9 Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps of 2024: Complete Buying Guide

Motherhood is a full-time job, and we understand how difficult it is to combine the demands of raising a kid and nursing at the same time. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best hands-free breast pumps for you to make your life a lot easier.

Our excitement over cordless and hands-free breast pumps results from the ability to multitask while pumping our precious milk.

We’ve done the legwork for you so that you can make an informed decision on the best hands-free wearable breast pumps for your situation. You’ll no longer have to deal with awkward situations while your baby is sucking on you. You’ll be able to express milk through your pumping bra on the go and store it in milk storage bags. Let’s dive in. 

Do You Need a Hands-Free Breast Pump? 

To make an informed choice about whether or not to buy a hands-free breast pump, you should consider various factors such as your lifestyle, job position, a preferred method of nursing, and the anticipated length of your breastfeeding relationship. A reliable breast pump is essential if you want to work outside the house following your child’s birth and continue to breastfeed. However, if you plan to spend most of your time with the kid, this may not be as important.

A pump is essential if you expect to be away from the baby for a long time, such as on vacation or at work. If your baby won’t or can’t nurse, or you’re sick or taking medicine that shouldn’t be given to a nursing infant, you may use a breast pump to keep your milk supply up. If You’re experiencing poor supply or engorgement, breast pumps are an excellent solution. 

Our Top Hands-Free Pumps Pick

1. Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow
2. Elvie Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump
3. Bellababy Double Electric Breast Pump 
4. Willow: Hands-Free Breastpump
5. Freemie Liberty Hands-Free Breast Pump
6. SPECTRA S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
7. Momcozy: Single Hands-Free Breastpump
8. AutoTime: Multimode Breast Pump
9. Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

1. Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow

It’s not simply the pump and components you receive with this package. This wearable breast pump includes everything you need to start expressing, including four five-ounce containers with lids, two bottle holders, four flexible breastshield, a cooler bag, chilling elements, a microfibre bag, a battery pack, and a charger adapter.

It may be powered by a wall plug or batteries and includes a closed tube system to prevent milk from entering and damaging the pump. Moreover, the revolutionary two-phase expression technology uses a vacuum pump motor that generates micro-vibrations that replicate your baby’s natural suckling action to induce letdown. There are ten settings on this pump, and it works extremely quietly, and that’s why it’s our favorite.

Pros 

• One of the best hands-free pump
• A battery for pumping on the go
• Travel bag
• 10 vacuum setting

Cons 

• Only compatible with 8 AA batteries

2. Elvie: Hands-Free Breast Pump

The Elvie pump may be worn within your bra with its compact size and discreet design. You decant the milk from the container it was drawn into a milk sealable bag or bottle using the pump.

As soon as Elvie recognizes that your letdown has begun, it switches from stimulation mode to expressing mode. When the collecting bottle is almost full, the pump will stop drawing milk until you shut it off. In this instance, the device shuts itself down.

Disassembly and reassembly are fast and uncomplicated since there are just five dishwasher-safe pieces. However, depending on your clothing and physical build, the Elvie may or may not be visible while worn within the bra. For example, some smaller women find that the Elvie makes them seem disproportionately large.

The pump may be used with or without a free app, which counts pumping sessions milk volume, and lets you switch the pump off without sticking your hand below the front of your clothing.

Pros 

• Quite enough for public use
• Two charging cables
• Breast shields in two sizes

Cons

• Sterilizers may warp the breast shields

3. Bellababy Double Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump

For those searching for a pump that’s hands-free and doesn’t cost a fortune, this is your best bet. An enclosed pump with nine vacuum levels and four programs, including massage to stimulate the breast for milk flow, is available. 

This pump has an easy-to-read display and a variety of settings. Because it can run on either batteries or a power line, it is ideal for those who need to take their device with them on the go. If you have trouble pumping into storage bags because of unsteady hand-eye coordination, you’ll appreciate the fact that this pump includes two adapters.

Pros 

• Budget-friendly
• Four modes and multiple vacuum modes
• Lightweight design

Cons 

• It might be too powerful for some moms

4. Willow Hands-Free Breast pump

You don’t have to lift a finger when pumping breast milk with the Willow breast pump. The ability to pump while laying down, practicing yoga, or engaging in other body-bending or -twisting exercises is a major selling factor.

While not completely spill-proof, you may pump while virtually horizontal, bending, or moving about rather forcefully if you use Willow with the Willow milk collecting bags. However, this freedom comes at a price – in the form of a higher price tag.

