The 16 best Nespresso pods for coffee and espresso

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Coffee is a daily ritual that fuels many of our busy lives. There are many ways to brew a cup, and one of the most convenient options is to use the best Nespresso machines. With just the press of a button, you get a cup of cafe-quality coffee without the need to master the art of a perfect pour-over. (But if you're eager to learn, our coffee experts are loyal to the best pour-over coffee makers.)

The wide range of flavor options and the difference between Original and Vertuo pods can be overwhelming, especially if you're a new Nespresso user. We sorted through popular blends and new releases to find the best Nespresso pods. Check out the top light roasts, double espresso, and decaf pods.

The best Nespresso Vertuo pods

The best Nespresso Original pods

What is the difference between Original and Vertuo capsules?

There are two lines of Nespresso machines (Original and Vertuo), and only the capsules from the same line work in the brewers. The Nespresso Original capsules are made for a high-pressure extraction method to brew a traditional range of espresso-based drinks. The Vertuo capsules present a greater assortment of coffee types and sizes through a unique extraction using Centrifusion technology.

Unlike the Original capsules, the Nespresso Vertuo pods are also larger and have a more dome-like structure to better accommodate a variety of coffee volumes. On top of that, the Vertuo capsules have a proprietary barcode and patented design that ensures they're recognized exclusively by Vertuo machines.

Although the Original line has fewer brewing options, it still offers a broader selection of pods.