Best Cheap Blenders for Smoothies (in 2024!)

August 2024 · 4 minute read

Published: Feb 16, 2023 · Updated: Jul 20, 2023 by · This post may contain affiliate links

Having the right blender is essential to making nutritious smoothies. The best part? A good blender does not have to cost a fortune!

Below you’ll find a list of great inexpensive blenders for your smoothies to check out before you buy. 

Are Cheap Blenders Worth It? 

It depends on what you need a blender for. A cheap blender is worth it if it’s being used for the right purpose. Some are good just for powder + liquid blending (think post-workout protein powder), while others are just good for fresh fruit blending. 

There are plenty of inexpensive blender options that can tackle blending ice, frozen fruit, and greens in the same smoothie, all while yielding smooth results. 

But first, it’s important you decide what your priorities for blending and storage needs are before you purchase a blender.

What To Look For in a Smoothie Blender 

With hundreds of blenders available for purchase, finding a blender that can make great smoothies with consistent results can be tough. The one thing everyone can agree on is that the smoothies should come out well mixed with a smooth texture, no matter the ingredients you add to it.

Here is what to look for in a blender, with its primary purpose of the use being smoothies:

  • Select a jar size that fits your needs
    Choose your blender‘s jar size based on the number of servings you’ll need out of each batch. Smoothies for one, smoothies for 4, or both?
  • Consider where it will be stored
    Need a blender to fit under the cabinet? How about storing it inside a smaller cabinet or drawer? Are there a lot of pieces or attachments that are not necessary and you don’t have room for in your kitchen or pantry? Your storage capabilities will also help you decide.
  • Blender jar materials
    Some blenders are plastic, while others are glass. Plastic is a great durable option and is less prone to breaking. The downside, plastic can stain over time. Glass jars are great for durability and high-heat bottom-rack dishwashing.
  • Portability 
    While you can’t beat the convenience of a light, personal and portable blender –the type you can “blend on the go”- those aren’t as powerful for blending frozen fruits. 
    If you enjoy taking smoothies on the go, consider purchasing an insulated container or a smaller blender with a sipping lid.
  • Budget
    Consider spending an extra $20 and purchasing a better blender from the beginning rather than a blender that yields less than optimal results. This way, your purchase is a budget-friendly long term purchase.
  • Smoothie Ingredients
    If you enjoy thick smoothies made with frozen fruit or ice, you’ll need a more powerful blender for this purpose. Some blenders cannot handle this task and leave you with an icy-textured smoothie with partial fruit chunks that were not fully blended into your drink.

    • Best Budget Blenders for Smoothies 

    For a full-size blender that can blend smoothies for one up to 4 portions, the options below are great for smoothies when you’re on a budget, all priced under $100 in various price ranges.

    The options below yield great smoothies without purchasing a $400 high-powered blender. 

    Ninja High Speed Duo Ninja High – Speed Duo

    Perfect for the person that wants a full-sized blender and single-serve cups in one machine. 1600W motor powers through everything! The best alternative to the commercial ones at a fraction of the cost. Top pick!

    Check the Price Professional Countertop Blender Professional Countertop Blender

    This Vitamix dupe is all the rage (2200-watts) without breaking the bank. Full sized and heavy duty, it’s one you’ll most likely keep on the counter at all times.

    Check the Price oster blender pro glass jar Oster Blender Pro (Glass Jar)

    A classic blender with functions that performs great for daily use. Also includes smoothie cup for on-the-go needs.

    Check the Price hamilton beach power elite blender Hamilton Beach Power Elite

    Great performance with crushed ice and frozen fruits. At 700-watts, it’s the perfect starter blender on a budget.

    Check the Price portable personal blender Portable Personal Blender

    For powdered shakes and fresh fruit smoothies, this little blender performs well without taking up a lot of space. If you use frozen fruits or ice, this might not be the best option.

    Check the Price

    My Top Budget Blender Pick

    When you’re on a budget, under $50, but want smooth-textured smoothies no matter what you put in them, the Magic Bullet is the OG of budget-friendly personal blenders. 

    From fresh fruit smoothies with or without greens, to smoothies made with frozen fruit, and even ice, I’ve found the Magic Bullet to have consistent, smooth results. 

    The bonus, you can purchase additional bullet accessories and jars here.

    magic bullet blender Magic Bullet Blender

    Blends just about anything smoothly, dishwasher safe cups, it’s affordable, and stores easily.

    Check the Price

    Delicious smoothie recipes

    Got a blender? Put it to great use with one of these nutritious smoothie recipes:

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