Best Breast Pump for Moms: Ameda vs. Medela vs. Spectra vs. Lansinoh

Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology

This is a re-designed version of the original pump that came 25 years before. The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology has an advanced motor while keeping the controls simple. Simultaneously, compared to the original pump, it has a completely new and modern look and functionality.

Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology Overview

• Has a closed system with modern overflow protection
• Comes with PersonalFit Flex breast shields in two sizes
• Manufactured in the USA
• Increases milk volume by 11.8%
• User-friendly, comes with a small number of parts, so it’s easy to use and assembly

This pump is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. It comes with fewer parts and fewer options than the original Medela pump, making it easy to clean and assemble. It only has four buttons and ten pre-programmed settings, so it’s very simple and straightforward. You don’t have any fancy lights or Bluetooth connections – everything is kept plain.

The pump arrives with all the parts already connected. Not only does this make it easier to use, but you don’t have to worry about parts gone missing during the shipping. You can just insert your breast in a yellow membrane, snap everything closed, attach the bottle, and you’re ready for pumping!

You Can Choose How to Power It

This is an electric pump, and it works either on a power adaptor or eight AA batteries. While this is a lot, the great news is that the battery pack is portable. If you’re mom-on-the-go, this can be a great pump for you. You can remove the pump motor from the microfiber bag and place it somewhere where it’s comfortable for you. You can put it in your backpocket or into your lap, however works the best in your occasion.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the best device if you’re planning on double pumping while walking or being overly active, as the power source isn’t that long. However, it’s a great product if you want to pump while having a cozy afternoon.

It Uses Modern Pumping Technologies

The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology doesn’t have a light-up display that many similar pumps are known for. Instead, as its name suggests, it uses the MaxFlow technology that produces gentle micro-vibrations that stimulate the milk flow. You can feel the technology as soon as you apply the pump on the breast. The vacuum doesn’t seem too strong, but the pump’s micro-vibrations are easy to sense. After a minute, the pump moves from stimulation to expression phase. This timing is based upon several research pieces that have shown this is the time frame when the pumping is most efficient. Thanks to this technology, moms will pump around 11.8% more milk than using the average pumps.

What’s the Final Say on Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Technology?

This pump helps you take the best out of your pumping session. It can produce more milk while remaining comfortable for your breasts. The entire product is very easy to use, and the assembly is made to be as simple as possible. Everything is manufactured with the help of medical experts who have aided Medela with creating a product that is effective yet gentle.

The good;

• It increases the milk supply
• Very gentle on the breasts
• The product comes pre-assembled
• Easy to use

The not so good;

• SIt isn’t too good for very active women
• It doesn’t have a display with backlight

This breast pump is for;

• Moms who want to pump during comfortable evenings spent reading books or watching TV

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump is a basic, affordable manual breast pump by the most recognized name in the world of breast pumps. If you’re looking for a manual breast pump, be sure to read this review, because this is probably the one for you.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump Product Overview

• Includes two 5-oz containers with lids
• Includes one bottle stand
• Includes one SoftFit breast shield
• All BPA-free for your baby’s safety
• Fully manual operation – no batteries needed!

The Harmony Breast Pump from Madela is the best selling and most popular manual breast pump available on the market. While electric breast pumps are usually more fully-featured, a manual breast pump is great for those who simply wish to have an inexpensive breast pump to use once in a while. Another great perk of manual breast pumps is that unlike electric breast pumps, they are completely silent, and the Harmony is no exception.

The Medela Harmony is much easier to clean when compared to other manual breast pumps, such as the Avent Isis, as it has fewer parts. Cleanliness is extremely important when it comes to breast pumps, so this makes it a lot more convenient and simple to use.

Perfect for trips and camping

If you’re going on a short trip where you won’t have any electricity, such as a camping trip, the Medela Harmony manual breast pump is a huge boon. Obviously, an electric breast pump won’t be of much use if you don’t have any electricity, which isn’t a problem with a manual breast pump. Keep in mind that you will still need a cool place to store the pumped milk, like a cooler pack. Even if you’ll be somewhere with electricity, a manual breast pump like the Medela Harmony is much simpler to clean and carry, as there’s no need to mess with cleaning tubing or anything like that.

Can be used with only one hand

Also unlike the Avent Isis, the Medela Harmony can be used with only one hand. If you’re a mother I don’t have to tell you how much of a benefit this is. You can even nurse your baby with one arm while pumping with the other; very convenient. If you have existing bottles from another breast pump, there is a good chance they will work with this one as well. There’s no guarantee, but I’ve read reports that this is the case.

