The Best Breast Pump for Every Budget

Pros:

• Uses hands-free natural suction; no electrical outlet needed
• Made from 100% food-grade silicone
• Compact and easily portable

Cons:

• Not wearable
• Top heavy, can tip if placed on table or countertop
• Some parents say it’s uncomfortable

Many nursing parents love the Haakaa for passive milk collection. Its one-piece design uses natural suction to express milk; all you need to do is squeeze it, attach it to your breast and let it do the rest. “The best use for something like this would be to collect milk from the breast not currently being nursed from,” Guerriero says. “I wish I had used one when using my Medela Harmony hand pump since that only pumped one breast at a time.” It’s a great way to build a “just in case” freezer stash without dedicating separate time to pumping.

Just be mindful of how strongly you suction it on; it’s meant to gently suction milk that’s already flowing. It’s a simple design, so there are some things to keep in mind. The suction unseals easily if you move around (or baby accidentally kicks it while feeding on the other breast). It’s also top-heavy, so you’ll want to be sure to utilize the suction base when setting it down on the table or kitchen counter. Haakaa does make a lip and stopper accessory to help prevent spilling your precious milk—this bundle comes with both.

Some parents say it’s tricky to get it on just right and find it painful or uncomfortable, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. And if you like the sound of this but think you’d prefer something that can fit inside of your bra, keep reading for our next pick.

Real Parent Reviews

“This was the best thing I purchased while breastfeeding. It saved all the milk that normally would have just gone into my bra. I recommend this to anyone breastfeeding, especially [those who] might struggle with milk production.” — Coaltrain

“This has been awesome in helping me build up my milk supply. I’ve been using maybe 1-3x/day and get a few extra bottles worth to store in my freezer for later. The lid is great in case I need to store it in the fridge to combine with more milk later. It’s also great for traveling. I’ll bring it to express in case I’m worried about becoming engorged or for giving my baby a fresh bottle in long car rides. If you plan to breastfeed, you need this!” — livvgrish

Pros:

• Wearable; fits inside your bra
• Uses natural suction to express milk
• Silent and discreet

Cons:

• Not meant for regular pumping
• May not fit well for larger breasts
• Only holds up to 3 oz

If you’re looking for a wearable passive milk collector, look no further. Similar to the Haakaa, the Boon Trove works with natural suction—but the rounded shape lets you slip this pump right inside of your bra, making it a truly wearable option. Some pumping parents say they prefer this collector since baby can’t kick it off while nursing. This collector is made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone and is dishwasher-safe for easier cleaning. It only holds about three ounces of milk (less than the Haakaa) but the portability makes it worth it. Many parents shared they were able to catch enough breast milk to create a “just in case” freezer stash. “It is a small but mighty gift. No milk goes wasted! It helped me build a freezer stash,” one parent says in our Best Baby Products survey.

Real Parent Reviews

“I had a Haakaa from my first baby and was always annoyed with it getting knocked while feeding the other side. Found these and the price was right to at least try it out. After a week of use, I had to buy a second. These fit in the bra so no accidental kicks (ouch) or spills. They are also way more gentle than Hakka but just as effective. Easy to clean with the Boon cactus tool set I already had. Don’t think twice, get this!!” — Allison H.

“I wanted to really love this but it’s just not for me. I’ll start with I have a big chest, like DD/DDDs. The suction isn’t strong enough to keep it in place inside my bra. I will say it holds a good amount of the liquid gold though, about 3 oz is what I was able to get a few times. I like how the cleaning process wasn’t complicated. Great for mothers with a smaller chest size.” — Butterflyqween89

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Compatible with multiple breast shield sizes
• Bottle stand helps stop spills

Cons:

• Less powerful than an electric pump
• Can get tiring

The Medela Harmony is the most popular manual breast pump in our Best Baby Products survey by far. It’s operated by hand and is really easy to use and to store, which makes it a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable manual pump. Guerriero says manual pumps also make a great backup pump or travel option when you’re out and about or if you experience a power outage. The Harmony is small and silent, great for the times you need to discreetly pump in public. It’s designed with a slight angle, so you can sit comfortably while pumping and helps milk flow down into the container.

