Nursing & Feeding Products The 8 Best Manual Breast Pumps of 2024 Small and portable, our favorites help you pump on-the-go with ease By Ashley Ziegler Updated on June 14, 2023 Fact checked by Marley Hall Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Family / Chloe Jeong As efficient as electric breast pumps are for allowing parents to express milk apart from their babies, having a manual breast pump on hand is also helpful for unexpected situations. This is especially true when you need to pump to relieve engorged breasts or find yourself without a power source. Also, some people actually prefer a manual pump. "[Manual breast pumps] don't have any motors or mechanical parts and rely on your hand power to work,” explains Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method. “They shouldn't be painful or too uncomfortable. You're in control of how much suction you create. You only need enough suction to get the milk flowing. More suction will not make more milk and can cause breast or nipple damage.” Before buying a manual pump, research options ideal for your breast size to ensure that each pumping session is comfortable and efficient; also, consider when you’ll be using your manual pump. A compact option would be ideal if you plan on keeping it in your diaper bag or work purse. That’s why we decided to continually test some of the best manual breast pumps on the market to bring you the best for every need. We do this by analyzing and investigating consumer and market trends, reviews, expert guidance, and testing the manual breast pumps in our two-week-long at-home tests. When finished, we note our findings regarding ease of setup, ease of use, output, portability, and value. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Comfortable: Lansinoh Hand Pump for Breastfeeding at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Budget: Haakaa Manual Breast Pump at Amazon ($12) Jump to Review Best Wearable: Elvie Curve at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best for Travel: Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Manual Breast Pump at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best for Large Nipples: Evenflo Advanced Manual Breast Pump at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review Best for Small Nipples: Dr. Brown's Manual Breast Pump with SoftShape Silicone Shield at Amazon ($25) Jump to Review Best Pump and Bottle Combo: Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump SCF330/30 at Amazon ($34) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Walmart $25 View On Target $24 Pros Two-phase stimulation technology PersonalFit shield for better milk production Cons O-ring may have to be replaced We tested the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump, and it’s our top pick because it's lightweight and compact, making pumping on the go much easier. It has an oval-shaped shield with a padded rim and a 105-degree angle to find the right fit for your body easily. The oval shape fits much better than a simple round flange. Set up is an easy breezy process even though it includes the extra step of washing, not just sanitizing the different parts before the first use. The protective cups on the flanges can be a little confusing, but once we put it together, we could do it a second time without any struggle or need for the manual. The controls are also super intuitive once you operate the manual breast pump. Directions want you to wash and sanitize daily when using this breast pump. We use boiling water to sanitize it. What stands out to us the most is the portability of this manual breast pump. The unit fits right in the phone pocket of our yoga pants and even comes with a wrist strap. The ice packs with this manual breast pump are also great for easily getting milk from the office to your home. We don’t feel as free to do things while we’re actually wearing the breast pump, but overall it’s a great benefit. This breast pump passes the Zoom test – it’s quiet enough that you won’t hear it on Zoom when you’re pumping; however, it does make a soft buzz sound. As long as you keep the motor away from the speaker, other people shouldn’t be able to hear you pumping. It also uses “two-phase” technology to closely mimic a baby’s natural sucking so that it won’t interfere with your regular breastfeeding routine. We appreciated this feature as it automatically switches from the stimulation mode to the letdown mode after two minutes. If you easily get distracted, this feature could quickly become your favorite. The pump is designed with a handle, diaphragm, and stem with an O-ring to make manual pumping easier. The soft and flexible rim of the PersonalFit shield is clinically proven to make every pumping session more efficient and produce more milk. On the highest suction level, the suction doesn’t feel very strong but is very comfortable. We believe this manual breast pump has a lot of value due to its great features and thoughtful accessories. The set comes with one 5-ounce bottle with extra wide mouths, a lid and stand, one harmony connector, one valve, and one membrane. The battery lasts 6-9 pumping sessions or about three days on one charge. Verywell Family Best Comfortable Lansinoh Hand Pump for Breastfeeding Amazon View On Amazon $25 View On Walmart $25 View On Walgreens $36 Pros Stimulation and expression modes Two breast shields Cons Noisy This pump has two different modes, stimulation and expression, so it's not only great for pumping but also to help with getting your milk to start flowing. It has an easy-to-use design with a handle for pumping and two different-sized breast shields to help you find the one that fits you best. You also get one pump, a NaturalWave nipple, cap, collar, wide-neck bottles compatible with Lansinoh’s electric pump, and a few non-leak milk storage bags. The Lansinoh pump is easy to use and has two suction modes for letdown and the rest of your pumping session. I especially love that you can easily pump straight into the brand's milk storage bags—a game-changer for pumping on the go! I've used this on car rides