Spectra S1 vs. S2 Breast Pump (2023 Comparison)

A reliable breast pump is an absolute must for breastfeeding mothers. While mothers who work outside of the home will certainly rely on their breast pump to keep their milk production up and their baby well nourished when they’re away from home, stay-at-home moms may also require a breast pump so that they can keep bottles on hand for baby. 

Spectra breast pumps are a popular option for new moms––and for good reason. Their products deliver hospital-grade pumping, which means that moms enjoy efficient pumping that takes less time out of their busy days. While several breast pumps are available by Spectra, the S1 and S2 breast pumps are especially popular. Let’s compare these different models so that you can find the right Spectra breast pump for your unique needs.

Breast Pump Basics

If you’re a first-time mom, the world of breastfeeding and pumping is probably pretty foreign to you. However, preparing for breastfeeding and pumping doesn’t have to be intimidating. You simply need to be informed. Start your education here by learning about the basics of pumping.

Breast pumps work by mimicking the natural suckling of your baby to stimulate milk production. Most high-quality pumps have various speed levels and suction levels, allowing you to customize the pumping to suit your needs and your comfort level. Several types of breast pumps exist:

• Manual breast pumps are lightweight and inexpensive, and they require you to hand pump the milk, which can result in less efficient milk production.
• Battery-operated breast pumps are more efficient than manual options, but they can burn through batteries quickly. However, they’re convenient to use in the car or when you’re on the go, never requiring you to find a nearby outlet.
• Electric breast pumps are the most efficient option, with some styles offering hospital-grade pumping. Single-electric pumps work on one breast at a time, while double-electric pumps allow you to pump both breasts at once, saving you time.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating Spectra Breast Pumps

While it’s easy to read reviews about breast pumps to learn what other mothers think of the product, you also need to consider your unique needs when choosing a pump. One mother’s pumping needs vary from another’s, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all pump for every mom. On the contrary, there are a range of pumps available, which allow each mother to find one well suited to her needs. Factors to consider when evaluating the breast pumps include the following:

• Size – If you are going to pump exclusively at home, size might not matter too much. However, if you’re taking your breast pump to work or even on an airplane, you want a sleek, lightweight style that’s easy to transport.
• Battery vs. electric – Battery-operated pumps are supremely portable, allowing you to use them anywhere as long as you’re stocked up on batteries. However, electric pumps are more efficient and cut out ongoing battery costs.
• Operating features – LCD screens, easy-to-use buttons, and nightlights can be useful features on breast pumps, so explore them in each model to find the right one to meet your needs.

Spectra S1 vs. S2 Breast Pump: Design

The design of your breast pump is important. It determines how user friendly it is to operate, how comfortable it is to use, and how efficient and effective it is at pumping. So, let’s begin our comparison of the Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps by looking at their design.

Spectra S1

The Spectra S1 is a portable, rechargeable breast pump that is a great option for mothers on the go. Battery-operated styles add a layer of convenience to your pumping routine, allowing you to pump in the car, in the office, or at home with ease. The rechargeable battery reduces the expense of replacing costly batteries frequently. It has a 3-hour battery life, which likely gives you enough power to pump throughout the day and recharge the battery at night. This pump also comes with a 12-volt AC power adapter, allowing you to run it through an outlet as well.

The Spectra S1 has a built-in nightlight, which can make middle-of-the-night pumping sessions easier to do. The LCD screen enhances the pump’s operation, along with user-friendly buttons that allow you to select the speed and suction appropriate for your needs. The Spectra S1 Breast Pump comes in a white and soft blue color combination.

Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 breast pump is exclusively electric. You will use the included 12-volt AC power adapter to operate it. So, when you’re using the Spectra S2, you will need to have access to an electrical outlet. Consider where you will be pumping to determine whether this configuration is suitable for your needs.

Like the S1, the S2 also includes a nightlight that makes nighttime pumping sessions easier. It also features a similar setup with easy-to-use buttons along with an LCD screen that allows you to monitor speed and suction settings. This breast pump comes in a white and soft pink color combination.

Key Differences

The biggest difference in design between the Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps is that the S1 includes a rechargeable battery, while the S2 does not. While both breast pumps have the same dimensions, one model is slightly lighter weight. The S2 weighs a half-pound less than the S1, making it a lighter weight option for transporting the pump to and from home. 

