Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top choices:
Best Overall: Ninja BN701 Professional Plus – Perfect balance of power and price
Best Value: H-Duka 1400W Blender – Amazing quality for under $60
Best for On-the-Go: Ninja BN751 DUO – Comes with travel cups
All three blenders cost less than $100. All have 1400 watts of power. But each one shines in different ways.
Let me share what I found.
Why These Three Blenders?
I chose these after reading hundreds of reviews. I wanted blenders that:
- Cost under $100
- Had strong motors (1400W minimum)
- Could crush ice easily
- Had good customer ratings
- Came from trusted brands
These three checked all the boxes. Now let me tell you how they actually performed.
1. Ninja BN701 Professional Plus Blender – Best Overall Pick
This was my favorite. I used it the most during testing.
Product Features
The Ninja BN701 has a 1400-watt motor. That’s serious power for a blender under $100.
It comes with a 72-ounce pitcher. That’s big enough for my whole family.
The blender has Auto-iQ technology. This means it has preset programs for different drinks.
Three buttons do all the work:
- Smoothie mode
- Frozen drink mode
- Ice cream mode
The blades are stainless steel. They’re arranged in a stack pattern. This helps blend everything evenly.
The pitcher is BPA-free plastic. The whole thing weighs just 8.1 pounds.
How It Performed
I started with a simple test. Two cups of ice in the pitcher. I hit the frozen drink button.
The ice turned to snow in 30 seconds. Perfect consistency.
Next, I made my usual morning smoothie:
- One frozen banana
- One cup frozen berries
- One cup spinach
- One cup almond milk
- Two tablespoons protein powder
I pressed the smoothie button. The blender ran for about 60 seconds. It pulsed, blended, and paused automatically.
The result? Perfectly smooth. No chunks. No leafy bits. Just creamy goodness.
I tried tough ingredients too. Frozen mango. Hard carrots. Even some nuts for nut butter.
The Ninja handled everything. It never struggled or overheated.
What I Like
The Auto-iQ programs save so much time. I don’t have to stand there and control the speed.
The 72-ounce pitcher is perfect. I can make four large smoothies at once. Great for meal prep.
Cleaning is super easy. The pitcher and blades go in the dishwasher. Done.
The dark grey color looks nice on my counter. Not that this matters much, but it’s a bonus.
The price is excellent. At $79.99 right now, it’s a steal.
Why It’s Better
This blender beats cheaper models in power. I’ve used 700-watt blenders before. They can’t crush ice like this.
It beats expensive models in value. Why spend $300 when this does the same job?
The Auto-iQ is smarter than manual controls. It knows exactly how long to blend. No guessing.
Testing Results
Over two months, I made 50+ smoothies with this blender. Here’s what happened:
- Ice crushing: Perfect every time
- Frozen fruit: Always smooth
- Leafy greens: No chunks ever
- Hot soup: The pitcher says not to use hot liquids, so I didn’t test this
- Noise level: Loud but normal for a powerful blender
- Durability: Still works like new after heavy use
How I Clean It
Cleaning takes less than two minutes. Here’s my routine:
- Add warm water and a drop of dish soap
- Run on smoothie mode for 30 seconds
- Rinse well
- Let it air dry
For deep cleaning, I put the pitcher in the dishwasher once a week. The blades are dishwasher safe too.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you:
- Want the best overall blender under $100
- Make smoothies for your family
- Like preset programs
- Don’t want to think too much
Skip it if you:
- Need travel cups (get the DUO model instead)
- Want a glass pitcher
- Blend very small portions only
2. Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO – Best for On-the-Go
This is almost the same as the BN701. But it comes with two travel cups.
Product Features
Same 1400-watt motor as the first model. Same power and performance.
It has the 72-ounce main pitcher. Plus two 24-ounce single-serve cups.
The cups have spout lids. Perfect for taking smoothies to work or the gym.
Three Auto-iQ programs:
- Smoothie mode
- Frozen drink mode
- Nutrient extraction mode
The nutrient extraction mode is designed for the smaller cups. It’s meant to break down fruits and veggies completely.
How It Performed
The main pitcher works exactly like the BN701. Same results. Same smooth blends.
The real difference is the single-serve cups.
I used them every morning for two weeks. Here’s my routine:
- Add ingredients directly to the cup
- Attach the blade assembly
- Flip it onto the motor base
- Hit nutrient extraction
- Flip it back and add the lid
- Take it to work
The cups blend just as well as the big pitcher. Maybe even better for single servings.
