It’s been a few years since I’ve shared my favorite, or top choices, for all things breastfeeding pumps, secondary cups, and passive collectors! I think it’s only fair to give you a dual ranking because price points can vary and having options is what it’s all about. Hell, that’s why I do what I do! There’s so many pumps to choose from, how do we narrow this down without trying them all and going broke? Here’s the plan, Stan! I’m going to give you a run down on my favorite options, for primary, for mobile and collection cups, and for passive pumps or collectors. If there is an associated review on said item, it will also be linked so you can further investigate.
Disclaimer: I hate calling something my favorite because what might be my favorite may not be yours. Breastfeeding is unique for each individual, as are breast pumps. If you find you like something I’ve shared the chances are more likely we may align on another pump or cup.
So let’s get into it, here are my top faves of 2024-2025!
Primary Pumps
Top Choice
Let’s start with the most important pump, your primary. This pump is going to be your go-to, your most effective for removal, your bread and butta. We want to find ourselves a primary pump that we can rely on for every stage of our breastfeeding journey. This pump will help bring in our milk supply, encourage it and maintain it. We will use this pump for 85% of our pump sessions... once our milk supply has regulated. And for me, right now since June ‘24, it’s been the BabyBuddha 2.0. I'd be lying if I said I wasn’t worried jumping back into pumping with the BabyBuddha because even after 30 months of using the 1.0, my third round of pumping wasn’t welcoming of a third round of pumping with the BabyBuddha 1.0. But while pregnant with my littlest man, BabyBuddha did their magic and upped their game with the 1.0, bringing it to the 2.0. What did this mean? They had listened to user feedback requesting a softer, not so aggressive pump. How did they achieve this for us? By bringing in an extra mode called soft stimulation and reducing the suction strength on all modes, before getting back to their roots on levels 5+. Being newly postpartum this time around using the BB for the first time kind of had me worried... but that soft stimulation was the answer to our prayers. I’m a perfect example, as I know many of us active pumpers are, the beginning of your pumping journey may look nothing like it does 10 months in. When I started back up in June ‘24 I only used the soft stimulation, level 1, for the first week or so, slowly moving into the faster milk moving modes. That said, 10 months later I turn on the BB, move the modes to “bacon mode” and let her roll on level 3, for the entire duration of my session. The Baby Buddha has been a real asset, once again, to my breastfeeding journey.
Runner(s) Up
Okay it’s too dang hard to just pick only one second place runner up. So what I’m going to do is share several pumps that I would consider as primary that have my blessing, from my personal preference. If you see any of these on your insurance provided pump list- no matter which one you choose, they’re a legit option. The Pumpables Genie Advanced, even though I’m not regularly using this pump right now, was a great choice for the previous 16 months I pumped for my second singleton, third pregnancy. Unlike the BabyBuddha, it only has two modes, neither of which have the ‘long’ pull mode. Which in all honesty is better for some moms. Another top choice, the Unimom Opera+. This pump is a one of a kind, it has duel motors, it’s rechargeable and it’s a powerhouse. This pump is worth mentioning because it can operate both breasts independently. This can be huge for those who may need to be more selective in the preferred suction level for each nipple. I also love that you can charge it and take it with you. A close second to this pump is the Synergy Gold by Spectra, but unfortunately it’s massive. Not to be confused with the Synergy Gold Portable, not the same pump, or the same abilities.
Okay that does it for primary. Going back to my roots, my top choice is the BabyBuddha 2.0, through and through.
Secondary Pumps
Secondary pumps consist of both collection cups and mobile pumps. Both are less efficient when it comes to milk removal, but offer flexibility when pumping in terms of your own personal ability to move around while pumping. How am I defining these? Mobile pumps will be have the motor or hub attached, built into the milk collection cup assembly. Mobile cups will be attached to your external pump with tubing.
Collection Cups | Fave Choice
Since we've been chatting about the BabyBuddha, I should mention their collection cups. These in your bra, motor free collection cups are my tippity-top choice for on-the-go mobile cups (not pumps). As I used these cups while traveling, I brought them to Jersey as backup since I was already traveling with the BabyBuddha pump, I found myself reaching for them over other mobile options several times - simply because I knew I’d have a better session by using these over my other packed pumps. The seat of this silicone flange is excellent as it seats on the breast comfortably, will take any insert if necessary, and has excellent capacity. They’re super easy to pair with any pump to be honest, but are a match made in heaven when paired with the BabyBuddha.
Primary vs. Secondary Refresher
Let’s throw this reminder at ya' quickly, even though the BabyBuddha is considered a primary pump, when you’ve paired it with a set of cups it no longer counts as a primary. In other words, your primary pump has now just been reduced down to secondary. Did something happen to my pump? Nope, the pump is still going to operate the same, but since cups don’t prioritize the breast the same as a well-fitted flange, you’ve lost the ability to maximize the pump itself. Is this a bad thing? Not really, depends on how we are applying it. I will always say, milk removed is better than no milk removed. However, if we are continuously leaving milk behind this can easily present a problem down the road. When we constantly leave milk behind we are signaling to our bodies that we, or baby, isn’t requiring this supply any longer, not the full load that we were once removing. When we do this on repeat for an extended amount of time, well, that’s when we start to have problems.
