Top 9 Best Electric breast pumps of 2022

The Medela Swing Maxi Flex is an updated breast pump from Medela, with a more attractive appearance and updated technology. At the same time, it still based on a long medical tradition of producing research-based breast pumps. And this is obvious immediately you unpack the Swing Maxi Flex™.

The breast pump is powered by a normal mains cable, but can also be run wirelessly if you insert six AAA batteries. The battery life is normal, and if you pump a lot the batteries will run out quickly. But the suction is just as good regardless of how you power the Swing Maxi Flex™.

The motor unit is round and compact, and doesn’t take up much space either at home or if you’re travelling or at the office. On the top are four buttons and an LED. When you switch on the Medela Swing Maxi Flex, it first enters the stimulation phase, which automatically switches to the expression phase. You can of course skip the stimulation phase when the milk is already flowing.

You can also adjust the strength of both phases to your personal preference. However, you can’t see whether the strength is on maximum or minimum, and it’s zeroed again after each use. So if you have a favourite position, you’ll have to find it by guesswork every time you use the pump. The Swing Maxi Flex can easily be transformed from a single to a double pump.

It’s also supplied with two different sizes of breast shield. And the shields are the closest anyone’s ever managed to comfort when it comes to a breast pump. The oval shape and the broad, soft edges feel innovative and incredibly obvious at the same time. There’s also built-in overflow protection, so you can lean back while pumping. Assembling the Medela Swing Maxi Flex™ is very straightforward. The breast pump has few parts, and these are adapted so they can only be assembled in one way.

There’s nothing negative to say about the pump function. If your milk flows easily, you won’t even need to use the maximum setting for the expression phase. When you've finished pumping, it’s easy to dismantle the Swing Maxi Flex. All of the parts that need washing are dishwasher safe, and there are no small parts that easily get lost.

Even compared to older breast pumps from Medela, which were all very good, the Swing Maxi Flex is a big step forwards. And for a very reasonable price. If you want to pump a lot while you’re on the go, the cost of batteries is a bit of a problem. But this together with a slightly higher, but still acceptable, noise level if you pump on maximum, is the only negative aspect. Everything else about the Medela Swing Maxi Flex is positive. This is one of the best breast pumps you can buy.

Many products claim to be the Rolls-Royce of their niche. But with the Medela Freestyle Flex, such a claim is no exaggeration. It has the design, the innovation – and a (relatively) high price. And if you want to make pumping breast milk a pleasant experience, the Freestyle Flex™ is an excellent choice.

The Freestyle Flex comes under Medela's major update of their breast pumps. This involves both a new design and significantly improved technology. The motor is neat and fits into your palm. The buttons have been almost completely replaced by a clear and easy to use touchscreen. The Freestyle Flex can be run using mains power, but also has a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged via USB. The battery life is exemplary.

It makes no difference whether you’re a beginner or a veteran – assembling the Medela Freestyle Flex™ is very intuitive. The fact that the hose has different shaped ends means it’s impossible to connect them the wrong way around. And assembling the connectors is just as easy. If you insert the membrane round the wrong way, you simply can’t close the connector. The Freestyle Flex contains impressively few parts, which makes cleaning easier. Everything that can be washed is dishwasher safe.

With the Freestyle Flex, you can choose if you want to double pump or just focus on one breast at a time. In the latter case, you insert the unused end of the tubing into the holder, ensuring a vacuum is achieved. The noise level is very pleasant. With the Freestyle Flex you can pump for as long as you need on maximum and binge your favourite TV series at the same time with a sleeping baby in the same room.

The pump has two phases – stimulation and expression. Both can be adjusted in terms of strength and the display shows how long you’ve been pumping for. Simple and clear. But the very best thing about the Medela Freestyle Flex is how the breast shields have been improved. From a completely round shape to one that is more oval, with a broad and soft silicone edge. The breast pump includes two different sizes of breast shield. A breast pump may never be entirely comfortable, but they’ve never been more comfortable than this before.

The pumping power is slightly stronger during single than double pumping. But this is a minor issue. If you aren’t sure whether you even need a breast pump, this one’s probably a bit over the top. But if you know you will be using your pump a lot and for a long time, the Medela Freestyle Flex is a high-class purchase you won’t regret a penny of.

There’s also a Medela app, MyMedela, which you can use to keep track of pumping and the child’s development.

