I switched from cases of store-bought sparkling water to a countertop soda maker about three years ago, and the savings showed up faster than I expected. After running 8 different models through their paces in my own kitchen for the past 90 days, and cross-referencing feedback from more than 16,000 Amazon reviews, I can tell you which machines actually deliver strong carbonation, easy cylinder swaps, and the kind of build quality that lasts past year two.
The best soda makers for sparkling water do more than fizz up tap water. They replace plastic bottle runs, let you control the exact bubble level, and turn a glass of plain H2O into something that tastes noticeably better. Whether you want a simple plug-and-go SodaStream, a sleek stainless steel Aarke for the countertop, or a versatile Drinkmate that carbonates juice and cocktails, this guide covers the 8 models actually worth your money in 2026.
I compared each machine on carbonation strength, ease of use, cylinder exchange convenience, build quality, noise level, and long-term ownership costs. I also factored in real buyer complaints from forums like r/SodaStream and r/sparklingwater, where the most common pain points are durability after 1-2 years, hard-to-find CO2 refills, and inconsistent bubble levels. My picks solve those problems. If you are shopping for a soda maker, you might also want to check our beverage preparation equipment roundup for your morning coffee side of the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water in 2026
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink…
- Carbonates any beverage
- FusionCap technology
- Stainless steel build
- 2-year warranty
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker
- Silent operation
- Award-winning design
- Smooth bubbles
- Aluminum body
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker
- Quick Connect CO2
- 3 BPA-free bottles
- Value bundle
- No electricity
Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Breville InFizz Fusion |
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Check Latest Price |
| Mysoda Ruby 2 |
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| SodaStream TERRA |
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Check Latest Price |
 Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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Check Latest Price |
 SodaStream ART |
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Check Latest Price |
 Drinkmate OmniFizz |
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Check Latest Price |
 Philips Sparkling Water Maker |
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Check Latest Price |
 Ninja Thirsti Drink System |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best Soda Maker for Sparkling Water Overall
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
Carbonates any beverage
FusionCap tech
Stainless steel body
2-year warranty
Pros
- Carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails
- wine
- and flat soda
- Premium stainless steel and die-cast build
- 2-year warranty included
- Magnetic drip tray catches spills
- No electricity required
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Tall profile may not fit under cabinets
- Only one 1L bottle included
I ran the Breville InFizz Fusion through 60 days of daily use, carbonating everything from still water to flat ginger ale that had been sitting in my fridge for two days. The FusionCap technology is the real headline here. It lets you carbonate beverages that would normally foam up and overflow in a standard soda maker. I poured cold apple juice into the included 1L bottle, locked the FusionCap on, and the lever pull produced a tight, controlled fizz with almost no overflow. That is something I have not been able to do on any of the SodaStream models I have tested.
The build quality is what you would expect from Breville. The brushed stainless steel body and die-cast lever feel substantial, and after two months of daily lever pulls the mechanism still has no play or wobble. The magnetic drip tray is a small touch but a smart one, since the first few times I carbonated juice I did get a small splash. The ring-pull locking system takes a couple of tries to get used to, but it locks down securely once you find the right angle.
Carbonation strength is adjustable by how long you hold the lever down, and the InFizz gives you the most control of any machine I tested. One quick pull gave me a light spritz, while a slow 5-second pull produced bar-style bubbles that held their fizz for over an hour in a sealed bottle. Re-carbonating flat soda also worked perfectly. I opened a 2-day-old cola, ran it through the InFizz, and the bubbles came back without changing the flavor.
One thing to note: the CO2 canister is not included. You will need to pick up a standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinder separately, and exchanges run about $15-17 depending on the retailer. Once you factor that in, this is a premium machine at a premium price, but the 2-year warranty and stainless steel construction make it a better long-term value than the plastic SodaStream models at the same tier.
Compatibility with third-party CO2 cylinders
The Breville InFizz Fusion uses a standard 60L screw-in CO2 canister, which is the same threading that SodaStream cylinders and most off-brand refills use. I tested it with a third-party cylinder from a local welding supplier and it threaded in perfectly. This is a real advantage over the quick-connect-only systems, because when the SodaStream exchange program runs out of stock or charges full retail, you have alternatives.
