New Spectra Synergy Gold VS Spectra 1 and Spectra 2

Spectra Synergy Gold vs Spectra 1, which one is better? This post will cover the differences between these pumps so you can decide which one would be the best fit for you. They are both great pumps! Choosing a pump can be a stressful process so hopefully this post can help you.

If you need more help than one review can give, check out our Pumping for Working Moms Program. Here we offer individualized help and support for working moms, which includes helping you find a pump that will work best for you. But more importantly, this program gives you lifetime access to a professional who can answer all your questions and support you in your pumping journey.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

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Features of the Spectra Synergy Gold

Two Motors

TWO! The cool thing about that is that you can customize the settings on each side. So you can customize the settings on your right side differently from the suction style or vacuum level on your left side.

A lot of women that pump find that they have a slacker side. There are different names for this, but the cool thing is that now you will be able to adjust settings for each breast (slacker and nonslacker) with the Spectra Synergy Gold. Also, if you are healing from a crack on one side or maybe one side just really likes a bigger suction at a stronger level and your other side doesn’t, you can adjust that!

More cycle speeds

Massage mode on the Spectra Synergy Gold has more cycle speeds than the Spectra 1.

On the Spectra 1, when you’re in the massage mode (which is the first mode that you will be in when you are trying to stimulate a let down), you are only on 70 cycle speeds per minute.

With the Synergy Gold, you are going to have 5 different options! 64 – 67 – 70 – 74 – 76. When you’re tying to get the let down, you will have a few more options there.

Suction levels

The Spectra 1 pump goes up to a vacuum level 12. On Synergy Gold, you have 15 different vacuum style options.

Now, the max suction level was the same at about 270 mmHg for both the Spectra 1 and Synergy Gold, so you are not necessarily going to have more suction. But, you are going to have 15 levels to choose from now instead of 12 with the Synergy Gold. You will be able to fine tune it a little bit more than the Spectra 1.

MUTE or Quiet mode:

The Synergy Gold has a cool new feature called “Quiet Mode.” This would be really useful with the middle of the night pumping or at work for more discreet pumping.

Synergy Gold vs Spectra 1: Rechargeable Battery

As a little side note, the new Spectra Synergy Gold does NOT have a rechargeable battery like the Spectra 1. It’s more similar to the Spectra 2 in that way. The Synergy Gold is going to have to be plugged in. That might be forgivable though if the other features of the Synergy Gold are more useful to you! But, the battery might make it a hard choice between the Spectra 1 and the Synergy Gold.

Want to know what other moms think about the Synergy Gold or the Spectra 1? Do they think the rechargeable battery is a deal breaker? The New Little Life private Facebook group is specifically designed to help you choose a breast pump. Feel free to join and we can chat about it over there.

Similarities Between the Synergy Gold vs Spectra 1

Next, here are a few things that are the similar between the Synergy Gold and the Spectra 1.

• Supplies: They both come with the standard Spectra stuff. The bottles, flanges, and valves will all be the same.
  
• Handle: The Synergy Gold has a handle, like the Spectra 1, but it’s a little more discreet.
  
• Nightlight: The Synergy Gold has a three level night light and a LED screen. The Spectra 1 just has one level on the night light, but it is still a handy feature!
  
• Insurance: Both pumps are available through insurance, though the Synergy Gold usually requires an additional out of pocket cost. Not sure how to find pumps through your insurance? Check out these DME suppliers who will help you find the pumps your insurance will cover.
  

CaraCups: Another Cool Product from Spectra

Now let’s switch over and talk about the CaraCups. These Spectra cups have been out for a little while. They are really similar to the Freemie cups. The idea is that you can put this cup in your bra, hook the tubing to your pump, and pump hands free. You are still tied to the pump, but the Spectra CaraCups are really cool!

Spectra S9

Spectra does make a pump called the S9 which is a little pump. It is not a workhorse like the others, so if you’re pumping a lot we wouldn’t recommend this one. (For more info, watch this video here.)

But if you did use this small pump, the CaraCups would make this system pretty hands free. It would be great for a more discreet pumping experience especially if you are at work, etc. You are going to have to deal with the tubing which you wouldn’t have to do using the Willow or Freemie pump. But by using the Spectra cups and Spectra S9 you know they will be compatible and work well together.

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CaraCups Sizing

The CaraCups are available in 24 and 28 millimeter sizes.

Spectra Cups will hold 250 milliliters, which is over 8 ounces. That’s a lot! (For comparison, the Freemie cup holds 8 ounces at 235 milliliters.) That’s cool especially if you usually pump a lot of milk.

The CaraCups have your typical back-flow protectors– the little duck bill style valves. It is all compatible with all other Spectra models!

Synergy Gold vs Spectra 1, Which is Better??

Ultimately, the choice is yours! There are a lot of cool features to the Spectra Synergy Gold, but it is more expensive than the Spectra 1. And some moms find that more settings are more confusing and unnecessary. So, really go with your gut and choose the one YOU think looks right. These are both great pumps that many moms use and love! You really can’t go wrong with any Spectra pump.

As always, if you’re a working mom looking for more help and support in finding a pump, or getting feedback for your individual situation, join the Pumping for Working Moms Program! We love helping moms find the confidence they need to meet their goals!