Spectra S1+ vs Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow
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The Spectra S1 Plus and Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow are two of the most popular double electric breast pumps in the US. and they take meaningfully different approaches to portability, suction design, and hygiene. If you’re deciding between these two (or your insurance offers both), the differences come down to a handful of specs that matter more than marketing.
We compared them side by side so you can see exactly where they overlap and where they don’t.
Quick Comparison: Spectra S1 Plus vs Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow
| Feature | Spectra S1 Plus | Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Pump type | Hospital-grade double electric | Double electric (flagship portable) |
| System type | Closed system | Open-adjacent (MaxFlow Technology) |
| Power source | Built-in rechargeable battery + AC adapter | AC adapter only (no built-in battery) |
| Max suction | ~320 mmHg | ~250 mmHg |
| Suction adjustment | Adjustable suction + adjustable cycle speed | Adjustable suction + speed (2-phase) |
| Weight | ~2.6 lbs | ~2 lbs (pump unit only) |
| Display | Backlit LCD with timer | No LCD display |
| Included accessories | Pump, flanges, tubing, bottles, AC adapter | Pump, PersonalFit Flex connectors, tubing, bottles, cooler bag, ice pack, carrying tote |
| Insurance coverage | Common | Very common |
*See Full Specifications for sourced details.
Closed System vs Open System: Why It Matters
This is one of the most significant differences between these two pumps, and it affects hygiene, maintenance, and resale value.
The Spectra S1 Plus uses a closed system. a physical barrier (backflow protector) prevents breast milk from ever reaching the tubing or motor. That means milk only contacts the flanges, valves, and bottles. The tubing stays dry. The motor stays sealed. And because no milk enters the internal components, the pump can theoretically be shared or resold (with new personal accessories), and tubing doesn’t need frequent replacement.
The Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow uses what Medela calls MaxFlow Technology. an updated tubing design intended to maintain consistent suction and reduce moisture in the tubing. Older Medela Pump In Style models were open-system pumps where condensation and milk could enter the tubing. The MaxFlow design improves on this, but Medela does not market the Pump In Style MaxFlow as a fully closed system. If moisture does enter the tubing, it needs to be dried thoroughly to prevent mold growth. a concern parents frequently raise about open and open-adjacent designs.
If a closed system is a priority for you. whether for hygiene, easier cleaning, or longer tubing life. the Spectra S1 Plus has the edge here based on its design.
Portability: Built-In Battery vs Plug-In Only
The Spectra S1 Plus has a built-in rechargeable battery. Unplug it, carry it, pump wherever you are. Car, office, park bench, airport lounge. No outlet hunting.
The Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow requires an AC adapter. it does not include a built-in battery. You need to be near an outlet. Medela does sell a separate battery pack, but it’s an additional purchase and adds to the total weight and setup.
For parents pumping at work (especially if your pumping room doesn’t always have a convenient outlet), during travel, or in any situation where plug access is uncertain, this is a practical difference worth weighing. The Spectra S1 gives you cord-free pumping out of the box. The Medela does not.
| Portability Factor | Spectra S1 Plus | Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in battery | Yes. rechargeable | No |
| Cord-free pumping | Yes | Only with separate battery pack (sold separately) |
| Weight | ~2.6 lbs | ~2 lbs (pump only; add battery pack weight if purchased) |
| Carrying case included | No | Yes. carrying tote included |
Suction Strength and Customization
Suction strength is one of those specs where “more” is not automatically “better”. it depends entirely on your body’s response. But the numbers are worth knowing.
The Spectra S1 Plus offers maximum suction of approximately 320 mmHg, with independently adjustable suction strength and cycle speed. It has a dedicated massage (let-down) mode and an expression mode, and you can fine-tune both the vacuum level and the speed within each mode. The backlit LCD displays your current settings, and a timer tracks your session length. The pump also has a memory function that saves your last-used settings.
The Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow reaches approximately 250 mmHg maximum suction. It uses Medela’s 2-Phase Expression Technology. a stimulation phase (faster, lighter suction to trigger let-down) followed by an expression phase (slower, deeper suction for milk extraction). Suction and speed are adjustable within each phase.
The 70 mmHg difference in max suction is meaningful for some parents and irrelevant for others. Some need stronger suction to express efficiently; others find even moderate suction uncomfortable. Neither pump forces you to use maximum suction. both are adjustable. But if you’ve found that you respond to stronger suction, the Spectra S1 Plus gives you more headroom.
