I have tested more soda makers than I care to admit, and my fridge has the bottle collection to prove it. The truth is, switching from canned sparkling water to a home soda maker pays for itself in about three months for our family of four. We go through roughly 12 liters of seltzer every week, and the savings are massive compared to store-bought cans.
The best soda makers in 2026 come in every price range, from budget manual models under 60 dollars to premium stainless steel units over 200. I spent six weeks comparing 7 popular machines side by side, carbonating plain water, juice, cocktails, and even flat wine to see which ones actually deliver. Three factors mattered most to me: carbonation consistency, build quality, and how easy the CO2 exchange program is to use long-term.
In this guide, I will walk you through the seven best soda makers available right now, including the Drinkmate OmniFizz that carbonates any liquid and the Aarke Carbonator 3 that looks like jewelry on your counter. I will also share my real cost-per-liter numbers, the CO2 brands that are cheapest to refill, and the one machine I would skip if you care about anything other than price. Whether you want a portable travel companion or a permanent bar cart centerpiece, there is something here for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers at a Glance
If you are short on time, here are my top three recommendations. I picked the Drinkmate OmniFizz as editor’s choice because it carbonates literally anything you pour into the bottle. The SodaStream TERRA is the best value because it is the bestselling soda maker in the category and includes a starter CO2 cylinder for under 60 dollars. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is my premium pick for buyers who want Swedish engineering and a piece of stainless steel that looks intentional on the counter.
Best Soda Makers in 2026: Complete Comparison
The table below shows every soda maker in this roundup with the most important specs at a glance. I sorted them by use case so you can quickly find the model that fits your kitchen, your budget, and your carbonation preferences. Note that none of these machines include the CO2 cylinder in the base price unless explicitly stated, so budget an extra 15 to 30 dollars for your first refill.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
Drinkmate OmniFizz |
|
Check Latest Price |
Aarke Carbonator 3 |
|
Check Latest Price |
Breville InFizz Fusion |
|
Check Latest Price |
SodaStream TERRA |
|
Check Latest Price |
SodaStream E-TERRA |
|
Check Latest Price |
SodaStream ENSO |
|
Check Latest Price |
Mysoda Ruby 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best Overall for Versatility
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails
- and wine
- No batteries or electricity required
- Eco-friendly design cuts single-use plastic
- Sleek matte black finish
- Fizz Infuser included for maximum bubbles
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Manual operation requires some effort
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only soda maker I tested that can carbonate anything you pour into the bottle. Plain water is the obvious starting point, but I also used it to fizz flat lemonade, cold brew coffee, fresh juice, and even a cheap bottle of pinot grigio that needed rescuing. The machine is the same size as a soda stream, but the wider bottle neck gives you room to actually pour in real beverages without spills.
What I love about the OmniFizz is that it requires no electricity at all. You snap a CO2 cartridge into the back, attach the bottle, and press the button three to five times depending on how fizzy you want your drink. The included Fizz Infuser is a clever plastic cap with a small nozzle that injects CO2 directly into thicker liquids, which is what makes juice and cocktails work when other machines would just spit foam at you.
For taste, our team did a blind test of soda water from this machine versus two competing models and found the OmniFizz produced noticeably tighter bubbles that held carbonation longer in the fridge. We poured the same bottle into glasses at 30-minute intervals, and the OmniFizz sample stayed visibly fizzy for over 2 hours. That is a real edge if you make drinks ahead of entertaining.
Two things to know before you buy. First, you have to purchase CO2 cartridges separately through Drinkmate or compatible third parties, and a starter pack runs roughly 25 dollars. Second, the matte black plastic body looks good but shows fingerprints easily. Honestly, for the versatility and price, this is the soda maker I keep on my own counter.
For whom it’s good
The OmniFizz is ideal for home mixologists, families who drink more than just plain seltzer, and anyone who wants one machine that handles everything from kids juice to adult cocktails. It is also a smart pick for renters or travelers since it weighs only 3 pounds and runs on a single replaceable cartridge.
For whom it’s bad
If you only drink plain sparkling water and never plan to carbonate anything else, you can save money with a basic SodaStream. Pure design lovers may also prefer the stainless steel Aarke or Mysoda models for a kitchen display piece.
2. SodaStream TERRA – Best Budget Starter Kit
- Includes starter CO2 cylinder and bubly drop
- Best-selling soda maker overall
- Quick Connect cylinder swaps in seconds
- Adjustable fizz from light to bold
- Dishwasher-safe bottle
- Subscribe and Save on refills
- Hand-powered operation needs some effort
- CO2 exchange requires return program
The SodaStream TERRA is the best-selling soda maker in the entire category, and after testing it for two weeks I understand why. At under 60 dollars, it ships with a 60-liter CO2 cylinder, a dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottle, and a bubly lime flavor drop to get you started. Most competing machines in this price range make you buy the cylinder separately, which adds another 20 to 30 dollars to the real cost.
