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Best breast pump brands and expert buying advice

Whether you're considering an electric or manual pump from the likes of Elvie, Medela, Tommee Tippee or another brand, our essential need-to-know tips will help you choose
Martha RobertsSenior content writer
A woman using an electric breast pump.

Expressing milk via pumping can help you save time (and money), store milk for later, or make it easier for other people to assist with feeds - but how do you know what type to choose?

Covering everything from the pros and cons of manual vs electric pumps to how much you should spend, our expert buying advice can steer you towards a good-value pump best suited to your needs. 

Plus data from our survey reveals parents' favourite types and brands to help you decide which to go for.  


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Do I need a breast pump?

Lidded containers containing expressed milk, lined up in a fridge.

No, not necessarily – it's down to personal preference and circumstances.

In our 2018 Which? survey, 40% of mums bought a breast pump so their partner could help with feeds and 38% bought one so they could go out and leave milk at home.

Around 33% wanted a top-up supply of milk for general feeding.


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Most popular breast pump brands

See below for the percentage of mums who use each brand:

  • Medela - 36%
  • Tommee Tippee - 28%
  • Philips - 16%
  • Lansinoh - 5%
  • Ameda - 5%
  • Boots - 4%
  • Mothercare - 3%
  • Nuby - 3%

Figures based on a January 2018 survey of 1,008 mums who had used a breast pump in the past five years.


Best electric breast pump brands

Mums told us how satisfied they were with the electric breast pump brand they've used and whether they'd recommend it to others. We combine these scores to produce an overall customer score, so we are able to rank the best manual breast pump brands. 

We've also listed the star ratings users gave for comfort, value for money and how easy it is to control or vary the speed of the pump, so you can see which breast pump brand to go for. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view the scores in the table and see how the most popular breast pump brands fared against each other. 

Join Which? now to get instant access to our survey results below. 

BrandComfort for motherOverall value for moneyControlling speedCustomer score
Medela
Philips Avent
Tommee Tippee

Best manual breast pump brands

Mums told us how satisfied they were with the manual breast pump brand they've used and whether they'd recommend it to others. We combine these scores to produce an overall customer score, so we are able to rank the best manual breast pump brands. 

We've also listed the star ratings that users gave each manual breast pump brand for comfort, value for money and how easy it is to change the speed, so you can see which breast pump brand to go for. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view the scores in the table and see how the most popular breast pump brands fared against each other. 

Join Which? now to get instant access to our survey results below. 

BrandComfort for motherOverall value for moneyControlling speedCustomer score
Boots
Philips Avent
Tommee Tippee


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Electric or manual: what breast pump should I get?

Electric breast pumps

An electric breast pump on a table.

According to our Which? survey, most mothers (60%) owned an electric breast pump, and 82% found an electric pump useful. 

The most common reasons for using an electric breast pump include being faster (69%), less hassle to use (39%) and more comfortable (26%) than manual alternatives*. 

Electric pumps give you the choice of a wide range of features including hands-free/wearable varieties for use with a supportive pumping bra or bandeau, and ones that work with an app to remotely adjust settings and keep track of your pumping history.

Pros

  • Easy to use and faster than other methods. Whether it's speed, suction levels or suction intensity, the work is done for you, saving you from aching hands or having to maintain a rhythm pattern yourself.  
  • More choice of models to suit your needs. Whether you're after a pump that's mains or battery operated, double or single, portable, wearable or a sturdy one to keep at home, there's likely to be an electric model to suit your requirements.
  • Can be rented. You can hire hospital-grade electric breast pumps from manufacturers themselves, including Medela (£49 for first 14 days' rental of a Medela Symphony) and NHS-approved supplier Ardo (£42 for 14 days' rental of an Ardo Bellis).
  • Good for helping to keep milk supply up. This is useful if, for example, you have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care baby unit (SCBU) and are exclusively expressing before establishing breastfeeding.