Accessories and Ecosystem
This is where Medela has a clear practical advantage: availability.
Medela is the most recognized breast pump brand in the US, and its accessories are stocked at virtually every major retailer. Target, Walmart, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, even many pharmacies. Need a replacement valve, a different flange size, extra bottles, or storage bags at 11 PM? Medela parts are almost certainly closer to you than Spectra parts. The Pump In Style MaxFlow also comes with PersonalFit Flex connectors, which allow a flexible flange angle for a more comfortable fit. a feature parents frequently highlight.
The MaxFlow ships with a more complete accessory kit out of the box: pump, PersonalFit Flex connectors, tubing, bottles, a cooler bag with ice pack, and a carrying tote.
Spectra’s accessory ecosystem is smaller but growing. The S1 Plus uses standard narrow-neck bottles, which means it’s compatible with many third-party bottles (like Dr. Brown’s narrow). Spectra-specific parts (flanges, valves, backflow protectors, tubing) are readily available on Amazon and through specialty retailers, but less so at brick-and-mortar stores compared to Medela.
| Ecosystem Factor | Spectra S1 Plus | Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle compatibility | Standard narrow-neck (wide third-party compatibility) | Medela-specific (wider neck) |
| Flange type | Standard Spectra flanges | PersonalFit Flex connectors (angled) |
| Retail availability (US) | Online + some specialty stores | Online + nearly all major retailers |
| Accessories included | Flanges, tubing, bottles, AC adapter | PersonalFit Flex connectors, tubing, bottles, cooler bag, ice pack, carrying tote |
Insurance Coverage
Both pumps are commonly covered through health insurance under the Affordable Care Act’s breast pump provision. However, availability varies by insurer and supplier.
Medela tends to be offered by more insurance providers and durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers due to long-standing brand partnerships and its position as the most widely distributed pump brand in the US. If your insurance gives you a limited list of covered pumps, Medela is more likely to be on it.
The Spectra S1 Plus is increasingly available through insurance. and many popular insurance pump suppliers (like Aeroflow, Edgepark, and 1 Natural Way) now carry it. But coverage is not universal. Check with your specific insurer or DME supplier to confirm which models are available to you at no out-of-pocket cost.
What Parents Are Saying
About the Spectra S1 Plus
Common praise: Parents consistently highlight the quiet motor. many describe it as noticeably quieter than competing pumps, which matters for pumping at work or while a baby sleeps nearby. The built-in rechargeable battery is frequently cited as a deciding factor, especially by parents who pump at work or while traveling. The closed system gets strong marks for hygiene and easy cleaning. The adjustable suction and cycle speed controls are praised for allowing fine-tuned customization. The nightlight is a small but appreciated feature for middle-of-the-night sessions.
Common complaints: The most frequent criticism targets the accessories. flanges and connectors are described as less premium-feeling than Medela’s. The narrower bottle compatibility, while technically more universal, means it doesn’t work with Medela-specific storage bags or bottles without an adapter. Some parents note the pump is slightly bulkier and heavier than expected. Finding replacement parts in physical retail stores can be harder than with Medela.
About the Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow
Common praise: Brand trust is a recurring theme. many parents choose Medela because it’s what their hospital used, what their lactation consultant recommended, or what their parent friends had. The PersonalFit Flex connectors are frequently praised for comfort and the ability to adjust the flange angle. The included cooler bag and tote are valued for on-the-go convenience. Accessories being available everywhere is cited as a significant practical benefit.
Common complaints: The most common frustration is the lack of a built-in battery. parents who need to pump away from an outlet describe it as a significant inconvenience. Some parents find the suction weaker than expected, especially those transitioning from hospital-grade pumps. The open-adjacent system raises hygiene concerns for some, particularly around condensation in the tubing. A subset of parents report that the motor is louder than they expected.
