Ninja TB401 vs BN801 A Surprising Choice I Made

When I compared the Ninja TB401 and BN801, I wanted to see which blender worked better for a busy home cook like me. Both can make smoothies, crush ice, and even mix dough. But they don’t feel the same in daily use. I live in Dallas and cook at home most nights.

I needed a machine that could save time and still fit on my counter. After trying both, I found the TB401 has more power and smart speed control. The BN801 is simpler and more budget-friendly. In this review, I’ll share my experience so you can see which one fits your kitchen best.

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Ninja TB401 Review

I’ve been using the Ninja TB401 for a while, and it has become a favorite tool in my kitchen. I cook most meals at home, so I need gear that saves time. This blender is more than a smoothie maker. It can chop, shred, and even mix dough. That means I don’t need to pull out a food processor when I’m cooking for my family.

Ninja TB401 Review

The TB401 also feels smart. It can sense what’s in the jar and adjust speed by itself. I tested it with frozen mango and spinach. The drink came out smooth, and I never had to stop to stir. That saved me time and hassle.

Of course, it’s not perfect. It’s strong and simple to use, but it does have a few weak spots. I’ll share both sides so you can see if it works for you.

What I Like

  • Smart blending: It changes speed on its own. Frozen fruit is no problem.
  • Food processor in one: The slicing and shredding disc is great. I’ve shredded cheese and sliced zucchini fast.
  • Smooth results: Smoothies come out creamy, even with kale. No chunks left.
  • Easy cleanup: The cups and bowl go in the dishwasher. I rinse the blades right away.
  • Digital dial: The timer and alerts are useful. It even tells me to add more liquid.

What Could Be Better

  • Noise: Like most strong blenders, it’s loud. I wait until later in the morning so I don’t wake the house.
  • Single cup: It comes with only one. In my house, I wish it had two so we could both blend at once.
  • Durability: Some people say the blade base can wear out. Mine is fine, but I’ll be gentle and may get the warranty.
Ninja TB401 Price

Ninja TB401 At a Glance

FeatureDetails
Core TechBlendSense™ smart detection
Power1800 peak watts / 1200 running
Pitcher Capacity72 oz (64 oz max liquid)
Processor Bowl64 oz with slicing/shredding disc
Single-Serve CupsOne 24 oz cup included
ControlsDigital dial with countdown
Dishwasher SafeYes, top rack
Price (MSRP)Around $249.99

Recommendation

The Ninja TB401 is a smart pick if you want one tool that blends and preps food with less work. It’s great for home cooks who make smoothies, family meals, and side dishes like shredded cheese or sliced veggies. I think it works best for small to medium households that cook often.

If you only want smoothies, the BN801 may be a cheaper choice. But if you want one machine that can do more, the TB401 is worth it. For me, it has earned a spot on my counter.

Ninja TB401 Price

Ninja BN801 Review

I’ve been using the Ninja BN801 for months. It’s now part of my daily routine. Most mornings, I make a smoothie before work. The BN801 blends frozen berries, spinach, and protein powder with no chunks. Compared to my old blender, it feels faster and smoother.

Ninja BN801 Review

It’s not only for smoothies. I use it to chop onions, make salsa, and knead small batches of dough. It saves me from pulling out a food processor, which is a big help on busy nights. It’s not perfect, but it has earned a steady spot on my counter.

What I Like

  • Smooth blending: Frozen fruit and greens come out creamy. No chunks, even with spinach.
  • Versatility: I use it for salsa, nuts, and dough. It feels like two tools in one.
  • Ease of use: The preset programs are simple. I press one button, and it runs to the end.
  • Power: It crushes ice in seconds. Cold drinks turn out smooth and refreshing.
  • Cleaning: Most parts go in the dishwasher. I rinse the blades right away to keep them sharp.

What Could Be Better

  • Noise: It’s loud, like most strong blenders. I wait until later in the morning so I don’t wake the house.
  • Size: The 72 oz pitcher is large. Good for families, but bulky in a small kitchen.
  • Accessories: It comes with two cups. For a couple, that works, but I wish it had one more.
Ninja BN801 Price

Ninja BN801 At a Glance

FeatureDetails
Power1400 peak watts
Pitcher Capacity72 oz (64 oz max liquid)
Processor Bowl64 oz with dough blade
Single-Serve CupsTwo 24 oz cups
Preset ProgramsSmoothie, Ice Crush, More
Dishwasher SafeYes, top rack
Price (MSRP)Around $199.99

Recommendation

The Ninja BN801 is a smart pick if you want more than a smoothie blender. It blends, chops, and kneads with ease. The large pitcher makes it great for families who cook often.

