Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha [Detailed Comparison Review]

Are you looking for a super lightweight and portable breast pump that you can use at work, for travel or when doing chores? 

Then this article is for you. I will discuss here the differences and similarities between the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha – 2 popular breast pumps that you can carry on the go.

One of them can even be hung around your neck while pumping!

I’ve thoroughly researched their features, its advantages and at times disadvantages and also added real feedback and online reviews from parents who have used the said products.

Just take note that Spectra S9 is the same as Spectra S9 Plus. While Baby Buddha is really just one word “BabyBuddha” but we’re keeping it separate here so you can find this article when you google for it.

Let’s start with a feature overview of the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha.

_{I hope you’ll love the products we recommend! Just a quick note: if you click on a product link below and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.}

In a hurry? We recommend the Baby Buddha for its suction power

Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha: Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide on the features of the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha vs S2.

Features	Spectra S9	Baby Buddha
Battery	– Built-in rechargeable battery – Can be plugged in when in use	– Built-in rechargeable battery – Can be plugged in when in use
Price	Expensive	More expensive
Insurance	Covered by insurance	Not clear if fully covered
Suction Strength (Motor)	maximum 260mmHg	Powerful – maximum 307.5 mmHg
Comfortable	Yes	No
Saves last setting used	No	Yes
Hospital-grade	No	Yes
Closed-system	Yes	Yes
BPA-free	Yes	Yes
Universal voltage	100V-240V / 50-60Hz	120v-240v
Adjustable Pumping Mode	Available	Available
Turns in to Single and Double Pump	Yes	Yes
Portable	Yes – motor weighs 0.23kg	Yes – motor weighs 0.04 kg
Accessories	Comes with own complete accessories	– Comes with own complete accessories plus travel bag – Compatible with a lot of brands
Quiet	Mixed reviews	Mixed reviews
Easy to Clean	Mixed reviews	Mixed reviews
Backlit display	Available	Available
Auto Turn Off	Available	Available
Lactation Consultant	Available	Available
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Customer Service	Mixed reviews	Mixed reviews

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Below is a more detailed info on the differences between the Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9.

Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9: Differences

Let’s dive in a little deeper about the difference between Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9 Plus.

Battery 

Both the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha has a built-in rechargeable battery, which means you can use it without having to plug it into a socket.

If however, you’re running out of battery, you can plug both breast pumps and pump away!

The Spectra S9 can be fully charged for 3 to 4 hours. When fully charged, it allows you to pump for up to 2.5 hours.

You can plug the Spectra S9 into your car charger, using its own 9-Volt Portable Car Adapter. that comes with the breast pump set.

The Baby Buddha, on the other hand, needs 5-6 hours for its first charging time then a maximum of 4 hours every other time. 

Charging it fully will give you approximately 1 hour of pumping or at least 4 to 5 pumping sessions. Just don’t overcharge its battery so you can use its battery life usage of 800-1000 hours of pumping.

You can also use and charge the Baby Buddha at the same time via a micro USB car plug while you’re driving. The micro USB cable is just a simple one that you can easily replace it if you lose it.

Price

The Baby Buddha is a tad more expensive than the Spectra S9 Plus.

Which I think, is worth the price, given that the Baby Buddha’s suction power is so much stronger than the Spectra. Plus it’s so much smaller too!

Insurance

Baby Buddha is usually covered by your insurance but just to be sure fill-up the form in this link to kickstart the insurance process and confirmation.

For the Spectra S9, check here if your insurance covers the said breast pump.

Suction Strength

The Spectra S9 Plus suction can be adjusted to a maximum of 260mmHg and at Level 10.

Its suction power has a mixed review, with some moms saying it’s powerful enough for them, while some are saying they can’t get empty out their milk using this pump.

In contrast, the Baby Buddha’s maximum suction mode is at 307.5 mmHg which is higher than the Spectra S9.

A lot of moms actually commented on its powerful suction, which most said is stronger than Spectra’s and can empty out their milk every time.

However, that suction strength is also a disadvantage, as most moms complained that it’s too painful at times, even if it’s only at the lowest setting.

Comfortable

Spectra S9 has a very gentle and comfortable suction compared to other brands. Most especially compared to the Baby Buddha breast pump.

The BabyBuddha breast pump has an extra-soft cushion to prevent nipple soreness but most moms mentioned that the long pull on this system is really so painful.