Who Might Prefer Which
The Spectra S1 Plus may be a better fit if you:
- Need to pump away from an outlet. at work, in the car, or while traveling (built-in rechargeable battery)
- Prefer a closed system for easier cleaning and hygiene
- Respond to stronger suction and want more adjustment range (up to ~320 mmHg)
- Want a backlit display with timer and memory settings for tracking sessions
- Prefer using standard narrow-neck bottles from various brands
- Pump at night and would use the built-in nightlight
The Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow may be a better fit if you:
- Always have outlet access when pumping and don’t need cord-free operation
- Value having the largest accessory ecosystem. replacement parts available at nearly any retailer
- Want a more complete kit out of the box (cooler bag, ice pack, tote included)
- Prefer Medela’s PersonalFit Flex connectors for a more comfortable flange angle
- Are already in the Medela ecosystem (using Medela bottles, storage bags, or other Medela products)
- Want the pump your hospital or lactation consultant is most likely to be familiar with
Full Specifications
| Specification | Spectra S1 Plus | Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Pump type | Hospital-grade double electric | Double electric |
| System type | Closed system (backflow protector) | MaxFlow Technology (open-adjacent) |
| Power source | Built-in rechargeable battery + AC adapter | AC adapter only |
| Max suction strength | ~320 mmHg | ~250 mmHg |
| Suction adjustment | Adjustable (independent suction + cycle speed) | Adjustable (2-Phase Expression Technology) |
| Expression modes | Massage mode + expression mode | Stimulation phase + expression phase |
| Cycle speed | Adjustable | Adjustable within each phase |
| Weight | ~2.6 lbs | ~2 lbs (pump unit only) |
| Display | Backlit LCD (settings, timer) | No LCD display |
| Timer | Yes. built-in | No |
| Memory function | Yes. saves last-used settings | No |
| Let-down button | Yes. dedicated button | Yes. via phase switch |
| Nightlight | Yes. built-in | No |
| Bottle compatibility | Standard narrow-neck bottles | Medela bottles (wider neck) |
| Flange connectors | Standard Spectra flanges | PersonalFit Flex connectors (angled) |
| Included flange sizes | 24mm + 28mm | 24mm + 30mm |
| BPA-free | Yes | Yes |
| Country of manufacture | South Korea | Switzerland (pump motor) |
| Insurance availability | Common (growing) | Very common (most widespread) |
| Included in box | Pump, flanges, tubing, backflow protectors, bottles, AC adapter | Pump, PersonalFit Flex connectors, tubing, bottles, cooler bag, ice pack, carrying tote, AC adapter |
Specifications sourced from manufacturer websites (Spectra Baby USA, Medela) and authorized retailers as of March 2026. Check retailer sites for current pricing and availability. BabyNerd has not independently tested these products.
Check current price: Spectra S1 Plus on Amazon | Check current price: Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow on Amazon
Not sure which features matter most for your situation? Our breast pump buying guide walks through what to look for. And if you’re still building your list, check out the 2026 baby registry checklist for a full category-by-category rundown.
FAQ
Can I get a breast pump through insurance?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover breast pumps. Coverage varies. some insurers provide a specific model, while others let you choose from a list or offer a reimbursement amount. Contact your insurer or a DME supplier like Aeroflow or Edgepark to see which pumps are available to you at no cost. Both the Spectra S1 Plus and Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow are commonly available through insurance, though Medela tends to appear on more provider lists.
What’s the difference between open and closed system breast pumps?
In a closed system, a barrier (usually called a backflow protector or diaphragm) prevents breast milk and moisture from entering the tubing or motor. Milk only touches the flanges, valves, and bottles. This makes cleaning easier, reduces mold risk in the tubing, and means the pump’s internal components stay sealed. In an open system, there is no barrier. milk or condensation can potentially enter the tubing and reach the motor housing. Open systems require more frequent tubing inspection and replacement. The Spectra S1 Plus is a closed system. The Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow uses MaxFlow Technology, which improves on older open designs, but Medela does not classify it as a fully closed system.
Is the Spectra S1 Plus or Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow quieter?
Based on parent feedback across retail platforms, the Spectra S1 Plus is more frequently described as quiet or “whisper-quiet” compared to the Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow. Neither manufacturer publishes official decibel ratings, so this is based on aggregated parent observations rather than measured data. If noise level is a concern. for pumping at work or while a baby sleeps. this is worth considering, though individual perception of pump noise varies.
Can I use the Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow without being plugged in?
Not out of the box. The Pump In Style MaxFlow ships with an AC adapter and requires an electrical outlet to operate. Medela sells a separate battery pack that enables cord-free use, but it is an additional purchase. The Spectra S1 Plus, by contrast, has a built-in rechargeable battery and works cord-free without any extra accessories.
Do I need to buy different flange sizes?
Possibly. Both pumps ship with two flange sizes. the Spectra S1 Plus typically includes 24mm and 28mm flanges, and the Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow typically includes 24mm and 30mm PersonalFit Flex connectors. Proper flange fit affects both comfort and pumping efficiency. If the included sizes don’t fit correctly, both brands sell additional sizes. A lactation consultant can help determine the right flange size for you.
