Magic Bullet vs. Nutri Ninja - Comparison Buying Guide

Magic Bullet vs. Nutri Ninja – which is better? This guide will dig into which of these blenders performs the best. In this guide, you’ll also learn about which model features the best design and durability. With that information, you’ll be able to decide which is best for your on-the-go lifestyle.

I‘ll be honest – I’ve been on a health kick lately. Now that I think about it, this “kick” has been running for a couple of years. I’m not complaining, of course; in fact, I feel healthier now than ever before. That was partially made possible by adding more exercise to my daily routine.

But do you want to know what helped me improve my health recently? I eat better than ever before. Back a few years ago, I didn’t pay much attention to what I ate. To be specific, my diet left out the fruits and veggies I needed most. As a result, I was missing out on the vitamins and minerals needed to remain fit.

So, when I decided to improve my health, I knew that I needed to add those back into my diet. But I live a very on-the-go lifestyle. I simply don’t have time to crunch down on a spinach salad every day. At the same time, I’m not a huge can of some fruits that I know I need in my diet.

How did I solve this dilemma? It was simple! I started blending up my daily fruits and veggies into portable smoothies. These made it easy to take my nutrients on the go. Better yet, I invested in a personal blender that allowed me to take my blends on the go without any mess or waste.

Suffice to say, my personal blender is my favorite kitchen appliance by far. As such, I’ve tried out many of the top single-serve blenders in today’s market.

This includes the Magic Bullet and the Nutri Ninja. While both models are fully capable in the kitchen, folks still want to know which one is better. I’m here today to (hopefully) answer that question for you.

To make that happen, I’ve taken the time to highlight what makes both blenders “special.” At the same time, I’ve compared these models based upon their core specs and features. Using this information, you’ll be able to select which of these two blenders best meets your blending needs.

What is Special about Bullet Series Blenders

Both the Magic Bullet and the Nutri Ninja are personal blenders at their core. But beyond that, they are also “bullet” style blenders. This is about their form factor, which resembles a bullet and is fairly compact. 

In practice, these “bullet” blenders are considered the best among personal blenders. This is because they are mainly powerful and fast compared to standard blenders.

Most also use a personal-size blending jar that makes a measured single serving. In many cases, those jars can be converted right into a cup, too, using a special lid.

Also, as far as price is concerned, “bullet” blenders are relatively affordable. That makes them perfect for first-time users who don’t want to spend too much. Despite their low prices, these units also pack in a lot of value. This allows them to be often as durable as their expensive counterparts.

Ninja Nutri Pro Compact Personal Blender

Ninja brand blenders have certainly gained a reputation lately. That reputation is well-deserved, as seen in the Nutri Ninja Pro. This model takes an excellent bullet blender and elevates it to the next level. 

This can be seen in its 900-watt motor. In terms of power, this motor is almost twice as strong as most small blenders. It has enough power to spin this model’s blades through even frozen fruit.

Speaking of blades, the Nutri Ninja Pro utilizes a unique blade set up. It includes four blades, which are arranged in a butterfly pattern. This allows it to crush up every ingredient without leaving behind chunks. 

Moreover, this blade arrangement creates an internal vacuum. In turn, this blender can pull ingredients to its blades without the need for tamping.

The Nutri Ninja Pro is a great value buy as well. For its low price, you get the main blender plus two durable blending jars. These BPA-free jars also double as travel cups when equipped with the right lid (also included). 

These cups are sized at 18 oz. and 24 oz., respectively. As such, you’ll always be able to make a blend big enough to match your appetite.

Magic Bullet Blender

The Magic Bullet first came to fame through its “as seen on TV” ads. But this product is more than just hype. This blender is one of the best in its class. First off, its compact form factor makes it easy to store on your kitchen counter. But despite its size, it has the power to blend smoothies and more.

To do this, the Magic Bullet makes full use of its 250-watt motor at all times. This motor engages this unit’s unique cross blade system in turn. Together, these components can turn many fruits and veggies into juice in seconds. This blender can even take on meats, cheeses, and nuts with relative ease.

The Magic Bullet is also noteworthy for the value it provides to users. To that end, it comes with three blending jars that double as travel cups. Each of these cups is plenty durable, and one even includes a carrying handle. 

Each cup also uses this brand’s unique seal system. So, they can lock in freshness without allowing leaks through.

Read Magic Bullet full review here.

