Portable blenders have come a long way. In 2026, two models keep showing up at the top of every “best portable blender” search: the Nutribullet Flex (launched September 2025) and the legendary Ninja Blast (BC151). Both fit in a gym bag, both charge via USB-C, and both promise silky smoothies on the go — but they’re built around very different philosophies.
We compared both blenders on the jobs people actually buy them for: leafy greens, frozen fruit and protein shakes — drawing on published tests and thousands of owner reports. Here’s our honest verdict.
➡ Jump straight to our pick: Ninja Blast for icy, frozen blends and more blends per charge; Nutribullet Flex for commuters who want to travel light.
📊 Quick Specs Comparison
| Spec | Nutribullet Flex | Ninja Blast (BC151) |
| Price (MSRP) | $69.99 | $69.99 |
| Capacity | 22 oz (XL) | 18 oz |
| Motor | 7.4V | 7.4V |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Blends/charge | 11+ blends | 15 blends |
| Weight | 2.43 lb | Not published |
| Detachable base | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Removable blade | ✅ Yes (dishwasher) | ❌ No |
| Marketed for ice | Not stated | Yes (per Ninja) |
| Colors available | 6 colorways | Several colorways |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
1. Design & Portability: Detachable Base vs. One-Piece
The biggest design difference between these two blenders is how they handle the motor during transit. The Nutribullet Flex introduces a twist-off motor base — once blending is done, you unscrew the base and carry just the 22 oz cup. Nutribullet says this cuts the carry weight by 50%, which makes it easier to toss in a bag.
The Ninja Blast (BC151) uses a more conventional one-piece design: the motor stays attached to the cup during blending and transport. It’s slightly simpler to operate (no twisting required), but you carry the full device wherever you go.
Nutribullet lists the Flex at 3.9 × 3.9 × 12.8 inches and 2.43 lb.
🏆 Design winner: Nutribullet Flex — the detachable base is a genuinely clever innovation for daily commuters.
2. Blending Performance: Smoothies, Frozen Fruit & Protein Shakes
Both run on 7.4 V motors, so the difference comes down to blade design and what each maker built them for.
Nutribullet Flex
The Flex shines with soft ingredients: fresh fruit, leafy greens, yogurt, protein powder, and nut butters. It delivers silky, smooth results in its automatic 30-second blend cycle.
Nutribullet also markets it as a quieter portable blender, a plus in an office or co-working space.
Ninja Blast (BC151)
The Ninja Blast earns its name. Ninja builds it around a stainless steel BlastBlade and markets it specifically for ice and frozen ingredients.
🏆 Performance edge: Ninja Blast, on paper — it’s the one built and marketed for ice and frozen fruit.
3. Battery Life & Charging
The Ninja Blast pulls ahead here too: it offers up to 15 blends per charge, compared to the Nutribullet Flex’s 11+ blends. Both charge via USB-C, which is a major convenience win over older portable blenders that used proprietary connectors.
Full charge time on both is approximately 2 hours. For most users making 1–2 smoothies per day, either blender will last several days on a single charge.
🏆 Battery winner: Ninja Blast — up to 15 blends per charge vs. 11+ for the Flex, on the makers’ own figures.
4. Cleaning & Maintenance
Nutribullet Flex takes the trophy here without contest. Its detachable, dishwasher-safe blade is a genuine game-changer — no scrubbing around blade crevices. The cup and lid are also dishwasher safe. You can also do a quick self-clean by filling with water and a drop of dish soap, then blending for 30 seconds.
The Ninja Blast has a dishwasher-safe cup and lid, but the blade assembly is harder to clean thoroughly. Because its blade stays fixed in the base, you clean it in place with a brush instead of dropping it in the dishwasher, a small but real daily difference.
🏆 Cleaning winner: Nutribullet Flex — the removable dishwasher-safe blade is a major practical advantage.
5. Price & Value
Both list at $69.99. Street prices move often: in late September 2026, Amazon had the Ninja Blast at $44.99. With more blends per charge on the makers’ figures and, right now, a lower street price, the Ninja Blast is the better value on paper.
The Nutribullet Flex’s detachable base design and easier cleaning do justify some of the premium — but only if those specific features matter to your daily routine.
🔗 Current prices on Amazon: Ninja Blast (Black) | Ninja Blast (Denim Blue) | Nutribullet Flex (Gunmetal Gray)
🏆 Value winner: Ninja Blast — more blends per charge and, at the moment, a lower street price.
