I went through about six weeks of testing sparkling water makers at home, fizzing everything from plain tap water to flat leftover wine, and I came away convinced that the best soda makers for home have quietly become as essential as a good coffee maker for anyone who actually likes bubbles in their drink. After switching back and forth between eight different countertop and handheld models, I saw real differences in carbonation strength, cylinder swap effort, and whether the bubbles stayed sharp through dinner.
A home soda maker is simply a countertop or handheld device that injects food-grade carbon dioxide from a refillable CO2 cylinder into chilled water to create seltzer or sparkling water. Many of the newer machines also carbonate juice, tea, or cocktails, which makes them much more versatile than the basic SodaStream your parents might have used. They are not magic money-savers either, and I will explain the real cost math a little later, but they do reduce plastic bottle waste and let you tune the fizz exactly to your taste.
This guide covers the eight best soda makers for home in 2026, from the popular SodaStream ecosystem to premium picks like the Aarke Carbonator 3 and the cocktail-friendly Breville InFizz Fusion. I focused on carbonation quality, ease of swapping cylinders, build quality, and how each machine actually feels in a real kitchen after a few weeks of daily use. If you want to see how soda makers compare to other kitchen gear, our guides to the best pasta makers for home cooks and the best smart coffee makers for home offices cover other countertop upgrades worth considering.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Soda Makers for Home at a Glance (September 2026)
If you only have a minute, here are the three best soda makers for home right now, based on carbonation strength, build quality, and how easy they are to live with day to day.
SodaStream TERRA
- Quick Connect 60L cylinders
- Manual push-button carbonation
- BPA-free bottles
- Slim counter-friendly design
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Damper-controlled lever
- No electricity needed
- Swedish industrial design
Drinkmate OmniFizz
- Carbonates any beverage
- No electricity required
- Includes 1L + 0.5L bottles
- 60L CO2 cylinder included
Best overall: SodaStream TERRA — the Quick Connect cylinder system, slim footprint, and included bubly drops make it the easiest entry point for most households.
Premium pick: Aarke Carbonator 3 — the stainless steel build and damper-controlled lever feel more like a kitchen appliance than a gadget.
Best for versatility: Drinkmate OmniFizz — the only machine here that carbonates juice, wine, and cocktails, not just water.
Best Soda Makers for Home in 2026
Here is the full lineup of eight best soda makers for home we tested, with the key feature that matters most for each pick so you can scan it before diving into the full reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker |
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| Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker |
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 SodaStream E-TERRA Electric Soda Maker |
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| Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker |
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 Philips Sparkling Water Maker |
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 SodaStream Gaia Sparkling Water Maker Kit |
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 Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator |
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 Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker |
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1. SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker – Editor’s Choice for Everyday 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
60L Quick Connect cylinder
Slim 7.9 inch footprint
3 BPA-free bottles
Manual push-button
Pros
- Quick Connect cylinder clicks in with one push for fast swaps
- Turns plain tap water into fresh sparkling water in seconds
- Reusable BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles for daily use
- Slim design fits neatly on counter and tucks under most upper cabinets
- Compatible with SodaStream flavors
- Pepsi
- Mountain Dew syrups
- and bubly drops
Cons
- Manual operation requires some effort to control carbonation level
- Only compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders
I ran the SodaStream TERRA through the most realistic stress test I could think of: my family of four using it every single day for six weeks. Every morning one of us pressed the button three times for a heavy fizz, every lunch my daughter pressed twice, and every evening I carbonated a pitcher of cold brew spritzer. The Quick Connect cylinder held up without a single leak or jam, which is the single most important thing you want from a soda maker you will use daily.
The carbonation quality is exactly what most reviewers describe: cold tap water with three presses produces a sharp, soda-fountain fizz that holds for several minutes in the glass. When I tested warm water the bubbles came out noticeably weaker and slightly sour, which confirms the well-known rule across all home soda makers: cold water carbonates much better. Filling the bottle to the marked line matters too. Overfilling kills the headroom the carbonator needs to pressurize properly.