Cons

  • Tend to be more expensive than manual pumps. Prices start at around £35 and go up to around £500.
  • Can be noisy. Whirring or clicking may be an issue, especially if you're using it in the night or are trying to be discreet. There are some that are advertised as being very quiet, or you could consider a 2-in-1 model that allows you to use the pump in either electric or a quieter manual mode (such as the MAM 2in1 Single Electric Breast Pump, £166, Boots). 
  • Can be fiddly to clean. While parts such as breast shields and valves are easy to clean, others such as charging points or the pump units can't be deep-cleaned and have to be wiped down instead.
  • Can be inconvenient. They tend to be bulky so might not be ideal if you're travelling, plus mains-operated models are dependent on you being near a socket

*Figures based on a January 2018 Which? survey of 1,008 mums when asked for reasons to use an electric breast pump (620 responses).

Manual breast pumps

A manual breast pump in the background with a container of expressed milk in the foreground in front of it.

Our 2018 Which? survey revealed that most mothers opted for a manual pump as it was the cheaper option (55%), while others found them more portable (21%), quieter (19%) or more comfortable (13%)*.

Manual pumps work by mimicking the sucking action of a breastfeeding baby. The cup (or shield) attaches to your breast and the vacuum created when you pump the handle stimulates milk flow.

Pros

  • Light and compact. They tend to be small enough to fit into your handbag and could be good option for occasional pumping or if you're travelling and need to pack light. 
  • Quiet and discreet. They're powered by you rather than electricity or a battery, so tend to be less noisy than electric versions.
  • Easy to clean. A straightforward mechanism makes them easy to put together and to take apart for thorough cleaning and sterilising.
  • Cheap to buy and run. From as little as around £10, they're generally cheap to buy plus there are no running costs while you use them.

Cons

  • Slower than electric pumps. You're doing the work yourself (unlike with an electric pump with its stronger suction and faster pumping action). However, the more you use your manual pump, the quicker you'll get.
  • Repetitive pumping can be tiring. The vacuum you create when you pump the handle is what stimulates milk flow and this requires some effort, especially if you're doing it over a period of time.
  • Can be difficult to get into a regular pumping rhythm. Electric pumps often have programs that mimic the rhythm of a sucking baby, but with a manual pump you'll have to get into a rhythm yourself.
  • You can only pump from one side at a time. This can make it more time-consuming, although it could be a good option if one side needs to heal or rest.

*Figures based on a January 2018 Which? survey of 1,008 mums when asked for reasons to use a manual pump (468 responses).


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Elvie and other hands-free/wearable breast pumps

A woman using an Elvie wearable breast pump with a nursing bra.

The first manufacturers to launch wearable breast pumps were Willow in 2017 and Elvie in 2018. Others have joined the ranks since then to increase choice and make prices more competitive.

Among the cheapest single pump wearables we found were the Momcozy S9 Wearable Pro electric (£65, Momcozy) and the Pippeta LED wearable (£70, Pippeta). Expect to pay more for a double version.

Although wearable breast pumps are relatively new, 2023 research suggests they are 'as effective and comfortable as traditional pumping devices'.

Other research published in 2022 in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine found that women who used wearable pumps in the workplace appeared to have a better experience than those using traditional breast pumps, including being able to multitask and needing shorter work place breaks for pumping.

Wearables could be worth considering if you don't like being tied to one place when you're expressing, or if discretion is important.


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Where to buy a breast pump

  • Argos currently stocks both manual and electric breast pumps, ranging from single and double pumps to larger pumping kits. Prices start at £19 for a single manual pump, rising to £499 for higher-end electric options. 
  • Boots sells a large variety of breast pumps from brands including Elvie, MAM, Medela and Momcozy, plus additional extras including nipple creams, breast pads and milk storage bags. Prices start at £9 for a manual silicone pump/milk collector, rising to £499 for a wearable option. Click & collect is free when you spend £25 or more, and home delivery is free if spending more than £15.
  • Amazon stocks a wide variety of manual, electric, single and double breast pumps from brands including Elvie, Lansinoh and Tommee Tippee. Prices range from £10 for a silicone manual breast pump to around £300 for electric double pumps, with a single Bellababy wearable pump costing £36. 
  • George at Asda sells a range of breast pumps and nursing accessories, including nipple covers, nursing pillows and bras. Prices start at £16 for a silicone breast milk collector, £26 for a manual pump, up to £270 for a double electric pump.
  • Direct from manufacturer. Branded breast pumps may also be available directly from manufacturer websites - for example Elvie, Medela and Tommee Tippee.

Check warranties and returns information before you buy, as some retailers won't take breast pumps back if they've been used or opened.

