Spectra S2 vs Spectra 9 Plus | Which One Should You Choose

This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Read the full disclosure.

Lately I have been getting a lot of questions whether you should get Spectra 9 plus vs Spectra S1/S2. A lot of moms are torn between the hospital grade strength of S1/S2 vs portability of Spectra 9 plus.

But the difference between these pump are not only in the size and weight. So in this article, I’d try to explain what you can get with each Spectra breast pumps (Spectra 9 plus vs Spectra S1/S2).

This post is part of Spectra series, do check out other related posts:

• Spectra S1 Breast Pump Review
• How to Use Spectra S1 breast pump | The Beginner’s Guide
• Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2 | What’s The Difference?
• Spectra S1 vs Super Genie | Which One To Choose?
• Spectra S1 vs Motif Luna | Which One Is Better?
• Spectra Breast Pump Parts & Accessories | Which one is Compatible?
• Which Breast Pump Bags Can Fit Spectra S1? Check out the top 5
• Spectra M1 Breast Pump Review (most affordable Spectra model)
• Spectra 9+ Breast Pump Review (most portable and sleek Spectra model)

Differences Between Spectra 9 plus vs Spectra S1/S2

1. Size and weight.

Spectra 9 plus is the portable5 model of Spectra breast pump series. It fits inside your palm and weighs only 239 gram, making it a perfect pump for moms who frequently need to pump on the go and need a lightweight breast pump.

SEE ALSO:5 Portable Breast Pumps for Pumping Moms On The Go

On the other hand, Spectra S1/S2 is much bulkier (with dimension of 20x20x18 cm) and weighs around 1 kg. So, these pumps would be better placed on a desk, not while pumping while moving around from one spot to another (although certainly it can be done, but more troublesome).

PS: If you need a compact hospital-grade breast pump, check out this one.

2. Noise level. 

All Spectra pumps are quiet. But comparing between these three, Spectra S1/S2 is certainly produces less noise compared to Spectra 9.

3. Battery power. 

Spectra 9 plus’ built-in battery will last about 1.5 hours of pumping. Whereas Spectra S1’s battery lasts for 3-hour pumping.

Translating to charging frequency, this means you will need to charge your Spectra 9 plus every day, and about every other day for Spectra S1. Spectra S2 does not have any battery, but you can connect it to Maymom power bank kit to make it more portable.

4. Vacuum strength. 

Spectra S1/ S2’s vacuum strength is definitely higher than Spectra 9 plus. I usually use my Spectra S1 around level 10 and I could not get the same feeling with Spectra 9 plus’ highest vacuum strength. If you usually use medium – low suction level, you would be fine with Spectra 9 plus. Otherwise, Spectra S2 and S1 would be better for you.

5. Ability to adjust cycle speed. 

With Spectra 9+, you can not adjust the cycle speed separately. As you move towards higher vacuum strength, the speed slows down accordingly.

This is unlike Spectra S1 and S2 whereby you can adjust the speed regardless of vacuum strength you are at. So you can use high cycle speed and high vacuum strength at the same time.

6. Variation of settings

In Spectra 9 plus, you get 5 different levels for massage mode and 10 levels for expression mode.

In Spectra S2 and S1, you get 5 levels for massage mode, 12 levels for expression mode, plus 5 different cycle speeds.

If you need more fexibility in speed and vacuum strength, there is another breast pump offering up to 16 vacuum levels and 16 cycle speeds. You can check it out here.

---

Need examples on how to use your Spectra S1/S2 setting?

Get this cheatsheet for FREE.

---

7. Which one is is more efficient in emptying breast? 

This really depends on individual preference.

If you prefer a gentle suction, Spectra 9+ is good enough for you. My friend, who is used to pump with Medela Freestyle, admitted that she emptied her breast more thoroughly with Spectra 9+. She didn’t use high vacuum strength though, she preferred staying in let down mode all the time.

On the other hand, I used to pump with Spectra s1 with high vacuum setting (level 10). So when I tried switching to Spectra 9+, I felt that I didn’t get the same strength and thus I got less milk.

SEE ALSO: 10 Proven Tips To Pump Breast Milk Faster

8. Ability to adjust night light. 

This is a minor thing, but if you frequently need to pump at night in the dark, you may consider this. Spectra 9+ has a built in night light, that’s always turned on no matter what.You cannot adjust the brightness level.

Whereas in Spectra S1 and S2, you can control the brightness of the night light or turn it off. Personally, Spectra 9+’s light is too bright for my preference.

So, those are 8 differences between Spectra S1 / S2 vs Spectra 9 plus. The rest of them are very similar (including pump parts). I have summarized the differences in the following table.

More Breast Pump Comparison:

• Spectra S1 vs Super Genie (both heavy-duty)
• Spectra S1 vs Milk Genie (heavy duty vs portable)
• Super Genie vs Milk Genie (heavy duty vs portable)

Now, comes the question.

Which Breast Pump is Suitable for You?

Should you buy Spectra S2 or S1 vs Spectra 9+?

Well that depends on your usage and preferences.

If you:

• Really need a portable breast pump
• Travel a lot
• Respond well with gentle suction
• Do not need to adjust cycle speed separately
• Mainly use the breast pump in the workplace only or other occasional use (3-5x a day)

Then you should choose Spectra 9+. (Or… check out this post if you are interested to see other portable breast pumps).

But if you:

• Does not mind a bulky breast pump
• Only respond well to high suction to drain your breast
• Need to adjust cycle speed separately
• Need to use the pump around the clock (8-12x a day)

Then you should opt for Spectra S1 or Spectra S2.

Or if you have the budget, you can get both of them. Some exclusive pumping moms that I personally know have both of them. They usually use Spectra S1 / S2 at home and use Spectra 9+ when they are on the go. Alternatively, if you pump more often in the workplace, you can leave your Spectra S1/S2 in the office and only use Spectra 9+ at home.

Still feeling undecided and wanted to read more details?

These articles may help:

• Spectra S1 detailed review
• Spectra 9 plus detailed review
• Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2

And if you want to read more reviews, check out the followings:

• Click here to read reviews for Spectra S1
• Click here to read reviews for Spectra S2
• Click here to read reviews for Spectra 9+

::

I hope this article helps you to understand the pros and cons of Spectra S1 / Spectra S2 vs Spectra 9+.

Now it’s your turn. Which Spectra breast pump that you use right now? Do you like it? You can share your opinion in the comments.