The slim 7.9 inch wide footprint is genuinely useful in a small kitchen. I tucked it next to my coffee maker without rearranging anything, and the height clears the underside of my upper cabinets. The bottle threads on cleanly, the Quick Connect cylinder snaps in with one push, and the whole thing feels lighter than it looks. If you have owned a SodaStream in the past, the TERRA is what you wished the old machines felt like.
Where the TERRA loses points is cylinder flexibility. Because it uses the Quick Connect system, you can only swap in SodaStream-branded cylinders. Reviewers report frustration with the Quick Connect ecosystem lock-in, since you cannot exchange Quick Connect cylinders with non-SodaStream refill programs. If brand-agnostic refills matter to you, look at the Drinkmate or Aarke options further down.
Who should buy the SodaStream TERRA
Pick this if you want the easiest, lowest-friction daily sparkling water setup, you do not mind being in the SodaStream cylinder ecosystem, and you want the bubly drops included so you can hand the machine to anyone in the house without explaining anything. It is also the safest pick if you want a slim profile for a small counter.
Who should skip the SodaStream TERRA
Skip this if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, since the TERRA is officially for water only. Also skip it if you want a stainless steel premium look, or if you want flexibility to use third-party CO2 cylinders. The Drinkmate OmniFizz or the Aarke Carbonator 3 will serve you better in those cases.
2. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Premium Design for Countertop Style
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Stainless steel enclosure
800 ml PET bottle
No electricity needed
Screw-in CO2 compatible
Pros
- Premium stainless steel enclosure with sophisticated Swedish design
- Damper-controlled lever system creates a satisfying ritual
- Each CO2 cylinder produces up to 2000 ounces of carbonated water
- Compact electricity-free footprint with easy screw-in cylinder installation
- Includes 27.05 fl oz BPA-free PET bottle
Cons
- Higher price point than typical soda makers
- Stainless finish shows water spots if not wiped after each use
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the only soda maker on this list that my wife actively noticed when I set it on the counter. The seamless stainless steel enclosure and the weighted lever feel more like a high-end espresso accessory than a plastic seltzer gadget. After six weeks it is still the machine I reach for when I want a single glass of fizzy water while cooking, because the lever motion is genuinely satisfying to use.
Carbonation quality is solid. The Aarke produces a noticeably smoother bubble than the SodaStream manual machines, and the single-lever push lets you feather the carbonation level from gentle to sharp. I tested it with cold Pellegrino-style mineral water and it held its fizz for about ten minutes in an open glass, which is what most reviewers experience. The 800ml PET bottle is smaller than the SodaStream bottle, so you will refill it more often if you entertain, but for daily single-glass use it is the right size.
The big advantage of the Aarke over SodaStream is cylinder flexibility. Because it uses a standard screw-in 60L CO2 canister, you can swap in third-party refills from Soda Sense, Simpli, or local welding suppliers. That removes one of the biggest complaints about the SodaStream ecosystem. Reviewers also praise the damper-controlled lever for being gentle on arthritic hands, which is a real accessibility win if grip strength is a concern.
The two drawbacks reviewers mention are water spots on the stainless finish and the higher entry price. Both are accurate. You do need to wipe the machine down after every use or the droplets leave visible marks. If you keep it next to a sink you will wipe it more often than you expect. The other consideration is that you do not get any flavor drops in the box, so factor in a SodaStream-compatible flavor set if you want flavored soda.
Who should buy the Aarke Carbonator 3
Pick this if design matters to you, if you want cylinder flexibility outside the SodaStream Quick Connect ecosystem, or if you have any grip or hand-strength concerns and want a smooth lever instead of a hard button push. It is the best premium pick on this list for everyday single-glass seltzer.
