Espresso vs Regular Coffee
Understand the real differences between espresso and regular coffee. Compare taste, caffeine, cost, equipment, and find which brewing method suits your lifestyle, budget, and taste preferences.
Which Is Right For Me? Understand the real differences between espresso and regular coffee. Compare taste, caffeine, cost, equipment, and find which brewing method suits your lifestyle, budget, and taste preferences.
Which Is Right For Me?"Should I get into espresso or stick with regular coffee?" It's one of the most common questions we hear. The answer depends on your priorities: taste preferences, budget, time investment, and what you want from your daily coffee ritual. Both have their place—neither is universally "better."
If you're completely new to coffee brewing, start with our complete beginner guide first. For those wondering if espresso is worth the investment, see our is it worth it analysis.
See our minimum budget guide
Explore French press brewing
A common misconception: espresso has MORE caffeine. The reality is more nuanced:
Bottom line: Espresso is more concentrated per ounce, but a typical cup of drip coffee contains more total caffeine. A double-shot latte comes close to drip coffee's caffeine content.
Many home baristas have both setups. Espresso for weekend rituals and milk drinks, pour-over or French press for weekday simplicity. There's no rule saying you must choose one.
Hybrid approach: Start with a simple coffee setup to learn about beans and extraction. Graduate to espresso when you're ready for the investment and learning curve. Keep both for different occasions.
Both paths lead to better coffee than what you're probably drinking now. The "right" choice is the one that fits your lifestyle.