Comparison of the Magic Bullet vs. the Nutri Ninja

Performance

Making Smoothies

• The Magic Bullet can make a smoothie in a matter of seconds. However, you will need to chop up your fruit in advance. That is because this model’s blade system sometimes leaves large chunks behind.
• The Nutri Ninja makes excellent smoothies in the blink of an eye. Better yet, those blends are always chunked free. This is a result of this model’s unique inner vortex. This vortex draws ingredients toward the blades, which chop up and mix in a single motion.

Crushing Ice and Frozen Fruits

• The Magic Bullet does not crush up whole ice cubes well. To that end, whole ice cubes don’t usually fit in its blending jar. However, if those cubes are broken up first, they can be ground down by this unit’s blades well enough. The same goes for frozen fruit, which will need to be thawed out first.
• The Nutri Ninja Pro can crush up ice well. It features purpose-made blunt blades that are more capable in this situation. Those blades can also cut into frozen fruit pretty effectively. However, you’ll end up with a better blend texture if you thaw those fruits out first.

Pureeing

• The Magic Bullet can puree very well. These blenders are almost as good as a food processor on that front. As such, these blenders can be used to make safe baby food at home.
• The Nutri Ninja can also puree, but only to a certain extent. When pureeing with this blender, you’ll need to let it run a little longer. While this may eventually work, you may lose some dissolved nutrients in the process. But even so, this blender can make a puree in a pinch.

Chopping 

• The Magic Bullet can chop up certain ingredients better than others. For example, this blender is a master at chopping up nuts and hard cheeses—the results of chopping these special ingredients rival that of a food processor.
• The Nutri Ninja is far better at chopping up large fruits and veggies. To that end, this blender can handle carrots and celery just as well as it handles beets and apples. With this in mind, you can certainly make homemade salsa inside this bullet blender.

Grinding

• The Magic Bullet is a pro when it comes to grinding. This is especially the case with coffee beans, which come out perfectly when run through this blender. In fact, given the quality of these grinds, you hardly need a separate coffee grinder with this blender around.
• The Nutri Ninja is somewhat limited when it comes to grinding. Its blade system is designed to create an internal vortex using liquids within the jar. Most grinds are done dry, so the beans or nuts hardly make it up to the blades. So, this blender cannot replace your coffee or spice grinder at all.

Hot Food 

• The Magic Bullet does not handle hot ingredients well. Though its jars are moderately durable, they do not manage routine exposure to heat well. At the same time, this blender cannot heat ingredients almost at all. So, you can’t use your Magic Bullet to make worthwhile soups.
• The Nutri Ninja can handle some hot ingredients, thanks to its thicker jar construction. However, long term use of this kind can eventually wear down these jars. As for heating ingredients, the Nutri Ninja can accomplish this task. Don’t expect the final blend to be piping hot, though.

Nut Butter and Milk

• The Magic Bullet’s construction lends it to making nut butters and milks better than its competition. This unit’s blade system can grind down nuts in a manner that releases its oils efficiently. Simultaneously, the nut’s structure isn’t destroyed, thus allowing you to make worthwhile nut butter.
• Though some claim to make nut butters in Nutri Ninja blender, its true results are rather mixed. It tends to destroy nuts placed into its blending jar, making it hard for any of their oils to leak out. Moreover, this model’s blade structure makes it more likely that a nut butter will jam it up.

Design 

Dimensions & Weight

• The Magic Bullet is very compact, even for a bullet blender. It doesn’t take up any extra space than necessary because of its smooth form factor. This smaller size also allows this unit to be very lightweight and perhaps even portable.
• The Nutri Ninja is not bulky by any means. But it is on the larger side for a compact blender, and it is also a bit on the heavier side. Even at around five lbs., though, this blender won’t give you any trouble when it comes time to take it out of the cabinet.

Blade Material & Construction

• The Magic Bullet’s blades are made from stainless steel, which makes them fairly resistant to corrosion. They are also sharp across their active edge, allowing them to grind up small, tough ingredients more efficiently. These blades can dull over time, though, especially if this blender is used daily.
• The Nutri Ninja also uses stainless steel blades. However, these blades are dull by design. This allows them to apply more blunt force during the blending process. This force is then able to extract juice from fruits better and grind down whole ice cubes. Even when used in these situations, you can expect this model’s blades to withstand wear and tear better.

Jar Material & Capacity

• The Magic Bullet’s specs don’t indicate what kind of plastic they use for their jars. However, they do suggest that they are BPA-free, which is good. Based upon their appearance, they are on the thinner side while remaining very transparent. Most models only ship with an 18 oz—cup, which is still plenty practical for most uses.
• The Nutri Ninja ships with two cups sized at 18 and 24 oz. respectively. Both cups are built from a thicker, reinforced plastic that can remain sturdy after being dropped. These plastic cups tend to lose their opacity in a hurry, especially if they are not properly dried after cleaning.

