With so many different types and price points to consider, trying to pick the best breast pump for you can feel overwhelming. So we're here to help with our expert guide to the best breast pumps — we've rounded up the best options available on the market, including manual, wearable, hands-free and electric breast pumps.

Best breast pumps at a glance:

To create our list of the best breast pumps, we've rigorously tested a large range of different pumps. Our list is split into electric and manual breast pumps, and you can read more about each type below. Each of our recommended picks have been used regularly and reviewed by breastfeeding mums with young babies.

We also spoke to experts – including midwives and lactation consultants – to see which products they recommend. We’ve combined all of this feedback to bring you the best breast pumps on the market. For more guidance, use the jump links below:

Best electric breast pumps to buy in 2025:

1. Elvie Single Breast Pump, £269

Best smart breast pump

elvie pump being tested by mum dominika

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable via USB | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.7 stars

Pros:

  • Wearable
  • No tubes or wires
  • Discreet

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Does occasionally leak or spill

Billed as the first silent wearable breast pump, all the parts of this high-tech pump are hidden away inside the minimalist white hub. This Elvie breast pump has it's own unique features – it is completely tube-free, hands-free and it’s powered by an internal battery that can be charged via a USB cable, so there’s no need for a power cord when it’s in use – and silent.

Parent tester Dominika, who tested this with their newborn, shared, "This definitely makes my life easier by enabling me to pump on the go. I can do pretty much anything around the house while pumping milk. The design and quality of the materials feels amazing. I was quite pleasantly surprised how it attached to my breast while in working mode."

As MFM reviewer and mum-of-3 Gabrielle discovered, “putting the Elvie pump together took moments as there are only 5 parts.” The Elvie App is essential to control the pump remotely as, once it’s in your bra, it’s impossible to change the settings. “Plus, it allows you to monitor your milk production and track your pumping history for each breast,” commented Gabrielle. “Luckily, it’s easy to install and navigate, even for the least techno-savvy person or sleep-deprived mum.”

There’s no denying this pump revolutionised the market and paved the way for other wearables featured here, and it’s still lauded as one of the very best single electric breast pumps. A double pump is also available (£499 at Boots).

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.
MFM reviewer Becky

Read our full MadeForMums Elvie Single Breast Pump review

Available from: Boots, Mamas&Papas, Argos and Natural Baby Shower

2. Fraupow Wearable Pump, £89.99

Best lightweight wearable pump

fraupow wearable pump being tested by mum sandy

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable battery with USB type C port | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8 stars

Pros:

  • Wearable
  • Lightweight
  • Discreet
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Not noiseless
  • Need to remember to charge it

Small enough to wear and express while breastfeeding on the other breast, this lightweight, portable pump delivers up to 7 breast pumping sessions on a single charge.

Despite having no wires and no plugs, our testers report that the Fraupow has good suction, and it also boasts an anti leak lip and a storage capacity of 180ml.

This pump impresses with its simple assembly, affordable price and portability. Our parent tester Casmine, who tested this with their 2 month old, called it “A really useful pump that is extremely effective. I was worried that the suction might not be as strong as other pumps but it really was.”

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.
MFM reviewer Sandy

Read our full MadeForMums Fraupow Wearable Pump review

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

3. Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Double Breast Pump, £269.99

Best electric pump for travel

Momcozy M9 Mobile Flow Double Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable battery with USB Type-C port | Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump over £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.3 stars

Pros:

  • Great price point for a portable double pump
  • Very convenient case for pump & accessories
  • 30-minute auto shut-off is helpful if pumping without Bluetooth
  • Good colour options

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as a non-portable electric pump would be
  • Could be more discreet

If you're planning on pumping on the go a lot, whether whilst travelling or whilst working, this sleek and effective pump from Momcozy is a really great option.

It has 15 adjustable suction levels and various modes to choose from (including Stimulation, Expression, Mixed, Milk Relief and Milk Boost) to help you find the perfect rhythm for you. MFM reviewer Libby found the pump to be effective thanks to these settings, especially compared to other models. "I’ve also used the Momcozy M6 and the Elvie, and found the Momcozy M9 to be far superior to the earlier M6 model, and very similar indeed to the Elvie... I’ve never had the hugest milk supply and am not generally able to get an awful lot out when I pump, but on an average 30 minute pump using the Milk Boost mode I’d get around 60ml per breast, which isn’t bad at all for me."