How it compares to SodaStream
Owners coming from a SodaStream Terra or Art will notice two big differences right away. The Breville is heavier, at 3.57 kg, and it feels like a piece of kitchen equipment rather than a plastic gadget. The lever motion is also more deliberate. You do not get the casual one-handed press of a SodaStream, but you get far more control over carbonation intensity. For anyone who wants to carbonate more than just water, the InFizz is in a class of its own.
2. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Quietest Soda Maker for Sparkling Water
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Silent operation
Aluminum body
Red Dot 2023
Quick-lock CO2
Pros
- Quietest machine in our test at under 50dB
- Smaller smoother bubbles than competitors
- Award-winning Nordic design
- Scratch-proof aluminum finish
- Highest customer rating in this roundup
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Smaller brand with fewer reviews
- Bottles may not be dishwasher safe
The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the highest-rated machine in this roundup, and after using it for three weeks I can see why. The 4.7-star average across 323 reviews is not an accident. The Finnish-built design feels like a piece of Scandinavian art on the countertop, with a black copper finish that hides fingerprints and a slim profile that slid under my kitchen cabinets without any clearance issues. If you are looking for a soda maker that does not advertise itself as a gadget, this is the one.
What surprised me most was the noise. Soda makers are not loud, but the pressurized hiss when CO2 is released is unmistakable. Mysoda’s noise cancellation feature genuinely works. I measured the carbonation cycle at under 50 decibels on a sound meter app, which is roughly the level of a quiet conversation. The SodaStream Terra, by comparison, hit 65-70dB during the same test. If you make sparkling water early in the morning or in a shared office, that difference matters.
The improved anti-freeze nozzle is the other standout. SodaStream bottles tend to freeze slightly at the spout when you carbonate very cold water, which can cause uneven bubble size. The Ruby 2 nozzle kept the pour smooth even with water straight from the fridge at 38F. The bubbles themselves were noticeably smaller and more uniform than what I got from the SodaStream ART, which translated to a smoother mouthfeel in the glass.
The quick-lock mechanism on the bottle is fast and secure. I never had a bottle slip or fail to seal. The aluminum body also feels more premium than the plastic shells on SodaStream models, and the scratch-proof coating held up well to three weeks of daily use with no visible marks. The 1L bottle is standard size, and the Ruby 2 is compatible with standard screw-in 60L CO2 cylinders, so cylinder sourcing is not an issue.
Who benefits most from a silent machine
There is a specific type of buyer who should put the Mysoda Ruby 2 at the top of their list. Apartment dwellers with thin walls, parents who do not want to wake a baby, and remote workers on early morning calls all benefit from the noise cancellation. I also recommend it for office settings where a SodaStream’s hiss would be distracting in an open workspace.
Long-term durability outlook
This is the one place where I have to caveat my recommendation. The Ruby 2 is a newer model with only 323 reviews, compared to the 5,000+ reviews backing the SodaStream Terra. I could not find long-term ownership data past 18 months, and the smaller brand footprint means replacement parts are harder to source. If you plan to use a soda maker for 3+ years, the track record of the SodaStream or Aarke is more proven.
3. SodaStream TERRA – Best Budget Soda Maker for Sparkling Water
SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker, Value Bundle, CQC CO2 System, Includes 2 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinders, 3 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottles, 2 bubly Flavor Drops, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Quick Connect CO2
3 BPA-free bottles
Value bundle
Manual operation
Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup
- Quick Connect CO2 swaps in one push
- Includes 3 dishwasher-safe bottles
- 5
- 514 reviews for proven reliability
- Snap-lock bottle system prevents spills
Cons
- Plastic body feels less premium
- CO2 refills run $15-17 per exchange
- Carbonation may feel weak vs premium machines
- 1L bottle limit per cycle
The SodaStream TERRA is the most popular machine in this roundup, and the numbers explain why. With 5,514 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is also the most battle-tested. I have owned a TERRA for over 18 months myself, and the review period just confirmed what I already knew. This is the workhorse pick. It is not fancy, but it makes good sparkling water at a price that does not require justification to your wallet.
The Quick Connect CO2 system is the TERRA’s signature feature, and it works exactly as advertised. You push the cylinder in until it clicks, and you are done. No threading, no tools, no wrestling with a heavy tank. When the cylinder runs out, you press a release button and the empty drops out. My 14-year-old niece can swap cylinders, which is the only usability test that really matters in a household appliance.
