The best espresso machines under $500
You can make very good espresso for under $500. These are the machines at that price that reviewers rate best, ranked by our overall score.
By the Espresso Rated editors · Updated Nov 10, 2026 · How we score
A grinder is a separate cost under $500: budget for a good one.
Ranked, $500 and under
#1 · Top pick
Breville Bambino (BES450BSS)
The steam-it-yourself compact
The small, cheap way into proper espresso: hot in 3 seconds and capable of shots well beyond its price. Budget for a grinder and a better tamper, and expect to learn the manual steam wand.
Best atHeat-up and speed, Shot qualityWeakest atBuild and reliability, Cleaning and upkeep
Read the reviewPrice $299.95
66/100
#2
Breville Bambino Plus (BES500BSS)
The auto-frothing compact
A small machine that heats in 3 seconds and steams milk for you while you do something else. Budget for a grinder, hold it down when you lock in, and expect to empty the drip tray daily.
Best atHeat-up and speed, Milk steamingWeakest atBuild and reliability, Cleaning and upkeep
Read the reviewPrice $499.95
65/100
#3
De'Longhi Stilosa
The steel-boiler budget starter
A very cheap way into real espresso, built around a stainless steel boiler that is rare at this price. The cup depends almost entirely on your grinder and your attention, and everything around the boiler is light plastic.
Best atValue, Heat-up and speedWeakest atBuild and reliability, Cleaning and upkeep
Read the reviewPrice $194.95
56/100
#4
CASABREWS CM5418
The pressurized-basket bargain
A very cheap, very simple way to start making espresso and milk drinks, with rich shots from forgiving pressurized baskets. The catch is a light, cheaply made body and a cool-down wait every time you go from steaming back to brewing.
Best atValue, Shot qualityWeakest atBuild and reliability, Heat-up and speed
Read the reviewPrice $139.99
53/100
Who should look elsewhere
- Breville Bambino: skip it if you make several lattes back to back, want a heavy machine that stays put or need the grinder included in the price.
- Breville Bambino Plus: skip it if you mostly drink straight espresso or light roasts, want a heavy machine built to keep for many years, or cannot stretch the budget to a proper grinder.
- De'Longhi Stilosa: skip it if you want a machine that stops the shot for you, steams milk for a family of lattes or stays put on the counter without a hand holding it down.
- CASABREWS CM5418: skip it if you make milk drinks for a group, want to tune temperature and grind seriously, or expect a machine that feels solid under your hand.
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