Spectra s1 vs medela pump in style max flow

As two of the most popular breast pump brands, Medela and Spectra are excellent choices for expectant moms to consider as they prepare to breastfeed. However, it’s not always easy to know which of these brands has the best breast pump for you! Medela and Spectra breast pumps have plenty of benefits in common, but there may be certain models that come with features designed to meet your unique needs. Read below to learn more about Medela vs. Spectra breast pumps with help from Pumps for Mom!

An Overview of Medela Breast Pumps

Medela didn’t become one of the most highly recommended breast pump brands overnight. For over 20 years, Medela has been creating reliable and high-performing breast pumps that give moms the flexibility to breastfeed in the way that works best for them. Their original 2-Phase Expression® technology, which is featured in most of their breast pump models, imitates how babies naturally feed at the breast. Medela has continued to update their best-performing breast pumps so that each generation of nursing moms gets to enjoy an improved breast pumping experience. The classic Medela Pump in Style® breast pump has gotten a modern update and now features MaxFlowTM technology for enhanced performance and portability.

An Overview of Spectra Breast Pumps

Spectra breast pumps are developed with real breastfeeding moms in mind. With some of the highest suction on the market and motors that make little to no noise, Spectra breast pumps are designed to make moms’ lives easier. Additionally, Spectra offers several options depending on specific features that a mom may be looking for, including optional battery power, hospital-grade strength, and plenty of customizable settings. Two of Spectra’s most popular breast pumps are the S1Plus and the S2Plus, thanks to their reliability and excellent suction strength. Spectra’s newest breast pump, the Synergy Gold, takes advanced and customizable breast pumping to a whole new level. This high-end option delivers the classic Spectra features, plus the ability to adjust pumping settings independently for each breast. 

Medela vs. Spectra Breast Pumps

With several different models of breast pumps to meet moms’ different financial and breast pumping needs, Medela and Spectra breast pumps are excellent options for expectant moms to get ready to breastfeed. However, there are some slight differences between the brands that may make a difference to a new mom! Spectra breast pumps generally weigh slightly more than other pumps, but this additional weight allows for a more powerful motor and better suction. On the other hand, Medela breast pumps typically weigh less for improved portability, although they sacrifice some suction strength. When considering Medela vs. Spectra breast pumps, moms may want to decide if portability or suction strength is more important to their breast pumping experience.

Perhaps most importantly, insurance providers offer vastly different coverage for breast pumps, and some plans may only cover certain models of Medela or Spectra breast pumps. Before getting attached to a specific breast pump, moms should work with the maternity product specialists at Pumps for Mom to verify which brands and pumps are covered by their insurance. Whether you are still trying to decide between Medela vs. Spectra or are considering another breast pump brand,

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Spectra s1 vs medela pump in style max flow

Photo by Canva Pro

Two of the best breast pumps on the market come from Spectra and Medela. So, when you’re weighing up the Spectra vs Medela, how do you come to a decision?

Well, let’s take a look at the different features, options, pros, cons, and prices for both of these popular breast pump models. We’ll compare the Spectra breast pump vs Medela to figure out which is the best one for you and your baby.

We’re all different, though, and we all want different things. So, when comparing the Spectra s1 vs Medela, there may not be a clear winner. Instead, breaking down the pros and cons of both should help you to figure out which one is right for you, personally. The best breast pump for you may be different from my choice, and that’s fine! You need to find your ideal pump; that’s what’s important!

Read next: Spectra s2 vs s1 – Which breast pump is better?

Table of Contents

  • Spectra vs Medela
  • Spectra Pump: Features and Benefits
    • The features of the Spectra breast pumps also include:
  • Medela Pump: Features and Benefits
    • The features of the Medela breast pump also include:
  • Difference Between Medela and Spectra
    • Price
    • Portability
    • Do you have low milk supply?
  • Which is better?
  • More stuff you’ll love

Spectra vs Medela

For this comparison, we’ll be looking at the Spectra s1 and Spectra s2 models, and the Medela Freestyle Flex.

The Spectra s1 and s2 are almost identical, with a few minor differences: the Spectra s1 costs a few dollars more due to its rechargeable battery, while the Spectra s2 must be plugged into the wall at all times in order to work.

This minor difference means it’s easy to compare the Spectra s2 vs Medela Freestyle Flex or the Medela vs Spectra s1 because the s1 and s2 models are almost identical.

Below, I’ve made a side-by-side comparison of the two brands:

Spectra vs MedelaSpectra S1 and S2Medela Freestyle FlexPriceCheck price Check priceWarranty2 years1 yearWeight1.36 kg560gNight lightYesNoCar AdapterBuy SeparatelyBuy SeparatelyBatteryS1 no / S2 yes8AA (not included)Pump StyleDouble ElectricDouble ElectricSystemClosed SystemOpen SystemSettingsAdjustableDialDisplayLCDNoneBottles2 Included4 IncludedPlastic FreeBPA FreeBPA FreeCoolerBuy SeparatelyIncluded

Spectra Pump: Features and Benefits

The Spectra s1 and s2 are popular and reliable breast pumps for good reason. They hit a very reasonable price point and offer a lot of value for that money.

Both models of Spectra breast pump weigh 3lbs (1.36kg), with the s1 coming in a shade of baby blue and the s2 being a soft pink color.

