Spectra vs Medela

When it comes to choosing between the Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow, both are standout options, each catering to different needs and preferences.

The Spectra S1 brings gentle, hospital-grade suction with highly customizable settings, a closed system for hygiene, and a rechargeable battery, ideal for moms seeking flexibility and comfort. On the other hand, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow offers powerful, efficient suction at a budget-friendly price, making it a practical and straightforward choice.

In this Spectra vs Medela comparison, I’ll break down the features, pros, and cons of each pump to help you decide which one aligns best with your pumping journey.

• 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.

Similarities and Differences

When comparing these two Spectra and Medela breast pumps, you’ll notice both have similarities and significant differences.

Both the Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow are designed to deliver powerful suction and efficient milk expression, but they offer unique features that set them apart.

So, let’s dive deeper into the Spectra S1 vs Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow comparison and explore what each pump brings to the table!

Pump Design

When you compare the Spectra S1 and the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow, there are some similarities, but it’s easy to notice the key difference is size and design.

Straight up the Spectra S1 is a much bulkier unit with its motor unit weighing around 3 pounds. This is in comparison to the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow motor, which is a much smaller, sleeker design, weighting just 1.2 pounds.

That said there are some in-built design features that do make the Spectra S1 stand out. These include its rechargeable battery, in-built handle, and bottle holder. It also comes with an in-built nightlight that is lifesaver for those late-night or early-morning pumping sessions when you don’t want to disturb anyone with bright lights. And then there is the LED screen which is missing from the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow.

Both pumps come with a separate motor that is attached to the collection containers via tubing.

In terms of collection containers, the Spectra S1 comes with the direct-to-bottle setup, which is a big plus for easy storage as no transferring required.

On the other hand, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow also connects to traditional flanges and bottles, but you can also use it with Medela’s hands-free cups like on the Medela Freestyle, giving you a hands-free pumping option.

And if you’re wondering about the difference between the Spectra S1 vs S2 it is mostly down to the S1 being portable with its rechargeable battery, whilst the S2 is not portable.

Flange Design

Spectra flanges have a traditional hard silicone, round design and come in multiple sizes, including standard 24mm and 28mm, with additional sizes available for purchase. I really like this variety, as it gives moms the flexibility to find the perfect fit. That said, other than a full range of sizing, there is not much special about the design of the Spectra flanges.

On the other hand, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow uses PersonalFit Flex™ connectors that pair with the PersonalFit Flex™ flanges. These oval-shaped flanges have a unique 105-degree angle designed to mimic your baby’s natural latch and mouth positioning. This angle helps reduce discomfort and improves milk flow, making pumping a lot more comfortable, especially during long sessions. The flanges also have a soft outer rim also contributes to a better seal and adds an extra layer of comfort. I find this angled design and soft silicone rim especially helpful for those who may struggle with traditional flange shapes, as it allows for more flexibility and comfort.

For me, I am a big fan of the Medela flange design over the Spectra.

Pumping Modes and Suction Levels

Both the Medela and Spectra pumps deliver powerful suction and multiple modes, but there are some key differences to note.

The Spectra S1 offers hospital-grade suction up to 270mmHg, ensuring strong and efficient pumping. It features two modes: massage and expression. The massage mode runs at a fixed speed of 70 cycles per minute (CPM), which works great for stimulating letdown. Once you’re ready, you can switch to expression mode, where you’ll find five different cycle settings (ranging from 38 to 54 CPM). This gives you excellent control over how fast or slow you pump, which I really like. In addition, the Spectra pumps provide 12 adjustable suction levels, letting you customize your pumping experience to match your comfort level and output.

On the other hand, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow boasts MaxFlow technology, delivering 295mmHg of suction which is slightly stronger than the Spectra S1. This is particularly helpful for moms with a higher milk supply or those looking to pump quickly. Like the Spectra, it features two modes: stimulation and expression. However, the Medela doesn’t allow for cycle adjustments, though it does offer 10 adjustable suction levels.

While the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow offers higher maximum suction strength, the Spectra S1 shines in terms of control and customization, making it a better option for those who want more flexibility in their pumping routine.

Portability

What I like about the Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow is they both offer a portability option.

That said, the Spectra S1 is the most portable option with its built-in rechargeable battery, providing up to 3 hours of use per charge.

While the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow does come with a battery pack, it is not rechargeable. Instead, you’ll need 8 AA batteries. You’ll need to replace or recharge these batteries after every 2 hours of use, which can be a bit of a hassle compared to the Spectra’s rechargeable battery.

If you need true portability and prefer a pump that’s easy to recharge on the go, I think the Spectra S1 is the better choice. Its long-lasting battery and USB charging make it ideal for moms who need flexibility. However, if you’re mostly pumping at home or in places with easy access to power, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow might work for you, especially if you prioritize suction strength. But for those who value mobility, the Spectra S1 takes the lead.

Ideally though, if portability is an important factor for you, you may want to consider a wearable breast pump.

User Friendliness

When it comes to user-friendliness, I think the Spectra wins hands down.

The Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow takes a minimalist approach, which makes it very simple to use, especially for those that want something straightforward and no-fuss. But for me the lack of LED screen is a big miss. All it comes with is just four simple buttons to adjust suction levels and switch between modes, but without the LED screen or even indication lights it is hard to know which setting you are actually on.

For the Spectra S1 and S2 pumps, they come with a bright LED screen with an easy-to-navigate control panel. It shows essential info like battery life, suction levels, and pumping modes, making it super user-friendly. The backlight is perfect for late-night pumping, and the memory function means you can pick up where you left off every time. And it comes with my favorite thing, and inbuilt timer.

Noise Levels

If a quiet pump is a priority, then again, the Spectra is a clear winner.

The Spectra S1 operates at a noise level of around 45-50dB vs the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow which operates around 58dB.

Price and Value for Money

For me, it is hard to compare the value for money between these two Spectra vs Medela pumps as each offer a unique set of features that appeal to different users and justify their price points in distinct ways.

For me the value of the Pump in Style is in its hospital-strength pump, PersonalFit flanges, and compact design. I feel the lack of LED screen is reflective of the lower price point.

The Spectra S1, is generally more expensive but I feel this high price is easily justified if you are a pumping mom looking for portability and greater control.

The Verdict

So, is Spectra or Medela better? In my opinion, both great options for pumping moms, but which one you choose should really depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a pump that offers hospital-grade suction, a rechargeable battery, and convenience, then the Spectra S1 is the better option for you. Its adjustable suction levels and cycle settings make it a great choice for those who want a powerful, user-friendly pump. Plus, the rechargeable battery offers more flexibility, especially if you want to pump at home or on the go without worrying about plugging in.

However, if you’re after a more budget-friendly option that focuses on comfort whilst still delivering reliable performance, the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow is a solid choice. With its PersonalFit flanges for better fit and comfort and its hospital-strength suction and 10 adjustable suction levels, it offers a customizable experience focused on comfort. Even if it lacks some of the features of the Spectra S1 like LED screen and rechargeable battery.

Bottom line, when it comes to the Spectra S1 vs Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow breast pumps, I think both pumps deliver a quality performance, which one to choose will all come down to which features matter most to you.