Some moms even said some blood came out while using the Baby Buddha and some wanted to cry out from the pain!

Even the lowest of settings can be quite intense for pumping but one mom recommended switching first to let down mode 1 or 2. This can give you a letdown without the very uncomfortable long pull.

Other moms mentioned that it’s not as gentle but you’ll eventually get used to the suction power of the Baby Buddha.

Saved Settings 

Spectra S9 can’t save the last pumping mode setting you used as it always reset every time you turn it off.

This can be a hassle, especially if you’re a sleep-deprived, overwhelmed mom with a clingy newborn.

So you must remember or at least write down the most efficient mode for you, so there will be less wasted time adjusting it when pumping.

Baby Buddha saves the last setting but remembers to always adjust it to the lowest mode or to the most comfortable one BEFORE pumping. Since its suction can be quite powerful and painful.

Hospital Grade

The Baby Buddha is considered a hospital-grade breast pump. 

The Spectra S9 is not. It has a less powerful motor and is only for personal use. Which means you can’t share it nor resell it.

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Similarities of BabyBuddha vs Spectra S9 Plus

Now let’s take a more detailed look at the similar features of the Spectra S9 vs S2.

Closed System 

Both the Spectra S9 Plus vs Baby Buddha are closed system breast pumps, with Spectra’s backflow protector and Baby Buddha’s anti-backflow design.

This means, milk cannot go up the tube and into the motor, which can cause mold or can contaminate your milk.

BPA-free

Both the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha is BPA-free, meaning there’s no toxic ingredient in their parts that can harm and induce negative health effects.

Universal Voltage

Both the Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9 Plus can be used in another country, with the use of a travel adapter.

The Spectra S9 has an input: 100V-240V / 50-60Hz while the Baby Buddha can handle 120v-240v.

Adjustable Pumping Mode 

Both the Spectra S9 and Baby Buddha have 2 pumpings modes with varying adjustment levels.

The 2 pumping modes are the following:

• Massage mode – stimulates letdown (mimics suckling baby)
• Expression mode – to be used after letdown

The Spectra S9’s massage mode can be adjusted from level 1 to 5. Its expression mode can be adjusted until level 10. 

It doesn’t have any suction speed control though but you can easily switch modes and switch your settings on the Spectra S9 Plus.

The Baby Buddha’s massage mode can be adjusted up to level 5 and has a range of 60mmHg – 112.5mmHg.

Its expression mode can be adjusted up to level 9, with a suction range of 67.5mmHg – 307.5mmHg. Its maximum is stronger than a Spectra!

This is the strongest feature of the Baby Buddha – its powerful suction, which can give you better output at a shorter time!

However, it can take some time to get used to it, as most moms mention that the suction can be quite painful. 

So always make sure to set it at the lowest level letdown or massage mode BEFORE using it. It will increase the level every 45 seconds until it reaches level 5 or the maximum stimulation mode. Yikes!

But if you manually change the level, the automatic stimulation mode will turn off.

Some moms wish the Baby Buddha has a lock setting, as the trackball can be quite sensitive. It can bump your mode into a higher setting while you’re moving around. So be very careful, unless you want to get a painful tugging surprise!

Turns into Single and Double Pump

Both the Baby Buddha and Spectra S9 Plus can be used as a double or single pump.

Portable

Both the Spectra S9 Plus and Baby Buddha are small and portable breast pumps, which are very convenient to bring to work, travel, or vacations.

The Spectra S9 Plus weighs .5lbs or 0.23kg while the BabyBuddha is lighter and more compact, weighing only 0.04 kg, and is even smaller than an iPhone!

You can even hang the Baby Buddha around your neck and keep your hands free to do work, clean the house, do chores or take care of your baby.

Accessories 

Both the Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9 comes with their own complete set of accessories. 

The Spectra S9 Plus breast pump includes:

• (1) Spectra 9 Plus Electric Breast Pump
• (1) 9 volt AC power adapter
• (1) detachable power cord prongs 
• (2) Spectra bottles
• (2) Spectra backflow protector
• (2) Spectra duckbill valve
• (2) Spectra tubing
• (2) Spectra flange 24mm

I highly recommend checking out Spectra’s flanges fitting guide here, so you can buy it together with the whole breast pump set.

Get also a carrying case, as it doesn’t come with the kit. One with an insulated cooler to store the bottles and ice packs is better to have.

