You don't have to buy expensive soda from the grocery store anymore. Making your own carbonated drinks at home is a game changer, offering benefits such as saving money, reducing plastic waste, drinking less sugar and eliminating last-minute trips to the store. We tested eight soda machine models to find the best for whipping up your own fizzy drinks without ever leaving the kitchen, including leading brands like SodaStream, Ninja and Aarke. We focused on appearance, speed and the ability to deliver crisp, refreshing bubbles comparable to store-bought drinks, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each product.
Our Picks
Why I like it: The SodaStream Terra consistently makes sparkling water with simple manual pumps. It is easy to operate, doesn't take up much counter space and is the most affordable model on this list. A recent improvement allows the CO2 canister to click into the back, simplifying the loading process, and SodaStream offers an easy exchange program for cartridges at about half price ($17).
Pros
- Does what it's supposed to and makes sparkling water consistently
- You can tailor the fizz level to your liking
- New Quick Connect feature makes loading the CO2 canister even easier
Cons
- Plastic frame feels a bit flimsy
- SodaStreams often break after two years of steady use
- This and other models are a bit overpriced for what they are
Why I like it: The Ninja Thirsti beverage system offers greater versatility than a standard SodaStream, as it's an electronic drink maker that not only carbonates water but also allows for electronic addition of flavors, caffeine, vitamins and other enhancements. It provides full control over flavor strength and carbonation levels in various serving sizes (6, 12, 18 or 24 ounces). Users can choose from over 20 water drops, adding up to two at a time, to create fruity beverages, lemonade and flavored sparkling water in about 3 seconds. All beverages are zero-calorie, with some sweetened with sucralose, and "Splash" pods offer essence-only options.
Pros
- Adds flavors and other enhancements to water
- Cheaper alternative to bottles and cans
- Allows full control over flavor strength and carbonation levels
- More versatility than a SodaStream
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some flavors pods had a chemical taste
- More expensive than most SodaStreams
- Wider body than other carbonators
Why I like it: The Aarke III Carbonator is arguably the best-looking soda water maker on the market, built almost entirely from metal (unlike most others made from plastic) and available in six attractive finishes. It boasts a chic design, including its accompanying plastic and stainless steel bottle, and a slim profile that saves counter space, offering a vintage malt shop appeal. It performs well in making sparkling water and is easy to set up and operate. Crucially, it works with SodaStream CO2 canisters, allowing users to take advantage of their exchange programs.
Pros
- The best-looking carbonator on the market
- Made almost completely from steel and available in six attractive finishes
- Makes sparkling water as promised
- Easy to set up and operate
- Works with SodaStream CO2 canisters for easy exchange
Cons
- The most expensive at-home carbonator
- The $219 price does not include a CO2 canister
- Somewhat inconsistent when emitting gas
Why I like it: The SodaStream Aqua Fizz offers an elevated design with its shapely glass carafe and a metal base, making it ideal for serving at dinner parties. It performs all the functions of other SodaStream models but with a premium aesthetic. The enclosed chamber for bottles also helps to dampen noise during carbonation, making it quieter than other models. It is a more affordable premium option compared to the Aarke.
Pros
- Glass bottles are classy and easy to clean
- Enclosed chamber dampens the noise
Cons
- Replacement bottles are expensive
- Bottles are smaller so you'll need to carbonate more often
Best soda makers to buy in 2026
Best soda maker overall
SodaStream Terra
Pros
- Does what it's supposed to and makes sparkling water consistently
- You can tailor the fizz level to your liking
- New Quick Connect feature makes loading the CO2 canister even easier
Cons
- Plastic frame feels a bit flimsy
- SodaStreams often break after two years of steady use
- This and other models are a bit overpriced for what they are
Why I like it: The SodaStream Terra consistently makes sparkling water with simple manual pumps. It is easy to operate, doesn't take up much counter space and is the most affordable model on this list. A recent improvement allows the CO2 canister to click into the back, simplifying the loading process, and SodaStream offers an easy exchange program for cartridges at about half price ($17).