You may be wondering if a manual breast pump gets hard on the hand after a while. The trust is that they can, but I found that the Harmony is much easier than most other manual pumps.

What’s the Final Say on the Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump?

If you need a simple, effective manual breast pump that’s very easy on the bank account, you really can’t go wrong with the Medela Harmony manual breast pump. Although electric breast pumps are much more efficient and fully-featured, the Harmony gets the job done at a fraction of the price. Not only this, but Medela has great customer service, so if you happen to have a problem with the pump, they will likely be able to help you or replace any parts if necessary.

I definitely recommend this breast pump to anyone looking for a manual breast pump!

The good;

• Very affordable at under $40
• Small and convenient, fits in almost any purse
• No need for batteries, completely manual
• Can be used with one hand, freeing the other

The not so good;

• Slower than an electric breast pump
• Manual breast pumps can be tiring on the hand, although the Medela Harmony better than most

This breast pump is for;

• Mothers who travel often

Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump

While The Spectra is a fairly new brand, it has quickly gained recognition for its affordable price and good quality. In fact, this electric pump is commonly used in hospitals, and many lactation consultants recommend it. This pump is often compared to the much more expensive Medela Symphony, another breast pump used by hospital workers.

Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump Overview

• Comes with two bottles for the milk
• Can be used as a single or double pump
• Motor operates at just 45 decibels
• Works using Natural Nursing Technology
• Has a gentle Massage Mode

This is one of the most lightweight pumps on our list. It’s compact and easy to transport, so it’s great if you love to travel a lot. At the same time, it is very affordable. While it has many features of various Medela pumps, it’s about half their price. This doesn’t make it lower in quality, as the low price is likely due to the brand not being well-known to the general public.

This pump is one of the quietest products you can find. This can help you keep your pumping session unnoticeable. Some moms even reported being able to pump with their babies sleeping next to them. This allows you to pump during the night, or at any time you want, without worrying that you’ll disturb anyone. It also comes with a gentle night light, as well as a digital screen that shows you how long you have been pumping, what cycle the pump’s on, and the suction level.

Massage Mode

All good pumps come with an automatic mode that imitates a rapid suckling that babies make before the letdown. In the case of Spectra’s pump, this is called a Massage Mode. Unlike many forceful pumps, the Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump is very gentle, and it doesn’t sacrifice any milk. On the contrary, many have reported being able to draw more milk than with most pumps.

Not to mention, this pump can be used both as a single and a double pump, depending on your needs and how you’re feeling on that particular day. This makes it rather versatile.

Gentle Operation

A problem that some pumps experience is that they are very forceful. This makes many moms not wanting to use them, fearing the discomfort. This is not the case with Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump. It is very gentle on the breasts, even when you have some sore parts. It is supposedly way more comfortable compared to somewhat older babies.

Another good feature this pump has is that it has a backflow protector. This means that the milk and the tubing don’t come in contact, which means less cleaning and washing.

What’s the Final Say on Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump?

The Spectra Baby USA S2 Breast Pump is proof that price doesn’t always equal value. While being more affordable than most, this pump doesn’t run short on various qualities it has. You can use it as a single or a double pump, and the digital screen can give you precise information about your pumping. It’s quiet, gentle, and comfortable to use. Not to mention that it’s effortless to clean.

The good;

• BPA free
• Very quiet
• Gentle on the breasts
• Has a digital screen

The not so good;

• Not rechargeable
• The double pumping mode isn’t the best

This breast pump is for;

• Moms looking to find a great yet affordable pump

Spectra S1

Like all Spectra pumps, the S1 is a closed system (meaning there is physical separation between the milk and the pump), which ensures a clean and hygienic pumping experience. Innovative touch controls allow moms to program and pre-set suction and rhythm to a level that best suits them, making it a great option for those who want an easy-to-use hassle-free machine.

What’s In The Box?

• 2 bottles with teets
• 2 shields for double pumping with tubing
• AC adapter(can also be powered with 6 AA batteries)

Made to rival the Medela Symphony, the Spectra S1 is hospital grade and made of BPA free material to ensure all-natural milk free of contaminants. The Spectra also comes with a great pumping cycle that starts off with ‘massage mode’ (stimulates the letdown reflex and starts milk flowing), then ramps up to ‘expression mode’, which mimics how a baby nurses through a slower, deeper level of suction. Each cycle allows the user to adjust the level of suction to fit their individual needs. The Spectra S1 can be powered via plug or rechargeable battery for use at home or on the go.

