Top 6 Best Electric Breast Pumps of 2024

When you begin your breastfeeding journey, you start to notice quick tips and handy gadgets that make the process smoother—and quicker! One gadget you’ll want to add to your “baby shopping list” is a breast pump if you plan to breastfeed. Today, our blog will introduce the best breast pumps in 2024 (focusing on the UK market) with all their features and pricing. Also, we will clarify the types of breast pumps, helping you understand better and make the right choice for breast pumps.  

Here is a breakdown of the 6 top choices- tested and reviewed by nursing mums: 

Without further ado, let’s get started! 

Types of Breast Pumps

In general, breast pumps are designed to copy a baby’s suction action to express milk into bottles/ bags. In this section, we will explore the main types of breast pumps for moms with pros and cons, then discuss the best breast pumps available in the UK market.

Breast pumps come in two main types: electric and manual. While manual breast pumps require hand-operated pumping, electric ones used electric-powered motors to express milk. Some first-time moms have asked us about this topic before, so let’s have a quick dive-in with breast pump 101 🥁! 

Electric Breast Pumps 

Electric pumps use a motor to create powerful suction, aiming to deliver faster pumping without much effort. They also provide multiple pumping modes, making it easy to adjust both speed and suction levels during breastfeeding. 

You might find many different terms to categorize electric breast pumps nowadays, like “wireless breast pump,” “hands-free breast pump,” “portable breast pump,” and more. We categorize electric breast pumps into four main categories based on their unique features and functionality:

• Single vs double electric: features one or two breasts simultaneously to extract milk. Simple and plain, all electric breast pumps are categorized into either single or double. You want to use breast bumps for one single breast or double breasts, depending on your actual needs and preferences.  
• Hospital-grade pumps are powerful and heavy-duty, often used in hospital settings. They are usually bulky and have multiple settings.
• Wearable pumps: bring hands-free convenience and clothing-fitting, enabling mothers to pump on the go.  

Manual Breast Pumps 

Manual breast pumps require hand-powered suction to express milk, and can be used for one breast. Moms need to place the breast cup over their breasts and squeeze them. While these options are lighter and more affordable than electric pumps, they can be time-consuming and tiring for regular use. That’s why manual breast pumps are not always the best choice. 

Top 6 Electric Breast Pumps of 2024 (UK market)

The electric breast pump market is diversified, with various functions and types. Based on in-depth reviews in our mom community, here is a comparison chart of the best electric breast pumps with technical specifications. From this chart, you can pick the brand with the technical specification that suits your preference.

1. Lola&Lykke Electric Breast Pump

2. Medela Electric Wearable Breast Pump

The latest breast pump brought to you by Medela is their hands-free double electric breast pump that you can wear inside your bra. Notably, thanks to numerous outstanding functions and a unique design, it is also often in the list of the best portable breast pump in 2024. 

The console sits neatly in your pocket so you can go about your day pumping without your hands being full. The cups’ compact design gives nursing mums a pumping experience with the cups out of sight. Whilst there is still tubing connecting the cups to the separate pump, this can easily be disguised underneath your top if you want.

The difference the Medela breast pump features compared to other wearable breast pumps, is that the pump is separate from the collection cups. That’s why it doesn’t weigh down on your breast whilst you express.

Mum Lucy says, “This is a really great pump. It’s so convenient as it doesn’t have loads of little parts to wash/sterilise, it’s not too bulky, so easy to setup and a really good battery on the pump.” She continues by saying, “It is a little loud though, although I don’t mind it, it would not be discreet if in public.”. The assembly for this breast pump can be achieved in minutes with just three main components that make up the collection cups - all of which are dishwasher friendly.

As well as managing the suction strength and expression modes on the console, you can also connect your pump to the Medela FamilyTM app. It is designed to track your pumping sessions and analyse how much breast milk each breast has produced. Mum Katie says, “It even hooks up to the app so you can monitor how you are getting along!! The device also allows you to easily see how much you have pumped.”.

The design of the transparent collection cups means you can easily see how much you’ve pumped, whether you need to make any adjustments to express correctly, and know when the cups are full.

Pros

• Strong suction
• Long battery life
• Wearable breast pump
• Adjustable pumping modes
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Easy to clean and assemble
• App available to track pumping sessions

Cons

• Some wires/tubing
• Noisier than other models
• Cannot memorise pumping settings from previous sessions
• More expensive than other models

Shop: Medela Electric Wearable Breast Pump

3. Fraupow Wearable Breast Pump

The wearable electric breast pump by Fraupow is designed to sit inside your bra whilst you pump, meaning you can be hands-free as you express.

No wires to fumble around with and no cords attaching you to a wall. Thus, the rechargeable motor simply detaches from the shell and can be easily carried around in your bag. The shell itself has a large capacity compared to other wearable breast pumps, allowing you to express up to 180ml of milk. The battery will last for up to 100 minutes of pumping time and will smartly shut off after 20 minutes when no buttons have been used.

