Best breast pumps for comfort and ease in 2026, tried and tested by UK mums

With so many different types and price points to consider, trying to pick the best breast pump for you can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the best options we’ve tested, including manual, wearable, hands-free and electric breast pumps.

Whether you want something simple for occasional expressing, a wearable pump for pumping on the go, or a more powerful electric model for regular use, this guide brings together the breast pumps our reviewers and parent testers rated most highly.

• Jump to the best breast pumps at a glance
• Jump to the best electric breast pumps to buy in 2026
• Jump to the best manual breast pumps to buy in 2026
• Compare the best breast pumps

Best breast pumps at a glance

• Best smart breast pump: Elvie Single Breast Pump, £269 at Argos
• Best lightweight wearable pump: Fraupow Wearable Pump, £89.99 at Boots
• Best electric pump for travel: Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Double Breast Pump, £269.99 at Amazon
• Best budget wearable electric breast pump: Pippeta Compact Breast Pump, £69.99 at Ebebek
• Best lightweight double wearable pump: Medela Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump, £299.99 £199 at Amazon (Save £100.99 or 34%)
• Best premium wearable breast pump: eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro, £269.99 £199.99 at Amazon (Save £70 or 26%)
• Best breast pump for wireless pumping: Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump, £156 £124 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £31.20 or 20%)
• Best breast pump for electric and manual pumping: Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump, £99.99 at Amazon
• Best breast pump for powerful pumping at home: Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Pump, £179.99 at Amazon
• Best budget double electric breast pump: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breastpump, £199.99 £70 at Amazon (Save £129.99 or 65%)
• Best breast pump for multiple pumping options: MAM 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump, £257.99 at Very
• Best electric breast pump for comfort: Elvie Stride 2, £169 £135.20 at John Lewis (Save £33.80 or 20%)
• Best easy-to-use single breast pump: MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump, £148 £94.35 at John Lewis (Save £53.65 or 36%)
• Best rental breast pump: Medela Symphony Rental Breast Pump, £49 per month
• Best breast pump for simple manual pumping: Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump, £24.99 £20.79 at Amazon (Save £4.22 or 17%)
• Best manual breast pump and collector: Elvie Curve, £34.99 at Amazon
• Best breast pump for quiet manual pumping: MAM Manual Breast Pump, £27.99 at John Lewis

We’ve split our list into electric and manual breast pumps, and you can read more about the differences below. Every product featured here has either been used regularly and reviewed by breastfeeding mums with young babies, tested during the MadeForMums Awards, or both.

We also spoke to experts, including midwives and lactation consultants, to find out which features and pump styles they recommend. For more guidance, use the jump links below:

• Do you need a breast pump?
• Types of breast pumps available to buy in the UK
• Electric vs manual breast pumps: what’s the difference?
• What to consider when buying a breast pump

Best electric breast pumps to buy in 2026

Elvie Single Breast Pump, £269

Best for: Smart hands-free pumping

Why we chose it: This is a genuinely hands-free, tube-free wearable pump that makes regular pumping much easier to fit into everyday life.

For anyone looking to pump regularly, I think the convenience of the Elvie is worth the price tag. It fits in your bra and is completely hands-free with no wires, and this is definitely worth paying more for. It is very portable, comes with a storage bag and would be easy to keep in a handbag.

What we like

• Wearable, discreet design with no tubes or wires
• Quiet and easy to assemble with only 5 parts
• App lets you control the pump remotely and track pumping history

What to keep in mind

• It’s expensive
• Some testers found it can occasionally leak or spill

Billed as the first silent wearable breast pump, the Elvie tucks neatly inside your bra and runs from an internal rechargeable battery, so there’s no need to stay near a power socket. Parent tester Dominika said it made life easier by letting her pump while getting on with things around the house, while reviewer Gabrielle praised how simple it was to put together and use with the app.

If you pump often and want a premium hands-free option that feels thoughtfully designed for real life, this remains one of the strongest all-round wearable choices.