You can also connect to the Momcozy app to give you greater control over your pumping. MFM reviewer Libby told us, "controlling the pumps is incredibly easy, particularly using the app (I found the app gave me a much better and more instant sense of what I was doing – and I preferred using one of the pre-programmed pumping modes rather than just manually choosing the suction during a session)." The app allows you to start, pause and set countdowns for pumping, as well as the ability to switch between different settings and track your pumping history too.

The pump also comes with a chic, high quality travel bag, that makes it really easy to take with you if travelling, or just pumping away from me. It's definitely not the most discreet or quietest breast pump on the market, but you can tell it's been thoughtfully designed to be portable and used on-the-go.

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.
MFM reviewer Libby

Available from: Amazon, Momcozy, Boots and John Lewis

4. Pippeta Compact Breast Pump, £69.99

Best budget wearable electric breast pump

Pippeta Compact Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable battery with USB type C port | Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.6 stars

Pros:

  • Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble
  • Very customisable
  • Soft and comfortable
  • Fits comfortably and securely in the bra, so you can move around freely while pumping

Cons:

  • Not noiseless
  • Contains small parts that could easily get lost
  • Not that discreet

With 12 different intensity levels and 4 different pump modes, this wearable, hospital-grade breast pump delivers an impressive 60mmhg–300mmhg of pressure. It delivers a powerful performance whilst being comfortable to wear, MFM reviewer Daisy said, "it sat perfectly inside my nursing bra and felt sturdy and secure so I could walk around the house while pumping, without worrying about it shifting about or spilling.". It has a soft silicone shield that creates a comfortable seal, as well as bra adjuster straps to help hold it in if needed.

The pump is also praised for its effectiveness and ease of use. Parent tester Lara said, "the product was extremely easy to set up and is easy to use. The instructions were clear and concise. The different features allow you to find a routine that works for you and stimulate the most let-down. I now can press the buttons that work for me without looking."

It's a sleek model, with a LED display that allows you to control the different modes easily, and it has a 20-minute auto turn-off.

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.
MFM reviewer Daisy

Available from: MORI, Kiddies Kingdom (pack of 2)

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

Best double wearable pump

Medela Freestyle Hands-free Double Electric Wearable Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable battery with USB type C port | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.4 stars

Pros:

  • Wearable
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Simple to clean

Cons:

  • Some might not like having to carry the control unit in their pocket
  • Expensive

Wearing a double pump can risk feeling cumbersome and heavy on the breasts but not so with this Medela breast pump. As well as being lightweight, they're also incredibly comfortable, MFM reviewer Jess (pictured) said "the cups were so lightweight and fit so well, that it was easy to forget I was pumping!" It's incredibly portable too as the motor unit can easily fit in your pocket.

The pump connects to a SMART app that tracks your sessions and shows when you pumped, how long you pumped for, which breast, how much milk was produced and what level setting it is on. MFM reviewer Jess was extremely impressed with how effective the pump was too: "I pumped 150ml from each breast in less than 20 minutes; so far more effective than any pump I've used before."

Even the cups have been designed to make life easy. The transparent material makes it simple to align them with your nipple and you can look and check to see if your milk is flowing. Plus, with only 3 parts, they’re a dream to clean and they’re safe to put in the dishwasher.

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!
MFM reviewer Jess

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

Available from: Boots, Medela, Amazon, Very

6. Lola & Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump, £145

Best breast pump for wireless pumping

parent tester anna testing lola and lykke breast pump

Type: Single Electric | Hands-free: No | Power: Mains and rechargeable battery with USB type C port | Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.5 stars

Pros:

  • Extremely quiet
  • No tubes or wires
  • Compatible with most standard bottles

Cons:

  • Digital display screen overly sensitive

Stylish and well-made, with no tubes or wires and a built-in smart touchscreen pump unit, the Lola & Lykke breast pump has been designed to support positive postnatal recovery and the health and wellbeing of new mums.

