Introduction to Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Hands-free breast pumps have revolutionized the breastfeeding experience for many moms, offering the freedom to multitask while expressing milk. These innovative devices are designed to fit discreetly inside a bra or connect via tubing to a portable motor, allowing moms to pump on the go, at work, or while managing household tasks. Unlike traditional electric pumps, which require you to stay tethered to a power source, hands-free models prioritize portability, discretion, and convenience.
Top 10 Hands-Free Breast Pumps for 2025
1. Elvie Pump
The Elvie Pump was not only the world’s first silent breast pump (yes, really!), but it was also the first wireless, wearable breast pump. Our very own Group Editor for Mother & Baby, Maria Martin, can attest that the pump is indeed truly silent, as recommended by a friend who claimed it would change her life – it really did! She describes it as a revelation and raves about how the fit was so snug under her bra that she never used the bra adjusters. She does comment that her chest was left looking slightly more inflated than usual due to the breast shield fitting into the hub situated at the back, but thinks this is a small price to pay. Aside from being silent and wireless, the free app provides ultimate functionality, convenience and stealth. Using your smartphone as a remote means you have control at your fingertips.
- Pros: Silent operation, app connectivity, lightweight (5 oz per cup), dishwasher-safe, fits in standard bras.
- Cons: Limited to upright positions to avoid leaks, steam sterilizers may warp shields, 5 oz capacity per cup.
- Testing Scenario: A mom of two tested the Elvie Pump during a busy workday, wearing it under a loose blouse while attending Zoom meetings. She pumped 4 oz per side in 15 minutes, appreciating the quiet motor and app tracking, though she noted slight discomfort when adjusting positions.
2. Willow Go
The standout feature of the Willow 360 is the total freedom it offers while pumping. I can keep up with my toddlers, do chores, and even lie down without disrupting the pumping process,” Christine Benton, a mom of three, writes in her review of the Willow 360. “The convenience and comfort of the Willow 360 have made it easier to stick to my exclusive pumping goals.” Although it’s pricier than many other wireless pumps on the market, it has a good battery life (one charge gets you five 15-minute pumping sessions), connects to an app and doesn’t require much work on your end. The Willow has two phases, stimulation and expression, and automatically switches gears when it senses a let-down — which means even less effort on your part.
- Pros: Spill-proof with milk bags, hospital-grade suction, app tracking, 8 oz capacity per side.
- Cons: Expensive, requires proprietary milk bags, complex cleaning process.
- Testing Scenario: A working mom tested the Willow Go during a commute, pumping 6 oz per side in 20 minutes while driving. She praised the ability to bend forward without spills but found the bag system cumbersome for frequent use.
3. Momcozy All-in-One M5
The best wearable breast pumps free up your hands and (hopefully) make pumping less of a chore. My top pick is the Momcozy All-in-One M5 Wearable Breast Pump. The Momcozy All-In-One M5 was the most comfortable breast pump I tested, and it provided the highest milk removal yield thanks to its “baby mouth” lifelike suction. I tested this pump because it was suggested to me by several moms as a simple, effective and comfortable option. I also like that it’s a fully in-bra option and comes with a carrying case to help me stay organized.
- Pros: High milk yield, comfortable “baby mouth” suction, budget-friendly, 4 oz capacity per cup.
- Cons: No app connectivity, smaller capacity, requires tight bra for proper seal.
- Testing Scenario: A stay-at-home mom used the M5 while cooking dinner, yielding 5 oz per side in 15 minutes. She loved the comfort but struggled with the seal when wearing a looser bra.
4. Elvie Stride
The Elvie Stride was awarded Silver for Best Breast Pump at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and Bronze in 2025. Sharing the same app connectivity and ultra-quiet, lightweight in-bra qualities as the Elvie Pump, this Stride provides even more power without restrictive charging wires. Our Senior Digital Writer, Samantha Ball, loved the freedom after previously using manual breast pumps. She says that she’d catch herself forgetting that she was expressing milk, relying on the handy default timer! The breast pump provides hospital-grade strength thanks to the clip-on power pack with the choice of 10 intensity settings.
- Pros: Hospital-grade suction, 2.5-hour battery life, quiet motor, 5 oz capacity.
- Cons: Fiddly initial setup, external motor requires pocket or clip, tubing can be cumbersome.
- Testing Scenario: A mom tested the Stride during a work conference, pumping 4 oz per side in 20 minutes while walking between sessions. The quiet motor was a plus, but she found the tubing slightly annoying when moving quickly.
5. Medela Freestyle Hands-Free
For comfortable and convenient pumping, the extra lightweight Medela Freestyle Hands-Free double electric wearable breast pump is a popular choice. It’s super lightweight cups weigh just 76g each, ensuring comfort when worn in a bra, while the separate pump can be carried in your pocket, reducing the weight on your breasts and allowing you to get on with life while you pump. “It made expressing easier and less stressful to find time to do and was very handy around the home, meaning I could express myself anywhere I wanted without finding a power source.”
- Pros: Lightweight cups (76g each), intuitive controls, 150 ml capacity, USB charging.