Read our full MadeForMums Elvie Single Breast Pump review

Available from: Boots, Mamas&Papas, Argos and John Lewis

Fraupow Wearable Pump, £89.99

Best for: A lightweight wearable pump

Why we chose it: It’s comfortable, lightweight and portable, making it a practical everyday wearable option at a more affordable price point.

I found it really easy to fit and, used with my nursing bra, I hardly noticed the pump. I also really liked how light it felt. It’s worth mentioning that Fraupow offers great customer service, including from trained midwives. I had a question and it was answered within a few hours via email.

What we like

• Very lightweight and comfortable to wear
• Good suction despite the compact wireless design
• Up to 7 pumping sessions on one charge
• Simple to assemble and use

What to keep in mind

• It’s not silent
• You’ll need to stay on top of charging

Small enough to wear while feeding on the other breast, the Fraupow is one of the easiest wearable pumps here to slot into everyday life. Testers liked its secure fit, portability and anti-leak lip, while also finding it effective enough not to feel like a compromise just because it’s lightweight.

This is a strong pick for mums who want a discreet, comfortable wearable pump without spending premium-brand money.

Read our full MadeForMums Fraupow Wearable Pump review

Available from: Boots, Mamas&Papas, Amazon and Kiddies Kingdom

Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Double Breast Pump, £269.99

Best for: Travel and pumping on the go

Why we chose it: This portable double wearable pump combines strong everyday usability with thoughtful travel-friendly design.

This pump is a great option if, like me, you’re exclusively breastfeeding but just need the flexibility to be away from your baby now and then without leaving them hungry or negatively affecting your milk supply. It comes with a study carry case, making it incredibly easy to keep all the little cables and accessories organised and together and making sure the pumps are well protected on the move.

What we like

• Portable double pump at a competitive price for the category
• Helpful carry case for travel and storage
• 15 suction levels and multiple pumping modes
• App control makes it easy to customise sessions

What to keep in mind

• Not as powerful as a traditional non-portable electric pump
• Not the most discreet wearable

This sleek wearable double pump is particularly well suited to mums who need flexibility while travelling, commuting or heading back to work. Reviewer Libby liked how easy it was to control through the app and found it effective compared with other wearable models she’d used.

The travel case is a real plus here, helping the Momcozy feel like a pump that’s designed to be taken with you rather than just moved from room to room.

Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump over £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025

Available from: Amazon, Momcozy, Boots and John Lewis

Pippeta Compact Breast Pump, £69.99

Best for: A budget wearable electric pump

Why we chose it: It delivers impressive customisation and comfort for a wearable pump that stays relatively affordable.

The Pippeta Compact is an affordable pump, but one that doesn’t compromise on performance. It’s the perfect pump for busy mums on the go, who want to get on with daily life while expressing milk at the same time. Pippeta also offers free lactation support to all its customers, making this an excellent option for first-time-mums who may be unsure or have questions along their feeding journey.

What we like

• Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble
• 12 intensity levels and 4 modes for customising sessions
• Soft, comfortable fit with secure bra placement
• Strong value for a hospital-grade wearable pump

What to keep in mind

• It isn’t silent
• Small parts could be easy to misplace
• It’s not the most discreet under clothing

The Pippeta Compact stands out for combining a strong, comfortable pumping experience with a lower price than many rival wearables. Reviewer Daisy praised how securely it sat inside a nursing bra, while parent tester Lara found it very easy to set up and use.

For busy mums who want the freedom of a wearable without a premium-brand price tag, this is one of the best-value options in the line-up.

Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025

Available from: Ebebek

Medela Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump, £299.99

Best for: Lightweight double wearable pumping

Why we chose it: It makes double pumping feel lighter, more comfortable and less cumbersome than many rival models.

It may be a tad pricey, but if you’re looking to invest in a hands-free breast pump that is easy, lightweight and saves on time I think it’s 100% worth the money. The wearability factor really helps free up your time and the Medela Freestyle is so comfortable to use you'll forget you're wearing it. Just make sure you assemble it correctly every time, download the app, and get your nipple positioned correctly in the cup. Happy pumping!

