I’ve been making protein shakes and smoothies nearly every day for the last decade. During that time, I’ve tried many different blenders.
Some of the best and most reliable blenders that have lasted me several years are not the most expensive, either. My old $45 Oster blender lasted 7 years before I decided to upgrade.
While I wouldn’t call that the best blender for protein shakes, I have used a few products that are high on the list of top performers.
Sure, brands like Blendtec and Vitamix are on the elite end of the spectrum, but you can find an outstanding blender at a fraction of the cost.
Before I share my top product recommendations, you’ll want to know what features define the best blender for protein shakes.
Features of Today’s Top Blenders
Today’s blenders have come a long way from my old 2-speed Oster blender. But some of the best options also cost several hundred dollars, so it’s good to know what you’re paying for.
Here are some notable features of the best blender technology.
- Motor power (wattage): Most entry-level blenders have between 300 and 700-watt motors (some portable models have even less). The highest-performing blenders typically have between 1,200 and 1,600-watt motors, which can liquify the toughest foods like frozen fruit or dense kale.
- Dual-direction blade: Blenders that change blade direction from clockwise and counterclockwise (and vice versa) blend ingredients more efficiently and consistently. This feature helps prevent air pockets from forming, which makes a world of difference when blending thick protein shakes and smoothies.
- Blade speed: Some of the best blenders offer up to 10 speed settings, providing precise control over blending speed. In addition to speed settings, the maximum speed of the blender is a crucial feature for demanding tasks like pulverizing ice cubes and blending seeds and nuts added to smoothies.
- Jar size: Unless you’re specifically looking for a personal or portable blender, I would highly recommend a minimum jar size of 48oz or 6 cups. If you’re making protein shakes for two or more people, consider a 64oz or 8-cup blender jar.
- Preset blending programs: Beyond pulse modes, high-performance blenders come equipped with preset programs for blending smoothies, puréeing, mixing soups, and making oat/nut milk. I love the smoothie setting on my Oster, which utilizes the dual-direction blade feature to ensure a smooth, thorough blend.
There are more intricate features in today’s blenders–hot and cold programs and self-cleaning functions–but these are some of the most useful for blending protein shakes and smoothies.
5 Best Blenders for Protein Shakes and Smoothies
The blender market has exploded with options in recent years, especially cheap personal/portable blenders. Fair warning, you get what you pay for.
While there are hundreds of products to choose from, these are blenders that I have personal experience using, particularly for protein shakes and smoothies. Saying they’re the ‘best blenders’ is subject to opinion, but these are products that I trust and stand behind.
Oster Pro 1200 Blender
If you’re looking for a high-quality blender that won’t break the bank (and won’t break after a couple year’s use), the Oster Pro 1200 is my top recommendation.
This is the blender that I’ve been using for the past 2 years for protein smoothies and shakes. Today it performs the same as it did new out of the box. It’s a well-priced 1,200-watt blender that has everything I need and from a reliable brand that I trust.
The blade is substantially larger than previous models and has dual-direction capabilities, which is a game-changer for thick protein shakes. It has 7 speeds and 3 pre-programmed settings. I find the setting for ‘green/frozen smoothies’ to be the most useful.
The blender’s jar is slightly smaller at 48 oz/6 cups but made from quality Boroclass glass that’s dishwasher safe and can withstand thermal shock. It also comes with a 24 oz smoothie cup for on-the-go convenience.
I like the Oster Pro 1200 Blender for its versatility, powerful motor, and ability to emulsify greens, blend frozen fruit, and create super smooth recovery concoctions.
Blendtec Total Blender
Indisputably one of the most iconic brands in the blender industry, Blendtec makes beautiful, high-performance blenders that are as easy to clean as they are to use.
Utah-made in the USA, this Blendtec blender is equipped with a powerful 3.0 peak horsepower motor that can deliver up to 1560 watts of power. It’s designed for performance and convenience with pre-programmed blend cycles, easy cleaning process, and hassle-free operation.
