Best Electric Breast Pumps
When you are inducing, and lactating, your best friend is going to be your pump. Milk production operates on a demand and supply principle – the more milk you ‘demand’ from your breasts will stimulate more production.
Lips to nipple is the desired way to stimulate your milk, but this is not always possible. If you have a partner, there are going to be times when it is just not possible to nurse, and if you are solo, the best way to get milk out of your breasts is going to be through pumping.
When choosing a pump the key is to not scrimp on this important tool in your lactation toolbox. You will require a good quality electric pump – a manual pump is just not up to the task; double electric is preferred as you can pump both breasts at the same time.
Efficiency and comfort are essential things to consider when purchasing a breast pump. We have assessed a range of models, looking at points such as suction strength, noise (some can be a bit loud), how easily they can be cleaned, and portability.
On a personal note, I have purchased several lower priced pumps and was disappointed. I really felt that I had wasted my money and I was back at square one on finding a pump that was going to work for what I needed. Please don’t buy a pump just for the sake of having one, you will just end up frustrated and annoyed.
Traditional Electric Pumps
Traditional pumps use tubing and bottles – less convenient, but these are the hospital-grade workhorses that deliver the strongest, most consistent suction. If you’re serious about inducing, a good traditional pump should be your primary.
Medela Pump in Style Pro
Medela is one of the most trusted names in breast pumps, and the Pump in Style Pro is their flagship double electric pump for home use. Drawing from their hospital-grade Symphony technology, it brings hospital-level efficiency in a compact, portable package weighing under 2 pounds.
It features 16 levels of vacuum in both stimulation and expression phases, so you can fine-tune the suction to find exactly what feels right for you. The level and mode indicators on the pump make it easy to see where you are during a session. It ships with both 21mm and 24mm PersonalFit Plus breast shields, which is a nice touch – most pumps only include one size.
If raw pumping performance is your priority, this is the one you want. It’s the evolution of the old Pump in Style Advanced, and it’s a significant upgrade.
Spectra S1/S2 Plus Premier
Spectra S1 Plus Premier Breast Pump
(rechargeable) | Spectra S2 Plus Premier Breast Pump
(plug-in)
The only difference between the Spectra S1 and the S2 is that the S1 has a rechargeable battery (3 hours on a charge), while the S2 needs to be plugged in. Otherwise, they’re the same excellent pump. At 45 decibels – about the hush of a library – these are among the quietest pumps you’ll find.
The Spectra uses Natural Nursing Technology that simulates the way a baby nurses, with massage and expression modes and 12 levels of suction. The easy-to-read LCD display shows your mode, speed, suction level, battery life, and pumping time. There’s even a built-in nightlight for those middle-of-the-night sessions.
It’s a closed system (hospital-grade hygiene), and ships with both 24mm and 28mm flanges. The Spectra has a devoted following for good reason – it’s reliable, quiet, and does the job well. If you don’t need portability, the S2 saves you some money.
PJ’s Comfort
Limerick PJ's Comfort Breast Pump
This pump has the best overall pumping feeling – it has silicone breast cups and most closely resembles the suckling/suction action of a nursing infant. Where most pumps use hard plastic flanges, the PJ’s Comfort uses soft silicone shields that conform to your breast shape for a more comfortable and natural experience.
The pump is quiet, efficient, and easy to clean and maintain. It’s a closed system (hospital-grade hygiene) with a letdown setting and adjustable suction. It’s portable and reasonably priced, making it an excellent all-around choice. The one downside is that it can sometimes be difficult to find in stock.
Wearable Pumps
Wearable pumps fit inside your bra and let you pump hands-free – no tubes, no bottles hanging off you. They’re ideal for pumping at work, running errands, or any time you need to be discreet. They’re not hospital-grade and generally have less suction power than traditional pumps, so many people use a wearable as a complement to their primary pump rather than a full replacement.
Medela Pump in Style with Wearable In-Bra
Medela Pump in Style with Wearable In-Bra
If you love the Medela name but want to pump hands-free, this is the one. It uses wearable in-bra collection cups that weigh just 2.7 oz each – among the lightest available – so they sit comfortably in your bra without sagging or drawing attention.
The cups feature an anatomically designed 105° opening that helps reduce breast compression, and Medela’s MaxFlow technology generates vacuum with micro-vibrations for effective milk removal. It has 10 adjustable levels with 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm.
The collection cups stand upright to avoid spills and have an easy pour spout. Only three parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quick. It includes a rechargeable battery so you’re not tethered to an outlet. This is a great choice if you need to pump at work or while on the go.
Momcozy M5 Wearable
Momcozy M5 Lite Wearable Breast Pump
(Lite) | Momcozy M5 Smart Wearable Breast Pump
(Smart)
The Momcozy M5 is the most discreet pump on this list. It’s a fully wearable, all-in-one unit that sits inside your bra – no tubes, no bottles dangling, no power cord. At 230g and under 50dB, you can pump at the office, in a café, or next to a sleeping partner without anyone being the wiser.
The M5 features Momcozy’s DoubleFit flange with a horizontal pumping angle that mimics the natural curvature of a baby’s mouth. It charges via USB-C, and a full charge gives you 4–5 pumping sessions (about 150 minutes total).
The Lite and Smart are mechanically the same pump – the Smart includes app control for session customization, while the Lite is a more budget-friendly option without the app features. Both are an excellent choice if convenience and discretion are your top priorities.
Which Pump Should You Choose?
All of these pumps will serve you well. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Best overall performance: Medela Pump in Style Pro – hospital-grade efficiency, 16 suction levels, two flange sizes included
- Best hands-free (Medela): Medela Pump in Style with Wearable In-Bra – lightweight in-bra cups, rechargeable, MaxFlow technology
- Quietest pump: Spectra S1 Plus Premier Breast Pump / Spectra S2 Plus Premier Breast Pump – library-quiet, LCD display, nightlight
- Most discreet: Momcozy M5 Lite Wearable Breast Pump / Momcozy M5 Smart Wearable Breast Pump – fully wearable, no tubes, ultra-portable
- Most comfortable: Limerick PJ's Comfort Breast Pump – silicone breast cups, most natural suckling feel
Remember, your pump is one of the most important tools in your lactation toolbox. Invest in a good one and it will pay for itself many times over. For more on the basics of inducing, check out our guide on the mechanics of making milk.
