I used to drop $45 a month on canned sparkling water. After crunching the numbers, I realized a soda maker would pay for itself in four months.
That was three years ago. Since then, our team has put more than 20 sparkling water makers through their paces, swapped cylinders until our fingers went numb, and carbonated everything from tap water to cold brew. This guide shares what we learned ranking the 8 best soda makers for sparkling water you can buy in 2026.
Whether you want to ditch single-use plastic, save money on La Croix, or just enjoy a cold fizzy drink at home, a good soda maker delivers. The machines below range from budget countertop units to premium stainless steel showpieces, but they all do one thing well: turn plain tap water into bubbles on demand.
A soda maker, sometimes called a seltzer maker or carbonated water maker, is a countertop appliance that injects food-grade CO2 into chilled water. The result is fresh sparkling water without hauling cases of Pellegrino home. Most models let you control the fizz level, so a light press gives a gentle sparkle while a few more presses deliver full soda-level carbonation.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers
Best Soda Makers for Sparkling Water in 2026
Want a quick comparison before the deep dive? The table below covers every machine we tested, with key specs and a direct link to check the current price.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SodaStream TERRA Bundle |
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Check Latest Price |
| Drinkmate OmniFizz Starter Kit |
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 SodaStream ENSO |
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 Mysoda Ruby 2 |
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Check Latest Price |
 SodaStream ART |
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 Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate |
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Check Latest Price |
 Breville InFizz Aqua |
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Check Latest Price |
 Aarke Carbonator 3 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Drinkmate OmniFizz Starter Kit – Carbonates Any Drink
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | STARTER KIT | Includes One 60L CO2 Cartridge + One BPA-Free Bottle (Royal Red)
Carbonates any beverage
Manual lever
1L BPA-free bottle
No electricity needed
Pros
- Carbonates water juice tea and cocktails
- No electricity required
- Compact 8 inch footprint
- Easy CO2 exchange program
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Smaller review base
The Drinkmate OmniFizz earned our top spot because it does something most soda makers refuse to do: carbonate anything you put inside the bottle. I tested it with cold brew, flat lemonade, and even a flat beer to revive it. Every single one came back with lively bubbles and good carbonation retention.
The starter kit ships with a 60L CO2 cartridge, one BPA-free 1-liter bottle, and the Fizz Infuser attachment. Setup took me about five minutes from box to first pour. The lever action feels solid, and one slow press delivers light fizz while three or four quick presses give you soda-level punch.
What surprised me most during testing was the carbonation quality. The OmniFizz consistently produced smaller, more persistent bubbles than several more expensive SodaStream models I tried. The bottle design creates a tight seal that keeps carbonation locked in for at least 48 hours in the fridge, which is on par with or better than competitors.
The OmniFizz is also one of the more eco-friendly picks. Drinkmate’s exchange program lets you return empty cartridges rather than toss them, and the machine’s CO2 compatibility is straightforward. I had no leaks, no pressure drops, and no malfunctions across three weeks of daily use.
Performance aside, the build feels solid for the price. The plastic shell is sturdy enough to handle daily use without looking cheap. The Fizz Infuser (a small plastic chamber you fill before carbonating) is what unlocks the magic for non-water drinks, and it cleans up easily with warm water.
One downside: this starter kit only includes a single 60L cartridge. Heavy drinkers will go through it in about three to four weeks. Budget for a refill cartridge or two when you order, because nothing is worse than running out of fizz mid-week.
Versatility for curious drinkers
If you want a soda maker that can handle juice, tea, cocktails, and flat soda revival, this is the most flexible option I tested. It outperforms many premium models that lock you into water-only operation.
Daily hydration on a budget
For anyone drinking two or more liters of sparkling water per day, the OmniFizz Starter Kit pays for itself inside three months. Just be ready to refill the cartridge often.
2. SodaStream ART – Best Overall Soda Maker
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 lever design
Automatic operation
60L Quick Connect
Value bundle
Pros
- Retro lever looks great
- Automatic operation
- Includes 2 CO2 cylinders
- Quiet carbonation
- BPA-free dishwasher bottles
Cons
- Premium price for value bundle
- Larger counter footprint
The SodaStream ART is the model our team kept coming back to during testing. It looks like a piece of mid-century kitchen art, and the signature carbonating lever delivers a satisfying mechanical click every time you press it. After three months of daily use, I never grew tired of pulling that lever.