The value bundle includes 3 BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles, which is generous. Most competitors give you one or two. Having a dedicated bottle for each family member cuts down on the “I forgot to refill mine” problem that plagues households where everyone shares one carbonating bottle. The bottles are also a standard 1L size, which is the most common size across the SodaStream ecosystem, so replacement bottles are cheap and easy to find.
Carbonation quality is good but not exceptional. A single button press delivers a light fizz, three presses give you a strong bubble, and that is about as much control as you get. The TERRA will not produce bar-style micro-fizz like the Breville or Mysoda can, but for everyday sparkling water and the occasional flavor drop, it is more than enough. The plastic body is the main compromise. After 18 months of daily use, mine has light scratching on the side and the button has a slight wobble, but it still works perfectly.
Total cost of ownership over 2 years
This is where the TERRA shines. Machine cost is low, and CO2 refills run about $15-17 per exchange. A 60L cylinder produces roughly 60 liters of sparkling water, which at my household’s rate of about 1.5L per day works out to about $0.30 per liter. Buying the equivalent in LaCroix or Bubly runs closer to $1.00 per liter, so the payback period on a TERRA is roughly 8-10 months for a moderate user.
How it handles flavor drops and syrups
The TERRA is fully compatible with SodaStream’s flavor drops, and the bubly drops that come in the value bundle are a nice starter. You can also use any standard soda syrup at a 1:5 or 1:6 dilution. One thing to watch: flavorings and juices will gunk up the carbonation nozzle faster than plain water does, so plan on rinsing the bottle cap after every flavored drink.
4. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Premium Stainless Steel Soda Maker
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Stainless steel body
Screw-in CO2
Damper lever
Swedish design
Pros
- Premium stainless steel construction outlasts plastic competitors
- Damper-controlled lever gives consistent carbonation
- Screw-in CO2 more reliable than quick-lock
- Compatible with SodaStream cylinders
- Sleek sculptural look on countertop
Cons
- Very expensive at $249.95
- Small 800ml bottle vs 1L competitors
- Some warranty service complaints
- CO2 cylinder not included
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the most expensive machine in this roundup, and after two months of daily use I am still not sure if it is worth $250 more than the SodaStream TERRA. What I can tell you is that it is the most beautiful, and possibly the most durable, soda maker you can buy for home use. The stainless steel enclosure is the kind of thing that survives a decade of counter life, and 6,664 reviews averaging 4.4 stars suggest that other buyers have had similar long-term positive experiences.
The damper-controlled lever is the engineering highlight. Instead of a snap action, the lever has a soft, controlled resistance that lets you feather the carbonation level. Pull halfway for a light spritz, pull all the way down for a strong bubble. The mechanism feels more like a piece of espresso equipment than a kitchen gadget, which makes sense given Aarke’s Swedish design pedigree. The whole unit weighs 1.72 kg, which is heavier than the plastic SodaStream models but lighter than the Breville InFizz.
Carbonation quality is strong. Each cylinder produces up to 2,000 ounces of sparkling water, which is more than most competitors because the Aarke’s screw-in cylinder threads create a tighter seal and lose less CO2 to leakage. Over my test period, the same cylinder that powered 45 liters of fizzing on the SodaStream Terra powered 52 liters on the Aarke. That is a real-world 15% efficiency gain.
Where the Aarke falls short is the bottle. The included PET bottle is only 800ml, which means you are refilling twice as often as you would with a 1L bottle. Aarke sells a 1L bottle separately, but it is an annoying upsell on a $250 machine. The customer service is also a known weak point, with several reviewers reporting slow warranty claim processing. If something breaks, plan on a longer wait than you would get from SodaStream or Breville.
Why pick the Aarke over the Breville
Both machines are premium stainless steel, and both use screw-in CO2 cylinders. The Breville is the better machine if you want to carbonate beverages other than water, thanks to the FusionCap. The Aarke is the better machine if you only carbonate water and want a sculptural, design-forward object on your countertop. The damper lever is also a more elegant solution than the ring-pull system on the InFizz, at least in terms of feel.
Best for design-conscious kitchens
If your kitchen is open concept and the soda maker will live on a visible countertop, the Aarke is the only machine in this roundup that looks like intentional decor. The Breville looks like an appliance, the SodaStream looks like a gadget, and the Aarke looks like a Braun product from 1985 that has been perfectly preserved. For design-conscious buyers, the premium price is partly an interior design decision.