What we like

• Lightweight, comfortable wearable cups
• Very effective double pumping performance
• Transparent cups help with positioning and monitoring milk flow
• Only 3 parts to clean and dishwasher safe

What to keep in mind

• You still need to carry the control unit in a pocket
• Expensive

Double pumping can often feel bulky, but reviewer Jess found these cups so light and comfortable that it was easy to forget she was wearing them. She also found the pump highly effective, expressing 150ml from each breast in under 20 minutes.

If you want a premium double wearable pump with a well-designed app and easier cleaning than many rivals, this is a very strong contender.

Read our full MadeForMums Medela Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump review

Available from: Boots, Medela, Amazon, Very

eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro, £269.99

Best for: A premium wearable pump with smart control

Why we chose it: It combines hospital-grade suction, excellent comfort and genuinely useful smart features in a wearable design that feels easy to live with.

The eufy S1 Pro is a rare example of a wearable pump that actually lives up to the 'hospital-grade' suction claim without compromising on comfort or design. For anyone who has previously struggled with low output or the discomfort of traditional pumps, this is a total game-changer.

What we like

• Exceptionally comfortable to wear
• Truly hands-free design
• Excellent battery life with charging case
• HeatFlow™ warming technology helps comfort and milk flow
• Dishwasher-safe components make cleaning easier

What to keep in mind

• It’s a premium-priced pump
• Parts are not microwave-steriliser safe
• It’s visible under clothing

The eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro is a rare example of a wearable pump that doesn’t feel like a compromise on power. With hospital-grade suction up to 300 mmHg, soft silicone components and HeatFlow™ technology, it’s designed to make pumping more comfortable while still delivering strong output. The eufy Baby app also adds a lot here, letting you adjust suction, rhythm and heating levels, track output and save your preferred settings.

In testing, reviewer Lou found it notably comfortable and easy to use, whether relaxing at home or moving around the house. The charging case is another standout feature, offering up to five days of cord-free power and making it especially appealing for parents who want something wearable that’s also ready for work, travel or everyday pumping away from the sofa.

Read our full MadeForMums eufy Wearable Breast Pump S1 Pro review

Available from: Amazon and eufy

Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump, £156

Best for: Wireless pumping

Why we chose it: This stylish single electric pump is quiet, portable and easy to use, with a smart design that keeps clutter to a minimum.

The Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Pump is well worth the money for the comfort, ease of use and portability of the product. There are fewer components than a lot of other breast pumps on the market, meaning it’s quick and simple to assemble, clean and transport. The cloth dust case is an added bonus, as is the pump’s sleek and ergonomic design.

What we like

• Very quiet in use
• No tubes or wires
• Works with most standard bottles
• Quick to recharge and easy to transport

What to keep in mind

• The digital display can feel overly sensitive

With its built-in touchscreen pump unit and wire-free design, the Lola & Lykke feels more polished than many single electric pumps. Parent tester Anna especially liked how quiet it was, along with the smart screen and strong battery life.

This is a good choice for mums who want a neat, portable electric pump without moving into fully wearable territory.

Read our full MadeForMums Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump review

Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025

Available from: Natural Baby Shower, John Lewis, Boots and Lola&Lykke

Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump, £99.99

Best for: Electric and manual pumping in one

Why we chose it: It’s a versatile 2-in-1 option that gives you the convenience of electric pumping and the flexibility of manual pumping in the same kit.

It’s definitely the most comfortable pump I’ve used. I’ve struggled to get electric pumps to work in the past but how comfortable this was made it so easy to persevere. This is why the addition of the hand pump is so great, as I could use that too.

What we like

• Supplied with a manual conversion kit
• Easy to assemble and use
• Good value for a versatile pump
• Comfortable and effective according to testers

What to keep in mind

• The unit can feel top heavy
• The buttons are quite close together

The Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone stands out for practicality. As well as offering 9 speed settings and 2-phase expression mode, it comes with a manual conversion kit so you’re not limited to one way of pumping. Testers found it quick to set up and effective, with Clara saying she could get going within minutes of opening the box.

