Spectra S1 vs. S2: Which Spectra Pump is Best?

The world of breast pumps is surprisingly vast — there are electric, battery-operated and manual options. And, within each category, you’ll find even more nuanced choices — like a double electric or a single pump. And although insurance covers many of the most popular choices on the market, not every carrier covers the same breast pumps. So how does a new mom choose the right one? Narrowing in on Spectra pumps is a good start, since they’re high quality and recognized by insurance companies.

Our gear experts tested and reviewed two of the brand's most reliable, hospital-grade models — the Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2 — to help you ultimately choose the best breast pump for your postpartum journey.

Main Differences Between Spectra S1 and S2

Both the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 are hospital-strength double-electric breast pumps. And although they share most key features, there are some important differences — namely, the S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery, so it’s a more portable breast pump. You can use S1 — the more expensive of the two — without access to an outlet. That said, the S2 is slightly smaller, which is a feature some commuting moms prioritize.

Spectra S1 Plus: Pros and Cons 

• Retail Price: $216
• Amazon Price: $216 
• Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $95
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Breast Pump Type: Double-electric

Best for: Moms who want the option of pumping without access to an electrical outlet

The Spectra S1 is a double-electric breast pump that’s incredibly popular among breastfeeding mothers. That’s because it’s a portable hospital-grade pump that can be used on the go. It has a quiet motor and a built-in rechargeable battery, so you don’t even need access to an outlet.

The Spectra S1 has two pumping settings and nine levels of suction for customization, but works up to a powerful 270 mmHg. Like all Spectra pumps, the Spectra S1 breast pump is a closed system breast pump, which means there’s a built-in backflow protector (a physical barrier between the milk and the pump) to keep things hygienic and the motor running efficiently.

It also has an LCD screen and a built-in night light to help you easily choose your pumping options, plus monitor stats like how long you’ve been pumping for. Once you power it off and turn it back on, its memory will even recall where you last left off.

Overall, the Spectra S1 gets overwhelmingly positive reviews and is a great choice for breastfeeding moms who want a powerful, versatile, and relatively portable breast pump.

Pros 

• Comes with a built-in rechargeable battery
• Powerful, yet quiet hospital-grade motor
• LCD screen with built-in night light and memory recall

Cons 

• More expensive
• Heavier

Our Spectra S1 Review: 

[Shop This Pump]

Spectra S2 Plus: Pros and Cons 

• Retail Price: $172
• Amazon Price: $157
• Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $68
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Breast Pump Type: Double-electric

Best for: Moms who want a hospital-grade pump on a budget

The Spectra S2 breast pump is another double-electric hospital-grade breast pump known for many of the same things as the S1 — most importantly, a powerful but quiet motor and adjustable suction for customization. The Spectra S2 is also relatively affordable and often covered by insurance companies, making it a good option for budget-minded mothers.

Once flanges are in place, the Spectra S2 has two pumping modes: expression and massage. The massage mode comes first — it helps stimulate milk letdown; the expression mode then works to empty the breast quickly. The pump also has two levels of suction, which can be adjusted for comfort while pumping. And like the Spectra S1, the S2 also has a backlit display to help you see important stats at night — a feature that’s key for exclusive pumping.

Overall, the Spectra S2 is a quiet, comfortable, and powerful breast pump that comes at a more affordable price point than the S1.

Pros 

• Only weighs 2.5 pounds
• Less expensive
• Powerful, yet quiet hospital-grade motor
• LCD screen with built-in night light

Cons 

• Does not have a built-in battery pack

Our Spectra S2 Review: 

[Shop This Pump]

Other Spectra Breast Pumps 

If you’re still shopping around, it’s worth knowing a little bit more about some of the other popular breast pumps manufactured by Spectra:

• Spectra S3 Pro: This hospital-strength double-electric breast pump is more powerful than both the S1 and S2. The downside: It’s only available through certain vendors, including medical facilities. It’s also exceptionally expensive.
• Spectra 9 Plus: This is one of the most portable breast pumps out there. It fits in the palm of your hand, and only weighs a half-pound. Unfortunately, it’s a bit less powerful than the Spectra S1 or S2.
• Spectra Synergy Gold: This breast pump has a unique claim to fame you won’t find elsewhere: It has a dual motor that allows breastfeeding moms to adjust each side independently. It’s also a very sleek and sophisticated-looking breast pump.

Spectra Breast Pump Comparison 

Price Comparison 

The Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 are both considered excellent values — they have hospital-grade motors but aren’t as expensive as other popular and portable pumps like the Medela Freestyle. That said, the S2 is the more affordable model. It costs about $44 less, namely because it doesn’t come with the built-in rechargeable battery you get with the S1.

Winner: Spectra S2

Insurance Coverage 

Your health insurance company must cover the cost of a breast pump, but exact coverage varies based on your insurance company. Some may cover both the S1 and the S2, while others may only cover one. Some companies may not cover either, but will cover another brand of breast pump. Because the S2 is the more affordable model, more insurance companies tend to cover this pump in full.

Winner: Spectra S2

Portability Comparison 

Both the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 are relatively portable pumps. The S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery, so you can use it without access to an electrical outlet. However, the S2 is nearly a full pound lighter than the S1 — a consideration for commuting moms who have access to an outlet in their office or car and prefer not to lug around a heavy machine.

Winner: Tie

Vacuum Comparison

Both the S1 and S2 have 270 mmHg motors with vacuum suction up to L12.

Winner: Tie

Features Comparison

The Spectra S1 and S2 have many of the same features, including a built-in night light, multiple expression modes and cycle speeds, variable suction strength, a backflow protector and compatibility with various pump parts and accessories like bottles. Both pumps also come in a single color — the S1 is blue and the S2 is pink. The key difference is that the S1 comes with a rechargeable battery for hands-free pumping sessions on the go.

Winner: Spectra S1

Warranty Comparison

Both breast pumps come with a 90-day limited manufacturer’s parts warranty and a two-year limited manufacturer’s pump warranty.

Winner: Tie

Which Spectra Pump is Best For You? 

Worried about your milk supply? Don’t stress if your insurance doesn’t cover the more expensive S1. Take comfort in the fact that both the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 are hospital-grade breast pumps with powerful enough motors to yield plenty of breast milk for your little one.

Most moms will find that the more budget-friendly S2 is perfectly suitable. It has nearly all of the same great features as the S1, including a built-in night light, multiple expression modes and cycle speeds, variable suction strength, a backflow protector and more. It’s also nearly a full pound lighter!

The only real difference that might justify the splurge for the S1 is the fact that this pump comes with a built-in rechargeable battery — no adapters necessary — for use in places where you might not have access to an outlet.