Zomee Vs. Medela Breast Pump: Which One Is Better?

As a new mom, I quickly learned that choosing a breast pump is like picking the right pair of jeans—fit, comfort, and functionality matter.

After countless hours of pumping, researching, and comparing, I’m breaking down my experience with the Zomee and Medela breast pumps.

 My goal is to help you navigate these two popular brands, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to find what suits your breastfeeding journey.

 From suction strength to portability, I’ll share my firsthand insights, a detailed comparison, and answers to common questions to guide your decision.

Comparison Table: Zomee Vs. Medela

My Pumping Journey: Why This Comparison Matters

When my daughter was born, I was determined to breastfeed, but life had other plans. Between work, errands, and the chaos of new motherhood, pumping became my lifeline.

 I needed a pump that could keep up with my schedule, feel comfortable, and—let’s be honest—not sound like a lawnmower.

 After trying both Zomee and Medela pumps, I realized each has unique strengths that cater to different needs. Zomee’s wearable design appealed to my on-the-go lifestyle, while Medela’s reputation for reliability made it a contender. Here’s how they stacked up in my experience.

Zomee Breast Pump: A Wearable Wonder

The Zomee Fit, a wearable double electric pump, caught my eye because it promised hands-free convenience. As a mom juggling a toddler and a newborn, the idea of pumping while chasing my kids or cooking dinner sounded like a dream. Here’s what I found.

Key Features of Zomee Fit

• Wearable Design: The Zomee Fit slips into your bra, with no external motor or dangling tubes. Each pump weighs about 8 ounces, making it feel like a natural extension of your body.
• Suction Strength: It boasts up to 280 mmHg, which Zomee markets as hospital-grade strength. I found it powerful enough to empty me efficiently, though not as intense as some traditional pumps.
• Battery Life: The rechargeable battery lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, good for 2-3 pumping sessions. I could pump at work without worrying about a dead battery.
• Flange Options: It comes with 17mm, 21mm, and 25mm silicone flanges, which felt softer than plastic ones. The flexibility helped me avoid discomfort during long sessions.
• Capacity: Each side holds 6 ounces, with 7-ounce containers available separately. This was a lifesaver during my oversupply days.
• Controls: No app here—just simple buttons on the pump for adjusting suction (15 levels) and modes (stimulation and expression). A built-in timer tracks session length.

Pros of Zomee Fit

• Hands-Free Freedom: I could pump while folding laundry or answering emails. The in-bra design meant no awkward tubing or heavy motor to lug around.
• Comfortable Flanges: The silicone flanges molded to my breasts, reducing pinching. This was a game-changer compared to harder plastic options.
• Affordable Price: At around $175-$200, it’s budget-friendly for a wearable pump, especially if insurance covers it.
• Decent Suction: The 280 mmHg suction felt strong yet gentle, mimicking my baby’s nursing rhythm. I got good output, often matching my traditional pump.
• Portable: Lightweight and compact, it fit easily in my purse. I even pumped discreetly at a coffee shop once—no one noticed.

Cons of Zomee Fit

• Noise Level: It’s not silent. The pump hums at a moderate level, noticeable in quiet settings. I wouldn’t use it in a meeting without background noise to mask it.
• Cleaning Challenges: The small bottle opening made cleaning tricky. A standard brush didn’t fit well, and I had to buy a narrower one. Dishwasher-safe parts helped, but hand-washing was a hassle.
• No App Connectivity: Unlike some competitors, Zomee lacks an app to track sessions or adjust settings remotely. I didn’t miss this much, but tech-savvy moms might.
• Leaking Issues: If I moved too much (like bending over), I occasionally had leaks. Proper flange sizing and positioning were critical to avoid spills.
• Limited Replacement Parts: Finding spare parts was tough. I had to order directly from Zomee’s website, which took longer than I liked.

Medela Breast Pumps: The Trusted Classic

Medela is a household name, and for good reason—it’s been a go-to for moms for decades. I tested two models: the Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow (a traditional double electric pump) and the Medela Freestyle Flex (a portable double electric pump). Each had its own vibe, so I’ll break them down separately.