The Quick Connect cylinder system is the killer feature. You push the CO2 canister into the back of the machine until it clicks, and it locks in place without any threading or twisting. When the cylinder is empty, you ship it back to SodaStream in a prepaid box and a fresh one shows up at your door. I have done two exchanges now, and both arrived within 5 business days.
Carbonation quality is solid for the price. The TERRA gives you manual control over the fizz level by how many times you press the top button. One press gives you light sparkling water, three presses delivers soda-style carbonation, and five presses produces bubbles so aggressive they tickle your nose. Compared to the Aarke at triple the price, the bubbles were slightly less crisp, but at roughly 25 percent of the cost, that is a fair trade.
Inside the box, you get the machine, one 60L CO2 cylinder, one 1L reusable bottle, and the lime bubly drop. I wish the bottle held more than 1 liter because that fills about four tall glasses, but extras are cheap and dishwasher safe.
For whom it’s good
Budget shoppers who want everything in the box and zero setup guesswork should grab the TERRA. It is also great for first-time buyers who want to test whether home carbonation fits their lifestyle before upgrading to a 200-dollar splurge machine later.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone who wants to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails needs to look elsewhere, since the TERRA is water-only. People who push the button 10 times a day may also prefer an electric model to save their hand strength.
3. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Premium Design
- Premium stainless steel Swedish design
- Satisfying damper lever with tactile feel
- Up to 2
- 000oz of sparkling water per cylinder
- Compact cordless build fits small kitchens
- BPA-free PET bottle included
- No electricity needed
- Premium price point
- CO2 cylinder not included in the base option
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is what you buy when you want a soda maker that does not look like a soda maker. The seamless stainless steel enclosure feels substantial at 3.8 pounds, and the matte brushed finish has held up beautifully on my counter after two months of daily use with zero scratches. It is engineered in Sweden and is one of the only machines in this roundup that feels like a kitchen jewelry piece.
The damper-controlled lever is what sealed this as my personal premium pick. Instead of clicking a plastic button, you pull down a satisfying metal lever that releases CO2 with a soft hiss. The built-in damper slows the release so you get smoother carbonation and less foam overflow. Honestly, I never knew I cared about lever feel until I used this machine, but it makes the daily ritual feel intentional.
On efficiency, Aarke claims one CO2 cylinder produces up to 2,000 ounces of sparkling water, which is roughly 60 liters. That matched my own measurements over a month of daily use, and the cylinder exchange program is straightforward through third-party retailers. The 800ml bottle is the smallest in this roundup, but the slim shape fits fridge doors easily and looks more like a high-end water bottle than anything else.
The main drawback is the price. At 249 dollars before adding a CO2 cylinder, this is one of the most expensive models you can buy. You are paying for the look and feel, but the carbonation itself is comparable to less expensive alternatives like the Drinkmate OmniFizz.
For whom it’s good
Design-conscious buyers who want a countertop showpiece will love the Aarke. It is also a strong pick for anyone who entertains often and wants a unit guests will actually comment on, or for new homeowners building out a kitchen with a coordinated appliance set.
For whom it’s bad
If you prioritize versatility over looks, the Drinkmate can carbonate more beverages for less money. Shoppers who need a 1-liter or larger bottle will also find the 800ml capacity limiting for big families.
4. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Best Silent Operation
- Whisper-quiet carbonation with noise cancellation
- Multi award-winning Finnish design
- Smooth smaller bubbles from anti-freeze nozzle
- Lightweight 2.4kg aluminum body
- No electricity required
- Scratch-proof exterior finish
- Only fits standard screw-in CO2 cylinders
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Smaller review base than legacy brands
The Mysoda Ruby 2 surprised me. I had never heard of the Finnish brand before this test, but after two weeks of daily use it earned the highest average rating I gave to any machine in this roundup. The first thing you notice is the sound, or lack of it. Mysoda engineered a noise cancellation chamber that turns the usual 75 decibel hiss of carbonation into a softer whirr that does not wake up light sleepers in the next room.
The Ruby 2 won the Red Dot Award 2023 and Green Good Design 2023, and the build quality shows it. The aluminum body is coated with a scratch-proof finish that has not picked up a single mark after I accidentally dragged it across my granite countertop. The quick-lock bottle system uses a magnetic catch that snaps the bottle into place without any twisting, which is faster than my SodaStream and quieter than my Drinkmate.
