The best personal blenders for all of your beverage needs

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4 days ago

The best personal blenders we tested
Best personal blender: Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender
Best personal blender runner-up: Our Place Splendor Blender Using one of the best personal blenders is a major time-saver in my day-to-day; I truly can't go a day without using one. Whether I'm whipping up a quick smoothie, making a small batch of sauce or just mixing pancake batter for one, it saves me from having to haul out my full-size blender. They're a great fit for my tiny kitchen, and the best ones I tested have earned a permanent spot on my counter.
Unlike a larger, bulkier blender, a personal blender is a great tool for taking a shake or smoothie on the go, thanks to easier-to-carry sizing and portable lids. It makes mornings less chaotic, cleanup quicker and, oftentimes, hitting your health goals easier.
I tested six of the top models on the market, evaluating how well each handled a variety of blending tasks. I also assessed their design, construction and, arguably most importantly, how comfortable and practical they were to drink from. After much blending, tasting, cleaning and even more testing, here are the devices that won me over.
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Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender
One thing about Ninja is that it will make an affordable and reliable appliance. I tested the Nutri Pro blender's 1,000-peak-watt motor and found it genuinely powerful enough to crush ice and whip up smoothies in seconds. With two Auto-iQ programs — one for smoothies and one for ice — the presets delivered consistent, hands-free results.
Our Place Splendor Blender
I tested the beautiful, Instagram-worthy Splendor Blender and thought it looked just as good as it worked. I was genuinely impressed by how efficiently it handled both everyday ingredients and tougher-to-blend items. The 1,000-watt motor, combined with ultrasharp blades and a smooth design, made blending ice, frozen fruit and tough vegetables look easy. It's no secret I love a Ninja appliance, but its Nutri Pro (with Auto-iQ) genuinely stood out within my testing pool thanks to its powerful blending capabilities and thoughtful design. The wide base with a powerful suction cup bottom gave it a sturdy, high-quality feel and kept it stable even when blending dense or frozen ingredients like frozen berries and fibrous mango chunks. It didn't budge or slide from my counter after whipping up smoothies or crushing ice either.
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Of all the personal blenders I tested, the Ninja had the most intuitive control panel. The clearly labeled buttons made every blend feel straightforward, allowing me to start using it right out of the box (after cleaning it, of course). I believe you only need a smoothie and pulse button on a personal blender, because let's face it: You're only going to use it for a quick on-the-go beverage. The Ninja had all the settings I needed: Crush, Smoothie and Pulse — and each worked like a charm every time.
What set this blender apart was its 1,000-peak-watt motor coupled with its presets. It handled everything I added to the 24-ounce cup, from rock-solid frozen pineapples and whole strawberries to leafy greens and tough ice cubes, without hesitation or the need for manual stirring or shaking. I thought the Pro Extractor Blades did a great job breaking down seeds, skin and thicker ingredients, consistently producing smooth, drinkable textures in a matter of seconds. Whether I was blending nutrient-dense green smoothies or protein shakes, the Ninja delivered fast, consistent results.
Even with the Crush, Smoothie and Pulse modes, I found the most useful tool to be its Auto-iQ function. With two preprogrammed settings — again, one for smoothies and one for ice — it combines timed blending and pulsing patterns, then shuts off automatically when the cycle is complete. I was skeptical at first, but I ended up appreciating how hands-off it made the process. I could press a button and walk away knowing I'd come back to a properly blended drink. Of course, you can also stop the cycle manually at any time by hitting the start/stop button.
To test its versatility, I used the blender to make smooth, grit-free protein shakes, all without (practically) having to lift a finger. It performed well with thicker blends like frozen berry smoothies, and it turned out slushy, well-textured frozen cocktails without over-blending the ice. For such a compact model, I was impressed with how many tasks it could handle beyond smoothies.
