Spectra S1 Review

The Spectra S1 breast pump has been on the market fora long time, yet is still one of the most popular electric breast pumps around.

With its hospital grade suction and multiple cycle rhythms, the Spectra S1 Plus has earned a reputation as a powerful breast pump. But, with advances in technology how does it stack up against other breast pumps on the market? And is it still one of the best breast pumps around?

Find out in my Spectra S1 review, where I will help you decide if the Spectra S1 Plus breast pump is the best Spectra breast pump for you!

• If you prefer to watch your reviews, there’s a video review right below. Then, you can skim the written review for more details.
• If you prefer to read your reviews, scroll past the video, and you’ll find my written review.

Editor’s note: Pumping Milk is reader-supported, meaning, at no cost to you, I may earn a commission if you buy after clicking an affiliate link. Learn More.

What I Love About the Spectra S1 Plus

First off, the hospital-grade suction on the Spectra S1 Plus is fantastic. At 270 mmHg suction strength it’s powerful, which makes pumping faster and more efficient, but what really stands out to me is how gentle it feels.

There are 12 suction levels and 5 cycle speeds on the expression mode, allowing you to find the perfect balance between comfort and effectiveness. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with sensitive nipples or just want to make sure each session is as comfortable as possible.

In terms of comfort, being a very popular pump also means that there is a large variety of flange sizes available, so it is really easy to find a flange size or flange insert to suit.

Another huge win for the Spectra S1 is its rechargeable battery. Unlike the Spectra S2, you’re not tied down to one spot while pumping! Whether you’re moving around the house, traveling, or just want the flexibility to pump wherever, the battery gives you that freedom. And, it lasts up to 3 hours of pumping on a full charge, so you don’t have to worry about it running out mid-session.

One more thing that I really appreciate is how quiet this pump is. Compared to other pumps I’ve used, the Spectra S1 is whisper-quiet, which is amazing for those late-night sessions or times when you just don’t want to disturb others around you.

That’s not all that is on offer though, so let’s look at some of the other key features of the Spectra S1 breast pump, as well as some things you may want to consider before making your purchase.

Photo credit: Pumping Milk

Performance and Efficiency

According to Spectra, “Our pumps don’t suck, they suckle.”  

And they definitely have a reputation amongst pumping moms for being powerful, but gentle.

The Spectra S1 comes with two pumping modes: massage mode and expression mode.

The massage mode is great for getting your milk flowing, and it runs at a fixed speed of 70 cycles per minute (CPM), which I’ve found works really well to stimulate letdown.

Once you’re ready, you can switch to expression mode, where you’ve got five different cycle levels to choose from (ranging from 38 to 54 CPM). This gives you a lot of control over how fast or slow you want to pump, which I really love.

The Spectra S1 goes up to 270 mmHg suction strength, and you can adjust it with 12 different levels, so whether you need a gentle touch or something stronger, there’s a setting for you.

I’ve found it’s easy to dial in exactly what feels comfortable while still being super-efficient at expressing milk. The combination of modes, cycle options, and adjustable suction really makes the Spectra S1 a versatile pump that can fit your needs as they change throughout your pumping journey.

Photo credit: Pumping Milk

Pump Design

The Spectra S1 is a closed system, meaning that it keeps milk completely separate from the pump’s motor and tubing helping to maintain hygiene. For me, having a closed system pump is essential for any pump I’d consider purchasing.

Whilst this is a portable breast pump, it is quite bulky especially when you compare it to wearable breast pumps. That said, the motor itself is only 3lbs and it does come with a handle, so it’s lightweight enough to carry around if you need to be on the go.

In terms of collection containers, the Spectra S1 is a pump direct into a bottle design connected to the pump motor via tubing. This is great as you don’t need to fuss about transferring your breast milk into a storage container, you can simply add a bottle lid and store your breastmilk accordingly. The downside is that the pump to bottle design is less discrete than an all in one design that fits within your bra.

You can also use your Spectra S1 breast pump for single or double pumping.

One of my favorite design features? The built-in night light! It’s perfect for those middle-of-the-night pumping sessions when you don’t want to wake everyone up by turning on the room lights.

And, of course, there’s a handy bottle holder built right in, which is great for keeping everything in place during your pumping session.

You may also like seeing how the Spectra S1 compares to Momcozy pumps in my Spectra S1 vs Momcozy V1 Pro guide.

Photo credit: Pumping Milk

Comfort

The Spectra S1 features a simple yet effective flange and bottle design that I really like for its practicality.