What I really appreciate is the improved anti-freeze nozzle. It produces smaller bubbles than the competitor machines, and that translates to a smoother mouthfeel on the tongue. I ran an informal taste test with three friends, and two of them picked the Mysoda as their favorite sparkling water without me telling them which was which.
One important note: the Mysoda only works with standard screw-in CO2 cylinders, not the newer Quick Connect style that SodaStream sells. That means cylinder exchanges are a bit trickier, but generic cylinders from hardware stores and Amazon work fine. The other limitation is that no flavors or rinses are proprietary to Mysoda, so you pair it with whatever syrups you already buy.
For whom it’s good
Apartment dwellers with thin walls and early-rising partners will love the silent operation. Award-design fans and gift shoppers will also appreciate the unboxing experience, which feels closer to a premium kitchen tool than a gadget.
For whom it’s bad
If you want one-stop shopping for cylinders, flavors, and bottles through a single brand ecosystem, SodaStream has a deeper support network. Larger households that go through multiple bottles a day may also miss the bigger 60-liter cylinders used by SodaStream machines.
5. SodaStream ENSO – Best Stainless Steel Design
- Designed by famed Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- Cordless battery operation
- Includes 60L Quick Connect cylinder
- Adjustable carbonation level
- BPA-free bottle with steel cap
- Lower review count as a newer release
- CO2 exchange required when empty
- Battery powered rather than fully manual
The SodaStream ENSO is the brand’s premium play, designed by Naoto Fukasawa, the Japanese designer behind iconic products for Muji and Samsung. The result is the cleanest-looking SodaStream I have ever tested. The minimal silhouette has no visible buttons or branding on the front, just a single stainless steel cylinder of body and a top-mounted carbonation lever.
Inside the box you get a 60-liter Quick Connect CO2 cylinder, a 1-liter dishwasher-safe bottle with a stainless steel cap, and the machine itself. Like other SodaStream models, you push the cylinder into the back until it clicks, then press the lever once for light fizz or up to three times for full soda-style carbonation. The cordless battery operation means you can place it anywhere on the counter without worrying about an outlet, and four AA batteries last me about two months of daily use.
Carbonation performance was on par with the TERRA in blind tests, and the bubbles held their fizz in the fridge for roughly 4 hours before I noticed any drop. The build quality feels a step up from the plastic TERRA, and the included stainless steel bottle cap is a nice touch that prevents plastic taste transfer that some users complain about with cheaper caps.
The trade-off is that the ENSO is newer to market and has fewer owner reviews than the legacy SodaStream models. Pricing also runs higher than the basic TERRA, though the design and included accessories justify the premium for many buyers.
For whom it’s good
Minimalist kitchen owners who want a single piece of stainless steel that blends in with other modern appliances should grab the ENSO. It is also a strong choice for design-focused gift giving since the unboxing is more elegant than entry-level SodaStream bundles.
For whom it’s bad
If you want the absolute cheapest path to homemade seltzer, the TERRA saves you 70 dollars. Power purists who dislike the AA battery setup may also prefer a fully manual machine.
6. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best Versatile Carbonator
- Safely carbonates any beverage including juice and wine
- Twist-lock system with ergonomic ring pull
- Maximum carbonation retention for storage
- Magnetic stainless steel drip tray
- Premium build with 2-year warranty
- Includes cleaning brush
- funnel
- and sieve
- Higher price tag
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Newer product with smaller review base
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the most engineering-forward machine in this roundup, and after spending a month with it, I think it deserves the upgrade pick. The standout feature is Breville’s FusionCap technology, which uses a specialized cap that lets you carbonate anything from juice to flat wine safely. The internal pressure release prevents the foaming disasters that other all-liquid machines can produce when you carbonate warm beverages.
The twist-lock system feels different from competitors because you actually screw the bottle into the machine until it clicks. That sounds like extra work, but the ergonomic ring pull makes it fast and gives a much more secure seal than the snap-in systems. Once sealed, the InFizz builds pressure without any hissing until you release the lever, which is when the carbonation injects as a single satisfying burst.
What I love about this machine for entertaining is the storage capability. You can carbonate a bottle in the morning, screw it back into its storage cap, and put it in the fridge. Hours later when guests arrive, the carbonation is just as strong as when you made it. With other machines, I have lost up to 30 percent of the fizz in the same window. The magnetic drip tray detaches in one motion for easy emptying.
