If you love the clean, sweet cup you get from an AeroPress but aren’t sure which model to choose, the good news is that they all produce the same style of smooth, low-bitterness coffee using AeroPress’s fast, hybrid brew method.
The differences come down to capacity, portability, materials, and what kind of kit you want on your counter or in your bag. If you value a premium feel, the AeroPress Premium swaps plastic for glass, stainless steel, and aluminium, while the Go versions pack down neatly for travel. If you routinely brew for two, the XL variants will save you a second press.
Below is how the current lineup shakes out based on design, capacity, and portability — and who each one’s best for.
AeroPress Original: Ideal for most people
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Pros
- Balanced value and durability; proven design
- Light, packable, and simple to clean
- Widest accessory ecosystem
Cons
- Single-serve capacity; you’ll press twice for two larger cups
The standard-bearer remains the most straightforward recommendation. It’s compact, virtually indestructible, and makes that signature, clean cup without fuss. Better yet, retailing at around $50, it shouldn't do too much damage to your wallet.
You’ll find the broadest community of recipes and accessories built around this model, and replacements are easy to obtain.
While AeroPress has found a host of ways to innovate, the Original is a classic for a reason. And despite all the latest releases we've tried, it's this model that a number of TG writers still use every day in the office. If you’re buying your first AeroPress, start here.
Now, have we tested the Original? Yes, but in its Clear iteration. Functionally, the Clear and tinted Colours versions brew the same coffee as the Original. The difference is aesthetic: a transparent, shatter-resistant plastic that lets you see your slurry, plus fun colourways to match your setup. This is the way to do it if you already love AeroPress and want a visual refresh without altering your brewing process.
You can read our review of the AeroPress Clear here.
For a premium (and plastic-free) edge, try the AeroPress Premium
Pros
- Double-walled glass build, plastic-free
- Gorgeous coffee flavor from first use
- Easy to clean
- Easy to master
- Well-made and attractive
- Significantly more expensive than other options
The Premium is — you guessed it — the most premium product on AeroPress’ roster.
In this new and upscale take on its cult brewer, AeroPress trades plastic for glass, stainless steel and aluminium. It looks and feels like a kitchen appliance you’ll proudly leave out, and it’s built to last.
The company positions it as the same fast, hybrid brew method in a more durable, elevated package — and it carries a noticeably higher price than the plastic models. In fact, it's three times as expensive as the Original, at $149. It’s compelling if you want that heirloom vibe, or you’re a true coffee lover who wants the best of the best.
We did love the Premium when we tested it. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and it just feels premium. That weighty glass and stainless steel elevates the brewing experience significantly.
Does it deliver a better flavor than the original? Well, maybe. Our tester Erin said "I’ve never tasted coffee as delectable and gentle as this. You don’t miss out on any of that coffee taste, it’s just elevated and refined." You can read more of her barista smarts in our AeroPress Premium review.
So, if you're not on a budget, the Premium could be that perfect option to level-up your coffee game and make you feel line a bona-fide brewer.
Looking to supersize? Check out the XL
Pros
- Higher capacity for batch or big mugs
- Same straightforward workflow and filters
- Ideal “one press, two cups” mornings
- Not as travel-friendly as the Original or Go
Confession time: we've not tested the XL yet, but it's on our list. What we can say is that its USP is pretty obvious: want double the coffee without double the effort? Check out the AeroPress XL.
The XL makes life easier if you often brew two back-to-back presses or favour 12–16 oz mugs. It’s essentially the classic AeroPress scaled up, allowing you to brew more in one go — roughly double the capacity of the standard model, which reduces the need for repeat presses. Taste-wise, it’s the same clean, low-bitterness cup; the win is convenience.
Coffee to go? Check out these travel-friendly options
Pros
- All-in-one packability with travel mug and compact parts
- Same smooth coffee, faster cleanup
- Great for small counters and office drawers
- Slightly smaller plunger and accessories
Once you AeroPress, you can't go back to bad office coffee. And we'd know, given how many Tom's Guide team members tout a portable coffee maker on vacation, or even in our actual office.
Enter: AeroPress' Go and GoPlus models.
The Go shrinks the footprint and nests into its own travel mug, so everything rides together in a backpack or carry-on. It’s ideal for hotel-room pours, desk brewing, or van life. The brew method and cup profile are the same; you just get a tidier package that’s designed to move with you, including a mug that doubles as the case.