and at a concert. Verywell Family Best Budget Haakaa Manual Breast Pump Amazon View On Amazon $12 View On Walmart $13 Pros One piece Lightweight and portable Cons Initial learning curve We tested the Haakaa Manual Breast Pump, and it’s our pick for the best budget manual breast pump because it’s super easy to use and made from 100% soft silicone. All you have to do to attach it to the breast is squeeze the bottle at the bottom, rest your breast in the shield, and release the bottle to create suction, then repeat as needed until you’ve sufficiently pumped. The Haakaa is very easy to use and is a gentle and easy approach to pumping, especially if you’re a beginner breastfeeder. Set up was a breeze, although it may take some trial and error to find the right angle when you first use the pump. After collecting milk, it could feel like it lost some suction, and you may have to correct it so it doesn’t fall off. Also, if you continually use the manual breast pump over time, finding the “right” angle may be harder. Otherwise, the silicon and body are very durable, and we don’t experience any issues. It’s also completely silent and makes no sound when using it. It can hold up to 4 ounces of milk, is designed for comfort, and is dishwasher and hot water safe. "The Haakaa can be a great tool if used properly," Blakenship says. "It can also cause a lot of issues. Only use a Haakaa if recommended to you by a breastfeeding professional.” Verywell Family Best Wearable Elvie Curve Amazon View On Amazon $38 View On Walmart $38 View On Target $38 Pros Hands-free Catches milk Cons Very noticeable; not ideal for leaving the house The Elvie Curve manual breast pump is a uniquely designed manual breast pump. This silicon manual breast pump is worn directly on the breast inside the bra and allows for hands-free expression. We tested this to see how it performed and are happy to pick it as the best wearable manual breast pump. When we say wearable, we mean you can put this in your shirt and let it collect milk as you do other things. It’s still very noticeable, so this isn’t a manual breast pump you’d want to wear when leaving the house. It’s simple to use, meaning you don’t have to spend much time putting it together, either. You attach, collect, and go on with your day. This pump is very intuitive and easy to use. It’s composed of two dish-washer safe parts, so there aren’t a lot of pieces to assemble and put together. After you’ve pumped, it is designed to sit on its front to prevent spilling any milk stably. It’s also easy to transport because there are only two pieces. The silicone bag is flexible and can squeeze into your bag without harming any other part of the manual breast pump. The pump holds up well, and there aren’t any signs of wear and tear. The silicone bag also maintains its shape after frequent use. It can collect up to 4 ounces of milk at a time and allows you to control the level of suction it uses. Verywell Family Verywell Family The Best Breast Pumps, Tested by Parents and Their Hungry Babies Best for Travel Tommee Tippee Made for Me Single Manual Breast Pump Amazon View On Amazon $40 View On Walmart $27 View On Target $30 Pros 5-ounce feeding bottle included Quiet pump Cons Lot of parts to clean If you’re looking for a small pump you can easily carry around, it’s this one. It has a silicone breast shield that gently and comfortably attaches to the breast, allowing the pump to be virtually silent. This pump is an excellent addition to a baby registry for moms who will be on the go. The pump has an ergonomically designed squeeze handle to make expressing milk easier on your hand. The set comes with one 5-ounce feeding bottle with a slow-flow nipple. The Best Breast Pump Bags to Take Your (Milk) Production on the Road Best for Large Nipples Evenflo Advanced Manual Breast Pump Amazon View On Amazon $20 View On Walmart $23 Pros Two flanges included Pivoting pump Cons Many parts to clean and assemble With this manual breast pump, you get both a 24.5-millimeter flange and a 30.5-millimeter flange, which is helpful for a person who needs something that will accommodate larger nipples. If those two sizes don't work, you can purchase four additional size options separately. It has a lightweight, compact design with an easy-to-use handle pump that pivots, so it’s comfortable to hold on both the left and right sides. The pump also comes completely apart, so you can easily clean every crevice without worrying. Best for Small Nipples Dr. Brown's Manual Breast Pump with SoftShape Silicone Shield Amazon View On Amazon $25 Pros Comes with 5-ounce bottle Mimics baby's natural feeding Cons More expensive option The 100% silicone breast shield on this pump conforms to your body and stays comfortable while you use it. It has an easy-to-use squeeze handle and two pumping modes to mimic a baby’s natural feeding. Plus, all of the parts are top-rack dishwasher safe. Along with the pump, you get one 5-ounce Dr. Brown’s wide-neck bottle with a level-1 nipple, a wide-neck cap, and a cleaning brush for when you need to hand-wash the pieces. The Best Products for Breastfeeding Parents Who Pump Best Pump and Bottle Combo Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump SCF330/30 Amazon View On Amazon $34 View On Walmart $45 View On Philips.com Pros Comes with a bottle and nipple Minimal parts for easy cleaning Cons Squeaky This breast pump is designed for optimum comfort with an angled breast shield with a soft, textured cushion to create a secure fit and stimulate the nipple for feeding. It has an easy-to-grip handle to do the pumping and comes with an Avent bottle. Finally, there are only a few parts to this pump, making it simple to put together and to take apart to clean. The Best Breast Milk Storage Bags Keep Your Liquid Gold Safe and Secure How We Tested and Selected the Best Manual Breast Pumps We chose the best manual breast pumps by studying the features of more than 20 products on the market after researching reviews from customers and competitors. When deciding our picks, we considered price, design, ease of use, cleaning, and