Blenders · owner-verdict comparison

Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix A3500: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Vitamix 5200: 91% of 328 owners recommend it, vs 68% of 280 for the Vitamix A3500.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Vitamix 5200

91%of 328 owners recommend
91% recommend · 3% neutral · 6% don't
Owners praise
  • Blends incredibly smooth
  • Lasts decades, nearly indestructible
  • Powerful, blends anything
Owners complain about
  • Loud operation
  • Expensive upfront
  • Blade bearing can seize over years
Full owner report →

Vitamix A3500

68%of 280 owners recommend
68% recommend · 8% neutral · 24% don't
Owners praise
  • Silky-smooth, powerful blends
  • Convenient walk-away presets
  • Durable through years of daily use
Owners complain about
  • Still loud despite quiet claims
  • Fiddly Self-Detect containers
  • No 32oz jar, smallest is 48oz
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Vitamix 5200 if
  • ✓Daily smoothie makers wanting silky-smooth texture
  • ✓Buy-it-for-life shoppers wanting decades of reliability
  • ✓Home cooks doing soups, nut butters and purees
  • ✓People who prefer simple manual controls over presets
Skip it if
  • Anyone wanting quiet, night-time blending
  • Those who want preset buttons and automation
Get the Vitamix A3500 if
  • ✓Buyers who want presets to press and walk away
  • ✓People who value a premium look on the counter
  • ✓Daily smoothie and soup makers wanting top-tier blends
  • ✓Those wanting the longest 10-year warranty
Skip it if
  • Shoppers on a budget who don't need smart features
  • Anyone needing a small 32oz single-serve container

What Vitamix 5200 owners say

“Vitamix was a game changer for me. My $330 refurbished Vitamix 5200 still works flawlessly today.”
— twopacktuesday on Reddit
“I got it around 1999 and used it all the time. Unfortunately it burned in the Palisades fire”
— @markmedley6849 on YouTube
“the Vitamix costs Euro 799,- thats more than 4x the price....thats ridiculous!”
— @69indigoblue on YouTube

What Vitamix A3500 owners say

“we have never regretted buying one for a single moment and it has hands down improved our family's nutrition and quality of life. So if you're hesitating, go for it!!!”
— @katharineofarrogant7805 on YouTube
“I spent $650 on a Vitamix a3500 blender. Best money ever spent compared to my ninja blender it's 100x better.”
— -MakeEveryDayCount- on Reddit
“I have the a3500 and I wish I would’ve gone with the 5200. That narrower 64 ounce container will be just fine. Definitely what I would get if I were to buy again.”
— macula8 on Reddit

Vitamix 5200 vs Vitamix A3500: frequently asked questions

Is the Vitamix 5200 or the Vitamix A3500 better?

Real owners lean toward the Vitamix 5200: 91% of 328 owners recommend it, vs 68% of 280 for the Vitamix A3500.

Who should get the Vitamix 5200?

Owners point the Vitamix 5200 at daily smoothie makers wanting silky-smooth texture, and buy-it-for-life shoppers wanting decades of reliability.

Who should get the Vitamix A3500?

Owners point the Vitamix A3500 at buyers who want presets to press and walk away, and people who value a premium look on the counter.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Vitamix 5200 is loud operation. For the Vitamix A3500, it's still loud despite quiet claims.