The BEST Breast Pumps of 2025 🏆 (after reviewing over 100 breast pumps!!!)
If you’re looking for the best breast pumps of 2025, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested a lot of breast pumps—over 100 at this point—on our custom testing device, gathering real data on suction strength, cycle speeds, reliability, and more. But today, I want to take a more personal approach.
Instead of just the numbers and charts, I want to share my own thoughts on the pumps that stand out—the ones I actually like, the ones I think are overrated, and the ones I’d personally use if I were pumping again.
This is an opinion video, so I even brought out my trusty “Opinion Minion” (a little plush friend who joins me for big opinion moments). Consider this your guide to choosing a pump from someone who has spent years testing, comparing, and coaching moms through their pumping journeys.
Let’s dive in.
(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)
The Best Budget Breast Pumps (Under $100)
There’s no one perfect pump for everyone, which is why there are so many options on the market. But if you’re looking for a solid pump under $100, here are a few that stand out.
Dr. Brown’s Custom Flow Double Electric
This pump doesn’t get nearly enough attention, but it should. It has good cycle speed and suction ranges, and for a pump that you can pick up at Walmart for $99, it’s one of the best options at this price point.
NCVI Portable Pumps
These pumps pop up on Amazon at great prices, and while some are meh, NCVI has been putting out some surprisingly solid options lately. If you’re looking for an affordable, travel-friendly pump, this is worth considering.
I actually did a full video on the best breast pumps under $100 a few years ago, check it out!
Best Breast Pumps for Strong Suction
Suction strength is one of the first things people ask about when choosing a pump, but more suction isn’t always better. What really matters is reliable, consistent suction that actually removes milk efficiently.
Here are my top picks for pumps with strong but effective suction:
Spectra Synergy Gold
This pump is a powerhouse. It’s got dual motors, meaning you can control suction strength separately for each breast. The suction is strong, reliable, and smooth, which makes it a great choice if you need a workhorse pump. The only downside? It has to be plugged in.
BabyBuddha 2.0
Known for its crazy suction, this pump now comes with a 2.0 update that adds a more traditional stimulation mode, making it a little more user-friendly. If you need a small but mighty pump, BabyBuddha delivers.
Unimom Opera
Another dual motor pump with solid max suction and really good reliability. This one flies under the radar but deserves more attention.
Ardo Alyssa
This pump surprised me. It’s small, portable, and holds suction strength well, whether you’re pumping single or double.
Medela Symphony (Hospital-Grade)
If you’ve ever rented a hospital pump, chances are it was a Symphony. This pump is incredibly effective, but it’s big, expensive, and usually only worth considering if you’re exclusively pumping or facing supply challenges.
Ameda Pearl
This one doesn’t get talked about much, but it’s another multi-user hospital-grade pump with impressive suction.
Of course, there are lots of pumps with strong suction, but these are the ones that have stood out in my testing.
Best Breast Pumps for Fast Cycle Speeds
Cycle speed refers to how quickly a pump sucks and releases. Faster cycles in stimulation mode can help trigger a letdown more quickly, while adjustable cycle speeds in expression mode let you customize the pump to your needs.
Zomee Z2
This pump has an alternating suction pattern (right-left-right-left), which makes it feel even faster. It used to be way too fast (over 200 cycles per minute), but they’ve slowed it down to a more effective range.
Limerick Joy / PJ’s Comfort
This one is wild—it has 80 different cycle speed settings you can customize. If you love control over your settings, this is an interesting pump to check out.
Genie Advanced
This little portable pump has three cycle speed options in expression mode, which makes it more customizable than most.
Wearable Pumps Stepping Up Their Game
More wearable pumps are increasing their cycle speeds in stimulation mode, which is a huge improvement.
A pump that’s too slow can be frustrating, but too fast isn’t great either—there’s a sweet spot, and these pumps do a good job hitting it.
Most Unique Breast Pump Features
Some pumps stand out not because of their power, but because of the cool, innovative features they bring to the table.
Eufy: Heat Therapy
This wearable pump has built-in warmth around the flange, which is designed to improve letdowns and milk flow. If you struggle with slow letdowns or vasospasms (like I did), this could be a game-changer.
Willow 360: Pump Directly Into Bags
This is still the only truly leak-proof wearable pump because of its continuous suction system. You can even do yoga while wearing it—I tested it myself, and it did not leak.
Ardo Alyssa: Power Pumping Mode
If you want to power pump without constantly setting alarms and restarting your pump, this one has a built-in mode that automates the process for you.
Elvie: Gentlest Suction Pattern
This pump is unique because it feels so different from anything else. It’s super gentle while still being effective, making it a great option if comfort is a top priority.
My Personal Favorite Breast Pumps
If I were pumping again, here are the pumps I’d reach for:
Spectra Synergy Gold
If I didn’t need a portable pump, this would be my go-to.
Genie Advanced
A solid, reliable portable pump with good customization.
BabyBuddha 2.0
Tiny, powerful, and now with a better stimulation mode.
Eufy S1
I’d definitely try this for its warming feature alone.
Willow Go
My favorite wearable pump for ease of use.
Medela Symphony
If I had access to one, I wouldn’t turn it down.
Of course, the best pump is the one that meets your needs. There are tons of great options out there, but picking the right one depends on your specific pumping goals, lifestyle, and preferences.
If you’re still trying to figure out what pump is right for you, I have a free pump quiz linked below that will help narrow down the best options for your needs.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of breast pumps on the market, and they’re constantly evolving. Companies are improving suction patterns, adding new features, and refining designs all the time.
If you’re shopping for a pump, make sure you’re looking at recent reviews—things change quickly, and even pumps I reviewed a year ago may have been updated since then.
I’d love to hear from you—what pump are you using? Do you love it? Hate it?
And if you need more help figuring this all out, my coaching program is designed to walk you through everything—from choosing a pump to pumping efficiently and balancing work and breastfeeding. You can schedule a free call with my team to learn more.
Happy pumping!
Meet Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC!
She is the owner and founder of New Little Life, a company dedicated to providing objective information and support for pumping mothers. With 15+ years of experience in various pregnancy and postpartum fields including as an LPN, birth doula, childbirth educator, and IBCLC, her current research focuses on testing and exploring breast pumps to find the most practical way to help pumping mothers reach their goals as well as teaching lactation professionals to better understand the complex art of pumping.
She runs a long-term coaching program to support working mothers who are pumping.
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