Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ
Short answer: Buy the CitiZ if you drink espresso and want to shop capsules on price; buy the Vertuo Plus if you drink mug-size coffee. They are two Nespresso systems whose capsules do not cross over. The Vertuo Plus reads a barcode on each capsule and brews anything from an espresso to a full mug with a thick crema, but takes only Nespresso's Vertuo capsules. The CitiZ is a 19-bar Original-line machine that makes only espresso and lungo, and works with hundreds of third-party capsules.
Updated
Part of our guide to the best capsule machines and coffee pod makers.
Head to headOverall score: tied (8.1 vs 8.1) — pick by how you brew.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.1/ 10Tied | 8.1/ 10Tied |
| Price | $171.61approx.Checked 2026-10-09 | $297.49approx.Checked 2026-10-09 |
| Get it for | mug-size coffee, one-button convenience | true espresso, capsule choice & cost, small kitchens |
| System | Vertuo (barcoded) | Original (19-bar) |
| Sizes | Espresso → 14oz | Espresso, Lungo |
| Pods | Nespresso Vertuo only | Nespresso + 3rd-party |
| AmazonFull review of Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe | AmazonFull review of Nespresso CitiZ |
Prices are approximate; use the listing for the current offer.
What the extra money buys — The CitiZ costs substantially more than the Vertuo Plus. The premium buys the 19-bar Original-line espresso machine and, more importantly over time, the Original capsule format, which opens up hundreds of third-party capsules instead of Nespresso's own barcoded Vertuo range. It does not buy cup size: the CitiZ makes only espresso and lungo, while the cheaper Vertuo Plus brews up to a full mug with a thick crema.
Approximate — verify the latest price
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Approximate — verify the latest price
BrewSift earns a commission on some purchases. It never changes our scores. Why you can trust us
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ: which wins for you
Barcoded capsules set the brew for each size, from a 1.35 oz espresso up to mug-size coffee. The CitiZ tops out at a 3.5 oz lungo, per Nespresso.
A 19-bar pump built for espresso and lungo, which Nespresso lists as its only two sizes. It scores 82 for drink quality here against the Vertuo Plus's 80.
Original-line capsules come from hundreds of third-party brands as well as Nespresso, so you can shop on taste and price. It scores 78 for pod value against 70.
The head opens and closes itself, and the barcode sets volume and brew for each capsule, so there is no size button to pick. It scores 92 for convenience against 88.
Nespresso lists the CitiZ at 5.2 inches wide and 8.9 lb, against 10.1 lb for the Vertuo Plus Deluxe, and it heats in 25 seconds against 40.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ: score by dimension
BrewSift sub-scores for pods. The longer bar wins each row; equal scores are both highlighted.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ: specs side by side
Nespresso Vertuo Plus vs CitiZ: the bottom line
Buy the CitiZ if you drink espresso and want to shop capsules on price; buy the Vertuo Plus if you drink mug-size coffee. On our overall score they are tied (8.1 vs 8.1), so the “which wins” cards above are the real decider: match the pick to how you use it.
More comparisons in pod & capsule machines
Other matchups we have run side by side, same scoring, same spec sheet.
Common questions
Nespresso CitiZ vs Vertuo: what is the actual difference?
They use two incompatible capsule systems. The CitiZ belongs to Nespresso's Original line: a 19-bar pump pushes water through the capsule, and it makes two sizes, espresso (1.35 oz) and lungo (3.5 oz). The Vertuo Plus uses Nespresso's Centrifusion system, which reads a barcode on the capsule and spins it at up to 7,000 rpm, and it brews sizes from espresso up to a mug-size coffee. Original capsules will not fit a Vertuo machine, and Vertuo capsules will not fit a CitiZ.
Which one makes better espresso?
The CitiZ. It is designed around espresso and lungo only, with a 19-bar pump, and it scores 82 for drink quality here against the Vertuo Plus's 80. The Vertuo Plus does make an espresso and a double espresso, with the thick, foamy crema the Vertuo system is known for, but its strength is the longer cups. If most of what you drink is a short shot, or the base of a latte, the CitiZ is the better fit.
Can the CitiZ make a big mug of coffee?
Not in one go. Nespresso lists only espresso and lungo for the CitiZ, and the lungo is 3.5 oz. You can top a lungo up with hot water for an Americano-style cup, but if you want a full mug straight from the machine every morning, that is exactly what the Vertuo Plus is built for.
Can you use third-party capsules in either machine?
In the CitiZ, yes. Original-line capsules are made by hundreds of brands besides Nespresso, which is why the CitiZ scores higher for pod value here. The Vertuo Plus depends on the barcode printed on each capsule, so every Vertuo capsule is made or licensed by Nespresso — there is no open third-party market to shop. The range is large, but you cannot shop around on price the way Original owners can.
Which is cheaper to run?
Usually the CitiZ, because of capsule choice rather than the machine. The CitiZ costs more up front, but third-party Original capsules give you room to shop on price. Vertuo capsules come from Nespresso and generally cost more per cup, especially in the larger sizes. Our pod price index tool compares current per-capsule prices across both systems if you want the numbers before you commit.
Can either one make lattes?
Neither has a built-in milk frother. Nespresso sells both with an Aeroccino milk frother bundle, and that is the usual way owners make lattes and cappuccinos from either machine. For a latte base, the CitiZ's espresso is the more traditional start; the Vertuo Plus's double espresso works too.
Which is quicker to use in the morning?
Both are fast. Nespresso rates the CitiZ at a 25-second heat-up and the Vertuo Plus at 40 seconds, and both switch themselves off after 9 minutes idle. The Vertuo Plus saves a step elsewhere: the head opens and closes at the press of a button and the barcode sets the brew, so there is no size to choose.
Nespresso Vertuo Plus Deluxe
$171.61