Spectra S1 Plus vs. Medela Pump In Style Pro+: Breast Pump Comparison

Spectra S1 Plus vs. Medela Pump In Style Pro+: Breast Pump Comparison

Buy on Amazon · $169.99 →

The Spectra S1 Plus → is our pick for most pumping parents: a closed system, a built-in battery that Spectra says lasts about three hours per charge, hospital-strength suction up to 270 mmHg, and a quieter motor. Medela's current answer is the Pump In Style Pro+ →, which adds a rechargeable battery and 16 suction levels to the Pump In Style line; the older corded Pump In Style (Classic) is still sold and is what many insurance plans ship. Choose Medela if you want replacement parts on every pharmacy shelf, or if it is simply what your plan covers. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond, so a reliable pump matters for parents who return to work.

How do the Spectra S1 Plus and Medela Pump In Style Pro+ compare?

Specs are the manufacturers' own figures from Spectra's and Medela's product pages.

A note on the names: the pump Amazon lists as the Pump In Style Classic is the hardware Medela sold as Pump In Style with MaxFlow. That model no longer appears in Medela's current US lineup, which is built around the corded Pump In Style Pro and the rechargeable Pump In Style Pro+. The Classic is still sold and supported, so this comparison covers both generations.

Check this before you check the price: the Affordable Care Act (Section 2713) requires most health plans to cover breastfeeding support and supplies, including a breast pump, at no cost-sharing. Many parents get their pump free or heavily subsidized.

CDC's 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card found that 83.2% of U.S. infants born in 2019 started out receiving breast milk, but only 24.9% were exclusively breastfed at 6 months — which is why pump access matters so much for working parents.

Which pump has better suction — Spectra or Medela?

Both brands use a two-phase pattern modeled on how babies nurse: a fast, light stimulation phase to trigger let-down, then a slower, deeper expression phase. Spectra lets you set suction and cycle speed separately in each phase; Medela's Pro and Pro+ use the pattern from its hospital Symphony pump, with the same 16 levels.

Spectra S1 Plus

Buy on Amazon · $225.99 →

The Spectra uses a diaphragm-based closed system that generates strong, adjustable suction. It features both a "massage" (letdown) mode and an "expression" mode, each with independently adjustable suction levels. Most pumping parents find the Spectra comfortable at effective suction levels — it pulls firmly without being painful.

Medela Pump In Style (Classic)

Buy on Amazon · $112.44 →

The Pump In Style (Classic) uses Medela's PersonalFit Flex connectors and the 2-Phase Expression technology that mimics baby's natural nursing pattern — faster stimulation phase followed by slower, deeper expression phase. The suction is effective, though some parents find the Spectra generates slightly stronger maximum suction. The current Pro+ keeps the 2-phase approach and adds 16 adjustable suction levels.

Which breast pump is more comfortable?

Spectra S1 Plus

The suction is smooth and the massage mode does a good job of stimulating letdown. The flanges are comfortable for most, though you may need to try different sizes (this is true of all pumps). The adjustable suction and cycle speed let you find your personal sweet spot.

Medela Pump In Style (Classic)

The PersonalFit Flex connectors angle slightly to let you lean back while pumping, which is a nice comfort feature. The 2-Phase system is designed for comfort, and Medela's long history means their suction profiles are well-refined.

Which breast pump is more portable?

Spectra S1 Plus

The S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery, which is a significant advantage. You can pump anywhere without needing an outlet. Spectra says a full charge gives about 3 hours of pumping, which gets most parents through a workday. The pump itself is compact and comes with a carrying bag.

Medela Pump In Style (Classic)

It runs corded, or on AA batteries with a battery pack sold separately — not as seamless as the Spectra's built-in rechargeable. The pump is compact and the carrying bag/cooler combo is well-designed for working parents. If cordless pumping matters and you want to stay with Medela, the current Pump In Style Pro+ has a built-in rechargeable battery.

Which breast pump is quieter?

Spectra S1 Plus

Noticeably quieter than the Medela. It's not silent, but it's closer to a gentle hum than a rhythmic motor sound. Many parents pump during work calls with the Spectra and report that the sound isn't picked up by microphones.

Medela Pump In Style (Classic)

Louder than the Spectra. The rhythmic pump sound is audible across a room. While not obnoxiously loud, it's noticeable. If discretion matters for your pumping situation, this is a consideration.

