Breast pumps have become a necessity for many new mothers who want to continue providing breastmilk for their babies after returning to work. With different features, pricing, and performance, choosing the right breast pump can be overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular pump brands – Philips Avent and Spectra – to help you decide which is the better choice for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Philips Avent | Spectra |
| Type of Pumps | Manual, Electric | Electric |
| Portability | Compact, travel-friendly | Bulky, not very portable |
| Noise Level | Quieter | Noisier |
| Comfort | Gentle, cushioned massage | Stimulating suction |
| Ease of Use | Simple, fewer parts | More parts to assemble |
| Adjustable Settings | 3 settings | Fully adjustable |
| Battery/Rechargeable | Battery-powered | Rechargeable battery |
| Nighttime Use | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Resale Value | Lower | Higher |
Overview of Philips Avent Breast Pumps
Philips Avent offers both manual breast pumps and electric breast pumps. Their manual pumps are inexpensive, lightweight and great for occasional use. The Avent Comfort manual pump and Isis manual pump are designed to be easy to assemble and use.
For electric breast pumps, Philips Avent has the Comfort Double Electric and Natural Double Electric pumps. Both are small, lightweight pumps ideal for home or work use. Key features include:
- Three pumping settings – letdown, low, medium
- Ergonomic shape and soft massage cushion for comfort
- Compact size and light weight – easy to transport
- Quiet motor for discreet pumping
- Few separate parts and intuitive controls
- Pumps milk directly into Philips Avent Natural feeding bottles
- Comes with travel bag, bottle stand, and breastmilk storage lids
The Natural Electric pump mimics baby’s natural suckling action, while the Comfort Electric has a unique massage cushion to stimulate milk flow. Both pumps enable double pumping to express more milk in less time. The electric pumps can run on batteries or via AC power adapter.
Overview of Spectra Breast Pumps
Spectra is a popular brand among lactation consultants and savvy moms due to its hospital-grade pumping power. Spectra offers rechargeable electric pumps with customizable settings and options. Key features include:
- Fully adjustable suction and cycle speed
- Night light and timer for added convenience
- Rechargeable battery for cordless use
- Powerful suction mimics baby’s natural feeding
- Massage mode and expression mode
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be used as a single or double pump
The S1 and S2 models are very similar, with the S2 offering adjustments via buttons on the pump and a backflow protector. Higher-end models like the S1 Plus, S2 Plus, and 9 Plus have additional features like a touch screen, built-in memory, and adjustable night light.
Spectra pumps have a closed system that keeps milk from entering the tubing. This makes the pump hygienic and allows for simple cleaning. The Spectra pump parts are also dishwasher safe for added convenience.
Also Read: Is Lansinoh Signature Pro Better Than Smartpump?
Key Differences Between Philips Avent and Spectra
In above, we’ve covered the fundamental information about both of them. Let’s dive into the deeper and explore key differences across their features.
· Suction and Settings Customization
Philips Avent pumps offer three preset expression settings – slow, medium, and fast. While the speed can’t be manually adjusted, the three options allow for a letdown phase, regular pumping, and increased suction if needed. The massage cushion flexes gently to mimic baby suckling.
Spectra pumps trump Avent with fully adjustable suction and cycle speeds. Users can customize the vacuum pressure and pumping rhythm to find their perfect setting. The suction strength goes up to the high level needed to extract more milk. The massage and expression modes further enhance pumping efficacy.
· Portability and Battery Use
Philips Avent breast pumps are designed with portability in mind. The electric pumps are compact, lightweight and easy to pack for work or travel. Since Avent pumps run on batteries, they can be used anywhere without a power outlet. However, having to supply batteries can add to long-term costs.
Spectra pumps are larger and bulkier in comparison. They come with a rechargeable battery pack, so no need to buy batteries. But the battery life may not be long enough for extended use away from an outlet. The S1 and S2 models must be plugged in to operate, reducing their portability. Overall, Avent wins for on-the-go pumping.