If you only make single drinks, the BN400 may be a cheaper and smaller choice. But for me, the BN801 is strong, versatile, and worth the space on my counter.

Ninja BN801 Price

Ninja TB401 vs BN801 Comparison

I’ve used both the Ninja TB401 and the BN801. Both make smoothies, crush ice, and handle family meals. But they feel a bit different in use. Here’s what stood out for me.

Blending Power – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both are strong. The TB401 has more power with its 1800-watt motor. It blends frozen fruit faster. The BN801 still makes smooth drinks, but it feels slower with tough loads.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Peak Power1800 watts1400 watts
Smoothie TextureExtra creamyVery smooth
Ice CrushingFast, no chunksSmooth, slower

Rating: TB401 – 9/10, BN801 – 8/10

Blade Quality – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both have sharp, sturdy blades. The TB401 pairs them with smart speed sensing. That means less stopping to stir. The BN801 blends well, but I had to shake the cup at times.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Blade DesignMulti-level bladesMulti-level
Smart AdjustYes, BlendSense techNo smart tech
Stirring NeedRarelySometimes

Rating: TB401 – 9/10, BN801 – 8/10

Jar Material – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both have strong plastic pitchers. Both are dishwasher safe. The BN801 includes two single-serve cups, which I liked. The TB401 has only one, which slowed us down when two people wanted drinks.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Pitcher Size72 oz72 oz
Single-Serve CupsOne 24 ozTwo 24 oz
Dishwasher SafeYesYes

Rating: TB401 – 8/10, BN801 – 9/10

Motor Strength – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

The TB401 is stronger and has smart controls. It feels modern. The BN801 is simpler but still solid.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Running Watts1200 watts1000+ watts
Tech SupportDigital smart dialAuto-iQ presets
Overall FeelPowerful, adaptiveStrong, reliable

Rating: TB401 – 9/10, BN801 – 8/10

Noise Level – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both are loud. The TB401 is a bit louder. I wait until later in the morning to use it. The BN801 makes less noise and feels softer.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Noise LevelHighMedium-high
Family ImpactCan wake kidsLess disruptive
Best Use TimeDaytime useAnytime

Rating: TB401 – 7/10, BN801 – 8/10

Performance – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both give smooth results. The TB401 handles heavy loads better. The BN801 is still great for daily drinks.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
SmoothiesExtra creamySmooth
Dough MixingYesYes
Ice CrushingFasterSlower

Rating: TB401 – 9/10, BN801 – 8/10

Ease of Use – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

The BN801 is simpler with Auto-iQ presets. The TB401 has a digital dial and alerts. It takes a little more learning but feels modern.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
PresetsSmart programsAuto-iQ
CleanupEasy, dishwasherEasy, dishwasher
Learning CurveSlightly higherVery simple

Rating: TB401 – 8/10, BN801 – 9/10

Value for Money – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

The BN801 costs less and meets most needs. The TB401 costs more but has more power and smart features.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
Price (MSRP)Around $249.99Around $199.99
Best ForPower + smart techBudget + simple
Long-Term UseHigh if used dailyGreat for families

Rating: TB401 – 8/10, BN801 – 9/10

Overall – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

Both blenders are strong choices. I use the TB401 when I want speed and power. I grab the BN801 when I want a quick smoothie with less fuss.

FeatureNinja TB401Ninja BN801
StrengthsPower, smart techSimplicity, value
Weak PointsLoud, higher priceLess power, no smart
Best ForHome cooks, daily useFamilies, budget users

Rating: TB401 – 8.5/10, BN801 – 8.5/10

Ninja BN801 Price

FAQs – Ninja TB401 vs BN801

What is the main difference between the Ninja TB401 and BN801?

The TB401 has more power and smart speed control. The BN801 uses simple Auto-iQ presets and costs less.

Is the Ninja TB401 better for smoothies than the BN801?

Yes. The TB401 makes extra creamy smoothies faster. The BN801 still makes smooth drinks but takes more time.

Which blender is quieter, the Ninja TB401 or BN801?

The BN801 is a bit quieter. The TB401 is louder because it is stronger. It’s best to use it later in the day.

Does the Ninja BN801 come with more accessories than the TB401?

Yes. The BN801 has two single-serve cups. The TB401 has only one. This helps when more than one person wants a drink.

Which is a better value: the Ninja TB401 or BN801?

The BN801 is better for budget buyers. The TB401 is worth it if you want more power and smart features for daily cooking.