Servings Cups Sizes

• The blending jar that comes with the Magic Bullet doubles as a serving cup. So, by default, this model can provide you with 18 oz. of your preferred blended drink at once.
• Both of the Nutri Ninja’s blending jars also double as to-go cups. Also, despite being different sizes, both of said serving cups use the same sealed lids. As such, you’ll be able to take your 18 or 24 oz. of blended drink with you after utilizing this blender.

Features

Motor Power

• Current Magic Bullet models use a 250-watt motor. This may feel small at first, but in practice, this blender makes full use of it. Frankly, you don’t need much more power to blend most kinds of ingredients.
• The Nutri Ninja has the power to spare as it features a 900 watt motor at its core. That’s comparable to a full-size blender. So, if you can do it in a standard blender, there’s a good chance that you can do it with the Nutri Ninja.

Control Settings and Speeds

• The Magic Bullet can be controlled by simply placing the jar into the base and apply pressure. This engages the motor, which in turn connects to the blades and facilitates blending. These units lack controls besides this, with all speeds based upon the amount of pressure applied.
• The Nutri Ninja utilizes a pressure-based control system that amounts to a pulse action. In other words, when the jar is placed in the base, pressure can be applied to the top to pulse the blades. Holding this pressure will also allow the blades to spin continuously. These speeds are fairly consistent, though, without any manual adjustments.

Preset Programs 

• The Magic Bullet does not come with any preset programs. However, it does come with a small book of recipes that can help you get a hand using the appliance.
• The Nutri Ninja also does not come with pre-installed programs of any kind. Instead, the user must make all modifications to its operations through manual inputs.

Noise Level

• The Magic Bullet is reasonably quiet for a blender of fits size. Most of the noise it produces is a result of its grinding motion. As such, you can expect this unit to output a relatively modest amount of noise, regardless of what ingredients are loaded into its jar.
• The Nutri Ninja is notably noisy because of its use of blunt blades. These cause ingredients to push up against its jar and create some extra noise. This adds to the noise produced by this unit’s 900-watt motor, which creates a fair bit of noise.

Safety

• The Magic Bullet is not built with any particular safety features. However, its blades cannot be engaged unless pressure is applied to the blending cap. So, to a degree, it can prevent accidental activations.
• The Nutri Ninja also lacks specific safety features, save for its pressure based activation system. If anything, this blender does include better built-in seals that can prevent leaks and the resulting short-circuits.

Warranty

• The Magic Bullet comes standard with a 1-year warranty. So, you’ll be able to get it replaced if it doesn’t work right out of the box. Past that, it may not be handy.
• The Nutri Ninja also comes with a one year warranty that covers the whole device. However, for a small additional fee, this warranty can be extended. This might be a worthwhile option because this extension can quickly pay for itself.

Usability

How easy is it to operate the product?

• The Magic Bullet is very easy to use, even for a first-timer. All you need to do is fill your jug, screw on the blade cap, and place it on the unit’s base. Then, with a little pressure on the jar, you’ll be blending immediately. 
• The Nutri Ninja follows the standard operational methods used by most bullet blenders. You simply need to secure the blade cap on your filled jar before placing it on the device’s base. Then, you just need to apply a little pressure to make this blender run smoothly.

How easy is it to assemble and disassemble?

• The Magic Bullet assembles and disassembles like most other blenders in its class. In fact, besides removing or adding a cap, there isn’t much to add to or remove from this blender. So, in effect, it’s easy to configure before and after an operation.
• The Nutri Ninja’s caps screw on smoothly yet tightly. When you do that, you’ll feel how tight a seal this blender’s jar makes use of. At the same time, this model’s jar fits snuggly on its base. As a result, it won’t wobble around on its base almost at all.

Is it easy to clean?

• The Magic Bullet is relatively easy to clean by hand. Its blades don’t hold onto debris almost at all, especially if they are rinsed right after use. The same goes for its jar, which isn’t likely to stain if it is cleaned promptly after use.
• The Nutri Ninja doesn’t require any hand washing (but it still can be, of course). Instead, every part of this blender is dishwasher safe (save for its base). As such, you can efficiently clean this model’s components each evening and have it ready to go the next morning.

Any leaks?

• Some reviews of the Magic Bullet note that it is prone to leaking into its base. This appears to be a result of long-term use, though. In any case, it points to potential weaknesses in its base seals.
• The Nutri Ninja’s sealing system is one of the best in its class. It is doubtful that this unit will ever leak unless its seals are physically damaged.

