15 Best Vodkas for Under $40

Vodka's popularity is on the rise, and for good reason. It can shine in mixed drinks and martinis and even be sipped neat.

The good news is you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a quality vodka. There's a wide variety available for under $40, each with its unique characteristics and flavors.

So, raise a glass, grab your best rewards credit card, and get ready to explore the world of vodka.

This popular Polish vodka is made from rye and distilled four times. It recently met certified organic standards, thanks to Belvedere’s efforts to be sustainable.

Reviewers note that it has a neutral, mineral-forward flavor with a hint of pepper. They recommend it for folks who enjoy a nice, ice-cold, dirty martini.

Two characteristics make this smooth New Zealand spirit stand out. The first is that it’s brewed with whey, an unconventional choice.

The second is that it’s made with pure water from the Southern Alps, resulting in a vodka whose alcohol smell and taste are nearly undetectable.

Made with potatoes, this Polish vodka is among the most popular of its kind. It has a starchy flavor with notes of nuttiness and sweetness, making it great for sipping.

If you’re not the sipping type, reviewers recommend using Chopin in a Bloody Mary; the vegetable flavor perfectly complements the beverage.

The first French contender on our list, Ciroc is made from high-quality grapes in the South of France. It’s distilled five times and filtered through charcoal for extra smoothness.

Experts are fans of drinking Ciroc in classic shot form, thanks to its sweetness and variety of flavors.

The reputation of this vodka proceeds it. It’s so well-respected that the Taster’s Club — a renowned spirit subscription service — named it the best vodka of 2023.

Made from wheat and spring water in France, Gray Goose is clean, neutral, full-bodied, and has one of the smoothest finishes out there.

Coming in hot from Japan, Haku is a subtle vodka made with rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal.

Mixologists love its flavor, reminiscent of sake and replete with a sweet, starch-forward aroma. For those reasons, it’s perfect for a saketini or a delicious vodka martini.

Hanger One also ranked high on the Taster’s Club list of the best vodkas of 2023. The first American spirit on this list, it’s made from grains and grapes, resulting in a smooth, fruity flavor.

Specifically, you’ll taste Asain pear and flowery honeysuckle in this well-balanced vodka.

One of the most famous vodkas on our list, Ketel One is made in the Netherlands. The family-operated distillery uses European wheat to make this classic liquor.

Distilled many times in a somewhat unconventional way, Ketel One has a peppery flavor that’s rounded out by a slightly floral finish.

Yes, you can make vodka from corn, and it’s good! Such is the case with this spirit distilled in the Big Apple. It also has an unconventional distillation process involving pot and column stills.

While the aroma of this vodka is pleasantly sweet, the nuanced flavor has a peppery kick of a finish.

Wine Enthusiast is a huge fan of this Swedish vodka, which was ranked one of the Top 100 Spirits in the World-Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2020.

Literally distilled 51 times, this spirit has sweet citrus notes and is ideal in vodka martinis and highballs. Classic.

Experts highly praise Reyka, which is made with wheat, barley, and water from a glacial spring in Iceland and filtered through lava rocks. Key notes are botanical and citrusy.

This spirit also has a spicy kick and subtle sweetness, making it ideal for straight-up or mixed libations.

If a fruity vodka is what you’re after, this Californian spirit is for you. It’s made from a blend of pear brandy and grain, then filtered to create a pleasingly floral vodka.

Experts appreciate its clean flavor and aroma, which makes it shine when combined with its uniqueness.

The 2023 New York Wine & Spirits Competition winner, this organic Lithuanian vodka deserves more love than it gets, thanks to its spicy, citrusy, and vanilla highlights.

Stumbras makes the spirit on a farm with fresh wheat and filters it through linen; could that be any more idyllic?

Since 1997, this Texan spirit has been extremely popular. It’s often used in mixed drinks but holds its own straight up, with a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

The secret beyond Tito’s success is its distillation method, which is closer to how French cognacs are made. Hence, the smooth finish.

Distilled from premium sugar cane, this South African vodka serves a bit of a gin energy. Unsurprisingly, it’s sweet, but the liquor remains earthy until its spicy finish.

After being distilled three times, it’s filtered just once, which is how it holds onto its unique flavor profile and aroma.

It’s surprising how many great vodkas under $40 are on store shelves. But as long there’s a demand, we suspect there will be a supply.

Sure, you can splurge on the fancy stuff occasionally, but with these vodkas, you can save more money and use the change for other purchases.