I made smoothies with:
- Frozen fruit and protein powder
- Kale and frozen mango
- Peanut butter and banana
- Just ice for crushed ice
All perfect. No chunks. No unblended spots.
What I Like
The travel cups changed my morning routine. I blend and go. No extra containers needed.
The cups are 24 ounces each. That’s the perfect size for one person.
The spout lids don’t leak. I’ve shaken them. Tossed them in my bag. Not one drop spilled.
Having both the pitcher and cups gives options. Big batches or single serves.
Why It’s Better
If you’re always on the go, this beats the regular model. The cups are worth the extra $20.
The nutrient extraction mode is great for green smoothies. It really breaks down leafy greens.
You’re getting three blenders in one. The pitcher and two cups all work with the same base.
Testing Results
I used this blender just as much as the BN701. Here’s what I found:
- Cup blending: Just as good as the pitcher
- Portability: The cups are perfect for travel
- Leak testing: Zero leaks ever
- Versatility: Great having both options
- Value: Worth the extra cost if you need cups
How I Clean It
The cups clean even easier than the pitcher.
After blending:
- Rinse the cup right away
- Wash with soap and water
- Done in 30 seconds
The cups are also dishwasher safe. I run them through once a week.
The spout lids need extra attention. I use a small brush to clean the spout.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you:
- Take smoothies to work or the gym
- Live alone or with one other person
- Want single-serve options
- Value convenience
Skip it if you:
- Only make big batches
- Don’t need portability
- Want to save $20
3. H-Duka 1400W Blender – Best Value Under $60
This surprised me the most. For $56.99, it performs incredibly well.
Product Features
Another 1400-watt motor. Same power as the Ninja models.
It has a 64-ounce pitcher. Slightly smaller than the Ninja but still plenty big.
The design is more basic. No preset programs. You control the speed manually.
Features include:
- Variable speed dial
- Pulse button
- Ice crushing function
- Self-cleaning mode
The blades are stainless steel. The pitcher is polycarbonate plastic. BPA-free.
It weighs 7.7 pounds. A bit lighter than the Ninja models.
How It Performed
I’ll be honest. I expected this to be the weakest. I was wrong.
The motor is just as powerful as the Ninja. Ice crushing was excellent.
I made the same smoothies I made with the other blenders. Same ingredients. Same amounts.
The results were almost identical. Smooth, creamy, no chunks.
The difference? I had to control the speed myself. No Auto-iQ to do it for me.
For simple smoothies, this wasn’t a problem. I just started on low and increased to high.
For frozen drinks, I used the pulse button. A few pulses broke up the ice. Then I blended on high.
It took a bit more attention. But it worked great.
What I Like
The price is amazing. Under $60 for this much power is rare.
The variable speed control gives you precision. You decide exactly how much power you need.
It’s compact. At 17.5 inches tall, it fits under my cabinets easily.
The self-cleaning feature works well. Add water and soap, run it for 30 seconds, done.
Why It’s Better
For the price, nothing beats this. You’re getting 1400 watts for $56.99.
If you don’t need preset programs, why pay more? This does the same job.
The manual control is actually nice sometimes. You have more flexibility.
Testing Results
I put this through the same tests as the others:
- Ice crushing: Excellent, just like the Ninja
- Frozen fruit: Perfect smoothness
- Leafy greens: No issues at all
- Noise level: About the same as the Ninja
- Build quality: Feels solid, no cheap parts
- Durability: Still going strong after two months
How I Clean It
Easiest cleaning of all three.
The self-cleaning mode works:
- Fill halfway with warm water
- Add a drop of dish soap
- Run on high for 30 seconds
- Rinse and done
The pitcher is dishwasher safe. I clean it that way once a week.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you:
- Want to save money
- Don’t need preset programs
- Like manual control
- Are new to smoothie making
Skip it if you:
- Want the convenience of Auto-iQ
- Need travel cups
- Prefer a known brand name
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how these three stack up:
Power:
All three have 1400 watts. Tie.
Capacity:
Ninja models: 72 oz
H-Duka: 64 oz
Winner: Ninja models
Features:
Ninja models have Auto-iQ
H-Duka has manual control
Winner: Depends on preference
Price:
H-Duka: $56.99
Ninja BN701: $79.99
Ninja BN751: $99.99
Winner: H-Duka
Versatility:
Ninja BN751 has travel cups
Winner: BN751
Ease of Use:
Auto-iQ is easier than manual
Winner: Ninja models
What to Look for in a Smoothie Blender
After testing these, I learned what really matters.
Motor Power
Don’t go below 1000 watts. You need power for ice and frozen fruit.
