The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is the cheapest way into Nespresso’s Vertuo system, and for about $99 it does the job well. It heats up in about 30 seconds, brews five sizes from a single espresso to a 12 oz mug, and fits on a tiny counter. The trade-offs are real, though: it’s loud, the coffee could be hotter, pods only come from Nespresso, and some owners report units failing within months.
For most people, the bigger question is whether to spend $10 more on the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe, which has a bigger tank and ejects used pods for you. Below we cover how the Pop+ brews, the temperature and noise complaints, what pods really cost, and which of the three Pop+ listings on Amazon to buy.
Quick verdict
Price: $99.00 on Amazon, down from a $129.95 list price (checked October 30, 2026).
Buy it if: you want one-touch coffee and espresso-style drinks in a small space, you like the bright colors, and you brew one or two cups a day.
Skip it if: you brew for a household (the Pop+ Deluxe has a 37 oz tank), you want cheap third-party pods (look at an Original-system machine), or you need a quiet machine.
What Is the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+?
The Vertuo Pop+ is Nespresso’s entry-level Vertuo machine, made by Breville and De’Longhi under the Nespresso name. It’s a small, one-button pod machine sold in a wide range of bright and pastel colors.
Vertuo works differently from Nespresso’s older Original system. Each Vertuo pod has a barcode on the rim. The machine reads it, then sets the cup size, water amount and brewing speed for that pod. Instead of pump pressure, it spins the pod very fast, which pushes water through the coffee and creates a thick layer of foam on top. That’s why every Vertuo drink, even a 12 oz mug, comes out with crema.
The “+” matters. Compared with the original Vertuo Pop, the Pop+ has a bigger water tank, about 25 oz instead of about 19 oz, so you refill it less often.
Vertuo Pop+ specs
| Spec | Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ |
|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 on Amazon (list $129.95) |
| System | Vertuo pods only (barcode-read, centrifugal brewing) |
| Cup sizes | Espresso 1.35 oz, double espresso 2.7 oz, gran lungo 5 oz, coffee 8 oz, XL coffee 12 oz |
| Iced drinks | All sizes can be brewed over ice |
| Heat-up | About 30 seconds |
| Water tank | 25 oz, removable, side-mounted |
| Other features | Descaling alert, adjustable drip tray, auto-off |
| Milk frother | Not included (sold as a bundle) |
| Size | 8.6″ W x 14″ D x 10.4″ H |
| Weight | About 7.9 lb |
Specs come from the Amazon listing and Tom’s Guide (retrieved 2026-10-30).
Coffee Quality
The Pop+ makes the same coffee as Nespresso’s pricier Vertuo machines, because the pod and the barcode do most of the work. Expect smooth, full-bodied coffee with a thick foam layer on top. Amazon reviewers consistently rate the coffee quality and taste highly.
The five sizes cover most habits. The espresso and double espresso work for a quick shot or a milk drink. The 8 oz and 12 oz sizes make a regular mug of coffee, which is the main reason to choose Vertuo over Nespresso’s Original system.
One thing to know: Vertuo “espresso” isn’t brewed with pump pressure like a real espresso machine. It’s concentrated and tasty, but it’s not the same as a shot from a Breville Bambino. Our best Nespresso machines guide explains the Vertuo vs Original difference in detail.
Is the coffee hot enough?
This is the most common taste complaint. Tom’s Guide measured its test unit’s coffee at about 172°F and said it could be hotter. If you like your coffee very hot, three simple fixes help:
- Warm your mug first. Fill it with hot tap water for a minute, then empty it.
- Run a blank brew. With no pod, run water through to warm the brew head, especially for the first cup of the day.
- Add milk warm, not cold. Cold milk drops the temperature fast.
Iced coffee on the Pop+
Nespresso says every size can be brewed over ice. The easiest method: fill a tall glass with ice, brew a double espresso or a 5 oz gran lungo straight over it, then add cold milk or water. Use a pod labeled for iced drinks if you can. They’re blended to stay strong when the ice melts. For a step-by-step version, see how to make an iced latte at home.
Design, Size and Noise
The Pop+ is one of the most compact Vertuo machines, at about 8.6 inches wide. The water tank sits on the side, so it fits under low cabinets better than machines with a rear tank. Amazon reviewers like the compact size and the fun colors.
Two things to check before you buy:
- Noise. Vertuo machines spin the pod at high speed, and that makes a loud whir for a few seconds. Many Amazon owners call it loud. If you brew while others sleep, keep that in mind.
- Mug fit. Tom’s Guide found some mugs and glasses didn’t fit. The drip tray adjusts, but very tall travel mugs may not fit. Measure your favorite mug.
Living With It Every Day
Daily use is about as easy as coffee gets. Lift the lever, drop in a pod, close it, press the button. The machine reads the pod and brews the right size.
The used-pod bin is roomy. Tom’s Guide made eight drinks before it needed emptying. The drip tray is another story. Tom’s Guide found the machine quite drippy, so plan on emptying the tray often.
The Pop+ shows a descaling alert when it’s due. Don’t ignore it. Scale buildup is a common cause of pod machines slowing down or failing early. Our guide on how to descale a coffee maker covers Nespresso machines.
