6 Best Manual Breast Pumps, Hand-Tested

Based on extensive research and product testing, the Lansinoh Manual Breast Pump was voted the overall best in show. (In fact, it was highlighted as the best manual breast pump in the 2023 Best of The Bump awards.) Its winner status is no surprise really, as the pump scored top points across every testing category. Easy to use? Check. Effective output? Check. Gentle on the breast? Check. Incredible value? Check. Quality materials and design? Double check.

But there are three key features that set this product apart from the competition: An ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue and cramping, so you can pump for longer periods of time. You can easily pump directly into Lansinoh bottles or directly into the brand’s milk storage bags to ensure your milk stays sterile and you don’t waste a drop. And, most importantly, the flanges are designed with ComfortFit technology that actually cushions your breast to prevent nipple irritation during pumping sessions.

On the topic of flanges, moms love that this Lansinoh pump comes with two sizes—25 and 30.5 millimeters—to ensure the best fit possible. Our product tester noted that the different flange sizes made it very comfortable for her to express milk and said: “The effectiveness was wonderful. It brought my letdown almost right away.” And she’s not alone. Several moms felt that this model was so effective that it yielded more expressed milk than their electric breast pumps. Trust me, that’s a really big deal!

Lansinoh is composed of quality parts; soft silicone flanges and a sturdy base, which made pumping a breeze for our tester. Plus two pumping modes, stimulation and expression, support initial letdown and continuous pumping to maximize milk production. Each piece is easily cleaned on the top rack of your dishwasher; but the manufacturer recommends washing these components by hand to prevent damage and extend the usefulness of your breast pump.

Dimensions: 7.5″ (L) x 7.5″ (W) x 3.9″ (H) | Capacity: 5 oz. | Number of parts: 13 | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Manual breast pumps aren't meant to replace electric breast pumps—in fact, doing so can affect milk supply. But after testing various products I found that the Philips Avent Manual Breast Pump yielded the most milk, making it a highly effective hand pump. The brand promises “natural motion technology for quick milk flow,” and it certainly lived up to this expectation. The letdown with this pump occurred almost instantaneously. I have a pretty quick letdown, and yet I was still impressed with how fast a manual pump could stimulate milk flow. Within one minute, I was filling the provided bottle with supplemental milk for my little one.

I was amazed at how quickly I was able to pump almost two ounces using this manual breast pump. In under five minutes, I had enough milk to fully supplement my baby's feeding. Pumping directly into a Philips Avent bottle made the process even simpler—I simply unscrewed the pump from the bottle when I was finished. I replaced the pump with the provided nipple and my husband (and older son!) could complete the feeding.

While this model isn't hands-free, I found it very easy to walk around and pump with one hand while I picked out clothes for my older son to get ready to go out. (As a mom of two, I have to get creative with multitasking!) I personally love that I can sit upright and pump without having to bend forward and strain my neck and upper back, which often is the case with my electric pump and nursing. Philips Avent has created a manual pump that’s gentle and mimics breastfeeding for a fantastic output, making a seamless transition from going back and forth from pumping to nursing. Safe to say, it’s a winner in my book.

Dimensions: 3.5″ (L) x 7.7″ (W) x 6″ (H) | Capacity: 4 oz. | Number of parts: 12 | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Eco-friendly, compact, noiseless, gentle and effective; it’s no wonder the Haakaa made it onto our list of the best manual breast pumps. The food-grade silicone flange simply suctions onto one breast while you feed your baby with the other, effectively collecting the milk letdown that would otherwise go to waste. When I began my breastfeeding journey with my now 9-month-old, I used the Haakaa for collecting extra milk and stimulating letdown on one breast when baby was only feeding from one (which helped establish milk supply). The Haaka also helped my baby latch as the natural suction draws out nipples and softens breasts from engorgement, allowing baby to latch on more efficiently.

Another feature I love about the Haakaa silicone pump is that it requires no assembly, which also means it's easy to clean as there are no crevices for milk to get stuck or bacteria to grow. I love the portability, as well. I’ve stashed the Haakaa in my diaper bag as a staple and take it with me anywhere I need noiseless, quick relief. This little pump is what I call “almost” hands-free. It isn't wearable—as it doesn't secure in your bra—and even though it suctioned pretty well to my breast, I wasn't 100 percent confident in the suction adhering to my breast as it did slip a couple of times. I held onto it to avoid losing any precious expressed milk. The pump began collecting milk from my letdown as soon as I began nursing my son on the opposite breast. This manual breast pump was fantastic when I had an oversupply in my early breastfeeding days and my bra would get soaked with milk. I was able to salvage any extra milk by either bottle-feeding my baby or storing it in milk storage bags and freezing it for later use.