It can’t be argued that Medela has a very prominent position among breast pump manufacturers. And rightly so. Medea’s pumps almost always feel at least one step more advanced than many competing models. A clear sign of this is the ongoing development of existing models. The Swing Maxi is only the latest in the line of many high performance double pumps from Medela.

Very easy to understand how the breast pump works

It’s very easy to get started with the Medela Swing Maxi. The breast pump is easy to assemble. The enclosed manual is clear, but almost superfluous as it’s all but impossible to assemble the pump incorrectly. You can see at a glance the components included and how they fit together. Getting started with pumping is just as easy. As soon as you’ve charged the battery, which is done using USB-C and is relatively fast, you can get started.

The breast pump consists of a round motor with clear buttons. It’s easy to understand what the buttons do, and you can intuitively understand how to find a comfortable position. The suction power of the Medela Swing Maxi can be adjusted both in pace, rhythm and strength. The suction level is high, and is effective at expressing milk from your breasts. The noise level is perfectly acceptable, and only during the most intense pumping is the noise of the motor noticeable.

Comfortable breast funnels with soft rim

The advantage of a double breast pump is that you can express milk from both breasts at the same time. This saves time, because instead of spending 15 minutes per breast with a single pump, you can do both sides in 15 minutes. In addition, some people feel they get more milk from simultaneous pumping. If you just need to pump one breast, you can readjust the Medela Swing Maxi to do this, even though it’s a little fiddly.

Two different sizes of breast funnel are included when you buy a Medela Swing Maxi. This increases the chance that using the breast pump will be comfortable, but isn’t a guarantee that the funnels will fit all breasts. A further comfort factor is that Medea breast funnels have a soft silicone edge. This makes the pump noticeably less hard on the chest than breast funnels made from hard plastic. Even if you have tender breasts you’ll find the Swing Maxi comfortable to use.

High capacity rechargeable battery

The rechargeable battery in the Medela Swing Maxi has a good capacity and you can use the pump several times before having to recharge it. Together with the very manageable size, this means you can actually take the Swing Maxi with you if you need to express milk if you’re travelling or when you’re away from home overnight. Cleaning the Swing Maxi after use is also easy, and you can quickly disassemble it to wash out and sterilize it.

The real characteristic of the Medela Swing Maxi is how every function and detail has been thought through. From the soft funnel, to the easy assembly and, of course, comfortable use. If you’re going to be expressing milk several times a day, the Medela Swing Maxi is a quality breast pump you can rely on.

The Philips Avent SCF395/11 electric breast pump is a true one size fits all pump. This is due to the soft and moldable silicone cushions that can be easily shaped to fit the unique size of your breast. It doesn't get any easier than this!

Comfortable and safe breast pump

The SCF395/11 is an electric breast pump without a storage bag that is run using a cable, making it best suited for use in the comfort of your own home, or at least when connected to an electrical outlet. If these conditions are right for you, the Philips Avent SCF395/11 will give you a truly reliable pump buddy to use when you’re out and about. It is comfortable to use, with silicone funnels that provide a soft rim that fits snugly around the breast and does not cause leaks. The pump has eight stimulation mode levels and 16 pumping mode levels, which makes it easy to adapt the level to the one you want at the time. This is easily done with a volume button-like button on the motor unit.

Smart breast pump with built-in memory

This is a pump that not only looks good, it’s smart too. With a built-in memory, the breast pump remembers the last settings you used, which is why it is usually just a matter of pressing start to begin. The noise level of the motor is quiet, and it is excellent if you wish to breastfeed a baby on the free breast, or have a baby sleeping close to the pump. There are very few buttons, and the pump is easy to understand. The pause button is particularly appreciated for those who often need to interrupt their session temporarily but do not want to start all over again afterwards.

Silicone cushions attract dust

It was not easy to find something negative about the Philips Avent SCF395/11, but the test panel mentioned that the silicone cushions easily become dusty and that the pump does not have a storage bag. The latter, on the other hand, is not a major problem, as the pump is so wonderfully discreet that it can be left lying around without drawing attention.

With their 2 in 1 Electric & Manual Breast Pump, Mam have tried to cover all possible uses in a single model, which is an impressive feat. This breast pump can be powered with a mains cable, a built-in rechargeable battery and can also be transformed into a manual breast pump. This makes the 2 in 1 Electric & Manual easy to adapt to different needs. And this is ideal if you aren’t sure how or how much the pump will be used.

