The Vertuo Plus and the Vertuo Next are both single-serve machines in Nespresso's Vertuo line, which means they share the same core brewing technology — Centrifusion, the barcode-reading, high-speed-spinning method that pulls everything from a small espresso to an 18 oz carafe from one pod. If you're choosing between them, you're not choosing a brewing style the way you would between Vertuo and Original; you're choosing between two machines built around the same idea with different footprints, materials, and a few workflow details. Here's how they actually differ, and which one makes more sense depending on your kitchen and habits.
Key Differences
Nespresso has revised both machines' lineups and bundles over the years, so treat the specifics below as general, attributed guidance rather than exact figures for the unit you'll receive — always check the current listing for the precise dimensions, tank capacity, and price of the specific model or bundle you're considering.
Size & footprint. The Vertuo Next is generally the more compact and lighter of the two, part of Nespresso's push to make it a smaller-countertop option, while the Vertuo Plus tends to run a bit larger and heavier. If counter space is tight, the Next is usually the easier fit, but confirm the listed dimensions for the specific model before you buy.
Water tank. Nespresso describes the Vertuo Plus's tank as swivel-mounted and movable, so it can sit to either side of the machine depending on your counter layout — useful if you're working around a tight corner or a cabinet. The Vertuo Next's tank is generally described as fixed in placement. Reported tank capacities vary by source and by specific bundle, so don't take a specific milliliter number as gospel — check the current listing.
Build materials. Nespresso has marketed the Vertuo Next as using a meaningful share of recycled plastic in its housing, part of the brand's broader sustainability push for that model. The Vertuo Plus's housing is generally described in more conventional terms. If recycled-content materials matter to your purchase decision, that's worth confirming directly against Nespresso's current product page, since materials and marketing claims can change between production runs.
Motorized vs. manual head. This is one of the more meaningful day-to-day differences. The Vertuo Plus is generally described as having a motorized head — you don't have to manually lift and lower a lever to load and eject a pod, the machine handles that step. The Vertuo Next, by contrast, is generally described as using a manual lever for opening and closing the brew head. If one-touch convenience matters to you, that's a real point in the Plus's favor; if you don't mind a manual lever, the Next's simpler mechanism is one less motor to eventually service.
Cup sizes. Both machines brew across the Vertuo range — from a small espresso up through Gran Lungo, mug/coffee, and larger sizes — with Nespresso citing four to five cup sizes depending on the exact model. Some Next models add smart connectivity (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi pairing with the Nespresso app) as a feature the Plus generally doesn't include, letting the app track pod inventory or auto-order capsules; confirm whether the specific Next SKU you're looking at includes this, since it isn't universal across every version sold.
Price. Pricing on both machines moves with sales, bundles (with or without an aquarelle/frother set), and retailer promotions, so don't anchor to any number you've seen elsewhere. Check the live listings below for current pricing before deciding — the gap between the two models can shrink or reverse depending on what's on sale.
| Feature | Vertuo Plus | Vertuo Next |
|---|
| Footprint | Generally larger/heavier | Generally smaller/lighter |
| Water tank | Swivel, movable | Fixed placement |
| Materials | Standard housing | Marketed recycled-plastic content |
| Head | Motorized (auto lift/eject) | Manual lever |
| Connectivity | Not typically featured | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi on some SKUs |
| Cup sizes | ~4 sizes | ~5 sizes |
| Price | Check current listing | Check current listing |
As always with Nespresso's lineup, exact specs can vary by color, bundle, and retailer — the table above reflects general, brand-attributed differences rather than a guarantee for the specific unit you'll receive.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the Vertuo Plus if you want the motorized, one-touch head and appreciate the flexibility of a swivel water tank that can sit on either side of the machine — useful if your counter layout is a bit unusual, or if you just prefer not to manually operate a lever every time you brew.
Choose the Vertuo Next if counter space is limited and you want the smaller, lighter machine, you like the idea of a housing built with recycled materials, or you want app connectivity to track and reorder pods automatically (on the SKUs that include it). The manual lever is a minor trade-off for most people, and some buyers actually prefer the tactile, no-motor simplicity.
Either way, remember you're choosing between two machines on the same Centrifusion platform — pod compatibility, brew technology, and the overall coffee style are the same. This decision comes down to footprint, materials, a motorized vs. manual head, and whichever one is priced better at the moment you're shopping.
What to Buy
Nespresso
★★★★☆★4.5Check Price →$123.60· as of Sep 25, 2026i
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Nespresso
★★★★☆★4.4Check Price →$99.99· as of Sep 25, 2026i
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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