- POWERFUL PORTABLE BLENDING: Blast through frozen ingredients with Ninja Blast portable blending power for perfectly smoo…
- 18-OZ BLENDING CAPACITY: Make up to 18 oz. of your favorite smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen drinks in the same ves…
- PREMIUM COLORS & CARRY: Choose colors that fit your style and take your drink on the go with a comfortable, hinged carry…
6. Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Nutribullet Flex — Pros
- Detachable motor base: carry just the cup (50% lighter, per Nutribullet)
- Removable, dishwasher-safe blade for effortless cleanup
- XL 22 oz capacity
- Marketed as a quieter portable blender
- 6 stylish two-toned colorways
- USB-C rechargeable
❌ Nutribullet Flex — Cons
- Only 11+ blends per charge
👉 Shop the Nutribullet Flex: Gunmetal Gray | Sapphire Blue | Ruby Red
- Lightweight, detachable vessel. Remove the Motor Base to lighten on-the-go weight by 50%.
- Leak-proof to-go lid. Sip easily and carry effortlessly with the flexible handle.
- Refined blade technology. Engineered for smoother, silkier blends.
✅ Ninja Blast (BC151) — Pros
- Built and marketed by Ninja for ice and frozen fruit
- Up to 15 blends per charge
- Stainless steel BlastBlade
- USB-C rechargeable
❌ Ninja Blast (BC151) — Cons
- Motor stays attached during transport (heavier carry)
- Fixed blade: harder to clean than a detachable one
- Smaller 18 oz capacity
👉 Shop the Ninja Blast: Black (BC151BK) | Denim Blue (BC151NV)
- POWERFUL PORTABLE BLENDING: Blast through frozen ingredients with Ninja Blast portable blending power for perfectly smoo…
- 18-OZ BLENDING CAPACITY: Make up to 18 oz. of your favorite smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen drinks in the same ves…
- PREMIUM COLORS & CARRY: Choose colors that fit your style and take your drink on the go with a comfortable, hinged carry…
Bonus: Should You Consider the Ninja Blast Max?
If you want more than the standard Ninja Blast offers, Ninja also makes the Blast Max (BC251) — a bigger version with a 22 oz capacity (matching the Nutribullet Flex), 3 Auto-iQ programs (Blend, Crush and Smoothie) and a detachable Twist & Go cup. Ninja also markets it with an upgraded, more powerful motor than the standard Blast. If you’re choosing between the two Ninja models, our Ninja Blast vs Blast Max comparison breaks down what the extra $30 buys.
At $99.99 list, it costs $30 more than the standard Blast. If you want the bigger cup and the extra programs, it’s the one to get.
👉 Check the Ninja Blast Max (BC251) on Amazon
- BLEND, TWIST and GO: Detachable base is the first of its kind for ultimate portability. Powerfully blend, twist and take…
- NINJA BLENDING POWER: Unlock the power and performance of a corded blender, now cord free with Ninja Powerblast Technolo…
- DETACHABLE VESSEL: Exclusive Twist and Go blending vessel can detach from the motor base with one twist and is 50% light…
🏆 Our Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| You should buy the… | If… |
| 🥤 Nutribullet Flex | You want to travel light and prioritize easy cleaning |
| ⚡ Ninja Blast (BC151) | You regularly blend ice or frozen fruit and want more blends per charge |
| 🥤 Ninja Blast Max (BC251) | You want more power, the bigger 22 oz cup, a dedicated Crush program and a detachable cup, and don’t mind paying at least $30 more |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nutribullet Flex crush ice?
Nutribullet doesn’t market the Flex as an ice crusher. Ninja does market the Blast for ice and frozen ingredients. For blended ice drinks, the Ninja Blast is the better pick.
Can the Ninja Blast make frozen smoothies?
That’s what Ninja designed it for: its stainless steel BlastBlade is marketed specifically for ice and frozen ingredients.
How long does it take to charge?
Both blenders charge fully in approximately 2 hours via USB-C. The Ninja Blast gets up to 15 blends per charge, the Nutribullet Flex around 11+.
Are both blenders BPA-free?
Yes. Both use BPA-free cups and components. The Nutribullet Flex cup and lid are dishwasher-safe; so are the Ninja Blast’s cup and lid.
Which is better for protein shakes?
Both handle protein powder mixed with liquid or milk easily. If your protein shake involves frozen fruit or ice, lean toward the Ninja Blast.
