By the time you read this, my pumping journey will be over. For over a year, I nursed and pumped breast milk for my child, constantly planning my day around feeding times or being near a pump. This experience made me wonder—what makes a good breast pump? Are wearable pumps worth it? And why do some cost $500?
After testing nearly a dozen popular models, these are the best breast pumps I found. If you’re unsure what type you need, check out our breast pump buying guide for helpful tips. Also, don’t miss our guides on baby carriers, baby monitors, and strollers.
Updated March 2024
We’ve added the Haakaa as our recommended manual breast pump and new details about the Willow 360. Plus, we’ve included sections on how we test pumps and whether you actually need one.
Best Portable Pump: Pumpables Genie Advanced
Price: $180 at Pumpables
This is what I picture when I think of a portable pump—small enough to fit in most bags but still powerful. The Pumpables Genie Advanced (9/10, WIRED Recommends) can be used as a single or double electric pump and even records your pumping preferences for future sessions. It comes with a clip and lanyard, making it easy to wear while pumping.
The standout feature is the Liquid Kit, a soft and comfortable shield-and-bottle combo. Though it has many parts and isn’t dishwasher-safe, the comfort is worth the extra cleaning effort. Before checkout, Pumpables prompts you to choose your shield size—a small but essential step for better comfort and efficiency.
This pump is a closed system, meaning it keeps milk and tubing separate to prevent contamination. It can also work with other closed-system shield kits or wearable cups, though we only tested it with Pumpables’ own Liquid Kit.
Best Wearable Pump: Willow Go
Price: ~$350 (often on sale for $279) at Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Willow
Willow set the standard for wearable pumps, and the Willow Go (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a great option. It’s more affordable than some competitors, like Elvie, while offering similar features.
The reusable cups make it easy to check how much milk you’ve pumped, and they’re dishwasher-safe. The pump comes with 21mm and 24mm flanges, but if you need a different size, you’ll have to buy it separately.
Each pump has an opening at the top to pour milk out, so be careful not to bend over while wearing it. When you’re done, have a bottle or milk storage bag ready.
The Willow Go has its own app for setup, tracking, and controlling your sessions. Keep in mind that it only works with Willow Go parts.
Best Budget Pump: Imani i2
Price: $150 at Amazon | $110 at Legendairy | $80 for a single pump
For an affordable option, the Imani i2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is surprisingly good. It lacks high-tech features like apps or screens, but it pumps just as well as some more expensive models.
The design is lightweight and comfortable, but the materials feel a bit flimsy. It’s also not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.
The motor sits on top of the pump, meaning it sticks out of your bra and isn’t very discreet. Also, don’t bend over while using it, as it’s top-heavy.
It has just a few simple buttons for turning it on, switching between stimulation and expression modes, and adjusting between five intensity levels. There’s no built-in timer, so you’ll need to use your own.
If you want to charge both motors at once, Imani now sells a $30 charging dock. We haven’t tested it yet, but it sounds convenient!
Best High-Tech Wearable Pump: Willow 3.0
Price: ~$500 (often on sale for $313) at Amazon, Walmart, and Willow
The Willow 3.0 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of the most advanced pumps available. It creates a strong latch, tracks exactly how many ounces you’re pumping, and automatically switches modes when your milk lets down. It’s the closest experience to a baby naturally nursing.
This pump is expensive at $500, but its features are impressive. You can’t see inside while pumping, but the app tracking is very accurate. You can choose between Willow’s own O-shaped milk bags (which seal for easy storage) or a reusable milk container.
New Model Alert: Willow 360
Willow is replacing the 3.0 with the Willow 360 ($500). The hardware is the same, but the app now includes extra support features like a virtual coach. We’ll test it soon and share our thoughts!
Best Double Electric Pump: Spectra S1
Price: ~$216 at Target, Walmart, and Babylist
The Spectra S1 is one of the most recommended breast pumps—and for good reason. It’s a powerful, reliable, and portable double electric pump with a long battery life.
The design is easy to use, with a clear screen and buttons to adjust suction levels. It also features a quiet motor, so you can pump in the same room as a sleeping baby without disturbing them. A built-in night-light makes late-night sessions easier.
The only downside? It’s not super portable. The base is a bit large, so you need a free hand to carry it from room to room. However, it’s small enough to rest on a table or chair while you pump.
Best Portable Pump With Wearable Cups: Elvie Stride
Price: ~$200 ($150 on sale) at Amazon | $320 at Target (with carry bag) | $270 at Walmart
If you want wearable cups that fit in any bra but don’t mind tubing, the Elvie Stride is a great choice.
It’s comfortable to wear, and the tubing rotates, making it easier to fit under different tops and bras. The pump base is lightweight and comes with a clip so you can attach it to your clothing.
This was the lightest portable pump I tested, and it fit into my bra more discreetly than others. However, you need to run the tubing under your clothes for a fully hidden look.
One downside: Unlike Pumpables, the company doesn’t prompt you to choose your shield size before buying. If you need a nonstandard size, you might have to buy extra parts later.
Easiest Pump to Clean: Medela Freestyle
The Medela Freestyle (7/10, WIRED Recommends) stands out for one big reason—it’s super easy to clean!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right breast pump depends on your budget, lifestyle, and pumping needs. Whether you want a wearable, budget-friendly, or high-tech option, there’s something for everyone.
