Independent coffee benchmarks · No sponsored winners · Est. MMXXVI

Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ

Two different Nespresso systems. Vertuo brews everything from espresso to a big mug with thick crema, but locks you to Nespresso's own pods. The CitiZ (Original line) pulls true espresso and works with hundreds of cheaper third-party capsules.

Quick verdictHighest overall score: Nespresso Vertuo Plus (8.1 vs 8.1) — but pick by how you brew:
Nespresso
Vertuo Plus
$103

Get it for cup-size variety & crema.

Nespresso
CitiZ
$249

Get it for true espresso & pod choice.

Nespresso Vertuo Plus
Nespresso

Vertuo Plus

8.1
BrewSift Score
Excellent
$103

Approximate — verify the latest price

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Nespresso CitiZ
Nespresso

CitiZ

8.1
BrewSift Score
Excellent
$249

Approximate — verify the latest price

Buy on Amazon

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Which one wins — for you

Cup-size variety & crema
Nespresso Vertuo Plus

Barcoded pods auto-brew espresso through to 14oz coffee.

True espresso & pod choice
Nespresso CitiZ

Real espresso shots and a huge third-party pod ecosystem.

Score by dimension

BrewSift sub-scores for pods. The longer bar wins each row.

DimensionVertuo Plus vs CitiZ
Drink quality
8.0
8.2
Convenience
9.2
8.8
Drink variety
8.4
7.2
Pod cost & value
7.0
7.8
Build quality
7.6
8.0

Specs side by side

SpecVertuo PlusCitiZ
SystemVertuo (barcoded)Original (19-bar)
SizesEspresso → 14ozEspresso, Lungo
PodsNespresso Vertuo onlyNespresso + 3rd-party

The bottom line

The right pick depends on how you brew — match the machine to your actual use case using the “which one wins” cards above. If you just want the stronger all-rounder, the Nespresso Vertuo Plus edges it on our overall score (8.1 vs 8.1).