7 Best Manual Breast Pumps For Outlet-Free Pumping
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Quick Summary
The best manual breast pump is the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump, which has received near-endless praise from moms, lactation consultants and the What to Expect editorial team for its ability to passively collect milk and relieve engorgement.
A good breast pump can significantly impact your breastfeeding journey. While you may already know to add a traditional electric pump to your registry, you might also want to consider adding a manual breast pump. As the name suggests, manual breast pumps are operated by hand — no power source required. This makes them ideal for keeping in your diaper bag for emergencies, like when you need to pump on the go or, in my worst-case scenario, when you're stuck in traffic during your usual pump time.
I used my manual pump more than I expected, especially when breastfeeding my first child. The portable and lightweight design allowed me to keep it in my diaper bag, ready to use if I couldn’t make it home in time to pump. I also found the manual pump helpful for relieving engorgement; in the time it would have taken me to set up my electric pump, I could quickly use the manual pump to express just enough milk to ease the discomfort. I would also use it while breastfeeding, attaching it to one breast to collect milk while my baby nursed from the other.
Although a manual pump may not be convenient for every pumping session, it can be a great tool to have on hand.
How I Chose the Best Manual Breast Pumps
Having used manual breast pumps while breastfeeding both of my children, I relied heavily on personal experience to create my initial list. I also consulted International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Nicole Schwartz of Beyond Birth Collective and board-certified pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin, an IBCLC and Philips Avent partner, to understand the key factors to consider when choosing a manual breast pump.
Since every mom's experience is different — and so is every pumping journey — I also spoke to two What to Expect staff members who used manual pumps and reviewed feedback from moms in the What to Expect community. After evaluating about 15 highly recommended manual breast pumps, I compiled this comprehensive list of the best options available. Special attention was given to pumps that are BPA-free, have minimal parts, and received high praise from moms for comfort and efficiency. Each pump on this list is:
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight and portable
- Simple to use
- Compatible with different flange sizes
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Best Manual Pump Overall
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump
- One piece
- Gentle suction
- Affordable
- No sealable storage option
- Can lose suction or be kicked off
Capacity: 4 ounces
Parts: 1
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: Yes
Winner of the Best Manual Breast Pump in the 2024 What to Expect Feeding Awards, the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump receives high marks for its simple design and ease of use. Once you place the one-piece device on your breast, a single squeeze creates suction, allowing your natural letdown to take over.
Many moms and lactation consultants swear by the Haakaa for relieving clogged ducts and reducing engorgement — some even recommend filling the pump with warm water and Epsom salt to gently release clogs. This one-piece pump is made from BPA-free silicone, is incredibly easy to clean, and is dishwasher safe.
Leah Rocketto, What to Expect’s associate shopping director and mom of one, found the Haakaa particularly helpful during her nursing sessions. "I used it to relieve engorgement in one breast while my daughter nursed on the other," she explains. "This also meant I could collect milk rather than have it soaked up by a nursing pad."
Sarah Darby, What to Expect's senior SEO content strategist and mom of two, had a similar experience and appreciated how easy it was to transfer the milk to a bottle or breast milk bag. She also noted that it was very easy to clean.
One drawback Leah, Sarah and other What to Expect moms note is the Haakaa's length, which makes it easy for your baby to kick off during feedings. However, it’s lightweight, portable, and can be conveniently stored in a diaper bag pocket.
Best Wearable Manual Pump
Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump
- Wearable
- Gentle and adjustable suction
- Spill-proof
- One-hand operation
- No sealable storage option
- Can be difficult to transfer milk to bottle
Capacity: 4 ounces
Parts: 2
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: Yes
The Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump is a favorite among busy nursing moms due to its sleek, wearable design. Made from soft, BPA-free silicone, this pump uses natural suction to collect milk effortlessly while you're on the go, multitasking, or simply taking a breather on the couch.
"The Elvie Curve fit seamlessly into my pumping bra, which was especially great when I used it while nursing because my daughter couldn’t kick it off," says Sarah.
This manual pump requires just one hand to operate and fits comfortably inside your bra. The top valve can be adjusted to increase or decrease suction, allowing you to customize it to your needs.
One downside Sarah and other moms noted is that transferring milk from the silicone pouch into a storage container or bottle can be a bit tricky. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall positive experience of using this convenient, wearable pump. Sarah also found that it didn’t extract as much milk as her Haakaa or Lansinoh manual pumps. But if you're mainly using it to collect milk that leaks while nursing, it’s a great option.
Best Budget Manual Pump
Boon Trove Passive Silicone Pump
- Inexpensive
- Wearable
- Comfortable
- Less capacity compared to similar options
Capacity: 3 ounces
Parts: 1
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: No
Like the Elvie Curve, the Boon Trove is a wearable pump that fits right into your bra. However, according to Sarah, "the Boon Trove is a lot more affordable for equal value." This also means you could easily purchase two if you want to use them on both breasts simultaneously.
Moms love how easy it is to transfer milk from the Boon Trove into storage bags, bottles, or other containers. Since it’s a one-piece design and dishwasher-safe, this manual pump has received significant praise for being easy to clean.
The Boon Trove holds less milk than most manual pumps — specifically, 3 ounces. This shouldn’t be a problem if you're using it as a milk catcher, but it’s something to consider if you plan to use it as a primary pump.
Most Comfortable Manual Pump
Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump
- Two flange sizes
- Pumps directly into a bottle
- Handle can occasionally make a squeaking noise
Capacity: 5 ounces
Parts: 6
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: No
The Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump is loved by moms for its overall comfort. It comes with two soft and flexible ComfortFit flanges in two sizes (25 mm and 30.5 mm), allowing you to choose the one that fits your breast best. Moms report that the fit is snug but not too tight, and the pump doesn’t require a hard “squeeze.” It also features two-phase technology with stimulation and expression modes, which mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern, making pumping more efficient and comfortable.
