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Key takeaways
- Spectra publishes 270 mmHg for both the S1 Plus and S2 Plus. Medela's Pump In Style Pro page doesn't give a maximum suction, only 16 levels and a pumping pattern similar to its hospital Symphony pump.
- Weight favors Medela on paper: 1.23 lb for the Pro and under 2 lb for the Pro+, against 2.5 to 3 lb for the Spectra pumps.
- Both makers have a plug-in model and a battery model. The Spectra S1 Plus and Medela Pro+ add the battery.
- Byram, an insurance supplier, says the S2 is commonly fully covered and the S1 often needs an upgrade fee. Byram also lists the Medela Pump In Style Pro among its top traditional primary pumps for 2026, but doesn't say whether it's usually fully covered, so ask your supplier for the exact cost.
- Neither maker publishes a decibel figure for these pumps. Spectra says quiet, and Medela says the noise level stayed the same as the older model.
At a glance
Spectra S2 Plus
Suits: Parents who will pump mostly at home or at a desk near an outlet and want the pump suppliers most often cover at no cost.
- Strength: Lists 270 mmHg maximum suction and a closed system
- Strength: Commonly fully covered through insurance, per Byram
- Strength: Includes 24 mm and 28 mm flanges
- Trade-off: Plug-in only
- Trade-off: Spectra lists weight as both 2.5 lb and 3 lb
- Trade-off: No decibel figure published
Spectra S1 Plus
Suits: Parents who expect to pump in the car or between rooms and are willing to pay an upgrade fee if their plan charges one.
- Strength: Built-in rechargeable battery
- Strength: Same 270 mmHg and closed system as the S2 Plus
- Strength: Includes 24 mm and 28 mm flanges
- Trade-off: Often an upgrade fee, per Byram
- Trade-off: Listed at 3 lb
- Trade-off: Spectra doesn't state battery run time
Medela Pump In Style Pro and Pro+
Suits: Parents who want a lighter pump and a smaller starting flange, and whose supplier carries Medela.
- Strength: Pro weighs 1.23 lb, and Pro+ is under 2 lb
- Strength: 16 suction levels
- Strength: Pro+ adds a rechargeable battery to the same pumping performance, per Medela
- Trade-off: No maximum suction on the product page
- Trade-off: Milk barrier at the shield, not the words closed system
- Trade-off: Coverage varies by supplier, so ask
Spectra and Medela make the two pumps most insured parents are offered, and on paper they differ in weight, suction disclosure and battery options. Spectra's S1 Plus and S2 Plus list 270 mmHg and a closed system [1][2]. Medela's Pump In Style Pro is lighter, but its product page doesn't state maximum suction [3]. This guide lines up the Spectra S2 Plus, Spectra S1 Plus, Medela Pump In Style Pro and Pro+ using only what each maker publishes.
Spectra vs Medela side by side
Each value links to the maker's page. Where a maker doesn't publish a figure, the table says so.
| Model | Max suction | Weight | Power | Closed system | Coverage / where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra S2 PlusTraditional double electric | 270 mmHg | 2.5 to 3 lb | Plug-in only | Yes | Commonly fully covered, per ByramAmazonAffiliate link |
| Spectra S1 PlusTraditional double electric | 270 mmHg | 3 lb | Built-in rechargeable battery | Yes | Often an upgrade fee, per ByramAmazonAffiliate link |
| Medela Pump In Style ProTraditional double electric | Not on product page | 1.23 lb | AC power adapter | Milk barrier at the breast shield | Varies; ask your supplierAmazonAffiliate link |
| Medela Pump In Style Pro+ RechargeableTraditional double electric | Not on product page | Under 2 lb | Rechargeable battery | Not stated | Varies; ask your supplierAmazonAffiliate link |
| Spec | Spectra S2 Plus | Spectra S1 Plus | Medela Pro | Medela Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum suction | 270 mmHg [2] | 270 mmHg [1] | Not on product page [3] | Not on product page [4] |
| Suction levels | Up to L12 [2] | Up to L12 [1] | 16 levels [3] | 16 levels [4] |
| Weight | 2.5 lb (3 lb in the description) [2] | 3 lb [1] | 1.23 lb [3] | Under 2 lb [4] |
| Power | 12V AC adapter [2] | Built-in battery plus 12V adapter [1] | AC power adapter [3] | Rechargeable battery [4] |
| Backflow protection | "True closed system" [2] | "Closed system" [1] | Milk barrier at the shield [3] | Not stated on the page [4] |
| Noise | "Quiet," no figure [2] | "Quiet," no figure [1] | No figure [3] | No figure [4] |
| Flanges in the box | 24 mm and 28 mm [2] | 24 mm and 28 mm [1] | 21 mm and 24 mm [3] | 21 mm and 24 mm [4] |
| Warranty | 2-year pump, 90-day parts [2] | 2-year pump, 90-day parts [1] | 1 year [3] | Not stated on the page [4] |
Is the Spectra S2 or Medela Pump In Style stronger?
We can't say from published numbers. Spectra lists 270 mmHg for both pumps [1][2]. Medela says the Pro uses a pumping pattern similar to Symphony, its hospital pump, and lists 16 levels, but it points to the instructions manual for the vacuum range [3]. Maximum suction is only a ceiling, and a higher number isn't a promise of more milk.
What matters more in daily use is comfort and fit. A flange that's too big or too small can make pumping painful whatever the pump says. See our flange size guide before you decide the box sizes will work.
Plug-in or battery: S1 vs S2, Pro vs Pro+
Both makers sell the same pump twice, once plugged in and once with a battery.
- Spectra S1 Plus adds a built-in battery to the S2 Plus. Spectra says the S1 provides all the features of the S2 Plus [1]. It doesn't state run time.
