The Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Choosing the best breast pump for your needs can be tricky; but, trust us, the right one can make life with baby that much easier. While some options are available through your health insurance, coverage usually only extends to a standard electric model. Given the amount of time you’ll spend pumping (sessions can last between 15 and 30 minutes!), you may consider investing in a hands-free model. It’ll give you the flexibility you need while expressing milk and doing all the things! (Did we mention it’ll also keep your hands free?)
Ready to start your search? Whether you’re returning to work, or simply don’t want to be confined to one spot while you pump, here, find the best hands-free breast pumps for every need.
In this article:
What is a hands-free breast pump?
How to choose the best hands-free pump
The best hands-free breast pumps
Unlike hospital-grade pumps or electric models that need to be connected to a power source, all hands-free breast pumps are more or less wireless. But some wireless pumps are not truly hands-free, as the flange must be held against the breast to work.
There are two types of hands-free breast pumps: battery-operated and wearable options. Battery-powered pumps are wireless, smaller than electric models and can be used hands-free with the help of a pumping bra. But for true freedom of movement, we recommend a wearable breast pump. This type combines the motor and milk-collection system in a single device that can be worn inside a regular maternity or nursing bra.
Before you shell out hundreds of dollars for a hands-free breast pump, take the time to consider your needs. Here are a few factors to consider before you buy.
-
Weight. A hands-free pump is worn on your chest, in your bra, so it needs to be lightweight. Fortunately, these devices are designed to be small and lightweight, with some wearable options weighing under 1 lb.
-
Noise. All breast pumps make some noise, but some options are louder than others. If you’re planning to use the pump at home, noise level may not be a major concern; but if you want to use it on plane trips, during work calls or on your daily commute, it’s best to opt for a quieter model.
-
Suction speed. Speed and power is a key factor when it comes to purchasing a breast pump. People that are trying to boost their milk supply may need a hospital-grade pump that sucks faster and at a higher frequency, whereas others fare well with a standard pump. Suction is usually measured in “mmHG” and ranges from around 220 to 350, which is the highest level available.
-
Flange size. A flange—also known as a breast shield—is the soft, cone-shaped cup that fits over your nipples and areolas. It’s important that this part fits correctly to avoid pain while pumping, so opt for a one that comes with adjustable flanges or a range of size options.
-
Cost. Wearable models are the most expensive type of hands-free breast pump available. A double wearable pump can cost over $500, but you can purchase a single pump for considerably less—although this means you’ll have to express milk from one breast at a time. A wireless pump may be more cost-effective, but you’ll also need to buy a pumping bra if you want to use it hands-free. Before investing in an expensive pump, consider how often you’ll use it, and contact your insurance provider to see what’s covered under your specific health plan.
Whether you’re looking for a discreet wearable device, or a portable pump that can be used hands-free with a nursing bra, we’ve rounded up the best options on the market.
Quietest hands-free breast pump
Let’s start our list of the best hands-free breast pumps with the Elvie. This smart device is wire-free, tube-free and compact, meaning you can slip it inside your bra and pump anywhere, anytime. With the app you can toggle between two modes (stimulation and expression) and 14 intensity settings, all while monitoring milk volume in real time. Plus, revolutionary silent technology eliminates noise, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. The best part? It weighs less than 1 lb. The Elvie is a powerful pump but if you need a little extra oomph, check out the Stride, which has a small hospital-grade motor that can be worn on a lanyard or clipped to your waistband.
- Silent operation
- Weighs less than 1 lb.
- Wearable device fits inside your nursing bra
- High price point
- Some customers report that the in-app milk measurements are inaccurate
Most versatile hands-free breast pump
Looking for a hands-free breast pump that gives you total freedom of movement? The Willow 3.0 is the only wearable device that gives you 360 degrees of mobility and hospital-grade suction. How? Patented continuous latch-suction technology and spill-proof milk bags allow you to pump in any position, from bending over to lying down. Plus, the powerful suction (-245mmHG maximum suction level) combined with a softer pumping rhythm, helps yield more milk per session. Like the Elvie, this pump is lightweight and wireless, and it slips inside your bra for discrete pumping on the go. Adjust the speed settings and track your milk production in real-time using the smartphone app. And it only has two parts to clean—what a dream!
- Wearable device fits inside your nursing bra
- Lets you to pump in any position
- Weighs less than 1 lb.
- High price point
- Customers report that the app disconnects from the pump at times
Affordable hands-free breast pump
Hands-free breast pumps tend to be expensive, but this pick by Momcozy is an affordable option for new moms. Like the Elvie and the Willow—this wearable breast pump fits inside your bra—but at under $200, it costs considerably less. It doesn’t come with any of the usual cords or long tubes; instead, the flanges, milk-collection containers and motor are combined into two separate pumps. It also has two modes (massage and suction) and nine levels that stimulate milk flow and effectively empty your breasts.
- Affordable price point
- Strong suction (280 to 300 mmHg)
- Different flange sizes sold separately
Lightweight hands-free breast pump
If you’re not bothered by cords or wires, the Medela Freestyle Flex is another good option to try. This Best of Pregnancy award-winning pump is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, weighs less than 1 lb. and is rechargeable giving you the flexibility to express wherever and whenever you like. Two-phase expression technology lets you pump more in less time, while the silicone breast shields help draw and capture the most milk possible from every single session. The best part? It converts to a comfortable hands-free pump when used with the Easy-Expression Bustier (sold separately).
- Weighs under 1 lb.
- Offers two hours of active pumping on a single USB charge
- Some customers report a loss of suction over time
- A pumping bra is required for hands-free use
Hands-free breast pump with sleep timer
Next up on our list of the best hands-free breast pumps is this wearable system by Freemie. While it isn’t completely wireless—a dual cord connects the various parts—this pump still allows greater freedom of movement, thanks to wearable cups and an external motor that clips onto your waistband. This device also boasts a programmable sleep timer that automatically shuts off the pump when your session comes to an end. Want to convert a pump you already own to a hands-free option? The Freemie collection cups are also sold separately and can be used with a range of different models.
- Each cup can collect up to 8 ounces of breastmilk
- Sleep timer
- Affordable price point
- The Freemie Liberty II isn’t wire-free
Natural suction hands-free breast pump
Want to capture every last drop of liquid gold (aka breast milk)? The Elvie curve is a hands-free pump that uses natural suction to effortlessly retrieve bonus milk. The single-cup device is contoured to neatly fit in your bra, and can be used while nursing or pumping on the other breast—or whenever your breasts feel uncomfortably full. An ideal travel companion, the Elvie Curve is lightweight, cord-free and easy to use. While it’s not the best option for heavy-duty pumping sessions, this small-but-mighty model can collect up to 4 ounces of milk that may otherwise go to waste.
- Collects bonus milk
- Affordable price point
- Dishwasher safe
- Manual pump isn’t as powerful as battery-operated or electric models
Portable breast pump with hands-free collection cups
While this next pick isn’t wireless or wearable, it’s earned a spot in our roundup of the best hands-free breast pumps due to its versatility and strength. A high-performance motor, two-phase expression technology and seven suction speeds help you express milk efficiently. But it’s also lightweight and portable, thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery. For hands-free capability, simply attach the CaraCups to the pump tubing and slot them into your nursing bra. If you’re after something a little less bulky, check out the Spectra 9 Plus, which is about the size of an iPhone and is also compatible with the wearable collection cups.
- Rechargeable and portable
- High-performance motor
- Wearable collection cups are sold separately
Plus, more from The Bump:
