rabbit.reviews

The Best Blenders

Updated April 2026·Experts: seriouseats, Epicurious, WIRED, Good Housekeeping

Best Overall

Vitamix 5200

$440-$550
$440-$550 at Amazon→

Every serious review site and the broader community lands on the same answer: the Vitamix 5200. It's expensive, but it's been running strong on editors' counters for a decade, that's the only endorsement you need.

What holds up

  • Tapered 64-oz jar creates the most powerful vortex of any blender tested, best for emulsifying and smoothies
  • 1,380-watt motor handles everything from frozen fruit to whole wheat berries to nut butter
  • Dead-simple two-switch design with 10-speed dial means almost nothing can break
  • 7-year warranty, longest in class for a home blender

What to know

  • At $450, $550, it's a significant investment compared to budget alternatives
  • 20-inch height is too tall to fit under most kitchen cabinets
  • No presets or dishwasher-safe container (unlike newer Vitamix Ascent models)
  • Loud during operation
Expert verdict
Our team has named the Vitamix 5200 the best high-speed blender for over a decade. It is not only tapered but tall (2.5 inches taller than some of the other jars we tested).
Serious EatsView source
Expert verdict
For several years running, the Vitamix 5200 has been pound for pound (and dollar for dollar) the best blender we've tried, including other Vitamix models.
EpicuriousView source
Get it for $440-$550
Read the full breakdown →
Best Premium Upgrade

Vitamix Ascent X5

$650-$750
$650-$750 at Amazon→

If you want the Vitamix experience with modern conveniences, presets, a digital interface, and dishwasher-safe parts, the Ascent X5 is worth the splurge. Good Housekeeping named it best overall for a reason.

What holds up

  • 10 presets covering smoothies, nut butter, hot soup, frozen cocktails, spice grinding, and more
  • Built-in technology alerts you when to use the tamper or when the motor is overheating
  • Produced the smoothest smoothies, margaritas, and soups in Good Housekeeping Lab testing
  • Rubberized handle and +15-second button for fine-tuning blends
  • Top-rack dishwasher-safe container

What to know

  • At $650, $750, it's the most expensive pick on this list
  • Peanut butter came out chunkier than other Vitamix models without adding oil
  • Preset symbols require consulting the manual to understand
  • 48-oz jar is smaller than the 5200's 64-oz container
Expert verdict
It crushed the competition, producing the smoothest textures across smoothies, margaritas and soups in Lab testing and ease of use. It produced a creamy smoothie, silky frozen margarita, frothy milkshake, and smooth pureed soup.
Good HousekeepingView source
Expert verdict
The Vitamix Ascent X5 is an overachiever. Not only does it have 19 variable speeds, but it's also programmed with 10 presets. I've used every preset throughout my testing, and feel that most of them are outstanding.
Serious EatsView source
Get it for $650-$750
Read the full breakdown →
Best Value Under $300

Braun TriForce Power Blender JB9040BK

$250-$300
$250-$300 at Amazon→

WIRED named this their best blender under $300, and it earns it, the nut butter presets alone (coarse, medium, smooth) show a level of thoughtfulness you don't expect at this price. The 5-year warranty seals the deal.

What holds up

  • 1,600 watts, more powerful than the Vitamix 5200 on paper
  • Triangular jar design draws ingredients down into blades effectively
  • Nut butter presets with three texture settings (coarse, medium-chunky, smooth) are uniquely useful
  • 5-year warranty matches Vitamix Explorian at a lower price point
  • 68-oz capacity, larger than most competitors

What to know

  • Loud, tops out above 90 decibels
  • Triangular jar can be awkward to clean compared to round jars
  • Preset labels can be confusing for first-time users
  • Heavier and bulkier than personal blenders
Expert verdict
It manages to mostly match the performance (and a lot of the look, frankly) of Vitamix's budget Explorian option, with a lower price and the same five-year warranty.
WIREDView source
Expert verdict
Smooth hummus was a matter of 30 seconds, and WIRED contributing reviewer Emily Peck ended up valuing the useful presets, including accurate nut butter settings that time the blending for coarse, medium-chunky or smooth peanut butter.
WIRED (Emily Peck)View source
Get it for $250-$300
Read the full breakdown →
Best Versatile System

Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ

$180-$220
$180-$220 at Amazon→

If you're blending post-workout smoothies in the morning and crushing ice for cocktails at night, the Ninja Kitchen System is the most practical buy. The versatility-to-price ratio is unmatched.

What holds up

  • Includes 72-oz crushing pitcher, 64-oz food processor bowl, two 24-oz personal cups, and four blade sets
  • 1,400-watt motor handles smoothies, nut butters, dough, and chopped vegetables
  • All blades are dishwasher-safe
  • Auto-iQ presets for smoothies, ice crush, nutrient extraction, chop, and dough
  • Significantly cheaper than comparable Vitamix models

What to know

  • Many parts take up significant cabinet and counter space
  • Only 1-year warranty, much shorter than Vitamix or Braun
  • Low/medium/high/pulse controls are less precise than 10-speed dials
  • Blades are very sharp, handle with care during cleaning
Expert verdict
There are blenders, and then there's this, a multifarious blender and chopper set that Ninja bills quite credibly as a full 'kitchen system.' Like the infomercial fodder of old, the 1,400-watt Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System slices, it dices, it crushes, it chops, and it mixes.
WIREDView source
Expert verdict
It's hard to find fault with this impressive blender from Ninja, which aced our tests. As the name suggests, it comes with jug and cup attachments, taking seconds to transform into a personal drinks blender.
Good Housekeeping UKView source
Get it for $180-$220
Read the full breakdown →
Best Budget Pick

Oster Original 3-Speed Chrome Blender

$85-$122
$85-$122 at Amazon→

For anyone not ready to spend $400+ on a Vitamix, the Oster Original is the honest answer. Epicurious made it their budget pick after testing, and the retro design is a bonus for anyone who hates plastic-heavy appliances.

What holds up

  • 700-watt motor and stainless steel blades crush ice comparably to pricier blenders
  • Square-cornered base creates a vortex that pulls ingredients toward the blade
  • Removable blade makes cleaning easy; glass pitcher is dishwasher-safe
  • Retro chrome design looks great on the counter
  • Significantly cheaper than high-performance alternatives

What to know

  • Noticeably louder than Vitamix blenders
  • 50-oz pitcher is 10, 15 oz smaller than most modern full-size blenders
  • Only 3 speeds, far less control than 10-speed models
  • Overblending can produce a noticeably warm smoothie
  • Limited 1-year warranty
Expert verdict
In 2025, it became our budget pick thanks to some upgrades that made it stand out in our testing. Namely a 700-watt motor and stainless steel blades that can crush ice as well as pricier blenders.
EpicuriousView source
Expert verdict
The blade can also be removed from the glass pitcher which makes both easy to clean (the pitcher is dishwasher safe).
EpicuriousView source
Get it for $85-$122
Read the full breakdown →