It definitely looks the part, in muted colours with an embossed leaf pattern on the flange. Although aesthetics aren’t top of the list when choosing a breast pump, it’s a nice bonus that Lola & Lykke has put some thought into making this practical item feel a bit more glamorous.

Plus, it delivers on performance, too. There are only 5 parts to this simple pump, making it easy to put together and it features 4 pumping modes ; stimulation, expression, automatic and memory. When charged it lasts for 2 hours, and can be recharged quickly via a USB lead.

According to parent tester Anna, who tested this with their 3-month-old: “It’s quieter than any electric pump I’ve previously used. It’s powerful yet gentle and it feels more like the baby is feeding than a pump. The smart screen is fantastic for tracking battery life and remembers what settings you used previously. It has a great battery life, which is super handy.”

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.
MFM reviewer Rebecca

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

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

7. Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump, £99.99

Best breast pump for electric and manual pumping

Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump being tested by mum Louise

Type: Single Electric | Hands-free: No | Power: Mains and rechargeable battery with USB type C port | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.5 stars

Pros:

  • Easy to assemble
  • Effective
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • The unit itself is top heavy
  • Buttons are close together

This effective pump has 9 speed settings and uses a 2-phase expression mode that promotes milk production. The Vital BabyNurture Flexcone pump is also hailed for its versatility as the electric breast pump is supplied with a manual conversion kit, making it a 2-in-1 option that saves you having to buy different pumps individually.

Our testers found this pump to be comfortable, easy to operate and easy to set up. Parent tester Clara, who tested it with her 3-month-old baby, found it to be quick, allowing her to “get cracking with expressing just minutes after getting it out of the box. There are quite a few components which might be overwhelming for a breast pump newbie but it’s definitely not difficult to work out.” The pump allowed her to “express a good amount in a short time”.

Parent tester Ruth, who tested it with her 4 month old, said she could move easily between settings and speeds, adjusting the pump for what worked best at the time, saying: “Pumping is gentle but effective, making expressing quicker than ever; I can express enough for a feed in about 15 mins.”

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.
Parent tester Louise, who tested the pump with her 2 month old

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

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom, Amazon

8. Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Pump, £150

Best breast pump for powerful pumping at home

Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Breast Pump tested by mum simrit

Type: Double electric and medical | Hands-free: No | Power: Mains and rechargeable battery | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.7 stars

Pros:

  • Powerful suction
  • Affordable
  • Wide range of settings
  • Memory mode
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Need both hands to express or expressing bra
  • Expensive

Ideal for mums with low milk supply or ones trying to increase milk production, this double electric pump has the power of hospital grade breast pumps used in NHS hospitals and the comfort and functionality of home pumps.

The Power Pumping programme, with pre-set phases and pauses, mimics babies’ natural cluster feeding to promote milk production. Other features include a memory button that saves your session history and automatically reproduces it during your next session, which our parent testers felt was invaluable when using the pump as a double “while holding both breast shields in place.”

“Personally, this has been a game changer for me, as I used it right when needed. It has allowed me to increase my milk supply and have extra milk for my newborn,” explains MFM reviewer and mum of 1, Hazelann.

Parent tester Simrit who tested this with their 1 month old shared, "It has helped me increase my milk supply when I struggled post-C section. I would have given up breastfeeding if it wasn’t for this pump. I’d borrowed a pump from the hospital while waiting for this to arrive – I had the same volume for a fraction of the price with this."

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.
MFM reviewer Hazelann

Read our full MadeForMums Ardo Alyssa Double breast pump review

Available from: Amazon and Ebebek

9. Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breastpump, £134.99

Best budget double electric breast pump

Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breastpump being tested by mum Sharna

Type: Double electric | Hands-free: No | Power: Mains and rechargeable battery | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.6 stars

Pros:

  • Good suction power
  • All accessories included

Cons:

  • Difficult to read instructions
  • Noisy
  • Only one flange size

Electric breast pumps are not a “budget” item, but at less than £100 for a double pump, this Tommee Tippee breast pump offers good value compared to the competition. It has 5 massage and 9 express levels it is powered by a USB rechargeable power unit you can charge it up and pump without needing a power supply. A full charge gives you over 90 minutes of power to pump on the go.