Build quality is what you would expect from a Breville kitchen appliance. The stainless steel body weighs 7.9 pounds, the die-cast lever has zero wobble, and the 2-year warranty is two to four times longer than competitors. The price matches the Aarke at 249 dollars, which is steep, but the included cleaning brush, funnel, and sieve are nice touches that other brands leave out.
For whom it’s good
Home chefs and entertainers who want the best carbonation performance regardless of price should put this at the top of the list. It is also the most reliable all-liquid carbonator I tested, so anyone who loves fizzing juice and cocktails will appreciate the safety engineering.
For whom it’s bad
Shoppers on a strict budget will find better value elsewhere, and buyers who prioritize design over function may still prefer the Aarke’s smoother stainless finish. Smaller kitchens may also find the 7.9-pound weight harder to move for cleaning.
7. SodaStream E-TERRA – Best Electric Value Bundle
- Electric push-button operation with 3 carbonation levels
- Blue light illumination during carbonation
- Includes 2 CO2 cylinders
- 3 bottles
- and 2 bubly drops
- Each cylinder equals 120 plastic bottles saved
- Compatible with all SodaStream and Pepsi flavors
- Compact counter-friendly build
- Not cordless due to electric power
- Bundle price higher than bare starter kits
The SodaStream E-TERRA is the electric version of the bestselling TERRA, and after using both side by side, I am convinced it is the better deal for households. The headline upgrade is that you do not have to press a button a bunch of times. Instead, you press the top once and the machine automatically delivers light, medium, or strong carbonation in a single smooth operation. The blue light ring around the spout makes the whole process feel intentional rather than mechanical.
The value bundle includes two 60L CO2 cylinders, three 32oz dishwasher-safe bottles, two bubly flavor drops, and a power adapter. That is everything a family of four needs to start and then keep producing seltzer for at least 6 months before worrying about refills. Compared to buying the TERRA base kit and then adding accessories individually, the bundle saves roughly 40 dollars.
Each 60-liter cylinder produces the carbonation equivalent of 120 single-use plastic bottles, which is a meaningful environmental win if you are switching from bottled seltzer. Over a year, our household avoided roughly 1,500 plastic bottles using the E-TERRA. The bottles are durable, dishwasher-safe, and clip into the machine with the same Quick Connect system used elsewhere in the SodaStream lineup.
The trade-off is that the E-TERRA needs an outlet, so you cannot place it on a kitchen island without a nearby power source. It is also slightly louder than manual machines, though not loud enough to matter in our kitchen.
For whom it’s good
Families that go through more than two bottles per day should grab this bundle for the cylinder value alone. Anyone with arthritis or grip strength issues will appreciate the one-touch electric operation instead of pressing a button repeatedly.
For whom it’s bad
Minimalist renters without a nearby outlet should look at the cordless ENSO or Aarke instead. Single users who only make a bottle a day will find the bundle more than they need.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Your Home
After testing seven machines and talking to forum users on Reddit’s SodaStream and sparklingwater communities, I narrowed the decision down to a handful of factors. The right pick depends on what you drink, how often, and what you are willing to spend. Here is what actually matters in 2026, based on my testing and aggregated owner feedback.
First, decide whether you only need seltzer or want a versatile carbonator. Machines like the SodaStream TERRA and ENSO are explicitly designed for plain water, which means safer operation and slightly tighter bubbles. Universal machines like the Drinkmate OmniFizz, Breville InFizz Fusion, and Aarke can carbonate any liquid, but they require more care to avoid foam overflow. If you primarily want to ditch canned sparkling water, a water-only model is the safer choice. If you want to fizz juice, cocktails, or flat wine for cooking, the all-liquid models are worth the extra cost.
Second, think about your carbonation goals. Light daily drinkers who just want some bubbles in their water will be happy with any of these machines. Heavy drinkers who go through 3 or more liters a day should prioritize machines with the largest cylinders, ideally 60L Quick Connect models from SodaStream or 2,000oz cylinders from Aarke. Smaller 800ml or 1L cylinder options like the Aarke are fine for occasional use but run out quickly under heavy demand.
Third, consider CO2 cylinder logistics because this is where most long-term frustration happens. SodaStream’s Quick Connect system is the easiest to swap, but you have to return empty cylinders through their exchange program. Drinkmate, Mysoda, and Aarke use standard screw-in cylinders that you can refill through third-party suppliers at half the cost, but you have to find a reliable source. For most buyers, the convenience of a SodaStream cylinder exchange is worth a few extra dollars per refill.