Whilst it’s not as discreet as an all-in-one pump, the pump to bottle design means that the wearable component of the pump is much lighter as the motor is kept separate. Wearing a heavy breast pump on your chest can be uncomfortable and for those with back issues it can be a big negative, so there are definitely some advantages to having the separate pump motor.   

I also love that the wide-neck bottles are easy to attach and there are a bunch of Spectra compatible bottles to choose from in case you want to use another brand.

In terms of flanges, the Spectra S1 flanges are made from a hard silicone. They are a no fuss design compared with other popular brands, as you can see in my Spectra vs Medela comparison, but do come in a wide range of sizing to ensure you get the right fit. You Spectra S1 will come with a 24mm and 28mm flange. I really do love that they understand one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to breast shields, making it easier to find what’s most comfortable for you.

The flanges are also great for those with elastic nipples are they come with a long flange funnel.

Noise Levels

The Spectra S1 has noise range at less than 45 dB.

I find that the Spectra S1’s sound is a gentle hum rather than a loud, mechanical noise that some pumps make, making the whole pumping experience much more pleasant.

Photo credit: Pumping Milk

User-Friendliness

With it’s easy to use buttons, that allow you to easily navigate between the different modes and suction levels, and LED display I think the Spectra S1 is very easy to use.

The LED screen displays all your essential information such as mode, cycle, suction level, and battery life. It also comes with an in-built timer which is certainly a favorite feature of mine.

There is even a fun hack to check Spectra hours for the total number of hours you have spent using your pump.

You can learn more about using it in my how to use Spectra S1 guide.

Portability

I mentioned before that the Spectra S1 is a little bulky for a portable breast pump, especially when you compare it to the newer all in one units. And to be honest, I am not really surprised given the pump has been in circulation for 10 or so years. Technology advancements have certainly helped to create smaller motors with long battery lives for wearable breast pumps.

But what I do love is that the Spectra S1 is portable and that it can also be used while plugged in, something most wearable breast pumps can’t do.

It also comes with a very generous 3 hours of run time off a single charge. Recharging your battery will take around 4 hours.

Value For Money

You can purchase the Spectra S1 Plus for around $200 new. Whilst it is not the cheapest breast pump on the market, I do think is very reasonably priced, especially given its brand trust.

When you purchase a Spectra S1 breast pump, included in your box is:

• Pump Motor * 1
• Milk Bottles * 2
• Nipples*2
• Tubing * 2
• Duck Bill Valves*2
• Backflow Protectors*2
• Silicone Flange 24 mm * 2
• Silicone Flange 28 mm * 2
• Power adapter * 1
• Instructions for use * 1

Photo credit: Pumping Milk

What I Wish Was Different

No breast pump is perfect, especially given that we all have different needs when it comes to pumping milk. That said, there are a few things that I wish were different with the Spectra S1.

• Flange Design: The flange design of the Spectra S1 features hard plastic, which might not be as comfortable for everyone. While the firm material can provide a secure seal for effective suction, some users may find it less forgiving compared to softer silicone flanges. The lack of cushioning can lead to discomfort during longer pumping sessions, especially for moms who are already dealing with sensitive nipples.
• Bulky: The motor of the Spectra S1 is larger and bulkier compared to newer pumps on the market, which can impact its portability.
• No App Integration: Many modern breast pumps offer apps that help moms track their pumping sessions, monitor milk production, and even operate their pumps from within the app. Give the popularity of the Spectra pumps, I feel like the lack of an app is a missed opportunity.
• Starts in Expression Mode: While it may seem minor, I find it a bit counterintuitive that the Spectra S1 automatically starts in expression mode every time you power it on. This means you have to press the massage button to stimulate let-down each time you use it, which can be somewhat inconvenient.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful pump, the Spectra S1 is definitely worth considering.

Its 12 adjustable suction levels and two pumping modes with multiple cycle options allows you to find the right setting for your comfort and efficiency. The quiet operation and inbuilt nightlight are also a big plus for nighttime pumping.

Being a well-known brand means that there are a ton of accessories available and third-party interchangeable components. So, while the hard plastic flanges might not suit everyone, there are plenty of alternative options available.

The bulkier motor may not be the best choice for those who prioritize portability. Plus, the absence of app integration might be a drawback for tech-savvy users who enjoy tracking their progress.

That said, I think the Spectra S1 Plus is a very solid choice for pumping moms looking for a main pump for home or work, with the ability to also be portable.

So, what do you think? Is the Spectra S1 Plus the right breast pump for you?