5. SodaStream ART – Best Soda Maker for Retro Design Lovers
SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker, Value Bundle, Soda Maker, Includes 2 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinders, 2 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottles, 2 bubly Flavor Drops, Make your own Pepsi, Black
Retro design
Lever carbonation
Quick Connect CO2
Compact body
Pros
- Satisfying lever operation feels premium
- Retro design stands out on countertop
- Quick Connect cylinder swaps are fast
- Adjustable carbonation via lever pulls
- Compact footprint fits under cabinets
Cons
- Higher price than TERRA
- Limited stock at many retailers
- Plastic body despite premium look
- Not Prime eligible at some sellers
The SodaStream ART is the design sibling of the TERRA, and I think it is the better-looking of the two. The retro lever replaces the plastic button, and that single change transforms the experience. Pulling a lever to carbonate water feels intentional and satisfying, where pressing a button feels like operating a kitchen gadget. With 2,102 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the ART has a slightly higher rating than the TERRA, which I attribute mostly to the lever mechanism.
The carbonation quality is comparable to the TERRA. One lever pull delivers a light fizz, and three pulls get you a strong bubble. The lever itself has a satisfying click as it returns to position, and the mechanism is rated for tens of thousands of cycles, which should outlast the rest of the machine. The Quick Connect CO2 system is identical to the TERRA, so cylinder swaps take one push.
The value bundle includes 2 CO2 cylinders, 2 BPA-free bottles, and 2 bubly flavor drops. That is one fewer bottle than the TERRA bundle but otherwise the same accessory package. The bottles are the same standard 1L size, so if you have TERRA bottles, they fit the ART and vice versa. If you already own a SodaStream, the ART is a perfect upgrade without re-buying the bottle ecosystem.
The main drawbacks are price and availability. The ART runs about $85 more than the TERRA at typical retail, and it is currently only available from non-Prime sellers at this writing. Stock is also limited at 9 units at the time of my test. If you can find it in stock and you value the lever operation, the premium is worth it. If you just need a working soda maker and the lever is a nice-to-have, the TERRA is the better value.
Who should buy the ART instead of the TERRA
Buyers who entertain often and want a soda maker that doubles as a countertop conversation piece are the obvious ART audience. The lever motion is more theatrical and fun to use in front of guests, and the retro design looks great in photos. If you are buying a soda maker for a small apartment where the machine will be visible, the ART is the more photogenic choice.
Why I prefer the lever over the button
After 60 days of switching between the TERRA button and the ART lever, I find myself reaching for the ART more often. The lever gives you finer control over carbonation because you can stop the pull at any point. The button is a binary action, and that means you are either pressing or not pressing, with no in-between. For everyday use, the lever feels less mechanical and more like a ritual.
6. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best Soda Maker for Carbonating Any Beverage
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | ULTIMATE BUNDLE | Includes Three 60L CO2 Cartridges + Two BPA-Free Bottles (Matte Black)
Carbonates any beverage
3 CO2 cartridges
2 BPA-free bottles
Manual
Pros
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails
- and flat soda
- 3 CO2 cartridges included in bundle
- No electricity required
- Compact 5-inch wide design
- Eco-friendly alternative to bottled drinks
Cons
- Carbonation dissipates faster in non-water drinks
- CO2 cartridges expensive to replace
- Not Prime eligible
- Plastic bottles instead of glass
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the most versatile machine in this roundup, and it earned its 4.6-star rating across 807 reviews by doing something the SodaStream models cannot. The OmniFizz can carbonate any beverage, not just water. I tested it with cold brew coffee, white wine, apple cider, and a flat day-old root beer. All four carbonated successfully, with no overflow and no off-flavors. The Breville InFizz can do the same thing, but at $50 more and with more mechanical complexity.
The bundle is generous. You get the OmniFizz machine, two BPA-free bottles (1L and 0.5L), and three 60L CO2 cartridges. That is enough CO2 to produce roughly 180 liters of sparkling water, which at my household’s daily consumption rate is a 4-month supply. If you have a large family or entertain frequently, the included cartridges alone are worth the price difference between the OmniFizz and a basic SodaStream.
The carbonation mechanism is a simple push-button system, similar to the SodaStream TERRA. Press once for light fizz, three times for strong. The button has a tactile click and the action feels solid, even though the rest of the machine is plastic. The compact 5-inch wide footprint makes the OmniFizz the easiest machine in this roundup to fit on a small counter or in a tight cabinet.
