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Breastfeeding can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it isn’t always straightforward. I remember the first time I tried expressing milk, it felt awkward and uncomfortable, and I was unsure if I was doing it efficiently. Having the right breast pump changed everything.
In this guide to the best breast pumps, I’ve tested and reviewed top models to help UK parents find the perfect fit. You’ll find detailed comparisons, product highlights, and practical buying tips to save time, ensure comfort, and maximise milk output.
According to the NHS, expressing milk can help with feeding flexibility, relieve engorgement, and maintain milk supply when returning to work or being away from your baby.¹
From hands free wearable pumps to efficient double electric options, these breast pumps are designed to make expressing easier, more comfortable, and stress free for both parents and caregivers.
Top Breast Pumps Comparison
| Product Name | Key Features | Price Range | Why I Recommend It |
| Elvie Single Breast Pump | Hands free, silent, wearable | £249–£279 | Perfect for multitasking, discreet and quiet |
| Pippeta Compact LED Handsfree Breast Pump | Compact, LED display, hands free | £99–£120 | Great portable option with simple controls |
| Medela Freestyle Hands Free Double Electric Breast Pump | Double pump, rechargeable, mobile app | £280–£310 | High output and efficient, ideal for working parents |
| MAM 2in1 Single Electric Breast Pump | Single or double use, adjustable suction | £80–£100 | Affordable, versatile, easy to use |
| MomMed Double Wearable Breast Pump | Quiet motor, battery powered, wearable | £140–£160 | Comfortable, discreet and travel friendly |
| Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump | Adjustable suction, compact | £100–£120 | Beginner friendly, gentle and effective |
| Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Pump | Ergonomic, double pumping, efficient | £220–£250 | Professional level output, compact design |
| Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump | Double pump, lightweight | £150–£170 | Simple, reliable, and well suited for everyday use |
| Elvie Curve | Manual hands free pump, discreet | £89–£105 | Ideal for occasional use, silent and portable |
| Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump | Lightweight, manual, simple suction control | £25–£30 | Best budget friendly option for beginners |
How I Picked These
Choosing the right breast pump is personal and depends on lifestyle, comfort, and pumping frequency. When shortlisting the best pumps, I considered:
- Safety and certifications: BPA free materials and medically approved suction design.
- Comfort: Adjustable suction levels, soft silicone shields, quiet motors.
- Durability: Long lasting batteries or mains operation for frequent use.
- Ease of use and cleaning: Detachable parts, dishwasher safe components, and intuitive assembly.
- Value for money: A combination of price, functionality, and convenience.
Parent Tip: “Consider how often you’ll pump, a manual pump may work for occasional use, but double electric models save significant time for daily pumping.”
Best Breast Pumps
Elvie Single Breast Pump
A wearable, hands free pump that fits right in your bra, letting you move freely and multitask. It’s silent and discreet, perfect for home or work. Higher in price, but ideal for busy parents who want freedom while pumping and need a stress free, comfortable experience.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Hands free, wearable
- Mobile app tracking
Cons:
- Higher price point
Best for: Busy parents who need freedom while pumping.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it made multitasking realistic, I could pump while preparing lunch or doing light chores.
Pippeta Compact LED Handsfree Breast Pump
Compact and portable, this hands free pump features an LED display for suction and cycle tracking. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s great for travel or office use. Milk capacity is smaller than double pumps, but it’s discreet and practical for parents who need flexibility on the go.
Pros:
- LED display for easy tracking
- Lightweight and portable
- Adjustable suction
Cons:
- Smaller milk capacity than some double pumps
Best for: Parents who travel frequently or need a compact option.
Pro Tip: The Pippeta is discreet enough to use in shared spaces like offices.
Medela Freestyle Hands Free Double Electric Breast Pump
A high output double electric pump designed for working parents or frequent expressers. Rechargeable and app connected, it tracks milk volume while saving time with double pumping. Expensive, but worth it for efficiency and comfort when pumping multiple times a day.
Pros:
- Double pumping saves time
- Rechargeable, portable
- App tracking milk volume
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for: Working parents who pump multiple times daily.
Personal insight: This one stood out because the double pump system cut my pumping time in half while remaining comfortable.
MAM 2in1 Single Electric Breast Pump
Versatile single or double pump with adjustable suction. Affordable, easy to clean, and flexible, it’s ideal for parents on a budget. Slightly louder motor, but the dual use feature allows occasional double pumping without extra cost, making it a practical daily solution.
Pros:
- Can be used single or double
- Adjustable suction for comfort
- Affordable and easy to clean
Cons:
- Slightly louder motor
Best for: Budget conscious parents seeking flexibility.