The included travel lids were a bonus too. They screwed on cleanly and featured flip caps that stayed open while drinking and sealed securely when closed. And if you're into accessories, you can always purchase more on Ninja's website. But with two 24-ounce cups and two lids included in the box, it's a practical option for those cooking for one, couples or even households with multiple users. And in terms of cleanup, everything — including the blades, lids and cups — is dishwasher-safe, and I found cleaning by hand just as easy thanks to the wide openings and simple design.
The only real downside is the blender's relatively large footprint. Compared to other personal blenders I tested, such as the Zwilling or Beautiful by Drew personal blenders, it takes up slightly (emphasis on slightly) more counter and storage space, which might be an issue for those who have smaller kitchens. That said, the sheer power and versatility more than make up for it. At around $100, the Ninja Nutri Pro is a worthwhile investment if you make smoothies, shakes or frozen cocktails regularly. And if you break it down, the price equates to about 10 to 15 smoothie shop visits (or even fewer blended cocktail orders) and, in return, you get a dependable, high-performance machine that makes the process easier from start to finish.
I must admit, I was practically salivating when I unboxed the stylish Splendor Blender from Our Place. I had seen this beautiful appliance online and was eager to test this social media-beloved blender to see if it lived up to the hype. After testing it for several days, I found it to be a thoughtfully designed, well-performing personal blender with a few standout strengths and a few quirks.
Like the Ninja personal blender, it has a powerful 1,000-watt motor that, paired with six ultrasharp stainless steel blades, handled everything I threw at it. Whether it was fibrous kale, frozen mango chunks or full-size ice cubes, the blender consistently produced smooth, even blends without the need to stop and stir. It also comes with just two blending modes — high-speed and pulse — that make it easy to switch between different textures. The high-speed setting created creamy smoothies in under 60 seconds, while the pulse function gave me more control when chopping ingredients or preparing chunkier blends, which is helpful for dishes like salsas or dips.
It may seem odd to describe a personal blender as elegant, but the Our Place personal blender stands out for its elegance and design. The ergonomic shape of the blender base deserves all the kudos. The rounded, compact shape made it easy to store, although you'll probably want this on your kitchen countertop.
However, I did find that the silicone, nonslip feet didn't keep the blender as steady as the Ninja during use. That said, when I tested it on a sleek, granite countertop, I did notice some slight movement during higher-speed blending. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it's worth noting if you have similarly slick surfaces. On the plus side, the base has subtle ridges around the bottom that make it easier to grip and twist off the blending vessel. This also helped me avoid the awkward fumbles I've experienced with other blenders. Plus, the wire wraps into the base, which is always a plus for me.
The 750-milliliter personal blending vessel was one of my favorite parts of the entire system. The wavelike design not only helps funnel ingredients toward the blades for better blending but also makes the cup comfortable to grip and easy to hold while drinking. The molded rim made it pleasant to sip straight from the vessel without needing a straw or extra cup.
I also appreciated the included personal drinking lid, which fits both the 750-milliliter and smaller 450-milliliter vessels. It has built-in gaskets to prevent spills and leaks, and a sturdy carry handle makes it easy to take my smoothie on the go. This was one of my favorite features, especially when paired with the blender's sleek and colorful design, which genuinely adds a little personality and color to the kitchen.
Cleanup was quite easy as well. Like many higher-end models, the Splendor Blender has a self-cleaning mode. I just added a few drops of dish soap and some water to the blending vessel, pressed the button and it cleaned itself in under 30 seconds. For deeper cleaning, the vessel, lid and blade assembly are all top-rack dishwasher-safe. And while the blades are incredibly sharp, the ribbed base makes it easier and safer to twist them off for cleaning or swapping between vessels.
At $135, the Splendor Blender isn't the cheapest personal blender in my product pool, but I think the price is justified by its performance, thoughtful features and unmatched stylish design. It handled every test recipe I tried with minimal effort, and the portable design and easy cleanup made it even more appealing for everyday use. If you're looking for a personal blender that combines real blending power with smart, user-friendly features and a modern aesthetic, this one is worth considering.