Hospital Grade

The Spectra S1 is a Hospital Grade double electric pump and brings the level of comfort you would come to expect from that tier of the machine. Many users reported little discomfort during or after pumping, and given that it is an electric pump (producing more suction than a manual), this is a big plus.

Costs Less Than Symphony

When compared to the pump it was designed to compete with (the Medela Symphony), the price difference is noticeable in favor of the S1.

Say No to Harmful Chemicals

The pump is not only easy to set up, but also easy to take apart, clean, and dry. This is essential for hygiene, and the inclusion of specially designed backflow protectors ensures nothing gets back into the tubes (preventing condensation and bacteria buildup). In terms of build, it is relatively compact, and is made with BPA free material means that no harmful chemicals contaminate the milk supply.

Surprisingly, It's Quiet!

The Spectra S1 has an incredibly low noise output for an electric pump and when compared to its competitors. This is a huge bonus for moms who need to pump in places where high noise can be disruptive to their surroundings.

The good;

• Quiet operation
• Easy to Use and Clean
• Adjustable Modes
• Hygienic

The not so good;

• Long Battery Charge Time

This breast pump is for;

• Mothers who travel and need portability in their breast pump
• Those looking for a great mid-priced breast pump
• Moms who need to pump in places where high noise can be disruptive

Lansinoh Signature Pro Double Electric Breast Pump

Lansinoh is a brand that has become synonymous in the childcare/mother community with quality bottles, diaper bags, creams and more. The Lansinoh Signature Pro has three pumping styles and eight adjustable suction levels (the only pump on the market with these features), is BPA free and has a host of other great features.

What’s In The Box?

• Breast pumps x 2
• ComfortFit flanges (24.5mm size)
• Storage bottles with lids
• Extra valves
• Tote back
• AC adapter(can also be powered with 6 AA batteries)
• Slow Flow NaturalWave Nipple

The Signature Pro is designed to be a closed system, which means there is a separation between the milk collection and the pump system (preventing milk contamination, mold growth, and condensation). The entire system is made out of BPA free material and features a relatively quiet motor so you can use it on the go worry-free (the motor is somewhat louder than other brands, however). Best of all, the Signature Pro has three different pumping styles and eight suction levels, so you can fine-tune pumping to fit your individual needs perfectly. For hands-free pumping, you can fit the Signature Pro into the Lansinoh Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra. However this, and other accessories are extra.

Comfortable Experience

While the pumping style and suction of The Signature Pro are designed to mimic the natural motion of a baby, the ability to adjust the levels of suction within each pumping style ensures an individual and comfortable experience.

Good Value

When compared to competitors like Medela, The Signature Pro falls well below the average price point while offering a very comparable (and according to some users superior) level of quality.

Exceptional Quality

With the closed system design preventing milk contamination, the adjustable vacuum strength and cycle speed, the fact that it comes pre-assembled with very few parts, and the outstanding customer reviews, it is clear that Lansinoh did a great job with this pump.

On a side note, the customer service at Lansinoh has been hailed as exceptional by just about everyone, so that is worth a mention as well.

However, just a few downsides…

While many users hail the Signature Pro as having a quiet motor, others have said that it is noticeably louder than competitors like the Medela. This has been troublesome for mothers who need to pump in places/situations where low noise output is essential.

The good;

• Easy to Set up - Few Parts to Clean
• Only Pump with 3 Cycles & 8 Adjustable Suction Levels
• Price Point Compared to Quality
• Closed System & BPA Free
• Superb Customer Support

The not so good;

• Slightly Noisier Than Others

This breast pump is for;

• Mothers who travel and need portability in their breast pump
• Those looking for a great mid-priced breast pump

Medela Freestyle Breast Pump

Medela is the most well-known name in the world of breast pumps, and the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is one of the tops of the line models. It’s a completely hands-free double electric breast pump, with a lot of extra features built-in that make it one of the best breast pumps on the market. However, being a high-end breast pump, it comes at a premium price.

What’s In The Box:

• Support belt & extension
• One set of tubing
• Two SoftFit breast shields
• Breast shield spare parts kit
• Two replacement adapters and Four replacement bra adapters
• Four five-ounce storage containers
• Power cord & charger
• Rechargeable battery
• Tote/travel storage bag

The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is one of the most highly rated breast pumps on the market, currently ranking a generous 3.8 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.

