Whether you’re exclusively pumping, need to pump at work, or just expressing to keep up your milk supply, Spectra offers a range of award-winning electric breast pumps.
Designed in the USA and manufactured in South Korea, Spectra breast pumps are highly recommended by Australian lactation consultants and everyday mums, especially their hospital-grade breast pumps – the S1 and S2.
Related: Best Breast Pumps In Australia – Brands, Costs, Reviews
All Spectra electric breast pumps include:
- Double conversion kit
- 4 flange sizes – 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 32mm
- 2 years warranty
- Closed system design
- Adjustable speeds
- Free express shipping over $100
This article consolidates all the information available on Spectra electric breast pump models, including costs, ratings, public reviews, and comparisons so you can make an informed decision for your breastfeeding journey.
At this time of writing, the Spectra DEW 350 appears to have been discontinued so it has been excluded from this review.
Overview of Spectra Breast Pumps
| MODEL | S2 | S1 | SPECTRA 9 PLUS | M1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Hospital Grade | Hospital Grade | Personal Use | Personal Use |
| Inbuilt Battery | No, mains only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vacuum strength | 0-320mmHg | 0-320mmHg | 0-300mmHg | 0-300mmHg |
| Cycle speed | 38-54 RPM | 38-54 RPM | 30-46 RPM | 24-40 RPM |
| Nightlight | Yes | Yes | No, backlight display | No |
| Weight | 2kg | 2kg | 297g | 297g |
| Retail price | $299 | $379 | $249 | $229 |
Spectra S2 Hospital Grade Double Breast Pump
Spectra S2 Review
The Spectra S2 is the brand’s flagship product and has consistently garnered high customer ratings since it was first available in Australia in 2013.
Winner of the Electric Breast Pump category for the years 2017, 2020, and 2021 on ProductReview Awards, the Spectra S2 is a very affordable and efficient hospital-grade double breast pump.
Despite its size, its motor is quieter than most brands like the Medela and it’s easy to find a comfortable fit with the four different flange sizes included.
If you’re looking for a powerhouse pump that can increase your milk supply (or maintain it), the Spectra S2 has high praise from many customers.
I had previous used the Medela and rated that brand highly. The Spectra has completely blown me away. My milk supplied has increased massively and made my journey of feeding twins a breeze. The initial cost may make you question the purchase but if you can afford it, I really recommend you buy it.
Lauren M, South East Queensland, May 2020
I use this pump religiously whether it’s at home or away on holiday. I’ve had it for 3.5 years now and it’s still going strong, so it is definitely an excellent investment and worth every penny. Very quiet and comfortable to use either with single or double option. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for good quality and long-lasting pump.
Kate M, Central Queensland, November 2016
Spectra S1 vs S2
The only difference between the two models is that the Spectra S2 can only be powered by mains, whereas the Spectra S1 has inbuilt batteries so it is more portable.
The added option of being battery-powered is probably the reason why the S1 is significantly more expensive than the S2.
If you’re mainly pumping at home without the need for portability, then the S1 is the more affordable model with the same features as the S2.
Spectra 9 Plus Portable Electric Breast Pump
Spectra S9 Review
Also an award winner in the 2020 ProductReview Awards, the Spectra 9+ is the best all-rounded breast pump for performance, portability, and affordable pricing.
With a complete double kit included, it can be used as a single or double pump.
Despite its travel-friendly size, its power and performance are comparable to the hospital-grade S1 and S2, making it the most economical breast pump you can invest in.
Regardless of whether you’re pumping exclusively, casually, or for work, the Spectra 9 Plus is a high performing breast pump in a tiny package.
Super comfortable and easy to use pump. I purchased this due to going back to work and having to pump twice throughout the day. It was the best baby purchase I made, people didn’t know I was even carrying in a breast pump due to how small and portable it is but don’t be fooled although it’s small it has some power. I would easily get 180mls or more each day. It also has a great battery life so never had to stress about it running out of charge on me.
Alex Werner, Hunter Region, NSW, August 2018
It’s efficient yet gentle (and that is quite important if you had to deal with sore nipples). It helped me to establish a good milk supply in early days, and later it helped me to resolve blocked ducts on a couple occasions… Also this pump is light, compact and not noisy comparing to the other pumps on the market.
Maria, Sydney, NSW, December 2018
Spectra 9 Plus vs Spectra S2
The Spectra 9 Plus and S2 are comparable, but the main difference is that the 9 Plus is designed for portability without compromising on performance.
The hospital-grade S2 is just $50 more than the 9 Plus, but it’s significantly bulkier and heavier at 2kg vs 297g.
The S2 is also mains powered and does not have inbuilt batteries, so it is only suitable for at-home use.
In terms of performance, the Spectra 9 Plus has similar specifications and features as the S2. It has a slightly lower maximum vacuum strength of 300mmHg (vs 320mmHg for the S2), but this is more than strong enough for most pumping needs.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one breast pump, the Spectra 9 Plus is highly recommended as it can easily adapt to every stage of your breastfeeding journey.
But if you’re looking for a powerhouse breast pump without the need for portability, the S2 is a hospital-grade model that will not break the bank.
Spectra M1 Portable Breast Pump
Spectra M1 Review
The Spectra M1 is their most affordable yet underrated portable electric breast pump, often overshadowed by the hospital-grade S2 and more slimline 9 Plus.
Weighing at just under 300g, the M1 is an extremely lightweight and economical breast pump with performance specifications that are comparable to more popular models like the S2 and 9 Plus.
With an outstanding 4.6 star rating on ProductReview and over 100+ five star reviews, it is one of the best single electric breast pumps you can find in Australia.
It comes with a double pumping adaptor, but you’ll need to purchase additional Spectra breast pump accessories to use it as a double pump.
It has performed amazingly! As good if not better than the hospital-grade Medela Symphony she (my wife) used in the hospital. It is a god send that it has a reachable battery & doesn’t have to be plugged into the wall to be used. The size is great and is so easy to use.
Tom G, Dec 2014
Very efficient pump! I had the pump for 4 months now and it has helped with my milk supply. It is light, quiet and portable. The cost is much less than Medela or Avent. I love also how easy the parts can be cleaned and assembled.
Nance, Dec 2017
Spectra M1 vs 9 Plus
Both the Spectra M1 and Spectra 9 Plus are lightweight portable breast pumps with a hygienic closed system design and inbuilt rechargeable batteries.
Their vacuum strength and cycle speeds are similar, so their performance is comparable. However, the M1 is an older model than the 9 Plus, so it does not have a timer or LCD display.
Also, the 9 Plus comes with a complete double kit with all accessories and bottles to convert it from a single to double pump. The M1, however, is a single pump that comes with a double pump adaptor only.
To use the M1 as a double pump, you will need to purchase the following additional accessories separately:
- Wide neck breast shield (24mm size)
- Bottle
- Slow flow soft teat
- Tubing
- Disc
- Cap
- Backflow protector
- Duck valve
For an extra $20, it’s more economical to get the 9 Plus instead of the M1, as you wouldn’t need to purchase additional parts.
