The best breast pumps to buy in 2024, according to reviews (2024)

No matter what or how many breastfeeding classes you take pre-birth, nothing can adequately prepare you for the moment your newborn baby hunger cries for the first time.

You’re quickly grounded in the reality that they’re waiting on you and your milk.

As a first-time mom, I had no idea what I was doing when it came to breastfeeding. My son and I figured it out over the course of his first two years but, to be honest, my breast pump was my greatest ally as we found a rhythm and routine that worked for us.

It’s hard to predict the kind of feeding journey you and your baby will be on when they are finally here. But regardless of whether you end up nursing exclusively, pumping and bottle feeding with breast milk or supplementing with formula, the flexibility that comes with being able to balance baby’s feeding needs with the ebbs and flows of everyday life is invaluable.

Whether you’re a working parent and anticipate needing a pump to collect, store and prep breast milk, plan to use the pump to increase production or provide intermittent relief from oversupply, you’ll find that a reliable breast pump makes your life easier, more convenient and more comfortable.

The breast pump market has grown over the last few years with the diverse selection of manual, electric, portable, travel, hands-free and hospital-grade pumps increasing every day. So it’s helpful to seek advice and guidance from your healthcare provider and/or lactation consultants, who practice at the hospital or independently, and take a peek at customer reviews and ratings from qualified parenting sources.

Many insurance companies provide coverage for breast pumps and supplies, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Just be sure to review your specific insurance plan to determine what types of pumps are included and how to go about obtaining one.

Here are six of the best breast pumps you can buy, according to reviews:

1. Medela Pump in Style with Maxflow Breast Pump: “Pump In Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump, lovingly referred to as the PNSMX, is the newest iteration of one of the best-known breast pumps, and for good reason. This double-electric pump — meaning you can use it on one breast or both — is designed to mimic baby’s natural sucking pattern, which is more complicated than it sounds. This pump aims to help you produce more milk in less time, which is a huge plus,” What to Expect says.
2. Spectra S1 Plus: “After six years of following conversations in online parents 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,” Wirecutter says.
3. Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump: “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 also love how discreet, durable, and lightweight it is. We even pumped at the movie theater, and no one else noticed,” Parents says.
4. Lansinoh SmartPump 3.0: “This model features everything (and we mean everything) a pumping mom could need, including three different sizes of flanges (most other pumps come with just one), four Lansinoh bottles, a bottle nipple and cover, multiple valves and connection tubes—and even a cooler for breast milk storage. This stacked pumping kit has a price tag of $161, which is far less than its fellow standard electric breast pumps (that come equipped with much less, we might add).” The Bump says.
5. Pumpables Genie Advanced: “It’s small, powerful and portable — a perfect combination. With gentle yet extremely efficient suction, a rechargeable battery with about four hours of pumping time and a weight of just half a pound, it’s easy to see why the Genie Advanced is such a popular choice. Lots of pumpers use it as their primary pump and, like many portable options, it works with either traditional flanges and bottles or collection cups,” Babylist says.
6. Haaka Silicone Breast Pump: “We tested the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump, and it’s our pick for the best budget manual breast pump because it’s super easy to use and made from 100% soft silicone. All you have to do to attach it to the breast is squeeze the bottle at the bottom, rest your breast in the shield, and release the bottle to create suction, then repeat as needed until you’ve sufficiently pumped. It’s also completely silent and makes no sound when using it.,” Verywell Family says.

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Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.