It's easy to brush off most personal blenders as being the same, but in my weeks of blending, tasting and cleaning, I discovered they're more varied than you might expect. To figure out which ones truly stood out, I tested each model across several key criteria, including overall performance, the ability to blend a variety of drinks and how easy and secure their travel lids were to use.
After hands-on testing, I compared the results of each smoothie, shake and ice test and evaluated how each model measured up. From there, I narrowed it down and chose the two blenders I felt performed the best overall.
User interface/ease of use: I took note of how easy (or difficult) the blender was to use. Were the controls and user interface intuitive and straightforward, or were they more confusing, requiring some practice?
Versatility: How many blending modes did each unit offer? More doesn't always mean better, but it's good to know, especially if you know you're interested in a specific mode, such as Pulse or Low.
Operation: How powerful was the motor? How quickly did the blades crush, blend or mix the ingredients in the cup? Did the blender struggle and need to be manually shaken for it to work effectively?
Stability/sturdiness: While in use, did the blender stay securely in place, or did it wander or vibrate across the counter? This was especially important when it came to taller blenders with narrow bases.
Capacity: How much liquid could the cup hold? Was it too large to be convenient for travel or too small to be useful?
Accessories: Did the blender include any extra accessories or items like additional blades, shaker lids or cup sizes?
Ease of cleanup: How easy was the unit to clean overall? Were the blades difficult to access, was the lid easy to wipe down and were there any design elements of the cup that made them particularly easy or difficult to keep clean?
When I'm testing or shopping for a personal blender, I look for more than just a sleek design, although that is a considerable factor in my kitchen appliance hunt. I focus on what makes an appliance worth using daily, especially as someone with limited counter space. Here are the best things to consider when shopping for a personal blender.
Size of the blender
A personal blender's smaller footprint compared to full-size models with bulky pitchers is a huge plus for my limited counter space, and I appreciate how easily most personal blenders tuck away in a cabinet when not in use. They're ideal if you're mostly making single-serving smoothies, protein shakes or on-the-go meal replacements, especially since cleanup is minimal. I love when a model includes single-serve blending cups and a secure, locking travel lid — it means I can blend my drink, pop on the lid and head out the door to work or the gym without having to transfer it to another container.
Ease of use and versatility
Portability combined with ease of use makes personal blenders one of the most practical small appliances I own. Even if you're not blending post-workout shakes, these blenders can be a cost-effective alternative to $10 smoothies from a juice shop. Most of the top-rated models I've tested come in at or under $100, making them surprisingly accessible.
While they can't always replace a full-size blender or food processor, I've found that a powerful personal blender (one with at least 600 watts and well-designed blades) can do more than you'd expect. I've used them to make soups, salsas, batters and salad dressings, and some models even come with separate blades for grinding seeds or chopping dry ingredients. If you're wondering whether a particular unit has that kind of versatility, you can usually find the manual online and check before buying.
Blending performance
Performance-wise, I prioritize strong motor power, quality stainless steel blades and useful controls. At minimum, I want both a high-speed mode for silky, fully blended smoothies and a pulse function for chunkier blends. The best personal blenders also have smart design details: silicone, nonslip feet for added stability (especially helpful since some models tend to shift during blending), BPA-free materials and dishwasher-safe components.
Thoughtful design
I also look for a blending vessel that feels comfortable in hand; some of the best have wavelike curves that help circulate ingredients during blending and also make the cup easier to grip. I also appreciate features like a soft rim for comfortable sipping and a carry handle on the lid. So, in a nutshell, a great personal blender is compact, efficient and easy to clean, but it also needs to be one you'll actually reach for again and again.
