Comparisons
Comparisons
Nespresso Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop are both made for people who want the Vertuo system in a compact machine. They use Vertuo capsules, read capsule barcodes and brew everything from short espresso-style drinks to larger coffees. The two machines can look similar in a product grid, but they are not aimed at exactly the same user.
This comparison focuses on daily coffee habits: how much space you have, how many cup sizes you want, how often you refill the water tank, whether you share the machine, and whether you need the larger drink formats that make Vertuo Next more flexible. It does not include fake prices, stock status, score claims, user reviews or personal test claims.
Choose Vertuo Pop if you want the smallest, simplest Vertuo machine for espresso, double espresso, gran lungo and mug-size coffees. Choose Vertuo Next if you want a larger water tank, a slightly bigger machine and access to more Vertuo cup sizes, including Alto and Carafe formats where available. Both use Vertuo capsules only, not Nespresso Original capsules, and availability can vary by country.
Guided recommendation
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Vertuo Pop is best for readers who want a small Vertuo machine and do not need every possible Vertuo cup size. It is a strong fit for small kitchens, apartments, office corners or anyone who wants a colourful, low-footprint machine. In official comparison specifications, Vertuo Pop is described as one of the smallest and lightest machines in the Vertuo range, with a compact body, a 0.6 L water tank and a used-capsule capacity of about 5 to 8 capsules.
Choose Vertuo Pop if your coffee routine is simple. You want espresso in the morning, a double espresso for milk drinks, a gran lungo when you want something longer, or a mug-size coffee without buying a larger machine. You are also comfortable refilling the water tank more often. That is the trade-off: Pop saves space, but its smaller tank is less convenient for households that make several coffees in a row.
Pop is also a good entry point if you are new to Vertuo and want to learn whether the system fits your habits. Just remember that “compact” does not mean “Original.” Vertuo Pop still needs Vertuo capsules, which are different from Nespresso Original capsules.
Vertuo Next is better for readers who want more cup-size flexibility and a more capable everyday Vertuo machine. Official comparison specifications list Vertuo Next with a 1.1 L water tank, used-capsule capacity of about 8 capsules and cup sizes including ristretto, espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, mug, Alto and Carafe. That makes it the more flexible option for households that move between short coffees, long coffees and larger shared servings.
Choose Vertuo Next if you do not want to think about tank refills after every few drinks. It is still a slim machine, but it is taller and slightly more substantial than Vertuo Pop. That extra size makes sense if you drink larger coffees regularly or if more than one person uses the machine.
Next is also worth considering if you specifically want the larger Vertuo formats. Pop covers the most common daily cup sizes, but Next is the better match for people who want the fuller Vertuo range. Before buying, check whether the exact capsule sizes you want are available in your country.
| Factor | Vertuo Pop | Vertuo Next | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | Vertuo | Vertuo | Vertuo users |
| Capsule type | Vertuo only | Vertuo only | No Original capsules |
| Cup sizes | Up to mug | Up to Carafe | Larger range on Next |
| Water tank | Smaller | Larger | Convenience |
| Footprint | Smallest | Slim but taller | Counter space |
| Used capsules | 5–8 approx. | 8 approx. | Emptying frequency |
| Milk drinks | Add frother | Add frother | Aeroccino users |
| Household use | Light use | More frequent use | Shared routines |
| Availability | Country-specific | Country-specific | Check locally |
The most important difference is not flavour. It is cup-size range. Both machines are Vertuo machines, so the machine reads the barcode on each capsule and adjusts the brew. That means the capsule determines the drink size; the machine is not simply pushing a fixed espresso or lungo button like an Original machine.
Vertuo Pop covers the everyday Vertuo range for many users: ristretto, espresso, double espresso, gran lungo and mug-style coffee. That is enough if your routine is one short drink, one milk-drink base or one mug of coffee.
Vertuo Next goes further. It can support larger formats such as Alto and Carafe where those capsules are available. If you want to brew a bigger coffee for a travel mug, share a carafe-style serving, or explore more of the Vertuo capsule catalogue, Next gives you more room to grow. If you never buy larger capsules, Pop may be enough.
Vertuo Pop is the space-saving machine. Its smaller water tank helps keep the body compact, but it also means you refill more often. That is fine for one person making one or two drinks a day. It becomes less convenient if two or three people are making mugs every morning.
