So you are trying to choose between a Spectra pump and a Medela pump, huh? It’s like choosing between chocolate cake and fudge brownies. Both delicious.
So which is better? What are the differences?
In this article, we will put the Spectra and Medela pumps toe to toe and find out who comes out on top. Let’s get to it!
Spectra vs Medela Pump – How Do They Stack Up?
I have had the pleasure of owning both a Medela (both Pump in Style and Freestyle) and the Spectra S1.
Medela, of course, is one of the more widely used brands today by moms. In fact, they dominate the breast pump market as it stands.
Spectra is relatively new to the market, especially in the US.
Not many moms have heard of Spectra but it is quickly gaining notoriety for its amazing pumps and low prices.
For purposes of this comparison, I will be talking about the Medela PISA (Pump in Style Advanced) and the Spectra S1 . Both are great pumps with some very big key differences!
Note: I chose the Spectra S1 for this review over the Spectra S2 since the S1 has the battery. The S2 can only be used plugged in so the S1 is a little of a better comparison to the Medela PISA. (You can read about the difference of the S1 and S2, here.)
Medela PISA and Spectra S1 Pump Key Features:
- Double pumping kit with PersonalFit breast shields
- Can be plugged in or run on AA batteries
- 2-phase expression technology with one-touch let-down button
- All parts that touch breastmilk are BPA-free
- Comes with a removable cooler bag and freezer pack
- Adjustable speed and vacuum knob
- Includes Tote Bag
- Includes breast shields, valves, membranes, and tubing
- Hospital grade
- Has a built-in rechargeable battery and AC adapter.
- Powerful pump performance with a maximum suction strength of 270mmHg.
- It is a closed system pump.
- Can be used as a single or double pump.
- Digital controls that allow you to set the speed and rhythm that is most effective for your body.
- Digital controls also allow you to save your favorite settings and set a program.
- The suction is adjustable whether in let-down or expression mode.
- Super quiet
- Very light – weighs as much as 4 apples!
- 2 level built-in light
- BPA Free parts
What the Medela Pump in Style and the Spectra S1 Have in Common
While there are a lot of differences between the PISA and the S1, both pumps are in their own right good products.
√ They are both double electric and have the option to function as a single pump.
√ Both have battery power options making them portable and good for moms on the go.
√ The retail sticker price for the S1 and PISA is around the same. (I will say that I have found better deals on the S1 on Amazon than the PISA, however.)
√ The S1 and the PISA both have the option to control suction and speed of the pump. This helps keep the cycle of your pumping session more personalized.
What Makes the S1 and the Medela PISA Different?
There are several differences between the Medela PISA and the Spectra S1 that are worth mentioning.
Open vs Closed System
One of the main differences between the S1 and the PISA is that the S1 is a closed system pump while the PISA is an open system pump.
This basically means that the S1 has a barrier to keep milk from entering the tubes and the motor of the pump.
The PISA does not have a barrier.
Click here to read more about Open and Closed System Pumps and why that matters.
Because of this, you will have to sterilize the tubes of the PISA frequently to keep mold from building up. A closed system pump is more sanitary.
Battery
While both the S1 and the PISA have the option to be portable and run off of battery power, the S1 comes with a built-in rechargeable battery.
The PISA includes a battery pack that takes AA batteries. Something to consider with the PISA.
Pump Strength
The S1 is listed by the company as hospital grade.
That label comes with some impressive pump power and the S1 does not disappoint.
It boasts a maximum suction strength of 270mmHg. Compared to the PISA which maxes out at 250 mmHg.
S1 definitely wins this category. It is the more powerful pump.
Pump Controls
I did mention above that both pumps allow you to control the pump speed and suction.
The PISA uses dials that you turn to control each.
The S1 features digital controls which also includes a backlight so you can see it in darker settings. The S1 also has a timer which is helpful.
Accessories
The PISA comes with a lot more accessories than the S1 out of the box.
The PISA includes all the pump parts you need to get started, a cooler with an ice pack, and a tote bag.
Medela also throws in some samples of milk storage bags and a storage guidelines magnet in most sets.
The S1 only includes the pump parts.
No tote or cooler. That may or may not be a big deal.
I personally did not care for the PISA tote bag.
It is poorly made and screams breast pump when carrying it around.
I ditched it and opted for a more discreet and stylish bag like the Sarah Wells totes. You could always do that with the S1.
I do like the Medela cooler, though. The ice pack is contoured so it fits perfectly around the storage bottles. Really nice thing to have.
Pump Noise
Neither the S1 or the PISA are extremely quiet (I personally think the Ardo Calypso takes that category) but the PISA is really noisy.
I used to joke that my PISA was talking to me because the pump noise sounded like it was repeating random phrases.
Hey, I was an exhausted, working mom…
The S1 might save you from that hallucination because it is significantly quieter.
Part Availability
One thing I dislike about the Spectra pumps is that the parts can be hard to find.
I have not run into any stores that carry them as of yet.
That means you will need to purchase them online.
Nowadays maybe that isn’t a huge issue since everyone on the planet is a member of Amazon Prime and they are available there with no issue.
