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What Is The Best Spectra Breast Pump?

What Is The Best Spectra Breast Pump?

When you have a breast pump brand like Spectra, it’s hard to choose which one is the best one. The brand offers just a few electric pump options, but when it comes down to it, which is the best Spectra breast pump overall?

Each option may be better than the last, which makes choosing a breast pump between the four pumps that much harder. The Spectra S1 Plus and S2 Plus are similar enough in design, but then you have the Spectra 9 Plus, which is a much more compact and portable option from the Spectra brand. And the Dew 350 is perfect for babies who need milk more frequently.

If true portability is what you’re looking for, then the Spectra 9 Plus may be best for you. But the S1 and S2 Plus options do offer strong motors and a potentially more powerful pumping experience if that’s what you need. Obviously your choice between the four pumps is going to rely heavily on your specific needs, so first, you need to look at all three options to determine what Spectra pump is best. Not necessarily which one is the be all/end all best pump, but which is the best for you and your needs.

Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump

spectra s1

The Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump is easily one of the top pumps out there period, let alone one of the better Spectra pumps. But what sets it apart from the other impressive electric pumps from the Spectra brand is its rechargeable battery and also the ability to use the pump with the accompanying AC adapter. The S1 is also a closed system pump so you can be sure that no pumped milk will leak into the valves and no airflow will get through.

As a hospital grade pump, you can use it as a single breast pump or a double and thanks to its lightweight design, it’s fairly easy to take it with you anywhere you might need it away from home. It has let-down and expression modes to get the most out of each pumping session as well as 12 different suction levels to choose from.

The pump itself comes with two bottles for milk storage and also feeding on if needed, a power cord and adapter, and two different sizes of breast flange fit.

Features

  • Ease Of Use: You can use it discreetly away from home and then store it away when it’s not in use, and it’s simple to get used to the controls on the panel on top.
  • Battery Or Wall Plugin: This one has a built-in rechargeable battery but also comes with an AC wall adapter.
  • Cleaning: Since the pump has a tubing closed system, you don’t need to clean the inside of the tubes, but you can wipe the outside of the pump with an antibacterial wipe.
  • Price: Check out the latest price on Amazon
  • Where To Buy: You can purchase it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon or in-store at Buy Buy Baby.
  • Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on the Spectra S1 Plus.

Pros

  • It has a massage mode to ease you into pumping each time.
  • The motor is relatively quiet, which allows for easy pumping at the office if needed.
  • It has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • While you can’t attach the pump to your waistband, it is lightweight enough to carry around the house as you pump.
  • There are 12 suction levels to choose from.

Cons

  • While it does have a rechargeable battery, the battery itself lasts only three hours per charge.
  • Once you charge the pump, it can take several hours to get a full charge.
  • The nightlight feature on the pump’s display can contribute to the battery losing charge more quickly.
  • New breast pump parts, such as other breast flanges, are on the pricier side.

Reviews

“Wow. Just wow. Why did I not hear of this pump sooner? Comfortable, portable, lightweight, oh and more than double the milk!! Seriously, it is almost a crime that the insurance companies just give out inferior pumps when this is available.” – Candice Hansen on Amazon.

“I cannot say enough good things about this pump. I have tried Ameda (throw it in the ocean or burn it), Medela pump in style (decent pump) and I have tried the golden cup of pumps (Medela Symphony Breast Pump), but Spectra is the best for affordable home pumps. They are gentle and collect more milk than the Medela and Ameda. It is portable with customization settings and gentle suckling action.” – K. Fenton on Amazon.

“I love this pump. Long story short, I have to do exclusive pumping. After returning home from the hospital, I rented a Medela Lactina after using the Medela Symphony in the hospital not only because of engorgement but the pump I had gotten just wasn’t strong enough to pull my milk. This made my only pumping option to be hospital grade pumps. I know many believe that Medela is the top of the line product and perhaps it works for some, but I was not impressed with the Lactina” – Lux on Amazon.

“Wonderful pump! I am an exclusive pumper due to latching issues with our two months old baby, so I needed a really good pump as we were going to spend a lot of time together. I originally had an Ameda Purely Yours pump that was free with insurance. I had so much pain with the Ameda and went out on a limb to buy this Spectra out of pocket from others recommending it. So glad I did! This pump is so much more gentle and I am even getting several ounces more with each pump.” – Nicholas Rizkalla on Amazon.