efficacy. We also consulted with Ashley Blankenship, breastfeeding counselor, founder of Supported Season, and creator of Bump Up Birth Method, for guidance on how manual breast pumps work and what parents should look for when buying one. We also tested the manual breast pumps at home for two weeks. We unpacked the breast pump from the packaging, sanitized it properly, and breastfed as usual. We switch between breasts, mimicking our baby’s suction patterns until we’re done. When finished, we clean and sanitize the product and note our findings regarding ease of setup, ease of use, output, portability, and value. What to Look for When Buying a Manual Breast Pump Comfortable Design You want to have a pump that is as comfortable as possible, Blankenship tells Verywell Family. “Find one with a comfortable grip and easy action. If the handle is tough to press, it's going to really tire out your hands,” she says. “The pumps with a lever you press are generally considered easier to use than syringe types. Bulb types can be good for relief of discomfort, but aren't going to express as much as more complex pumps. Hygiene To aid in killing possible bacteria, choosing a manual pump that is dishwasher safe can ensure that it is squeaky clean after each use. “Dishwasher-safe pump parts make cleanup easier,” Blankenship tells Verywell Family. “I also like the pumps that come apart to clean. It makes sanitization easier. It's always important to use clean pump parts and storage containers.”You may also want a pump that has a cap or cover to keep it sanitary while it's in your bag. Efficacy Breast pumps are only good if they are able to express milk from your breast, so you’ll want to be sure to read through user reviews to get an idea of efficacy. Some pumps may have a slight learning curve while others may be straightforward and easy to use right out of the box. Either way, if you aren't able to use the pump properly, you won't get the full benefits. If possible, shop from retailers with flexible return policies in case the one you purchase doesn’t work for you. Size Chances are high that you’ll be carrying this pump around with you so that you have it on hand in case you need it, so make sure it’s made of durable materials and is a size that is easy to tote around. Whether you're pumping at work, at a friend's house, or on the road, having a manual pump that is compact and lightweight is ideal. You want to have a pump that is as comfortable as possible, so look for something that is either made for your breast size or that comes with different shield options so that you can find the best fit. The pump won’t work if it doesn’t create a strong suction/hold on your breast, so fit is extremely important. If you have larger breasts, it is a good idea to opt for a pump that is compatible with multiple flanges size options. Frequently Asked Questions How do you use a manual pump? Exact instructions depend on the style of pump you get, but generally speaking, manual breast pumps work by creating suction through squeezing and releasing the pump while the breast shield is pressed up against the areola and nipple. If you only have one pump, you’ll want to switch breasts about every five minutes during your session. What’s more important, however, is ensuring you’re comfortable using a manual breast pump physically and mentally. “Breastfeeding is a mental game," Blankenship says. "Sometimes pumping doesn't elicit the same emotions as feeding your baby straight from the breast. If you find the noise of an electric pump too distracting and are having a hard time relaxing, a manual pump can help express more milk than an electric pump. Keep in mind that just because it's a manual pump, doesn't mean you'll need to squeeze it the whole time. You'll squeeze until milk starts to flow, then you can rest until milk flow stops before squeezing again. I recommend speaking to a breastfeeding professional before starting a pumping routine. There are many things to think about when pumping, and it can save a lot of trouble down the road if you come up with a plan that works for your particular issues ahead of time. More milk is not always a good thing.” How do you sterilize a manual breast pump? The CDC recommends taking the pump completely apart (if applicable) and thoroughly rinsing each individual piece. If your breast pump is dishwasher friendly, then you can pop it in there. If it isn't, you can wash it by hand using hot soapy water. If you’re hand-washing, make sure you’re using a brush that you only use for cleaning bottles, then rinse the pieces again and let them air dry.To further sterilize it, you can place the pump in a pot of boiling water for five minutes before letting it air dry (however, check your pump manufacturer’s guide before you do this). Should I use a manual pump or an electric one? “If you're pumping often or solely pumping, an electric one may be better, because to use a manual pump, you need to squeeze a handle of some sort, and it can tire out your hands,” Blankenship explains. “Same goes for issues with carpal tunnel which is very common after having a baby. However, if you're using it only once a day or sporadically, a manual pump can be a great option! They're much less expensive than an electric pump and take up less room.” How much should I expect to spend on a manual breast pump. Manual breast pumps vary in cost based off of different factors such as design, size, and capacity. When purchasing a manual breast pump, you should expect to spend between $13 and $50 for a quality manual breast pump. Our best overall pick is the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump at $29. Why Trust Verywell Family Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing products that are essential to motherhood. Key considerations she used when selecting these recommendations include functionality and purchaser reviews. 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to keep your breast pump kit clean: the essentials. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! 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