Since your hand is what powers this pump, you may get tired, so it’s ideal for occasional use. Some parents notice the pump loses suction after consistent use—if you notice that happening, check that the pump is assembled properly. There is a little piece called an “o ring” that needs to be in place on the handle piece. Or it may be time for a new valve membrane (the little rubber flap that helps create suction).

Real Parent Reviews

“I bought this product to pump off excess milk/pressure before feeding my daughter. I love how easy this pump is to use and it doesn’t hurt at all; I manually expressed my milk and it hurt so I was a bit scared to try a manual pump and I absolutely love it. Great for if you were going anywhere away from home and you’re nervous about breastfeeding in public like I am. Easy clean-up as well. 100% recommend” — StephFeltham

“I started out with the electric automatic pump (can’t remember the name) and after the 30-minute sessions I was so sore and my milk supply just kept dropping. My firstborn couldn’t breastfeed. With my second born I’ve been using my Harmony pump on the side he isn’t on and I can get the full breast cleared out in a matter of 5-10 minutes and it’s painless. It’s amazing with the silicone edges because it’s more comfortable. I would recommend getting a duckbill flange for the inside because I feel like it just has better suction. It’s amazing for the car, for quick night pump sessions and just for every pump session really. I know it’s only one breast at a time but it’s so much quicker. I didn’t think pumping would be possible with two under two and one of them having complex medical needs.” — Milkers

“[It’s] perfect for the days where I need an extra expression before bed but don’t feel like getting the whole pump set up. Works great and makes me feel good knowing I have an easy backup if my electric pump stops working at work suddenly.” — Keely H.

Pros:

• Silicone flanges
• Can pump directly into any Dr. Brown’s bottles
• Memory settings to save preferred customizations

Cons:

• Noisy
• Motor isn’t as powerful as other electric options
• Must be plugged in to use

This electric breast pump from Dr. Brown’s is an efficient, budget-friendly option for those paying out of pocket for their breast pump. Though it’s not as strong as some electric pumps, many parents find it gets the job done. It features two modes, let down and expression, each with a few different settings so you can figure out the pumping style your body responds to best. The convenient memory setting means you won’t have to keep programming it before each use. And what’s really unique about this pump are the silicone flanges; some people find these are more comfortable than the traditional plastic options.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering this pump. It’s much noisier than other options on the market and requires an outlet since it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries. It also doesn’t have as strong a suction as, say, the Spectra S1 (further down on this list). That doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker though, as everyone responds to pumps differently.

Real Parent Reviews

“I prefer using this pump over my Spectra S2 because it’s less bulkier and I can use this pump directly with my Dr Brown’s bottles (don’t have to transfer the milk). The pump does have a lot of parts, so it’s more to clean. The pump parts also have hard to clean parts in them. You would definitely need a small brush to get into the nooks. [It] was not much louder than S2, [and it didn’t] wake my newborn. When the flange was on correctly, I was able to pump as much as the S2 but slightly faster. The pockets on the pump are convenient to hold the cord, my pump bra, and the vacuum tubes.” — P

“The look of this pump leaves a lot to be desired, it’s not pretty. However, it feels [like] more of a natural suction and rhythm than other pumps I’ve used. I like it better than my spectra to be honest. The holders and the side are great to use as well.” — Elamouria

“I’m a [first time mom], and obviously fairly new to pumping. Overall, this pump is great for my needs! It works better for me than my Spectra did. It is a little noisier, but I’m able to pump four ounces in ten minutes, [whereas] before it would’ve taken thirty minutes! Paired with the hands-free nursing bra, it was a breath of fresh air from my previous pumping experiences. ” — M

Pros:

• Budget-friendly wearable option
• Snug fit for more efficient pumping + silicone flanges for comfort

Cons:

• Bulky
• Some users experience inconsistent suction and battery life

If you’re not sure you want to take the plunge into wearables (or simply don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars), the Momcozy S12 is a good place to start. It’s our top affordable pick in this category, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a wearable option for occasional pumping. Schwartz says that expensive doesn’t equal better: “For most pumpers, a mid-range breast pump will provide the features, reliability, and suction strength they need.”