This is a great choice if you want one pump that gives you options, especially if you’re still figuring out what style of pumping works best for you.

Read our full MadeForMums Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump review

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom, Amazon

Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Pump, £179.99

Best for: Powerful pumping at home

Why we chose it: This powerful double electric pump is especially useful if you’re trying to increase milk supply and want hospital-grade-style performance at home.

The Alyssa is a reliable, hard-working, convenient unit that you’ll need if you’re serious about getting a good amount of milk when expressing.

What we like

• Powerful suction with wide-ranging settings
• Helpful Power Pumping programme to mimic cluster feeding
• Memory mode saves your preferred session settings
• More affordable than some hospital-grade alternatives

What to keep in mind

• You’ll need both hands unless using a pumping bra
• Still an investment purchase

The Ardo Alyssa is best suited to more regular home use, especially if supply is a concern. Its pre-set Power Pumping programme and session memory make it easier to keep a consistent routine, and testers found it effective for increasing output.

For mums who want a strong double electric pump without renting a hospital unit, this is one of the most capable options in the guide.

Read our full MadeForMums Ardo Alyssa Double breast pump review

Available from: Amazon and Ebebek

Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump, £130

Best for: A budget double electric pump

Why we chose it: For a double electric pump, it offers strong value and comes with a generous set of included accessories.

I was impressed with the Tommee Tippee Made For Me Double Electric Breast Pump, thanks to its simple lightweight design, ease of use and 90-minute battery life. It expressed a good amount of milk quickly, fairly quietly and very comfortably. The LED display is simple to use and because of its backlit screen, can be used during the night.

What we like

• Good suction power
• Useful accessory bundle included
• Rechargeable power unit gives flexibility away from a plug socket
• Comfortable silicone cups according to testers

What to keep in mind

• The instructions could be clearer
• It’s noisier than some rivals
• Only one flange size is supplied

Electric breast pumps are never especially cheap, but this Tommee Tippee stands out for making double electric pumping more accessible. Testers found it comfortable and effective, with Carly expressing just under 120ml from one side in 8 minutes.

If you want a double electric pump without moving into premium-price territory, this is a sensible option to shortlist.

Read our full MadeForMums Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump review

Available from: Boots, Amazon

MAM 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump, £257.99

Best for: Multiple pumping options

Why we chose it: It’s one of the most versatile pumps here, working as a double electric, single electric and manual pump.

I found the MAM 2 in 1 Double Electric Breast Pump easy and comfortable to use and was impressed at how quickly I was able to express a sufficient amount of milk. The multiple settings make it easy to customise, and the sleek and compact design, as well as protective funnel covers, make it a good option for travel.

What we like

• Can be used in several different ways
• Long battery life
• Includes bottles and storage pots
• Personalised settings for each breast when double pumping

What to keep in mind

• No hands-free option
• You can’t pump directly into storage pots

This MAM pump is a good fit for mums who want flexibility rather than committing to one pumping style. Its different suction and expression settings give you lots of scope to tailor sessions, while the battery life and compact motor unit help with portability too.

It’s especially appealing if you want one purchase that can cover more than one phase of your pumping journey.

Read our full MadeForMums MAM 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump review

Available from: Very, Amazon

Elvie Stride 2, from £169

Best for: Comfort

Why we chose it: With soft cups, multiple flange sizes and strong hospital-grade performance, this is one of the most comfortable electric pumps we’ve tested.

As a wearable, hands-free and smart double pump, it ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a comfort-first pump and the ability to pump both sides while staying mobile makes a big difference to how easily it fits into day-to-day life. The app adds another layer of convenience, letting you control and track everything from your phone.