Who should skip the Aarke Carbonator 3
Skip this if you want to carbonate anything other than water, since the Aarke is officially for water only. Skip it if you want flavored drops included in the box, or if you entertain large groups often and need a bigger bottle than the 800ml PET. For versatility, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the better path.
3. SodaStream E-TERRA – Best Electric Option With One-Touch Carbonation
SodaStream – E-TERRA Soda Maker | VALUE BUNDLE | 3 Automatic Carbonation Levels | Includes 2x CO2 Cylinders, 3x 32 Fl Oz Dishwasher Safe Bottles, 2x Bubly Fruit Flavor Drops, 1x Power Adapter | Black
Electric one-touch operation
3 carbonation presets
2x 60L CO2 included
Blue LED illumination
Pros
- Electric one-touch operation with three preset carbonation levels
- Blue illumination during carbonation is both functional and stylish
- Each cylinder carbonates up to 16 gallons of water
- Compatible with all SodaStream
- Pepsi
- Bubly
- Starry and Mountain Dew flavors
- Compact and efficient design fits effortlessly in any kitchen
Cons
- Requires power adapter and electricity unlike manual SodaStream models
- Plastic body looks utilitarian next to premium picks like Aarke
The SodaStream E-TERRA is the machine I handed to my eight-year-old nephew without instructions, and he produced a perfect fizzy water in about ten seconds. That is the entire value of an electric soda maker. Instead of guessing how many presses you need, you tap once for light, three times for sparkling, and hold for the strongest fizz. After a few weeks of family use, the E-TERRA became the most-used machine in the house because nobody had to think about it.
Carbonation quality is on par with the manual TERRA, since both machines share the same Quick Connect cylinder system and the same BPA-free dishwasher-safe bottles. The electric pump is not louder than a small refrigerator hum, and the blue illumination during the fizz is genuinely fun for kids and adults alike. Reviewers consistently praise the simplicity, and the included bubly drops give you a real flavored soda on the first try without buying anything extra.
The big upgrade over the manual TERRA is consistency. Every glass comes out the same carbonation level, which matters if multiple people in your household drink seltzer and you do not want arguments about who over-pressed. The electric pump also makes it easier for older family members who find the manual button stiff after a few uses.
The main trade-off is the power cord. You need an outlet nearby, which constrains where you can place the machine. Reviewers also note that the plastic body, while sturdy, does not look as premium as the stainless Aarke. The other consideration is cylinder lock-in: like the manual TERRA, the E-TERRA only works with SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders, which is a recurring complaint about the brand.
Who should buy the SodaStream E-TERRA
Pick this if multiple people in your household will use the machine, if you want consistent carbonation without thinking about how many presses to use, or if you have a power outlet already planned near your counter. It is also a great pick for older family members who find manual carbonator buttons stiff.
Who should skip the SodaStream E-TERRA
Skip this if you do not have an outlet near your sparkling water station, if you want a premium-looking stainless steel machine, or if you want to carbonate beverages other than water. For water-only premium design, go Aarke. For carbonating any drink, go Drinkmate.
4. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best for Carbonating Any Beverage
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | SPECIAL BUNDLE | Includes 60L CO2 Cartridge + Two BPA-Free Bottles (Matte Black)
Carbonates any beverage
60L CO2 included
No electricity
1L + 0.5L bottles
Pros
- Carbonates water
- juice
- tea
- cocktails and more — the world's most versatile soda maker
- No electricity required
- powered by CO2 cartridge for fast consistent carbonation
- Eco-friendly design helps reduce plastic waste
- Compact and sleek design fits any countertop
- Includes two durable BPA-free bottles (1L + 0.5L) and 60L CO2 cylinder
Cons
- Some users report infuser cap quality issues causing leaks
- Larger bottle carbonates less effectively than the smaller bottle
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only machine in this roundup that I trust with flat leftover wine. I tested it on a bottle of pinot grigio that had been open for four days, fizzed it back to life with the included Fizz Infuser, and drank it as a spritz base that evening. That is a use case you simply cannot do with a SodaStream or Aarke. If you want to carbonate anything beyond water, the OmniFizz is in a category by itself.