The S12 wearable pump is completely hands- and wire-free. The motor rests on top, so it’s not as discreet as some other wearables, but it makes up for that with its strong suction—there are three modes and nine suction options. The pump has lots of other things going for it, too. The double-seal flanges are comfortable and help keep the pump in place. The reusable six-ounce collection cups are clear so you can see how much you’ve pumped.

The S12 is much heavier than other wearable pump options and some parents report inconsistent suction and battery life.

Real Parent Reviews

“I absolutely love these pumps! I purchased them more for when I return to work and on-the-go ease. But I have found that I get more volume using my portables than using my Spectra. I stopped using my Spectra and have been using these pumps exclusively. I noticed after 1 month of using the S12 Pros that one motor had lost suction. I have had to now treat it as though I have one pump which sucks for the time spent pumping. I just now purchased more S12 Pros. Hopefully, there’s something that can be done to fix this issue because the pumps are great otherwise!” — Alice

“I think this is great for wanting to pump while being busy or wanting to be productive, however, this is not really worth the hype to me. One of the pump’s batteries dies way faster than the other and it’s honestly such an inconvenience when I use them for the same amount of time on each breast. I honestly think the Medela works more efficiently than the Momcozy S12.” — Rikki

“I am a first time mom and attempted to use this coming home from the hospital. I wasn’t able to get much milk from it when establishing a milk supply and had to go back to the hospital and rent a hospital-grade pump to which I had no issues pumping plenty. This likely works great when your milk is already established, but I also found it incredibly difficult to clean with so many parts, and the rubber pieces should not be placed in a sterilizer. Ultimately it was more trouble than it was worth for me so I chalked it up to a loss and gave it away.” — Sylvia

Pros:

• Ultra-portable (smaller than a smartphone)
• 21 different settings
• Includes silicone breast shields for extra comfort

Cons:

• Noisy
• Short battery life
• Hands-free but not cord-free

This buzz-worthy pump is smaller than your smartphone—but doesn’t sacrifice at all on suction. Landing somewhere between a traditional closed-system pump and a completely hands-free option, it’s small enough to hold in one hand and light and compact enough to slip into your pocket or wear around your neck while you pump. It features single or double-pump capabilities and nine levels of powerful suction (some pumping parents even say it can be too powerful) and runs on a rechargeable battery.

Though it’s small, this pump is mighty. At its highest setting, it’s 315mmHg, a bit lower than the previous version which many parents found was too strong. (Not to get too sciency, but mmHg, the abbreviation for millimeters of mercury, is a measurement of pressure. It’s also the standard unit of measurement for a breast pump’s suction level.) Just to put this into perspective, the Spectra S1 is as close to a hospital-grade pump as you can get (meaning it’s strong) and it only goes up to 270mmHg at its highest setting. Most pumpers agree this pump is efficient but keep in mind that a stronger strength doesn’t always mean more milk removal. The brand recently released this 2.0 version to address some of the discomfort parents reported due to the previous model being too strong. Though it’s advertised as a quiet option, it’s actually rather noisy compared to similar portable pumps. And some people find the battery doesn’t last long enough.

Real Parent Reviews

“As an overproducer, I couldn’t get the typical wearables to have enough power to really work well for me. After hearing this was very strong, I took a chance on the original once the 2.0 was launched and the original was on sale. The first use was just okay, but once I played around with the levels, it worked beautifully and only took an extra minute or two versus my Spectra SG. I use my Spectra on level 10 expression and level 4 stimulation (bacon mode), but with this, I just use expression levels 1-2 as stimulation and go up to 5. The long pull-on stimulation is strong, so you’ve gotta be ready for that. I haven’t needed to go beyond level 5, but knowing there are more levels is awesome to have in something so portable. Definitely going in my travel bag instead of having to worry about plugging in my big SG somewhere. Works with all my spectra bottles too and the Legendairy cups!” — Jordan

“This is my second pregnancy, I used the original for an entire year as an exclusively pumping mom and an over-supplier. This time around as a breastfeeding and pumping mom I love the soft expression mode when I’m sore but appreciate the power and options to clear clogged ducts and quickly empty me. I recommend this pump to [anyone].” — Sarah D.

