Investing in a breast pump is a big deal. The last thing you want is to drop a chunk of change on a non-returnable device, only to discover it makes you miserable or hurts your milk supply.
To help you decide between the Spectra S2 vs. Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow, we’ve broken down the specs, tested the features, and compared them side-by-side to see which pump deserves a spot in your nursery.
Spectra S2 vs. Medela Pump in Style: The Quick Verdict
The Medela Pump in Style is ideal if you want a simple, all-in-one kit with an included battery pack for occasional travel. However, the Spectra S2 is the superior pump for daily use. It offers a whisper-quiet motor, a digital display with a nightlight, and fully customizable suction and cycle settings that the Medela lacks.
| Product | Spectra: S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump | Medela: Pump In Style® MaxFlow™ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs | 1 lb |
| System | Closed | Closed |
| Timer | Yes | No |
| Modes | 2: letdown/massage & expression | 2: letdown/massage & expression |
| Cycle speed settings | Letdown: 1 cycle speed, expression: 5 cycle speeds | N/A — combined with suction into 9 levels |
| Suction | 12 levels | N/A — combined with cycle speed into 9 levels |
| Settings selection | +/- buttons | +/- buttons |
| Display | Digital | No |
| Night-light | Yes | No |
| Bottles | 2 included with lids, cap discs & nipples | 4 included with lids & cap discs |
| Bags | Not included | Cooler bag & microfibre pump bag |
| Cooler | Not included, can be purchased separately | Included |
| AC adapter | Included | Included |
| Batteries | No — batteries are not required | Battery pack for 8AA batteries. Batteries are not included. |
| Car adapter | Not included — available separately | Not included — available separately |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1-year parts warranty |
Product Overviews
Should you put your money on the streamlined Medela Pump in Style or the customizable Spectra S2? Here is the breakdown.
Spectra: S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump
Best Breast Pump for Nighttime Pumping
If you appreciate having total control over your pumping sessions, the Spectra S2 is likely your new best friend. This hospital-strength unit is famous in the breastfeeding community for its gentle “suckle” sensation that mimics a nursing baby better than almost any other pump on the market.
The standout feature here is the ability to adjust the cycle (speed) and vacuum (suction strength) independently. This is huge for moms who might need a fast, light flutter to trigger a letdown, followed by a slow, deep draw to empty the breast.
It also features a built-in nightlight with two brightness levels and a timer, which are lifesavers for those 3 a.m. sessions. The motor is incredibly quiet, so you won’t wake your partner or baby while you pump.
The biggest drawback is that the S2 must be plugged into a wall outlet. There is no battery option. If you need to roam around the house, you are out of luck unless you buy the blue Spectra S1 model or a third-party battery pack.
Pros
- High customization: Adjust suction strength and cycle speed separately to find your sweet spot.
- Quiet operation: One of the quietest motors available, perfect for discrete or nighttime pumping.
- User-friendly interface: The digital display shows your exact settings and how long you have been pumping.
- Safety first: Features a true closed system (backflow protectors) to keep milk out of the tubing.
Cons
- Not portable: You must be tethered to a wall outlet to use it.
- Bulky shape: The bowling-ball shape makes it a bit awkward to pack in a tote bag.
- Memory function quirk: It doesn’t automatically reset to “massage mode” when you turn it on, so check your settings before starting.
Product Specs
| Weight | 3.0 lbs |
| System | Closed |
| Timer | Yes (Digital) |
| Modes | 2: Massage and Expression |
| Cycle Speed | Adjustable (38-54 RPM in expression mode) |
| Suction Strength | Adjustable (12 levels, up to 270 mmHg) |
| Display | LCD Screen |
| Nightlight | Yes (2 levels) |
| Bottles | 2 wide-neck bottles included |
| Power | AC Adapter (Plug-in only) |
| Warranty | 2-Year on motor; 90 days on parts |
Medela: Pump In Style® with MaxFlow™
Best Breast Pump for Occasional Mobility
The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is the modern replacement for the old “PISA” workhorse many moms used years ago. This updated version is significantly lighter and uses micro-vibrations to help extract milk efficiently.
It is designed for simplicity. There are no complicated screens or menus to navigate. You simply turn it on, and it starts in stimulation phase. Once your milk flows, it automatically switches to expression phase after one minute (or you can switch it manually).
This pump comes as a complete “on-the-go” kit. You get a stylish microfiber bag, a cooler bag with a contoured ice pack, four bottles, and a battery pack.
The battery pack takes 8 AA batteries, giving you about two hours of pumping time away from an outlet. While it isn’t a rechargeable lithium battery, it provides enough freedom for car pumping or travel. However, unlike the Spectra, you cannot fine-tune the speed and suction independently; they increase together as you turn the dial up.
Pros
- All-inclusive kit: Comes with a bag, cooler, and battery pack right out of the box.
- Simple to use: Minimal buttons and pre-programmed phases make it easy for beginners.
- Closed system: An upgrade from the old model, this now prevents milk from entering the motor.
- Comfortable shields: Includes PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields with a soft rim for better fit.
Cons
- Limited control: You cannot adjust speed and suction separately.