The Blendtec Total Blender offers 10 incremental speeds along with a Pulse function for precise blending control. It features 6 pre-programmed cycles including ice cream, milkshakes, soups, dips, whole juice, and smoothie options.
Blendtec Blenders are characterized by their old-school four-sided jar that meets new-school technology. They are some of the best and most impressive blenders in terms of their technology, usability, and performance.
High performance comes at a high price. But opting for a Blendtec is a lasting investment that will yield years of highly satisfying use.
Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender
As the upper echelon of blender technology, Vitamix makes some of the quietest, top-of-the-line blenders for both home and professional use. The Vitamix Professional Series 750 Blender is one of its highly-rated flagship products.
Equipped with a powerful 2.2 horsepower motor that delivers up to 1,200 watts of power, it’s highly reviewed for its resilience and ease of use. The Vitamix 750 features a solid metal shell with sound-dampening material for durability and reduced noise levels.
The variable speed control is a standout feature that defines the smart engineering behind Vitamix blenders. This model also has 5 preset programs for smoothies, frozen desserts, soups, sauces, and self-cleaning.
The 64 oz / 8-cup jar provides ample volume for enough protein shakes to feed three. It has a simple look with sophisticated capabilities, making it one of the best blenders money can buy.
NutriBullet Pro+ Personal Blender
NutriBullet’s blenders have come a long way since they originally came out in 2003. Fast-forward two decades, and today they make some of the best personal blenders for protein shakes and smoothies.
As the brand’s most powerful blender, the NutriBullet Pro+ uses a high-powered, 1,200-watt motor, which is a step from the original NutriBullet Pro’s 900-watt motor. Its simple, intuitive, and hands-free design makes it easy and effective to use.
The style of the blade has evolved, now using a cross design that looks like a ninja’s throwing star. It’s capable of powering through turmeric roots, dry chia seeds, curly kale, and other fibrous foods. The blade is also easily replaceable.
The NutriBullet Pro+ comes in two container sizes, a 24 oz and a 32 oz cup, so it’s a bit larger than most personal blenders. The resealable lid makes it easy to cap and take on the go.
Versatile, easy to clean, and portable, I recommend the NutriBullet Pro+ if you’re looking for a more compact blender for smoothies and protein shakes.
Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker and Nutrient Extractor
I will admit, when Ninja Blenders first came out, I had written them off as a low-quality budget brand you’d find at any big-box retailer. But when my sister bought her Ninja Foodi, my perspective changed for the positive.
If buttery smoothie bowls and thick protein shakes are your jam, then this blender is built for you. Available in a 1,200-watt or 1,400-watt motor, the Ninja Foodi has a powerful motor and stacked blade design that cuts through anything.
The package comes in three jar sizes–a 14oz smoothie maker bowl, a 24oz ‘nutrient extraction’ cup, and a 72oz power blender and processor. This offers a variety of personal, on-the-go sizes as well as a proper 9-cup blender pitcher.
This versatile blender doubles as a food processor but doesn’t compromise on its smoothie blending abilities. The smoothie bowl maker is an easy, effective tool for personal-size protein shakes. We have the 1,200-watt model and it’s mighty powerful all on its own.
If you’re keen on trying a Ninja Blender, this is the brand’s most powerful system. The power, design, and versatility make it hard to beat for the mid-range price.
Do You Have a Favorite Blender for Protein Shakes?
I realize many awesome blenders could be ranked as the ‘best’ for making creamy protein shakes and smoothies. These are just the products I have experience with and highly recommend if you’re in the market for an upgrade.
Is there a blender that you’re particularly fond of and recommend? If so, leave a comment below or reach out directly and contact me.
You Might Also Like
- What’s the Best Protein Powder for Smoothies?
- Best Ready-to-Drink Protein Shakes for Diabetics
- How I Make My Protein Shakes Thicker
- The Best Vegan Protein Shakes That Are Good for You
- What’s the Best Protein Powder of All Time
About The Author
This article was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health, nutrition, and athletic space. Over his lifetime, he’s tried hundreds of plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. Learn more about Tyler by viewing his full author bio or by following him on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram. Also, visit his website to learn more about what he’s up to.