Pros:

• Hospital-strength
• 46% of Babylist parents voted for this as their favorite breast pump
• Rechargeable battery lasts up to three hours

Cons:

• Takes trial/error to find your ideal settings
• Bulky

Spectra’s S1 is the next best thing to a hospital-grade pump—meaning it’s better at fully emptying your breast than some less powerful (and less expensive) breast pumps. There are a ton of other features that make our best overall breast pump pick and the top choice for most parents, according to our latest [Best Baby Products](https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/best-baby-products “Babylist guide to the best baby products) survey.

The main winning features of the S1 include portability (the rechargeable battery boasts up to about three hours of cord-free pumping time), an ultra-quiet motor and plenty of massage and suction settings so you can find the custom setting that works best for you. Some say it’s tricky to find the right settings at first (because everyone responds to pumping differently), but practice makes perfect. Be sure to reach out to a lactation consultant if you’re struggling to figure it out.

Parents also love the built-in light feature, which makes it easy to navigate using during middle of the night pumping sessions. And though the battery feature means this pump is portable, it’s definitely bulkier than some other portable electric pumps on the market. If you’re willing to sacrifice portability, check out the Spectra S2 Plus—it’s about $30 cheaper and just as strong, but it needs to be plugged into the wall at all times.

Real Parent Reviews

“Exclusive pumper here! I love this pump because it’s: Extremely quiet, portable, and has a really good suction (Medela was another really great one for suction; [I] have used both hospital-grade pumps). I’ve pumped in the car so many times with this one. It’s compatible with Avent bottles without adapters. Only spectra bottles fit at the top, so I ultimately stocked up on those on Amazon. I’ve also gotten the Momcozy bottle and flange sets on Amazon that work really well. Only complaint [about] the pump: light is blue, and even on a “dim” mode, it lights up the room and isn’t the best on baby’s eyes (baby co-sleeps and I pump next to him at night). Only complaint on spectra bottles: they leak when tipped over! So keep it in the little holder and don’t drop it. MomCozy sells flange kits that include bottle lids with little green suction rings—use those on the spectra bottles and leaking stops. Spectra caps alone are just not great. All in all, though, I still recommend this pump ten times over again because it’s practically silent and very portable. (I recently read this pump is heavier than the pink S2; it’s really not bad to carry around at all though.) Especially if you’re more used to carrying around a baby.” — Chrissy

“This pump works great and has strong pump action similar to the hospital pump. As for some everyday functionality, I found a few issues with it for my daily activities and then throw in the mix of a newborn. 1) Wish the cup that goes on the breast wasn’t plastic and had some kind of silicone suction to the skin to secure better onto you and not solely depend on your breastfeeding bra to keep it in place. 2) Don’t try to bend over and pick up baby or assist baby while pumping. The collection bottle and twist cover are not leakproof at all. The moment you’ll slightly bend forward and the milk gets to the rim it will instantly leak. 3) the connection tubes from the device to the collection cups were at least 3-6” longer so you can move around a bit better or have a comfortable distance from your seated position to the device. You really can’t sit back on your couch or chair to “relax” with your back against the back end of your seated position without having to place a buffer of pillows between yourself and the back of your chair or couch. If there [were] a way to make these adjustments on this device or a new model this would be a Rolls Royce of breast bumps for the added comfortability.” — Stefanie T.

“I call this pump ol faithful! I love how I can carry it around if I need to move throughout the house. I like the comfort and simplicity [of] the settings. I’ve gotten great output while breastfeeding both of my kids.” — Summer

Pros:

• Comfortable flanges
• Lightweight + compact
• Popular pick among exclusive pumpers

Cons:

• Some find settings aren’t strong enough
• Pump parts sold separately

The Genie Advanced offers gentle yet powerful suction. It weighs about half a pound and you’ll get three hours of pumping time with each charge. Many parents like that this pump works with different flanges and collection cups, too. One parent said, “I love that you can ‘hack’ it by using it with whichever cups you like. Pumpables doesn’t gatekeep its pumps with proprietary cups.”

