Nespresso Vertuo vs Original: which should you buy?
Answer two questions to see which Nespresso system fits your coffee, then work out your real cost per cup with dated US prices.
Decision tool based on Nespresso documentation and dated retailer prices, not hands-on testing. How we research · How links work
The short answer
Choose Original if you mostly drink espresso, and Vertuo if you mostly drink a larger mug of coffee. On US prices checked on 15 October 2026, an Original espresso capsule cost $0.90 and a Vertuo coffee capsule cost $1.40. At two cups a day, capsules alone come to about $657 a year on Original and $1,022 on Vertuo.
Which system fits you?
Two questions. Your answer appears below.
Either system can work
If you drink both, choose by your most frequent cup. Original is built around espresso. Vertuo covers several cup sizes from espresso to a mug, but each capsule makes one fixed size. Then compare cost per cup below.
| If you mostly drink | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso, ristretto, milk drinks built on espresso | Original | Espresso-focused system. Capsules cost less each on the prices checked below. |
| A full mug of coffee | Vertuo | One capsule makes a larger cup, about 7.7 oz for a standard coffee capsule. |
| Carafe or XL drinks | Vertuo, on a model that supports them | Not every Vertuo machine accepts XL capsules. |
What does a cup really cost?
Prices are filled in from US listings checked on 15 October 2026. Change them to match what you see today.
| Original | Vertuo | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per cup, machine included | $1.01 | $1.47 |
| Capsules per year | $657.00 | $1,022.00 |
| Total over the period | $2,210.00 | $3,225.95 |
Original figures use a 1.35 oz espresso capsule; Vertuo figures use a coffee capsule of about 7.7 oz. Milk, frothers and descaling are not included.
What do capsules and machines cost?
Three-year cost per cup at different daily amounts, using the Pixie for Original and the Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe for Vertuo:
| Cups per day | Original, per cup | Vertuo, per cup |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.12 | $1.55 |
| 2 | $1.01 | $1.47 |
| 3 | $0.97 | $1.45 |
| Item | System | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original espresso capsules, 50 | Original | $45.00 ($0.90 each) | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
| Vertuo coffee capsules, 40 | Vertuo | $56.00 ($1.40 each) | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
| Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe | Vertuo | $159.95 | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
| Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe | Vertuo | $199.95 | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
| Nespresso Pixie | Original | $239.00 | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
| Nespresso CitiZ | Original | $279.95 | 15 Oct 2026, Macy's |
Machine prices change with sales and bundles. Several of these listings showed a discount from a higher list price on the day we checked.
Where to buy
Ready to buy? Check the price at more than one seller and confirm the exact model and bundle. Prices shown are from the date stated.
Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe
A compact entry machine in the Vertuo range.
- Macy's$159.95 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
Check which Vertuo capsule sizes the exact model supports.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe
A larger Vertuo machine with a movable water tank.
- Macy's$199.95 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
The VertuoPlus manual excludes XL Alto, Cold Brew and XL Carafe capsules.
Nespresso Pixie
A compact machine in the Original espresso range.
- Macy's$239.00 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
Bundles with a milk frother cost more than the machine alone.
Nespresso CitiZ
A machine in the Original espresso range, also sold with a milk frother.
- Macy's$279.95 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
Check whether the listing is the machine alone or a bundle.
Nespresso Original espresso capsules, 50 count (for example Ispirazione Firenze Arpeggio)
Espresso capsules for Original machines. The listing states a 1.35 oz serving.
- Macy's$45.00 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
Lungo capsules in the same range were listed at $47.50 for 50.
Nespresso Vertuo coffee capsules, 40 count (for example Melozio)
Coffee capsules for Vertuo machines. The Melozio listing states a 7.7 oz capsule yield.
- Macy's$56.00 listed on 15 October 2026
- Bloomingdale's$56.00 listed on 15 October 2026
- Nespresso
- Amazon.com
Other Vertuo sizes, such as espresso or XL capsules, are priced differently.
Common questions
Is Vertuo or Original cheaper per cup?
On US listings checked on 15 October 2026, Original espresso capsules cost $0.90 each in a 50 pack and Vertuo coffee capsules cost $1.40 each in a 40 pack. The Vertuo capsule makes a much larger cup (about 7.7 oz against 1.35 oz), so compare the drink you actually make, not only the capsule price.
Can I use Original capsules in a Vertuo machine?
No. Nespresso's own product listing states that Original capsules are not compatible with Vertuo machines. The two systems use different capsules, so the machine you buy decides which capsules you keep buying.
Do all Vertuo machines make every Vertuo drink?
No. The VertuoPlus manual, for example, excludes XL Alto, Cold Brew and XL Carafe capsules. Check the capsule list for the exact model before buying.
Does the cost per cup include milk?
No. The calculator covers capsules and the machine. Add milk, a separate frother and descaling products if you use them.
Sources
- Macy's Nespresso listings: capsule and machine prices, checked 15 October 2026
- Bloomingdale's: Vertuo Melozio 40 count, capsule yield 7.7 oz, checked 15 October 2026
- Nespresso Original capsule listing on Amazon.com, stating Original capsules are not compatible with Vertuo machines
- Nespresso: choose your system
- Nespresso VertuoPlus user manual (capsule exclusions)