As I’ve already mentioned, the s2 must be plugged into the wall at all times, while the Spectra s1 has a rechargeable battery which can last up to three hours once fully charged. This allows for a lot of added portability within the house or when on the road. Pair the s1 with the right bag and you have a travel-ready breast pump.

Read next: How to use the Spectra breast pump

Both Spectra models are also extremely quiet — possibly the quietest breast pump on the market. Spectra claims that the noise level of its breast pumps is somewhere between your average computer and refrigerator, measuring at approximately 45 decibels.

Get the Spectra S2 here

Get the Spectra S1 here

The features of the Spectra breast pumps also include:

  • A timer function (which lets you know when to stop pumping)
  • A cycle speed control
  • Single and double pumping options
  • A night light function for late-night pumping
  • LCD screen for you to cycle through options and settings
  • 2-year warranty from the date of purchase

Medela Pump: Features and Benefits

The Medela Freestyle Flex has a high price point, but it’s easy to see why. You’re getting a lot of added benefits for this higher price.

This lightweight breast pump weighs only 560g and has a rechargeable battery that can last for eight double-pumping sessions. This long battery and light weight makes for a very free and portable breast pump that you can easily take with you anywhere, any time.

The Medela pump also comes with a free MyMedela app, which the Freestyle Flex can connect to. This app tracks and monitors your pumping progress.

This unique breast pump uses a PersonalFit Flex breast shield which improves milk flow and provides overflow protection while pumping.

Something else that makes this a very technologically advanced and convenient breast pump is the Medela Freestyle Flex’s USB connection and bluetooth capabilities. Charging via USB gives you a lot more freedom to easily recharge your breast pump while on the road.

Get the Medela Freestyle Flex here

The features of the Medela breast pump also include:

  • An oval shape with a ​​flexible rim can be rotated 360 degrees
  • The option to double-pump in order to produce 18% more milk
  • 2-phase Expression™ technology which mimics the sucking rhythm of your baby
  • A compact size with dimensions of: 19.5 x 13.5 x 23 cm

Difference Between Medela and Spectra

When comparing the Spectra vs Medela pump, a few key similarities and differences become clear, and it’s vital that we weigh up your options when looking at the Medela pump vs Spectra in order to choose the right one for you.

With these two brands having different price points, it’s important to consider how much you can, and are willing to, spend, as well as how much you actually need to spend, based on your lifestyle.

Read next: 10 best bottle warmers (for all budgets!)

Price

When comparing the price of the Medela versus Spectra, the Medela costs roughly double. For that extra money, you’re getting something that weighs half as much and is far more portable. This means that the Medela Freestyle Flex is far more suited to mothers on the road.

Portability

If, like me, you have a busy life; you’re always traveling and out on the road; you’re often going from home to work to shopping to weekends away, then the Medela breast pump becomes a necessity, and it really justifies its higher price.

If, however, you’re usually pumping at home, and the portability really isn’t an issue for you, then the Spectra s2 is more than good enough and you don’t need to shell out more money for the Medela unnecessarily. For this reason, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and your needs before deciding how much you need to spend.

Do you have low milk supply?

Another benefit of the Medela, however, is that it’s the best breast pump for low milk supply. This pump’s unique PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield adds extra comfort and encourages milk flow. Couple that with the 2-phase Expression™ technology which mimics your baby’s sucking rhythm and you have the best breast pump for low milk supply.

Which is better?

Comparing the Spectra vs Medela comes down to what you need out of a breast pump. The Medela undeniable comes with more features, including a useful and free app. It also has a light weight and increased portability. But all of that comes with a far higher price point. If the portability is going to be a lifesaver for you, the price is certainly worth it. If it’s not necessary, then save the money and pick up a Spectra instead.

Personally, I love the Spectra S1. Its ability to customize settings, the timer, and the quieter sound make it a winner for me.

More stuff you’ll love

  • 10 bottle feeding must haves that’ll make your life easier
  • Spectra s2 vs s1 – Which breast pump is better?
  • How to use the Spectra breast pump
  • How to warm bottles on the go (5 easy tips)
  • Alimentum vs Nutramigen – which baby formula is better?

About the Author: Mama Miri

I’m a mama of two boys, and I'll help you be the mom you want to be. Parenting is hard enough without all the guilt. So let’s stop trying to be perfect moms and just be real ones.

Is Medela or Spectra S1 better?

We prefer the Spectra S1 because it allows you to control both the number of cycles per minute and the vacuum level. This flexibility makes it incredibly comfortable to use and allows you to fine-tune your pumping routine as your needs and those of your baby change.

Which is better Spectra S2 or Medela Max Flow?

In choosing between Spectra vs Medela, we recommend getting Spectra S2 because it has a quieter yet stronger pump. Also, it's more hygienic, cheaper, lighter, and comes with a longer warranty.

Which breast pump has the strongest suction?

If you're trying to initiate or increase your breast milk supply, a hospital-grade pump will provide more suction your breasts are needing. The Medela Symphony is the choice of many hospitals.

Is Spectra more comfortable than Medela?

The Medela Pump in Style is the quieter of the two pumps, is incredibly comfortable, and the built-in battery pack allows you to pump on the go. However, the Spectra S2 has a clear digital display, a built-in night-light, and you can adjust the suction strength and speed separately, all features the Medela lacks.