Is The Vertuo Plus Better Than The Next?

When it comes to Nespresso’s Vertuo line, the choice between the Vertuo Plus and Vertuo Next isn’t always straightforward. On paper, both machines promise the same convenience: fast brewing, capsule recognition, and a consistent cup of coffee with the press of a button. But in my experience, the differences go far deeper than the glossy specs. From tank size and build quality to noise, reliability, and the real taste of your coffee, choosing the right machine can make a noticeable difference in your daily routine.

I’ve spent months with both machines in a variety of real-world situations  early mornings, busy office hours, and relaxed weekend brunches. Over that time, I’ve seen what works, what frustrates users, and where each model truly shines. If you’re considering either one, you’ll want more than bullet-point specs. You need insight that comes from hands-on experience: what feels sturdy, what actually brews better coffee, and which machine will fit smoothly into your life  without the surprises.

Quick Verdict

In practical terms:

• Vertuo Plus

  is ideal if you value flexibility, a large water tank, and more durable build, and don’t mind a slightly larger footprint. It’s the machine that will survive daily life without you thinking about it too much.

• Vertuo Next

  is best for those who want a smaller, sleeker, and more connected machine, and are okay with more frequent refills and a bit of plasticiness in feel. It’s modern, compact, and convenient, but with minor compromises in long-term reliability.

If you want a machine that “just works” day in, day out, I’d lean Vertuo Plus. If you want something that looks smart on your counter and connects to your phone, the Next wins  as long as you’re aware of its quirks.

Overview

Both machines use Nespresso’s centrifusion technology, which spins the capsule to extract coffee, creating a rich crema even on larger cups. That part works exactly as advertised on both machines, and you’ll get a similar cup whether you pick Plus or Next. Where they diverge is mostly in form factor, water capacity, materials, and convenience features.

The Vertuo Plus has been around longer and feels more “mature” in its design. The water tank slides out and is generous, making it excellent for multiple cups without refills. The Next, by contrast, is smaller, lighter, and comes in a variety of finishes. It looks sleek, but its tank is noticeably smaller, which can be annoying if you’re brewing more than two cups at a time.

Another subtle but important difference is power-on behavior. The Plus wakes up instantly, while the Next sometimes takes a couple of seconds longer and occasionally prompts a Bluetooth connection if you’re using the smart features. In a busy morning, those few seconds add up.

Key Differences

Here’s a quick look at the practical differences I’ve noticed over time:

In daily use, these differences translate to how often you refill, how sturdy the machine feels, and how the small conveniences impact your routine.

Coffee Quality

This is where a lot of people obsess over specs, but in my experience, both machines deliver very similar coffee. Using the same capsules, crema thickness, aroma, and flavor intensity are almost identical. You won’t notice a difference if you’re just brewing a standard espresso or a lungo.

Where things matter more is temperature consistency and volume control. The Plus is slightly better at keeping water hotter over multiple sequential brews. On the Next, if you brew several cups back-to-back, the second cup can be a touch cooler  not enough to ruin it, but noticeable if you’re sensitive.

My tip: if you’re a coffee perfectionist and often host guests, the Plus will save you from a “lukewarm coffee” situation during multiple brews.

Drink Sizes

Both machines offer the same Nespresso Vertuo capsule sizes: Espresso (1.35 oz), Double Espresso (2.7 oz), Gran Lungo (5 oz), Coffee (7.7 oz), and Alto (14 oz).

Practical differences emerge in ease of switching sizes and volume stability. The Plus gives a very consistent pour each time, while the Next can be slightly finicky if the capsule isn’t seated perfectly. I’ve had a couple of instances where a coffee size was off by half an ounce, which usually isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.

Design & Build

Here’s where the Vertuo Plus really feels like it was built to last. Its metal base and slightly heavier construction make it feel solid on your counter. You can nudge it accidentally and it won’t slide around.

The Next is all plastic and feather-light. It looks gorgeous and fits into tight kitchens, but it does wobble a bit if your countertop isn’t perfectly flat. I’ve seen owners report cracking over time if they’re not gentle with the tank or moving the machine frequently.

The lid mechanism is smoother on the Plus too. On the Next, the lever can feel a bit clicky and cheap, which isn’t a dealbreaker but does hint at lower longevity.

Ease of Use

Both machines are simple to operate: insert capsule, close lid, push button. But in real life, the Plus wins slightly for ergonomics. The larger handle and more forgiving lever make capsule insertion effortless, especially first thing in the morning.

The Next has smart features  app integration, automatic updates, and Bluetooth  which sound great but rarely add real value day-to-day. If you’re thinking “I can control it from my phone,” I can tell you from experience: you’ll mostly end up using the button. The app does help track capsule inventory, but honestly, it’s more “nice-to-have” than essential.

Reliability

Hands down, the Vertuo Plus is more reliable over time. I’ve seen fewer read errors, fewer jams, and less sensitivity to capsule placement. The Next, being fully plastic and lighter, occasionally misreads capsules, especially if the barcode is smudged or the capsule is slightly deformed.

Both machines require basic cleaning, but the Plus is slightly more forgiving when it comes to water hardness and residue build-up.