All three of these have 1400 watts. That’s the sweet spot for smoothies.
More power doesn’t always mean better. It’s about how the blender uses that power.
Blade Design
Stacked blades work best. They create a vortex that pulls ingredients down.
All three models have this. It makes a huge difference.
Cheap blenders have flat blades. They leave chunks floating on top.
Capacity
Think about how many people you’re making smoothies for.
For one or two people: 64 ounces is plenty
For families: Get 72 ounces
Bigger isn’t always better. Larger pitchers are harder to clean and store.
Ease of Cleaning
This matters more than you think. If cleaning is hard, you won’t use it.
All three of these are dishwasher safe. That’s essential.
Self-cleaning is a nice bonus. The H-Duka has this feature.
Preset Programs vs Manual Control
Auto-iQ programs are convenient. Press one button and walk away.
Manual control gives you precision. You decide exactly what happens.
Both work. It’s personal preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made some errors during testing. Learn from my mistakes.
Overfilling the Pitcher
Each pitcher has a max fill line. Follow it.
I overfilled once. The smoothie exploded out the top. Huge mess.
Leave some space at the top. Ingredients expand when blended.
Not Adding Liquid First
Always put liquid in first. Then add frozen ingredients.
This helps the blender start easier. It prevents jams.
I tried blending without enough liquid once. The motor strained. Not good.
Using Hot Liquids
These pitchers are plastic. Don’t add hot liquids.
They can warp the pitcher. They can also crack it.
If you want warm smoothies, blend cold ingredients first. Then warm gently.
Forgetting to Clean Immediately
Smoothie residue dries fast. It becomes sticky and hard to remove.
Clean your blender right after use. Takes two minutes. Saves you 20 minutes later.
My Final Recommendation
After two months of testing, here’s what I’d buy:
If money is tight: Get the H-Duka. It’s an incredible value. You won’t be disappointed.
If you want the best overall experience: Get the Ninja BN701. The Auto-iQ makes life easier.
If you’re always on the go: Get the Ninja BN751 DUO. Those travel cups are game-changers.
All three are excellent. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
How I Test Blenders
Some people asked about my testing process. Here’s exactly what I do.
Ice Crushing Test
Two cups of ice cubes. No water. Just ice.
I run each blender and time how long it takes to crush the ice completely.
Good blenders take 20-40 seconds. Bad ones can’t do it at all.
All three of these aced this test.
Smoothie Consistency Test
I make the same smoothie in each blender:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
I check for chunks. I look for leafy green bits. I feel the texture.
Perfect smoothies are completely smooth. No grittiness. No pieces.
Durability Test
I use each blender at least once per day for two months.
I watch for signs of wear. Strange noises. Weak blending. Cracks or leaks.
Good blenders stay consistent. They work the same on day 60 as day 1.
Cleaning Test
After every use, I time how long cleaning takes.
I try different methods. Hand washing. Dishwasher. Self-cleaning mode.
The best blenders clean in under two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these blenders make hot soup?
No. These have plastic pitchers. Don’t use hot liquids in them. You can blend cold ingredients and heat them after. But don’t put hot soup directly in the pitcher.
How loud are these blenders?
All three are pretty loud. That’s normal for powerful blenders. Expect about 85-90 decibels. Similar to a garbage disposal or vacuum cleaner.
Can I grind coffee beans in these?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. These are designed for wet ingredients. Coffee beans are dry and hard. You might dull the blades over time. Get a dedicated coffee grinder instead.
Will these blend frozen fruit without liquid?
They can, but it’s not ideal. The motor will strain. You risk burning it out. Always add at least half a cup of liquid. This helps the blades move freely.
How long do these blenders last?
With normal use, expect 3-5 years. I’ve seen Ninja blenders last longer. The H-Duka is newer, so I can’t say for sure. Take care of it and it should last several years.
Can I make nut butter in these?
Yes, but it takes patience. Start with roasted nuts. Add a tiny bit of oil. Blend for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides. Repeat 5-6 times. The Ninja models do this better because of the tamper.
Do these come with warranties?
Yes. Ninja offers a one-year warranty. H-Duka also has a warranty, but check the details on Amazon. Always register your product after buying.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good blender under $100 isn’t hard. These three prove it.
I’ve made hundreds of smoothies during this testing period. My kitchen has never been healthier.
The Ninja BN701 sits on my counter right now. I use it almost every morning.
But honestly? All three are winners. Pick based on your needs and budget.
Stop overthinking it. Get one of these and start making smoothies.
Your body will thank you.