This post is about the Spectra S1 vs S2. After reading this post, you will learn which breast pump is the correct one for you.
If you are like I was, pregnant and doing all the research needed for when baby came home, you have definitely heard of the spectra breast pump.
Then, you learn you qualify for a free breast pump through your health insurance, so there comes the big question.
Which breast pump is right for you?
Spectra S1 vs S2: Which is Better for You?
Spectra Baby USA is one of the most well-known and used breast pumps in the United States. And it is so for a reason.
The Spectra S2 is often available for free through health insurance, so that could have you wondering, then why isn’t the Spectra S1 also free through my health insurance?
The reason for that is because both breast pumps have different features and are beneficial to different types of women depending on their circumstance.
If you find yourself in the dilemma of not knowing which Spectra, then you are in the right place.
In this article, I will covered all the features of the Spectra breast pumps and see how they differ and you can choose the correct one for your needs.
Spectra S1 vs S2: Which is Better for You?
Spectra S1 vs S2: Price
The price difference because the Spectra S1 and S2 is about $50 USD. This difference is price is usually what health insurance asks you to cover if you choose to get the Spectra S1, since the Spectra S2 is typically free through most health insurances.
Spectra S1: $216 USD
Spectra S2: $172 USD
Spectra S1 vs S2: Settings
The settings found on the Spectra pumps are cycle speed and vacuum suction strength of up to L12. It also comes with both Massage and Expression Modes.
When it comes to Spectra S1 and S2, they offer the same settings, but many women report that despite the brand claiming they have the same strength, the Spectra S2 allows them to empty their breasts more effectively than the Spectra S1.
This also means that both breast pumps allows for you to have your own personalized settings. Some breast pumps only allow for 1-4 levels, but the Spectra breast pumps allows for a variety of combination settings to accommodate all women.
Spectra S1 and S2: Vacuum suction up to L12
READ MORE: How to Use the Spectra S2 Breast Pump
Spectra S1 vs S2: Single or Double Pump Capability
Both the Spectra S1 and S2 offer single or double pump capabilities.
But what does that mean? It means that the breast pump comes with two spaces for two different pump tubes. This allows for pumping both breasts at the same time.
And while it is convenient to pump from both breasts at once, it does reduce the vacuum strength, thus resulting in having to pump longer. How much longer you need to pump is dependent on each woman.
Spectra S1 and S2: Both
Spectra S1 vs S2: Hospital-Grade Strength
Both the Spectra S1 and S2 claim to have hospital-grade strength. For a breast pump to be considered to having hospital-grade strength it means that it is comparable to those powerful electric suction breast pumps offered in hospitals.
Hospitals are meant to have the best of the best, and that also applies for breast pumps, as many women have raving reviews about their experience using a hospital’s breast pump.
Spectra S1 and S2: Yes
Spectra S1 vs S2: Portable
One of the biggest differences between the Spectra S1 and S2 is that the Spectra S1 is portable due to having a rechargeable battery.
Once fully charged, it offers 3 hours of pumping.
Due to this feature, many working moms choose the Spectra S1 despite the higher price tag and potential of lower vacuum strength.
The Spectra S2 is wall-powered and cannot be used once unplugged.
Spectra S1: Yes; has rechargeable battery
Spectra S2: No; wall-powered
Spectra S1 vs S2: Color
Due to their similarities, the creators of these pumps opted to have the breast pumps have the same design, but a different color.
The Spectra S1 is more easily identifiable due to its blue color, and the Spectra S2 being pink.
Spectra S1: Blue
Spectra S2: Pink
Spectra S1 vs S2: Weight
One things that many people may not consider when evaluating breast pumps, is the weight of them.
If you are a working mom that will need to pump in the workplace, you may have to often carry your breast pump. And if you have a long commute via metro or walking, the weight of the breast pump can become pretty significant in the long run.
The Spectra S1 weighs 3 lbs due to its rechargeable battery, whereas the Spectra S2 weighs 2.5 lbs. While the difference in weight may not seem much at first, do take into consideration if you will be carrying your breast pump with you and walking with it.
Spectra S1: 3 lbs
Spectra S2: 2.5 lbs
Overall Comparison: Conclusion
| Spectra S1 | Spectra S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $216 USD | $172 USD |
| Settings | Vacuum suction up to L12 | Vacuum suction up to L12 |
| Single or Double Pump capability | Both | Both |
| Hospital-Grade Strength? | Yes | Yes |
| Portable | Yes | No |
| Color | Blue | Pink |
| Weight | 3 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
Spectra S1 vs S2: Which is Better for You?
When it comes to choosing the best breast pump for you and your needs, consider the following:
- Am I okay staying at the same place throughout my pumping sessions? (If so, then opt for the Spectra S2.)
- Do I have a need to walk around with a breast pump? (If so, then opt for the Spectra S1.)
If you have made your decision on which pump is best for you, learn all about how to use Spectra breast pumps here: How to Use the Spectra S2 Breast Pump.
P.S. If you would like to know about and/or are considering using cloth diapers, read more here: Cloth Diapers for Beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which Spectra Breast Pump is Best for Working Moms?
I thoroughly recommend the Spectra S1 for working moms. I used the Spectra S1 as a stay at home working mom. And despite working from home, as a working mom, my office would change places often around the house. Sometimes those places did not have an outlet nearby, so it was convenient to always have my breast pump available.
I am on a budget. How Can I Make Pumping Affordable?
I was only on a budget when I began exclusively pumping for my daughter. Matter of fact, when my daughter was born, there was a formula shortage in the United States. Not only that, but in 2022 inflation began rising across the nation. Due to these reasons, I needed to not spend ~$300 USD on formula per month nor spend time looking through different stores to find the formula I needed. So pumping felt like the only option.
I found many great deals on Mercari. I bought breastmilk bags and even the Spectra S1 through the Mercari app.
NOTE: If you are buying a Spectra breast pump through Mercari, ask them to take a picture of how many hours the breast pump has been used for. Anything less than 200 hours is good (think car mileage, but for breast pumps).
Other Breast Pump Posts:
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