Mums who bought and used this electric breast pump went on to say how “extremely efficient and easy” it was to use. They also liked that different flange sizes were available to accommodate different nipple sizes. However, one mum commented that it’s a “great pump but sadly not for larger nipples,” where the design has been altered for the larger flange to compromise more comfort.

Upon purchasing the Fraupow breast pump, you can either buy the pump on its own for just £89 or create a bundle with breastfeeding accessories or even double up to have two single pumps. Feeding accessories include reusable breast pads, milk storage bags, and wet/dry bags for your breast pump parts.

Pros

• Strong suction
• Wearable breast pump
• Adjustable pumping modes
• No wires or tubing
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Quiet and discreet
• Easy to clean and assemble
• Large milk capacity
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• No app available
• Cannot memorise pumping settings from previous sessions
• Not suitable for larger nipple sizes

Shop: Fraupow Wearable Breast Pump 

4. Vital Baby Electric Breast Pump

Another option in our list of the best breast pumps in the UK is the Vital Baby Nurture FlexconeTM. This pump comes with a 2-in-1 feature, so you can use it as a manual or electric breast pump. Testers from the MadeForMums Awards panel highlighted how comfortable the pump was to use without compromising efficiency.

One tester, Holly, says, "It's the most comfortable pump I've ever used and it's worth every penny. The pumping action is so comfortable that a session goes by so quickly. My breasts and nipples weren't sore after pumping like they usually are from my other pump." Even whilst using the strong suction electric breast pump, breastfeeding mums still found this breast pump to be comfortable due to the soft silicone flexconeTM.

Whilst using it as a single electric breast pump, there is just one tube that connects the breast flange to the motor unit. The pump features a two-phase expression to mimic your baby’s natural feeding rhythm. With 9-speed settings in each phase, you can control the milk as you express. 

Besides that, the set comes with a manual conversion so that you’re always able to pump when you need to! Nursing mama Siobhan says, “After changing to this pump my milk supply had double in the short 3 months I have been using it. I like the fact you can replace the parts and you can rather use it as a manual pump or electric pump.”

Other mums noted how much they liked the portability of this electric breast pump. It was easy to carry in their changing bag, making it ideal for traveling with. The rechargeable battery is quick to charge and easy to power on the go using a USB cable. If you’re planning to pump on the go, a portable breast pump will be a feature worth investing in.

The only downside to this pump we read about was the ease of cleaning the individual parts, such as the valve, which can be tricky to reach without the right utensils. All the parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher using BPA, latex, and phthalate-free materials.

A really nice touch that Vital Baby adds to their Nurture FlexconeTM Electric Breast Pump kit is the Vital Baby Nurture Ultra Comfort Breast Pads. Breastfeeding accessories like this helpbreastfeeding mums feel prepared and supported when using a breast pump or trying one for the first time.

Pros

• Strong suction
• Adjustable pumping modes
• No wires or tubing
• Portable

Cons

• No app available
• Noisier than other models
• Cannot memorise pumping settings from previous sessions
• Hard to clean individual parts

 Shop: Vital Baby Electric Breast Pump

5. Pippeta Breast Pump

This breast pump doesn’t leave you guessing on what it can deliver – a hands-free, light-up LED display, and 150ml capacity for expressing breastmilk. With modern lifestyles changing how we go about our days, nursing mums want a simple solution without tethering themselves to cables as they juggle errands and/or multiple children!

Considering how the competition has priced their products, the Pippeta Handsfree Breast Pump delivers high-quality pumping for a lower cost at just £98.99. Customers note that it’s a “fantastic product and great value.”

Like most electric breast pumps, the Pippeta Breast Pump features an anti-backflow system. The air pressure pulse technology combined with the anti-backflow system protects your milk from contamination and leaking into various parts of the pump. The wearable breast pump features up to 12 suction levels with 4 different modes, including a massage setting. On a full charge, you can expect to get up to a 120-minute pumping time before recharging it.

One user mentioned that she was happy with the performance of this pump; however, in practical terms, it didn’t quite fit the brief for what nursing mums want. She said “I can't bend down whilst pumping because I end up losing expressed milk from the spout at the top. I have to take it off to pick/pop my baby down when alone.”. Mums who regularly use this electric breast pump found the soft silicone shield comfortable to wear, even though you had to stay upright to prevent any leakages.

Inside the Pipetta Handsfree Breast Pump Kit, you’ll find all the parts you need including spare ones should you need to swap them out from general wear.

As well as buying a single electric breast pump, this pump also comes as a set of two, or you can combine it with one of their manual breast pump collectors. Should you need any extra parts, these can be purchased separately via the website, along with baby bottles, bottle teats, and freezable milk storage bags.

