🧠💪 Brains vs. Brawn: Pumpables Genie vs. BabyBuddha — Which Tiny Pump Deserves Your Nips?
AKA: The Portable Pump Battle You’ve All Been Waiting For
Hey hey! Jessica here with Genuine Lactation, and I am finally doing the one comparison you’ve been asking for forever: the BabyBuddha 2.0 vs. the Pumpables Genie Advanced.
Let’s get one thing straight—my opinion has always been grounded in what’s best for the pumping parent. That’s never been for sale. But I chose not to do this direct comparison in the past because even the appearance of a conflict of interest can cast doubt, and your trust matters more than clicks or brand deals.
While I did previously work with BabyBuddha as an independent contractor, I always maintained professional independence in my recommendations. Still, I knew that saying “this one’s better in this situation” could get side-eyed if it came from someone connected to the company.
But now? I’m free, unencumbered, and ready to give you the unfiltered, fully neutral, actually useful comparison you’ve been asking for. No perceived corporate leash, no second-guessing, and certainly no bias—because let’s be real: no pump company can afford the price it would take to make me say anything other than the truth. I know my worth, and their bottom line doesn’t cover it.
Let’s get into it.
👜 Portable vs. Wearable: Know the Difference
Let’s clear one thing up first: these are portable pumps, not true wearables. That means they still use tubing, but they’re tiny, mighty, and super flexible with flange and cup options. If you’re looking for something small enough to toss in a diaper bag or wear in a fanny pack (highly recommend), these are it.
đź’° Pricing
Both pumps are around $180, and I have 10% off codes for each. Pumpables offers a bit more flexibility—you can skip the included flanges if you already have ones you love. BabyBuddha typically comes with their standard 24mm setup, which isn’t super universal, so you may end up hacking your setup either way.
🌀 Features Breakdown
BabyBuddha 2.0
Offers 3 modes: Soft Stimulation, Expression (with sustained suction), and Classic Stimulation
Famous for its strong, sustained pull—some parents swear by how fast it empties
Upgraded 2.0 model includes a trackpad instead of the trackball 🙌
Full manual control, but has an undocumented auto program that kicks in when first turned on and sometimes when switching modes—worth keeping an eye on
No vibration, which can be a transition if you’re coming from a Spectra or wearable that does
One of the smallest motors on the market
đź’¸ Use code GenuineLactation10
for 10% off BabyBuddha
📺 Watch: BabyBuddha with Cups
Pumpables Genie Advanced
Offers 2 modes: Stimulation + Expression
Uses vibration, making it easier for some people to let down
Program custom routines! Set your ideal cycle of stimulation + expression and let the pump do the thinking
Great for Spectra fans—especially if you normally pump around level 8 or below
A bit bulkier, but still fanny-pack friendly
Beginner-friendly and easy to use out of the box
đź’¸ Use code GenuineLactation10
for 10% off Pumpables Genie Advanced
📺 Watch: Pumpables with Cups
🔍 Which Pump Should You Choose?
It really comes down to:
How sensitive you are to suction and/or vibration
What cups or flanges you want to use
How much you want to think while pumping
BabyBuddha tends to be stronger, more aggressive, and best suited for folks who want full manual control and aren’t afraid to tinker a bit. Pumpables is gentler, easier to set up and go, and more forgiving if you want a smoother, programmable experience.
Bonus: Both pair well with a wide range of flanges and cups, and either one can become your daily driver once your supply is established. I still lean toward a hospital-grade or Spectra-style pump in the early days, but these are excellent second-stage options—and often beat out wearables in both performance and price.
đź‘¶ Need Help Picking a Pump?
We’ve got a workshop coming up at the end of April: How to Pick a Pump. This isn't just another "here's a list of pumps" seminar—I'll teach you how to ask the right questions, so you're equipped to choose a pump today, next month, or three babies from now. Check the link below to register!
đź’¬ Still unsure? Leave a comment or reach out for a one-on-one consult.
Happy pumping, friends!
—Jessica 💛