There are a lot of great things about the Freestyle breast pump. First of all, it’s a double breast pump, meaning it will complete the filling of the included containers up to twice as quickly as an electric single-breast pump and much more quickly than a manual pump. Among the best features of this breast pump, are…

Hands-Free Operation

One of the main advertised features of the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is the hands-free operation. Most users love this functionality; you can have both hands free to do anything you need to do while the pump is operating. There are some complaints online that the hands-free kit is a bit convoluted to use, but you’ll get the hang of it after using it a few times. It does take a bit of practice, but it’s an incredible time-saver to be able to pump and do other things with your hands at the same time.

Portability and convenient rechargeable battery operation

It comes with an included rechargeable battery, which is a great feature. You can expect to get about 3 hours pumping time from a single charge, which I would say will last you about a week under regular usage. Battery operation can be a lifesaver, especially if you travel. Some other electric breast pumps can operate on external batteries, but the included battery with the Medela Freestyle works much better. It will recharge via the AC adapter when it’s plugged in, whether or not you’re using it at the same time.

Another great thing about the Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is that it’s small and compact. It comes with a travel tote, but you can probably even fit it in your purse. It’s convenient to bring along with you to/from work, when traveling, or anywhere else you might want to bring your breast pump along with you. Some mothers use it at work, which seems to work well along with the hands-free system.

The pump has a backlit LCD screen, which is a welcome during late-night feeding sessions. It also has a built-in timer which is very useful. It can store preset settings for pumping so that moms can save their preferred pumping patterns. Of course, none of these things are super important, but they’re very nice extras to have.

What’s the verdict?

The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is a top-of-the-line breast pump, and arguably the best on the market. Although it comes at a premium price, it’s well worth it for the included features you won’t find elsewhere.

The good;

• Double-pump quickly gets the pumping done
• Hands-free operation is very convenient
• Included rechargeable battery lasts a long time
• Very portable; can probably fit in your purse
• Replacement parts are easy to find almost anywhere

The not so good;

• It’s a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for
• The hands-free operation can be tricky to get used to but works fine after

This breast pump is for;

• Mothers looking for a top-of-the-line double breast pump
• Those who want a convenient, portable pump
• Those who want a pump that can be used completely hands-free while you work

Medela Swing Single Electric Breast Pump

The Medela Swing Breast Pump is one of the most popular breast pumps among mothers, and for good reason. It was originally developed by Medela for use in hospitals but was further refined for home use. It’s a personal-use electric pump and is designed to be portable, making it convenient for travel.

What’s In The Box?

• Two storage bottles(2 -5 oz) with lids and travel cap
• Container stand
• 3 Membranes
• Carrying/storage bag
• Tubing
• AC adapter(can also be powered with 4 AA batteries)
• Neck/shoulder strap

The overall reviews of the Medela Swing Breast Pump across the internet are generally quite positive. It currently has a 4.1 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.com. Being an electric pump, it’s great because it works automatically allowing you to do other things while the pump is in operation. While manual pumps are less expensive, the benefit of an electric pump is great.

It’s Quite Comfortable To Use

The Swing Breast Pump is nice because it allows the user to adjust the suction to their liking. Some breast pumps don’t allow you to do this, and many of them are painful to use. It comes with a shoulder strap, which feels comfortable on the neck, but is otherwise unremarkable. You need to use one hand to hold the bottle while pumping and massaging the breast while pumping helps to encourage the flow of milk. What I’ve seen recommended is to use a long bottle to pump into, which you prop up against your leg. You can massage with one hand, leaving you free to use the other too, for example, type on a keyboard. This is just a tip, and by no means necessary for using the pump, it just makes it easy to do other things while the pump is in operation.

You can expect to take about 20-25 minutes to fill a bottle on average, which optimal flow. It can be powered using the AC adapter, or it also runs using 4 AA batteries. Running off of batteries is a lot more convenient, as you can move around and do other things while it’s running. Batteries last a long time; you can expect to get about 10 full pumping sessions out of them. I’d recommend buying some good rechargeable batteries if you decide to go this route; it will save a lot of money in the long run.

A great thing about the Medela Swing Breast Pump is that it’s small enough to be very portable. It fits nicely in the included carrying bag, or you can use your own purse or carrying bag if it’s large enough. Being portable, it’s possible to use it while driving or out on vacation away from home. This is definitely a huge benefit.

