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The best blenders for every budget
The Vitamix VX1 wins for versatile, smooth blending and simpler controls; the Nutribullet Power Core is a capable lower-cost alternative.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Vitamix VX1 | Ninja Twisti Blender Duo | Nutribullet Power Core |
| Price | about $380 | about $120 | about $80 |
| Why | Bon Appétit named it best overall after it made smooth smoothies and soup without needing the included tamper. Its 64-ounce pitcher, ten speeds, and Amazon listing at about $380 make it a versatile choice for most households. | Good Housekeeping named it best value at about $120 on Amazon, citing its useful range of blending options at a much lower price than the Vitamix. The included cups add flexibility for smaller portions. | Bon Appétit recommends it as a high-performing cheap blender and lists its Amazon price at about $80. Testers got a creamy smoothie with leafy greens and almonds, making it the lowest-priced pick here. |
| Good to know | Its soft lid can feel less secure, and testers found smoothies could come out warmer than with some rivals. | The main pitcher is smaller than those on many full-size blenders. | It is loud, has limited speed choices, and its lightweight plastic build feels less premium. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIBon Appétit named it best overall after it made smooth smoothies and soup without needing the included tamper. Its 64-ounce pitcher, ten speeds, and Amazon listing at about $380 make it a versatile choice for most households.
Good to know: Its soft lid can feel less secure, and testers found smoothies could come out warmer than with some rivals.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping named it best value at about $120 on Amazon, citing its useful range of blending options at a much lower price than the Vitamix. The included cups add flexibility for smaller portions.
Good to know: The main pitcher is smaller than those on many full-size blenders.
See on Amazonpicture by AIBon Appétit recommends it as a high-performing cheap blender and lists its Amazon price at about $80. Testers got a creamy smoothie with leafy greens and almonds, making it the lowest-priced pick here.
Good to know: It is loud, has limited speed choices, and its lightweight plastic build feels less premium.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose by what you blend and how much: a large pitcher suits family batches, while a smaller jar can be easier for single servings. Consider whether you need hot blending, easy cleanup, and room to store the blender.
Who this is for
These picks suit shoppers looking for a countertop blender, from occasional smoothie makers to people who blend soups, dips, and frozen drinks. The value and budget picks trade some refinement for a much lower price.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Vitamix VX1
Bon Appétit named it best overall after it made smooth smoothies and soup without needing the included tamper. Its 64-ounce pitcher, ten speeds, and Amazon listing at about $380 make it a versatile choice for most households. Reviewers praised its straightforward dial and gradual startup, which helps ingredients blend evenly. Bon Appétit found it handled chunky smoothie and soup tests effectively, and the blender is compatible with optional smaller containers. At roughly 19.5 inches tall, it may not fit beneath low cabinets. Choose another model if quiet blending or a securely locking-feeling lid is a priority.
Good to know: Its soft lid can feel less secure, and testers found smoothies could come out warmer than with some rivals.
See on AmazonBest value: Ninja Twisti Blender Duo
Good Housekeeping named it best value at about $120 on Amazon, citing its useful range of blending options at a much lower price than the Vitamix. The included cups add flexibility for smaller portions. Good Housekeeping describes it as a compact full-size blender with a timer and five presets. In its testing, the main pitcher handled comparable ingredient amounts despite being smaller than those on some competing full-size models. It also includes 24-ounce and 18-ounce cups for smaller blends. This is a practical pick if you want convenient presets without paying premium-blender prices. Skip it if you regularly need a particularly large pitcher.
Good to know: The main pitcher is smaller than those on many full-size blenders.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Nutribullet Power Core
Bon Appétit recommends it as a high-performing cheap blender and lists its Amazon price at about $80. Testers got a creamy smoothie with leafy greens and almonds, making it the lowest-priced pick here. The article reports a 72-ounce pitcher, dishwasher-safe pitcher and lid, and a compact 17.5-inch height. Testers liked that it blended fibrous greens and chunky ingredients well for the price. Its three speeds offer less fine control than the Vitamix, and it lacks preset programs. It is a good fit for occasional smoothies and everyday basic blending; frequent heavy-duty use may justify spending more.
Good to know: It is loud, has limited speed choices, and its lightweight plastic build feels less premium.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Bon Appétit tested blenders with challenging smoothies containing ingredients such as almonds, dates, and kale, plus butternut squash soup, ice crushing, and hand and self-cleaning. RTINGS reports standardized tests of blending performance, ice crushing, noise, and cleanup across more than 135 blend Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.