Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ vs Nespresso Vertuo Up
Quick take: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ costs $31 less; the Nespresso Vertuo Up heats up faster (3 seconds).
| Spec | Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ | Nespresso Vertuo Up |
|---|---|---|
| Standout features | Barcode Capsule Recognition, 5 Cup Sizes, Bluetooth/WiFi Auto-Updates, 30-Second Heat-Up | Dedicated Iced Coffee Mode, 6 Cup Sizes, Multi-Position 47 oz Water Tank, Nespresso Smart App Customization, 3-Second Fast Start |
| Approx. price | ~$129 | ~$160 |
| Type | Pod/Capsule | Pod/Capsule |
| Boiler | Thermoblock | Thermoblock |
| Built-in grinder | No | No |
| Pump pressure | — | — |
| Water capacity | 25.4 oz | 47 oz |
| Warm-up time | 30 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Steam wand | — | — |
| Basket type | — | — |
| Best for | Beginners | Iced coffee fans |
| Dimensions | 8.6 x 14.0 x 10.4 in | 8.7 x 15.4 x 10.1 in |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs | 9 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
Pros & cons
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
- ✓Cheapest entry into the Vertuo line at $129, and frequently discounted under $100
- ✓Tiny footprint fits dorms, offices, and cramped counters
- ✓Barcode scanning auto-sets brew parameters for every capsule size from espresso to 12 oz
- ✓WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity keeps brewing firmware updated automatically
- ✗Uses centrifugal spinning, not 19-bar pump pressure - crema is frothy rather than true espresso
- ✗Small 25.4 oz water tank needs refilling constantly if you brew for two
- ✗Locked into pricier Vertuo capsules with no third-party alternatives
- ✗Brews slightly cooler than larger Vertuo models and runs loud at around 70 dB
Nespresso Vertuo Up
- ✓Ready to brew in about 3 seconds - among the fastest startups of any capsule machine
- ✓Coffee Creations button brews a more concentrated shot designed to stand up to ice
- ✓47 oz water tank rotates to the back or either side to fit tight counters
- ✓App lets you tweak cup size and temperature per capsule, a first for entry Vertuo machines
- ✗Centrifugal spinning instead of a 19-bar pump - frothy crema, not true espresso
- ✗At $229 it costs nearly double the Vertuo Pop+ for the same core brewing
- ✗Locked into Nespresso's pricier Vertuo capsules with no third-party options
- ✗No milk frothing on board - lattes require a separate Aeroccino or frother
What owners say
Nespresso Vertuo Up
The Vertuo Up is the newest machine in Nespresso's larger-format capsule line, launched at $229, and it has landed well. Owners upgrading from the Vertuo Next — the machine with the weakest reputation in the range — describe it as feeling miles better, and the enthusiasm in early ownership posts is unusually consistent for a pod machine. A good deal of that is design: it comes in finishes people choose deliberately to match their kitchens, and more than one owner says outright that the purchase was aesthetic. Functionally the notable addition is an adjustable pour, letting you lengthen or shorten a drink by roughly an ounce. It is worth understanding what that does and does not give you: extending the pour produces a taller, more dilute drink rather than a stronger one, so it is a volume control, not a way to get a bigger dose of coffee. Full owner insights →
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ vs Nespresso Vertuo Up: common questions
Which is cheaper, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ or the Nespresso Vertuo Up?
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is the cheaper of the two at roughly $129, about $31 less than the Nespresso Vertuo Up at ~$160. Both figures are approximate list prices and street prices move with sales.
Which heats up faster, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ or the Nespresso Vertuo Up?
The Nespresso Vertuo Up is ready sooner — 3 seconds against 30 seconds for the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+. That gap matters most on weekday mornings; if you pull shots at a relaxed pace it makes little practical difference.