Spectra S1 Vs S2

Are you trying to decide between Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2?

Then let us help you decide which is best for you and your baby: Spectra breast pump s1 vs s2!

One of the most vital pieces of equipment for all moms is the breast pump.

It’s a necessity, and it can be one of your biggest investments in motherhood but because there are so many models out there, it can be hard to know which one will work best for you.

If you have been researching breast pumps, then you have probably come across Spectra. 

Spectra is one of the leading brands in breast pumps, but you may have noticed that there are two different models of the Spectra Breast Pump – spectra s1 vs spectra s2.

If you are wondering the difference between Spectra s1 and s2? Then this guide is for you!

We’ve compared the features, pros, and cons of s1 vs s2 Spectra so you can easily decide which is the best pump for you.

And if you love this Spectra s1 plus vs s2 plus breast pump comparison guide, make sure to check out our guides on best pumping bra for Spectra, how to power pump with Spectra s2, and Spectra S1 Vs S2 Vs S9. Or even this reviews on Medela vs Spectra S2 and Medela Symphony Vs Spectra S1. 

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Spectra s1 vs s2

Let’s dive in and take a look what is the difference between spectra s1 and s2.

All About Spectra S1

The Spectra S1 is a hospital-grade breast pump that is designed to be used at home. It is very simple to set up, assemble and disassemble.

It is a double-sided breast pump that can also be used as a single side breast pump if needed. 

The S1 is a portable breast pump, which means you can use it on the go. This is because it has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 3 hours.

You don’t need to worry about always being close to a power source if you need to use your pump while you are out and about.

The S1 weighs 2.9 pounds so is lightweight and easy to carry around. 

The motor on the S1 is nice and quiet which allows you to pump discreetly. It also means that you can pump at night without waking anyone up.

For nighttime pumping, you can use the night light to help you see the controls.

You can also set yourself a timer if you need to so you know when you have been pumping for long enough. 

The motor of the S1 provides suction power of 250mmHg.

There are various settings that you can adjust to create your ideal combination of speed and suction power, allowing you to get the best milk flow possible. 

The S1 has a closed system which prevents the milk from getting into certain parts of the pump like the motor.

This makes the pump much easier to clean and more hygienic. The S1 comes with two bottles and two breast shields. 

Pros

• Very quiet – you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone around you when you use this pump. It is quiet enough that you can use it in the same room as your sleeping baby or partner without worrying about waking them up
• Closed-system – like the 9, this is a closed system pump, which is the best kind to get
• Can double or single pump – if you want to breastfeed and pump at the same time then you can with the S2
• Portable – rechargeable battery lasts up to 3 hours

Cons

• More Expensive – the S1 is more expensive than the S2

All About Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 is one of the most popular hospital-grade twin electric breast pumps available on the market.

It offers a massage mode, as well as 12 various levels of strength for you to choose from. 

A rechargeable battery is not included with this pump, but it is almost identical in design to its sibling pump, the Spectra S1, which also has a rechargeable battery. 

The S2 may be used in either a single or double pump configuration, and all of the attachments are simply interchangeable.

It is a closed-system pump of hospital-grade quality that features backflow protection, an LCD display, and a nightlight for added convenience and safety.

It is one of the most effective pumps for those who have low milk production levels.

You can learn more about eth S1 in our in-depth Spectra S2 breast pump review!

Pros

• Very quiet – you won’t have to worry about disturbing anyone around you when you use this pump. It is quiet enough that you can use it in the same room as your sleeping baby or partner without worrying about waking them up
• Low cost – compared to the S1, the S2 is cheaper. It is also competitively priced compared to other pumps 
• Closed-system – like the S1, this is a closed system pump, which is the best kind to get
• Can double or single pump – if you want to breastfeed and pump at the same time then you can with the S2

Cons

• Not portable – to use this pump you must plug it into an electrical outlet, meaning that while you pump you are stuck in one spot
• Suction fluctuates – when using this pump on both breasts at once, you may notice that the suction drops a bit

Similarities Between Spectra S1 And S2

Before we go into how different the Spectra S1 and S2 are from each other, let’s take a look at the similarities and what features they share.

Both the Spectra S1 and S2 are double electric breast pumps, so both require electricity to power them and allow you to pump both breasts at the same time.

It is possible to set up the unit to just pump one breast if you want, but both the S1 and S2 allow you to pump both breasts simultaneously. 

They both feature two important modes that help you through the pumping process. There is a massage mode that helps prepare your breasts to release their milk, known as the letdown phase.

Once your milk has let down, it switches to an expression mode that strengthens the suction to get as much milk out as possible.

This helps make the pumping process a lot easier, and it’s great to see this feature included on both breast pumps.

Both breast pumps also feature an auto-timer that tells you when you should stop pumping to keep yourself healthy and not strain your breasts, plus the timer ensures that you have pumped enough milk to feed your baby. 

You can also adjust the suction level and cycle on both the S1 and S2,  using the buttons to strengthen the suction to speed up the pumping process or weaken it if you are experiencing discomfort and pain.

This means that you can adjust both breast pumps to suit your level of comfort and needs. 