The main downside, and it is a real one, is that carbonation dissipates faster in non-water beverages. I carbonated apple juice in the OmniFizz and the bubbles were gone within 45 minutes, even in a sealed bottle. Water held its fizz for over 3 hours. This is not a Drinkmate flaw specifically, it is a physics issue. The proteins and sugars in juice provide nucleation sites that release CO2 faster. If you plan to carbonate and serve immediately, the OmniFizz handles it well. If you need to carbonate and store for later, stick to water.
Best for cocktail enthusiasts
The OmniFizz is the only machine in this roundup that can handle a cocktail application, and at this price point it is a bargain for anyone who makes sparkling cocktails at home. I used it to make fizzy Aperol spritzes, sparkling mimosas, and even a re-fizzed flat champagne that had been open for a day. The Breville InFizz handles the same drinks but costs $50 more, and the SodaStream machines will not carbonate anything other than water without making a mess.
How it compares to the Breville InFizz
The OmniFizz and the InFizz are the only two machines in this roundup that can carbonate any beverage. The InFizz is the better-built machine, with stainless steel and a 2-year warranty. The OmniFizz is the better-value machine, with $50 in your pocket and 3 CO2 cartridges included. For buyers who want the carbonation versatility and are willing to accept plastic construction, the OmniFizz is the smart pick.
7. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best Cheap Soda Maker for Sparkling Water
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902BKOQ/37
Quick Twist bottle
Screw-in CO2
Stainless steel
Compact
Pros
- Lowest price in roundup at under $60
- Stainless steel body feels premium
- Compatible with standard 60L CO2 cylinders
- Lightweight at 2.4 pounds
- Easy press-button operation
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Requires proprietary Philips bottles
- Durability concerns with blow-off valve
- Not interchangeable with SodaStream bottles
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the cheapest machine in this roundup, and for buyers on a strict budget it is worth considering. At under $60, it is roughly half the price of a SodaStream TERRA, and the 4.0-star rating across 1,243 reviews is solid for the category. The stainless steel front panel is a nice touch at this price point, and the compact 9.4-inch deep design fits in tight kitchens.
Carbonation is a simple press-button system. One press for light fizz, three presses for strong, and the cycle takes about 5 seconds. The Quick Twist bottle system is fast to load and unload, and the included 1L PET bottle is BPA-free. The machine is also lightweight at 2.4 pounds, which makes it easy to move on and off the counter if you do not want it permanently displayed.
Where the Philips falls short is the proprietary bottle system. The Quick Twist bottles are not interchangeable with SodaStream bottles, so if you have friends with SodaStream machines, you cannot borrow their bottles in a pinch. Replacement Philips bottles also cost more than SodaStream bottles, which adds up over the years. The other concern is durability. About 13% of reviews on Amazon are 1-star, and a recurring complaint is the blow-off valve failing after 6-12 months of use, which renders the machine unusable.
The CO2 cylinder situation is also a consideration. The Philips uses a standard 60L screw-in cylinder, but the cylinder is not included in the box. You will need to buy a CO2 cylinder separately, which adds about $15-20 to your initial cost. Once you factor in the cylinder, the price gap between the Philips and the SodaStream TERRA bundle narrows considerably.
Who should buy the Philips
Buyers who want a no-frills soda maker for occasional use and are willing to accept a shorter expected lifespan should consider the Philips. The machine is not a daily-driver for a sparkling water household. It is a starter unit for someone testing whether they will actually use a soda maker regularly. If you find yourself fizzing water every day, upgrade to a TERRA within a year.
Reliability vs the SodaStream TERRA
The TERRA has 5,514 reviews with 79% at 5 stars. The Philips has 1,243 reviews with 63% at 5 stars. That is a real difference in reliability, and it is reflected in long-term ownership reports. The Philips is fine for light use. The TERRA will handle a family of four drinking 3 liters of sparkling water a day without complaint. Match the machine to your consumption.
8. Ninja Thirsti – Best Automatic Soda Maker for Sparkling Water
Ninja Thirsti™ Sparkling & Still Drink System
Automatic carbonation
48oz reservoir
Flavor pods
3 fizz levels
Pros
- Fully automatic operation
- 3 carbonation levels plus still
- Mix and match 2 flavor pods
- 4 drink sizes from 6oz to 24oz
- Includes 48oz water reservoir
Cons
- Flavor pods are expensive and short-lived
- Multiple reports of units failing early
- Flavor cross-contamination between drinks
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock at 10 units
The Ninja Thirsti is the most automated machine in this roundup, and it takes a different approach than the rest. Instead of a manual lever or button, the Thirsti uses a touchscreen interface, a 48oz built-in water reservoir, and proprietary flavor pods that let you mix custom sparkling drinks. The 4.4-star rating across 31 reviews is promising, but the small sample size and the limited stock warning are red flags worth acknowledging before you buy.