"I was able to express just under 120ml from one side in 8 minutes – and it was more comfortable compared to my usual hands-free pump," revealed tester Carly, mum of a 3-month-old baby.

The flanges only come in one size, but parent tester Kristina, who tested this with their 4 month old, said, "the flanges were really, really comfortable and the silicone cups made a massive difference as I didn’t feel like there was any friction on my nipple when in express mode."

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.
MFM reviewer Sharna

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

Available from: Boots, Tommee Tippee, Amazon, Very

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

Best breast pump for multiple pumping options

MAM 2-in-1 Double Electric Breast Pump

Type: Electric and manual | Hands-free: No | Power: Mains and USB-powered rechargeable battery | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.6 stars

Pros:

  • Variety of modes
  • Bottles and storage pots included
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Feeding bottles fit directly into pump

Cons:

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

Portable and versatile, this pump can be used as an electric double or single using either mains or battery power – and as a manual single. This “excellent, sturdy and durable pump is straightforward to use in both electric and manual modes,” according to home tester Hannah, mum of a baby and toddler.

There are 9 different levels for both stimulation and expression, which are controlled by a "sleek, modern display." As a double, the pump can be set to different suction strengths on each breast and either dual or alternate pumping in 30-second cycles. Our tester Jessica, mum of a 3-month-old baby, found this variety allowed for "pumping personalisation" that led to a higher milk yield.

The motor unit is “roughly the size of a 500ml bottle, so definitely compact enough for travel“, and quiet too, while the battery can power the pump for up to 3 hours, which should get you through a day of expressing. The fact it can also be used as a manual increases your travel options too, making this a great choice if you want a powerful pump that can be used in lots of different ways.

"The compatibility with MAM bottles is a standout feature that makes the whole process of pumping and sterilising much easier," according to Hannah.

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.
MFM reviewer Jessica

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

Available from: Very, Amazon

11. Elvie Stride 2, from £169

Best electric breast pump for comfort

Elvie Stride 2 product image and tester image

Type: Electric wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Rechargeable via USB | Award: Gold — Best Breast Pump over £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8 stars

Pros:

  • Comfortable fit
  • Hospital-grade efficiency
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Visible and bulky
  • High price point
  • Tubing and hub attachments

"I’d go as far to say this is the most comfortable pump I’ve used." said MFM reviewer Donna, instilling high praise indeed onto the Elvie Stride 2 — a hospital-grade, hands-free pump from the well-known brand.

The Stride 2 has ultra-soft lightweight silicone cups which Donna said, "fit easily within my bra and can be fastened in using the additional clip supplied. The cups feel very soft and comfortable, they are flexible and mould to your own shape." The pump also " comes with a range of flange sizes (6) which ensures you can personalise to your own measurements. I found the fit and comfort top notch, with no irritation at all," proving that this really is a breast pump that's been designed with comfort well and truly in mind.

The pump remains comfortable during longer sessions too, our reviewer also told us that during these sessions, "I would often forget I was using it" and also found it "easy to move around and look after baby while wearing [the pump]."

As well as the undeniable comfort the pump provides, it also offers other impressive features, such as smart app-control, 10 intensity settings, different modes, and a long battery life (up to 3 hours of pumping on 1 charge). It's powerful too, the motor creates up to -300mmHG of suction.

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.
MFM reviewer Donna

Available from: Elvie, John Lewis, Mamas&Papas

12. MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump, £150

Best easy to use single breast pump

MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Electric Wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: Electric | Awards: Silver— Best Breast Pump under £150, MadeForMums Tech Awards 2025 | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.0 stars

Pros:

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use overall
  • Frees up time for pumping mum

Cons:

  • Tricky to clean
  • Can be difficult to use initially

If you're looking for a cost-effective single electric breast pump that's easy to use and easy to travel with, the aptly named MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump is a great pick. As MFM reviewer Joanna (pictured above) noted, "I loved being able to pump on the go – this was a revelation after using a heavy hospital-grade pump for the previous six months." Joanna also praised the pump for how easy it was to use, she said "the MAM Move is reasonably easy to use and the control panel is simple and straightforward."