Check Out this Video
This video is a good visual so you can see the two pumps in action:
Bottomline
So who wins?
Well, I guess it depends on the user.
Each mom has their own needs and unique set of circumstances.
Both of these pumps are great but the Spectra S1 is slightly better in my opinion.
The combination of the pump strength, the digital controls, and how comfortable it is to use gives the S1 an advantage over the Medela PISA.
You really can’t go wrong with either pump here but if I had to choose I would choose the Spectra S1 hands-down.
Have you tried the S1 or PISA or have a question? Leave me a comment below!
Click here to read more about the Spectra S1.
Click here to read more about the Medela Pump in Style Advance.
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Caitlin says
Hi Heather! Thanks for such a detailed and interesting blog. Are you familiar with the Medela Advanced Double Personal Breast Pump? It’s the Medela model covered by my insurance, but I can’t find much information on it. These are the models covered 100% by my insurance.
Medela Advanced Double Personal Breast Pump Starter Set (101035078)
Ameda Finesse (101A07)
Spectra S2 Plus (MM011305)
I’ll be taking 12 weeks off then going back to work full time and will be pumping – if you were me, what would you recommend? Thanks!
Heather Grace says
Hi! That Medela pump is basically their Pump in Style model but a stripped down version. It’s a good pump. It will run off of disposable batteries or plugged in. You might get a bag with it (a tote, backpack, or square bag)or a cooler but the accessories vary on the insurance issued ones.
I loved my Medela Pump in Style. At the time I used that model (with my first son), it was one of the best on the market. Of course, today there are many, many brands and a ton of quality pumps to choose from so I no longer consider the Pump in Style THE best but it’s still a great pump!
Of the other 2 pumps you listed, the Ameda Finesse is an awesome pump. It is very lightweight but a strong motor. It’s a fairly simple pump to use, like the Pump in Style, and will also run off of disposable batteries if you need it portable.
The Spectra S2 is probably my favorite pump on your list. It’s a strong pump but is also extremely comfortable to use. It has digital controls and you can program it to follow your preferred pump pattern, which I love. The drawback to the Spectra S2 is that is it not portable. It can only be used plugged in. The Spectra S1 is their version that is portable but I would imagine your insurance considers that an upgrade.
You can read my reviews of the 3 pumps below (just click on the links)– Hope this helps!
Medela Pump in Style
Ameda Finesse
Spectra S2
Meggan says
Hi! I have used the PISA for my last two babies but have been reading much better reviews for the spectra. I really appreciate your compairison and I think I have decided ( now that I know I can find adapters for all my medela parts that I have from the last two babies!!) to go with the stronger pump ( with a year longer warranty not to mention!) But I did want to ask about the Sarah Well’s bags. A lot of what I am reading says the spectra 1 & 2 don’t fit well. Do you have any experience with this or suggestions for bags that would fit?
Heather Grace says
Hi! The thing with Sarah Wells bags is that she has several styles so to say in general the Spectra doesn’t fit well isn’t accurate. There are a few that the Spectra is a snug fit in the pump compartment and you have to pull it out of the bag in order to operate since there isn’t any space to operate it while in the bag. I personally didn’t see this as an issue (I have the Annie which is retired and the Abby). The Spectra fits great in the Abby but as I said, I do have to pull it out.
Other styles don’t have this issue at all.
I have some photos of the Spectra inside the Abby and a review of why this is a great bag for the Spectra pumps. You can read that, here.
She just came out with a few new styles that have not been added to this article as of yet. So if you are interested in a style and need info on the fit of the Spectra, I would be happy to reach out to Sarah and her team to confirm before you buy. Just drop the style you are interested in and I will ask for you!
Kat says
Great side by side comparison! I have a 7 yo pump in style which i haven’t been getting a great result from with this new baby (5weeks today), I also tried a brand new ameda (insurance provided) which I couldn’t even get a let down from. I can’t figure out if my body just won’t respond to pumping or if I just need a new pump. I bought the spectra s2 but I’m afraid it also won’t stimulate a let down… have you ever heard of that? Just looking for advice before I open the box and commit 200 dollars for another pump that won’t work
Heather Grace says
Hi Kat!
There are some women who have difficulty achieving a letdown from pumping. The Spectra S2 is a better pump for moms who struggle so I think it is a good one to try. Some tips on getting a letdown are:
1) Play videos of your baby (crying actually helps more haha)
2) Trying holding an article of clothing your baby has worn (the smell of your baby can stimulate the letdown reflex)
3) Be sure you understand how to use your pump correctly (massage mode and expression mode and the difference)
4) Try nursing your baby on one breast and single pump the other (this will help train your body to respond to the pump)
K says
It seems that the Spectra is not compatible with as many bottle brands as the Medela. Is this true? Do the adapters work well?
Heather Grace says
It’s not so much that the Spectra is not compatible. The Spectra is wide-mouth and the Medela is standard. The Spectra will work with wide-mouth bottles like the Avent. I think in the past more brands had standard size bottles but now there are quite a few brands on the market that are wide-mouthed. But yes, the adapters do work if you prefer a standard size bottle. This brand offers an adapter that works well (click here). Prob the best you will find.
