How do I choose a portable blender?

Portable blenders (also known as travel or personal blenders ) are typically designed to make smoothies directly into travel mugs. They’re built for quick, grab-and-go operation, and are designed to be easier and quicker to use than their full-sized models. There are lots of different models and no right choice, as it depends on how you want to use the blender. If you travel a lot and want a blender that you can throw in your luggage, then size is all-important . Look for a smaller, lighter blender, even if you have to compromise on a smaller travel mug as a result. If you’re going camping a lot and won’t have power, then look for a battery-powered model that you can charge and use when you’re out. Smaller blenders tend to have lower-powered motors, so will work well with soft fruits and for making most smoothies, but you’ll find they struggle with (or can’t handle) ice or frozen ingredients. If you mostly make smoothies at home , then you can get a model with a bigger base and a larger motor. With a bigger motor, you’ll be able to make a wider variety of drinks. For home use, you may find it useful to get a blender with different accessories , such as a chopping bowl for preparing ingredients for cooking, or a grinder for dealing with spices.

How much does a portable blender cost?

As they’re smaller and aren’t as powerful as full-size blenders, prices are much lower. An entry-level blender should cost under $50, and give you basic smoothie making with softer fruits. At the high-end, you can spend up to $150 on a model with more accessories and more powerful motors to give you more flexibility.

Is a portable blender as good as a full-size blender?

A portable blender is different from a full-size one. Most portable models are designed to be quick and easy to use, with one-button operation and single-speed motors. They’re typically as good as large models for smoothies. Travel blenders are generally quite limited, though: you can make smaller quantities, they’re not built to run for as long, and they don’t have the controls of a full-size model. You usually can’t use hot liquids in personal blenders, either, as the travel cups are made from plastic that could be damaged by the heat. If you want to vary what you can make, and have more control over the process, a full-size blender makes sense and, as our guide showed, you can always add a travel cup to your model to give you that blend-and-go convenience.

Best portable blender 2023: tested by experts

Best portable blender blendjet 2 berry smoothie in gold blender in car

(Image credit: Blendjet 2)

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Portable blender FAQs

By Millie Fender

last updated 16 November 2023

Best portable blender 2023: Jump Menu

A Ninja Blast Blender being placed into a backpack

1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Ninja Blast
3. Best for the gym: BlendJet 2
4. Best bullet blender: Nutribullet Pro 900
5. Best for dips: Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Blender
6. Best budget: NutriBullet GO
7. Best for ice: BlenderX
8. How we test
9. Meet the team
10. FAQs

Portable blenders – AKA personal blenders – are a perfect buy if you love to blend and drink on the go. They're also a smart choice if tend to make single-serve portions, or if you have a smaller household and don't need a full-size appliance.

We've tested the best personal blenders, including corded and cordless models. We put them throough through their paces over dozens of smoothies, sauces, dips and protein shakes. We also took them on daily commutes to see if these blenders are truly portable.

We also assess everything how easy they are to use, how easy they are to clean, and how easy they are to store, making sure that the compact blenders will free your countertops from clutter.

While the on-the-go, take it to the gym portability is the main reason you might want to buy a portable blender, don't think these compact wonders can't do almost everything the best blenders can. Most personal blenders can take on the same blending tasks, just in smaller quantities, which might just suit you perfectly.

Best portable blender deals

If you're shopping for the best portable blender, and you'd like to save a little money, you should take advantage of the best deals.

The quick list

Ninja Best portable

1. Ninja Blast

Best portable

If you want a little blender for mixing protein shakes while on the go, this is the best option.

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red BlendJet 2 portable blender Best for the gym

2. BlendJet 2

Best for the gym

A compact, inexpensive little blender that's perfect for taking to the gym or on your commute.

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A Nutribullet Pro 900 Blender filled with ice and fruits and vegetables on a white background Best bullet blender

3. Nutribullet Pro 900

Best bullet blender

An incredibly convenient bullet blender that excelled in all our tests.

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A Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Blender on a white background Best for dips

4. Cuisinart EvolutionX

Best for dips

A great portable blender that's excellent on dips and salsas.

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A Nutribullet GO portable blender Best budget

5. NutriBullet GO

Best budget

This cheap mini blender does the job for less, but it's not perfect.

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A BlenderX Cordless Blender filled with berries, nuts, greens, and ice Best for crushing ice

6. BlenderX

Best for crushing ice

This is amazing for crushing ice, but may be a little heavy for everyday use.

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Best portable blenders 2023

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best portable blender 2023: personal blenders for travel and single-serves

Best portable blender 2023: Jump Menu

Best portable blender deals

The quick list

Best portable blenders 2023

Best portable blender overall