Vitamix vs Ninja: 5200 vs Professional Plus BN701
A variable-speed classic with a 7-year warranty against a preset-driven Ninja with a bigger pitcher.
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The Vitamix 5200 and the Ninja Professional Plus with Auto-iQ (BN701) are two of the most popular full-size blenders. They take different approaches: Vitamix gives you a variable-speed dial and a tall, narrow 64 oz container; Ninja uses a stacked blade assembly, three Auto-iQ presets and a 72 oz pitcher. This comparison uses the manufacturers’ published specs and aggregated owner reviews; we did not test them.
Short answer
Choose the Vitamix 5200 if you want fine manual speed control, the ability to make hot soups and nut butters with the tamper, and a 7-year full warranty. Choose the Ninja BN701 if you want one-touch presets for smoothies and frozen drinks, a larger pitcher and a lighter, shorter machine.
Check Vitamix 5200 price (opens in a new tab)Check Ninja Professional Plus BN701 price (opens in a new tab)
Vitamix 5200 vs Ninja Professional Plus BN701: specs side by side
| Spec | Vitamix 5200 | Ninja Professional Plus BN701 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2 peak HP (120V, 11.5A) | 1,400 peak watts |
| Container | 64 oz | 72 oz pitcher (64 oz max liquid) |
| Controls | Variable speed dial (1–10) plus High/Variable switch | 4 manual settings |
| Presets | None | 3 Auto-iQ (smoothie, frozen drink, extract) |
| Tamper | Included | Not included |
| Dimensions | 20.5 H × 8.75 W × 7.25 D in | 17.5 H × 9 W × 6.75 D in |
| Weight | 10 lb 9 oz | 8.1 lb |
| Cord | 6 ft | 2.5 ft |
| Warranty | 7-year full (household use) | 1-year limited |
Pros and cons
Vitamix 5200: pros
- Variable speed control for textures from chunky to silky
- Tamper for thick blends like nut butter
- Long 6 ft cord
- 7-year full warranty
- Narrow footprint (8.75 × 7.25 in)
Vitamix 5200: cons
- Tall at 20.5 in, may not fit under cabinets
- No presets; you control everything
- Heavier (about 10.6 lb)
Ninja Professional Plus BN701: pros
- Three Auto-iQ presets for hands-off blending
- Bigger 72 oz pitcher
- Shorter (17.5 in) and lighter (8.1 lb)
- Pitcher designed for crushing ice and frozen fruit
Ninja Professional Plus BN701: cons
- Short 2.5 ft cord
- 1-year warranty
- No tamper for very thick blends
- Only 4 manual settings
Who should buy which
On specs, the Vitamix 5200 is the long-term, do-everything blender: more control, a tamper and a much longer warranty. The Ninja BN701 is the easier, more automated choice for smoothies and frozen drinks in a shorter, lighter package.
Choose the Vitamix 5200 if…
- You make nut butters, hummus or hot soups
- You want precise speed control
- You value a 7-year warranty
- Your outlet is not right beside the counter spot
Choose the Ninja Professional Plus BN701 if…
- You mostly make smoothies and frozen drinks
- You like one-touch programs
- You need it to fit under 18 in cabinets
- You want a lighter machine
Will it fit under your cabinets?
Standard upper cabinets often sit about 18 in above the counter. The Ninja BN701 is listed at 17.5 in tall with its pitcher; the Vitamix 5200 is 20.5 in. If clearance matters, measure first, or look at the lower-profile Vitamix alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vitamix better than Ninja?
It depends on use. The Vitamix 5200 offers variable speed, a tamper and a 7-year warranty; the Ninja BN701 offers presets, a bigger pitcher and a lower height. Neither is better for everyone.
Can the Ninja BN701 make hot soup?
Ninja does not market the BN701 for heating soup by friction. Vitamix describes making hot soup in the 5200 container. Check the Ninja manual before blending hot liquids.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Vitamix 5200 has a 7-year full warranty for household use; the Ninja BN701 has a 1-year limited warranty.
Did you test these blenders?
No. This comparison uses manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews. See how we research.
Sources
Specifications were checked against the manufacturer pages, manuals and spec sheets below in October 2026. Makers revise specs and sell regional variants, so confirm the exact model number before you buy. We do not list prices because they change daily; use the retailer link to see the current price.
Keep reading
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Read the comparison ReviewBlendersVitamix 5200 review
A manual, variable-speed blender with a tall container and one of the longest warranties in the category.
Read the comparison AlternativesBlendersBest Vitamix 5200 alternatives
Shorter, lighter, preset-driven or single-serve: three blenders that beat the 5200 on at least one spec.
Read the comparison ReviewBlendersNinja Professional Plus with Auto-iQ (BN701) review
A budget full-size blender with one-touch programs and a big pitcher.
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