Best Wearable Breast Pumps That Give You the Freedom to Leave Your House

estimated that one year of breastfeeding equates to 1,800 hours—which means it’s a full-time job on top of that whole keeping-a-tiny-human-alive thing. Unless you plan to never leave your baby’s side for more than, say, three hours in their first year of life, you’ll likely spend a bit of time literally tethered to a breast pump. Great for catching up on your Netflix backlog, not so great for actually getting stuff done, like washing baby bibs and cleaning high chairs.

When compiling a list of baby gifts for newborns for your shower, put wearable hands-free breast pumps to the top, above items like travel strollers. A game-changer when they hit the market in the late 2010s, these slip in your bra and you can almost forget about them. These devices are quieter, more discreet and, most importantly, provide nursing parents with much needed freedom—whether that means pumping while traveling, at a concert or just doing chores around the house. In the days since the Elvie and the Willow ruled the space, a slew of new competitors have emerged. While different people tend to respond to different devices, we pumped lactation consultants and nursing parents alike to compile this list of the best wearables on the market today.

Our top picks

What to consider when choosing a wearable breast pump

Purpose

Here’s something you don’t hear a lot as a parent: “Consider your needs first,” instructs Maternal Health Expert and co–founder of Boober, Jada Shapiro. Will you be an exclusive pumper? You’ll likely want to look for something that is easy to clean and reassemble rather than commit to constantly drying a pile of tiny parts. For those that anticipate a lot of on-the-job sessions with little flexibility, prioritizing a more discreet look and a quiet motor might be key.

Comfort

A proper, painless fit could be the difference between a successful pumping journey and one you’re desperate to cut short. “What we look for in a proper fitting pump and flanges is that the nipple is moving freely in and out and not getting stuck to the side of the flange in any way, that the person has no pain or discomfort and that milk is flowing,” says Yamel Belen, RN, IBCLC—doula, and founder of One Love Doula Services. Measure your nipples, you may have to explore beyond the standard flange offerings to find the best fit.

One sign of a successful session (beyond the obvious milk output), she notes, is the shape of your nipple when you finish: “You should not have an odd shape or discoloration.” Echoes Shapiro, “If there is a lot of chafing or rubbing, usually the pump flange is too small. If your whole areola is uncomfortably being sucked into the flange tunnel, then the flange is usually too large.”

Ease of use

The learning curve for wearable breast pumps can feel very steep, so consider taking a peek at any online instructions to get a sense of how complicated the set-up might feel. You’ll also want to consider how many parts there are to clean, if they can be thrown in the dishwasher and how the milk itself will be stored. For those short on time, the option to pump directly into a storage container might seem rather attractive.

How we selected the best wearable breast pumps

Practice, practice, practice. In addition to scouring the internet for reviews of the top hands-free pumps on the market and speaking with lactation specialists about how to choose the best pump for your needs, we leaned into hands-on (or, rather chest-on) experience. That meant speaking with parents about the devices they used and relying on expertise gleaned from our own years of pumping.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are wearable breast pumps as effective?

Yes, for some people, says Shapiro, “especially when used correctly. However, they may have lower suction capabilities than more traditional pumps.” Just like no two chests are the same, neither are pumping journeys. The effectiveness of a hands-free pump, she says, “does vary from person to person, depending on factors like milk supply, fit, personal comfort, and responsiveness to its suction.”

Is there a wearable breast pump with no leaks?

A leaking pump usually indicates some sort of user error, whether the parts aren’t assembled quite right or your nipple alignment is a bit off. That being said, while hands-free pumps offer a lot more freedom of movement than the plug-in set, you want to be mindful of attempting something like a high-intensity workout routine mid-session.

What is the disadvantage of wearable breast pumps?

The top drawback, both experts agree, is lower suction capabilities, meaning you may have to pump for more time to see the same result. Plus, not only are they more expensive, but they’re also less likely to be fully covered by insurance. In the pro column, though, notes Shapiro, “They're quieter and less obtrusive, which can be an advantage in public or work settings.”

Do you need to wear a bra with a hands-free pump?

You can skip it, says Shapiro, but that would then require holding the cups in place “and you will no longer be hands-free.” You don’t, however, need to purchase a specialty bra, notes Belen. “They fit easily in most bras.” (A wireless bra or a comfortable sports bra may be good options.)

How long do you have to pump with a wearable breast pump?

While lactation consultant Belen recommends 15 to 20 minutes on both sides no matter the type of pump used, Shapiro notes, “some people will have to pump longer, but most people find the benefit of being able to be hands-free and on-the-move to be more important to them.”

Are wearable breast pumps covered by insurance?

It really depends. “All insurance companies are required to have some breast pumps for their customers,” notes Shapiro and some cover wearables at full or partial cost, “but you’ll have to ask your insurance provider.” You may also use a third-party Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier “who is an ‘insurance partner’ with a specific wearable pump,” she said. Check the pump’s site to find their particular DME suppliers.

Can I return breast pumps?

Generally, no. “It is not a closed system,” says Belen. Meaning, there’s no barrier between your expressed milk and the pump itself. “It cannot be returned once the package is opened. However, if it were to be defective, I am sure the manufacturer could help.”