The Best Personal Blenders – Top On-the-Go Picks for Quick, Nutritious Breakfasts
From Ninja to nutribullet, these are the best personal blenders we've tested for small kitchens and busy lifestyles
28 October: We have added more details to the weight, size, and battery life specifications for our top blenders to help you find the right match for your needs. Prices have also been verified, and we have made some changes to our 'other options', adding the GreenPan Spin and Go for your consideration if the top six do not suit your need perfectly.
The best personal blenders can make an instant difference if you love a morning smoothie on the go, taking up less counter space than a traditional blender and leaving you with less washing up.
As a team of product testers, we've put more than 25 personal blenders through their paces, using the same tests as those for our best blenders. We began with cordless, battery-operated models, testing how well they performed on our commutes to work. We then moved on to more powerful countertop designs with portable blending cups that can be slipped into a bag.
You can read our full testing criteria below, but after months of trials, I have narrowed this list to the top six personal blenders you can buy right now.
The Quick List
With 1,200 watts of power, this countertop blender handles everything, from hummus to velvety smoothies and crushed-ice drinks. It isn't cordless, but it includes travel cups for on-the-go use.
With a spacious twist-and-go pitcher, a lightweight motor, and three versatile settings for blending and crushing ice, the Ninja Max is the ultimate cordless portable blender. Perfect for smoothie lovers and frozen drink fans, it’s dishwasher-safe and fully leak-proof.
The Beast Blender has small, medium and large cups with straws and interchangeable lids, which are perfect for on-the-go use. If you don’t specifically need a cordless model, this is a powerful and practical option.
A robust, cordless option. The nutribullet Flip is on the chunky side, but the battery lasts for ages. Best of all, the stainless steel keeps your smoothies cold and refreshing for up to 24 hours.
This fun tumbler-style blender is best described as a blender that had a baby with a Stanley Cup. The fun handled pitcher comes with a sip lid and straw, is leakproof, and has a narrowed base to fit in car cupholders. It is a little loud, but it blends frozen ingredients nicely.
Blending in public isn't for everyone, so we love a quiet blender. At 64 decibels, it is also the quietest blender we've ever tested, and it's ultra-lightweight and portable.
Best Overall Personal Blender: nutribullet Ultra
What we liked: We were quite blown away by the nutribullet Ultra's performance. At 1200 watts, it’s the most powerful bullet blender we’ve tested so far. In the kitchen, we blended frozen berry breakfast smoothies and protein shakes, packed with chunky seeds and oats – they were flawless in 30 seconds. The nutribullet Ultra even managed to crush ice (though not super finely) and effortlessly whiz chickpeas into velvety hummus.
Personally, I'm very sleepy when making my morning smoothies, so I loved the simple touchscreen and the fact that the cup and blades are dishwasher-safe, so it's a cinch to clean up afterwards.
What we didn’t like: This isn't a cordless portable blender – the base needs to stay on your countertop, but the cups arrive with travel lids for sipping on the go.
The other slight problem we noted was the noise. The Ultra measured up to 90 dBa in the kitchen, which is a full 15 dBa more than the predecessor in the nutribullet range – the nutribullet Pro 900. As our small appliance expert, Laura, put it: 'If you want to save money and you don’t need immense amounts of power, the 900 is better. If you want power and speed, the Ultra is the best option.'
Who would it suit: Anyone with a busy lifestyle looking to make quick, single-serve smoothies or iced drinks (I think that is probably most people reading this page). It won't suit early risers who don't want to wake their family up with blending noise – you'll want the BlendJet2 for that.
Our full nutribullet Ultra Blender review has more details.
Best Cordless Personal Blender
What we liked: I fell in love with the Ninja Blast Max when I tested it, so much so that I replaced the original Ninja I’d been using. It has impressive power, a larger 22-oz capacity, and excellent versatility. Tough ingredients are no problem (I tried fibrous kale smoothies and icy cocktails). While other portable blenders only run on one speed, the Blast Max offers three 'Auto-IQ' settings (Blend, Smoothie, and Crush), which deliver a range of textures at the touch of a button.
The design is lightweight yet sturdy, with a comfortable strap and a twist-and-go cup that lets you leave the motor at home. Dishwasher-safe parts and cute color options make it both convenient and travel-friendly.
What we didn’t like: While performance is strong, it can occasionally leave tiny flecks of blueberry skin or kale in smoothies. At around $99, it is pricier than other portable blenders out there. If you’re on a budget, consider the smaller Ninja Blast or the ultra-cheap BlendJet 2, or look out for an Amazon Prime or Black Friday deal.
Who would it suit: Honestly, it's an all-rounder that will suit most people. I'd recommend it to smoothie lovers who want bigger portions on the go, anyone who likes to make frozen drinks or iced coffees, or those who value ease of cleaning (hello, dishwasher) and reliable leak-proof portability.
Read more in my full Ninja Blast Max review
Best Personal Blender for Cold Drinks
What we liked: I loved the cool, creamy smoothies I made in the nutribullet Flip. It’s a battery-operated machine with a stainless steel lining that keeps your drinks cool for up to 24 hours – a unique feature in the market. The motor is powerful, the design feels trustworthy, and the lid never leaked during my week of testing. I love the fun range of new colors, too.