Both have a maximum suction strength of 250mmHg, which is fairly powerful but not too powerful that it will cause pain and discomfort.

However, some moms might prefer a breast pump with a bit more power just to speed up the pumping session and make it more efficient for time. 

Other useful features include a backlight on the screen so you can see the settings and timer of your breast pump even in the dark, so you can pump at any time, making using the S1 and S2 even more convenient.

You can also check how many hours you’re pumped to stay on schedule and give yourself enough time to relax and have a break between each pumping session. 

One of the best features that both the Spectra S1 and S2 both have is the two-year warranty that starts with the date of your purchase.

This means that you are guaranteed to have a functional breast pump for all throughout your baby’s infanthood and into their early toddler years so you will not be caught out. 

Difference Between Spectra S1 And S2

Although the Spectra S1 and S2 have a lot of similarities, there are also a lot of differences that make the S1 and S2 two completely different breast pumps – but what are those differences? 

The Battery

The biggest difference between the S1 and S2 is the battery. The Spectra S1 has a rechargeable battery, making it great for portability and reuse again and again.

Although both the S1 and S2 have an AC adapter so you can use these breast pumps when they are both plugged into an outlet, the S1 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes it easier to take with you and use anywhere you need to pump. 

This means that if you want to go to work or out for the day, you can pump using the Spectra S1 anywhere you want to at any time.

However, the S2 does not have rechargeable batteries which means that if you want to use the S2, you will have to find a power outlet. 

This makes it almost impossible to use the S2 outside your home in complete privacy.

However, with the S1, you can pump anywhere as long as you have the privacy you need and enough power in the battery.

As the lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, you can quickly recharge it even if the battery runs out while you are out traveling.

It’s also worth mentioning that you are unlikely to ever be caught in a situation where your S1’s battery is flat because it can last up to three hours when fully charged, meaning that you will have plenty of time to pump throughout the day.

But, if you are ever caught out with a flat S1 battery, then it’s much easier to charge your breast pump up in a public space instead of trying to actually use it.

This makes the S1 a far more portable breast pump and easier for moms who have to return to work or travel and still need to pump. 

Convenience

Because the S1 has a rechargeable battery, it is far more convenient to use than the S2.

We have touched on the topic above when we mentioned how you can take it anywhere and pump anywhere you want to as long as you have privacy and enough power in the battery, but it also means that you are not shackled to a wall while you pump.

Even if you use the S1 at home, you can get up and wander around while still attached to the breast pump. If your baby needs you, you can move to them and comfort them while still pumping.

With the S2, you must have it plugged into an outlet in order to use it and so, when you are pumping, you are stuck and limited in movement because you cannot move the S2 with you.

It is literally tied to the wall due to the AC adapter, which is a huge inconvenience. 

So, the S1 is a great choice for moms who like to multitask while pumping, whether they are out of the home or in it. 

The Weight

Despite the S1 being the more portable of the two breast pumps, it is also the heaviest.

The Spectra S1 weighs 2.42 lbs while the Spectra S2 weighs 2 lbs.

Although this difference is very slight, it is surprising because most portable breast pumps are designed to be lighter than their less portable counterparts.

This design factor is to make it so lightweight that it’s easy to carry around and use for hands-free pumping, but the Spectra S1 and S2 are inverted here. 

However, the difference is so slight that it is worth mentioning that both breast pumps are very lightweight even if the S2 is the lightest of the two.

Compared to other brands of breast pump, both the S1 and S2 are very lightweight. 

The Color 

This difference is a very noticeable one and one that you may have already picked up on.

The Spectra S1 is available in a cool, relaxing blue while the S2 is available in a comforting pink.

These are the only colors both breast pumps are available in respectively – so you cannot buy the S1 in pink nor the S2 in blue. 

Color is usually not a big deciding factor when it comes to choosing between two breast pumps, but if you are pleased and unaffected by any of the other differences above, then this difference may be the deciding factor for you. 

Price

Both the Spectra S1 and S2 are similar in prices, however the S2 is a cheaper option than S1.

Which Pump Is Best: Spectra breast pump s1 vs s2?

Which pump is best comes down to what is most important to you. 

If having a portable breast pump that you can use on the go is very important to you then you should choose the Spectra S1.

Whilst it is heavier than the S2, it does come with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 3 hours making it a good option for pumping on the go.

If you are looking for a reliable and powerful breast pump that you can use at home then you won’t get much better than the Spectra S2 for the price.

Final Thoughts on the Difference between Spectra s1 and s2

So, those are all the similarities and differences between the Spectra S1 and S2 – but which one is the better product?

Well that really does depend if you need a portable breast pump or not.

Whilst the s1 is a great portable pump, it is not as discreet as the Spectra s9 portable pump, which would be out top option for a portable breast pump.

Thus we had to choose between the s1 Spectra vs s2 we would choose the Spectra s2 for the lower price.

We hope this guide on Spectra breast pumps has helped you decide which pump will best suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for more great guides, make sure to check out these guides on Lansinoh Smartpump 2.0 vs Spectra S2, Motif Luna vs Spectra S2, best mini fridge for breast milk, and best bottles for breastfed babies.