Standing in the kitchen aisle, you’d be forgiven for thinking these two blenders are identical twins. They share that iconic bullet shape, use similar cups, and promise the same “superfood” results. But after months of putting both the Nutribullet Pro vs Pro Plus through the ringer – blending everything from frozen mangoes to stubborn wheatgrass – I’ve found that the differences are less about looks and more about what happens under the hood.
If you are a casual smoothie drinker, the Pro 900 might seem like the obvious choice. But for someone like me, who has accidentally turned a chunky salsa into a liquid soup more than once, the Pro Plus introduces a few features that feel like a direct response to years of user feedback. Let’s dive into what it’s actually like to have these two competing for your counter space.
The Key Difference: Nutribullet Pro vs Pro Plus Personal Blender
The gap between the Nutribullet Pro vs Pro Plus essentially boils down to motor intensity and control.
The Nutribullet Pro is the classic 900-watt workhorse. It operates on the original “Push and Twist” mechanism. There are no buttons, no timers, and no varying speeds. You are the controller; you push down to start and twist it back to stop.
The Nutribullet Pro Plus steps things up with a 1200-watt motor. While 300 watts might not sound like a revolution, it’s a 33% increase in power that is noticeably more aggressive with frozen ingredients. More importantly, the Pro Plus introduces a Pulse Function button and an Automated 60-second cycle. This means you can finally get chunky textures without over-processing, or you can walk away and let the machine stop itself when the minute is up.
Technical Comparison Table: Nutribullet Pro vs Pro Plus Personal Blender
| Feature | Nutribullet Pro (900W) | Nutribullet Pro Plus (1200W) |
| Motor Power | 900 Watts | 1200 Watts |
| Control Interface | Manual (Push & Twist) | Pulse Button & 60-Sec Auto Cycle |
| Color Options | Multiple (Champagne, etc.) | Matte Black / Exclusive Finishes |
| Blade Design | Standard Extractor Blade | Pro+ High-Torque Blade |
| Max Capacity | 32 oz | 32 oz |
| Included Cups | (2) 24 oz Mugs | (1) 32 oz & (1) 24 oz Cup |
| Lid Style | Sippy Lids / Lip Rings | Flip-Top To-Go Lids |
| Dimensions | 7.72″D x 12.01″W x 15.94″H | 5.26″D x 4.8″W x 14.4″H |
| View Current Price On Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Hands-On Comparative Review: My Experience
Design and Aesthetics
The Nutribullet Pro in Champagne has a classic, almost retro-kitchen feel. It’s a bit wider at the base than the original model, giving it a sturdy presence on the counter. It feels like an appliance that belongs in a cozy home kitchen.
The Nutribullet Pro Plus, specifically in Matte Black, is a different animal. It looks modern, stealthy, and professional. One thing I immediately appreciated was the slightly more compact footprint of the base. Even though it has a more powerful motor, Nutribullet managed to keep the unit slim. In my kitchen, where counter space is at a premium, those few millimeters made a difference when I was trying to squeeze it in next to the air fryer.
- Color is Merry Gold which is a variation of yellow. 900 watts of power in this compact powerhouse turns anything from strawberries to spinach into smooth,...
- Maximize your food’s nutritional potential with the nutribullet Pro+ edition. This exclusive nutribullet model adds more extraction power, more convenience,...
Ease of Use: Hands-On vs. Hands-Free
Using the Nutribullet Pro is a physical experience. You load your ingredients, lock the blades, and you have to be “present.” I usually stand there and time it in my head. If you want a pulse, you have to manually press and release the cup, which can feel a bit clunky if you’re trying to be precise.
The Nutribullet Pro Plus changed my morning workflow. I can drop the 32 oz cup on the base, hit the button for the 60-second cycle, and go finish packing my gym bag. The machine ramps up, does its thing, and shuts off automatically. It’s a “luxury” feature that, once you have it, makes going back to the manual Pro 900 feel like a chore. The buttons are responsive and have a satisfying “click,” which is a nice upgrade from the “no-interface” look of the standard models.
Functions: The Pulse Factor
This is where the Pro Plus really justified its existence for me. I love making fresh salsa and chunky guacamole. With the Nutribullet Pro, I almost always over-blended. One second too long and my salsa was a smoothie.
With the Pro Plus, the dedicated pulse button allows for short, sharp bursts of power. It pulls the ingredients down, chops them, and lets them settle. I finally achieved that “restaurant-style” chunky texture without any liquid runoff. If you use your blender for more than just drinks – think dips, dressings, or even chopping onions in a pinch – the Pro Plus is the superior tool.