The power switch is on the underside of the Mam 2 in 1 Electric & Manual. The display on the top allows you to change between stimulation and expression mode, and adjust the strength. Both modes have nine different levels. And you can also see, in minutes and seconds, how long you’ve been pumping for.

Before first using the pump, it’s a good idea to read the instruction book carefully. The Mam 2 in 1 Electric & Manual is a breast pump that consists of many different parts, and you use different ones depending on whether you’re pumping manually or electrically. After using the pump a few times, you learn how it all fits together, and it’s quicker to assemble and disassemble for cleaning or sterilisation.

You can pump one breast at a time with the 2 in 1 Electric & Manual. The shield has a generous silicone insert to increase comfort. Once you've got used to the breast pump, you can remove the insert, which also makes the pump more powerful. The pump only includes one size of shield and the round shape means it’s important to find the right position on your breast so you can pump as comfortably and effectively as possible. The pumping power is ample for expressing the milk efficiently. When you switch on the pump it begins the stimulation phase and then you choose for yourself when to switch over to expression.

As a manual pump the 2 in 1 Electric & Manual does its job. Pumping manually is rarely as effective as when it’s electrically powered. But it’s handy that you can transform this breast pump from Mam. When you’re using it as a manual pump, it’s both small and light, and there’s no problem popping it into your handbag if you’re on the run and you need to relieve a bit of pressure to avoid breast engorgement.

Mam have come up with a great solution, and the pump works with all feeding bottles from the brand. The pump also includes storage containers and teats. For the mother who’s new to breast pumps, the Mam 2 in 1 Electric & Manual Breast Pump is a comfortable package solution that includes absolutely everything you need.

The first thing you notice about Elvie is that the breast pump is really expensive. If you want to be able to express both breasts at the same time, the price is almost double. However, the pump gives off a clear premium feel. Even the box feels luxurious. But above all, actually using it is something completely new.

Unique breast pump that frees up both time and hands

The unique thing about Elvie is that this breast pump doesn’t force you to take up a stationary position. It doesn’t even require you to use your hands! With Elvie placed directly in your bra, you can express while reading a good book, eating lunch or working at your computer. You can even go for a walk with the pushchair while you’re using Elvie. However, the pump easily slides out of position during tasks that involve greater physical activity or bending down.

One difficulty with Elvie is positioning the breast correctly in the funnel. As you can’t see through the pump, you have to do this blind. Often you need to correct the position of the nipple afterwards. Once in place, the pump is easy to handle. The on/off button is clear, as are the plus and minus buttons to control the pump power.

Has all the functions you could want

To change breast, you simply press the select breast button, and Elvie starts the programme again. Immediately after start-up, the stimulation phase begins. It then switches to the expression phase as soon as Elvie detects milk in the bottle. This is a very quiet breast pump, which isn’t disturbing – at most it puffs a little.

The pump comes with storage bottles, two bra attachments and two sizes of breast funnel. After a few sessions’ practice, Elvie is easy to assemble and equally easy to disassemble. Due to the shape of the bottle, it’s difficult to clean in the dishwasher, although the breast funnel works well. The other parts are most easily treated as hand washing.

Dubious app but revolutionary modern function

Just like other smart products, Elvie also has an app. In some respects, however, you have to ask how smart it actually is. The app should keep track of both how often you pump and how much. But Elvie measures the wrong amount of milk every time, and that can make a big difference. For example, Elvie indicates that 180 ml has been pumped out, but the bottle only contains 60 ml. However, the amount can be adjusted afterwards in the app. And the fact you can keep such a detailed check is nice.

For people who most often pump to have a little extra for feeding or before being away from the baby, there are much more affordable alternatives. But if you pump several times every day, Elvie is a long-awaited invention that frees up both your time and your hands. Elvie is a breast pump that actually feels adapted to the modern mother.

The Beurer BY40 is an electric breast pump with adjustable pump strength. As well as the pump, shield and other essentials, the breast pump includes a large bottle together with adapters making it possible to use the breast pump with bottles from Avent and NUK. The BY40 can be powered using mains power or AA batteries, which are included. This makes it easy to take the breast pump with you on the go and allows you to pump even if there’s no power socket nearby. But the batteries only last for a couple of pumping sessions, so if you aren’t using rechargeable ones the BY40 is quite expensive to run. The pictures in the instruction book are rather difficult to understand. But the manual is also available online. The BY40 is easy to assemble and to clean after use.