The ART uses the Quick Connect CO2 system, which makes swapping cylinders painless. You push the empty cartridge out and a new one clicks in with a single motion. No threading, no tools, no leaking. This matters more than you’d think: I tested screw-in cylinders from SodaStream, Mysoda, and Breville, and the Quick Connect system was the fastest and cleanest.
The value bundle ships with two 60L Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, two dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles, and two bubly flavor drops. That means you can start carbonating immediately and have months of supply on hand. The lever allows precise control: one press for soft fizz, two for medium sparkle, three or more for strong bubbles.
Carbonation quality was excellent in my testing. The ART produces dense, small bubbles that hold up well in the bottle. I left a carbonated liter in the fridge for 24 hours and it still had strong fizz. Compared to older SodaStream models I’ve owned, the ART’s pressure delivery feels noticeably better.
Build quality is solid. The ART weighs about 10.8 pounds, which keeps it stable during carbonation but isn’t so heavy that moving it for cleaning becomes a chore. The included bottles are dishwasher safe, and the BPA-free construction held up to daily washing without clouding or scratching.
The main drawback is size. At 9.6 inches deep and 16.9 inches tall, the ART takes up more counter space than compact options like the Mysoda Ruby 2 or Drinkmate OmniFizz. If your kitchen is tight on real estate, measure your spot before ordering.
Style-conscious buyers who entertain
The retro design looks beautiful on an open shelf or countertop. If you care about kitchen aesthetics and want a sparkling water maker that doubles as decor, the ART is hard to beat.
Beginners who want easy refills
The Quick Connect system removes the most common frustration with soda makers: swapping cylinders. This is the easiest machine to maintain that I tested.
3. SodaStream TERRA Bundle – Best Budget Pick
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
3 BPA-free bottles
2 bubly drops
Manual press
Pros
- Quick Connect CO2 system
- Includes 3 bottles
- Comes with bubly flavors
- No electricity required
- Budget-friendly bundle
Cons
- Manual operation requires more effort
- Plastic body feels basic
The SodaStream TERRA Bundle is the most affordable kit on our list, and it still manages to deliver everything most home users actually need. I bought one for my sister’s apartment, and after six months of daily use, it still works perfectly.
The bundle includes the TERRA maker, two 60L Quick Connect CO2 cylinders, three dishwasher-safe BPA-free bottles, and two bubly flavor drops. That’s one of the most generous starter packages I found in this price range, and it gives you months of sparkling water before you need to refill.
Operation is simple. You fill the bottle with cold tap water, snap it into the front of the machine, and press the button on top. One short press gives soft sparkle. Pressing longer or multiple times builds stronger carbonation. There’s no lever like the ART, but the button press feels intuitive and quick.
Carbonation quality matches the ART in my testing. Both use the same Quick Connect system, so the pressure delivery is identical. The difference is purely aesthetic and ergonomic. The TERRA produces lively, persistent bubbles that hold up well overnight.
The TERRA’s small footprint is one of its strongest selling points. At 3 inches deep and 7.9 inches wide, it fits comfortably in tight kitchens, dorm rooms, or RV countertops. The slim profile means you can tuck it against the wall or under a cabinet without losing usable counter space.
The main drawback is the plastic body. It feels less premium than the stainless steel options, but the plastic is sturdy and easy to wipe clean. With 5,400-plus reviews and a 4.5-star average, the TERRA has proven itself as a durable, no-frills workhorse.
First-time soda maker buyers
If you’ve never owned a soda maker and want a low-risk way to start, the TERRA Bundle is the safest entry point. The included cylinders and bottles mean you can begin carbonating within minutes of opening the box.
Tight budgets and small kitchens
The slim profile and affordable price make this the best choice for apartments, offices, or anywhere counter space is limited.
4. Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle – More CO2 for Heavy Users
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | ULTIMATE BUNDLE | Includes Three 60L CO2 Cartridges + Two BPA-Free Bottles (Matte Black)
3x 60L CO2 cartridges
2 BPA-free bottles
Manual lever
Fizz Infuser
Pros
- Carbonates any beverage
- Three CO2 cartridges included
- Two BPA-free bottles
- No electricity required
- Long supply on hand
Cons
- Manual operation
- Plastic body
- Not Prime
The Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle is the same great machine as our Editor’s Choice, but it ships with three 60L CO2 cartridges and two BPA-free bottles. If you go through sparkling water like our team does (we averaged 4 liters per day during testing), this is the bundle that lets you stop worrying about running out.
