A good portable blender lets you make a fresh smoothie or protein shake at the gym, at work, or on the road. We compared the most popular models and picked the five worth buying, based on specs, independent expert reviews, and verified owner feedback.
Our picks are based on research, not hands-on lab testing. See how we choose products.
Related buying guides: best blenders for smoothies, best personal blenders, best blenders, glass blenders.
- Best Overall: Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender (BC251)About $75–$90
- Best Value: Ninja Blast Portable Blender (BC151)About $50
- Best for Ice & Nuts: Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Portable Blender (RPB-100)About $80–$100
- Best Insulated: nutribullet Flip Insulated Portable BlenderAbout $100
- Best Budget (Corded): Hamilton Beach Personal Blender (51101)About $20–$25
Comparison Table
| Blender | Best for | Capacity | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender | Best Overall | 22 oz | Cordless | About $75–$90 |
| Ninja Blast Portable Blender | Best Value | 18 oz | Cordless | About $50 |
| Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Portable Blender (RPB-100) | Best for Ice & Nuts | 16 oz | Cordless | About $80–$100 |
| nutribullet Flip Insulated Portable Blender | Best Insulated | 20 oz | Cordless | About $100 |
| Hamilton Beach Personal Blender | Best Budget (Corded) | 14 oz travel jar | Corded | About $20–$25 |
Prices are approximate and change often. Check the current price before you buy.
How We Chose These Blenders
Real portability
Cordless models with a drink-from lid came first. We removed full-size countertop blenders that don’t belong in a portable guide.
Trusted brands
We favored established brands with clear warranties and support, and skipped little-known sellers with inconsistent reviews.
Owner feedback
We read verified reviews for repeated problems such as leaks, weak batteries, and broken bases.
Expert reviews
We compared results from respected independent testers to see where they agreed.
The Best Portable Blenders
Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender (BC251)
- Capacity22 oz
- PowerCordless, rechargeable
- ChargingUSB-C
- PriceAbout $75–$90
The Blast Max is the bigger, more capable version of Ninja’s popular Blast. It has a larger 22 oz vessel, several blend settings, and a twist-and-go lid you can drink from, so it’s the best all-round pick for most people who want a cordless smoothie maker.
Pros
- Largest cup in this guide (22 oz)
- Multiple blend settings
- From an established brand with good support
- Dishwasher-safe parts (check the manual for which ones)
Cons
- Pricier than the original Ninja Blast
- Heavier than tiny bottle-style blenders
Ninja Blast Portable Blender (BC151)
- Capacity18 oz
- PowerCordless, rechargeable
- ChargingUSB-C (cable included)
- PriceAbout $50
For around $50 the Ninja Blast makes smooth shakes and smoothies, handles frozen fruit and ice, and charges with a standard USB-C cable. Independent testers rate it as one of the best-value portable blenders available.
Pros
- Great price for a name-brand blender
- Blends frozen fruit and ice
- Vessel and lid are dishwasher safe
- Charges with USB-C
Cons
- No wall plug included
- You drink from the jar while it’s still attached to the base
Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Portable Blender (RPB-100)
- Capacity16 oz
- WeightAbout 2.2 lb
- BatteryAbout 22 minutes of blending per charge (independent test)
- PriceAbout $80–$100
The EvolutionX is a sturdier, more powerful portable blender that crushes ice and nuts well and holds its charge for a long time. It comes with a travel lid, and the parts are top-rack dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Powerful enough for ice and nuts
- Long battery life
- Travel lid included
- Top-rack dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Bulkier than most portable blenders
- No preset blend timer
nutribullet Flip Insulated Portable Blender
- Capacity20 oz
- CupInsulated stainless steel
- PowerCordless, rechargeable
- ChargingUSB-C (cable included)
The Flip blends in an insulated stainless-steel cup with a flip-up straw lid and a carry handle, so your smoothie stays cold for hours after you blend it. It’s the best choice if you blend in the morning and drink later.
Pros
- Keeps drinks cold for hours
- Durable stainless-steel cup
- Handy carry handle and straw lid
- Trusted blender brand
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Heavier than plastic bottle blenders
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender (51101)
- Capacity14 oz
- Power175 watts, corded
- ChargingPlugs into the wall
- PriceAbout $20–$25
This isn’t cordless, but it’s the cheapest reliable way to blend a single smoothie and take it with you. You blend straight into the travel jar, pop on the lid, and go.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Blend and drink from the same jar
- Simple one-touch operation
- Jar is dishwasher safe
Cons
- Needs a power outlet, so it isn’t truly portable
- Struggles with large ice cubes
What to Look For in a Portable Blender
Capacity
14–22 oz is typical. Choose 18 oz or more if you make full-size smoothies or protein shakes.
Battery and charging
USB-C charging is the most convenient. Thick, frozen blends use more battery than thin shakes.
Power for ice
If you use a lot of ice or frozen fruit, pick a stronger model like the Cuisinart EvolutionX or a Ninja Blast.
Easy cleaning
Look for a dishwasher-safe cup and lid. Many models also have a quick self-clean: blend warm water with a drop of soap.
Safety
Buy from reputable brands and retailers, and check for recalls. Never immerse the motor base in water.
Corded vs cordless
Corded personal blenders are cheaper and stronger, but cordless models are the only truly portable choice.
Our Verdict
For most people, the Ninja Blast Max is the best portable blender, with a large 22 oz cup and reliable performance. If you want to spend less, the Ninja Blast offers excellent value. Choose the Cuisinart EvolutionX if you blend a lot of ice and nuts, or the nutribullet Flip if you want your drink to stay cold for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable blenders worth it?
Yes, if you want fresh smoothies or protein shakes at work, the gym or while traveling. They’re smaller and less powerful than countertop blenders, so they work best with soft fruit, liquids, and small amounts of ice or frozen fruit.
Can a portable blender crush ice?
Many can handle small ice cubes and frozen fruit, but most aren’t as strong as a countertop blender. Add liquid first, use smaller pieces, and don’t overfill. The Cuisinart EvolutionX and Ninja Blast models handle ice better than most.
How long does a portable blender battery last?
It depends on the model and what you blend. Most cordless blenders make several smoothies per charge. Thick, frozen blends drain the battery faster than thin shakes.
Are portable blenders safe?
Choose a model from a reputable brand and follow the instructions. In December 2023 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of about 4.8 million BlendJet 2 portable blenders because of fire and laceration hazards, so check the CPSC website if you own one.
Can I put a portable blender in the dishwasher?
Usually only the cup and lid. The base contains the motor and battery and should never go in water. Check your manual to see which parts are dishwasher safe.
Can I take a portable blender on a plane?
Rules vary by airline and country. Blenders with lithium-ion batteries usually need to go in carry-on luggage, and some security checks may question the blades. Check with your airline before you fly.