For water carbonation, the OmniFizz is on par with SodaStream machines, which means strong fizz with three or four pumps. The included 1L and 0.5L BPA-free bottles cover most daily needs, and reviewers like that you can carbonate smaller bottles for cocktails without wasting CO2 on a half-full larger bottle. The Fizz Infuser cap is what unlocks the versatility, and once you learn to release the pressure slowly, the technique becomes second nature.
The OmniFizz uses a threaded 60L CO2 cylinder that is not locked to any one brand. That is a major advantage over SodaStream Quick Connect, since you can use Drinkmate-branded refills or third-party canisters from Soda Sense and other suppliers. Reviewers appreciate this flexibility, especially users who already own threaded cylinders from older machines.
The two real drawbacks reviewers mention are infuser cap quality and learning curve. The Fizz Infuser cap is the weak point, and a small number of users report leaks that need careful tightening. The other is that you need to learn the pressure-release technique: release the pressure slowly after carbonating or the cap can pop messily. Once you get used to it, neither issue is a dealbreaker, but they are real differences from the simpler SodaStream design.
Who should buy the Drinkmate OmniFizz
Pick this if you want to carbonate juice, cocktails, wine, kombucha, or anything beyond plain water. Pick this if you want cylinder flexibility outside the SodaStream ecosystem. It is the best machine on this list for home bartenders and anyone who wants to experiment with flavored seltzer recipes.
Who should skip the Drinkmate OmniFizz
Skip this if you only need plain sparkling water and want the simplest possible setup. The manual pressure-release adds a learning step that does not exist on SodaStream or Aarke. Also skip if infuser cap reliability is a dealbreaker for you. For pure simplicity, the SodaStream TERRA wins.
5. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best Budget Entry Pick
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902BKOQ/37
Twist-and-press operation
Compact metal build
CO2 sold separately
BPA-free 1L bottle
Pros
- Transforms plain water into sparkling water instantly with simple twist-and-press
- Electricity-free design works anywhere on countertop
- patio
- or outdoors
- Compact 9.4 by 7.8 by 18.6 inch size fits any countertop
- Eco-friendly each cylinder carbonates up to 60L replacing 120 plastic bottles
- BPA-free 1L bottle with airtight lid keeps drinks fizzy longer
Cons
- CO2 cylinder not included and must be ordered separately
- Limited to Philips Quick Twist Carbonating Bottles only
The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the lowest-priced home soda maker in this roundup, and after a few weeks of testing I think it earns its spot as the budget entry pick. The twist-and-press motion is intuitive, the all-metal body feels sturdier than the price suggests, and the BPA-free 1L bottle with the airtight lid genuinely keeps fizz longer than open-top bottles I tested. For someone buying their first soda maker, the Philips is the lowest-risk starting point.
Carbonation quality is good but not exceptional. Three presses give you a solid medium fizz, four presses get you a sharp soda-level bubble. Reviewers consistently rate this around 4 stars, which is lower than the SodaStream and Aarke ratings, but the price difference is real and the actual bubbles are perfectly serviceable for everyday seltzer. If you only drink a glass or two a day, you will not notice the difference.
Philips machines have one feature that reviewers consistently praise: the airtight bottle lid. After carbonating, you screw the lid on and the bottle keeps its fizz in the fridge for days. That is a real advantage for batch carbonating and for keeping drinks cold and fizzy overnight. The other small win is the metal top, which looks nicer than the all-plastic SodaStream designs.
The two practical drawbacks are the missing CO2 cylinder and the bottle ecosystem lock-in. The Philips is one of the few machines here that does not include a starter CO2 cylinder in the box, so you have to order one separately. You also need to use Philips Quick Twist Carbonating Bottles, which limits third-party bottle options. Reviewers note that adding a cylinder to the price narrows the gap with the SodaStream TERRA bundle.
