Freemie vs. Spectra vs. Youha Cups

A look at the hands-free wearable collection cups currently available

Update: The market for cups has exploded!! The information here is still applicable to the cups discussed in this blog but more information is available here on the ever increasing number of cups on the market:

Freemie Cups

Freemie Cups are perhaps the most well known in the US Market as they have been around for several years now. These cups slide into the users bra and attach via tubing to a standard breast pump (some of which may be portable and allow for increased mobility).  The biggest advantage of this type of pump attachment is that it provides greater discretion and privacy for a pumping parent. Some people may be entirely comfortable pumping anywhere and everywhere in front of anyone, but for others, the traditional pump flanges and bottles setup leaves them feeling exposed. If a parent doesn’t feel comfortable pumping, this will act as a deterrent to continued expression of milk and could encourage early weaning.

Freemie cups are sold on the Freemie Website and on Amazon. Replacement parts are readily available. Freemie makes silicone inserts from size 15-26 to allow for customized sizing between 15-28 mm. There are also compatible MayMom inserts and replacement parts for those looking at more cost effective parts for Freemie Cups.

Spectra Cups

Spectra Cups are relatively new to the US Market but have been available to purchase from the South Korean website www.Qoo10.com for some time now. Spectra Cups imported from this website range in price from $25-$35 per set. Replacement parts for the backflow protectors and duckbill valves are readily available on Amazon. These cups come is 24 mm and 28 mm flange sizes and are compatible with Freemie and MayMom silicone inserts. These cups are also now sold in the US as CaraCups. They were recently found at Target as well, but check on sizing options.

Youha Cups

Youha cups have been available in overseas markets for some time but recently entered the US Market via Amazon. These cups are similar to Freemie and Spectra cups in terms of shape, but the front panel and flange in contact with the breast is a heavy silicone material. Freemie and Maymom inserts are compatible with the Youha Cups. Replacement part availability has not been verified at this time. The Youha cups silicone flanges generate very strong suction and require less work to maintain their position when mobile. The Youha Cups are compatible with standard breast pumps that use tubing similar in size to the Spectra Tubing. The silicone flange of the Youha cups creates a unique suction effect when compared the the Freemie or Spectra Cups. This could be a helpful feature for those who are struggling with finding the right bra to hold the other styles of cups in place. Legendairy Milk recently launched a hands free cup that appears to be a rebranded version of the Youha cups. 

So which one is the best option? 

I think it really comes down to what fits in your budget and how easily you need replacement parts depending on frequency of use.

Freemie Cups are the most expensive option and the replacement parts are the most expensive as well. I don’t particularly love the tongue style backflow protector, it can be hard to get situated well, but is fairly durable.  I do find their duckbill valves to wear out quicker than the maymom compatible version.

Spectra Cups are the least expensive option when imported to the US, and the ease of obtaining replacement parts makes them a winner in my book! I was a little disappointed (but not surprised) to see the price when Spectra began selling them in the US market. 

Youha cups are super comfortable, and the unique suction with the silicone flanges makes them a promising option, but the lack of replacement parts at this time is a concern. I’m hoping with some time there will be replacement parts available easily here in the US. It’s unclear currently if Legendairy carries the replacement parts for these cups, but I’m hopeful here!

If the cups of your choice are in your price range, and you can get replacement parts easily enough to suit your personal pumping needs and budget, you can’t go wrong with these three great options!