So when the hell am I supposed to use these cups Kristen!? My friend, I got you, won’t steer you wrong, not today. My recommendation with any mobile pump will to be use it sparingly- on the go, during the day while picking up grocery’s, or during a visit with a friend, or a zoom meeting, for example. I will always recommend not to use a mobile cup (or pump) more than half of your daily removal sessions. Example of this: If you’re pumping 6x in a day, try to avoid using your mobiles more than 3x in that 24 hour period. I also suggest to avoid using them for back to back sessions, as they might be leaving milk behind in our breasts. We don’t want to create a snowball effect on milk left behind, potentially finding ourselves in discomfort or hindering our milk supply by not signaling the need for a "refill".
I know, I know... You’re thinking, "But Kristen, I work. I need to lean into this choice a few times while at work but you’re making me feel like maybe they’re not a good choice". Not a chance, again, any milk removed is better than no milk removed. If you’re busy at work, traveling, or running the kids around, lean into these options as your secondary choice for milk removal. Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to do better than you did today. Don’t fret, fluctuation will not ruin your supply. Do it, get yourself setup for success, even if that means it’s not going to be a knock out of the park every time.
Mobile Pumps | Best Bet(s)
Now for the real fun, mobiles. So which of the 1200 options *sarcasm* do I love? Which mobiles are my end-all be-all? This is so hard to answer, there’s been so many new mobile pumps hitting the market. It’s frustrating because as a CLC, Mother and Breastfeeding Advisor, because how the hell are we to keep up with all of these new models?! I’m kind of a stickler, hard to teach an old dog new tricks. A mobile that I know hasn’t failed me yet and continues to kick butt is the Momcozy M5. Guys, I know it’s nothing fancy but it just works. It’s simple but effective. It’s got silicone flanges and any replacement parts are easy to find. But considering all the new stuff on the market I’d have to say, that Eufy S1 Pro kind of has me in a Full Nelson. That case has a grip on me that I can’t seem to get out of; but you know what’s funny, I thought it was so extra when I first laid eyes on it. Who needs a case to charge their pumps?? Well, Kristen, as it would turn out- you do! I’ve brought my Eufy S1 Pro to Vegas and Jersey, charged the case + pumps beforehand and let the case take care of the rest while away from the house. It really is great to have, especially for a busy mom- but aren’t we all busy!
You might be thinking now, okey dokey, so which is it, which mobile is your top choice? I said what I said, I like both of them. The reason why I shared a tie for first is mainly due to price point. I’m not here to rob you, I don’t think everyone needs a $300+ pump and a rechargeable case. This said, I would stray away from those $40 pumps on Amazon so you’re going to have to spend a little coin to get something nice but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re wanting effective and inexpensive- go with the Momcozy M5. If you’re like, gimme alllll the bells and whistles, go for the gold and splurge on the Eufy S1 (Pro). Why the parentheses? You can still order the Eufy S1 without the Pro, meaning without the case. You can spend a little less money and still get the Eufy S1 with the heat flow technology but minus the rechargeable case. I’m just saying the case is a real game changer for me, that’s why it’s going to be my splurge favorite.
Passive Pumps
Hold up wait a minute, let’s take the electricity out of it. Yep, passive collectors. Even though we can’t rely on a passive collector as a pump to keep our milk supply up or productive.. we can still draw and collect active let downs with these little guys.
Winner Winner
I have grown to love the Boon Trove, it’s 100% solid, so no potential leaking out an unplugged hole. I love that it sits in the cup of your bra without getting kick off. It has the right amount of suction without feeling like your nipple is going to get ripped off, *cue the Haaka or Elvie curve*. With my 5th baby (4th breastfeeding journey), I even started wearing the Boon Trove overnight on one side and I'd nurse out the other. It would collect any leakage throughout the night so I wasn't drenching my shirt (and sheets!) and if I was awake I could save the milk, or if I had fallen asleep and it was past safe guidelines (beyond 4 hours at room temp) I would use it for a milk bath. It worked beautifully and I found it comfortable enough to sleep in! The Boon Trove is an affordable and effective tool to keep in your breastfeeding chest!
A Close Second
If you prefer a passive collector with a little more suction, like the Haaka, but found that one to be uncomfortable or downright painful to use - in my experience, at least - I'd recommend the Save the Milk collector. It's the same bottle/flange shape as the Haaka, but far more comfortable because it's available in various mm sizes, just like with regular pump flanges. It also comes with it's own cleaning brush, and a plug so none of that precious liquid gold spills out!
Well ladies, that’s what I got. I hope this helped and I hope you find which works best for you! If you’re looking for more reviews or other hot topics, don’t forget to keyword search right here on the blog! As always, if you don’t see what you’re looking for, let me know by dropping into my DMs over at Instagram or by email at Kristen@bemybreastfriend.com!
If any of my top faves tickled your fancy, here's all the info on how to get your hands on any of these pumps, complete with my affiliate discounts at no extra cost to you!
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BabyBuddha Pump and/or Colllection Cups
- Buy direct at BabyBuddha use BEMYBREASTFRIEND for 10% off
- Buy direct at BabyBuddha use BEMYBREASTFRIEND for 10% off
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Pumpables Genie Advanced
- Buy direct at Pumpables use BREASTFRIEND for 10% off
- Buy direct at Pumpables use BREASTFRIEND for 10% off
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Unimom Opera+
- Buy direct at Unimom use BEMYBREASTFRIENDOPERA50 for 50% off
- Buy direct at Unimom use BEMYBREASTFRIENDOPERA50 for 50% off
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Spectra Synergy Gold
- No discount code unfortunately, but insurance typically covers some or all!
- No discount code unfortunately, but insurance typically covers some or all!
- Momcozy M5
- Eufy S1 Pro
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Boon Trove
- Buy on Amazon
- Buy on Amazon
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Save the Milk
- Buy on Amazon