How durable are they?

• The Magic Bullet is decently durable. It can withstand the wear and tear of regular use for several years on end. However, dropping it may lead to its plastic exterior or jars cracking. So, this model isn’t the most durable all around.
• The Nutri Ninja offers excellent durability, especially for a blender of its size. Not only will this blender not break when dropped, but its jars also won’t wear down after many runs through the dishwasher. The same can be said of its blades, which are not prone to corrosion at all.

Value

• In terms of value, the Magic Bullet is undoubtedly affordable. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a recipe book designed specifically for this device. It also comes standard with a pop-top to-go lid, making it easy to go from blending to commuting in no time flat.
• The Nutri Ninja costs a little bit extra but adds in more value as a result. To that end, this model comes standard with an additional 24 oz. jar to complement its 18 oz. jar. Each jar also includes their to-go lid, making it possible to use this blender to make two blender drinks at once.

What Are Others Saying About Each Model?

Positives

• Users of the Magic Bullet have lots of good things to say about it. For example, many users are impressed by its overall versatility. Some even say they used their unit to replace their food processor. Meanwhile, others enjoyed how quiet it operated compared to other small blenders.
• The Nutri Ninja’s biggest compliments were directed at its strength. To that end, many users pointed out that this model’s motor is as strong as a full-sized blender. Along the same lines, a handful of users were surprised at how durable this unit was. They even said that their units lasted five years longer than they expected.

Negatives

• The Magic Bullet’s durability often comes into question. To that end, some found its jars to be a bit on the thin side. They also say that the jars cracked after exposure to hot liquids, which is disappointing. In the same vein, several users complain that their jars become cloudy after grinding up coffee beans. This, they say, cannot be washed off.
• The Nutri Ninja is a loud operator, it would seem. This may be a result of its large motor and relatively small form factor. Also, more users than you would expect complained of leaks within their unit. It appears that this is a result of weaker internal seals that degrade over time.

What are the Alternatives?

Original NutriBullet

The Original NutriBullet is one alternative you should consider. This NutriBullet blender comes as a package full of value. Though it costs a bit extra, it comes with three jars, 2 of which include handles for easy transport. Also, this blender comes with two blade sets. One of those blade sets can make a mean smoothie. The other blade set, meanwhile, can mill hard ingredients with ease.

NutriBullet Pro

As an alternative, you might consider picking up the NutriBullet Pro. This model is an upgrade from the original NutriBullet, especially when it comes to power. It has a 900 watt motor at its core. It also features reinforced stainless steel blades that won’t lose their edge in a hurry. You’ll even be surprised at how many colors this model comes in!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which bullet blender is best? 

A. Between the two models covered above, I tend to side with the Nutri Ninja. I appreciate its core power and durability because of how much I use my blender. It is a bit noisy, but that doesn’t bother me much. The Magic Bullet comes in a close second. Its versatility is impressive, so that I can recommend it as well.

Q. Which Ninja bullet is the best?

A. Ninja has a lot of great models on the market today. Out of them all, I prefer the Nutri Ninja. Its size made it a perfect addition to my kitchen without sacrificing motor power. To that end, the Nutri Ninja can crush up frozen fruit, which few other bullet blenders can claim. This model uses the same durable components as other Ninja blenders, too. So, you can count on it to last through many, many uses.

Q. Which is better: NutriBullet or Magic Bullet?

A. My answer here depends on what you are looking for in a blender. If you want power and durability, go with the NutriBullet. But, if you are interested in versatility, then the Magic Bullet would be a better pick. The Magic Bullet is also cheaper. So, it is a better pick for shoppers on a budget.

Conclusion: Which is Better, Magic Bullet, or Nutri Ninja?

So, we’ve come down to it. If you’re hoping to hear my opinion on which blender is better, don’t hold your breath. I believe both of these blenders are great options. However, I do think that some users will find one model or the other more useful. 

With that in mind, I recommend the Magic Bullet to folks who want versatility. These blenders can grind up nuts and beans, as well as blend up fruit. They’re also very affordable. For that reason, I thoroughly recommend this model to new users who don’t want to overspend on a new blender.

Meanwhile, if you’re an experienced user, you’ll like the Nutri Ninja. This model’s pulse activation is very sensitive. This allows you to get a perfect blend of texture without any extra effort.

At the same time, this bullet blender is built to last. That includes this model’s several blending jars, which are built from a resilient BPA-free plastic material.