Spectra S1 vs S2 Breast Pump: Which One Should You Buy?

I know.

Choosing a breast pump can feel overwhelming… or just downright stressful.

Especially if you’re a first time mum.

You’re choosing a product that will literally attach to your body and feed your baby, after all.

So much depends on it:

Your comfort
The amount of milk your baby gets
And how often you’ll need to do it

If you’re choosing between the Spectra S2 Electric Breast Pump and the Spectra S1 Electric Breast Pump, you probably just want one thing: a clear answer on which one is best.

(If you want advice on choosing between manual or electric pump, read my post Electric vs Manual Breastpump: how to choose without the headache.)

And honestly? That makes total sense.

These two pumps are extremely popular right now, and for good reason. Mums everywhere keep coming back to them because they’re known for being reliable, gentle, and effective.

You may think:

“They look the same… so why is one more expensive?”
“Will this actually help with breast pump milk increase?”
“Which breast pump is best for me?”

It’s a LOT to think about.

So I’m here to make this simple for you.

Both pumps are honestly amazing.

They’re quiet, gentle, and really effective at getting milk out (which is exactly what you want when you’re exhausted).

But here’s the key thing most people don’t realise:

The main difference between the Spectra S1 and S2 has nothing to do with how much milk you’ll produce.

Your milk supply depends much more on:

how often you pump (express)
how well the pump fits you
and your body

What the pump does affect is:

how comfortable you are
how easy your life feels
whether you actually stick with pumping

And that’s where the real difference between the S1 and S2 comes in.

In this post, I’m going to break it all down for you in a simple, no-stress way.

By the end, you’ll know exactly:

which breast pump is best for YOU
whether it’s worth paying extra for the S1
how to actually use your pump to increase milk supply

Ready?

Let’s go.

Which breast pump is better for increasing milk supply?

I’m sorry (or happy) to tell you that The Spectra S1 and S2 are equally good for milk supply.

They both use the same suction strength, the same settings, and the same technology.

So if you wonder which pump will help with milk increase, the answer isn’t hidden inside the pump itself.

So what actually increases milk supply?

What truly makes a difference is:

1. Frequency (this one is HUGE)

The more often you remove milk, the more your body makes.

Your body works on a “supply and demand” system, which means more demand = more milk.

2. Emptying your breasts properly

If milk stays in the breast, your body thinks: “We don’t need to make more.”

Both Spectra pumps are great at full emptying, which helps signal your body to keep producing.

3. Getting the right fit (very underrated)

If your flange size is wrong, your pump won’t work so well and this can mess with your supply.

4. Being consistent

Let’s be honest, pumping isn’t exactly fun and you won’t always feel like it (or ever). But skipping sessions can really (and quickly) affect your supply.

Where the S1 might help (a little secret)

So even though both pumps are equal in power, the S1 can indirectly help your supply.

Why?

Because it’s portable.

Which means you’re more likely to:

pump more often
not skip sessions
stay consistent

And that’s what actually increases milk.

Simple takeaway

S1 ❌ does NOT produce more milk than S2
S2 ❌ does NOT reduce your supply

Your habits matter more than the pump

But the easier your life feels, the more likely you are to stick with it.

It’s as simple as that.

And that’s where choosing the right pump for you really matters.

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Which breast pump is best for YOU?

Now this is where things get real.

Because the truth is… there is no “one best pump” for everyone.

It’s about your life.

Let’s make this super simple and figure out where you fit.

Quick comparison

Feature	Spectra S1	Spectra S2
Portability	Built-in battery	Plug only
Milk output	Same	Same
Noise level	Quiet	Quiet
Price	A bit higher	More budget-friendly
Best for	Busy, on-the-go mums	Home-based pumping

Choose the S1 if:

You don’t want to pump in the same spot all the time
You have other kids (in other words no much time to sit still)
You like the idea of pumping anywhere

This pump gives you flexibility and can also make life easier if you plan to go back to work soon or are already back.

Choose the S2 if:

You’re mostly pumping in one place
You don’t mind being near a plug
You want to save money

This pump is simple, reliable, and gets the job done as well.

A quick note for US mums

If you’re in the US, you can often get one of these through breast pump Aeroflow or another provider that offers a breast pump through insurance.

Some insurance plans even cover the S1, or allow you to upgrade for a small fee.

So make sure you check before you buy as you could save a lot.

A quick note for UK mums

If you’re in the UK, you’ll usually be buying your pump yourself.

You can often find both options online or in places like breast pump Argos.

Other great places to check include Boots, John Lewis, Amazon UK, and sometimes supermarkets like Tesco or Asda (baby events are great for deals!).