Just be sure to add the liquid kit (or two if you want to pump both breasts at the same time) since they’re not automatically included with the pump. As with any breast pump flanges, you’ll want to measure your nipples so you know what size to choose from—Pumpables offers six different options. (Read our flange size piece for a quick how-to.)

Real Parent Reviews

“I’m obsessed! My output is great, if not better than my spectra & I love that I can use this pump with any flanges! It’s lightweight to wear on my neck with the lanyard & small enough it doesn’t take up a lot of room in my backpack. The settings are easy to use & I feel like these settings empty me faster! Highly recommend if you’re a Spectra pump user, you will not be disappointed! The liquid flanges are great but I found even though I’m 21 mm with my Spectra I need the smaller size since the silicone is very flexible. The flange length is also shorter than I’m used to so that might be why I need the smaller size. Not sure if I will order them because the liquid kit is great but it’s just more pump parts that I don’t need since I can use all my spectra parts no problem.” — Marissa L.

“I used the Pumpables Genie Advanced on my recent weekend trip to NYC… and I mean ALL over NYC. I was able to pump in a taxi, on the ferry, sitting in Central Park, and more. This pump is SO quiet and does a fantastic job! I think having the proper shield size makes a big difference as my output was actually more than I get with my other traditional plug-in pumps. All in all… very pleased with this pump!” — Katie B.

“I am a mom, RN, and a verified breastfeeding counselor. I tried this pump to have something more mobile on the drive to and from work (another powerhouse mobile pump did not work out) and I’m not disappointed. I use the Medela Symphony at work and Spectra at home (Genie Advanced now replaced Spectra) and I get as much if not more than the Symphony!! The liquid flanges are great and gentle!! Loving it!!!” — Carrie B.

Pros:

• Strong suction strength
• Quiet
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Hard to find replacement parts
• Some notice less suction when pumping on both sides

The Luna is a great option if you’re looking for something that you can use both at home and on the go. The battery lasts about 2 hours between charges (and only takes 2.5 hours to recharge). Similar to the Spectra, Luna’s double pump is a powerful, hospital-strength pump with lots of customization options that runs on a rechargeable battery for portability—but it’s much lighter and smaller. This closed-system pump boasts a quiet motor and several helpful features like auto shut-off, a built-in nightlight and backlit LCD screen, single or double pumping options and lots more. Quite a few Babylist parents report in our Best Baby Products survey that they like the Luna pump because it’s compact and easy to use. It was mentioned as being a favorite among pumping parents almost as much as the classic Spectra S1.

Real Parent Reviews

“It’s not the most mobile pump compared to the completely tubeless ones like Willow or Elvie… But for me, this one was 1000 times more comfortable. The pump parts are relatively easy to clean and if you use Avent bottles they are pretty interchangeable so you can pump right into them. I love that you can tweak the settings for massage mode and letdown mode, and you can use this as a single or as a double pump. It always remembers the last settings you used which is also really convenient. The LED light makes it easy for me to see how much I pumped without turning all the lights on in the middle of the night … Which brings me to the most important plus: it’s extremely quiet! Overall this is my preferred pump between Medela & Willow.” — Rachel Z.

“I have 3 kids and I’ve used so many pumps after struggling with a poor latch for months. This last baby I got the Luna and I am in LOVE. It combines all the things I loved about the other pumps I’ve tried all in one. I love that it’s quiet, it’s lightweight so I can carry it around if I need to go check on my kids, it has a rechargeable battery that lasts multiple pump sessions, and the suction is strong but can also be adjusted on the stimulation and expression modes. 100% recommend this pump and the motif brand products!” — Jessica

“It has been reliable, has a great battery life (buy the carport and adaptor bundle if you are able to), it’s not loud and has even been dropped a few times and it still works lol. I also bought a Willow to try out the cordless life but my supply went down from it and I was able to rely on my tried and true Motif Luna. My only “complaint” is the larger known brands and spare parts can be found in well-known stores like Target but I found spare parts on Amazon that also fit (I want to say Spectra but would double check first) if you didn’t want to purchase new parts on the Motif website. I would recommend Motif Luna as this will be one of the most personal/emotional purchases you may make in your life. I feel good about my decision!” — Lauren H.