Ninja Blast Portable Blender
The Ninja Blast stands out as a rare cordless personal blender, making it especially convenient for travel or small spaces. I can see this as a great option for a gym rat or traveler, aka someone who needs a quick shake, fast. At just $45, it offers solid portability with a comfortable hinged carry handle and an easy-open sip lid so you can blend and drink from the same vessel without needing extra parts. However, it's not as powerful as other personal blenders I've tested. I tested the Ninja Blast cordless blender and, while I appreciated the convenience of its compact, portable design, I was underwhelmed by its actual blending performance. Despite its 'Blast Technology' and cordless power (comparable to Ninja's corded models), it struggled with even soft ingredients. Bananas didn't fully break down, and when I added frozen fruit for a basic smoothie, the blades barely made a dent. Smoothie after smoothie resulted in chunky and uneven disasters. The Manual Blend function gave me more control, but it still wasn't enough to achieve a truly smooth consistency.
That said, it does have some thoughtful design elements. The 22-ounce Twist & Go vessel detaches easily from the motor base with a single twist, which makes it extremely lightweight and easy to carry once blended. The sippy-cup lid features a silicone carry handle and a flip top that could be convenient for the gym or even on a walk. There's also a dedicated power button to prevent accidental blending and a battery life indicator that shows exactly when it needs to be recharged. A full charge takes about three hours, and during my testing, I was able to get several short blends on a single charge.
One of the blender's strong suits is its easy cleanup. The lid and vessel, which have a built-in CrushBlade, are top-rack dishwasher-safe. I mostly used the self-cleaning method by blending water and a drop of dish soap, and it worked well for such a small appliance. While the Ninja Blast didn't hold up to smoothie-making tasks, I think it could work well for simpler blends like protein shakes, powdered supplements or other drinks that don't rely on tougher or frozen ingredients. At $45, it's affordable, but I'd recommend it more as a travel-friendly mixer than a replacement for a true personal blender.
Zwilling Personal Blender
Zwilling's personal blender features an interesting razor-sharp cross blade with "piranha serration" that blends all sorts of food quite well. I liked that the LED display stays hidden when powered off for a clean look. The 20-ounce Tritan jar is breakproof and BPA-free, and the included drinking lid transforms it into a spillproof to-go cup, perfect for quick mornings or meals on the move. I found the Zwilling blender to be a thoughtfully designed, well-built powerhouse that felt more elevated than others in this category. Its sleek, stainless steel body and clean design immediately stood out on my counter, and unlike most personal blenders I've tried, it actually blends sleek design and function without compromising either. The jar is made of BPA-free plastic and holds 20 ounces (just enough for a single smoothie or sauce). Better yet, the drinking lid turns it into a spillproof to-go container, which I found especially helpful on rushed mornings.
The 500-watt motor is not as powerful as the Ninja or Our Place blender, which is why it didn't rise in my ranks. However, paired with razor-sharp, cross-style blades, the Zwilling blender had no problem powering through greens, frozen fruit and even tougher ingredients like dates. I used both speed settings, Smoothie and Pulse, and found them intuitive and effective. The Smoothie mode ran just long enough to produce a creamy texture, while the Pulse option gave me more control when I wanted chunkier results, as in a salsa or salad dressing. The safety features are smart too; the blender won't start unless the lid is locked in place, and it shuts off automatically when the lid is removed, which made me feel more comfortable using it in a small kitchen space.
I appreciated that there were no rubber seals to remove or tiny pieces to misplace, so I could rinse the blades and jar in seconds after each use. If you're looking to level up your recipe game, this blender also comes with access to Zwilling's Culinary World app — a solid collection of recipes tailored to the blender. Though the Zwilling Enfinigy is more of a splurge at its price point, I appreciated the overall quality, design and smart features enough to say it's worth it, especially if you want a blender that looks just as good as it performs.
Beautiful Personal Blender
Beautiful by Drew features some of the most, well, beautiful kitchenware I've seen. Naturally, the brand's personal blender is, as expected, one of the most stylish appliances I've had on my counter. The soft matte finish and clean, minimal design make it feel more elevated than most compact blenders in its price range, and the range of colors is to die for. That said, as much as I appreciated the aesthetic, I was more impressed by the Our Place blender's design and power. When it came to performance, the Beautiful Personal Blender didn't fully deliver. The stainless steel blade system is supposed to handle blending and grinding, but in my testing, it struggled with frozen fruit. Even with a relatively small amount, the blender couldn't fully break it down, and the results weren't as smooth as I'd hoped. Despite a claimed peak of 285 watts, the motor just didn't have the power to create consistently smooth textures, especially for thicker blends. Where it did better was with soft ingredients and lighter tasks, handling things like protein shakes just fine.