What we like

• Exceptionally comfortable fit
• Strong suction with hospital-grade efficiency
• Easy app control and tracking
• Comes with a wide range of flange sizes

What to keep in mind

• Visible and fairly bulky under clothing
• High price point
• Tubing and hub attachments may not suit everyone

Donna described this as the most comfortable pump she’d used, praising the softness and flexibility of the cups and how easy it was to forget she was wearing it during longer sessions. The range of flange sizes also helps make it more personalised than many competitors.

If comfort is your main priority but you still want powerful, wearable-style performance, the Stride 2 deserves a place on your shortlist.

Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump over £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025

Available from: Elvie, John Lewis, Mamas&Papas

MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump, £148

Best for: An easy-to-use single wearable pump

Why we chose it: It’s a good-value single wearable for mums who want freedom to pump on the go without a steep learning curve.

This is a nifty product that really opened my eyes after six months of being attached to a hospital-grade pump. I pump regularly as I am only able to breastfeed from one side, so being able to save time and effort several times a day was great for me. The pump came with me on days out, on public transport, to dinners and everywhere in between.

What we like

• Good value for a wearable single pump
• Simple control panel
• Comfortable to wear with quiet mode available
• Includes different shield sizes

What to keep in mind

• Cleaning can be fiddly
• It can take a little getting used to at first
• You’ll need a supportive bra because of the weight

Reviewer Joanna especially liked the time-saving freedom this pump gave her after using a heavier hospital-grade model. She found it comfortable, effective and easy enough to use once set up, though less convenient when it came to cleaning.

This is a good option for regular pumpers who want something wearable and more affordable than the premium end of the market.

Read the full MadeForMums MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump review

Award: Silver — Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025

Available from: Boots, John Lewis, Argos

Medela Symphony Rental Breast Pump, £49 per month

Best for: Renting a hospital-grade pump

Available from Medela

Why we chose it: This hospital-grade rental pump is an excellent option for establishing or protecting supply, especially in the early weeks or during feeding challenges.

If you’re starting your feeding journey, working to maintain supply, or need a dependable pump while separated from your baby, this is an excellent choice. The rental model makes it far more affordable, and the setup and cleaning are genuinely stress-free. I would strongly recommend for new mums and pumping parents who need strong, gentle support—without the commitment of buying.

What we like

• Strong, effective but gentle suction
• Very straightforward to use after setup
• Rental model makes a premium hospital-grade pump more accessible
• Particularly helpful for building or maintaining supply

What to keep in mind

• Bulky and not especially portable
• Not designed for pumping on the go
• Still expensive over time if used long term

The Symphony has long been seen as a benchmark hospital-grade pump, and it’s particularly useful if you’re dealing with feeding difficulties, separation from your baby or low supply. Reviewer Emily found it reliable, comfortable and consistent during a crucial stage of breastfeeding.

For parents who need serious pumping support without committing to a full purchase, renting this model makes a lot of sense.

Read the full MadeForMums Medela Symphony rental breast pump review

Available from: Medela

Best manual breast pumps to buy in 2026

Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump, £25.99

Best for: Simple manual pumping

Why we chose it: It’s lightweight, effective and excellent value, making it one of the easiest manual pumps to recommend.

I found the Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump to be extremely effective and comfortable – and with an RRP of £25, it offers incredible value considering how much it has helped my pumping journey. Using this pump has restored my confidence when pumping and I now feel like I have more control over the strength and length of each pump, compared to the other pump I was using before.

What we like

• Compact and lightweight
• Rotating breast shields improve comfort and fit
• Quiet in use
• Very good value

What to keep in mind

• Only one flange size is supplied
• Small parts need careful cleaning

The Harmony Flex is a great example of why manual pumps still have a place. It’s simple, portable and easy to use, but still includes Medela’s 2-phase expression technology and a shield designed to fit more comfortably to different breast shapes.

If you only pump occasionally or want an affordable backup to an electric pump, this is one of the strongest manual options around.