Key Features of Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow

• Traditional Design: This is a tabletop pump with a motor unit, tubing, and collection bottles. It’s designed for home or work use, weighing about 1 pound.
• Suction Strength: Up to 250 mmHg, with two-phase expression technology (stimulation and expression modes) to mimic a baby’s sucking pattern.
• Battery Life: An optional battery pack provides about 2 hours of pumping time, but it requires 8 AA batteries, which felt excessive.
• Flange Sizes: Includes 24mm and 27mm plastic flanges; other sizes (21mm, 30mm, 36mm) are sold separately.
• Capacity: Each bottle holds 5 ounces, sufficient for most sessions but less than Zomee’s 6 ounces.
• Ease of Use: Simple dial controls adjust suction and speed. No digital screen or timer, so I used my phone to track sessions.

Pros of Medela Pump In Style

• Reliable Performance: This pump got the job done. I consistently emptied in 15-20 minutes, and the two-phase technology triggered letdowns quickly.
• Easy to Clean: With fewer parts than some pumps, cleaning was straightforward. All parts (except the motor) were dishwasher-safe.
• Widely Available Parts: Medela parts are sold everywhere—drugstores, big-box retailers, online. I never worried about replacements.
• Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans fully cover this model, which saved me hundreds of dollars.
• Sturdy Design: The pump felt durable, surviving multiple drops when my toddler got curious.

Cons of Medela Pump In Style

• Loud Operation: This pump was noisy, like a humming refrigerator. Late-night sessions woke my partner, which wasn’t ideal.
• Limited Portability: The 1-pound motor and tubing made it less convenient for travel. I left it at home most days.
• Battery Pack Woes: The battery pack guzzled batteries, and recharging wasn’t an option. I ended up tethered to an outlet more often than not.
• Plastic Flanges: The hard plastic flanges pinched occasionally, especially if I didn’t get the fit just right. Silicone inserts helped but cost extra.
• No Timer or Screen: Without a digital display, I had to guess settings in dim light, which was annoying for night pumping.

Key Features of Medela Freestyle Flex

• Portable Design: The Freestyle Flex has a small motor (about 10 ounces total with cups) connected to collection cups via tubing. It’s not fully wearable but more mobile than the Pump In Style.
• Suction Strength: Also up to 250 mmHg, with the same two-phase technology as the Pump In Style.
• Battery Life: A built-in rechargeable battery lasts about 2 hours, good for a day’s worth of sessions.
• Flange Sizes: Comes with 21mm and 24mm flanges; others available separately.
• Capacity: Holds 4 ounces per side, the smallest of the three pumps I tested.
• App Connectivity: The MyMedela app tracks sessions, monitors milk volume, and adjusts settings. I loved the data it provided.

Pros of Medela Freestyle Flex

• Portability: The lightweight motor fit in my pocket, and the tubing didn’t bother me much. I pumped while commuting without issue.
• App Integration: The MyMedela app was a game-changer, letting me track output and session times. It felt like having a lactation consultant in my phone.
• Comfortable Fit: The flanges were an improvement over the Pump In Style, with a better contour for my breasts.
• Quiet Operation: Quieter than the Pump In Style, it was discreet enough for public settings with some background noise.
• Easy Cleaning: Only three parts per side needed washing, and they were dishwasher-safe, saving me time.

Cons of Medela Freestyle Flex

• Small Capacity: The 4-ounce bottles filled up fast during my oversupply phase, forcing me to pause and transfer milk mid-session.
• Pricey: At $300-$350 without insurance, it’s a big investment. Even with partial coverage, I paid a $50 upgrade fee.
• Tubing Hassle: The tubing tangled if I wasn’t careful, and it felt less discreet than a fully wearable pump.
• Vibration: The motor vibrated more than I liked, leaving a slight buzzing sensation post-pumping.
• App Dependency: The app was great, but I felt reliant on it for optimal use, which wasn’t ideal when my phone died.

Read More: My Thoughts On Lansinoh Signature Pro Vs. Smartpump

Head-To-Head: Zomee Vs. Medela

Comparing these pumps felt like choosing between a sports car and a reliable SUV. Zomee’s wearable design screamed convenience, while Medela offered tried-and-true performance. Here’s how they differ across key factors.

Suction Strength and Efficiency

Zomee’s 280 mmHg suction edged out Medela’s 250 mmHg, but the difference was subtle. Zomee’s 15 suction levels gave me more control, especially on lower settings for comfort. Medela’s two-phase technology, however, was a standout—it mimicked my baby’s nursing pattern so well that I often got faster letdowns. The Pump In Style emptied me in about 15 minutes, while the Freestyle Flex took closer to 20. Zomee matched the Pump In Style for speed but sometimes left me feeling slightly less empty, especially on busy days when my supply dipped.