"This manual pump was key to my breastfeeding journey with my son," says Sarah. "It was more effective, affordable, and easier to use than my electric pump."
The pump's handle is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue during pumping, adding to its overall comfort. However, some moms mention that the handle occasionally squeaks, which could risk waking your baby if you're using the pump while they sleep. Additionally, since it requires manual effort, you can only pump one breast at a time.
Best Manual Pump for Travel
Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump
- Easy to operate
- No small parts to clean
- Pumps directly into bottle
- Handle may squeak after prolonged use
Capacity: 4 ounces
Parts: 5
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: No
I successfully used the Phillips Avent Manual Breast Pump with my firstborn, and it also happens to be expert-recommended. "With its Natural Motion Technology, the silicone flange helps you release milk quickly, mimicking a baby's unique suckling action," says Dr. Mona. The closed system design is compact, with no tubing or small parts, making it easy to operate and clean, and it's especially great for travel.
I found the pump’s soft silicone flanges more comfortable than any other pump I used. The handle doesn’t require much pressure, and it’s extremely compact for easy diaper bag storage. Some moms in the What to Expect community mentioned that after prolonged use, the handle made a squeaking noise, but that wasn’t my experience.
This pump was not only helpful for nursing but also during weaning. My ducts were prone to clogging, so I would often pump for just a few moments to relieve the milk buildup. It was great to have this compact, easy-to-manage hand pump without having to deal with a cumbersome electric pump during that time.
Best Manual Pump for Small Breasts
Evenflo Advanced Deluxe Manual Breast Pump
- \Pivoting handle
- Pumps directly into feeding bottle
- ]Multiple flange sizes included
- Some say the suction isn’t as strong as they’d like
Capacity: 5 ounces
Parts: 5
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: No
Best Manual Pump for Large Breasts
Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
- Mimics natural feeding pattern
- Ergonomic handle
- Flange comfortably accommodates various breast shapes/sizes
- Pumps directly into feeding bottle
- More parts to clean than similar options
Capacity: 5 ounces
Parts: 8
Dishwasher safe: Yes
FSA eligible: No
Moms with larger breasts prefer the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump for its optimal fit. It features the PersonalFit Flex flange, specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of breast sizes. The handle is ergonomically designed to require minimal pressure, allowing moms with larger breasts to position the pump correctly and achieve proper suction.
While it’s ideal for moms with larger breasts, the Medela Harmony is a great option for any mom looking to express milk efficiently. Its innovative 2-Phase Expression technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm, starting with fast, light suction to stimulate milk flow (controlled by the top part of the handle), followed by slower, deeper suction for efficient milk expression. The Medela Harmony is so effective that What to Expect contributor Haley Eveleigh found the $44 device pumped more milk in less time than her $300 electric pump.
In her review of the Medela Harmony, Haley also praised the pump for being portable and easy to clean. While some moms mention that the Medela Harmony has more parts to clean than other pumps, it is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quicker and easier.
How to Use a Manual Breast Pump
"Manual pumps work by using your hands instead of batteries or electricity to create suction," says Schwartz. "By using a lever or handle and squeezing it manually, you pull the nipple in and out of the flange tunnel to stimulate your breast to release milk."
It’s important to ensure you have the correct size flanges (a lactation consultant can measure your nipples for this, or you can download a flange ruler online) and create a good seal around the breast for optimal suction. Since manual pumps work on only one breast at a time, you’ll need to switch sides when the milk flow slows to ensure both breasts are fully emptied.
Dr. Amin explains that manual pumps "can provide better control of what the mom needs." This allows you to experiment with suction speed to find a comfortable rhythm that mimics your baby’s natural sucking pattern. Just like breastfeeding, it may take some trial and error to find the technique that works best for you.
FAQs
Are manual breast pumps more effective than electric breast pumps?
Manual breast pumps can be just as effective as electric pumps. However, breast pump effectiveness — whether using a manual or electric pump — is highly dependent on the individual. "For some moms, the ability to control the suction and pumping rhythm manually is a significant advantage, providing a more personalized and comfortable pumping experience," Schwartz says.
Because of this personalization, many moms in the What to Expect community noted that they can pump more ounces of milk per pumping session when using a two-stage manual breast pump. Other moms say that they prefer the efficiency of an electric pump for frequent or exclusive pumping due to their ability to maintain a consistent suction and faster pumping speed.
Is a manual breast pump better for clogged ducts?
A manual breast pump can be very effective for relieving clogged ducts because you can control the suction and focus on the affected area. Some moms find that the ability to adjust the suction and pumping rhythm manually helps to massage the clog and encourage milk flow.
"Manual pumps can be very helpful for breastfeeding issues, especially for relieving engorgement and clogged ducts," Dr. Amin says. "You can use a manual pump in a shower as the warmth of the water, gentle massage of the breast, and the manual pump can alleviate a clog."
Can a manual breast pump empty the breasts?
Yes, a manual breast pump can empty the breasts effectively, especially with properly sized flanges and technique. It might take a bit longer than with an electric pump — and yes, your hand can get tired — but with consistent and rhythmic pumping, you can thoroughly empty your breasts.
Mona Amin, M.D., Pediatrician, I.B.C.L.C., PedsDocTalk.
Nicole Schwartz, I.B.C.L.C., Beyond Birth Collective, Atlanta, Georgia.
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