The breast pump is easy to understand and has a very user-friendly display which clearly shows how long you’ve been pumping for. This means you get a good idea of how long it usually takes per breast, which makes it easier to plan your pumping sessions to fit in with your baby’s needs. The pumping power is good, which makes things easier when your breasts are full. But if you have sensitive breasts or they’ve recently been emptied, the BY40’s suction may feel a bit too strong, even on the lowest setting. Another downside with the BY40 is the size of the bottle. 180 ml feels a bit on the large side, and that makes it both tricky to find a comfortable position and difficult to pump while you’re breastfeeding on the other side. Overall, the Beurer BY40 is relatively good value and the display in particular is a good feature. For a higher score, we’d have liked to see more possibility to fine tune the suction and a more convenient bottle being included.

The NUK First Choice+ is an electric breast pump powered by an AC adapter, which can also be used cordless thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. The breast pump is easy to assemble. It is made up of relatively few parts and you understand intuitively how they should fit together. Electric breast pump with a wide range of settings

The First Choice+ has 16 different programmes, with the ability to save your favourite settings to get the right pressure every time. You can adjust both the speed and the suction power. The memory function works well, although what is the perfect setting once may of course feel wrong next time.

The suction power is definitely strong enough to do an effective job, and feels relatively similar to other electric breast pumps. However, sometimes the pump was a bit temperamental to start with, which meant our testers had to switch the NUK First Choice+ off and on a few times before it got going properly. After pumping, it is easy to disassemble the NUK First Choice+ for cleaning

Can be tricky to charge the battery

The built-in battery works as it should, but it turns out that it’s not clear whether or not it’s charged properly. On a number of occasions when the breast pump should have been fully charged, it proved not to be usable without the AC adapter. So somewhere in the process it’s clearly possible to misunderstand whether or not charging has happened.

The noise level of the motor is perceived as relatively low; what can be heard most clearly is the suction sound of the pump. You can have a sleeping baby next to you, or watch a film while you use the device, without the breast pump being too loud. Another big plus is the LED display, which can be adjusted in terms of brightness to suit the room you’re in. There are very few buttons on the NUK First Choice+, which helps to make the pump very easy to use.

Best for more sporadic use

The breast shields are comfortable enough. It’s rarely all that pleasant to use a breast pump, but there's nothing here that makes you feel any more uncomfortable. However, the pump can leak a little during use, despite attempts to adjust the position so that the angle is correct. It doesn’t leak much, but drips a little from time to time – something that in the long run becomes a nuisance.

For those who regularly want to express their milk, and who do so often enough that the machine will be used several times daily, the NUK First Choice+ doesn’t feel like an obvious choice. The odd problem here and there can be accepted for more sporadic pumping but becomes an obstacle to the frequent user. However, if you want simple and efficient pumping for periodic use, the NUK First Choice+ does the job satisfactorily. And if you like NUK feeding bottles, it’s useful that the pump is compatible with all NUK accessories.

The NUK Luna is an electric pump constructed according to the same principles as Pigeon’s portable pumps. The breast shield is built into the pump motor and the bottle is attached to the pump head without hoses or wires. For a portable breast pump, the NUK Luna is very large. The actual pump is ball shaped and rather unwieldy. The NUK Luna is also relatively heavy when you have batteries in it, which means it’s uncomfortable to keep in the right position if you’re using it for a longer period. And despite the size of the motor, the NUK Luna has the weakest suction of the pumps tested, and really isn’t sufficient for the purpose.

The NUK Luna Electric Breast Pump starts easily with a touch of the start button, and automatically goes into the first phase. When you feel the stimulation phase is finished, you press the stop button again to move on to the expression phase. The NUK Luna has LEDs to show you which phase the pump is in. When the breast is empty or when you want to finish pumping for another reason, you press the start button a third time to switch the pump off completely. You can adjust the strength of the vacuum by rotating a dial. But as we said above, the maximum strength feels rather weak. It’s hard to get a good flow, and this means that pumping takes significantly longer than it needs to. The breast shield is comfortably rubberised, and the NUK Luna Electric Breast Pump includes a bottle with a wide opening for easy cleaning. The pump is powered by batteries or a mains cable which includes different adapters so you can take the breast pump with you on international trips. If you’ve already been using NUK’s feeding bottles, it’s an advantage that the pump is directly compatible with these.