You can also find great second hand pumps on online forums, Facebook Marketplace or eBay.

Prices can vary, so it’s worth checking a more places before you decide.

How to use your breast pump to increase milk supply

Let’s talk about something really important now.

Because choosing the pump is only step one.

What you do with it is what matters – and what helps with breast pump milk increase.

And don’t worry, it’s not complicated.

You don’t need a perfect routine or a lot of free time (who has that with a baby anyway, right?).

1. Pump often (this is the biggest secret)

Your body works on a simple rule:

The more milk you remove, the more your body makes.

If possible, aim for regular pumping sessions instead of long gaps.

Even short sessions still send the “make more milk” signal.

But please keep this in mind: pumping (and breastfeeding) isn’t always easy. It can be exhausting and sometimes even painful.

So if pumping starts to affect your mental wellbeing, it’s more than ok to step back.

Remember: what your baby needs most is a happy, relaxed mum.

2. Don’t rush your sessions

It’s tempting to stop pumping as soon as the milk slows down, but if you can, give it a little longer (again, only if it doesn’t affect your wellbeing or sanity).

Sometimes your body has a second “let-down” a few minutes later.

3. Make sure your pump actually fits you

This one is often missed.

If the flange size is wrong:

it can hurt
you may get less milk
your supply can drop over time

So if something feels off or painful, don’t ignore it. When you adjust the fit, it can make a big difference.

4. Relax

I know it’s easier said than done.

But stress can really negatively impact your milk flow.

Try things like:

warm drink beside you
looking at your baby (or photos if they’re asleep)
sitting somewhere comfy
skin to skin contact

Your body responds better when you feel calm and safe.

5. Be consistent, not perfect

You don’t need to get every pumping session perfect.

Consistency is what matters most.

Don’t give guilt any space – guilt leads to stress, and stress affects both your milk flow and your mental wellbeing.

If you produce less milk than you hoped, that’s absolutely fine.

If you produce no milk at all, that’s completely okay too.

You are still an amazing mum your baby is lucky to have.

If you want a proof, check out also my post 13 Signs You’re a Good Mum (Even If You Don’t Feel Like One).

Final verdict: Spectra S1 or S2?

Alright, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably thinking: “Just tell me which one to get already” 😅.

So here it is.

If you want the simplest answer:

Go for the Spectra S1 if you can afford it.

Why?

Because life with a baby is hard and highly unpredictable.

And having a pump you can use anywhere (aka flexibility) makes everything feel easier.

You’re more likely to:

pump regularly
stay consistent
and actually stick with it

Which (as we now know) is what really helps with breast milk increase.

But let’s be real for a second…

If your budget is tight, the Spectra S2 is still an AMAZING choice.

You are NOT missing out on:

milk supply
suction strength
or effectiveness

You’re only giving up the battery.

That’s it.

One last thing (this matters more than the pump)

No matter which one you choose, you are doing an incredible job.

Feeding your baby – in any way – takes effort, patience, and a lot of energy.

So don’t stress about making the “perfect” choice.

There isn’t one.

There’s just what works for you right now.

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FAQs

1. Which breast pump is best, Spectra S1 or S2?

Both are really good. The only big difference is that the S1 has a battery, so you can use it anywhere. The S2 needs to be plugged in. They both work just as well for milk.

2. Does the Spectra S1 produce more milk than the S2?

No. They both have the same strength and settings. Your milk amount depends more on how often you pump, not which pump you use.

3. Can a breast pump increase milk supply?

Yes, it can help. The more you pump, the more milk your body thinks it needs to make. But your body also needs rest and consistency.

4. Is the Spectra S1 worth the extra money?

It depends. If you want to move around while pumping, yes. If you mostly stay in one place, the S2 is just as good and cheaper.

5. Can I get a breast pump through insurance in the US?

Yes, many mums can get one through providers like Aeroflow. Some insurance plans even cover the S1 or let you upgrade for a small cost.

6. Where can I buy a Spectra breast pump in the UK?

You can find them on sites like Amazon, Boots, John Lewis, and Argos. Prices can change, so it’s good to check a few places.

7. Does pumping hurt?

It shouldn’t hurt. If it does, something might not be right like the size of the pump parts. It’s okay to adjust things until it feels comfortable.

8. What helps increase breast milk the most?

Pumping often, staying relaxed, and making sure your pump fits properly. Stress and long gaps between pumping can lower supply.

9. Do I need an expensive pump to make more milk?

No. Expensive doesn’t mean more milk. Both Spectra pumps work the same for milk supply. What matters more is how you use it.