Prices correct as of 13 March 2024.


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How much do I need to spend?

Pumps range in price from as little as £12 up to £500, but there's no right or wrong when it comes to deciding how much to spend. The main thing is to consider how you'll be using it, including frequency and what setting you want. 

For example, if you'd like a convenient, discreet experience, an electric pump (such as a wearable) may be a worth the investment rather than a manual pump.

However, if you're not planning to express regularly, a manual pump with a trigger may be enough, and if you're only likely to pump very occasionally, then the cheapest, lowest-tech option might work for you.

The cheapest we found were basic, soft silicone models, which are often known as breast milk collectors and work by suction rather than being operated by a trigger.

These include the Haakaa Generation 1 Silicone Breast Pump (£16, Amazon), Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump With Lid And Neck Strap (£13, Amazon), Nuby Silicone Breast Pump (£13, Boots) and Tommee Tippee Single Silicone Breast Pump (£13, John Lewis).

The Elvie Curve (£35, John Lewis) is more expensive silicone breast pump, but it's a wearable so you may find it's a more convenient choice.


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Buying tips

An electric breast pump pictured next to assorted compatible bottles and teats.

Check what extras are available

Most breast pumps come with some sort of storage container for milk, such as spare bottles or small pots, as well as lids and seals to prevent leakage. You could also consider extras such as different-sized breast shields, milk storage bags or nipple cups to collect milk leaks between feeds (for example the Elvie Catch, £20 for two, Boots).

Check your pump is compatible with your bottles

Not all bottles are compatible with pumps, so check before you buy.

If you do end up with bottles that aren’t compatible with your pump, you can express milk into the supplied collection container and transfer to your chosen bottle brand before feeding.

Consider second-hand

Although some manufacturers advise against using a second-hand breast pump (use by more than one person may void the warranty), it's fine to use a pre-loved model that's in full working order and has been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised.

If you do buy second-hand, check the brand's website for spare parts. Whether you need to overhaul your existing breast pump or one you've got from someone else, there are plenty of extras you can get from the manufacturer such as handles, pump sets and tube connectors.

Some brands come with extra spare parts when bought new (such as the Pippeta pump), so ask whoever you're buying from if they have any of these left, unused.


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Using a breast pump

A woman in the background, sitting in an armchair with a young baby, with a breast pump pictured in the foreground.

When can I start pumping?

You can start to pump around three to five days after giving birth, or as your milk supply increases. If you've had a premature baby, the NHS says you can start collecting your breast milk as soon as possible after they're born.

If you and/or your baby stay in the hospital for a longer period of time, a hospital-grade breast pump should be provided for you. 

Does expressing milk hurt?

It shouldn't be painful, although it can be uncomfortable at first until you get used to the feeling. 

Some women find expressing milk actually helps to relieve the discomfort caused by overly full breasts. 

If you do experience any pain on your nipple when expressing using a breast pump, check that you're using the right size of breast shield so it’s not excessively pulling on the delicate area around where you’ll pump.

Your midwife or health visitor should be able to give advice on breastfeeding and expressing, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 between 09:30 and 21:30 daily.

Do I need to sterilise my breast pump?

The NHS advises that you thoroughly clean and sterilise all your baby's feeding equipment until they are at least 12 months old, and says you should always ensure the pump and container are clean and sterilised before you use them.

Check your pump's instruction manual for further guidance. 

Some breast pumps are dishwasher-safe, which can make cleaning easier, but you'll still need to sterilise them afterwards.


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How should I store breast milk?

Somebody taking a pouch of expressed milk out of a freezer drawer.

If you're planning to store your expressed breast milk, put it in a sterilised container and transfer it to the fridge or freezer as soon as possible. 

Here's what the NHS advises:

Storing breast milk in the fridge

Expressed milk can be kept in a fridge for up to eight days at 4ºC or lower, but if the temperature is higher than 4ºC or you're not sure of the fridge temperature, this reduces to three days.

Breast milk that's been cooled in the fridge can also be carried for up to 24 hours as long as it's in a cool bag with ice packs.

Storing breast milk in the freezer

Freeze to -18ºC or lower and it will last for up to six months.

Remember that it will expand as it freezes, so don't overfill the bag or container, and don't refreeze defrosted breast milk.


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