REASONS TO BUY
Accessories
Power options
REASONS TO AVOID
Price
No interface
Doesn't track
Better plugged in
Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow Review
A breast pump that includes everything you need for on-the-go pumping, but its minimal interface and premium price point leave room for improvement
The Medela Pump in Style offers the flexibility of single or double electric pumping. This allows you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ March 11, 2025
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: The Best Breast Pumps of 2025
Our Verdict
The Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow is a double electric breast pump, allowing you to pump both breasts simultaneously. It can be powered via a wall outlet or a battery backup pack. It also comes with more extras than any other pump we tested, including a pump bag, an insulated milk storage bag, bottles, and more. We appreciate the extra thought given to the silicone breast flange, which boosts comfort. It has a closed system, which is hygienic and prevents the backflow of milk or condensation in the tubing. However, this pump is not the quietest and may disturb a sleeping partner or baby. While it has advantages, we believe there are better, more affordable breast pumps.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Medela is a family-run business that places a strong emphasis on supporting breastfeeding.
Many users consider the Pump In Style with Max Flow a decent option for regular pumping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficiency
The Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow had a consistent and effective latch, with a steady milk output, averaging about 0.24 oz of milk per minute. A 20-minute pumping session yielded 4.75 - 5 oz of milk. Milk began pooling within the flange, and this temporary blockage required clearing. While this issue didn't occur more than once, it's something to watch for.
The difference between our pressure gauge reading and the manufacturer's claim struck us as particularly interesting. Our gauge showed 160 mmHg at maximum intensity level, and the company claims it can reach 295 mmHg. Despite this variance, this pump maintained a secure seal.
The breast shields on the Medela have soft silicone rims to enhance comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
Comfort is key, and this pump has several features that benefit comfort. It comes with 24 mm oval-shaped breast shields. It has two modes, stimulation and expression, along a range of 10 vacuum levels. This allows customized pumping, dialing in the comfort and efficiency that best suits you. The pump will automatically transition from stimulation to expression after a minute, and it remembers your favorite level from the stimulation phase and gently guides you back to it. The Y-shaped tubing offers single or double pumping options.
Many users appreciate the silicone edges on the Medela flanges over rigid plastic edges.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The real comfort perk is the soft, smooth, and flexible rims on the breast shields. It's a game-changer compared to the pumps with rigid plastic edges and an upgrade from Medela flanges in the past, which were hard, hard plastic.
Without a digital display screen, the Medela Pump in Style with Max Flow lacks visual feedback and information. However, the button-based interface is straightforward to adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Medela's comprehensive package of extras and accessories, including a stylish bag, pump parts, four bottles, and an insulated bag with an ice pack, enhances its overall value for users. The interface is easy to use and doesn't require extensive manual reading to decipher. However, the quick start guide is almost too simple, and we wish it had more details to give users a deeper understanding of its features and functionalities. It lacks a screen, so it doesn't track information, and you have to manage and monitor everything so you don't forget your suction level or time pumping.
The user interface on the Medela Pump in Style is easy to use but doesn't give any information, such as what suction level you are on or how long you've been pumping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
The Pump in Style offers two power options: plugging it into the wall or using the battery pack, which uses 8 AA batteries. Unfortunately, the battery pack feels cheaper. Interestingly, some users noticed that the suction power took a nosedive when they used the battery pack. So, many moms, including us, use it plugged into the wall, as it offers the best performance.
The Medela Pump in Style comes with a lunchbox-like container.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Size-wise, this pump is in the middle of the pack, weighing 1.5 lbs. We think you'll have no problem transporting it around, but it isn't the lightest.
This pump is loud. At the highest setting, we recorded 59 dB, and it makes a distinctive thumping noise with a touch of rattle, but it's not ear-piercing. You'll notice it, but it's not obnoxious. However, if a quiet pump is important to you, this isn't the best choice.
Hygiene
The Pump in Style has a closed system. That means you won't have to worry about condensation building up in the tubing or any breast milk sneaking back into the motor. When it comes to cleaning, a bottle brush will do. This pump includes five parts to wash for pumping, six if you count the bottle lid. All of the parts are dishwasher-safe except for the tubing.
The Medela Pump in Style includes useful accessories, including a tote bag, making it easy to carry your pump and accessories.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow?
The Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow is packed with a range of handy accessories, adding to its appeal in terms of cost and overall value. It includes everything you need to get started with pumping, especially if you're a working mom. While it faced some challenges in our tests, struggling to compare with top-tier pumps, it's a good pump. While we would select other pumps over this one, we think you will likely be happy with it should you receive it as a gift.
What Other Breast Pumps Should You Consider?
Among top-ranked breast pumps, the Spectra S1 Plus is a strong performer if you prioritize efficiency. It's ideal for establishing and maintaining milk supply, especially for those who are pumping regularly. If you have a choice, we prefer it over the Medela. If cost is a concern or you want something more portable, the Baby Buddha is a cost-effective option with above-average efficiency, and it's impressively compact. While it doesn't come with accessories like the Medela, it's affordable and leaves room in your budget to purchase other items you may need for pumping.
Manufacturer Video
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