Comfort

Zomee’s silicone flanges were a clear winner for comfort. They felt soft and flexible, reducing irritation during long sessions. Medela’s plastic flanges, especially on the Pump In Style, occasionally pinched, and I needed silicone inserts for a better fit. The Freestyle Flex was better but still not as cozy as Zomee. For moms with sensitive nipples, Zomee’s design is a lifesaver.

Portability

Zomee took the crown here. Its in-bra design let me move freely—pumping while grocery shopping or playing with my toddler was no problem. The Freestyle Flex was portable but required managing the motor and tubing, which felt clunky on the go. The Pump In Style was the least mobile, best suited for stationary use at home or work. If you’re always on the move, Zomee’s hands-free design is unmatched.

Noise Level

Medela’s Pump In Style was the loudest, making it tough for discreet or nighttime use. The Freestyle Flex was quieter, with a gentle hum that blended into background noise. Zomee fell in the middle—not silent but manageable in public with some ambient sound. For quiet settings, the Freestyle Flex or a silent manual pump might be better.

Ease of Cleaning

Medela won for simplicity. Both the Pump In Style and Freestyle Flex had fewer parts, and their wider bottle openings made cleaning a breeze. Zomee’s small bottle opening was a pain, often requiring a special brush or careful dishwasher placement. If you hate scrubbing tiny parts, Medela’s design will save you time.

Price and Insurance

Both brands are often covered by insurance, but Medela’s Pump In Style is more likely to be fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost. Zomee and the Freestyle Flex sometimes require a small upgrade fee ($50-$100). Without insurance, Zomee is the most affordable at $175-$200, followed by the Pump In Style ($200-$250) and the Freestyle Flex ($300-$350).

Technology and Features

Medela’s Freestyle Flex stood out with its app, which tracked my milk output and session history—perfect for data nerds like me. Zomee and the Pump In Style rely on manual controls, which are simple but lack the high-tech appeal. Zomee’s built-in timer was handy, though, and I didn’t miss the app as much as I expected.

Durability and Parts Availability

Medela’s widespread availability made it easy to find replacement parts, from flanges to tubing, at any major retailer. Zomee’s parts were harder to source, often requiring online orders with longer wait times. Both pumps felt durable, but Medela’s established reputation gave me more confidence in its longevity.

My Real-World Experience

Using Zomee was like having a personal assistant. I pumped while driving to work (carefully, of course) and even during a family picnic. The freedom was liberating, but the occasional leak and cleaning struggles frustrated me. Medela’s Pump In Style was my go-to at home—reliable, fast, and no-nonsense, though its noise and lack of portability were drawbacks. The Freestyle Flex bridged the gap, offering portability and app support, but its small capacity and price tag made me hesitate. Each pump shone in different scenarios, but none was perfect for every moment.

Which Pump Should You Choose?

Your lifestyle and priorities will dictate the best choice. If you’re a busy mom who needs to pump on the go, Zomee’s wearable design and affordability make it a strong contender. It’s ideal for multitasking or discreet pumping in public. If you prioritize reliability and don’t mind staying stationary, Medela’s Pump In Style is a budget-friendly, insurance-covered option that delivers consistent results. For a mix of portability and tech, the Freestyle Flex is great, but only if you’re willing to pay more.

I leaned toward Zomee for its hands-free convenience, but I kept my Pump In Style for home sessions when I needed maximum efficiency. The Freestyle Flex was my least-used, mainly because of its cost and smaller bottles. Think about where and how often you’ll pump, your budget, and whether you value tech features like an app. Trying different flange sizes with either brand is also key—comfort can make or break your pumping experience.

Read More: My Thoughts On Philips Avent Breast Pump Vs. Spectra

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Pumping Journey, Your Choice

Navigating the world of breast pumps can feel overwhelming, but you’ve got this. My experience with Zomee and Medela taught me that no pump is one-size-fits-all. Zomee’s wearable design gave me freedom to pump anywhere, while Medela’s reliability kept my supply steady. Weigh your priorities—portability, comfort, or budget—and consider trying both if you can. Whatever you choose, the right pump will empower you to balance motherhood with your busy life. Let me know your thoughts or questions—I’m here to help you find what works.