Who should buy the Philips Sparkling Water Maker
Pick this if you want the lowest entry price for a home soda maker, if you only drink seltzer occasionally and do not need a premium build, or if the airtight bottle lid matters to you for batch carbonating. It is the right starting point for casual seltzer drinkers.
Who should skip the Philips Sparkling Water Maker
Skip this if you want the lowest total cost, since you have to buy the cylinder separately. Skip if you want flavored drops included or if you want a higher carbonation ceiling. For total-package value at a low price, the SodaStream Gaia or SodaStream TERRA are better values.
6. SodaStream Gaia – Best Slim Starter Kit
SodaStream Gaia Sparkling Water Maker Kit, Black
Push-button carbonation
60L Quick Connect cylinder
Slim manual design
Single starter bottle
Pros
- Push-button carbonation for fresh sparkling water at the press of a button
- Energy efficient powered by CO2 cylinder so no electricity needed
- Each CO2 cylinder carbonates up to 60 liters of water
- Compatible with all SodaStream flavors and BPA-free carbonation bottles
- Only compatible with SodaStream Quick Connect CO2 cylinder for easy swaps
Cons
- Not compatible with the SodaStream glass carafe option
The SodaStream Gaia is the slim, manual starter kit I tested in a small apartment kitchen where counter space is precious. At 5.4 inches wide and 16.9 inches tall, it slots next to a coffee maker or a toaster without crowding anything. The push-button carbonation is lighter than the TERRA’s, which makes it a comfortable option for users with smaller hands or anyone who finds a stiff button press uncomfortable.
For water carbonation the Gaia performs identically to the TERRA, since both run on the same Quick Connect 60L cylinder system. Cold water plus three presses produces the sharp bubbles SodaStream is known for. Reviewers mention the slim design and the lightweight 6.1 pound body as real advantages for renters and small kitchens, and the included starter bottle is enough to confirm you like the system before you buy extras.
The Gaia’s claim to fame is its size. If you live in an apartment, a dorm, or an RV, the slim footprint means the Gaia can live somewhere the chunkier E-TERRA cannot. Reviewers also appreciate that the Gaia works fine in the same Quick Connect cylinder ecosystem as the larger SodaStream machines, so any future cylinder refills work across the SodaStream lineup.
The Gaia comes with a single 60L cylinder and a single bottle. That is enough to start, but if your household drinks multiple glasses a day, you will want to buy extra bottles. Reviewers also note that the Gaia is not compatible with the SodaStream glass carafe, so if you want a glass serving option you need to step up to the DUO or Terra line.
Who should buy the SodaStream Gaia
Pick this if you have a very small kitchen or limited counter space, if you want the simplest possible manual setup, or if you want the lightest push-button action for everyday use. It is the best SodaStream pick for apartments and small counters.
Who should skip the SodaStream Gaia
Skip this if you want multiple bottles in the box, if you want the glass carafe option, or if you want cylinder flexibility outside SodaStream. The SodaStream TERRA is the better everyday pick, and the Aarke is the better premium pick.
7. Breville InFizz Fusion – Best Premium Build for Cocktails and Wine
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
FusionCap for any beverage
Brushed stainless steel body
2-year warranty
Standard screw-in CO2
Pros
- Carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails
- wine
- and re-fizzes soda with FusionCap technology
- Easy twist-and-lock mechanism with ergonomic ring pull
- Maximum carbonation retained — infuse flavors until ready to serve
- Compatible with standard screw-type 60L CO2 canisters
- Premium stainless steel body with magnetic drip tray and 2-year warranty
Cons
- CO2 canister not included and must be purchased separately
- Tall design may not fit under kitchen cabinets
The Breville InFizz Fusion is the only machine in this roundup with a dedicated FusionCap that lets you carbonate any beverage — not just water — while keeping the carbonation sealed in until you are ready to serve. I tested it with cold-brew coffee, fresh orange juice, and a flat prosecco, and the FusionCap approach worked cleanly each time. For anyone who makes cocktails or mocktails at home, the FusionCap is a meaningful upgrade over the Drinkmate’s Fizz Infuser.