You need to purchase milk storage bags for the mobility aspect, which are almost four times as expensive as regular bags and can only carry a maximum of four ounces apiece. Willow includes a reusable milk collecting container.

A nipple measuring app is included to assist you in determining the correct pump size. However, if your measurements are off, you’ll need to purchase more flanges to make it work.

Pros 

• Freedom while pumping
• Variety of discounts 
• Coaching expert included with the purchase

Cons 

• Additional flanges not included in the buying price

5. Freemie Liberty Hands-Free Wearable Breast Pump

The pumping unit for the Freemie Liberty may be worn, carried, or left on a table. Freemie collection cups are connected to the pump so that you can express your milk. The milk you’ve just pumped may be stored in whatever container or bag you want.

There are more than 100 different settings for the vacuum level and the pump’s speed. To preserve your preferred settings, the device has three pre-programmed buttons that enable you to keep your preferred settings.

It’s a lot to clean, but all pieces are dishwasher- or boiling-water-safe. This was a significant concern of ours at the time. After each usage, you’ll need to spend between 15 and 20 minutes cleaning the system, which is a significant amount of work.

Pump cleaning is unnecessary since your milk never reaches the pump itself; instead, it goes directly into the collecting cups.

It’s possible to pump while doing other things since it is a portable breast pump and the collecting cups are hidden within your bra. However, the plain front of the cups may be visible unless your clothes are particularly loose or you are wearing numerous layers.

Pros 

• Collect up to 8 ounces 
• Quiet 
• Powerful suction
• Wireless 
• A cup to collect the milk

Cons

• Only two sizes for funnel
• You need a stretching bra to hold the cups

6. SPECTRA S1 Plus Electric Hands-Free Breast Pump

Because of its many favorable user ratings and numerous functions, the Spectra breast pump ranks in our list of the best hospital grade pump.

This hospital-grade breast pump packs a powerful punch while being far smaller and quieter than comparable models. Controlling speed and suction are made easier with digital controls, which allow you to fine-tune the pump’s operation and guarantee greater cleanliness and performance. The pump comes with a three-hour rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to be tied to a wall socket the whole time you’re pumping. For those late-night pumping sessions, users like the clock and nightlight features.

Pros

•  Quiet 
• Wireless pumping 
• Rechargeable 
• Adjustable suction

Cons

• Pricey 

7. Momcozy: Single Hands-Free Breast Pump

Momcozy’s pump has a cup-shaped breast component atop a block-shaped pumping system. In this way, the pump is visible even if you’re not attached to a power source and free to walk anywhere. If you’re hoping to keep your pumping sessions a secret, this isn’t the method for you.

Pumping with a button-up shirt is also an option, but only if you have a low-necked top that allows the pump to rest outside your garment.

According to Momcozy’s specs, the cups contain up to 6 ounces of liquid. 4 ounces, on the other hand, is referred to be “ideal.” When pumping, you may move about until you reach 4 ounces of fluid. To avoid spilling the milk, you’ll need to remain motionless after that. This pump is ideal for women who plan to pump in the privacy of their own home or who are comfortable walking about while others gaze or inquire about their reasons for pumping.

Pros

• Modes to mimic natural feeding
• Quiet pumping
• Flexible control system 

Cons 

• Low capacity of 4 ounces

8. AutoTime: Multimode Breast Pump

With nine massage and nine pumping modes, the AutoTime hands-free breast pump is meant to be flexible and comfortable. Only the most recently used settings are saved in memory. After experimenting with a new one, you can’t just hit a button to return to your preferred setting.

According to the manufacturer, the AutoTime, which comes in two breast dimensions sizes, is designed to be as quiet as a whisper. We’ve found that even though it’s silent, everyone around can hear when it’s being used.

Because the pump is about the size of a can, you can’t pretend that you’re not using it. Anyone in your vicinity will be able to see the pump even if you’re wearing anything flowing or loose-fitting.

The AutoTime is a helpful pump for occasional usage, but it isn’t something you’d want to use daily.

Pros

• Durable charging for longer pumping time 
• Budget-friendly
• Two sizes for flanges

Cons 

• A little hard to clean and sterilize
• A little heavy

9. Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump

This wireless breast pump’s simplicity makes it ideal for exclusively nursing women who don’t use a pump daily.