Noise

I was surprised by this: the Next is slightly louder than the Plus, with a higher-pitched spinning sound. The Plus hums but feels more controlled and less intrusive.

If you’re brewing early in the morning while others sleep, the Plus is gentler on your ears. The Next sounds like it’s working harder to spin the capsule, which is a minor annoyance but worth considering.

Smart Features

The Vertuo Next adds Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic updates, and app notifications. In practice, these features are more for tech enthusiasts than practical brewing.

I’ve found that the “smart” features rarely improve your cup of coffee. They can, however, be handy for tracking capsules if you’re obsessive about stock or love seeing analytics on usage. Personally, I check the capsule count manually  it’s faster.

Pros & Cons

Vertuo Plus

Pros

• Solid, durable build

• Large water tank → fewer refills

• Reliable, fewer capsule misreads

• Consistent temperature and volume

Cons

• Larger footprint

• No smart connectivity

• Slightly heavier

Vertuo Next

Pros

• Compact and sleek

• Smart connectivity (app, updates)

• Lightweight and portable

• Comes in multiple finishes

Cons

• Smaller tank → more frequent refills

• Fully plastic → feels less durable

• Occasional capsule read errors

• Louder spinning

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Vertuo Plus if

  You want a machine that will reliably brew multiple cups daily without fuss, prefer a more durable build, and care about consistent temperature. Perfect for households that go through several cups a day or entertain often.

• Choose Vertuo Next if

  You value compactness, modern design, and smart features, and don’t mind a slightly smaller water tank and occasional quirks. Ideal for single users, small kitchens, or people who enjoy tech gadgets.

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• Can You Use Other Capsules With Nespresso Essenza Mini?
• Is Nespresso Discontinuing The Vertuo Next?
• 5 Fixes For Nespresso Vertuo Water Hardness Issues

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Conclusion

In my experience, both machines make excellent coffee, but the choice comes down to durability vs. compact convenience. The Vertuo Plus feels like the machine you can set and forget  reliable, robust, and forgiving. The Vertuo Next looks smarter on the counter and offers modern connectivity, but you trade off some reliability, tank size, and tactile quality.

Ultimately, it’s about how the machine fits into your lifestyle. If you want long-term durability and smooth daily use, go Plus. If you want a modern, space-saving design and like the idea of “smart” features, the Next is a fun option  just be aware of its minor quirks.

FAQs

Can I use both machines with any Vertuo capsule?

Yes, both the Vertuo Plus and Vertuo Next are designed to work with the full range of Nespresso Vertuo capsules from Espresso to Gran Lungo, Coffee, and Alto sizes. In practice, I’ve found that official Nespresso capsules are far more reliable, especially with the Next.

Occasionally, third-party capsules can misread, trigger a warning, or produce uneven crema, which is more noticeable on the lighter, plastic Next. The Plus is a bit more forgiving with slightly imperfect capsules due to its heavier mechanism, so it tends to handle a wider range of capsules without fuss. Either way, sticking to official Vertuo pods ensures consistent taste, proper extraction, and fewer read errors.

Is one machine better for frothing milk?

Neither machine comes with a built-in milk frother, so you’ll need a separate device like the Nespresso Aeroccino. I’ve paired both machines with an Aeroccino, and they work seamlessly. In practical terms, the difference comes down to convenience rather than functionality: the Plus’s sturdier build makes it easier to place a frother right next to the machine without worrying about spills, while the Next’s compact size means you might need to shift things around on a small counter.

The key takeaway is that milk frothing is independent of the machine, so your choice between Plus and Next won’t affect cappuccinos or lattes, as long as you have a good frother.

Which machine is quieter?

In everyday use, the Vertuo Plus is noticeably quieter and produces a more pleasant, low hum when spinning the capsules. I’ve brewed early mornings while others were still asleep, and the Plus rarely caused complaints.

The Next, on the other hand, has a slightly higher-pitched, louder spinning sound, especially with larger cups like Coffee or Alto. It’s not unbearable, but it does stand out more in quiet kitchens or open-plan spaces. Over time, if you’re a light sleeper or brewing multiple cups in succession, the noise difference can become surprisingly noticeable.

How often do I need to refill the water tank?

The Vertuo Plus comes with a generous 40 oz water tank, which in practice lets you brew roughly four to five cups before needing a refill, depending on your preferred cup size. This makes it excellent for families or offices where multiple cups are brewed back-to-back.

The Next, with its 37 oz tank, is slightly smaller, giving you about three to four cups before refilling. It’s not a huge difference, but if you’re used to brewing several cups consecutively or hosting friends, the Plus will save you a few extra trips to the tap. I’ve noticed that on busy mornings, that small tank difference can be the deciding factor in convenience.

Do I really need the smart features on the Next?

The Next’s smart features, like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and app notifications, sound impressive, but in daily use, they’re more about novelty than necessity. I’ve found that most users rely on the button rather than the app for brewing, and features like capsule tracking or automatic updates are helpful but not essential.

They’re nice if you want to see stats on consumption or get alerts about new capsules, but they won’t improve the taste, speed, or consistency of your coffee. Essentially, the smart features are a bonus  fun for tech enthusiasts  but they shouldn’t be the main reason to choose the Next over the Plus.