Spectra Baby USA - S1 Plus | Amazon
$216.00

There is nothing better than a hospital grade pump, period. This one offers powerful milk extraction, massage and everything to keep a mom comfortable, and it's pretty affordable too.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/05/2024 10:46 am GMT

Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump

Spectra S2 Breast Pump

 

The Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump is almost identical to the S1 in appearance, but it does have some major differences namely, that it requires an electrical outlet and doesn’t run on a battery at all. While some might write it off for that fact, it does mean that you won’t have to worry about keeping a full charge on it or having it die while using it away from home. And unlike the S1, the S2 is just 2.5 pounds, which makes it even easier to take with you. It also has a nice, soothing color selected by lactation specialists.

It also has an easy to understand LCD display which has a nightlight for those inevitable middle of the night pumping sessions. You can use it as either a single or a double breast pump, but in either mode, it still pumps as much and won’t lose much suction. And speaking of suction, the Spectra S2 Plus has 12 different levels to choose from. This puts it above some Spectra pumps in that regard as well as pumps from other brands.

Features

  • Ease Of Use: You can use it as a single or double electric breast pump, and the control buttons are easy to use and see thanks to the nightlight.
  • Battery Or Wall Plugin: The S2 Plus is an electric pump that requires an outlet rather than a battery charge.
  • Cleaning: You can wipe down the machine and sterilize the parts of the pump in a pot of boiling water.
  • Price: Check out the latest price on Amazon.
  • Where To Buy: You can purchase it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon or in-store at Buy Buy Baby, or via Insurance thru Aeroflow Breast Pumps here.
  • Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on the Spectra S2 Plus.
  • Full Review: Spectra S2 Breast Pump Review

Pros

  • It’s more lightweight than the S1 Plus, which is really saying something since the S1 Plus is also light.
  • Although some may not like that it doesn’t have a battery, there is less of a chance of the pump dying.
  • It also has a nightlight for reading the button panel in the middle of the night.
  • You can use Medela Harmony flanges and pump parts for it, which is convenient if you already have those accessories anyway.
  • It has a backflow protection so that the milk flow will go smoothly into the tubes.

Cons

  • It does require a wall outlet, which some moms on the go might find off-putting.
  • Portability isn’t as prevalent with this one since there’s no battery involved.
  • After frequent use, the tubing can become a little stretched out and might need to be held into place as you pump.
  • Sometimes the suction can be almost too strong.

Reviews

“I was formerly a Medela pumper (like most people), but wanted to see if there was something better. It turns out, the Spectra S2 is fantastic! It’s so quiet and sounds like a little drum roll rather than a super loud “WEE-OO! WEE-OO!” There are more parts, but the additional parts seem to do a great job keeping the milk from going back into the tubing. And you can clean the tubing – fantastic.” – Emily C. on Amazon.

“So I’ve been using a Medela pump since coming home from the hospital. I heard from a friend about this pump and she was right! This pump is quiet. So much more so than the medela. This pump doesn’t pump, it suckles. I get a letdown almost immediately and get milk steadily for about ten minutes.” – Jennifer Flaherty on Amazon.

“I has used a medela 6 years ago with my first daughter and ordered a new medela pump in style through my insurance this time around with my second daughter but hated how loud it was. After reading a lot of reviews and watching tons of YouTube tutorials decided to give speCtra a try and I must say I love it. It so quiet in comparison to my medela pump in style it has so many more setting which makes pumping a better experience. My personal opinión my medela often time ended giving me sore nipples after pumping and this pump does not” – America Fong on Amazon.

“I rarely write reviews but this is hands down the best pump. I am an exclusive pumper and own a Medela Sonata and PISA as well as rent a hospital grade Symphony. After switching to Spectra, I immediately saw an increase of about an ounce per session. Not only that, but since starting to use Spectra, my nipples are healing from using the Symphony.” – Andrea DiFrancesco on Amazon.

Spectra S2 Plus | Aeroflow Breastpumps

We definitely preferred the Spectra S2 Plus version in this matchup. The Spectra S2 Plus does everything it's peers do, but has a smaller footprint and is much more portable. As anyone with a newborn knows, there's only SO much space on the nightstand. So where can you buy?

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Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump

spectra 9 plus The Spectra 9 Plus Breast Pump is easily one of the more overall portable breast pump out there, and as a Spectra pump, it’s a top option for sure. It weighs less than one pound, and even though it is so small and slim, it can be a double or single pump.

The 9 Plus offers up to 10 different levels, so there are less than both the S1 and S2, but it can still be the primary pump for some moms. It also has a whisper quiet motor and can be recharged overnight to get used out of it the following day.

While some of the other Spectra pumps can be used on the go as well, they’re still not quite as compact and sleek as this one, and that alone makes it stand out in a good way. It does come with an AC adapter in case you need it and two bottles to pump into and store milk in for later use.

