We tested breast pumps costing anything between 5 and 300 dollars

To find out the best breast pump, a real Mali Mum tested 4 different solutions ranging from $5 to $300. Here’s what she found.

How did we test them?
Over the course of 12 weeks, our independent Mali Mum (a real mom of two kids and currently breastfeeding little Lisa) tried four different breast pumps in various settings, at home during the day, at home at night, and even at work. All four different pumps scored higher in certain areas.

General findings about hand pumps or automatic pumps
Hand pumps and drop bumps are better during work, on the plane traveling, or in settings where you need to be quiet. They are good for people who are frequently on the move because they are small, can easily be set up, don’t make much sound when used, and can easily be cleaned after use. 

Automatic pumps are great at home because they take very little effort to get the job done and produce a good result.

In total, we tested four products:

Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump

Product Highlights:

• 2-Phase Expression technology mimics baby’s sucking
• Adjustable vacuum cycles
• BPA-free

Mali’s Test:
We really like the product. It feels very high quality and was very gentle on the beast, which makes a big difference if you have to pump a lot. We would totally recommend it for everyone if not for the very high price. 

Main benefits:

• Very gently on your breast
• It’s efficient 
• It comes with a 24-mm breast shield, but additional breast shield sizes are available: 21 mm, 27 mm, 30 mm, and 36 mm
• You can purchase a twin pump to pump from both breasts simultaneously  

Drawbacks:

• The high price
• It’s quite big

Great for:
Moms who have problems with other automatic pumps need a product that fits the breast perfectly.

Price:
Around $360

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump 

Product Highlights:

• 2-Phase Expression technology mimics baby’s sucking
• Manual handling
• Adjustable vacuum levels
• Small, light, and easy to hold
• BPA-free

Mali’s Test:
We found it easy to use, light, compact, high quality, and a great option for work or travel. It’s also lightweight and quiet enough to be used just about anywhere.

Main benefits:

• Two modes of expression, so you can switch from stimulation to actual pumping
• Quiet, so great for nap time pumping
• Includes 1 Calma nipple, 1 bottle stand, 3 spare membranes, 1 bottle stand, and instructions
• It comes with a 24-mm breast shield, but additional breast shield sizes are available
• Compatible with regular bottles

Drawbacks:

• Its price is quite high
• We got a bit tired after a full pumping session
• Like with all hand pumps you usually need to use both hands

Great for:

• Moms who are active or traveling and need to pump on the go. 
• Also good for moms who need a non-standard breast shield size

Price: $100

Lucky Babe Automatic Pump

Product highlights:

• Twin pumping
• 2-Phase Expression technology 
• Electric handling: USB charge 
• Adjustable vacuum levels
• BPA-free 
• Compatible with 5 oz bottles

Mali’s test:
We like it a lot. It’s easy to use, and it works very fast. It’s maybe not as gentle on the breast, so after a round of pumping the nipples hurt a bit. But, overall, the experience was very good, given the low price.  

Main benefits:

• It’s fast and efficient
• Fully automatic
• Inexpensive

Drawbacks:

• It’s a bit strong and can be painful
• It’s not for every breast type
• Difficult to customize

Great for:

• Moms who need to pump a lot, have average breast size and want a fast and efficient solution

Price:
Around $20

Simple Silicone Pump

Product Highlights:

• Manual handling
• Come with a bottle stand and bottle cover
• Material: food-grade silicone

Mali’s test:
It’s efficient and time-saving. You simply have to attach the device to your breast and start pumping.

Main benefits:

• It’s very gentle on your breast
• It’s inexpensive
• It’s easy to carry around 

Drawbacks:

• Silicone has a limited life span, so you cannot use it for many years
• Not suitable for unstable pumping situations, it can slip out

Great for:

• Sensitive nipple or painful nipple
• Full-time mom who wants to save time and keep mother milk stock
• Moms who want to combine it with single automatic pumping to save time and cost

Price:
Around $5