What we didn't like: Normally, I wouldn't expect a portable blender to make soup – but the insulated design got me excited. It actually can’t handle hot ingredients, and it also struggles on crushed ice, so sadly, soup and frozen margaritas are off the menu. It's also quite chunky. I struggled to carry it with my small hands, and it didn't fit into the cup holders on my backpack or in my car.
At over 3lbs, it's not as lightweight as the best travel blenders, like the Ninja Blast (which weighs 1.7lbs). The Ninja Blast also excels at crushing ice, so if that's a dealbreaker, Ninja could be your winner – it is also a bit cheaper, but that's reflected in the more plastic materials.
Who would it suit? If you're someone who travels a lot or works long hours, you'll love the cold-insulation technology and long battery life. I personally carried this around all week long; I enjoyed morning and afternoon smoothies that were fresh, full of fiber, and packed with healthy fruit – with very little planning or effort.
You can read all the details in this nutribullet Flip review.
Best Personal Blender With Accessories
What we liked: The Beast Mighty 850 Plus Blender comes with three cups – extra large, medium, and small – and three interchangeable lids with carry handles and built-in straws. It allowed me to be flexible with my recipes and take different drinks to the office – and even small dressings that I can put in the fridge for my lunch.
The blender handles softer ingredients beautifully – my frozen banana, date, and maca powder smoothie came out ultra-smooth with just a few flecks of date. I also tested it with a green goddess salad dressing, mischievously throwing in a whole clove of raw garlic and curly kale. I was impressed by the velvety result – no visible strands or chunks in sight.
While it's not cordless, the motor base is tiny and discreet on the counter. Beast has recently released a cordless model too, which I am keen to test for comparison.
What we didn’t like: The blender operates at a low decibel level, but it has a piercing, high-pitched sound that I found quite irritating. It also struggled with crushing ice – bits got stuck between the blades, which stalled the blending process.
Who would it suit? This is a great option for someone who doesn’t specifically need a cordless model and is looking for a powerful, practical blender with plenty of flexibility. It’s ideal for people who like to prep and transport different types of drinks or sauces, especially for work or travel.
You can read all the details in this Beast Mighty 850 Plus Blend review.
Best Designed Personal Blender
What we liked: Reviewed by our appliance editor, Chiana Dickson, she thinks that the Ninja BlendBOSS Tumbler Blender is one of the best blenders for design in recent years. It's fun, opting for what she calls a 'pop-art' style rather than being sleek and modernist with the bubble-esque base, Stanley style tumbler, and cute color options. It handed smoothies perfectly, save for a few small seeds, especially when the ingredients are added in the suggested order, and has a nice, large capacity you often miss with portable models.
It does crush ice, but it can struggle when filled to the brim with large chunks.
What we didn't like: This blender is very loud, and Chiana needed to put a towel beneath it to help dampen some of the vibrations, meaning it might not be the best pick if you make your morning smoothie when the rest of the house is still asleep. It is also not the best tumbler for throwing into a bag. It is designed to be carried like a traditional Stanley Cup, so many not be suited for an everyday busy commute.
Who would it suit? If you are looking for something fun and love the trendy appeal of a Stanley Cup, this blender is ideal. It is incredibly powerful for a personal model, and while the base needs to be plugged in, the cup is great for on-the-go, especially for long drives and running errands.
There's more detail in our Ninja BlendBOSS review.
Best Budget Portable Blender
What we liked: The BlendJet 2 is the quietest and lightest blender we've ever tested. BlendJet markets it as ‘whisper quiet’, and whilst it’s not silent, it’s certainly much quieter than many other blenders on the market. Reviewers compared the noise levels to a normal conversation (64 decibels), and we found the same on test. It's perfect for blending smoothies in the office, or even making midnight snacks without waking a soul.
Our tester, Millie Fender, who has been reviewing blenders for over five years, was pleased with the results of her smoothies. She says, 'The BlendJet 2 was surprisingly powerful, especially considering this is a cordless and quiet option... I made delicious smoothies, and it was brilliant at blending protein powder into a milkshake consistency.'
What we didn't like: It struggled a little with tough frozen fruits and blueberry skins, and it might need a little shake as it blends to make sure that all the drink reaches the blades. Having said that, it excelled on the pesto test – turning chunky ingredients into a great dressing.
Who would it suit: It's great for gym bunnies and commuters. It's smaller and slimmer than the other models on this list, which makes it easier to fit into your gym bag or car cup holders. It just happens to be light on your wallet, too. Plus, the BlendJet2 is often discounted by up to 50% Amazon. A great choice for students, since it doesn't break the bank.
Our BlendJet 2 review has more information.
Other Options to Consider
We have tested so many personal blenders, and not all of them can make the top list. These are all fantastic options if our current top six do not quite meet your needs.
We used to think the nutribullet Pro 900 was the best personal blender ever, but it's recently been surpassed by the nutribullet Ultra. We still love the older version (we rated it five stars in 2022), but it's not quite as quick, powerful, or high-tech as the new model. If you want to save some money, this could be a great option.