Make sure to check when to replace Spectra parts below:

• Valve Membrane: Replace every 2 – 8 weeks, or when you notice a decrease in suction.
• Duck Valve: Replace every 2 – 3 months, or when you notice a decrease in suction.
• Backflow Protector: Replace every 3 – 6 months.
• Breast Flange: Replace every 6 months.
• Tubing: Replace should moisture ever enter the tubing.

Some moms have managed to use other brands with the Spectra, such as:

• Medela flanges and bottles. 
• Maymom flange adapters
• Dairy Fairy hands-free pumping bra.
• Avent bottles

Just take note that it might void your warranty if there are issues or malfunction which you can get from using other brands.

Now let’s take a look at the Baby Buddha breast pump kit. It includes:

• BabyBuddha Smart & Rechargeable Breast Pump Unit (Black)
• (2) 24mm Flanges
• (2) Sets of Duckbill Valves
• (1) Pair of Silicon Diaphragms
• (2) Bottles
• (2) Bottle Bases
• (2) Bottle Storage Caps
• (2) Bottle Hygiene Covers
• (2) Pump Covers
• Three detachable tubes (for easy cleaning) & T-connector.
• USB Charging Cable (charge to full in 4 hours)
• Detachable Lanyard
• Carrying Tote

Remember to also get the right flange size for your Baby Buddha, together with the whole set. You can check out their fitting guide here.

You can also use other brands with the Baby Buddha. The company even shared the accessory hacks on their website!

Take note of when to replace Baby Buddha parts below:

• The silicone diaphragms should be replaced every 8 weeks
• The duckbills should be replaced every 4 weeks
• Tubing should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on condition.

Quiet 

Some moms said that the Spectra S9 is relatively quiet while other moms mentioned that it’s too loud for them.

Baby Buddha has also the same mixed feedbacks, with some saying it’s very quiet while others say they’re not comfortable pumping at work because of the noise it makes.

Maintenance

It’s mixed feedback again for both the Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9 when it comes to washing and cleaning it.

Some moms said that the Spectra S9 is so much easier to clean while others are saying it’s quite difficult, as the flange piece does not come apart easily.

Other moms find the Baby Buddha easy to clean but some moms find it a hassle because it has a lot of parts, so cleaning takes longer.

Nightlight 

Both the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha has a backlit display, a feature that’s useful to pump in the dark.

AutoTurn Off 

Both the Baby Buddha vs Spectra S9 pump turns off automatically after 30 minutes of pumping.

Lactation Consultant

Both companies offer a lactation consultant service. 

You can set up an appointment for Spectra here and for Baby Buddha, visit their website to talk to their customer service about having a lactation consultant.

Design

Both the BabyBuddha vs Spectra S9 has a very modern and sleek look, with the Baby Buddha trumping the Spectra with its more slender, lighter, phone-like design.

Warranty 

Both the Spectra S9 Plus and Baby Buddha have a 2-year warranty, with the Spectra also having a 90-day warranty for its accessories (must come with the breast pump kit).

Customer Service 

It’s another mixed review on the customer service for both Spectra and Baby Buddha.

Most customers are quite pleased with how responsive both brands are with handling customers’ issues.

While some find their customer service very difficult and some are rude, especially when it comes to replacing malfunctioning breast pumps.

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Spectra S9 vs BabyBuddha Breast Pump: FAQ

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Pros and Cons of the Spectra S9 Plus vs Baby Buddha Breast Pump

Here’s a general overview of the advantages and drawbacks of both the Spectra S2 vs S9 breast pumps.

Pros

• Cheaper than Baby Buddha
• Comfortable, gentle suction

Cons

• Less powerful motor than Baby Buddha
• Not hospital-grade

Pros

• Powerful motor
• Compatible with a lot of other brand’s accessories

Cons

• More expensive than S9 Plus
• Suction can be painful 

So Which One Should You Get – Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha?

Both are very lightweight, portable breast pumps that you can use for work, traveling, or vacations. 

But if you want the efficiency of getting more milk at a shorter time, we recommend the Baby Buddha.

However, if the suction power can be a little too much for you, the Spectra S9 is fine as well. It will still work great as a substitute or temporary breast pump, that you can use outside of the house or when you need to do chores.

I hope this article has helped you finally decide between the Spectra S9 vs Baby Buddha.