However, Joanna did note that the pump isn't the easiest to clean and it requires a sturdy bra to hold it in place due to its weight, however the comfort and freedom to do other things while expressing makes this a great buy for busy mums. The comfort and discretion of the pump was another highlight of the pump. According to Joanna, "the MAM Move was really comfortable to wear, and when it was on quiet mode, I even forgot I was wearing it. The pump comes with a range of shield sizes and is well-moulded to fit the breast."

As well as its ease of use, comfort and value, the breast pump also expresses effectively, extracting "a similar amount of breast milk as would be expected from a hospital grade breast pump, although over a longer period of time," Joanna continued. The pump has 3 different modes (stimulation, expression and silent mode) as well as 5 intensity levels so offers flexibility for your pumping.

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.
MFM reviewer Joanna

Read the full MAM Move Wearable Single Breast Pump review

Available at: Boots, Very, John Lewis, Argos

13. Medela Symphony Rental Breast Pump, £49 per month

Best rental breast pump

Available from Medela

Medela Symphony Rental Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Electric | Hands-free: No | Power: Electric | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8 stars

Pros:

  • Super fast delivery
  • Strong and effective suction
  • Very straightforward to use after the initial setup
  • Feels gentle and comfortable on the breast

Cons:

  • Quite bulky
  • Not portable
  • Pricey

The Symphony is somewhat of an icon in the breastfeeding world — known by some as the "gold standard" of expressing, and with good reason. It's a hospital-grade breast pump that is the product of decades of research and is specifically designed to help your milk supply. This is achieved through the 2 unique pumping programs of the Symphony: the INITIATE program which mimics a newborn's irregular stimulating rhythm during the early days of breastfeeding, and the MAINTAIN program, which mimics the two-phased sucking of a healthy baby during established lactation.

The combination of the 2 programs mentioned above should allow you to pump more milk in less time now and in the future, provide your milk with a higher energy content and it also helps yo maintain your milk supply when/if direct breastfeeding is not possible.

This pump is a particularly good option to look into if you're experiencing challenges with breastfeeding, or if you're separated from your baby. Our reviewer Emily used the pump not only to maintain her own milk supply, but also to donate her milk to a Milk Bank supporting premature and sick babies in need of donor milk. Emily said of the Symphony, "it is a reliable, hospital-grade pump that delivers where it counts—comfort, efficiency, and consistency. It’s not designed for on-the-go use, but it excels for home pumping, especially in those early, crucial months."

Medela offer the pump as a rental and the service works out at around £49 per 30 days (after £49 for the first 14 days). As part of the rental you receive 2 pPump sets with 24mm breastshields and a hard grey moulded protective carry case.

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.
MFM reviewer Emily

Available from: Medela

Best manual breast pumps for 2025:

14. Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump, £25

Best breast pump for simple manual pumping

Medela Harmony Flex Manual Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Manual | Hands-free: No | Power: Non-electric hand pump | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.5 stars

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Breast shields can be rotated for a comfortable fit
  • Great value
  • Simple to assemble and use
  • Adjustable suction strength
  • Quiet

Cons:

  • Only one flange size supplied
  • Small parts require careful cleaning

For manual pumping on a budget, you can't find a much better option than the Medela Harmony Flex. There is a reason there are so many Medela pumps in our roundup — they really do make trusted, effective and well-designed pumps that are suitable for a range of budgets, with the Harmony Flex being a key example of this. This manual pump is lightweight, portable and a great value option if you're looking for an easy-to-use pump.

One of the standout features of the pump is its PersonalFit Flex breast shield that is designed to suit your breast shape, providing extra comfort for you and extra milk for your baby. MFM reviewer Brooke said she found the pump comfortable to wear and "particularly liked that the oval breast shields can be rotated to fit my breast shape and size... I often breastfed my baby whilst pumping on the other breast, which I found comfortable to do, too."

The pump also has 2 phase expression technology which is designed to stimulate natural baby sucking behaviour which was definitely effective for our reviewer Brooke: "in terms of milk production, I experienced the best results I've ever had whilst using the Medela Harmony, compared to using other manual pumps. The two-speed method helped stimulate better milk flow for me, which aided in producing more milk. I didn't have to pump long to see results: I produced 150ml within 10-15 minutes of pumping."