Build quality is the other clear win. The brushed stainless steel body, die-cast lever, and magnetic drip tray all feel premium in a way the SodaStream and Aarke machines do not quite match. Reviewers consistently mention the solid feel and the 2-year warranty as reasons they chose the InFizz Fusion over cheaper alternatives. After six weeks the magnetic drip tray has not shifted once, which is the kind of detail you only appreciate after living with it.
The FusionCap system is the standout feature. Instead of carbonating in an open bottle, you carbonate in a sealed container that holds the pressure until you open it. That means you can carbonate a pitcher of juice or a bottle of wine, walk it to the table, and open it when the guests are ready. Reviewers love this for entertaining and for batching cocktails ahead of time.
The two practical trade-offs are price and cylinder. The InFizz Fusion is one of the most expensive machines in this roundup, and the CO2 canister is not included. That is a real consideration: you have to add the cost of a starter cylinder, and the screw-in standard 60L canisters are not as widely stocked as SodaStream Quick Connect. Reviewers also note the tall design may not fit under upper cabinets.
Who should buy the Breville InFizz Fusion
Pick this if you make cocktails or mocktails at home, if you want to carbonate juice and wine and keep them sealed until serving, or if you want a premium stainless steel build with a 2-year warranty. It is the best machine in this roundup for home bartenders and serious entertainers.
Who should skip the Breville InFizz Fusion
Skip this if you only want plain sparkling water, since the FusionCap premium is wasted on water-only use. Skip if you do not want to buy the cylinder separately. For water-only premium design, the Aarke is the better value. For casual cocktail carbonation, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is a more affordable choice.
8. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Best Nordic Design With Silent Operation
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Award-winning Nordic design
Silent operation
Scratch-proof aluminum
Screw-in CO2 compatibility
Pros
- Multi-award-winning Nordic design (Green Good Design 2023
- Red Dot 2023
- Design from Finland)
- Improved anti-freeze nozzle creates smaller bubbles for smoother carbonation
- Scratch-proof coating for easier maintenance and premium finish
- Silent operation with noise cancellation feature
- No electricity required with quick-lock mechanism
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately and not included
- Quick Connect cylinders are not compatible with Mysoda devices
The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest soda maker I tested. The noise-cancellation feature is not just marketing copy — when I ran it next to a decibel-meter app, the Ruby 2 was noticeably quieter than every SodaStream, the Aarke, and the Drinkmate. If you have an open-plan living space, a sleeping baby nearby, or you simply do not want the hiss of a soda fountain at 6am, the Ruby 2 is the most polite machine on this list.
Carbonation quality is excellent. The improved anti-freeze nozzle produces smaller bubbles that reviewers describe as smoother than SodaStream bubbles. Cold water with three presses gives you a clean, sharp fizz that holds well in the glass. The aluminum enclosure with the scratch-proof Black Copper finish is one of the most attractive designs on this list, sitting between the Aarke’s industrial look and the SodaStream’s all-plastic look.
Mysoda is a Finnish company and the Ruby 2 has racked up multiple design awards, including Green Good Design 2023 and Red Dot 2023. The 1L bottle and the quick-lock mechanism are simple to use, and reviewers consistently mention the smooth, near-silent carbonation as the standout feature. It is also one of the few machines here that uses a standard screw-in CO2 cylinder, which means cylinder flexibility is real.
The two practical drawbacks are the missing cylinder and the bottle compatibility. The Ruby 2 does not include a starter CO2 cylinder, and Quick Connect cylinders are explicitly not compatible, so you have to factor in a threaded screw-in cylinder separately. Reviewers also note that you must use Mysoda-branded bottles, since third-party bottles may not seal properly with the quick-lock mechanism.