Read our full MadeForMums Medela Harmony Flex Manual breast pump review

Available from: Amazon, John Lewis and Medela

Elvie Curve Breast Pump, £34.99

Best for: Manual pumping and collecting let-down

Why we chose it: This quiet silicone design works both as a manual pump and a milk collector, making it especially useful during feeding.

It has the most discreet look when in use and the soft-touch silicone really adds to the natural feel of it. The fact it is hands-free is a really attractive feature – it requires no input when in use and is silent so will not disturb your sleeping partner, baby or other children during the night, and you can wear the Curve in your bra while performing day-to-day tasks.

What we like

• Comfortable and silent
• Hands-free once positioned in your bra
• Can collect let-down as well as relieve a full breast
• Discreet and simple to use once you get the hang of it

What to keep in mind

• Suction can decrease if you move around too much
• 120ml capacity won’t suit everyone

Part pump, part collector, the Elvie Curve is ideal for catching milk that might otherwise be lost while feeding from the other breast. It’s also useful for relieving fullness without the effort of a traditional hand pump.

There’s a bit of technique involved in getting the positioning right, but once you’ve mastered it, this is one of the easiest manual options to live with day to day.

Read our full MadeForMums Elvie Curve review

Available from: Argos, Amazon and Boots

MAM Manual Breast Pump, £34.99

Best for: Quiet manual pumping

Why we chose it: It’s a sturdy, intuitive manual pump that keeps things simple and quiet.

The MAM Manual Breast Pump looks stylish, is lightweight and portable. It makes a gentle sucking sound, so it won’t startle your baby if they are breastfeeding on the other side. This is best for mums who are after a gentle, portable pump that comes with all the accessories needed for expressing and storing breastmilk.

What we like

• Easy to use and easy to clean
• Sturdy build
• Quiet enough for calmer pumping sessions
• Clear instructions help first-time expressers

What to keep in mind

• Like most manual pumps, it’s slower and less powerful than electric options

The MAM Manual Breast Pump is a reassuringly straightforward choice for mums who want a reliable hand pump without lots of fuss. Parent testers liked how intuitive it felt and found it more efficient than expected.

It’s a good match for occasional pumping, travel or keeping things low-tech and easy to manage.

Read the full MadeForMums MAM Manual Breast Pump review

Available from: John Lewis, Amazon and Boots

Compare the best breast pumps

Do you need a breast pump?

You might decide to express using a breast pump so your partner can play a more active role in feeding, offering milk in a bottle and covering night feeds so you can catch up on some much-needed sleep. Expressing can also be useful if you’ll be away from your baby for any reason, in which case a wearable or portable pump can be especially helpful.

It’s also worth noting that a breast pump can provide relief if you suffer from engorgement, and may help prevent mastitis. If you’re dealing with oversupply, pumping can help too, although because it may also stimulate more milk production, it’s best to speak to a lactation consultant for tailored advice.
There are many reasons breastfeeding can get off to a slow start and using a breast pump can really help you manage the situation. “If a baby isn’t able to transfer sufficient milk from the breast due to prematurity, illness or oral restrictions, the team looking after you will recommend expressing your milk,” explains lactation consultant Katherine Fisher.

A breast pump helps mimic the action of a baby at the breast and stimulate milk production. “Expressing can also make it possible to give your baby breast milk if there are anatomical reasons why you can’t feed, or if you simply elect to offer expressed milk and not breastfeed,” Katherine adds.

If you’re concerned about your baby's feeding, ask your health visitor or midwife for advice, or look for a lactation consultant in your area. And remember, it’s completely up to you how you choose to feed your baby.

What are the types of breast pumps available in the UK?

With so many options on the market, including portable, wearable, silicone and hospital-grade pumps, choosing the right one can feel daunting. Once you understand the different types and think about how often you’ll pump, where you’ll use it and what kind of support you need, it becomes much easier to narrow things down.

Electric breast pumps are a powerful, convenient choice, especially if you need to express regularly. They come in wired, battery-powered, wearable and hospital-grade styles, and most offer multiple settings to mimic your baby’s natural feeding rhythm. They’re usually quicker and more efficient than manual pumps, though also more expensive.