However, just a few downsides…

Some people find the pump to be a bit noisier than they expected. It’s by no means loud, but it’s not silent, either. There is really no such thing as a silent electric breast pump. Just don’t expect to use it discretely in a vehicle or around others without anyone hearing it. All in all, it’s really not that big of a deal.

Being a single pump means it takes longer to pump and fill the containers. The upside is that it’s a lot cheaper than other breast pumps of its level, and pumps just as well. It’s up to you to decide if the extra time is worth it to you or not.

What’s the verdict?

The Medela Swing Breast Pump is one of the highest-rated and most popular breast pumps on the market. The comfort it affords along with the relatively inexpensive price and portability is hard to beat. If you’re looking for an electric single-breast pump, this is the best one on the market.

The good;

• Comfortable
• Inexpensive in comparison to other breast pumps of similar quality
• Portable, convenient to use with batteries

The not so good;

• Slower than a double pump

This breast pump is for;

• Mothers who travel and need portability in their breast pump
• Those who need their hands free while using their breast pump
• Those looking for a great mid-priced breast pump

Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump

Ameda is a breast pump manufacturer only second to Medela, and the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is their most popular model on the market. It is an electric double breast pump that comes around the mid-price range, although there are a few different versions that come with extra accessories.

What’s In The Box:

• It depends on which version you get.
• Two 4oz storage bottles(Ultra version has six bottles)
• AC power adapter
• Two 36-inch tubes
• Two adapter caps
• Two silicone diaphragms
• Two pump bodies with breast shields
• Four white valves
• Refrigeration bag with ice packs(Ultra version only)
• Carrying tote(Ultra version only)

The Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump received excellent reviews across the web, averaging 4.2 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. It is also one of their best selling electric breast pumps.

Comfortable And Quick To Use

The Purely Yours breast pump is comfortable to use; it has adjustable suction and speed, so you can vary it to make it as comfortable for you as possible. It is recommended that you start the pump at the highest speed, and then adjust the suction to what is comfortable for you. Unfortunately, this is not a hands-free pump, which can make it a bit tricky to handle both bottles. On the upside, it will work with any of the hands-free pumping bras on the market. It’s recommended that you get one of these to go with it; you won’t regret it.

A great thing about the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump is that it uses a closed system, meaning you never have to wash out the tubing because neither milk nor condensation can enter the tubing. It’s a great feature that I think all breast pumps should have because it makes it so much easier to clean and maintain and there is no risk of contamination in the tubing.

The noise the pump generates is about average for an electric pump. It’s not silent, but you will be able to use it while talking on the phone without the person on the other end knowing that you’re using a breast pump.

Portability of the Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump

Again, this highly depends on which version you get. The standard version comes with only the pump, no carrying cases. It is, however, small enough to fit in your purse or any other carrying bag you might have. The ultra version comes with a refrigeration bag for bottles of milk as well as a carrying bag for the breast pump itself.

The pump will also run on 6 AA batteries. Battery operation is a great feature to have if you plan on using the breast pump in the car or away from home. It’s recommended that you use quality batteries if you plan to use the battery operation, as cheap batteries might result in less than optimal operation. I’d recommend that you pick up some good rechargeable batteries to use with this breast pump, as it will save a lot of time, hassle, and most importantly, money.

The final verdict on the Ameda Purely Yours Ultra Breast Pump

The Ameda Purely Yours Ultra Breast Pump is a great value for the price. The basic version without the extra accessories is quite inexpensive, but even the ultra version, which is comparable to the high-end Medela Freestyle breast pump, is nearly $100 cheaper than the Freestyle. This is the best value for the money when it comes to breast pumps.

The Good;

• Double breast pump gets the job done quickly
• Extra bottles and refrigeration bag with the ultra version are very useful
• Battery operation makes for convenient use while traveling
• Closed system means the tubing does not need to be cleaned
• Different versions available at different price points

The Not So Good;

• Requires a total of 6 AA batteries to run. Recommended that you buy some rechargeables.
• Somewhat sporadic operation with cheaper batteries. Again, not an issue with some good rechargeables.

This Breast Pump Is For;

• Mothers looking for a great electric breast pump with portability
• Busy mothers looking for a quick-pumping breast pump
• Those looking for something comparable to high-end Medela pumps for a lower price