MomMed Double Wearable Breast Pump
Battery powered, quiet, and wearable, this pump lets parents express milk hands free with minimal disruption. Medium capacity may need frequent emptying, but it’s perfect for multitasking and moving around the house, giving freedom to parents juggling chores or caring for older children.
Pros:
- Wearable and discreet
- Quiet motor
- Portable and battery operated
Cons:
- Medium capacity, may need frequent emptying
Best for: Parents needing freedom during daily routines.
Personal insight: I loved how I could pump while walking around, truly liberating for parents juggling chores.
Vital Baby Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump
Compact and beginner friendly, this single electric pump is gentle yet effective. Adjustable suction ensures comfort, making it perfect for new parents learning to express milk. Small and simple, but reliable for daily use, gentle on nipples, and stress free for first time pumping experiences.
Pros:
- Adjustable suction
- Compact and lightweight
- Gentle on nipples
Cons:
- Single use only
Best for: New parents starting pumping for the first time.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it was gentle, painless, and easy to use daily.
Ardo Alyssa Double Electric Pump
Professional level double pump designed for efficiency. Ergonomic and compact, it makes double pumping comfortable and effective. Premium priced, but ideal for parents needing reliable high output while saving time and supporting milk supply through consistent, comfortable sessions.
Pros:
- Efficient milk extraction
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Compact design
Cons:
- Premium price
Best for: Parents needing reliable high output.
Expert Tip: Double pumping can help increase milk supply and save significant time.
Tommee Tippee Made for Me Double Electric Breast Pump
Lightweight, straightforward, and reliable. Double pumping is easy and effective without complicated assembly or tech. No app connectivity, but parents appreciate its simplicity and efficiency, making everyday pumping smooth and stress free, even without extra gadgets.
Pros:
- Double pumping
- Easy assembly
- Lightweight
Cons:
- No app connectivity
Best for: Parents who want a simple, effective solution without added tech.
Personal insight: This one stood out for its simplicity, everything worked without reading a complicated manual.
Elvie Curve
Manual, hands free, and portable pump that fits discreetly in your bra. Budget friendly and quiet, it’s perfect for occasional use or short outings. Lower milk output than electric models, but great for parents who need a convenient, low fuss solution on the go.
Pros:
- Quiet and portable
- Discreet
- Budget friendly for a wearable option
Cons:
- Lower milk output than electric models
Best for: Parents expressing occasionally or on the go.
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
Lightweight, affordable, and simple to use, this manual pump is ideal for beginners or infrequent expressers. No electricity required and reliable in emergencies, though frequent use may cause hand fatigue. Perfect for parents who need a basic, dependable pump without any setup or charging.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- No electricity required
Cons:
- Hand fatigue with frequent use
Best for: Beginners or occasional pumping.
Personal insight: This one stood out because it works reliably without any setup or charging, perfect for emergencies.
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Right Breast Pump
When I was shopping for my first breast pump, I wished I had known these tips:
- Frequency of use: Manual for occasional use, single electric for moderate use, double electric for frequent pumping.
- Comfort: Adjustable suction, soft flanges, and ergonomic design reduce discomfort.
- Portability: Wearable and battery powered pumps are ideal for on the go parents.
- Ease of cleaning: Fewer parts and dishwasher safe components save time.
- Budget: Consider long term value, sometimes a higher priced model is worth it for efficiency and comfort.
Safety and Extra Tips
- Wash hands thoroughly before expressing milk.
- Sterilise pump parts before first use and regularly afterwards.
- Ensure correct flange size to prevent nipple pain.
- Store expressed milk in sterile bottles or storage bags.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
Pro Tip: Rotate pumps or flanges if using frequently to reduce wear and tear on materials.
For more information, see NHS Expressing and Storing Breast Milk.
FAQs
How often should I pump?
Every 2–3 hours for regular milk supply or as needed when away from your baby.
Can I use the same pump for both breasts?
Yes, most pumps are designed for single or double pumping sessions.
Are wearable pumps effective?
Yes, high quality wearable pumps can extract milk efficiently while allowing hands free movement.
Do I need an electric pump or is manual sufficient?
Manual pumps work for occasional use; electric or double pumps save time and increase output for daily use.
How should I store expressed milk?
Store in sterile bottles or breast milk storage bags, in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezer for longer storage.
Conclusion
All the breast pumps listed are trusted, effective, and designed for different lifestyles. If I had to choose one all rounder, the Elvie Single Breast Pump wins for its combination of discreet hands free operation, comfort, and efficiency.
I know choosing the right breast pump can feel overwhelming, but hopefully this guide helps you find the perfect model and gives you confidence to feed your baby with ease and comfort.
