Espresso and filter coffee differ not only in preparation and taste, but also in caffeine content, strength, and variety of flavors. So, "Which is better – espresso or filter coffee?" Which is "better" in this sense depends largely on your preferences: Espresso is more concentrated and intense, while filter coffee offers a more refined range of flavors.

The main differences between espresso and filter coffee

Espresso is brewed under high pressure (approx. 9 bar) in 25-35 seconds, typically using a portafilter machine. The result is a small, concentrated coffee with a dense crema. Factors such as grind size, tamper pressure, water temperature, and extraction time play a key role in achieving consistent results—as does the brewer's experience.
Filter coffee is prepared by slowly pouring hot water through ground coffee – either by hand (e.g., with a Hario V60 or a Chemex) or with an electric filter machine, such as the Moccamaster. Extraction typically takes 2.5 minutes with a hand filter and up to five minutes with a filter machine, allowing for even aroma development.

 

Comparison table of espresso and filter coffee at a glance

criterion espresso filter coffee
preparation Portafilter machine, 9 bar pressure Hand filter, filter machine
Brewing time approx. 25-30 seconds approx. 2.5-5 minutes
Grinding degree very fine medium to coarse
Roasting Dark (for professionals also medium or light) Light to medium
Caffeine (per serving) approx. 60-80 mg (30 ml) approx. 100-150 mg (200-250 ml)
The taste powerful, intense, concentrated mild, complex, rich in nuances
Equipment more expensive, technically demanding cheaper, beginner-friendly
diversity Base for cappuccino, latte, etc. pure, cold brew, iced coffee
Ideal for... ... quick caffeine kick, short breaks ... connoisseurs, aroma fans

 

The table helps you identify the most important differences at a glance. As always, you'll find detailed descriptions of each point in the following sections.

 

Filter coffee preparation with pot and hand filter

Espresso vs. filter coffee – the differences in detail

How is filter coffee prepared, which has more caffeine, and what are the taste differences between espresso and filter coffee? These are all questions you might ask yourself – we have the detailed answers in the following sections.

 

Preparation methods for the two coffee specialties

Espresso is usually prepared with a portafilter machine. These days, however, you can also make good espresso with a fully automatic machine, and you can also get a small, strong cup of coffee, commonly known as espresso, from an espresso maker. However, the latter has significantly less pressure than the other two machines, at 1 to 1.5 bar, so it's not really a true espresso per se—even though it can taste very good.
Back to espresso in the portafilter: It's prepared with a pressure of around 9 bar and a brewing time of 25 to 35 seconds. What you get is a small, strong coffee with a wonderful crema and a high aromatic density.
Filter coffee is prepared by hand or with a machine. Hot water slowly runs over the ground coffee. It takes longer to brew than espresso, giving the water more time to extract the flavors from the coffee. You need less equipment: just a Chemex or a hand filter, filter paper, a pot or filter machine, and possibly a scale and grinder. Filter coffee focuses on the many different flavors that coffee, as a natural product, can absorb and release back into your cup.

 

Taste and aroma of espresso and filter coffee

  • Espresso is strong, concentrated, and often has a slightly bitter, chocolatey, or nutty flavor. The rapid extraction brings out roasted aromas, caramel and chocolate notes, and an intense texture. However, a high-quality espresso can also have sweet, fruity, or spicy nuances (depending on the roast level used).
  • Filter coffee has a clearer, more refined flavor profile. Light roasts can develop floral, fruity, and citrus notes, while medium roasts exhibit nutty and caramel flavors. The origin of the coffee is particularly evident in single-origin Arabicas (so, with a little experience, you can taste the difference between a coffee from Rwanda and one from Ethiopia).

For the everyday coffee drinker: Espresso is ideal for a quick kick in between, filter coffee is suitable for leisurely enjoyment.

For the specialty coffee fan: Filter coffee allows for a detailed aroma analysis – ideal for single-origin beans. Espresso offers an intense flavor experience in concentrated form and, thanks to perfect extraction, can convey complex aromas. This is especially true if you don't just focus on dark roasts, but also occasionally prepare espresso from medium or even light roasts.

 

Caffeine content in espresso and filter coffee

A typical espresso (about 30 ml) contains around 60 to 80 mg of caffeine, while a cup of filter coffee (200 to 250 ml) has about 100 to 150 mg. While espresso is higher in caffeine per milliliter, filter coffee is more caffeine-rich in the total amount of a normal serving. Important for heavy drinkers: Those looking for a caffeine kick should therefore pay more attention to the total amount. Or simply drink more of the other portion.

But caution is advised here: excessive consumption of caffeine can also be harmful.

 

Espresso is prepared in a portafilter machine

Grinding and roasting

  • Espresso requires a very fine grind, approximately 250 microns. Your grounds should feel like cocoa or cinnamon between your fingers. Dark roasts with a full body are standard. These roasts emphasize bitterness, dark chocolate, and roasted nuts, while reducing acidity.
  • Filter coffee requires a medium to coarse grind with a particle size of 500 to 800 micrometers. Light to medium roasts bring out acidity, fruitiness, and floral notes—ideal for complex flavors.

 

Preparation effort and equipment

  • Espresso requires precise technique, a good grinder, tamper, tamper mat, and a high-quality portafilter machine. Beginners need some practice to achieve consistent results. Preparation takes approximately 1 to 2 minutes, including preheating.
  • Filter coffee is cheaper to buy and easier to use. The hand-filter method requires only a few utensils and takes about four to six minutes.

 

Variety and applications of espresso and filter coffee

Espresso forms the basis for many coffee specialties such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white. Using a doppio as a base, you can also create your own creative creations such as espresso tonic or affogato.
Filter coffee, on the other hand, is usually drunk neat, but is also suitable for iced coffee or as a base for coffee cocktails.

 

Espresso vs. filter coffee – conclusion

Whether espresso or filter coffee is better ultimately depends on your individual preferences, your lifestyle and your taste:

  • If you love intense, strong coffee, prefer it fast, and enjoy cappuccino or flat whites, espresso is your choice.
  • If you prefer a complex, multi-layered aroma, enjoy coffee slowly, and want to experience different origin profiles, then filter coffee is the way to go.


Many coffee lovers drink both – a filter coffee in the morning and an espresso after lunch. This way, you get the best of both worlds. Nobody says this is an either/or situation. You can also add cold brew to your repertoire – then you've got almost everything.

Frequently asked questions about espresso vs. filter coffee

Which coffee is healthier – espresso or filter coffee?

Both are healthy when consumed in moderation. Filter coffee contains more antioxidants, while espresso often contains less acid due to the smaller amount. Ultimately, the key factors are the preparation and the amount consumed.
Which has more caffeine – espresso or filter coffee?

Espresso contains more caffeine per milliliter. However, since you only drink small amounts, a cup of filter coffee usually contains more caffeine overall than an espresso.
Can espresso roasts be used for filter coffee?

Generally, yes. However, espresso roasts are usually darker, which can lead to a bitter taste when filtered. For better results, special filter roasts are recommended. However, you can

Can you use filter roasts for espresso?

Generally, yes. However, medium and light roasts, when prepared with a portafilter, bring more fruity, floral, and citrus notes to the cup. That's not for everyone.

Find your espresso... or filter coffee!