In the blender wars, two brands pretty much dominate: Vitamix and Blendtec. Both have more in common than they differ: lots of power, well-designed jars and blades, plenty of options ranging from basic to tricked-out, a high price tag, and a cult following.

Indeed, each brand has its rabid fans, convinced that the choice they made was the right one. But, if you have yet to decide, which one do you choose?

While there’s no right answer, here are a few factors that might help you make up your mind as to which one is best for you.

Cost: The most basic Blendtec blender, the Classic 560, is around $320. It’s got 4 speed settings and a pulse button, but the same blender jar and power as the higher-end versions. Vitamix’s blender range starts at $399 for the TurboBlend model, with 2 speeds. If you spend a little more, you’re getting more features by choosing the Blendtec; the $480 Blendtec Designer 625 (read a review of the Blendtec Designer 625), for instance, has 4 preprogrammed settings and 6 speeds on a cool digital touchscreen control panel. For around that same amount of money, the Vitamix options like the Vitamix 5200 (Read review) have a 10-speed dial, but if you’re seeking preprogrammed settings, you’ll be paying at least $100 more. Vitamix’s top of the line is the Vitamix Professional 750 (read review), which has five preprogrammed settings, a variable speed dial, and a lower-profile container.

It’s priced at $639. Blendtec’s biggest consumer splurge is the Designer 725, with more power, six preprogrammed settings, and 100 speeds! You’ll pay around $650 for all those speeds.

Power: The Vitamix claims to have 2.2 peak horsepower, and the Blendtec’s power is said to be 3 peak horsepower (the Blendtec Designer 725 is 3.8). But really, at this power level, the difference is negligible, so even though the Blendtec is technically more powerful, that shouldn’t be a tipping point.

Performance: Both Blendtec and Vitamix blenders make super-velvety smoothies (The Vitamix’s blending process whips less air into its smoothies, which yields a denser, less frothy result). They’re great at making ice, are powerful enough to “cook” soup just with friction from the motors, and they can process whole vegetables into juice. The Blendtec can grind dry grains and legumes in the same jar, while a “dry grains” container is needed to do this with the Vitamix. Both brands offer several interchangeable jars that can be used for different jobs, such as processing thick ingredients like nut butters.

Size: Blendtec’s WildSide jar has a 90-ounce capacity, though the company says that the preferred capacity is around 75 ounces. The Vitamix jar is 64 ounces. The way the Vitamix is designed, the traditional jar is very high, too high to fit underneath cabinets. The company has a new jar design for some of its blenders that has the same capacity but is lower profile. 

The bottom line: The Blendtec costs a little less, and you’ll get more features, like preset programs and digital displays from your investment. But the Vitamix is simple, well-designed, and easy to use.