Vertuo Next has a larger 1.1 L water tank and a slightly larger capsule container. This matters more than it sounds. Bigger Vertuo drinks use more water than espresso, so tank capacity affects the experience quickly. If your favourite coffee is a mug-size capsule, a larger tank saves interruptions.
The maintenance pattern is similar for both machines: empty used capsules, rinse removable parts, descale when needed and follow the official machine manual. Neither machine has an integrated milk system, so milk cleaning depends on the frother you use.
Neither Vertuo Pop nor Vertuo Next includes an integrated milk frother as standard in every market. Some retailers or official bundles may pair them with Aeroccino, but bundles vary by country. If you want cappuccino, latte or iced latte, compare the machine plus frother setup, not just the machine.
For milk drinks, both machines can work well when you choose a suitable Vertuo capsule. Double espresso capsules are especially practical for cappuccino, latte and iced recipes because they provide a concentrated base. For larger iced drinks, check the cup clearance and the glass you plan to use. Pop is compact, so tall iced glasses may be less convenient depending on your setup.
For recipe inspiration, link naturally to your /recipes hub rather than pretending either machine has a special milk system. The machine brews the coffee; the frother and recipe method handle the milk.
This is the non-negotiable section. Vertuo Pop and Vertuo Next use Vertuo capsules only. They do not use Nespresso Original capsules, and Nespresso Original-compatible third-party capsules do not work in these machines.
This matters because many shoppers see “Nespresso-compatible capsules” and assume they work with every Nespresso machine. Usually, those compatible capsules refer to the Original system. Vertuo is a separate system with different capsule shapes, barcode recognition and brewing technology. Unless a product explicitly says it is made for Vertuo and is verified, do not recommend it as a Vertuo-compatible alternative.
If you want third-party capsule variety, you may be happier comparing Nespresso Original machines. If you want Vertuo’s larger cup sizes and barcode-based brewing, stay within the Vertuo capsule ecosystem.
Machine colours, exact model names, Pop vs Pop+ variants, bundles and capsule ranges can vary by country. A model listed in one Nespresso market may not match the name or tank capacity in another. Before you buy, check your local Nespresso site or trusted merchants for the exact version, included accessories, warranty terms and available capsule sizes.
Avoid deciding only from a product photo. Check the water tank size, cup sizes, cup clearance, whether a frother is included, and whether the larger capsules you want are sold locally. Do not rely on old prices or out-of-date bundle claims.
Choose Vertuo Pop if you want the smallest Vertuo option, mostly make espresso, double espresso, gran lungo or mug-size coffee, and do not mind refilling the tank more often. It is the better small-space choice.
Choose Vertuo Next if you want more water capacity, more cup-size flexibility and a machine better suited to frequent use. It is the better choice for households, larger coffees and anyone curious about Alto or Carafe-style capsules.
Is Vertuo Next better than Vertuo Pop?
Not for everyone. Vertuo Next is better if you want a larger water tank and more cup sizes. Vertuo Pop is better if you want the smallest Vertuo machine and mostly drink common daily sizes.
Do Vertuo Next and Vertuo Pop use the same capsules?
They both use Vertuo capsules. However, not every Vertuo machine supports every capsule size in every country, so check the capsule format and local availability.
Can I use Nespresso Original capsules in Vertuo Pop or Vertuo Next?
No. Original capsules are a different shape and system. Vertuo machines use Vertuo capsules only.
Can I use third-party Nespresso-compatible capsules in these machines?
Do not assume that. Most Nespresso-compatible capsules are for Nespresso Original machines. Only consider a Vertuo alternative if it explicitly says Vertuo and is verified.
Which machine is better for small kitchens?
Vertuo Pop is the better small-kitchen option because it is the smaller and lighter machine.
Which machine is better for large coffees?
Vertuo Next is better if you want more cup-size flexibility, including larger formats where available.
Do these machines make cappuccino automatically?
No. They brew coffee. For cappuccino or latte, use an Aeroccino or another milk frother.
Does availability vary by country?
Yes. Machine colours, bundles, capsule sizes and exact model names can vary by country and retailer.
The choice is simple: Vertuo Pop is the compact choice; Vertuo Next is the flexibility choice. Pop keeps the machine small and simple for everyday Vertuo drinks. Next gives you a larger tank and a broader cup-size range. If your kitchen is tight and your routine is simple, choose Pop. If you want bigger coffees, shared use and more room to explore the Vertuo system, choose Next.