Spectra Breast Pumps: S1 vs S2, and How to Choose (2021)

Spectra offers two fantastic breast pumps – the S1 and the S2. What are the differences, and which one is right for you? Here are the features of each pump, and what you need to know to choose between the two Spectra breast pumps.

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What factors should you consider in choosing a breast pump?

Buying a breast pump – especially if you are planning on exclusively pumping – is a huge commitment, and kind of nerve-wracking. You’re going to be spending two hours a day hooked up to your pump, but often you have to buy it without trying it out or seeing it in person.

When I got my last pump through insurance, I spent two hours staring at the website trying to figure out which one I should get.

The best way to determine to which pump you want is to think about what features are most important to you. Examples might be:

• Mobility (whether or not an electric outlet is required, size)
• Noise (for example, being able to pump while you’re on the phone)
• Usability (features like timers, settings)
• Price

Let’s talk about the different features that the S1 and S2 have.

Spectra S1 vs S2 Comparison

Below is a quick comparison between the two pumps at a glance.

How are the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 models similar?

The S1 and S2 Spectra models are double electric breast pumps. (A “double” pump means that you can pump both breasts at the same time using it. If you’d like to pump on just one side, it’s possible to set it up to that, too.)

Each has a “massage mode” to help with the letdown reflex, and an “expression mode” for once your milk has let down.

The following features are included with both models:

• An auto-timer (which I have always found really useful for knowing when I should stop pumping).
• A backlight, so you can see the settings and the timer in the dark.
• Adjustable suction and cycle control. (More on Spectra settings here.)
• The ability to check and see how many hours you’ve pumped
• A two year warranty from date of purchase.

How are the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 models different?

There are two differences – rechargeable battery and size.

• The S1 has a rechargeable battery; the S2 does not.
• The S2 is slightly smaller than the S1.

What are the pros to getting a Spectra Breast Pump?

The three biggest advantages to Spectra pumps cited by users that I interviewed in the Facebook group were comfort, noise level, and customer service.

1. Comfort

Many Spectra users said that what they liked most about their pump was that it was much gentler than other pumps they’d used. “I liked it much better compared to my Pump in Style because it was kinder to my nipples,” said Lisa, who used the S1.

Michelle said, “My experience is it’s much softer than my other pump. I got the same output, but it made the experience so much better.”

2. Pump Noise (or lack thereof)

The Spectra website states that the pumps are about 45 decibels, which is somewhere between a computer and refrigerator in terms of noise level.

Cari, a Spectra S2 user, said, “I would use it while on conference calls at work and no one knew.”

3. Customer Service

Everyone that I interviewed said that Spectra customer service was very responsive and helpful. Many people suggested reaching out for help on Facebook messenger.

“When my pump lost suction, they sent me new tubing and a new pump overnight. They said compare both and decide which I wanted to keep,” said Cari.

Are there any cons to Spectra Breast Pumps?

These two pumps are a little bigger and less portable than some of the other pumps on the market. However, those smaller pumps (like the Freestyle Flex or the Willow) are often much more expensive.

Note: Idaho Jones does make a pump belt that you can use to “wear” your Spectra and be more mobile. (It’s basically a fanny pack that’s designed to hold your pump.) You can check it out here and use the code EPUMP10 for 10% off!

Depending on where you live, it may be challenging to go to the store and pick up replacement parts in an emergency (if yours break or you lose a piece). You may want to stock up on extra parts to avoid issues with this.

How do the Spectra pumps compare to Medela pumps?

The S1 and the Medela Freestyle Flex are pretty comparable, given that they each have a rechargeable battery and are both reasonably easy to move around with. (The Freestyle Flex has a lanyard, and the S1 has a handle to make carrying it easier.)

The S2 is more equivalent to the Medela Pump in Style, given the need for an outlet. Here is a detailed comparison of the pros and cons of the Pump in Style and the Spectra S2.

If you’re buying your breast pump out of pocket, the Medela pumps are generally at a higher price point than the Spectra pumps. The exact prices fluctuate but generally the Medela pumps are $50-$80 more than the comparable Spectra pumps.

What if you already have a Medela pump?

If you already have a Medela Pump in Style (or a different pump that uses PISA pump parts), it is possible to use Medela pump parts with a Spectra.

This can be useful if you want to continue to use your old pump parts versus buying all new sets, or if you prefer Medela pump parts. (Some people prefer pump parts with a separate flange and connector – it can make using a hands-free pumping bra easier, for example.)

More on how to do this here.

So what’s the bottom line? Should I get a Spectra S1 or S2?

Having a rechargeable battery makes life so much easier – especially if you’re exclusively pumping or will need to move around when you pump. Therefore, I’d highly recommend choosing the S1 if your budget allows.

If your insurance only covers an S2, check and see if they offer the option to upgrade. Some insurance companies offer basic pumps free through insurance, as well as the ability to pay the price difference between the basic pump and an upgraded pump.

This process might sound complicated but it isn’t – you can fill out a short form here, and then a breast pump specialist will walk you through your options.

If you’ve used any of the Spectra pumps, please feel free to chime in with your experience in the comments!

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