REASONS TO BUY
Efficient
Comfortable
Built-in battery
User-friendly
Various settings
REASONS TO AVOID
Cost
Bulky
Multiple parts
Spectra S1 Plus Review
A high-quality, efficient breast pump that's hard to beat but has a higher price and lots of parts
The Spectra S1 Plus has a rechargeable battery with up to 3 hours of operation on one single charge.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ March 11, 2025
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: The Best Breast Pumps of 2025
Our Verdict
The Spectra S1 Plus is a top-ranked breast pump that most moms will enjoy. It performs well compared to the competition and shines with remarkable efficiency, consistently delivering notable results in our tests. What's more, it has a user interface that's refreshingly easy to navigate and a range of valuable features. It includes a built-in battery that adds convenience, especially when finding an outlet is challenging. Unfortunately, this pump has a higher price tag than many competitors. However, considering that a pump can be vital to your child's nourishment, we think the Spectra S1 Plus is a sensible investment. It incorporates all the essential elements we expect and does so with excellence.
Our Analysis and Test Results
What sets the Spectra brand apart is not just its pumps but it is proudly owned and run by moms who are Registered Nurses and Certified Lactation Consultants.
We appreciate the design features the Spectra S1 Plus offers, such as the built-in bottle holder, which adds a nice touch of convenience for users during pumping sessions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficiency
The S1 Plus delivered consistent results for efficiency, outperforming the competition for all lactating moms.
The S1 Plus yields the same quantity of milk within a shorter timeframe than most competitors, maintaining a strong and consistent latch during pumping 0.55 oz of milk per minute. This resulted in 5.5 oz after 10 minutes. Other competitors needed more time, with some taking as long as 20 minutes to reach this amount. The S1's efficiency makes it a good fit for those who want to pump as much milk as possible quickly. As one tester stated, “I am so happy to be done, and the Spectra makes it a lot quicker than other pumps.”
The Spectra S1 Plus is a popular choice among breast pump users, and we understand why. In our tests, it generated a strong suction, and it consistently and efficiently expressed milk.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our gauge readings matched the manufacturer's claim of 270 mmHg. We believe this match matters because it increases the chances that it will deliver consistent and successful milk expression.
Comfort
While testing, the S1 Plus emerged with flying colors as a comfortable pump for most moms. It caused no pain during pumping or any soreness afterward, and the positive feedback from our testers suggests that it has the potential to support breastfeeding moms.
This pump is equipped with plastic flanges in 24mm and 28mm, and the manufacturer offers additional sizes (20mm and 32mm). The S1 Plus offers a wide range of settings to customize pumping. Both massage and expression modes have multiple options and a range of vacuum power levels, including an impressive 12 power levels in expression mode.
The user-friendly interface on the Spectra S1 Plus provides information like suction level, cycle speed, timer, and more. The built-in nightlight adds better visibility during late-night or early-morning pumping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
Compared to the competition, the S1 Plus is straightforward to set up and use. Navigating is easy, especially with its user-friendly manual.
It's a breeze to set up; plug in or use the built-in, rechargeable battery. It features a built-in night light and bottle holder. The screen displays information like cycle, suction settings, and pumping duration. This pump is designed to turn off automatically after 30 minutes and remembers your settings for your next session.
The measurement markings on the Spectra S1 Plus bottle aren't as visible as other contenders, but we don't consider this a deal-breaker.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The pump's screen doesn't have a backlight, which can be challenging to read in the dark, but it's fine in well-lit rooms. The pump has a comfortable handle on top for easy lifting, carrying, and positioning.
Weighing 2.9 lbs, the Spectra S1 Plus is heavier than most contenders. It does include a handle to make it easier to carry and a built-in night light.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Portability
The inclusion of a built-in rechargeable battery benefits the Spectra's portability. It can operate for up to 3 hours on a single charge. However, compared to others, it's bulky and large, weighing 2.9 lbs.
The Spectra S1 is quiet for an electric pump. It sounds like a gentle whisper, and we didn't find it disruptive. Light sleepers might not like it, but we think most folks will find it soothing.
The Spectra S1 Plus has several parts to clean. It's also essential that all parts are thoroughly rinsed and dried before reassembling.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Hygiene
The cleaning process of the Spectra S1 Plus can require more effort with multiple parts requiring cleaning and assembly.
This pump has “backflow hygienic protectors” designed to prevent condensation buildup in the tubing. This provides peace of mind, as condensation can potentially become a breeding ground for microbes. While there are eight individual pump parts, which may sound like a lot, they are easy to take apart, clean, and dry. We noticed that a standard bottle brush gets the job done, making the post-pumping routine easy to manage for busy moms.
Should You Buy the Spectra S1 Plus?
There isn't much to dislike about this pump, and for many pumping moms, the Spectra S1 Plus is their ride-or-die. We totally get it. It has solid performance across the board, plus impressive efficiency results. Also, it's battery-powered, opening the world of possible pumping locations. We appreciate its user-friendly interface, range of pump strength levels and speeds, and handy features, like a night light. So, if you're looking for the absolute best possible pump, this is it. We think you will appreciate it again and again.
The Spectra S1 Plus offers a personalized pumping experience with various settings. Though it requires more effort for cleaning and assembly due to multiple parts, it's valued for its efficient milk expression and comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Other Breast Pumps Should You Consider?
The Spectra S2 Plus is significantly cheaper than the S1 Plus, and if you don't need a battery pack, it's an appealing choice for those looking to save some money and want the proven efficiency and quality of a Spectra pump. While it didn't score quite as well as the S1, it is still one of the best in the group, and the price is tough to beat for what you get. The Baby Buddha is a competitive option for moms seeking affordability and portability. It's lighter and more compact than the S1 Plus, and it can be worn in a pumping bra, offering more freedom of movement around the house while pumping.
Manufacturer Video
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