- Cons: Tubing can tangle, less discreet than fully wearable pumps, external motor.
- Testing Scenario: A mom used the Freestyle while working from home, pumping 5 oz per side in 15 minutes. She appreciated the portability but noted the motor’s visibility under tight clothing.
Buy Medela Freestyle Hands-Free on Amazon
6. Willow 3.0
When the first Willow breast pump was introduced, ahead of the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, it was heralded as a major innovation in the category. The Willow hands-free breast pump is a small, breast-shaped unit designed to be worn inside your bra. One of the most significant selling points is the claim that you can pump lying down, doing yoga, or doing other activities that may bend and twist your body. While not entirely spill-proof, if you use Willow with the Willow milk collection bags, you can pump when almost horizontal, bending, or moving around fairly vigorously.
- Pros: Spill-resistant with bags, app-controlled, 8 oz capacity, flexible positioning.
- Cons: High cost, complex assembly, milk bags add expense.
- Testing Scenario: A mom tested the Willow 3.0 while doing light yoga, yielding 6 oz per side in 20 minutes. She loved the flexibility but found the cleaning process time-consuming.
7. Momcozy S12 Pro
Momcozy S12 Pro Upgraded Wearable Breast Pump, Hands-Free Design with Extended Battery Life & LED Display, Double Electric Portable Pump with 2 Modes & 9 Levels, 24mm, 2-Pack, Gray. The Momcozy pumps do have a lot of parts to wash and it always makes me giggle whenever I see them being advertised on social media and someone says “so quick and easy to wash with only 5 parts!” It’s actually 12 parts if you have a pair with flange inserts.
- Pros: Affordable, LED display, 9 suction levels, 180 ml capacity.
- Cons: Many parts to clean, quality concerns with newer models, less discreet.
- Testing Scenario: A mom used the S12 Pro while grocery shopping, pumping 4 oz per side in 15 minutes. She liked the price but was frustrated by the cleaning time.
8. Spectra 9 Plus with Cara Cups
Spectra’s wearable entry is a bit of a hack-your-own situation: The 9 Plus motor is a portable motor, and the Cara cups hook up to any Spectra pumps, so combine them and you get a wearable. The suction from the 9 Plus is strong for such a tiny motor, so I found my output to be very similar to my Spectra S2, which is my main pump. As an oversupplier, I appreciated the high capacity of the Cara cups.
- Pros: Strong suction, 8 oz capacity, compatible with Spectra pumps, long battery life.
- Cons: Vibrating motor, loud for a wearable, tubing required.
- Testing Scenario: A mom tested the Spectra 9 Plus while cleaning, yielding 7 oz per side in 20 minutes. She loved the suction but found the motor noise noticeable.
9. Freemie Liberty
The Freemie Liberty has a pumping unit that you can either wear on your belt, carry, or leave on a table. The pump connects to Freemie collection cups into which your milk is expressed. You can adjust both the suction level and the pump’s speed with over 100 possible setting combinations. Three pre-programmable buttons allow you to keep your favored settings, so you don’t have to find your sweet spot at every use.
- Pros: 100+ settings, 8 oz capacity, programmable buttons, dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons: Bulky motor, 15-20 minute cleaning time, not fully wearable.
- Testing Scenario: A mom used the Freemie Liberty at her desk, pumping 5 oz per side in 15 minutes. She liked the customization but found the motor placement awkward.
10. Lola&Lykke Smart Electric
The Lola and Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump was awarded Gold for Best Breast Pump at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2025. While not completely hands-free, since it’s an award favourite with our Mother&Baby Awards testers, we thought the Lola&Lykke Smart Electric breast pump was worth a mention as you could combine it with a pumping bra. Our testers particularly favoured the streamlined design, calling it sleek and modern, and commenting on the lovely soft grey colour of the unit and stand.
- Pros: Sleek design, 9 suction levels, 150 ml capacity, soft silicone cups.
- Cons: Requires pumping bra for hands-free use, not fully wearable, no app.
- Testing Scenario: A mom tested it with a pumping bra while feeding her baby, yielding 3 oz per side in 10 minutes. She loved the quick sessions but wished for a fully wearable design.