Features

  • Ease Of Use: The small controls on the front of the compact pump are easy to use, and the pump itself can be taken literally anywhere thanks to its compact size.
  • Battery Or Wall Plugin: It has a rechargeable battery built-in.
  • Cleaning: It’s crucial to handwash all parts of the pump and wipe down the pump itself.
  • Price: Check out the latest price on Amazon 
  • Where To Buy: You can find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon or in store at Target.
  • Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on this Spectra pump.

Pros

  • It’s truly easy to use this pump anywhere without having a large base out to control out in the open.
  • You can use it as a single or double pump.
  • The battery life could give you a handful of solid pump sessions throughout the day before it needs a charge again.
  • The display is easy to read and operate.

Cons

  • The warranty on the motor doesn’t span as long as that of other Spectra pumps.
  • The power button is a little sensitive so it might turn on while in your diaper bag or pocket.
  • Although it is strong for such a small pump, you may not get as many ounces in one session as you would for other Spectra pumps.
  • At times, there may be some leaking around the flanges.
Spectra 9 Plus Electric Breast Pump | Aeroflow Breastpumps

The Spectra 9PLUS is a lightweight, portable option that’s great for on the go moms. Trust in the 2- to 3-hour battery life to conveniently pump away from home. Discretely pump in the office, while traveling, during errands, and much more.

Qualify through insurance Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Reviews

“I have a this and the Spectra 2 pump and love them both. I’m an exclusive pumper so having efficient pumps are essential. This is great, so I can be on the go and get things done around the house while pumping. I can usually get 4-25 minute sessions out of a charge. It’s louder than the Spectra 2 but not too distracting.” – Sarah P. on Amazon.

“Love this pump. I also have the Spectra S2, but if I could choose just one, I would choose the S9. I barely use my S2 now that I have this. Massage setting may be slightly weaker than the S2, but the expression setting i find to be stronger! Level 9/10 seem to be even stronger suction than my S2. Having the portability is so convenient.” – Lindsay P. on Amazon.

“I found this pump while searching for extra bottles to use with my S1. Wow, I’m so glad I did. It is super light and small and has all the power I personally need. Great for travel or pump at work. Only negative is that it’s a little louder than the S1, but still quieter than the medelas I’ve seen.” – Elizabeth Coyne Catania on Amazon.

“The Spectra 9 is a great supplemental product. I used the spectra S2 in the beginning and as the main pump while at home. The S2 is more powerful and will help increase milk supply so I would not use this as my primary pump. I used the S9 once my supply was up and it really helped me become more mobile. Use them with the Freemies and you can be hands freemies and pump in the car or while typing! The product is the size of the iphone note.” – butter beetle on Amazon.

How to Get Free Breast Pumps via Insurance | Aeroflow Breastpumps

As a new mom, I almost missed this one! Many health insurance companies offer FREE breast pumps, but did you know you can also PICK which ones you want? Aeroflow is my go-to source for finding the best pumps covered by insurance.

See Which Pumps You Qualify for
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Verdict – Best Spectra Breast Pumps

When looking at three top-tier breast pumps from the same brand, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. And when you have the S1 Plus and S2 Plus, which are both nearly the same thing, it can get even harder. Then there’s the Spectra 9 Plus and Dew 350 which are almost in a class on their own individually. But when it’s all said and done, the best Spectra pump is the S1 Plus.

Spectra Baby USA - S1 Plus | Amazon
$216.00

There is nothing better than a hospital grade pump, period. This one offers powerful milk extraction, massage and everything to keep a mom comfortable, and it's pretty affordable too.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
03/05/2024 10:46 am GMT

The Spectra S1 Plus Breast Pump not only offers portability in the form of an easy to carry a pump and a rechargeable battery, but it also gives you the ability to pump as frequently as needed and in a discreet way. Sure, the Spectra S9 is also portable, but it has a short motor warranty, which takes away from the peace of mind that breast pumping moms all need.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your needs, you can’t really go wrong with any of Spectra’s electric pumps. But if you need portability, the option to have a built-in rechargeable battery, and long life for your pump, then the Spectra S1 Plus is easily the top option for you.

Should you prefer something that uses an outlet, then, of course, the S2 Plus is more likely the better choice for you. And of course, the Spectra Dew 350 is the easiest to clean and care of. But somethings little aspects like that aren’t enough to really make it the best pump, per se. And when looking at the positives and negatives of the Spectra S1 Plus, it’s likely the best option for nearly every mom out there.

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