Performance: The 1200W Advantage
I tested both with a “Berry and Fiber” smoothie: frozen blackberries (notorious for seeds) and raw celery.
- Nutribullet Pro (900W): It took about 45 seconds to get a smooth consistency. There were still a few blackberry seeds that survived the extraction, but it was perfectly drinkable.
- Nutribullet Pro Plus (1200W): It handled the same ingredients in about 30 seconds. The result was noticeably “lighter” – almost aerated. The extra power seems to pulverize seeds more effectively. If you hate that “gritty” feeling at the bottom of your smoothie, the 1200-watt motor is a worthy upgrade.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleanup is identical for both, which is to say, it’s incredibly easy. I always rinse the blades immediately under hot water. One thing I noticed is that the Pro Plus comes with “Flip-Top” lids rather than the standard sippy lids. These are much better for travel as they seal more securely. The cups for both are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the matte finish on the Pro Plus base seems to resist fingerprints better than the shiny finish on the standard Pro.
Nutribullet Pro (900W) Blender & Mixer
- Color is Merry Gold which is a variation of yellow. 900 watts of power in this compact powerhouse turns anything from strawberries to spinach into smooth,...
Pros:
- Reliability: The classic design has fewer electronics to go wrong.
- Price: Often significantly cheaper than the Plus model.
- Simplicity: No buttons to learn; just push and go.
- Color Choice: Available in a huge array of colors to match your kitchen.
Cons:
- Manual Only: You have to stand there and wait for the blend to finish.
- No Pulse: Hard to achieve chunky textures without over-processing.
- Slightly Less Power: Struggles slightly with very large chunks of ice or tough seeds.
Nutribullet Pro Plus (1200W) Personal Blender
- Maximize your food’s nutritional potential with the nutribullet Pro+ edition. This exclusive nutribullet model adds more extraction power, more convenience,...
Pros:
- Ultimate Power: 1200 watts makes the smoothest textures in the Pro lineup.
- Pulse Function: Perfect for salsas, pestos, and chunky dips.
- Auto-Cycle: The 60-second timer allows for hands-free blending.
- Travel-Ready: Comes with better resealable lids and a larger 32 oz cup.
- Sleek Design: Matte black finish looks premium on any counter.
Cons:
- Noise: It is louder than the 900W model due to the high-torque motor.
- Price Tag: You are definitely paying a premium for those two extra buttons.
- Complexity: More “smarts” in the base means more potential for electronic failure over years of use.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Nutribullet Pro vs Pro Plus comes down to how much you value your time and your textures.
If you are a Smoothie Minimalist who just wants a quick shake in the morning and doesn’t mind standing by the blender for 40 seconds, the Nutribullet Pro is the best value. It’s a legendary machine for a reason – it just works.
However, if you are a Culinary Multi-Tasker, the Nutribullet Pro Plus is a game-changer. The pulse button and the 60-second auto-shutoff are the kind of “quality of life” features that make healthy eating feel like less of a chore. If you have the extra room in your budget, the 1200W motor ensures that no matter how many frozen fruits you throw at it, the result will always be silk.
My Recommendation: Spend the extra money on the Nutribullet Pro Plus. The pulse function alone makes it a much more versatile kitchen tool, and the hands-free cycle is a morning-saver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old Nutribullet cups with the Pro Plus?
Yes! One of the best things about the Pro and Pro Plus is that they use the same wide-mouth cup design. If you’re upgrading from a 600W or 900W model, your old cups will fit perfectly.
Is the 1200W motor much louder than the 900W?
It is a bit louder. It has a deeper, more mechanical growl. If you live in a very thin-walled apartment and blend at 5:00 AM, the 900W model might be slightly more “neighbor-friendly,” but neither is what I would call “quiet.”
Does the Pulse button really work?
Yes. It’s not just a gimmick. It allows the blades to stop completely between bursts, which lets the food fall back down to the bottom. This is the only way to get a consistent chop for things like onions or nuts.
Can it crush ice without liquid?
Nutribullet generally recommends adding at least a little liquid to help the “cyclonic action.” While the 1200W motor can technically crush dry ice, it’s much harder on the blades and the motor. Always add a splash of water or juice for the best results.
Is the Pro Plus better for “Nutrient Extraction”?
Technically, the higher wattage creates a higher “extraction ratio,” meaning it breaks down the seeds and skins into smaller particles. If you use a lot of flax, chia, or berries with tiny seeds, you will notice a smoother finish with the Pro Plus.