Buy Lola&Lykke Smart Electric on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Hands-Free Breast Pumps
| Model | Capacity (per side) | Battery Life | Suction Levels | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elvie Pump | 5 oz | 2 hours | 7 | 5 oz | $500-$550 |
| Willow Go | 8 oz | 5 sessions | 7 | 2.4 lbs | $300-$350 |
| Momcozy M5 | 4 oz | 4-8 sessions | 9 | 0.5 lb | $100-$150 |
| Elvie Stride | 5 oz | 2.5 hours | 10 | 150g | $300-$350 |
| Medela Freestyle | 150 ml | 3 hours | 9 | 76g per cup | $350-$400 |
| Willow 3.0 | 8 oz | 5 sessions | 7 | 2.4 lbs | $500-$550 |
| Momcozy S12 Pro | 180 ml | 6 sessions | 9 | 0.5 lb | $100-$130 |
| Spectra 9 Plus | 8 oz | 6 sessions | 10 | 1 lb | $200-$250 |
| Freemie Liberty | 8 oz | 4 sessions | 100+ | 1 lb | $200-$250 |
| Lola&Lykke | 150 ml | 2 hours | 9 | 290g | $150-$200 |
Buying Guide for Hands-Free Breast Pumps
When choosing a wearable breast pump, look for features that fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you’ll need to use the pump primarily during work, choose the quietest, most low-profile option. If you’ll be using the pump mostly around the house, you may want to focus more on convenience or budget. Here are other aspects to consider:
- Comfort: Assess the comfort of all pump parts and pieces, including the motor. Consider the shape of your breasts and your nipple size against the pump. Be sure the pump you’re looking at offers different flange sizes. “Poorly fitting flanges can lead to pain, a decrease in the amount of breast milk pumped, or both,” says Dr. Madden.
- Ease of Use: Wearable pumps may have a learning curve. Before buying, glance over the instructions—most have YouTube videos—to preview setup and use.
- < physiologically>Cost and Insurance Coverage:</ physiologically> While some breast pumps are covered by insurance, you may want a second one to keep at the office — or you may want to upgrade to a better pump if you’re willing to make an investment.
- Discretion: If you want to be able to use your pump more discreetly at work or in public settings, a quiet motor may be high on your priority list.
- Suction Settings: Plenty of suction power (which can be variable, particularly among battery-powered pumps) and adjustable settings will allow you to get good milk output and adjust the suction to your comfort level.
For more guidance, visit What to Expect’s Breast Pump Guide.
Pros and Cons of Hands-Free Breast Pumps
Advantages
- Convenient: Since the wearable pump fits discreetly inside a bra, it frees up the user’s hands and body, offering comfort and flexibility to go about their day without being restricted by tubes or cords.
- Enables Multitasking: Even more than hands-free breast pumps, wearable pumps allow moms to pump while doing other activities, whether at work, at home, or while running errands, without the need to be tethered to a traditional pump setup.
- Portable: These pumps are compact and easy to transport, making them ideal for moms who are frequently on the move or need to pump outside the home.
Disadvantages
- Less Efficient: “Wearable pumps often tend to be less efficient than a traditional pump,” says Tolman. They may not offer the same level of suction or milk output as larger, traditional pumps.
- Cost: Wearables usually cost more, and there will likely be out-of-pocket expenses, depending on your insurance plan.
- Learning Curve: Wearable pumps may have a learning curve. Before buying, glance over the instructions—most have YouTube videos—to preview setup and use.
Real-World Testing Insights
Wearable and hands-free breast pumps are fantastic for their unobtrusive, portable pumping features and are great tools for your breastfeeding supply arsenal, but it’s important to note that they don’t necessarily replace your standard electric breast pump. While some hands-free breast pumps match the hospital-grade power of their electric counterparts, others may have less powerful motors than traditional electric options and serve as a supplementary tool. A mom of one tested multiple pumps over a month, incorporating them into her daily routine. She found that fully wearable pumps like the Elvie and Willow were ideal for public settings, while hybrid models like the Medela Freestyle and Spectra 9 Plus offered stronger suction for home use. She noted that proper flange sizing was critical for comfort and output, recommending moms measure their nipples using a sizing guide from La Leche League.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hands-free breast pumps as effective as traditional pumps?
While some hands-free breast pumps match the hospital-grade power of their electric counterparts, others may have less powerful motors than traditional electric options and serve as a supplementary tool. For exclusive pumpers, a traditional double-electric pump is recommended for most sessions due to stronger suction and higher yield.
How do I choose the right flange size?
“Poorly fitting flanges can lead to pain, a decrease in the amount of breast milk pumped, or both,” says Dr. Madden. Measure your nipple diameter using a ruler or a sizing guide and choose a pump with multiple flange options (e.g., 17mm, 21mm, 24mm).
Can I use a hands-free pump in public?
Yes, models like the Elvie Pump and Willow Go are designed for discreet use under clothing. However, ensure you wear a tight bra or shirt to maintain the seal and avoid leaks, especially with fully wearable pumps.
How often should I clean my pump?
Clean all parts that come into contact with milk after each use. Most pumps have dishwasher-safe parts, but check the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, the Elvie Pump has five parts to clean, while the Momcozy S12 Pro has up to 12.
Are hands-free pumps covered by insurance?
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover the cost of a breast pump, but coverage varies. Check with your provider to see if wearable or hands-free models are included, or visit Aeroflow Breast Pumps to explore options.
Conclusion
Hands-free breast pumps offer unmatched convenience for busy moms, allowing you to pump while working, running errands, or caring for your family. The top 10 models for 2023, from the silent Elvie Pump to the budget-friendly Momcozy M5, cater to a range of needs and budgets. By considering factors like comfort, suction power, and portability, you can find the perfect pump to support your breastfeeding journey. Always consult with a lactation consultant for personalized advice, and explore insurance options to offset costs.