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.
MFM reviewer Brooke

Read our full MadeForMums Medela Harmony Flex Manual breast pump review

Available from: Amazon, John Lewis and Medela

15. Elvie Curve, £34.99

Best breast pump and collector

elvie curve tested by mum Amber

Type: Manual wearable | Hands-free: Yes | Power: None | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.8 stars

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Silent
  • Hands free
  • Can be used to ‘catch’ let down as well as extract milk

Cons:

  • Suction decreases if you move around
  • Can only hold 120ml of milk

No longer will breast milk go to waste with this part pump, part milk collector. The Elvie Curve can be used as a manual suction pump to relieve a full breast, or to collect milk let down from one breast while feeding from or pumping on the other.

Comfortable, easy to put together and simple to use, the suction is created by a quick squeeze of the silicone pouch towards the breast, with a valve to ease off or release pressure – allowing you to reposition mid-feed with just a press. The pump sits in your bra and can collect up up to 120 ml of milk.

Like any silicone pump it takes some practice to position the Curve correctly but once the silicone pouch is pressed to create suction, parent tester Amber was blown away by how comfortable it was to use, commenting; “wearing like this is was as comfortable as wearing nothing!” And because it’s worn inside your bra, it leaves your hands free and the lack of motor means it’s totally silent when expressing.

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.
MFM reviewer Roveena

Read our full MadeForMums Elvie Curve review

Available from: Argos, Amazon and Natural Baby Shower

16. MAM Manual Breast Pump, £47.99

Best breast pump for quiet manual pumping

MAM Manual Breast Pump tester picture and product shot

Type: Manual wearable | Hands-free: No | Power: None | MFM Review Star Rating: 4.3 stars

Pros:

  • Simple to use
  • Sturdy
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Manual pumps can be slower to use and less powerful than electric

With an ergonomic design and quiet pumping, the MAM Manual Breast Pump is a great option whether you’re at home or out and about. This well-priced manual breast pump received high praise from our parent testers, who said it was, “Really easy to use,” “sturdy and strong,” and “easy to clean”.

Our testers were also happy with the comfort and efficiency of the pump, while the clear instructions also got the thumbs up – making it a great option for mums looking for a simple manual pump that is intuitive to use.

Lana tested this pump with their 2-month-old: “I hadn’t expressed before using this product so wasn’t sure what to expect. It was much easier and more efficient than I had anticipated. The instructions made everything very easy and I was confident with the product immediately. It is very intuitive and comfortable to use.”

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.
MFM reviewer Sarah

Read the full MadeForMums MAM Manual Breast Pump review

Available from: Very, Amazon and Boots

17. Lansinoh manual breast pump, £35.99

Best manual pump for comfort

Lansinoh Single Manual Breast Pump

Type: Manual wearable | Hands-free: No | Power: None

Pros:

  • Simple to use
  • Ergonomic handle
  • 2 modes
  • Comfortable breast cushion

Cons:

  • Even with the comfortable handle expect to pump for long periods of time
  • Manual pumps can be slower to use and less powerful than electric

With an ergonomic handle you can use with one hand and a simple switch that lets you swap between the let-down and expression stages of breastfeeding, this is a very effective manual pump with an affordable price tag.

As well as being simple to use, the Lanisoh breast pump is comfortable, with a special breast cushion to ensure a secure seal between the breast and the pump.

One standout feature of the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is a bottle stand to make it more stable. When you've spent half an hour pumping away, you don't want your baby to kick over the bottle of precious milk. Plus, the pump is praised for being small and portable, so you can easily pop it in your change bag and use it on-the-go.

Available from: Boots, Amazon and Lansinoh

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 well-needed sleep. Expressing also comes in handy if you'll be away from your baby for any reason, in which case investing in a wearable breast pump or one of the best portable breast pumps could be a game-changer.

And it's worth noting a breast pump can provide relief if you suffer from engorgement, and help to prevent mastitis. It can also aid oversupply, although as pumping may further stimulate milk production it's best to speak to a lactation consultant.