Think of the Go Plus as the “nice kit” version of the Go. You’re still getting a travel-oriented AeroPress, but the bundle and accessories are a step up, making it a smarter gift or an upgrade if you’re constantly on the move and want a more refined, packable setup. Coffee quality remains consistent with the rest of the line; the value is in the upgraded travel experience.
However, check out our first impressions of the AeroPress Go (ahead of our full review) if you want to hear more about the downsides of its travel cup.
The verdict
For most people, the AeroPress Original is the right first buy: it’s affordable, durable, and delivers that signature smooth cup. If you want a tidy travel setup, the AeroPress Go is brilliant; upgrade to the Go Plus for a more polished kit.
Brewing for two? The Original XL (or Clear XL, should you prefer the look) saves time with a larger press. And if you’re splurging on design and longevity, the AeroPress Premium’s glass-and-metal build is the standout — just know you’re paying for materials and aesthetics rather than a different cup of coffee
How to choose your AeroPress
- Capacity: The Original or Go is perfect for one small to medium-sized cup. If you brew for two or prefer large mugs, opt for XL to avoid double pressing.
- Portability: Choose the Go or Go Plus if you’ll be travelling or brewing at work. The integrated mug-and-case setup is hard to beat in terms of convenience.
- Materials and aesthetics: If you want a countertop keeper with premium materials, the Premium is the only option; the Clear & Colours lines keep the familiar workflow intact if you just want a fresh look.
- Budget: All AeroPress models make the same signature style of coffee quickly — a clean, sweet cup with minimal bitterness thanks to the brand’s hybrid pressure-and-immersion approach. Spend more for capacity, portability, or nicer materials, not for a different taste profile.
What we considered
We ranked the AeroPress lineup based on how well each model serves a specific use case, as brew quality is fundamentally consistent across the range.
All current models use the same core brew method and produce a similarly clean, low-bitterness cup; the real differences are capacity, portability, materials, and kit. That guided our scoring and tie-breakers.
What mattered most:
- Brew quality and consistency
- Convenience and cleanup
- Capacity and portability
- Build and ergonomics
- Value
Are all AeroPress the same?
Every AeroPress uses the same fast, hybrid brew method, so you’ll get that signature clean, low‑bitterness cup across the range. What changes is everything around the cup.
Capacity varies: the standard models are perfect for single servings, while the XL versions allow for back-to-back presses if you prefer large mugs or brew for two. Portability differs as well — the AeroPress Go packs into its own mug for travel, and the Go Plus refines that kit for frequent flyers.
Materials and aesthetics also separate them: Clear & Colours give you a see‑through, modern look, and the Premium opts for a showpiece glass‑and‑metal build.
What are the disadvantages of AeroPress?
AeroPress is brilliant for fast, clean coffee, but it’s not perfect. It’s still a single-serve brewer, so if you regularly make coffee for more than two people, you’ll need to repeat the process, even with the XL models. It’s also not hands-off — you’re the pump and the timer — so it won’t replace the push-button convenience of a Keurig or a programmable drip maker.
And while you can brew a strong concentrate, it’s not true espresso, and you won’t get crema from it. Finally, the AeroPress cup profile leans clean and soft in body; if you prefer the heavier, textured mouthfeel of a French press, it may taste a touch light by comparison. None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing so you buy the right brewer for your routine.
What is the lifespan of an AeroPress?
With regular use and basic care, an AeroPress should last for years. AeroPress itself pegs two to three years as a typical service life, which is a sensible baseline for daily brewers.
In practice, many owners see far longer — well over a decade isn’t unusual when you clean it gently and avoid rough handling. There are also plenty of “vintage” units still pressing happily, according to community reports. Remember, the consumables are separate: paper filters are designed to be replaced as you go.
Realistically, the first thing to show age is the plunger seal; keeping it clean and in good condition helps significantly extend the brewer’s lifespan. Treat it well and you’ll likely upgrade for capacity or aesthetics before the AeroPress itself gives out.
Is the plastic in AeroPress bad for you?
AeroPress states that all materials that come into contact with your coffee are FDA and EU food-contact approved and free of BPA and phthalates. The standard models are primarily made from polypropylene, a food-grade plastic widely used for hot beverages and kitchenware.
If you’d still rather skip plastic entirely, AeroPress now offers the Premium model, which replaces the main body with glass and metal, while producing the same clean, fast cup the brand is known for.
Bottom line: The classic AeroPress uses certified, food-safe plastics; the Premium offers a glass-and-metal alternative if that better suits your comfort level.
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