The original, smaller Ninja Blast remains a top contender. It's the best portable blender for protein powder, whizzing a perfect shake without lumps. The battery life is excellent; it's lightweight, and it never leaked in our bags on the way to the gym. It is smaller than the Ninja Blast Max in our top six and has fewer speed settings, which is why it did not quite make the cut.
The GreenPan Spin & Go Portable Blender has an intuitive design, which means you won’t have to guess, and the powerful motor means you won’t be shaking the ingredients to remix them, although it does struggle slightly with very thick liquids. The only reason this wasn’t a 5 was that the lid starts to close when pouring, and the opening is too small for some thicker liquids to pour at a comfortable pace.
How We Test Personal Blenders
At Homes & Gardens, we test portable blenders in real home kitchens and assess how they perform in everyday routines. As kitchen appliances editor, we use standardized tests to evaluate blending performance, portability, and reliability, pushing each model to its limits to identify its strengths and limitations.
Blending performance: We blend fresh and frozen fruit, leafy greens, nut milk, protein powders, seeds, and ice to assess consistency, speed, noise, and how well each blender handles tougher ingredients without leaving clumps or chunks behind.
Ease of use: We assess how easy each blender is to clean, carry, and use on the go, including whether it fits into bags and car cup holders. We also check build quality and leak resistance, and measure blending time and noise levels to see how practical each model is for busy mornings or shared spaces.
Long-term reliability: We compare each blender with similar models on the market and review customer feedback for insights into durability and common issues. Where possible, we continue using our tested blenders over time, updating our recommendations with real-world observations.
Read our review and testing guidelines for more about our process and how we test blenders.
How to Choose a Personal Blender
There are a few things to consider before choosing the best personal blender for you.
Countertop or cordless: Some of the models in this list are countertop models that need to be plugged in, but they come with travel-sized blending vessels, so you can twist them out and take them with you. This is best suited to morning smoothies; you blend at home, then take on the go. However, if you’re out all day, hiking, or camping a lot, you'll want a cordless, battery-powered model that you can charge and use when you’re out.
Size: If you travel a lot and want a compact blender that you can throw in your luggage, then size is all-important. Look for a cordless, lightweight and portable blender that has travel handles and fits into your baggage easily.
Smoothies or dips? Many cordless blenders have lower-powered motors, so they will work well with soft fruits and protein mixtures, but you’ll find they struggle with nuts, legumes, or frozen ingredients. Countertop models with large motors, like The Beast Blender and nutribullet Ultra are more competent across the board, handling both smoothies and dips with ease.
Included accessories: It will be more affordable to choose a personal blender with added accessories, so you get more bang for your buck. However, make sure you have enough storage space for all those lids and straws.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between a Portable and Personal Blender
The difference between a portable and personal blender is that a portable blender is a cordless appliance powered by a battery, and personal blenders are plug-in countertop appliances designed to make one portion of a drink.
You can charge portable blenders with a micro USB or USB-C. They are typically light and compact, so you can fit them in a handbag, backpack or gym bag. I use mine for blending on the go, whether at the gym (a very rare occasion for me) or on my way to work in the morning.
Personal blenders typically make around 24-32oz, which is only enough for one person, hence the name 'personal' blender. The best personal blenders come with travel lids for the blending cup, so you can take your ready-made smoothie on the go with you.
Also, the best personal blenders can usually handle a tougher range of ingredients than portable blenders can (think: ice, nuts and seeds). However, the portable blenders of recent years have really surprised us. Hopefully, this guide will have a good option for your blending needs and tastes.
Who (And What) is a Portable Travel Blender For?
A portable travel blender is for a wide range of people and lifestyles:
Fitness enthusiasts & gym-goers: You can quickly make protein shakes or smoothies before/after workouts. No kitchen required.
Busy professionals: I know first hand, it can be hard to prioritise health when you're busy. A portable blender helps out with healthy drinks during commutes or office breaks, so you don't reach for unhealthy snacks.
Hikers & campers: Cordless models are compact and lightweight, so you can make fresh drinks away from a plug.
College students: Very convenient for small dorm rooms. My sister uses the Ninja Blast for easy, healthy breakfast on the way to early classes.
Parents with young children: You can easily blend baby food or smoothies while out and about with a cordless model.
Small space dwellers: Ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or dorm rooms. You can tuck them away in a drawer when needed.
Frequent travelers: If you travel a lot, you don't have to leave your healthy routine behind. You can add a cordless model to your luggage.
Do I Need a Portable Blender for Protein Shakes?
A personal blender designed for protein shakes will always be a better option than a shaker bottle.
We don't tend to recommend protein shaker bottles, since they're difficult to clean, often leave you with clumpy masses of powder, and they do a particularly bad job with plant-based proteins.
We recommend a portable blender that is powerful enough to tackle optional extras like spinach and peanut butter, and that fits in pretty much any cup holder and has a good carry handle for taking to the gym.
No matter which you choose, brush up on how to clean a blender to make sure the seals do not fail, and your smoothie does not leak all over your bag.
Love the latest product news and helpful shopping advice? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