- No display: No screen to show your vacuum level or a timer to track session length.
- Vibration noise: The MaxFlow technology creates a vibrating sound that some users find louder than the Spectra.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.18 lbs (Pump unit only) |
| System | Closed |
| Timer | No |
| Modes | 2: Stimulation and Expression |
| Cycle Speed | Pre-programmed (increases with suction) |
| Suction Strength | 10 levels (controlled by + / – buttons) |
| Display | None |
| Nightlight | No |
| Bottles | 4 included with lids |
| Power | AC Adapter or Battery Pack (8 AA batteries, not included) |
| Warranty | 1-year on motor |
In-Depth Feature Comparison
How do these two heavyweights measure up on the features that actually matter during a 2 a.m. pumping session?
Settings and Customization
The Spectra S2 wins this category hands down because it allows you to be the boss of your pump. You can modify the cycle speed (how fast it sucks) and the vacuum strength (how hard it pulls) independently.
This is vital because every woman’s body responds differently. You might need a slow speed with high suction to empty fully, or a fast speed with medium suction for comfort. The S2 lets you mix and match these settings.
The Medela Pump in Style uses pre-programmed settings. When you increase the vacuum, the speed changes automatically based on what Medela thinks works best. While the MaxFlow technology is effective for many, you lose the ability to tweak the rhythm if it feels “off” for your body.
Winner
Portability and Power
If you plan to pump in the car or places without reliable outlets, the Medela has the advantage out of the box.
The Medela kit includes a portable battery pack. It is a simple plastic case that holds 8 AA batteries. While it isn’t as convenient as a built-in rechargeable battery, it works well for occasional travel. Just keep in mind that performance can dip slightly as the batteries drain.
The Spectra S2 is a “plug-in only” pump. It does not have a battery compartment. To use it in a car, you must purchase a separate vehicle adapter. If you want a Spectra with a battery, you have to upgrade to the S1 (the blue one), which costs more.
Winner
Display and Usability
The Spectra S2 features a bright, digital LCD screen. It tells you exactly what mode you are in, your current vacuum level, and arguably most importantly, it has a timer. When you are sleep-deprived, staring at a timer helps you track your session length without needing to check your phone constantly.
The Spectra also includes a built-in nightlight, which is a brilliant feature for pumping in the dark next to a sleeping baby.
In contrast, the Medela Pump in Style has no screen. You adjust suction with simple buttons, but there is no visual indicator of “Level 4” vs “Level 5.” You just have to feel it. There is also no timer and no nightlight.
Winner
Included Accessories
Medela is known for providing a complete “ecosystem.” The Pump in Style comes with a microfiber tote bag to carry everything, a cooler bag with a shaped ice pack, four bottles, and two sizes of breast shields. You can literally open the box and head to work.
The Spectra S2 comes with the pump, tubing, two bottles, and flanges (usually in 24mm and 28mm sizes). It does not include a tote bag or a cooler. If you need to transport your milk, you will need to buy a separate cooler bag and ice packs.
Winner
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the most common questions we get from moms trying to choose between these two popular pumps.
Is the Spectra S2 a Hospital Grade Pump?
The term “hospital grade” is not regulated by the FDA, so it is often used loosely in marketing. However, the Spectra S2 is a closed-system pump with a powerful motor capable of reaching 270 mmHg of suction. This makes it strong enough to help initiate and maintain milk supply for most women, similar to the large multi-user pumps found in hospitals.
What Is the Difference Between Spectra S1 and S2?
The only functional difference is the power source. The Spectra S1 (blue) has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts about 3 hours, making it portable. The Spectra S2 (pink) must be plugged into a wall outlet to work. The S2 is lighter and usually cheaper, while the S1 offers freedom of movement.
Can I Use Medela Parts with a Spectra Pump?
Yes, but you need an adapter. The tubing on the Spectra S2 does not fit Medela flanges or bottles directly. However, inexpensive “thread changers” or tubing adapters are widely available online (like the Maymom brand) that allow you to use your existing Medela bottles and flanges with the Spectra motor.
Is the Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow a Closed System?
Yes, the new Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow is a closed system pump. It uses “overflow protection” connectors that prevent milk from entering the tubing and motor. This is a significant upgrade from the older “Pump in Style Advanced” (PISA) model, which was an open system and prone to mold in the tubing.
Which Pump Is Quieter?
The Spectra S2 is significantly quieter. It has a soft, rhythmic “whoosh” sound that is barely noticeable during a phone call or TV show. The Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow uses vibration technology, which creates a louder buzzing sound that can be more disruptive in a quiet room.
Spectra S2 vs. Medela Pump in Style: The Final Verdict
Here is the bottom line: if you want a pump that offers maximum comfort, quiet operation, and the ability to customize settings to your body’s specific needs, the Spectra S2 is the clear winner. The digital display and nightlight make it superior for tracking your sessions.
However, if you feel overwhelmed by settings and just want a simple, “plug-and-play” option that comes with a full travel kit, the Medela Pump in Style is a solid choice. It is great for moms who need an all-in-one solution for occasional days away from the baby.