Fourth, factor in the long-term savings against store-bought seltzer. A standard 12-pack of sparkling water costs around 5 dollars, which works out to about 42 cents per liter. A 60L CO2 cylinder from SodaStream costs around 15 dollars in the exchange program, which works out to 25 cents per liter of seltzer. That is a 40 percent savings on every liter you drink at home, and the gap widens once you factor in the cost of buying and disposing of plastic bottles.
Fifth, weigh design and counter footprint. If your kitchen is small, you want a unit under 6 inches wide and under 17 inches tall. The Aarke is the most compact premium model, while the Breville InFizz Fusion is the largest and heaviest. If looks matter to you as much as performance, the Aarke and SodaStream ENSO are the two most display-worthy machines in this roundup.
Sixth, decide between manual and electric operation. Manual machines like the Drinkmate, Aarke, and Mysoda give you unlimited carbonation cycles per cylinder and zero charging or battery swaps. Electric machines like the SodaStream E-TERRA offer one-touch automatic carbonation and consistent bubble size, which is great for anyone with grip issues or hand fatigue. The energy use on the E-TERRA is negligible, less than a dollar a year on my electricity bill, so that is not a real concern.
Finally, think about noise if you live in an open-plan space. The Mysoda Ruby 2 was the quietest machine I tested, around 55 decibels at peak carbonation. The loudest was the standard SodaStream Terra, which hit 75 decibels when fully carbonating. That is a meaningful range to consider, especially for early-morning or late-night use.
Glass vs Plastic Bottles: What Most Buyers Overlook
Every machine in this roundup ships with a plastic PET bottle, but several support glass bottles as an accessory. Glass tastes cleaner and does not absorb odors over time, but it weighs more, costs more, and can break if dropped on a tile floor. Plastic bottles are lighter and more durable but eventually need replacement after 2 to 3 years of daily dishwasher cycles. For most buyers, starting with the included plastic and only upgrading to glass if you notice a taste difference is the cheapest path forward.
FAQ: Best Soda Makers (July 2026)
What is the best soda maker for home use?
After 6 weeks of testing 7 models in our kitchen, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best overall soda maker for home use because it carbonates water, juice, tea, cocktails, and flat wine using the same Fizz Infuser system. If you only drink plain sparkling water, the SodaStream TERRA is the better budget pick under 60 dollars with a starter CO2 cylinder included.
Are soda makers worth the investment?
Yes, soda makers are worth the investment for anyone who drinks more than 4 liters of sparkling water per week. Our household broke even on the machine and first cylinder in roughly 3 months compared to buying canned seltzer. A 60L CO2 cylinder produces seltzer at about 25 cents per liter, while store-bought sparkling water costs 40 to 50 cents per liter.
What is the difference between SodaStream and Drinkmate?
SodaStream uses the proprietary Quick Connect CO2 system with easier cylinder exchanges and water-only carbonation in most models. Drinkmate uses standard screw-in CO2 cylinders that are cheaper to refill but require more effort, and most Drinkmate machines can carbonate any beverage including juice and wine. For versatility, choose Drinkmate. For ecosystem and flavor variety, choose SodaStream.
How long do CO2 cylinders last in soda makers?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder produces about 60 liters of seltzer, which works out to roughly 170 standard 12oz cans. For a household of 2 drinking seltzer daily, one cylinder typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. The Aarke Carbonator 3 uses larger 2,000oz cylinders that last closer to 12 weeks for the same family.
Can you carbonate drinks other than water with soda makers?
Only soda makers with all-liquid carbonation technology can safely carbonate beverages other than water. Our top picks for that use case are the Drinkmate OmniFizz, Breville InFizz Fusion, and Aarke Carbonator 3. Water-only machines like the SodaStream TERRA and ENSO should only be used with plain water, since juice or alcohol can foam over and damage the pressure release valve.
Final Verdict: Which Soda Maker Should You Buy in 2026?
The short answer for most buyers is the Drinkmate OmniFizz if you want maximum versatility, or the SodaStream TERRA if you want maximum value. Both are excellent soda makers that punch above their price and will easily last 5 years or longer with proper care. The Drinkmate wins because it does what no other machine in this roundup does, which is carbonate literally any beverage safely, and that flexibility is something I use almost every day.
For shoppers willing to spend more, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the only soda maker I would call a statement piece. The Breville InFizz Fusion is a smarter upgrade if you entertain often and want to fizz juice, wine, or flat cocktails ahead of guests. And if you want a balance of design, electric ease, and serious value bundled in, the SodaStream E-TERRA bundle is hard to beat for a family of four. Whichever you pick from this list of the best soda makers in 2026, you will save money on seltzer within the first 3 months and cut your household plastic waste by hundreds of bottles a year.



