If you're getting ready to return to work, choosing the right breast pump can feel like one more big decision. Two names that often come up are Bubka and Medela Freestyle Hands-free.
Both are designed to give mums more flexibility while pumping, but they work a little differently. Rather than asking which pump is "better", it's more helpful to think about which one best suits your routine, your lifestyle and the support you want after your purchase.
Quick answer
If you're comparing Bubka vs Medela Freestyle, both are quality hands-free breast pumps designed to make expressing easier. Medela combines wearable collection cups with a separate portable motor and is backed by decades of breastfeeding experience. Bubka offers fully wearable pumps, multiple flange sizes included with the Glow, local Australian support and practical accessories designed to make everyday pumping simpler.
How do Bubka and Medela Freestyle compare?
Brand trust
Medela has supported breastfeeding families for decades and is a brand many mums recognise from hospitals and healthcare settings.
Bubka is an Australian-owned brand built around making pumping feel simpler for modern mums. Along with wearable pumps, Bubka focuses on local customer support and easy access to replacement parts.
Wearability, design and ease of use
One of the biggest differences is how the pumps are designed.
The Medela Freestyle Hands-free uses lightweight collection cups that sit inside your bra while the motor is worn separately and connected by tubing. It also connects with the Medela Family™ app for pump session tracking.
Bubka's pumps take an all-in-one approach, with the motor built directly into each wearable pump. That means there are no external tubes or separate motor to carry, making setup quick whether you're pumping at home, at work or while you're out.
If you're still deciding whether a wearable pump suits your lifestyle, our guide to wearable breast pumps vs traditional pumps explains the differences between each style.
Flange sizing, comfort and suction
Comfort often comes down to flange fit rather than suction strength alone.
The Medela Freestyle Hands-free includes 21 mm and 24 mm 105° anatomically designed breast shields, which Medela says are designed to reduce pressure and support effective milk removal.
The Bubka Glow includes six flange sizes (13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 24 mm) in the box, giving many mums more flexibility to find a comfortable fit without purchasing additional inserts straight away. If your size changes during your breastfeeding journey, Bubka also offers replacement flanges and inserts separately.
If you're unsure what size you need, our Breast Pump Flange Guide can help you find the right fit.
Cleaning, battery and everyday use
Both pumps should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions after every use.
Medela's Hands-free Collection Cups are made up of just three parts, making assembly and cleaning straightforward, and the cup components are dishwasher safe according to Medela.
Bubka Glow is also designed with everyday cleaning in mind, using minimal parts and giving mums easy access to replacement valves, diaphragms and other components if they become worn over time.
Both pumps use rechargeable batteries, making them suitable for pumping away from home.
Price and value
When comparing value, it's worth looking beyond the purchase price.
Think about what's included in the box, whether you'll need additional flange sizes, how easy it is to replace parts and what support you'll receive after your purchase.
As shared in our blog post, How a 30mm Flange Sparked Bubka’s Mission, Bubka was created after a real mum experience with Medela’s bulky, corded hospital pump, confusing parts and a 30mm flange that clearly wasn’t designed for every body. It made one thing obvious: pumping needed to be easier, more mobile and better fitted to real mum life.
The Bubka Glow Double Wearable Breast Pump Kit has an RRP of AU$439.99 includes 6 flange sizes, a travel case, mini cleaning brush, spare motor, bra extenders, dust covers and a built-in nightlight, helping many mums get started without buying additional accessories.
Medela has now started to offer wearable options. The Magic InBra brings a more modern design to the range, but it still sits at a premium price point. Online retailer listings show the Medela Double at around AU$657, with extra breast shield sizes sold separately.
Where Bubka products naturally help
If you're looking for a wearable pump backed by local Australian support, Bubka may suit your routine well.
The Bubka Glow Double Wearable Breast Pump Kit was designed to make everyday pumping simpler, whether you're at home, returning to work or expressing while you're out. Its fully wearable design, multiple included flange sizes and practical accessories make it a great option for mums who want everything they need from day one.
If you're after a lighter, more streamlined option, the Bubka Move Wearable Breast Pump is designed for everyday use. It's compact, quiet and ideal for mums looking for a simple wearable pump without sacrificing comfort or portability.
You can also explore the full Bubka Wearable Breast Pump Collection to compare the different models available.
If you're preparing to head back to work, our guide to pumping at work in Australia covers everything from finding a private space to storing milk safely during the day.
Bubka may suit you if:
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You want a fully wearable, all-in-one pump.
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You value Australian-based customer support.
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You'd like multiple flange sizes included in your kit.
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You want easy access to replacement parts and accessories.
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You prefer a complete kit with practical extras included.
Medela Freestyle may suit you if:
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You prefer a well-established global breastfeeding brand.
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You're comfortable using wearable cups with a separate motor.
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You're interested in app-connected pumping and session tracking.
When to get extra support from an IBCLC or health professional
Whichever pump you choose, pumping shouldn't be consistently painful.
If you're experiencing discomfort, struggling to find the right flange fit or you're concerned about your milk supply, speak with an IBCLC or your healthcare professional. Sometimes a small adjustment to your flange size or pumping routine can make a bigger difference than changing pumps altogether. The Australian Breastfeeding Association is also a trusted source of evidence-based breastfeeding information and support.
FAQs
Is Bubka better than Medela Freestyle?
Both pumps are high-quality options. Bubka may suit mums wanting a fully wearable all-in-one design with Australian support, while Medela Freestyle may suit mums who prefer a separate motor system from a long-established breastfeeding brand.
Is Medela Freestyle fully wearable?
The collection cups are worn inside the bra, but they connect to a separate portable motor using tubing.
Which pump is easier to clean?
Both are designed for regular cleaning after each use. Medela's collection cups use a three-part design, while Bubka features minimal parts and easy access to replacement components.
Which pump is better for returning to work?
Many mums returning to work appreciate Bubka's all-in-one wearable design because there are no external tubes or motor to manage during the workday.
Does Bubka include different flange sizes?
Yes. The Bubka Glow includes six flange sizes (13–24 mm), helping many mums find a comfortable fit from the beginning.
Next step
Every mum's pumping journey is different, and the best pump is the one that fits your everyday life. Think about where you'll be pumping, the level of support you'd like after your purchase and the features that matter most to you. If you're looking for a modern wearable pump backed by local Australian support, Bubka is here to help make your feeding journey feel a little simpler.
