs out of charge, you can plug in and pump at the same time. When it comes to sterilising, you can do this easily via boiling on the stovetop.
Swing Maxi Double Pump
Score: 96/100
This device uses Medela’s innovative two-phase technology, which replicates the baby’s natural feeding rhythm. It starts fast to stimulate the milk, then slows down to provide the optimal milk flow which closely mimics the natural pattern. The result? An intuitive and comfortable pump.
It has nine different suction modes to make your way through. But rest assured, even on the strongest setting, it was gentle to use, and easy to break the suction once finished. When it comes to cleaning, the pumps can be dismantled easily. You can sterilise it via a stovetop or using the brand’s microwavable bags.
It’s also a surprisingly lightweight model, that scored full marks for its ease of use with our panel. "Easy to set up, use, and clean," said one tester. Tick, tick, tick.
Wearable Breast Pump
Score: 95/100
If we were testing for the prettiest pump, then this sleek, dusty pink one would take the crown. But not only does this pump look good, it performs well too. The clear LED display makes it easy to sift through the 12 different suction settings for expressing. There’s also a massage mode to help ease any pain or tension in sensitive breasts – a teat treat!
The compact, wireless design fit comfortably into a feeding bra, and our parent tester liked that they could wear it while moving around or working from home. It’s also very quiet, adding an extra layer of discretion. Our expert’s only quibble was that it has a longer charging time and can’t be used while on charge.
Stride 2 Pump
Score: 94/100
The Elvie Stride 2 is the latest breast pump within the Elvie collection. But how does it differ from the original model? Firstly, the brand redesigned the silicone cups for a better fit and increased comfort, and this was the feedback we received from our testers. “The different sized nipple inserts made it extremely adaptable, and therefore comfortable to wear and use,” said one impressed tester. They also said that it did a more thorough job of draining the breast than the previous model they used.
It has hospital-grade power, which means it creates a strong 300 mmHg of suction strength. Despite this power, it’s still extremely comfortable on the breast and quiet (so no need to worry about nap time interruptions).
Everything can be controlled from the app, which testers found easy to use and helpful for tracking pumps. Once you’ve pumped, you’ll need to decant the milk into a bottle, which one tester found a little tricky as they experienced some leakage.
M6 Double Electric Breast Pump
Score: 93/100
As the name of the brand suggests, Momcozy is all about making mums as comfortable as possible, and this clever design is a testament to that. The angled flange is designed to mimic a baby’s mouth, which means (hopefully!) painless pumping and an easier letdown. There are nine different strength levels, with an additional micro-vibration mode to encourage those very last drops.
With a sound level of under 50 dB, it’s discreet when used on the go and there’s also a handy carrying case which further adds to the convenience. Take care when removing the pump and pouring milk out though, as you can't stand it up once it’s full. But it does have a nice pouring hole at the top of the unit, which makes it easy to decant it into a bottle.
Smart Electric Pump
Score: 92/100
Described as a “godsend” by one tester, this pump’s functionality certainly impressed on test. The range of settings closely follows the pattern of natural breastfeeding, with six different suction levels to choose from. Once the milk is flowing, switch it over to the expression phase, where there are nine suction strengths.
Bottles can be directly attached to the pump, so there’s no need to decant the milk out and risk spilling valuable drops. You can also pump directly into a pre-sterilized storage bag.
Some points were knocked off as it’s a little on the heavy side, so be sure to take care when handling.
Wearable Breast Pump
Score: 92/100
This well-designed breast pump from Fraupow is both easy to hold and comfortable to wear in your bra thanks to the added straps. It helped our at-home tester get things done while pumping, as she said she could do her housework while wearing it (or just watch TV, no judgement!). The soft silicone on the funnel means that it suits most breast sizes too.
It only comes with one flange size, but there are seven others which can be purchased separately. It also comes with a plastic drawstring pouch to pour milk into, which our expert said they managed to do easily.
Unlike some others that can only be sterilised via stove top, you can also pop this one into the microwave or electric steamer.
Wearable Breast Pump
Score: 90/100
This hands-free pump was designed with busy mums in mind. It only has five suction modes; however, it includes some useful accessories, including a storage bag, four flange sizes, and an anti-colic bottle. There’s also a quiet mode that you can turn on for those midnight pumps (though we’re unsure why you’d ever have it on the standard mode!).
Our expert found that the collection chamber was a little tricky to remove at first, though it proved quick to master. And it can stand once removed too, making spillages less likely.
Made for Me Wearable Breast Pump
Score: 89/100
There’s a variety of different strengths, expression and massage modes to explore with this reasonably priced pump. All can be controlled from the app, which is useful for tracking each pump. With the highest sound level being 30 dB, it’s also the quietest wearable breast pump on our list.
“Comfortable, easy and straightforward to use and clean”, was how one of our parent testers described it. What more could you want from a pump?
The pack includes two flange sizes, but you can order others from the Tommee Tippee site if these aren’t quite right. Our testers did note that the unit was quite heavy, so be sure to wear a tight bra if you want a hands-free fit.
Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump
Score: 86/100
It’s unusual to find a manual pump that has both stimulation and expression modes, but this neat and lightweight one has both. You do this by starting off using the shorter, upper end of the handle to mimic a baby’s first, shorter sucks, which helps start the let-down reflex. Once you’re producing milk, you can switch to using the longer, lower end of the handle to get longer and stronger suction. This is the beauty of a manual pump, and one tester said, “I didn’t feel any pain while squeezing it.”
When testers were asked how easy it was to put together, it was noted that the initial handle assembly was a little tricky. But as with everything parenting-related, you’ll get the hang of it quickly enough.
Manual Breast Pump
Score: 81/100
If you’re only expressing occasionally, this affordable and simple manual pump is a great option. One tester said, “It’s great as you can express on the go, directly into the bottle.”
It’s quiet, lightweight, and easy to travel with and it comes with six free breast pads, a bottle, and a dummy. Unlike the above manual pump, it only has one mode for expressing milk, but the funnel is designed with raised bumps around it to stimulate the milk ducts. There’s also an adjustable valve to change the vacuum strength. It arrives mostly assembled, for quick set-up, and our tester found it was easy to dissemble for sterilising.
This budget pump did lose some points with our at home tester for leakage, as they found the seal wasn’t tight enough. To avoid this, they had to lean forward, which will likely be uncomfortable if you’re planning on using it multiple times a day.
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