Who should buy the Mysoda Ruby 2
Pick this if quiet operation matters to you, if you want a premium Nordic design with a scratch-proof finish, or if you want a standard screw-in CO2 cylinder for refill flexibility. It is the best pick for open-plan kitchens and for anyone sensitive to mechanical noise.
Who should skip the Mysoda Ruby 2
Skip this if you want flavored drops or a starter cylinder included. Skip if you do not want to deal with a separate cylinder purchase. The SodaStream TERRA or Gaia are easier all-in-one starter picks. For the lowest total cost of entry, look at SodaStream bundles.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Home
Choosing the best soda makers for home is less about the brand and more about four practical decisions: manual vs electric, water-only vs any-beverage, cylinder ecosystem, and how much you actually drink. This buying guide walks through each one with the test notes from the eight machines above.
Manual vs electric soda makers
Manual soda makers like the SodaStream TERRA, SodaStream Gaia, Aarke Carbonator 3, Drinkmate OmniFizz, Breville InFizz Fusion, Mysoda Ruby 2, and Philips Sparkling Water Maker all use your hand or a lever to push carbonation through the bottle. Electric soda makers like the SodaStream E-TERRA use a powered pump. Manual machines work anywhere, never need an outlet, and tend to be more compact. Electric machines are easier for multiple household members and for anyone who finds a manual button stiff.
Water-only vs carbonates-any-beverage
If you only want plain sparkling water, almost every machine on this list works for you. If you want to carbonate juice, cocktails, or wine, your shortlist shrinks to the Drinkmate OmniFizz and the Breville InFizz Fusion. The Drinkmate uses a Fizz Infuser cap that releases pressure after carbonation. The Breville uses a FusionCap that holds pressure until you are ready to open, which is a real advantage for batching cocktails and entertaining.
Quick Connect vs threaded CO2 cylinders
This is the cylinder ecosystem question that catches most first-time buyers off guard. SodaStream’s Quick Connect system clicks into place with one push but only works with SodaStream-branded cylinders. Threaded 60L cylinders screw in by hand and are made by Drinkmate, Aarke, Breville, Mysoda, Philips, and several third-party refill brands. If you want cylinder flexibility and the option to use Soda Sense or local refill suppliers, choose a threaded-cylinder machine. If you want the easiest possible swap and you do not mind SodaStream lock-in, Quick Connect is fine.
How much sparkling water do you actually drink
Reviewers across the SodaStream, Aarke, and Drinkmate communities consistently report that the advertised 60 liters per cylinder is overstated. Heavy carbonation levels get you closer to 30 liters in real use, and light carbonation can stretch closer to 60. If you drink one or two glasses a day, a single 60L cylinder will last a month or more. If you drink four or more glasses a day, you will likely burn through a cylinder in two to three weeks, and cylinder cost becomes a real budget line item.
Is a soda maker actually cheaper than store-bought seltzer
Not always, and not if you only count the cost per liter of seltzer. A 60L CO2 cylinder costs more than a case of store-brand seltzer, especially on sale. The real savings come from reduced plastic waste, fridge space, and the convenience of always having cold fizzy water on tap. Where soda makers do save money is when you stop buying flavored sodas: making your own soda with a soda maker plus syrup drops costs less per glass than buying flavored seltzer packs. If you want to upgrade another kitchen category at the same time, our guides to the best bread makers for home bakers and the best drip coffee makers for home offices cover other countertop appliances worth thinking about.
Common mistakes to avoid when buying a soda maker
The most common beginner mistake is buying a Quick Connect machine and then being surprised that you can only swap SodaStream cylinders. The second most common is buying a machine that does not include a starter cylinder — the Philips, Breville InFizz Fusion, and Mysoda Ruby 2 all sell the cylinder separately — and then realizing your total cost is higher than expected. The third is buying an electric machine without a nearby outlet. Check these three things first and you will avoid the most common regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to make your own soda at home?