In addition, my lactation consultant informed me that the Haakaa is wonderful at removing clogs from milk ducts! Moms can simply fill the pump with warm water and epsom salts to gently release stubborn clogs. This is truly the little silicone pump that does it all.

Dimensions: 5.7″ (L) x 2.2″ (W) x 3.4″ (H) (flange diameter) | Capacity: 4 oz. | Number of parts: 1 | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Dr. Brown’s is a manufacturer I’ve come to know and trust in my motherhood journey. My older son struggled with a tongue-tie, difficulty latching and severe reflux. Dr. Brown’s products have been reliable from the very beginning, so I was eager to put the brand’s manual breast pump to the test. Needless to say—with all of the features you'd want for a quick expression session in the car or even at your office—it won out as the best manual pump for working moms.

I’m a mom of two and a freelance writer, and this lightweight pump packs up so nicely into my diaper bag for meetings or interviews on the go. The included anti-colic bottle system is a game-changer as I don't have to transfer any milk when I need to feed my baby outside of my home. The storage cap makes it simple to store milk in a cooler or work fridge without having to pour the milk into separate bags or containers.

Another of my favorite features is the One-piece SoftShape Silicone Shield. Even though I found the shield to be sturdy and robust, the flange was comfortable and seemed to mold to fit my breast. The silicone flange transparency also made it so much easier to see when my milk let down and when to cease a pumping session, as milk production begins to slow down.

I especially loved how the pump could be adjusted to mimic two different feeding speeds, much like when my baby breastfeeds. Setting the initial speed to quick, short bursts of movement to stimulate letdown, and then adjusting to longer pumps to imitate how babies relax into their feedings once milk is flowing.

Dimensions: 4.5″ (L) x 8.3″ (W) x 7.8″ (H) (flange diameter) | Capacity: 5 oz. | Number of parts: 14 | Dishwasher safe: Yes

If you're searching for comfort look no further than the Advanced Manual Breast Pump by Evenflo Feeding. I began pumping with short, quick pumps to stimulate letdown, which occurred very quickly (about 20 to 30 seconds if not engorged, and almost instantly with engorgement). After transitioning to slow, even pumps, I was able to collect about 1.5 ounces in under 5 minutes, which is a decent amount of milk for me. I used this pump both while nursing my baby on the opposite breast and in the morning to relieve an engorged breast and it was effective in both scenarios. What made it so special for both instances? The comfort. This is due to the fact that this manual breast pump comes with multiple flange sizes. With an engorged breast, I didn’t need the provided silicone insert and pumped with the plastic flange only (30.5 millimeter). When I pumped while I nursed my baby on the opposite breast, I wasn’t as full of milk and therefore loved the 24.5 millimeter silicone insert for a tighter fit. In both cases, comfort was of the utmost, and yet I still yielded anywhere from 1.5 to 2 ounces of milk.

Another feature I enjoyed with this manual breast pump is the teal-colored handle. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing it’s also functional, as it makes it easier to find and grab the pump from inside my diaper bag. I also love that the handle of this pump pivots, allowing you to pump with either hand. This made it very easy to hold my baby and nurse him on one side, while I pumped the other side, another feature that added to the comfort of my pump—no hand cramping!

Dimensions: 5.4″ (L) x 5.5″ (W) x 8.5″ (H) | Capacity: 5 oz. | Number of parts: 11 | Dishwasher safe: Yes

Picture this—you’ve got your youngest in one arm, serving your toddler breakfast with your “free” hand and because your baby is finally sleeping stretches longer than two hours at a time, one breast is completely engorged with milk. Your toddler isn’t going to wait and you can’t sit and pump: You need something completely hands-free. This is a typical scenario in my house! Enter Boon Trove, a completely wearable, silicone breast pump that fits securely inside a nursing bra. This pump offers relief when I really need it, and the fact that it’s wearable makes it an incredibly functional breastfeeding accessory.

Let’s face it breast milk is called liquid gold for a reason—and when you don’t get a chance to pump at the moment you need to or when nursing baby on one side—often the other breast will leak, wasting precious milk that soaks your bra or a nursing pad.

While Boon Trove is similar to the Haakaa pump in that it collects milk letdown, I especially loved that it is a wearable silicone option that stays on the breast secured inside my bra, ensuring no spillage. Even when my baby was kicking with joy during his feedings, Boon Trove stayed put. And, as it’s intended to collect passive milk flow, it doesn’t create an oversupply like other silicone milk catchers. This little silicone wonder is designed with functionality and ease of use in mind. I love that you can squeeze the sides to easily pour the milk into bottles or milk bags—this is such a bonus. It’s a thoughtfully designed, stylish-looking product whereby minimalist design meets maximum functionality.

Dimensions: 2.1″ (L) x 4″ (W) x 4.1″ (H) | Capacity: 3 oz. | Number of parts: 1 | Dishwasher safe: Yes