Pros

• Strong suction
• Long battery life
• Wearable breast pump
• Adjustable pumping modes
• No wires or tubing
• Portable
• Quiet and discreet
• Easy to clean and assemble

Cons

• No app available
• Cannot memorise pumping settings from previous sessions
• Weighs more than other wearable breast pumps
• Prone to leaking when you’re not sitting upright

 Shop: Pippeta Handsfree Breast Pump

6. Elvie Stride Wearable Breast Pump

Express and track with control using Elvie’s app-connected breast pump. The sleek, wearable design sits comfortably inside your bra, helping to express with hospital-grade performance with your hands-free. One breastfeeding mum commented, “I love how comfortable it is when wearing. It’s lightweight and very easy to assemble” - three features all nursing mums want in an electric breast pump!

Like their other models, this pump comes in a single or double setup. In the UK and EU, it's marketed as single and double pump options, while in the US, it's sold as Stride and Stride Plus.

The single electric breast pump is priced at £169, and only £299 to double up. Since launching the Elvie Stride Breast Pump, the company has introduced accessories to suit smaller breast and nipple sizes. This partly benefits you to get a better fit and suction from the pump.

All pumps have a standard, 21mm, 24mm, or 28mm breast shield. However, you can now purchase Elvie Nipple Cushions that fit inside the cup and create a better option for women who require a size 15mm, 17mm, or 19mm breast shields. These can be bought for an additional £19.99. These accessories are BP-free and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Once you have expressed your milk, you can decant it into a baby bottle or breast milk storage bag using the spout on the outside of the pump. Unfortunately, some users experienced leakages with the pump or the suction of the breast shield warped over a short time. This, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of the breast pump.

Overall, all of the features have won over many nursing mums, bringing a positive pumping experience and helping them to keep up their milk supply and express with ease..

Some mums also commented on how effective the noise-canceling technology is and praised its performance for being discreet and quiet for nighttime feeds or for pumping at work. Jade says, “I love how quiet it is and that when I wear it you can barely see it due to its curved and perfect design”.

Compared to other wearable breast pumps, the Elvie Stride is more expensive than other models. In addition, accessories cannot be bought in reduced-priced bundles. However, the brand is a household favourite and is making waves in modern technology-wearable electric breast pumps!

Pros

• Strong suction
• Long battery life
• Wearable breast pump
• Adjustable pumping modes
• Lightweight
• Portable
• No noise
• Easy to clean and assemble
• App available to track pumping sessions
• A large variety of nipple flanges to purchase

Cons

• Some wires/tubing
• More expensive than other models

 Shop: Elvie Stride Wearable Breast Pump

Wireless Electric Breast Pumps: Ideal Choice For Busy Moms

Among the top breast pumps in the UK, wireless breast bumps attract more attention thanks to their outstanding convenience, especially for busy moms. These hands-free devices can do the job (better than the tiny wearable pumps) without bulky charging stations and dangling cords. That’s why wireless breast bumps enable multitasking and ensure a smooth daily experience - whether it’s working, cooking, or caring for children. 

Wireless, quiet pumps help mom’s life less tough: pumping milk during direct breastfeeding or other tasks.

Powerful suction is one of the main reasons moms shy away from wearable breast pumps. A stronger motor is better for moms with low milk supply or those still establishing their milk supply. Many moms choose double electric breast pumps or wireless breast pumps to balance convenience and milk supply. For breastfeeding moms, in the beginning, it is all about increasing or establishing a good milk supply for your little ones.

Quick Overview: Best Breast Pumps for Different Needs 

There has never been a best electric breast pump for all moms. It depends on your breastfeeding needs, lifestyle, and budget. Below are our suggestions to help you pick an appealing choice. 

• Best for working mums: Portable, hands-free electric breast pumps are highly recommended. You can freely use these options while multitasking at work or during commutes. 
• Best for combining breastfeeding and pumping: Portable electric breast pumps are highly recommended if you want to seamlessly combine breastfeeding and pumping.
• Best for exclusive pumpers: Hospital-grade pumps or double electric models are often the best choice to maximize customizable settings and suction strength. However, they might be much more expensive than the others. 
• Best for occasional use: Single electric or manual pumps will efficiently meet your demands. They are also easy to carry and use for a few hours without recharging.

Which electric breast pump will you choose?

To determine which breast pump will be the most suitable choice, assess your circumstances and how often you plan to use one. In most cases, you’ll want an electric breast pump that supports every step of your breastfeeding journey, as they are a worthy investment.

For mums who are returning to work, a lightweight and quiet electric breast pump may be the best choice. Wearable breast pumps that sit inside your bra so you can pump discreetly at your desk may tick all the boxes for you. However, if you’re planning to breastfeed exclusively and only pump occasionally, a cheaper alternative may suit your needs just as well. We also recommend that you keep a budget in mind and there may be options available to you to purchase a hospital-grade breast pump through insurance.

For nursing mums who need help managing their milk supply, choosing a pump with strong suction will be essential to noticing a difference. Even if you’re experiencing an oversupply of milk, you’ll want an efficient breast pump to relieve any engorgement and slowly dwindle your supply down to a more manageable level.

At the end of the day, an informed choice is a better choice. This guide is here to help you find the best breast pump 2024 that will work best for you and your family. If you think it will help another breastfeeding mum, please share this guide with them!