Pros:

• Wearable, discreet pumping
• Pump up to 7 oz on each side into reusable milk storage containers
• More affordable than similar wearable pumps

Cons:

• Not leak-proof like Willow 360
• Heavy

The Willow Go is the best overall pick in our wearable pump guide and 70% of Babylist parents in our Best Baby Products survey said they preferred this model over the original Willow 360. One of the main reasons is that it sits at a more affordable price point than other top-tier wearables but performs just as well (and according to some pumpers, even better). It fits right into your bra for hands-free pumping (though it’s not as discreet as our next pick). There are two modes—stimulation and expression—and 15 different suction settings. Milk is collected into reusable storage containers so you won’t have to deal with buying disposable bags, and you’ll get about three pumping sessions without having to recharge the battery. The pump comes with five-ounce containers, but you can purchase seven-ounce ones if you need more storage. It’s also available as a single pump, which is a more affordable option if you don’t mind pumping one breast at a time.

Two things to keep in mind: this pump will leak if you bend over past a certain point (while the Willow 360 is completely leak-proof no matter how you move, the Go allows only 45 degrees of mobility). And secondly, some parents said they felt it was a bit heavy to wear while doing anything too involved.

Real Parent Reviews

“This pump is incredible! Having used what feels like every type of pump (both electric and manual, hands-free and not) on the market, the Willow Go pump has finally made me settle on one and put the rest into storage. I love that first and foremost, my output is the same as what I would typically get from a typical plug-in wall breast pump. The pull-and-release suction method works better for me, and I love that there are lots of suction levels/customization options (6 stim levels and 9 expression levels) and that I can toggle back and forth between stim/expression by the push of a button—and do it all without being hooked up to a wall. I’m a big fan of no single-use plastic bags in this model (better for the environment!) and even if it means that the pump isn’t fully 100% spill-proof, it still comes pretty close to it. I told my husband 6 weeks ago that I was done breast pumping/feeding, and this pump is the only reason why I’ve continued on, and why I’ll probably still be pumping months from now—it just makes it so easy. I’ve found this pump quiet enough (and discreet enough) for Zoom meetings, and also means that I can get up and go in the morning (and afternoon, and evening) and that I don’t have to spend hours each day immobile just to feed my kiddo breastmilk. Would highly recommend to any mom (future or existing) in the market for a breast pump!” — Victoria

“I have tried so many pumps. I am a full-time working mom with 4 kids so I have to have a portable to be able to continue to pump exclusively. This is a game-changer. Willow 360 wasn’t for me due to the constant suction, even properly sized. The vibration and gentler suction of the Go is perfect for me. The parts are easier to wash but the silicone parts are delicate and need to be taken care of. The sound isn’t bothersome. The sound is lower pitched so it’s harder to hear than the 3.0. The battery could be better—I usually get 3 full 25-minute pumps out of it. I haven’t stretched it past that and let it completely die though so I might get 3.5 pumps. The app is less than desirable compared to the 3.0 app. It only shows the current or last pump duration. I wish it showed the time of day that the pump was at last because sometimes I forget what time I last pumped. It doesn’t show volume at all and if you are used to seeing the volume on the 3.0 app then it’s a disappointment. It also shows the battery level. However I wish it gave an estimated time left on certain suction levels—that would be nice. The duckbills and diaphragms are very delicate. I would have extras on hand. Given all that I still would buy this over again. I am actually considering buying another to just leave at my office.” — Abbey

Pros:

• Lightweight & slim
• Almost completely silent
• Pump into attached storage bottles—no bags required

Cons:

• App’s volume tracking sometimes inaccurate
• Not spill-proof

The Elvie slips right inside your nursing bra without tubes or wires—and it’s the wearable pump our gear editor named the most discreet pick in our Best Wearable Breast Pumps guide. It’s virtually silent, which is a huge plus for parents who are looking for something they can use at work or on the go. At around 32 decibels, it’s the quietest on our list.