· Noise Levels
Philips Avent pumps are impressively quiet. The gentle suction and massage motion operates at under 45 decibels. The quiet motor allows you to pump discreetly at work or around others. One downside is the noise ramps up significantly on higher settings.
Spectra pumps are relatively louder with a hospital-grade motor. The S2 model is slightly noisier than S1/S9 models. But all Spectra pumps hover around 55-60 decibels on average use. Users note you may hear pulsating noises from suction adjustments. The volume can be intrusive if you prefer discreet pumping.
· Comfort and Convenience
Philips Avent pumps are designed to provide a gentle, soothing pumping experience. The massage cushion lightly flexes and thrusts to mimic natural nursing motions. The cushion is soft and cushy against skin. The controls and settings are simple to operate even when sleep-deprived.
With Spectra pumps, the suction can feel more intense from the strong motor. But the adjustable options let you customize pumping to your comfort level. The S1/S9 touch buttons offer a convenient user experience. Spectra’s closed system prevents milk from entering tubing, providing hygienic pumping.
· Ease of Assembly and Cleaning
Philips Avent breast pumps have very few parts to assemble and take apart. The process is quick and simple, with no need for complex tubing. All parts are dishwasher safe or can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The design is intuitive for sleep-deprived new moms.
Spectra pumps involve more pieces like valves, backflow protectors, tubing, etc. The parts must be properly aligned to pump effectively. Taking apart and cleaning all the small crevices can be tedious. However, the ability to wash parts in the dishwasher makes cleaning less of a chore.
· Nighttime Use
Philips Avent pumps function reasonably well for nighttime pumping sessions thanks to the quiet motor and simple interface. However, the lack of a built-in night light may make setup tricky in dark rooms. You’ll need an external light source to see the dials and bottle well.
Spectra pumps were designed specifically for nighttime use. Features like the S1’s dimmable night light, the S2’s convenient timer function, and quiet operation optimize them for nocturnal pumping. The adjustable suction allows comfortable pumping at night. Overall, Spectra pumps make late-night sessions easier.
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· Cost Analysis
Philips Avent pumps are attractively priced for their performance making them ideal for moms on a budget. Their manual pumps cost just around $30. Electric pumps retail between $150-250 depending on model and features. Replacement parts are affordable when needed.
Spectra pumps are an investment with prices ranging from $120 for a basic S1 model to $300+ for hospital-grade pumps. Additional costs may arise from purchasing extra bottles, tubing or replacing parts. But Spectra’s excellent resale value offsets the higher initial cost.
· Warranty and Durability
Philips Avent provides a 1 year warranty on electric breast pumps, covering manufacturer defects. But some users report pumps losing suction strength after the first year. Avent may replace defective units, but repairs can take weeks.
Spectra offers a 2 years warranty on S1, S2 and S9 pumps in the US. Their hospital-grade design delivers long-term durability and performance. Prompt customer support and repairs are available through Spectra. Many moms use Spectra pumps for multiple children due to their longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, Philips Avent and Spectra pumps have different connectors and flanges, so the parts are not interchangeable between brands. You cannot use Avent bottles or flanges with a Spectra pump.
It depends on your needs and budget! Philips Avent is best for affordability and portability. Spectra is best for moms who prioritize customized settings and high milk volume for exclusive pumping. Medela and Lansinoh also offer excellent breast pump options.
Spectra S1 and S2 consistently rank among the top electric breast pumps due to their hospital-strength suction and adjustable settings. The Spectra S1 is the #1 choice of lactation consultants and milk bank donation centers.
Most lactation consultants recommend Spectra breast pumps for their clinical-grade motor strength and customizability. Spectra’s S1 and S2 allow moms to tweak settings to match baby’s nursing rhythm and extract more milk volume.
Final Thoughts
In the battle between Philips Avent vs Spectra, both brands have their merits. Avent pumps win for portability and being budget-friendly. Spectra pumps are worth the investment for moms who want maximum milk supply and premium customization.
Carefully assess your needs and usage goals before deciding on a breast pump. Whichever quality brand you choose, you can have confidence it will meet your pumping and milk storage needs!