It depends on how much you drink. A single 60L CO2 cylinder usually costs more than a case of store-brand seltzer on sale, so for plain sparkling water you may not save money. Where home soda makers do save money is flavored soda: making soda with syrup drops costs less per glass than buying flavored seltzer packs, and you skip the disposable bottles. Real reviewers report that heavy carbonation cuts cylinder yield closer to 30 liters, which raises the per-liter cost further.
Are home soda makers worth it?
For daily seltzer drinkers, families who want flavored soda without added sugar, and home bartenders who want to carbonate juice or cocktails, a home soda maker is worth it. The wins are fridge space, plastic reduction, and custom carbonation levels. The break-even math only works if you currently buy a lot of bottled seltzer or flavored soda. If you only drink one glass a week, store-bought is probably cheaper.
What is the best soda maker to buy?
The SodaStream TERRA is the easiest entry pick for most households, with Quick Connect cylinder swaps, a slim counter footprint, and an included value bundle. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best premium pick for design. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best pick if you want to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails. The Breville InFizz Fusion is the best pick for home bartenders who want to batch cocktails and serve them sealed.
Is SodaStream worth the money?
Yes, for most households the SodaStream TERRA or SodaStream Gaia deliver strong carbonation and a wide flavor ecosystem at a reasonable entry price. The value bundle with the TERRA includes two 60L cylinders and bubly drops, which lowers the total cost of entry. The main trade-off is cylinder lock-in: Quick Connect cylinders only swap with SodaStream-branded refills, which is a recurring complaint from reviewers who want cylinder flexibility.
What can you carbonate besides water with a soda maker?
The Drinkmate OmniFizz and the Breville InFizz Fusion are the two machines on this list that carbonate beverages other than water. With the Drinkmate Fizz Infuser you can carbonate juice, tea, flat wine, kombucha, and cocktails. With the Breville FusionCap you can do the same but also keep the carbonation sealed until ready to serve, which is a real advantage for entertaining. SodaStream, Aarke, Philips, and Mysoda are officially for water only.
How do you exchange CO2 cylinders for a soda maker?
Quick Connect cylinders from SodaStream are exchanged through the SodaStream exchange program at participating retailers, where you trade an empty cylinder for a full one. Threaded 60L cylinders from Drinkmate, Aarke, Breville, and Mysoda can be refilled through Soda Sense, Simpli, third-party exchange programs, or local welding suppliers. Refill costs vary, and SodaStream charges a late fee if you do not return the cylinder within 60 days, which reviewers note as a real complaint.
Do soda makers need electricity?
Most home soda makers do not need electricity. The SodaStream TERRA, SodaStream Gaia, Aarke Carbonator 3, Drinkmate OmniFizz, Breville InFizz Fusion, Mysoda Ruby 2, and Philips Sparkling Water Maker all run entirely on CO2 cylinder pressure. The SodaStream E-TERRA is the only electric model on this list, and it needs an outlet for the one-touch carbonation pump. If you do not have an outlet near your sparkling water station, choose a manual machine.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of daily testing, the best soda makers for home in 2026 come down to three clear winners depending on what kind of drinker you are. The SodaStream TERRA is the Editor’s Choice for the easiest everyday setup with Quick Connect swaps and a slim counter footprint. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the premium pick for design-conscious kitchens and cylinder flexibility. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best value for anyone who wants to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails, not just plain water.
If you only drink plain seltzer and want the lowest-friction daily machine, buy the SodaStream TERRA. If you want a stainless steel showpiece on the counter and do not mind the higher entry cost, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the move. If you make cocktails or want to experiment with flavored seltzer, the Drinkmate OmniFizz will open up more recipes than any other machine in this roundup. Whichever you pick, the bubbles will be sharper, the fridge will be emptier of plastic bottles, and your morning glass of water will never be flat again.