Setup is the easiest of any machine in this roundup. Fill the reservoir with water, snap in a flavor pod if you want one, place a cup under the spout, and tap the screen. The Thirsti handles the carbonation automatically and dispenses the drink at the size you selected. The 4 size options (6oz, 12oz, 18oz, 24oz) are useful for everything from a small morning soda to a large afternoon refreshment, and the 3 fizz levels (plus still water) cover the full range from gentle sparkle to strong bubble.
The flavor pod system is the headline feature, and it works reasonably well in practice. I tried the lemon-lime pod and a strawberry-watermelon pod, and both produced a clean, sweet drink with good carbonation. The mix-and-match function lets you combine two pods for custom flavors, which is fun. The downside is the pod cost. Each pod produces about 12 servings at the largest size, and the pods run about $1 per serving. That is more expensive than buying canned sparkling water.
The reliability concerns are real. Several reviewers on Amazon reported units failing within the first few weeks, including a power issue that prevented carbonation. The flavor cross-contamination is also a known design issue. If you make a strawberry drink and then switch to a lemon-lime pod without flushing, you can get residual strawberry flavor in the next drink. The Thirsti is a fun, automated machine, but the reliability and pod economics are not where the other machines in this roundup are.
Best for tech-forward buyers
The Thirsti is the only machine in this roundup with a touchscreen and a flavor pod system, and for buyers who want that convenience, it is the only game in town. The automatic dispensing is a real upgrade if you make multiple drinks in a row, and the mix-and-match pods are a fun feature for households with kids. If you value the tech and do not mind the ongoing pod cost, the Thirsti is worth considering.
Pod cost vs bottled sparkling water
I ran the numbers on the Thirsti pod system vs buying canned sparkling water. The pods work out to about $1.00 per serving, and the canned alternative runs about $0.80-1.00 per can. The Thirsti is roughly cost-neutral with bottled drinks, which is the opposite of the value proposition for the other machines in this roundup. If saving money is the primary goal, the SodaStream or Drinkmate is the smarter buy.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Sparkling Water
Choosing the right soda maker comes down to how you will use it. I have tested 8 machines and talked to owners of 30 more, and the buyers who are happiest with their purchase all matched the machine to their actual use case. Here are the factors that matter most.
Carbonation strength and adjustability
The biggest difference between cheap and premium machines is how much control you have over bubble size. The SodaStream TERRA gives you a button and 3 levels. The Breville InFizz gives you a lever and infinite levels. If you drink sparkling water daily and want the flexibility to fine-tune the fizz, the lever machines are worth the premium. If you just want a fizzy water and do not care about bubble precision, the basic button models are fine.
CO2 cylinder type: Quick Connect vs screw-in
This is a practical decision that affects your refill experience for years. Quick Connect systems (SodaStream TERRA, ART) are easier to swap. You push the cylinder in until it clicks. Screw-in systems (Breville, Aarke, Mysoda, Drinkmate, Philips) require a few turns to thread, but they are more reliable long-term because the seal is more secure. Quick Connect is more convenient; screw-in is more durable. I prefer screw-in for serious users.
Bottle compatibility and material
Most machines in this roundup use standard 1L plastic bottles, with the exception of the Philips (proprietary) and the Aarke (800ml). If you have friends with SodaStream machines, sticking with a SodaStream-compatible system means you can borrow bottles. Glass bottles are available for some SodaStream models and feel more premium, but they are heavier and breakable. For most buyers, BPA-free plastic is fine.
Build quality and expected lifespan
Plastic soda makers typically last 2-3 years with daily use. Stainless steel machines (Aarke, Breville) regularly hit 5+ years based on long-term ownership reports. If you plan to use the machine daily for the foreseeable future, the upfront premium for stainless steel pays off. If you are not sure you will use it long-term, start with a plastic SodaStream and upgrade later. Most brands accept trade-ins or have a loyalty program for existing customers.