Who this is this good for: This model is ideal for most people looking for a reliable, entry-level soda maker for sparkling water, especially those who prioritize consistency, ease of use and a lower initial cost.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Those looking for the most durable or premium-feeling product may find the plastic frame a bit flimsy. Additionally, some SodaStreams tend to break after about two years of steady use, and some may find the product a bit overpriced.
Pros
- Adds flavors and other enhancements to water
- Cheaper alternative to bottles and cans
- Allows full control over flavor strength and carbonation levels
- More versatility than a SodaStream
- Easy to use
Cons
- Some flavors pods had a chemical taste
- More expensive than most SodaStreams
- Wider body than other carbonators
Why I like it: The Ninja Thirsti beverage system offers greater versatility than a standard SodaStream, as it's an electronic drink maker that not only carbonates water but also allows for electronic addition of flavors, caffeine, vitamins and other enhancements. It provides full control over flavor strength and carbonation levels in various serving sizes (6, 12, 18 or 24 ounces). Users can choose from over 20 water drops, adding up to two at a time, to create fruity beverages, lemonade and flavored sparkling water in about 3 seconds. All beverages are zero-calorie, with some sweetened with sucralose, and "Splash" pods offer essence-only options.
Who this is good for: This system is ideal for those who desire more than just sparkling water and want to create a wide variety of flavored, enhanced and carbonated beverages at home. It's also a cheaper alternative to buying bottled and canned drinks.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Individuals sensitive to the taste of sucralose, which is used to sweeten some flavor pods, should stick to the "Splash" pods. It is also more expensive than most SodaStreams at its base price of $150, and its body is wider than other carbonators, potentially taking up more counter space.
Pros
- The best-looking carbonator on the market
- Made almost completely from steel and available in six attractive finishes
- Makes sparkling water as promised
- Easy to set up and operate
- Works with SodaStream CO2 canisters for easy exchange
Cons
- The most expensive at-home carbonator
- The $219 price does not include a CO2 canister
- Somewhat inconsistent when emitting gas
Why I like it: The Aarke III Carbonator is arguably the best-looking soda water maker on the market, built almost entirely from metal (unlike most others made from plastic) and available in six attractive finishes. It boasts a chic design, including its accompanying plastic and stainless steel bottle, and a slim profile that saves counter space, offering a vintage malt shop appeal. It performs well in making sparkling water and is easy to set up and operate. Crucially, it works with SodaStream CO2 canisters, allowing users to take advantage of their exchange programs.
Who this is good for: This carbonator is best suited for consumers who prioritize design and aesthetics in their kitchen appliances and are willing to invest in a premium-looking product.
Who shouldn’t buy it: It is the most expensive at-home carbonator on the list, costing over $200, and this price does not include a CO2 canister. Additionally, it can be somewhat inconsistent when emitting gas compared to SodaStream models.
Pros
- Glass bottles are classy and easy to clean
- Enclosed chamber dampens the noise
Cons
- Replacement bottles are expensive
- Bottles are smaller so you'll need to carbonate more often
Why I like it: The SodaStream Aqua Fizz offers an elevated design with its shapely glass carafe and a metal base, making it ideal for serving at dinner parties. It performs all the functions of other SodaStream models but with a premium aesthetic. The enclosed chamber for bottles also helps to dampen noise during carbonation, making it quieter than other models. It is a more affordable premium option compared to the Aarke.
Who this is good for: This model is best for consumers who desire elegance and easy cleaning of glass carafes or those who have concerns around microplastics and value glass materials over plastic.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Replacement glass bottles are expensive, and their smaller size means you'll need to carbonate more frequently. While premium, the design may not appeal to everyone as much as the Aarke.
What we updated:
February 2025: Following extensive testing, the SodaStream Terra was named as the new best overall pick for 2025.
July 2025: We changed the superlative for the Ninja Thirsti from "best for making more than just sparkling water" to "most versatile."