I also appreciated the range of accessories that came in the box: three different cups — 13.5 ounces, 16 ounces and 6 ounces — plus multiple lids for travel, sipping, shaking and storage. The flexible No Drippy Sippy straw lid was a nice touch, and the lip rings made drinking from the blending cups more comfortable. It was also convenient that all the jars and lids are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, which made cleanup easier after testing a few recipes back-to-back.
In the end, I think this blender works best for someone who wants a chic-looking appliance for lighter kitchen tasks like blending a small sauce, mixing protein shakes or grinding spices. But if smoothies or frozen fruit blends are part of your routine, I'd recommend something more powerful. Even though I loved how it looked, the blending performance didn't quite match the design.
SMEG Personal Blender
I love all things SMEG and can't get over the retro-style design of the brand's appliances — and the SMEG Personal Blender is no exception. Although I appreciated its iconic design and brand legacy, the performance didn't quite justify the price, especially considering it was the most expensive personal blender I tested. Even though SMEG is known for combining vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, I would recommend the Our Place blender over this nearly $200 appliance. SMEG truly can't be beat when it comes to logo appeal. The curved silhouette, shiny finish and chrome accents make it a beautiful match with other SMEG countertop staples. It certainly makes a design statement, and if you're building a matching SMEG collection, this blender fits the vibe perfectly.
In terms of function, the 250-watt motor is quiet and handled soft ingredients like yogurt, berries and milks without issue. Although the most expensive blender in my testing pool, the SMEG blender was one of the least powerful when considering motor strength.
The two included 600-milliliter (20-ounce) Tritan travel bottles are BPA-free, and to me, they looked like baby bottles, which might feel strange to carry around. Nonetheless, they are convenient for grabbing a smoothie on the way out the door. But when I tried blending anything more demanding — such as frozen mango or thick, leafy greens — the motor struggled. The texture of my smoothies wasn't as smooth as I expected, and it took longer to get everything fully blended, even when I cut the ingredients into smaller pieces. At this price point, I would expect more power and more versatility.
Overall, if you care most about having a visually cohesive kitchen and you're already invested in SMEG's product line, the Personal Blender will blend right in. But if you're looking for performance to match the price, there are stronger, more capable options, especially for blending tough ingredients or making smoothies regularly. The SMEG blender is beautifully made, but in my testing, it wasn't the most practical or powerful choice.
What personal blender is best for smoothies?
What personal blender is best for smoothies?
You'll want a personal blender with a smoothie setting. Typically, a powerful personal blender should be over 500 watts to break down frozen fruits with ease.
How do you use a personal blender?
How do you use a personal blender?
It should be as easy as measuring your ingredients, filling up your blender and pushing a button, depending on the personal blender you choose. Refer to the user manual for any lingering questions.
How to clean a personal blender?
How to clean a personal blender?
Add a drop of dish soap and warm water into your blender and pulse to clean all the creases and blades. Some components may also be top-rack dishwasher-safe, but consult the user manual to be sure. Be careful not to touch the sharp blades if you disassemble the blender too.
CNN Underscored's writers and editors thoroughly review all the products in our testing guides and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team backed by many years of product testing experience to ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to subject matter experts where necessary and ensure we speak about the pros and cons of products.
For this article, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal spent weeks blending ice and making smoothies to observe the range of personal blenders. This entailed several rounds of whirring, blending and drinking all sorts of beverages. Gazal loves to get her hands on the latest kitchen appliances and has tested everything from the best blenders to the best air fryers to the best coffee grinders.