Scarlett Taylor says
Hi,
Thank you for the review is great. I have the medela free style and this is my second baby yesterday I read the Spectra is better from Medela but do you think this also applies to the free style. As I’m a working mom I were always working while the milk was coming out as is hands free but I also want to know if is more powerful the Spectra than this Medela.
Thanks,
Scarlett
Heather Grace says
Hi Scarlett!
I am a HUGE fan of the Medela Freestyle. It is a very strong pump and one of the best for working moms or moms on the go. That said, you will not gain too much in terms of pump strength from the Spectra vs the Medela Freestyle. The Freestyle offers a max suction strength of 250 mmHg and the Spectra S1 and S1 come in at 280 mmHg (though you will see 300 mmHg listed on quite a few sites, however, Spectra has confirmed that number is incorrect). So very slight difference.
The benefits of the Freestyle vs the Spectra is, of course, the size. The parts are easier to get as well since you can buy them in most major retail stores (Target, Buy Buy Baby, etc).
If you need a good portable pump that fits in your purse but still has a ton of strength, you will be hardpressed to find a better pump that size than the Freestyle. I have a full review of the Freestyle, here, if you want to read more about the features.
If you are okay with investing in a good pump bag to carry the Spectra S1, then you will save a little bit of money since the Spectra S1 is cheaper. But its bulkier. So there’s the trade-off.
I hope this helps!
Rebecca says
I was wondering if anyone has attempted to use the Spectra with the Freemie cups? I used to use them with my PISA and although I got consistenty had a lower milk output, by that time I wasn’t dependent upon only milk for my daughter’s diet (around 16 mo.)
Heather Grace says
Hi Rebecca,
I have not used the Freemie Cups with the Spectra pumps. I personally am not a fan of the Freemie Cups as I experienced the same thing you did which was less output when I used them. I have only ever tried them with my Medela Pump in Style. Per Freemie’s site, they are compatible with the Spectra pumps. If you already own some, you can give them a try.
If they don’t work for you, I would suggest you just get a good pumping bra. I like the Clip and Pump because it clips into my existing nursing bra. If I’m not wearing a nursing bra (I didn’t always wear one to work), I would use my Simple Wishes Pumping Bra. Both are great hands-free options. I didn’t feel the Freemie Cups were any better than using a hands-free bra because they are still quite bulky and not discreet at all.
If you do end up trying the Freemie Cups with the Spectra, come back and let us know how you thought it worked for you!
Raizy Sabel says
I use my S1 with medela parts :). Best of both worlds. I use long stem backflow protector to keep closed system.
Heather Grace says
Great suggestion, Raizy!
Cassie says
How did you do that?
Heather Grace says
Hi Cassie,
There is an aftermarket (meaning it is not manufactured by Medela or Spectra) converter that you can buy that allows you to use the Medela pump parts with the Spectra pump. The best one I have found is the long-stemmed backflow protector by Maymom. It connects the Spectra tubing to the Medela breastshield. You can see the listing for the backflow protector on Amazon, here.
The easiest way to use Medela parts with a Spectra pump! Hope this helps!
Lisa says
This is what I was looking to read about. Thank you. I had Medela last time, and was thinking about using Spectra this time, but didn’t want to have to purchase all new accessories.
Heather Grace says
Great, Lisa! Glad I could help! And I agree that having to purchase all new accessories is a pain. Thanks for stopping by!
Angela says
Omg my Medela talked to me, too!
Glad it wasn’t just me.
Heather Grace says
Hahahaha! This is my favorite comment! I am glad it wasn’t just me too. My pump would be saying all kinds of crazy things – haha!
Ashley says
Can you please clarify what the maximum suction is for the Spectra? At first in the article it says 350mm Hg, then it says 300mm Hg…while the Spectra website itself says 250mm Hg?
Thanks so much!
Heather Grace says
Hi Ashley,
I want to thank you for pointing this out!
As for the Spectra site now saying 250mmHg… that is interesting. At the time of press, the listed mmHg for the Spectra S1 and S2 was 350mmHg. If you look even at their Spectra listings on Amazon (By Spectra Baby USA) they do say 350mmHG. I had not seen it was updated on their site until you posted this. I will definitely be calling Spectra asap to get to the bottom of it! I will post an update once I hear back. Until then, please let me know if there are any other questions!
I should add too that I don’t doubt the strength of the Spectra pumps. I have used both the Medela PISA and the Spectra and the Spectra performs better in terms of strength in my opinion. Both great pumps though! Thank you for your comment!
Edit: UPDATE 5/17/17- I spoke with Spectra and they apologized for the various listing that state different mmHg numbers. They stated they are working on cleaning up the misinformation. I was sent their 2017 Offical Spectra Pump Comparision Chart that lists all the current stats for the various Spectra models. The S1 and S2 are both listed at 280mmHg (-/+ 15) now. I have updated all Spectra articles to reflect this info. Thank you again for calling it to my attention!