There are many reasons why breastfeeding can get off to a slow start and using a breast pump can really help you to 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 to mimic the action of the 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 at all concerned about your baby's feeding, ask for advice from your health visitor or midwife – or search for a lactation consultant in your area. And remember, it is completely up to you whether you continue trying to breastfeed your baby.

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

With so many options on the market – portable, wearable, silicone, and even hospital-grade breast pumps – choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. But once you understand the differences and consider your own needs, finding the best breast pump UK parents trust becomes far more manageable. Use this guide to help decide which style suits you best.

Electric breast pumps are powerful, convenient choice, particularly suited to mums who need to express milk frequently. They are available as wired, battery-powered, wearable, or hospital grade breast pumps. Most feature adjustable suction settings and multiple modes to mimic your baby’s natural rhythm. While the more advanced units aren't always the most affordable breast pumps, they offer time-saving efficiency and comfort. See our detailed section on electric breast pumps above.

Wearable breast pumps are either manual and electric and fit discreetly inside your bra to collect milk (avoiding the need for any awkward external tubes or power cords). Many double as wireless breast pumps, with an all-in-one design that integrates the motor, bottle, and shield. Because they’re hands-free and don’t require mains power, they’re ideal for multitasking at home or expressing discreetly while out and about.

Manual breast pumps typically tend to be cheaper and compact than electric, making them a practical option for occasional use or travel. Some require hand pumping via a handle, while others use natural vacuum suction to collect milk. Though these pumps take a little more effort and time, they’re quiet, portable, and don’t require batteries or charging. See our section on manual breast pumps above for more information.

Let down collectors and silicone pumps can be used to empty full breasts. They are often more eco-friendly options, and they collect milk every time a baby feeds on the opposite breast, so no milk is wasted.

Medical or hospital grade pumps are powerful, robust, and durable. They are best for mums with low milk supply or engorgement, but they do tend to be expensive and rented, rather than purchased. It's worth bearing in mind are some hospital-grade pumps available to buy if you're planning on expressing long term.

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

Electric breast pumps

Electric breast pumps are great for those looking to express excess milk or to maintain their milk supply, particularly if you are returning to work. Electric pumps create suction using a motor powered by mains, USB cord or batteries. These powerful pumps create a rhythmic suction pattern and allow you to control suction strength and frequency, enabling you to pump larger volumes of milk in less time. They are more expensive and often noisier and bulkier than manual breast pumps, although some newer, premium pumps feature a quieter design.

Most electric breast pumps now have at least 2-phase programmes that are designed to closely mimic the way a baby feeds – light but fast sucking initially to stimulate flow, followed by slower and deeper sucks that draw out large quantities of milk – promoting greater comfort and efficiency.

There are now a number of wearable breast pumps that charge up and then slip into your bra for hands-free pumping –– making them more convenient than something with trailing wires.

They are either sold as single electric breast pumps – which allow you to express milk from one breast at a time – or doubles – which enable you to extract milk from both breasts simultaneously. While double pumping cuts expressing time in half, they are more expensive (not twice the price of but certainly more than their single counterparts).

Electric breast pumps are also good for draining breasts with blocked ducts, engorgement or mastitis or when it’s too painful to breastfeed.

Manual breast pumps

There are two types of manual breast pumps; ones that require you to pump using a handle, and ones that use vacuum suction in order to extract breast milk. The more traditional hand pump can take a fair amount of effort and time to pump a volume of milk, and it’s not always possible to adjust the level of suction, so these types of manual pumps are often more suited for occasional use. They are only available as singles because, well, you’ve only got one pair of hands and you usually need both – one to hold the breast shield in place, the other to pull the handle.

Vacuum suction pumps are newer and fit onto your breast like a suction cup. Once fitted (there is a knack to it) it will stay attached to the breast while the vacuum pressure extracts milk. These pumps often double as let-down milk collectors – meaning they collect small amounts of milk from the other breast while you're breastfeeding – making them more versatile than a hand pump.

Both kinds of manual breast pumps are cheaper, portable and tend to be more compact and weigh less than electric versions. They are usually quieter than motorised pumps and you don’t need to remember to charge a manual pump or worry about batteries. However, in general they take much longer to express milk than an electric pump.

