Best Medela Pump
When it comes to breast pumps, Medela has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted breast pump brands out there. With a range of pumps designed to meet different needs, from lightweight wearable options to hospital-grade powerhouses, there’s a Medela pump for just about every mom.
But with so many great options, which is the best Medela pump for you?
From the compact and hands-free Medela Freestyle to the hospital-grade performance of the Medela Symphony, I’m going to compare each of the Medela breast pumps, so you can decide which Medela pump offers the features and functionality that best suit your needs!
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Medela Pump Range
The Medela wearable breast pump range includes the Freestyle Hands Free, Pump in Style with MaxFlow, Swing Maxi, Sonata, Harmony, and Symphony.
While these pumps share some core features, each is designed to meet the unique needs of different pumping moms.
So, what sets these Medela pumps apart from one another?
Let’s dive into my Medela pump comparison to help you choose the best one for your needs!
Medela Freestyle Hands Free
The Medela Freestyle Hands Free is Medela’s innovative wearable breast pump designed for busy moms who want the freedom to pump discreetly and on the go. It combines convenience with Medela’s trusted quality, making it a popular choice for hands-free pumping.
At a snapshot, the Medela Freestyle Hands Free offers:
- 245mmHg suction strength
- 2 pumping modes (stimulation and expression)
- 9 suction levels
- LED touchscreen with inbuilt timer
- Medela Family App integration with ability to control pump within the app
- Lightweight, tear-drop-shaped collection cups (76g each)
- 5oz collection cup capacity
- 120 minutes usage time
- USB-C fast charging (fully recharges in 2 hours)
I think this pump is ideal for moms who value portability, easy cleaning, and app connectivity to track their pumping sessions.
For me, what sets the Medela Freestyle hands free apart from other Medela breast pumps is its tech integration. The LED touchscreen is exclusive to the Freestyle as is the ability to control pump within the Medela Family app.
I also love how lightweight this pump is compared to the other Medela electric breast pumps, especially with the hands-free collection cups.
You can read my full Medela Freestyle Hands Free review for more details.
Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow
Want performance with some portability? Then the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is a great option!
This hospital-grade performance pump is designed to make pumping simple and efficient for everyday use. It’s a compact yet powerful double electric pump that combines Medela’s trusted technology with an affordable price point.
It is also generally fully covered by insurance!
At a snapshot, the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow features:
- 295mmHg suction strength
- MaxFlowâ„¢ technology which uses micro-vibrations
- 2 pumping modes (stimulation and expression)
- 10 suction levels
- Closed system with PersonalFit Flex connectors
- Compatible with PersonalFit Flex flanges (21mm, 24mm, 27mm)
- Option to use with Medela Pump in Style with hands free cups
- Lightweight, portable design with a carry bag
- Battery pack for on-the-go use
I love the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow for moms who want a no-fuss, efficient pump that delivers hospital-grade performance at home or at work.
Although there is some portability with the battery pack, for me this is not the Medela pump I’d recommend if you want to pump on the go. I prefer the Freestyle or Swing Maxi for this as they are smaller motors and come with a rechargeable battery.
For me, the standout feature is the MaxFlow technology and hospital grade strength.
The Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow does not come with Medela Family App integration.
You can read my full Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow review for more details.
Medela Swing Maxi
The Medela Swing Maxi is the upgraded version of the original Medela Swing. It’s designed for moms who want portability in their pumping routine.
It is lightweight, compact, and very easy to use, making it a great choice for moms wanting a straightforward portable breast pump.
At a snapshot, the Medela Swing Maxi features:
- 245mmHg suction strength
- 2 pumping modes (stimulation and expression)
- 9 adjustable suction levels
- Rechargeable battery with up to 1.5 hours of use per charge
- Medela Family App integration, but cannot control pump from the app
- USB-C fast charging
- Quiet operation for discreet pumping
In terms of the Medela pump range, the Swing Maxi falls is right in the middle. It is designed to be portable and has some high-tech features such as connectivity with the Medela Family app like the Medela Freestyle, though you cannot control the pump through the app.