What Pods Cost
The machine is cheap. The pods are where Nespresso makes its money.
Vertuo pods are only made by Nespresso, plus Starbucks by Nespresso Vertuo pods. Unlike Original pods, you won’t find cheap third-party copies. On Amazon (checked October 30, 2026), a 50-count Nespresso Vertuo variety pack was $63.10 and 30-count packs were around $40.50 to $42.00. That works out to roughly $1.25 to $1.40 per pod.
At two pods a day, that’s about $75 to $85 a month. If that sounds like a lot, an Original-system machine with third-party pods, or a drip coffee maker with your own beans, costs much less per cup over time.
What Owners Say
On Amazon, the Vertuo Pop+ (Coconut White) is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars across 2,597 ratings (checked October 30, 2026). Amazon’s AI summary of those reviews picks out these themes.
What owners like: it’s very simple to use, compact enough for small counters, makes great coffee, and looks good.
What owners complain about: reliability is the biggest topic. Some owners say it works well, while others say it stopped working, with several units breaking after about 6 months. Many also call it loud.
The bundle version with the milk frother tells a similar story. It’s rated 4.4 stars across 726 ratings, with owners praising the coffee and easy lattes, while some report it stopped working within weeks.
Our take: the reliability reports are the main risk at this price. Buy from a seller with easy returns, register the machine with Nespresso for warranty support, and descale when the alert comes on.
Vertuo Pop+ vs Pop+ Deluxe vs Pop+ with Milk Frother
Amazon sells three versions, and the names are easy to mix up. Prices are Amazon prices checked October 30, 2026.
| Version | Price | Water tank | Pod ejection | Milk frother | Amazon rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertuo Pop+ | $99.00 | 25 oz | Manual | No | 4.2 (2,597) |
| Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe | $109.00 | 37 oz | Automatic | No | 4.3 (1,869) |
| Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother | $119.99 | 25 oz | Manual | Yes | 4.4 (726) |
Pick the Pop+ Deluxe if you brew more than one or two drinks a day. For $10 more you get a much bigger tank and automatic pod ejection. It’s our best overall Nespresso pick.
Pick the Pop+ with Milk Frother if you mainly drink lattes and cappuccinos. The bundle costs less than buying a separate frother later.
Pick the regular Pop+ if you live alone, mostly drink black coffee, and want a specific color or the lowest price.
Already have a frother? Or want a cheaper one? See our best milk frothers guide.
Vertuo Pop+ Alternatives
Nespresso Vertuo Next ($125.99). A slimmer Vertuo machine that adds an 18 oz alto size for very large mugs. Rated 4.1 stars across 5,657 ratings.
Nespresso Vertuo Up with Aeroccino. A step up with an iced coffee mode and a bigger tank. Our pick for iced coffee fans in the Nespresso guide.
Nespresso Essenza Mini with Aeroccino. An Original-system machine. Better if you mostly drink espresso and want cheaper third-party pods, but it can’t make a big mug.
Ninja DualBrew. Brews K-Cup pods and full carafes of ground coffee in one machine. Read our Ninja DualBrew review.
Comparing more pod machines? Our best single-serve coffee makers guide covers other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Vertuo Pop+ use Original Nespresso pods?
No. It only takes Vertuo pods, which are larger and have a barcode on the rim. Original pods won’t fit or brew.
What sizes does the Vertuo Pop+ brew?
Five: espresso (1.35 oz), double espresso (2.7 oz), gran lungo (5 oz), coffee (8 oz) and XL coffee (12 oz). The pod sets the size automatically.
What’s the difference between the Vertuo Pop and Pop+?
The main difference is the water tank. The Pop+ holds about 25 oz, while the original Pop holds about 19 oz. Both brew the same Vertuo pods.
Does the Vertuo Pop+ froth milk?
Not on its own. Buy the bundle that includes a milk frother, or use a separate frother.
Can the Vertuo Pop+ make iced coffee?
Yes. Every size can be brewed over ice. A double espresso or gran lungo over a full glass of ice, topped with cold milk, works well.
Is the Vertuo Pop+ loud?
Yes, for a few seconds. Vertuo machines spin the pod at high speed, and many Amazon owners describe the Pop+ as loud.
How often should I descale the Vertuo Pop+?
When the descaling alert comes on, and more often if you have hard water. Regular descaling helps the machine last.
Should I buy the Vertuo Pop+ or the Pop+ Deluxe?
For most people, the Deluxe. It costs about $10 more and adds a 37 oz tank and automatic pod ejection. The regular Pop+ makes sense if you live alone or want a color the Deluxe doesn’t come in.
Bottom Line
The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is a cheap, cheerful and genuinely easy way to get good coffee from a pod. It’s compact, fast and makes everything from a shot to a 12 oz mug. Just weigh the noise, the so-so temperature, the reliability reports and the ongoing pod cost before you buy.
Best for most homes: the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe.
Latte drinkers: the Vertuo Pop+ with Milk Frother.
Lowest price or favorite color: the Vertuo Pop+.
Mostly espresso, cheaper pods: the Essenza Mini.
Check Vertuo Pop+ Price on Amazon