Wearable breast pumps can be manual or electric and sit inside your bra so you can pump hands-free. Because they don’t rely on trailing wires or bottles hanging externally, they’re especially useful for multitasking at home, pumping on the move or returning to work.

Manual breast pumps are usually cheaper, smaller and quieter than electric models. Some use a hand pump action while others rely on vacuum suction. They can take more time and effort, but they’re handy for occasional use, travel or collecting milk from the opposite breast while feeding.

Let-down collectors and silicone pumps can help relieve fullness and catch milk during feeds so it doesn’t go to waste.

Medical or hospital-grade pumps are the most powerful and are often recommended if you’re working to build supply, dealing with engorgement, or separated from your baby. Many are rented rather than bought, though some hospital-grade models are now available to purchase.

Electric vs manual breast pumps: what’s the difference?

Electric breast pumps

Electric breast pumps are a good choice if you want to express regularly, maintain supply or pump larger volumes in less time. They use a motor powered by mains, USB or batteries to create rhythmic suction, and most now offer 2-phase programmes that mimic the way a baby feeds.

You can choose between single and double electric pumps, as well as wearable options that sit inside your bra for more flexible pumping. Double pumps can cut pumping time significantly, though they usually cost more.

Electric pumps are also useful if you’re dealing with blocked ducts, engorgement or mastitis, or if breastfeeding is too painful for a period.

Manual breast pumps

Manual pumps tend to be cheaper, smaller and easier to take with you. Traditional manual pumps use a handle to create suction, while silicone or vacuum pumps attach directly to the breast and collect milk more passively.

They’re usually best for occasional use, topping up a freezer stash, catching let-down or relieving fullness. They’re quieter than electric pumps and don’t need batteries or charging, but they do usually take longer and require more effort.

What to consider when buying a breast pump

Type of use – Think first about how often you plan to pump. If you’ll be expressing regularly, a double electric or hospital-grade pump may make the process faster and easier. If you only need to pump occasionally, a manual or collector pump may be enough.

Portability – If you don’t want to be tied to a plug socket, look for a rechargeable or battery-powered pump. Wearable models offer the most flexibility as they sit inside your bra and let you move around more freely.

Price – Manual pumps can start at around £20, while premium hands-free or double electric pumps can climb far higher. A decent single electric pump often sits in the middle ground.

Ease of cleaning – Breast pumps need cleaning and sterilising after every use, so it’s worth considering how many parts a pump has and how easy they are to take apart and reassemble. Fewer fiddly pieces usually means a simpler daily routine.

The best pump for you will depend on your feeding goals, your budget and how you want pumping to fit into day-to-day life. If you’re still unsure, our buyer’s guide can help you compare the options.

Can I use a second-hand breast pump?

Buying a second-hand pump may be cheaper than buying new, but it’s generally not recommended by manufacturers. Plastic parts can wear down over time, and if the pump isn’t a closed system model, there may be a higher risk of contamination. If you’re considering it, speak to your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding consultant first, and choose a brand where replacement parts are easy to buy.

When can you start using a breast pump?

As with so much of parenting, there’s no single right answer. UNICEF recommends waiting until your baby is 6 weeks old, but some parents are advised to express earlier. Katherine Fisher says this can be as early as day 3 if you need to stimulate milk production or provide milk for top-up feeds.

And don’t be discouraged if you only collect a small amount at first. “Don’t be discouraged if you only manage to collect a few drops at first. Keep pumping 6-8 times a day and your milk levels will increase,” Katherine says.

What time of day is best to use a breast pump?

If you’re trying to build up a milk stash, morning is often best. “Prolactin levels are highest for the first two feeds of your waking day so you will produce more milk at this time,” says Katherine. She also notes that a short afternoon sleep may help boost prolactin later in the day.

If your goal is to increase supply, she recommends pumping every time you feed your baby. Pumping during or just after a feed can also be a useful way to save time without interfering with the next feed.

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