<jats:sec> <jats:title>Purpose</jats:title> <jats:p>The primary aim of this research is to comparatively evaluate three different pump types – vane pump, internal gear pump and helical gear pump – with different motor configurations in terms of energy efficiency, flow performance, and acoustic characteristics under varying rotational speeds. The study seeks to move beyond conventional pump selection criteria that focus mainly on hydraulic performance by incorporating energy consumption, noise levels, cavitation behavior and long-term operational considerations into the evaluation process. Another key objective is to identify the advantages and limitations of each pump type and to provide practical guidance for selecting the most suitable pump based on application-specific requirements, workplace comfort and cost optimization. Additionally, the study aims to highlight the importance of mitigating cavitation effects through appropriate engineering measures to improve pump lifespan and overall system efficiency.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Design/methodology/approach</jats:title> <jats:p>The objectives are achieved through an experimental, comparative approach in which vane, internal gear and helical gear pumps are tested under varying rotational speeds. Key performance indicators – including flow rate, current consumption and noise levels – are systematically measured to evaluate energy efficiency, hydraulic behavior and acoustic performance. Cavitation effects are analyzed by correlating performance degradation and noise escalation at high speeds. The study adopts an engineering-based evaluation framework, focusing on pump selection and system design considerations. The scope of the article covers fluid machinery performance analysis, energy efficiency, acoustic behavior and practical implications for industrial pump applications.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Findings</jats:title> <jats:p>The study found that pump performance is strongly influenced by the combined effects of rotational speed, cavitation, energy consumption and acoustic behavior. The vane pump provides the highest flow rates but suffers from significant performance degradation, high current draw and excessive noise at high speeds due to severe cavitation. The internal gear pump demonstrates a more balanced performance, with moderate flow rates and controlled increases in energy consumption and noise. The helical gear pump exhibits the lowest energy consumption and noise levels, showing minimal sensitivity to cavitation, although its flow capacity is comparatively limited.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Originality/value</jats:title> <jats:p>This article provides a holistic and comparative evaluation of vane, internal gear and helical gear pumps by simultaneously considering hydraulic performance, energy efficiency, acoustic behavior and cavitation effects. Unlike conventional studies focusing mainly on flow performance, this work highlights the importance of long-term operational costs and workplace comfort in pump selection. The value of the article lies in offering practical, application-oriented guidance for engineers, designers and decision-makers involved in pump selection and system design, particularly in industrial applications where energy efficiency and noise reduction are critical considerations.</jats:p> </jats:sec>