There are no additional cumbersome components, such as tubing or controls. The compact, one-piece pump is a breeze to store in a bag and transport. In addition, there is no technology to deal with. Simply fit the silicone pump’s mouth over your breast, push a little, and let the suction induce a natural letdown.

Pros 

• Affordable 
• Simple to use
• It doesn’t require charging
• Compact and lightweight

Cons 

• Not suitable for extensive pumping 

The Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps Buying Guide 

If you’re in the market for a wireless breast pump or traditional breast pumps, there are a few things to keep in mind, say, specialists. First, consider the following questions:

Suction

More isn’t always better when it comes to the number of suction settings. Our focus should be on the ease with which the pump can properly empty your breasts while keeping you comfortable. If you’re milk flow is low, you could try a lactation supplement to increase your flow

Weight

Most of the weight of a hands-free breast pump is in the battery, but some extra weight from the empty bag or container is not being used.

To give you an idea of how much weight you’ll be carrying about in your breast holsters, we’ve given the weight of a simple, empty pump for in-bra pumps.

The battery pack makes up the majority of the weight of other pumps. The indicated weight is for the battery pack, not the milk collecting components.

Portability

Make sure your pump is portable if you plan to return to work outside of the house or want to keep your pumping routine while doing other activities. Natalie Ward, an IBCLC, BS, a lactation consultant, recommends the following questions: How easy is the pump to transport? Is it cumbersome? Can you easily carry the pump in a handbag or purse? Is it a wireless pump? Is it so little that you’re worried about it being crushed in your purse or on the train?

Depending on where you’re going, you’ll need a different sort of wireless breast pumps. There are various electric and manual pump options to choose from, depending on what kind of pumping you need to do at work and where you’ll be doing your shopping.

Noise

For those who need to pump quietly while at work or out in public, it’s a good idea to conduct some research and examine the pump’s volume to see how loud it is before purchasing. Experts recommend focusing on the pump’s noise level at higher settings since that’s when it’s doing the most work.

Price

Depending on the pump and the manufacturer, breast pumps may be a significant expenditure. Because there are a variety of solutions available at varied price ranges, there’s a high chance there’s something for everyone. In addition, renting rather than buying the more costly alternatives and hospital-grade equipment might be suitable if you don’t intend on using it for a lengthy period.

You can get a breast pump for a fraction of the cost if you have health insurance, and Healthcare.gov states that insurance companies must pay for the cost of a breast pump. Make sure you know what kind of pump you’ll be covered for (electric or manual), the duration of the rental, and if the pump comes before or after you’ve delivered. Consult your healthcare practitioner for specifics so that you may make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is the best time to begin using my hands-free breast pump? 

Your objectives and preferences will dictate when you should begin using a breast pump. You should pump as soon as possible after birth if you want to solely pump if your baby is in the NICU and unable to breastfeed.

There’s no urgency, though, to start pumping if your objective is to exclusively breastfeed your baby and it’s going well since feeding your newborn will be the thing that aids in your milk coming in and boosting your milk production. A lactation consultant can help you choose when to use your pump if you’re experiencing trouble nursing.

How often do hands-free breast pumps have to be cleaned?

The only elements of the hands-free breast pumps that come into contact with breastmilk are the attachments, which can be readily cleaned. Every time a pumping session is completed, the CDC recommends that all attachments that come into touch with milk, including flanges, valves, membranes, connections, and milk collecting bottles, be properly cleaned. 

The same guideline applies to any area of your body that comes into contact with breast milk when using a manual breast pump or a wearable pump. Dishwasher-safe components may be found by checking the pump’s instructions, or you may just wash the parts in warm soapy water.

There is very little cleaning required of the pump itself. You will not need more than a moist towel and a dust brush to clean the pump, experts say. You should, however, clean the machine down before using it if others have used it.

Which best hands- free breast pump is best for me based on my needs?

According to Ward, there is no such thing as an “ideal” pump for breast pumps. As a result, experts emphasize the need to pay close attention to how the flanges fit together. Incorrectly fitted flanges may cause discomfort and abrasions to the nipple, as well as the risk of low flow.

Even if you can use a pump a few times, it’s impossible to tell for sure whether or not you’ll like it until you give it a try. This holds for pumps as well.

Wrapping Up

Whether you wish to breastfeed your baby exclusively or want to make a mix, there are always options available for you. Breastfeeding your baby doesn’t mean giving up your date night, and you can simply use these best hands-free breast pumps to express your milk and store it in milk storage bags. Either way, you’re the most productive creature ever. Keep it up, super mama.