Which pump is easier to clean?

Both are closed systems now, so the cleaning routine is essentially the same pump to pump. The CDC's guidance for pump parts:

• Disassemble after every use
• Rinse in running water
• Wash with soap and warm water, or in a dishwasher
• Sanitize at least once daily by steaming or boiling, especially for babies under 2 months, born prematurely or with a weakened immune system

About the fridge hack: the CDC says rinsing parts and refrigerating them for a few hours between sessions can slow bacterial growth when you cannot wash them, but refrigeration does not stop bacteria and no studies show it is a safe substitute for washing — especially for premature or medically fragile babies.

Spectra S1 Plus

Closed system, meaning no milk can enter the tubing. This is important — it means less cleaning, less risk of mold in the tubing, and a more hygienic system overall. The pump parts are straightforward to disassemble and clean.

Medela Pump In Style (Classic)

The Pump In Style (Classic) is also a closed system — its PersonalFit Flex connectors form the barrier that keeps milk out of the tubing (older Medela models were open systems), so this advantage has narrowed. Medela parts are widely available in stores, which is convenient for replacing worn pieces.

Where can you buy replacement parts for Spectra vs. Medela?

Spectra parts are available on Amazon and through most baby retailers, but they're slightly less ubiquitous than Medela. However, Spectra flanges are compatible with many aftermarket brands (Maymom, Legendairy Milk), giving you more options for finding the perfect flange fit.

Medela parts are available everywhere — Target, Walmart, Amazon, pharmacies. If you need a replacement part urgently, you can find Medela components in almost any store that sells baby products. The PersonalFit Flex connectors are specific to Medela, so you're somewhat locked into their ecosystem for key components.

The category-by-category verdict

Should you consider a wearable breast pump instead?

If you're considering a wearable pump instead of either traditional option, the Elvie Stride (about $150) offers hands-free pumping with good output, and our Momcozy breast pump guide decodes the cheaper wearables. Wearable pumps generally don't fully replace traditional pumps for exclusive pumpers, but they're excellent for supplemental or on-the-go sessions. See our feeding gear guide for more.

Does insurance cover breast pumps?

Both Spectra and Medela are commonly covered by insurance. Through insurers like Aeroflow, you can often get either pump free or at significantly reduced cost. Check your insurance benefits early in pregnancy — some plans require prescriptions or pre-authorization.

The PUMP Act of 2022 (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections) expanded workplace protections for nursing employees, requiring employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) for expressing breast milk for up to one year after birth. Combined with the ACA's insurance coverage mandate, the legal framework for pumping parents has significantly improved, though enforcement and employer compliance vary.

Which bottles work best with each pump?

Regardless of which pump you choose, you'll be transferring pumped milk into bottles. Our top picks:

• Dr. Brown's Options+ — for anti-colic performance
• Comotomo — for breastfeeding families transitioning between breast and bottle

See our feeding bottles roundup for detailed recommendations.

Which breast pump is right for you?

Choose the Spectra S1 if:

• You want a built-in rechargeable battery for portability
• Quiet pumping is important (at work, during calls)
• You want maximum control over suction settings
• You value slightly stronger suction power

Choose the Medela Pump In Style Pro+ if:

• You want a cordless Medela with 16 suction levels
• You were started on a hospital Symphony and want the same pumping pattern at home

Choose the Medela Pump In Style (Classic) if:

• You want parts available at any retail store
• You prefer the PersonalFit Flex angled connector comfort
• Brand familiarity and established reputation matter to you
• Your insurance specifically covers Medela

Is the Spectra or Medela the better breast pump?

The Spectra S1 edges out the Medela for most pumping parents thanks to its quieter operation, built-in rechargeable battery, and strong suction control. Medela's current Pump In Style Pro+ closes the battery gap, and the Medela line keeps the edge on parts availability. Both are professional-grade, effective pumps that serve pumping parents well. Check your insurance coverage first, try both flanges to find the right fit, and remember that pump comfort is highly individual. Visit our feeding and bottles category for complete feeding gear recommendations. Amazon links may earn us an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Two things every pumping parent buys regardless of which pump wins: a Haakaa silicone pump → to catch letdown on the other side, and Lansinoh storage bags → — both are under $15 and neither brand cares which electric pump you chose.

Further Reading

• Feeding & Nursing
• Baby Health