What to consider when buying a breast pump

Type of use - There are lots of reasons you may want to express, and this is key to deciding what kind of pump will suit your needs best. Regular pumping with a double electric pump or hospital grade breast pump may help if you're trying to increase a low milk supply or deal with engorgement. On the other hand, if you just need to pump occasionally, a manual or collector pump should do the job. If you're returning to work from mat leave you may want to discreetly express at your desk, so a wearable or manual pump might suit you best.

Portability - If you don’t want to be tethered to a plug socket while you pump, look for a pump that can run off batteries or a rechargeable power pack. This will mean you can move around while pumping. Some pumps are wearable – meaning you can pop them inside your bra. They have no wires or tubes so you can even leave the house while wearing them. For traditional double and single electric pumps, there are accessories such as specially designed expressing bras or bustiers that hold the breast shields and bottles in place to give you a hands-free option. However, the wires and tubes of these pumps do still get in the way, making movement limited.

Price - Prices of breast pumps vary dramatically, with non-electric manual pumps starting at around £20 and high-tech, electric pumps that promise hands-free wireless pumping retailing up to around £250 – and up to £500 for a double. In between, a decent single electric hand-held pump will set you back around £130 to £150.

Ease of cleaning – You have enough to think about without having to worry whether your breast pump is completely clean. Germs can grow quickly in breast milk residue so you will have to clean and sterilise it after every use, and that means taking it apart and putting it back together again. The best breast pumps come without too many fiddly parts. Some are even colour coded so you know which pieces to remove to wash. If you're wondering how to clean or how often to sterilise a breast pump, aim for after every session to keep you and your baby safe.

The best pump for you will depend on your needs and preference. As with virtually all parenting products, there are dozens of different choices on offer so if you’re unsure which breast pump is right for you, use our buyer’s guide to help you decide.

Can I use a second-hand breast pump?

Buying second-hand pumps is cheaper than brand-new pumps, but this is generally not recommended by manufacturers. This is because plastic parts can deteriorate or become defective with frequent use and over time. If it is not a closed system pump it is possible for milk to be drawn up the tubing and into the motor housing and this could increase the risk of cross infection. Have a chat with your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding consultant before you buy a second hand pump, and if you do, choose a brand that sells spare parts so you can replace any worn out elements.

You can find out more information such as when to start using a pump below our list of the best breast pumps.

When can you start using a breast pump?

As with so much of parenting, there are no set rules – the best time will depend on you and your baby. UNICEF recommends waiting until your baby is 6 weeks old but you may be advised to express milk sooner. Katherine advises 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 worry if you’re not filling a bottle on your first day. “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. "If milk volumes are not increasing a lactation consultant will be able to assist you to find a solution low milk supply can be caused by a number of issues, most of which can be fixed with expert support".

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

If you’re aiming to build up a store of milk, try to use a breast pump in the morning if you can. “Prolactin levels are highest for the first two feeds of your waking day so you will produce more milk at this time. If you need to pump later in the day, it helps to have a small sleep first. “A nap in the afternoon can also help to boost prolactin levels,” says Katherine.

If your aim is to increase your milk supply, Katherine advises pumping every time you feed your baby. “Expressing at the same time as you are feeding your baby means you’re extending the feed your baby may have made at the breast,“ she explains.

Whatever your reason for pumping, the best time to do it is during a feed by expressing milk from the breast your baby has already fed from. Alternatively, use the breast pump immediately after your baby has fed. ”This way, you’re saving time and you’re not compromising your next feed,” Katherine says. If you’re away from your baby for any reason, aim to use the breast pump at the time you would normally be feeding your baby.

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How did we choose our 17 of the Best?

When choosing these breast pumps, we considered factors including cost, pumping power, speed, convertibility, capacity, and comfort. We considered ease of cleaning and maintenance (including charging times). Award winners, home-tested and reviewed products on the list were tested by multiple breastfeeding mums to get first-hand feedback on how they perform in a real setting.

Our Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.

Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-17, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe is best for a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for your family.

Read more…

Authors

Sara Conway
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