Similar to the Pump in Style, the Swing Maxi motor has no inbuilt tech like an LED screen or timer making it very simple to use.
Medela Sonata
Considered the little sister of the multi-user Medela Symphony pump, the Medela Sonata is a smart, high-performance double electric breast pump for moms that exclusively pumping or looking to protect their milk supply.
What really sets the Medela Sonata apart from other Medela pumps is its two different pumping rhythms, signature and lifestyle. The signature rhythm is inspired by Medela’s hospital-grade Symphony pump whilst the lifestyle rhythm saves battery life and makes the pump quieter.
I do really love the Sonata comes with its ultra-quiet motor and app integration.
Like the Spectra S1, it also comes with some portability, with the rechargeable battery lasting up to 1 hour of use.
At a snapshot, the Medela Sonata offers:
- 300mmHg suction strength
- 2 pumping modes (stimulation and expression)
- 2 pumping rhythms (signature and lifestyle)
- 10 suction levels
- Quiet operation – one of the quietest pumps in the Medela range
- Rechargeable battery with up to 1 hour of use per charge
- Digital display with timer and intuitive touch controls
- Bluetooth connectivity to the Medela Family App for session tracking
Medela Symphony
If you’ve been pumping in hospital or rented a breast pump, then you’re most likely familiar with the Medela Symphony! This multiple users, hospital-grade breast pump is built for frequent and long-term use, making it a preferred choice in hospitals and lactation clinics.
With its powerful suction and customizable settings, it is particularly helpful for mothers who need to exclusively pump, especially in cases where direct breastfeeding isn’t possible due to medical conditions, latch issues, or NICU stays.
At a snapshot, the Medela Symphony offers:
- Multiple user for medical settings
- Hospital-grade suction strength (up to 250mmHg)
- 2-phase expression technology
- 9 suction levels
- Double or single pumping options
- Large, easy-to-read control panel
- Quiet, discreet operation
While it is typically used in hospitals or clinical settings, it’s readily available for rental, making it an great option for moms who need a powerful, consistent pump for a limited time. The 2-phase technology works seamlessly to mimic your baby’s nursing pattern, providing natural milk flow for better comfort and efficiency.
This pump is designed for moms who are exclusively pumping or have specific needs related to milk supply such as medical conditions, latch issues, or NICU stays. You can learn more in my Medela Symphony review!
Medela Harmony
If you’re looking for an inexpensive manual breast pump, then the Medela Harmony is your best choice. This manual breast pump offers simplicity and portability, making it a great choice for moms who want a quick, easy, and discreet option for occasional pumping.
At a snapshot, the Medela Harmony features:
- Manual operation (no need for batteries or charging)
- 2-phase expression technology for natural milk flow
- Lightweight and compact design
- Ergonomic handle for easy, comfortable use
- 5oz container capacity
- Simple assembly and cleaning
What I love about the Medela Harmony is how portable and lightweight it is. It’s perfect for moms who need a backup pump or just want something easy to use while out and about or travelling. The manual pump gives you full control over suction and rhythm, which can be a benefit for moms who prefer a hands-on approach.
While it’s not designed for exclusive pumping, it’s a solid, reliable option for occasional use and a great addition to any pumping routine. Learn more in my Medela Harmony review!
The Verdict
When it comes to determining which is the best Medela breast pump, I really think it comes down to your individual preferences and needs.
If you’re looking for a high-tech, portable breast pump then the obvious choice is the Medela Freestyle Hands Free. However, if you’re on a budget the Medela Swing Maxi is a great option, though it does lack some of the advanced features of the Freestyle like the touch screen interface and in-built timer.
If you’re looking to exclusively pump, then I recommend the high performance of the Medela Sonata for personal use. The other option is to hire the Medela Symphony, which your lactation consultant may recommend, especially if you have specific needs related to milk supply such as medical conditions, latch issues, or NICU stays.
For occasional pumping, you may prefer to opt for the manual Medela Harmony pump.
If you’re looking for a balance of power and ease of use, with some portability, then I think the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is your best option.
So, what do you think? Which Medela breast pump is the right fit for your needs?