S1 vs. S2 Pumping Features

Another factor to consider when evaluating these two Spectra breast pump models in their pumping capabilities and efficiency. Many of their features, which are celebrated by Spectra-using moms, are similar. The Spectra S1 and S2 pumps are both closed systems, which means that the milk doesn’t get in the pump itself, thereby reducing the risk of mold or bacteria in the pump. Even more, both breast pumps offer a massage mode that most effectively mimics the suckling of your baby. Using this mode can help stimulate milk production as your body responds to this suckling-like motion. 

Further, both pumps are built with backflow protection, which keeps your breast milk safe from potentially harmful bacteria, thereby ensuring every pumping session generates milk that your baby can use. Likewise, the Spectra S1 and S2 pumps offer adjustable suction levels, which help to create a more natural, and thus more productive, flow of milk. So, you’ll enjoy the customizable pumping options no matter the Spectra model you select. Overall, these breast pumps deliver the same pumping capabilities thanks to their high-quality, high-powered design.

S1 vs. S2 Motor

Another similar feature between the S1 and S2 models is that they have the same motor. Luckily for busy moms, this motor is high powered, which means that it can pump efficiently and save you time. The suction rate for the motor on both the S1 and S2 models is 270 mmHg. To no surprise, then, these motors are both equally effective. Plus, both the S1 and S2 models boast a whisper quiet operation, which can be especially useful for moms who need to pump in public. Worrying about the humming of a loud motor in your office, for example, simply isn’t a concern when you’re using either of these Spectra breast pump models.

S1 vs. S2 Price

As you can see, the biggest difference between the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 breast pumps is how they operate: either battery powered and AV powered or just AV powered. So, the price difference between these two pumps depends on what operation you need. Naturally, the S1 model that includes the rechargeable battery is going to cost you more for the convenience. However, the price of convenient battery operation just might be worth it, especially if you need to pump on the go. On the other hand, if you plan to pump exclusively in a space equipped with a nearby outlet, the rechargeable battery isn’t something you need to pay for. Carefully consider your pumping setup when determining how much you should pay for your Spectra breast pump.

Spectra S1 vs. S2: Pros and Cons

Based on reviews of breastfeeding mothers, the Spectra breast pump is going to leave you pleased with its convenience and efficiency, no matter the model you choose. However, evaluating the pros and cons of each model can help you determine the right pump for your unique needs.

Choosing Between the Spectra S1 and S2 Breast Pumps

As this guide has shown, the Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps are quite similar. Both feature hospital-grade motors, efficient pumping, and various settings that allow you to customize your pumping sessions to suit your needs. How you operate the breast pump, then, should be the determining factor in what model you choose. 

For the Mom Who Pumps on the Go

If most of your pumping will take place outside of the house, the Spectra S1 breast pump is the right choice for your needs. The rechargeable battery is an incredibly convenient option if you need to pump and can’t be near an outlet. Whether you’re in an airport waiting to catch a flight, in the car in between meetings, or at an outdoor spot without an outlet power, you will suddenly be grateful for the battery option on your Spectra S1 pump. You always have the alternative to use the AC adapter in situations when you are near an outlet, but you won’t have to rely on it, giving you total flexibility as far as where and when you pump.

For the Mom Who Pumps at Home or in the Office

Why pay extra for features you don’t need? While the rechargeable battery is a useful option for many moms, not everyone needs it. Perhaps you’re a stay-at-home mom who only plans to pump occasionally to keep some extra milk in the fridge. Or, you’re a working mom who has an office that’s well suited for pumping with an electrical outlet nearby. In these situations, you can opt for the Spectra S2 breast pump, which delivers all of the features of the S1 pump without the battery that you may not need. 

Spectra Breast Pumps: The Bottom Line

Whether you choose the Spectra S1 or Spectra S2 model, you’re going to be pleased with your choice. Spectra breast pumps are top-of-the-line options that come with all of the accessories you need to operate your pump easily and efficiently. Hospital-grade motors ensure you spend less time pumping while optimizing output. So, shop confidently as you compare these Spectra models, and make your choice with this guide in mind.