Like other pumps in this price range, it offers a variety of settings, including a stimulation mode that helps trigger letdown and get milk flowing, along with seven adjustable suction levels. One standout feature is its ability to detect your letdown automatically, switching between modes seamlessly. Each side can hold up to five ounces of expressed milk, and the suction pauses automatically when the milk level reaches capacity.

There are a few quirks parents report they think could be improved. Though the Elvie smartphone app makes it easy to track your pumping sessions and milk output, some people have say the app’s Bluetooth connection can be unreliable. Additionally, the suction may weaken if the components aren’t perfectly aligned. And while the pump is spill-proof during use, it’s not entirely leak-proof (so be careful when removing the cups from your bra).

Real Parent Reviews

“My son was rushed into NICU and this pump not only helped me pump life-saving colostrum to him but got me to a full milk supply without my son being able to help me get there. I recommend you buy one before you deliver and pack this up for the hospital. You may not need it, but for us, it was the difference of being able to breastfeed my son. The pump they gave me at the hospital could not pump colostrum and hand expressing hurt! It was not producing anything other than drops. I sent my husband home for the Elvie and I was producing 2 ML of colostrum, then 20 and 30 ML of colostrum/milk the next day. The gentle but powerful pump has been a godsend! My son is 10% over birth weight at week 2!” — Bassmom

“My baby has a tongue tie and can’t breastfeed efficiently. I therefore need to exclusively pump milk. I absolutely love the Elvie pump as compared to the traditional pumps, it is compact—no messy tubes, bottles, a massive pump which means it’s portable and discreet. It is also incredibly quiet (great for nighttime pumping) and most importantly, it is efficient (it pumps the same output as my usual hospital-grade pump). I’m so impressed with this pump and think it is incredibly innovative and makes a massive difference to women like me who want to pump milk discreetly and efficiently.” — Danielle

Pros:

• Can control the suction on each side independently
• Quiet and powerful

Cons:

• Limited suction settings
• No handle for carrying

Another favorite among Babylist parents according to our Best Baby Products survey, Spectra’s most advanced breast pump has the same powerful suction as the brand’s popular S1 and S2 models but with one extra feature: dual settings that allow for independent suction on each side. This is a nice plus if you prefer each side of your pump at different settings. There aren’t many setting options, however, which may not be ideal for some parents. Other convenient features include a touch-screen LCD with a timer, a three-level nightlight, and an extremely quiet motor. This model is portable and rechargeable, though some parents say the battery life is inconsistent. They also mention they wish the pump had a handle to make it even easier to carry around.

Real Parent Reviews

“I like that you can customize settings for each side, and after you’re done pumping and turn it off, [it] saves those settings for you. I used Spectra S2 with my first pregnancy and with my second baby I’m loving this one so far. Also my insurance [covered] this completely for me! It empties each breast in 5-8 minutes. It’s portable which makes pumping on the go much easier anywhere I’m at. The battery lasts me about two days. Also, I pump directly into the Kiinde milk bags with an adapter. So convenient!” — yesi2211

“I love Spectra, I still have and use the S2 and love it since it is portable too. This little guy is awesome! Super easy to use and carry. I do wish it had a small handle of some type to truly make it portable, but it’s small enough I can put it into the pocket of [the] basketball shorts I wear. Definitely get good output with this model, haven’t used my blue spectra since the first few weeks because this one is so convenient and tiny. My biggest and only real issue is the hose connection ports are terrible. The tubes fall out all the time which is annoying, rarely [does] this happen when I’m pumping and that’s when I’m actually annoyed.” — Adrienne

“I got this for the convenience of mobility not realizing that all the settings were not adjustable. If you have a good established milk supply and want something that is easy to carry on the go then it might be a good option. Battery life is terrible after a month; it won’t hold a charge very well and you can only get one or two pumps out of it and need to be plugged into the wall regardless. I saw a lactation specialist and she said [she didn’t like this pump] because you cannot adjust the cycle settings. I ended up buying a regular Spectra s2 and like it much better and get better output.’ — Cristal R.