Best soda makers compared
| Product | Retail price | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight | Material | Dishwasher safe | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SodaStream Terra | $60-$90 | 7.9"D x 5"W x 17"H | 60 liters | 10.65 lbs | Plastic unit, plastic bottles | Yes | Not specified |
| Ninja Thirsti Drink System | $190 | 9"H x 9.2"W x 14.5"D | 1.4 liters | 9.9 lbs | Stainless steel unit, plastic bottles | No, hand wash only | 1 year |
| Aarke III Carbonator | $250 | 16.34"D x 6.02"W x 10.16"H | 27.05 fl oz (bottle) | 3.78 lbs | Stainless steel unit, plastic bottles | Not specified | Not specified |
| SodaStream Aqua Fizz | $138 | 18.25" x 8.25" x 20.5" | 60 liters per cylinder | 17.8 lbs | Plastic unit, Glass carafes | Yes | Not specified |
Factors to consider when choosing an at-home soda maker
- Performance and consistency: Look for a machine that proficiently and consistently imparts carbon dioxide into water, regardless of the liquid type. Some machines require more effort or pumps than others.
- Ease of use: A good soda maker should be straightforward to operate and set up.
- Value and cost: Consider the initial purchase price, the cost of CO2 cartridges (and availability of exchange programs), and the long-term savings compared to buying store-bought seltzer.
- Build and sturdiness: Evaluate the construction material; machines built from metal tend to be more durable than those made from cheaper plastics.
- Aesthetics and counter space: Decide if design and appearance are important to you, as some models are specifically designed to be stylish and slim, taking up less counter real estate.
- Versatility: Determine if you only want sparkling water or if you desire a machine that can add flavors and other enhancements.
- Bottle material: Consider whether you prefer plastic or glass carafes, noting that glass carafes often come with an elevated design but may be smaller and have expensive replacements.
How we test soda-making machines
Our testing methodology for soda water makers focused primarily on general performance, ease of use, and overall value. We conducted rigorous evaluations by making at least 10 full bottles of sparkling water using each machine. During this process, we meticulously noted how proficiently and consistently each machine performed its core function of carbonating water.
To ensure comprehensive testing, we also carbonated other liquids, including fruit juice and wine. Our findings indicated that the type of liquid being carbonated did not affect the machine's performance; if a machine carbonated water well, it performed similarly across all liquids.
We paid close attention to the effort required to emit carbon dioxide into the bottles, noting that some manual machines required more muscling and pumps. Among the manual options, the SodaStream models demonstrated the most consistent performance.
Additionally, we assessed the sturdiness and build quality of each soda water maker. For instance, the Aarke III carbonator stood out for its solid stainless steel construction and stylish design. We considered these physical attributes alongside performance to provide a well-rounded evaluation.
Other soda makers we tested
DrinkMate OmniFizz [Out of Stock] This $120 sparkling water maker did a fine job carbonating water, wine and juice. I don't have much negative to say about the machine other than that the hinge at the top that connects the bottle to the machine seems like it could loosen or break over time.
SodaStream Fizzi One Touch: The SodaStream Fizzi One Touch is an electronic sparkling water maker that typically sells for about $130 but is often on sale for less. It works well and has three presets to get whatever level of carbonation you seek. This is another model I don't have any major issues with, but I just don't think it's worth the extra $54 over its manual counterpart, the Terra when it is not on sale.
Sparkel: This unique carbonation system uses powder packets instead of carbon dioxide canisters to add fizz to water. It works well, but the machine base is bulkier than most and isn't quite worth the $150 price.
Soda Sensei [Out of Stock]: This model looks nice, but it struggled a bit more than the SodaStream Terra to make consistently bubbly water.
Soda maker FAQs
How much cheaper is it to make seltzer at home?
Making seltzer at home with a SodaStream can cost roughly 25 cents per liter for exchange cartridges, which is significantly less than the 80 cents per liter for store-bought soda water. Including the initial machine cost and six annual cartridges, the total annual cost is about $202, or 56 cents per liter. Depending on how much you spend on store-bought products, over time, the soda machine pays for itself.
Are soda water makers better for the environment?
Yes. By choosing to make your own seltzer or soda at home, you can prevent hundreds of plastic bottles and cans from entering waste management and recycling systems annually. Standard carbon dioxide canisters are also reusable, which is why SodaStream offers refills at half price when you return an empty canister.
Can you carbonate other beverages with a soda water maker?
Beyond plain water, most soda water makers can add fizz to nearly any liquid. Popular options include fruit juices, flat sparkling wine and even flat beer or soda. You can even make fizzy milk if you wish.
