Compare Models
- Medela Symphony Hospital-Grade Pump – $2,000+ | A hospital-grade pump designed for exclusive pumpers and NICU moms.
- Medela Sonata Smart Pump – $599 | A quiet, double pump with smart features and app connectivity.
- Medela Freestyle Hands-Free – $499 | A wearable, portable pump with a rechargeable battery.
- Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow – $249 | A powerful pump with MaxFlow technology for efficient milk expression.
- Medela Swing Maxi – $199 | A portable double pump with 2-Phase Expression technology.
- Medela Swing – $149 | A compact single pump for occasional pumping sessions.
- Medela Harmony Manual Pump – $29 | A lightweight manual pump ideal for travel or backup.
Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow
Overview
The Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow is a reliable, hospital-strength double electric breast pump designed for moms who pump frequently. It features Medela’s MaxFlow technology, which uses micro-vibrations to enhance milk flow while maintaining efficient suction. The pump is simple to use, with pre-programmed speed and vacuum settings, making it ideal for those who want an effective pump without complex adjustments. It comes with a battery pack for portability, though it requires AA batteries instead of a rechargeable option.
Key Features
- MaxFlow Technology: Uses micro-vibrations to enhance milk flow with up to 250 mmHg suction.
- Closed System: Prevents milk from entering tubing for hygiene.
- Battery Pack for Portability: Uses 8 AA batteries (not included) for travel convenience.
Price: ~$180-$250
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong suction with MaxFlow technology
- Simple to use with pre-set speed and vacuum settings
- Includes a cooler bag and bottles for storage
Cons:
- Battery pack is bulky and requires frequent replacements
- No rechargeable battery option
- Louder than Spectra pumps
Ideal User
Moms who need a dependable, hospital-strength pump for frequent daily use, particularly those returning to work.
Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump
Overview
The Medela Freestyle Hands-Free is a wearable, lightweight breast pump designed for convenience. Unlike traditional pumps, it features in-bra collection cups, allowing for discreet and hands-free pumping. Despite its compact design, it maintains strong hospital-grade suction, making it a great choice for moms who need mobility while maintaining milk supply. However, wearable pumps often require careful positioning to ensure optimal milk output.
Key Features
- Wearable Collection Cups: In-bra design for hands-free pumping.
- Hospital-Strength Suction: Offers suction strength up to 270 mmHg.
- Rechargeable Battery: Provides up to 2 hours of cordless pumping.
Price: ~$350-$400
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Completely hands-free for mobility
- Strong suction for a wearable pump
- Lightweight and discreet design
Cons:
- Positioning takes time to optimize
- Higher price than traditional pumps
- Limited milk capacity per session
Ideal User
Busy moms who need a fully hands-free, wearable pump for work, home, or travel.
Medela Sonata Smart Breast Pump
Overview
The Medela Sonata is a smart breast pump designed for moms who want hospital-grade performance with modern tracking capabilities. It offers strong suction while operating quietly, making it suitable for nighttime pumping. The pump connects to the MyMedela app, which allows moms to monitor their pumping sessions, milk output, and settings. However, while it has great technology features, its high price makes it more suitable for exclusive pumpers rather than occasional users.
Key Features
- Hospital-Grade Suction: Up to 270 mmHg for efficient milk expression.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncs with the MyMedela app for tracking sessions.
- Rechargeable Battery: Provides up to 2+ hours of pumping per charge.
Price: ~$400-$450
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong, hospital-grade performance
- Smart tracking with app integration
- Ultra-quiet operation
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other Medela models
- Bluetooth connectivity may have occasional lag
Ideal User
Moms who pump frequently or exclusively and want a high-tech, hospital-strength pump with tracking features.
Medela Symphony Hospital-Grade Breast Pump
Overview
The Medela Symphony is a hospital-grade pump designed for moms with specific breastfeeding challenges, such as low milk supply or preterm babies. It is widely used in hospitals and lactation centers due to its powerful and efficient suction. Unlike most personal-use pumps, the Symphony is intended for multi-user environments and is available for rental rather than purchase. Its strong yet gentle suction makes it one of the best options for initiating and maintaining milk supply.
Key Features
- Hospital-Grade Performance: Consistent, high-powered suction up to 300 mmHg ensures maximum milk expression.
- 2-Phase Expression Technology: Mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm for optimal milk production.
- Multi-User System: Designed for use with personal hygiene kits to ensure safety.
Price: Rental ($70-$100/month) or purchase ($2,000-$2,500)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Most powerful Medela pump for increasing milk supply
- Trusted hospital-grade performance
- Comfortable and efficient suction
Cons:
- Expensive if purchased outright
- Large and not portable
- Only available via rental for most users
Ideal User
Moms with low milk supply, preemies, or medical conditions affecting breastfeeding who need a hospital-grade pump to establish and maintain milk production.
Medela Comparison Chart
| Model | Type | Suction Strength | Price | Ideal User |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medela Harmony | Manual | User-dependent | ~$30-$40 | Occasional use, backup pump |
| Pump In Style MaxFlow | Double Electric | 250 mmHg | ~$180-$250 | Daily use, working moms |
| Freestyle Hands-Free | Wearable Electric | 270 mmHg | ~$350-$400 | Moms needing hands-free convenience |
| Sonata Smart | Smart Electric | 270 mmHg | ~$400-$450 | Exclusive pumpers, tech-savvy moms |
| Symphony | Hospital-Grade Electric | 300 mmHg | Rental ($70-$100/mo) | Moms with low milk supply or preemies |