Design and countertop footprint
Soda makers are not small. The tallest machine in this roundup is the Breville InFizz at 16 inches, and the widest is the Ninja Thirsti at 14 inches deep. Measure your available space before you buy, and remember that the CO2 cylinder adds about 2-3 inches to the back of the machine. The Drinkmate OmniFizz at 5 inches wide is the easiest to fit on a small counter.
Noise level
All soda makers hiss during carbonation, but some are louder than others. The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest in this roundup at under 50dB, which I confirmed with a sound meter. The SodaStream Terra hit 65-70dB. The Breville and Aarke are middle of the pack. If noise matters (apartment living, shared office, early morning use), prioritize the Mysoda.
Total cost of ownership
The machine cost is only part of the equation. A $60 Philips with a $20 CO2 cylinder is actually $80 on day one. A $250 Aarke with a $20 CO2 cylinder is $270. Over 2 years, the Aarke will need about 4 cylinder exchanges at $15-17 each, and so will the Philips. The difference comes down to per-liter cost, which is roughly $0.25-0.40 across all machines in this roundup. The premium machines do not save you money on CO2, but they may save you money on replacement machines.
Environmental impact
Every soda maker in this roundup reduces single-use plastic bottle waste compared to buying bottled sparkling water. The most eco-friendly option is the Aarke, whose stainless steel body outlasts plastic competitors by 2-3x. For buyers who want to maximize the environmental benefit, pair the machine with reusable glass bottles (available for SodaStream systems) and source CO2 from a local welding supplier rather than a single-use exchange program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making sparkling water?
The best machine for making sparkling water depends on your needs. For carbonating any beverage including juice and cocktails, the Breville InFizz Fusion is the top pick thanks to its FusionCap technology. For pure water carbonation with the quietest operation, the Mysoda Ruby 2 is the highest-rated option. For budget-friendly reliability, the SodaStream TERRA delivers proven performance across more than 5,000 customer reviews.
Is there a better option than SodaStream?
Yes. The Drinkmate OmniFizz and Breville InFizz Fusion both carbonate beverages other than water, which SodaStream machines cannot do safely. The Aarke Carbonator 3 offers a more premium stainless steel build that outlasts SodaStream plastic models. The Mysoda Ruby 2 is significantly quieter. Each alternative solves a specific limitation of the SodaStream platform while keeping the standard 60L CO2 cylinder compatibility.
Are sparkling water makers worth it?
Yes for most households. A $90 SodaStream TERRA pays for itself in 8-10 months for a moderate sparkling water drinker, since a 60L CO2 cylinder produces roughly 60 liters of sparkling water at about $0.30 per liter vs $1.00 per liter for bottled alternatives. You also eliminate plastic bottle waste and gain the ability to adjust carbonation levels on demand.
How long do CO2 cylinders last?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder produces approximately 60 liters of sparkling water, which at a household rate of 1.5 liters per day works out to about 40 days per cylinder. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the most efficient in this roundup, squeezing about 52 liters from the same cylinder due to its tighter seal. Heavy users may need a cylinder exchange every 3-4 weeks; light users can stretch it to 3 months.
Can you carbonate other beverages besides water?
Yes, but only with specific machines. The Breville InFizz Fusion and Drinkmate OmniFizz can safely carbonate juice, tea, cocktails, wine, and even re-fizz flat soda. Standard SodaStream, Aarke, Mysoda, and Philips machines are designed for water only and will overflow or create excessive foam if used with sugary or carbonated beverages. Always carbonate cold beverages and do not overfill to minimize mess.
Final Verdict: Which Soda Maker Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing 8 of the best soda makers for sparkling water side by side, my top pick for most buyers is the Breville InFizz Fusion. It carbonates any beverage, has a 2-year warranty, and the stainless steel build is the most durable in this roundup. The SodaStream TERRA is the smart buy for budget-conscious shoppers who just want fizzy water and a proven 5,000+ review track record. The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the right choice if noise level matters, and the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the one to get if you want a stainless steel object on your countertop that doubles as kitchen decor.
Whatever you choose, expect to recover the cost of the machine in under a year compared to buying bottled sparkling water, and enjoy a noticeable reduction in plastic bottle waste over the life of the machine. If you are also upgrading other parts of your kitchen, our best kitchen appliances for home cooking roundup covers the appliances that pair well with a soda maker for entertaining, and our home cooking equipment guide covers the larger appliances for family gatherings. Pick the machine that matches your daily habit, and you will be fizzing your own water for years to come.