- Medela Pro+ adds a rechargeable battery to the Pro. Medela says the two have the same proven performance, and the main difference is the battery [4]. Its battery indicator shows green for at least 60 minutes of pumping left [4].
Our Spectra S1 vs S2 guide covers that pair in more detail, including the upgrade fee and HSA or FSA rules.
Who each pump fits
| If you... | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pump at home or at a desk with an outlet | Spectra S2 Plus or Medela Pro | Plug-in pumps, usually the cheapest route through insurance |
| Pump in the car or between rooms | Spectra S1 Plus or Medela Pro+ | Built-in battery, no cord during a session |
| Want the lightest option | Medela Pro (1.23 lb) | Weight is the clearest gap on paper [3] |
| Want a published suction number | Spectra S1 Plus or S2 Plus | Medela's page doesn't list one [1][2][3] |
| Need a larger or smaller starting flange | Check your measurement | Spectra ships 24 and 28 mm, Medela ships 21 and 24 mm |
Does insurance cover Spectra or Medela?
Federal rules require non-grandfathered health plans to cover breastfeeding equipment, but the plan and supplier decide which pump and what you pay [6]. Our walkthrough on how to get a breast pump through insurance covers the steps.
On what suppliers say:
- Spectra S2. Byram says the S2 is commonly fully covered [5].
- Spectra S1. Byram lists it among its most common upgrades, and says the S1 often requires an upgrade fee because of its portability [5].
- Medela. Byram lists the Pump In Style Pro among its top traditional primary pumps for 2026 and also sells the Pro+, but it doesn't say whether either is usually fully covered [5]. Ask your supplier what your plan pays and whether there's an upgrade fee.
An upgrade fee is the gap between what your plan pays and the pump's price. Byram says it isn't reimbursable by insurance but may be payable with HSA or FSA money [5]. Our pump coverage comparison shows how 12 models sort into covered and upgrade tiers.
If you're paying out of pocket, here are the labeled Amazon links: Spectra S2 Plus Affiliate link, Spectra S1 Plus Affiliate link, Medela Pump In Style Pro Affiliate link and Medela Pump In Style Pro+ Affiliate link. Check price on Amazon before you buy, because covered pumps are usually cheaper through a supplier.
Recalls and safety
We searched FDA's device recall database on October 16, 2026 [7]. We found no entries for Spectra pumps. For Medela we found only 2011 records for the older Pump in Style Advanced and a power adapter used with that family, not the current Pro or Pro+. Recalls can be added at any time, so check the maker's site for your model.
Parts and what to ask before you order
Both Spectra pumps include tubing, duckbill valves, backflow protectors, flanges and two bottles [1][2]. Medela's Pro includes two bottles, connectors with membranes and an A/C adaptor, and Pro+ adds tubing and a power adaptor [3][4].
Before you order, ask your supplier:
- Is the exact model I want covered, and at what cost?
- Is there an upgrade fee for the battery version?
- Which flange sizes can you send besides the ones in the box?
- How often does my plan cover replacement parts?
For more models sorted by use, see breast pumps compared. For hands-free options, see our wearable pump guide. A lactation consultant can check your fit and answer medical questions.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Spectra and Medela breast pumps?
On published specs, the Spectra S2 Plus lists 270 mmHg, a closed system and a weight of 2.5 to 3 lb. Medela's Pump In Style Pro weighs 1.23 lb, uses a milk barrier at the shield, and gives no maximum suction on its product page. Both are double electric pumps with plug-in and battery versions.
Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump In Style: which is covered by insurance?
Byram calls the Spectra S2 commonly fully covered. Byram lists the Medela Pump In Style Pro among its top traditional pumps but doesn't say whether it's usually fully covered, so it's a plan-by-plan question. Non-grandfathered plans must cover breastfeeding equipment, but which model and how much depends on your plan and supplier, so ask before you order.
Spectra S1 vs Medela Pump In Style Pro+: what's different?
Both have a built-in rechargeable battery. The Spectra S1 Plus lists 270 mmHg, 3 lb and a closed system. The Pro+ is listed under 2 lb with 16 suction levels, and Medela says its performance matches the plug-in Pro. Spectra doesn't state S1 run time, and Medela's page shows battery indicators rather than a run time.
Is the Medela Pump In Style a closed system?
Medela describes it as having a milk barrier at the collection cup breast shield that keeps milk from passing into the tubing. Spectra uses the words closed system. Both aim to keep milk out of the tubing, and Medela's FAQ answers the closed-system question with the milk barrier wording.
Which flange sizes come with Spectra and Medela pumps?
Spectra includes two 24 mm and two 28 mm flanges. Medela includes two 21 mm and two 24 mm PersonalFit Plus breast shields. Check your own fit, because the size in the box may not match.
Have Spectra or Medela pumps been recalled?
We searched FDA's device recall database on October 16, 2026. We found no entries for Spectra pumps. For Medela we found only 2011 records for the older Pump in Style Advanced and its power adapter, not the current Pro or Pro+. Recalls can be added at any time, so check the maker's site for your pump.
Sources
Numbers in brackets in the guide link to these sources.
- 1.Spectra S1 Plus Premier Rechargeable Double Electric Breast PumpSpectra Baby USA, 2026
- 2.Spectra S2 Plus Premier Double Electric Breast PumpSpectra Baby USA, 2026
- 3.Pump In Style Pro Double Electric Breast PumpMedela, 2026
- 4.Pump In Style Pro+ Traditional Rechargeable Electric Breast PumpMedela, 2026
- 5.Breast Pumps Through Insurance (FAQ)Byram Healthcare (Byram Baby), 2026
- 6.Breastfeeding benefitsHealthCare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), 2026
- 7.Device Recalls (openFDA)U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2026