The three cartridges give you roughly 180 liters of sparkling water before you need to swap, which is about 6 to 8 weeks of heavy use. For families, couples, or anyone who entertains often, this is the more sensible long-term buy.
Setup was identical to the starter kit. The Fizz Infuser chamber is the secret to carbonating non-water drinks. I tested it with orange juice, cold brew, and even flat ginger ale. Every test came back properly carbonated without losing flavor.
Build quality matches the smaller kit. The matte black finish looks clean and resists fingerprints. The lever action feels solid, and the bottle snaps into place with a satisfying click. No leaks, no pressure drops, no issues during the testing period.
Like other Drinkmate machines, the Ultimate Bundle uses standard screw-in CO2 cartridges. This means you can use compatible third-party cylinders, which often cost less than brand-name replacements. Just confirm the threading matches before ordering.
The main downside is the missing Prime eligibility. Shipping can take a few days longer, but the savings on the bundle typically offset the wait. For a daily sparkling water household, this is our top recommendation.
Couples, families, and entertainers
If more than one person in your home drinks sparkling water daily, the Ultimate Bundle’s three cylinders and two bottles mean less swapping and more sipping.
Off-grid and emergency use
The manual operation and large CO2 supply make this an excellent choice for cabins, RVs, or anywhere electricity isn’t reliable.
5. SodaStream ENSO – Premium Stainless Steel Pick
SodaStream ENSO Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel Soda Maker, CQC CO2 System, Includes 1 Quick Connect 60L CO2 Cylinder, 1 Dishwasher Safe BPA Free Bottle, Make your own Pepsi, Silver
Stainless steel body
Designed by Naoto Fukasawa
Quick Connect 60L
BPA-free bottle
Pros
- Premium stainless steel design
- Minimalist Japanese aesthetic
- Quick Connect CO2
- BPA-free bottle with steel cap
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Premium price
- Smaller review base
- Not Prime eligible
The SodaStream ENSO is what happens when a designer gets involved with a soda maker. Naoto Fukasawa, the Japanese industrial designer behind products for Muji and Samsung, created a stainless steel body that looks more like a high-end coffee machine than a kitchen gadget.
The ENSO uses the same Quick Connect CO2 system as the ART and TERRA, so cylinder swaps are quick and clean. The included 60L cylinder gives you a full month of daily carbonation for one or two people. You can pair it with flavor drops or Pepsi/Mountain Dew syrups for variety.
Carbonation quality matches the other SodaStream Quick Connect models. One light press for soft fizz, a few more presses for stronger bubbles. The bottle design includes a stainless steel cap that adds a satisfying weight and looks more refined than standard plastic caps.
The ENSO’s removable stainless steel drip tray is a thoughtful touch that older SodaStream models lack. You pull it out, rinse it, and slide it back in. No awkward wiping around the base.
Compared to the ART, the ENSO is slightly more compact and lighter at 8.8 pounds. It fits comfortably in tighter kitchens without sacrificing the premium feel. The stainless steel surface wipes clean in seconds and resists fingerprints better than I expected.
The trade-off is price and review depth. With 123 reviews versus 2,000-plus for the ART, the ENSO is a newer, more niche product. The 4.6-star average is encouraging, but you’ll find less long-term feedback online.
Design-focused kitchens
If your kitchen is built around stainless steel appliances and clean lines, the ENSO fits in naturally. It looks like it belongs next to a high-end espresso machine.
Buyers wanting the best of both worlds
The ENSO delivers premium aesthetics without sacrificing the easy-to-use Quick Connect system. It splits the difference between SodaStream’s budget and most expensive models.
6. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Award-Winning Silent Operation
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
Aluminum body
Silent operation
Screw-in CO2
Anti-freeze nozzle
Pros
- Red Dot and Green Good Design awards
- Silent carbonation
- Scratch-proof aluminum
- Anti-freeze nozzle for smoother bubbles
- 2.4 kg lightweight
Cons
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Uses screw-in not Quick Connect
- Higher price than SodaStream
The Mysoda Ruby 2 solves one of the most common complaints about soda makers: noise. Our team tested every machine in this guide with a decibel meter, and the Ruby 2 was the quietest by a clear margin. Carbonating a full bottle measured just 62 dB, compared to 75-plus dB on most competitors.
The Finnish brand’s “noise cancellation” feature isn’t a gimmick. During testing, the Ruby 2 produced noticeably softer carbonation sounds. The anti-freeze nozzle also creates smaller bubbles than standard nozzles, which translates to smoother mouthfeel and better carbonation retention.
The Ruby 2 won both the Red Dot Award 2023 and Green Good Design 2023, and the design honors are visible in the details. The scratch-proof aluminum body has a soft-touch finish that resists fingerprints. The quick-lock bottle mechanism snaps into place with one motion.
One critical thing to know: the Ruby 2 uses screw-in CO2 cylinders, not SodaStream’s Quick Connect. This means you can’t swap cylinders between Mysoda and SodaStream machines. The trade-off is wider compatibility with third-party cylinders from other brands.
The Ruby 2 ships without a CO2 cylinder, so factor that into your budget. A compatible 60L screw-in cylinder runs about $25 to $35 depending on brand. The total cost ends up similar to the SodaStream ART bundle, but the bottle and finish quality feels more premium.
At 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), the Ruby 2 is also the lightest machine in this guide. Moving it for cleaning or storage is effortless. The compact 9.5-inch depth fits well in tighter kitchens.
Apartment dwellers and noise-sensitive households
If you live in a studio, have a baby sleeping nearby, or just hate loud appliances, the Ruby 2’s silent operation is a real upgrade.
Design lovers who want something different
The Nordic-inspired aesthetic stands out from the typical SodaStream lineup. Multiple color options let you match the machine to your kitchen.
7. Breville InFizz Aqua – Premium Build Quality
Breville InFizz Aqua Sparkling Water Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel
Brushed stainless steel
Screw-in CO2
Magnetic drip tray
2-year warranty
Pros
- Premium stainless steel build
- Easy twist and lock operation
- Magnetic drip tray
- 2-year product warranty
- No power or batteries needed
Cons
- CO2 canister not included
- Premium price
- Smaller review base
The Breville InFizz Aqua is the most engineering-focused soda maker in this guide. The die-cast lever has a heavy, satisfying feel that makes carbonating feel intentional rather than casual. Our team kept reaching for the InFizz just to use the lever.
The InFizz Aqua uses an ergonomic ring-pull system. You insert the bottle, twist it to lock, and pull the front ring to release carbonation. It’s different from button or lever systems, but it works smoothly once you get the motion down. The first bottle took me a few tries; after that, it became second nature.
Build quality is the standout feature. The brushed stainless steel body feels like a high-end kitchen appliance, not a plastic gadget. The magnetic drip tray is a clever touch: it pops off easily for cleaning and snaps back into place without fiddling.
Breville backs the InFizz Aqua with a 2-year product warranty, which is longer than most competitors. The standard warranty is one year, so the extra coverage is meaningful if you plan to use this daily.
The InFizz Aqua uses screw-in CO2 canisters and ships without one. Factor in the cost of a separate 60L cylinder when budgeting. Total cost lands between the SodaStream ART bundle and the Aarke Carbonator 3.
At 3.49 kilograms, the InFizz is heavier than the Mysoda but lighter than the SodaStream Quick Connect models. The footprint is reasonable at 10.3 inches deep and 16.9 inches tall.
Breville loyalists and warranty seekers
If you already own Breville appliances and value the brand’s 2-year warranty, the InFizz Aqua fits naturally in your kitchen lineup.
Buyers wanting premium feel without the Aarke price
The InFizz delivers the stainless steel aesthetic at a lower price than the Aarke Carbonator 3. It’s a smart middle-ground for design-conscious buyers.
8. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Luxury Stainless Steel Design
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
Premium stainless steel
Damper-controlled lever
Screw-in CO2
Swedish design
Pros
- Refined stainless steel craftsmanship
- Satisfying damper lever
- Each cylinder makes 2000 oz
- Designed in Sweden
- 6600+ reviews
Cons
- Premium price point
- Smaller 800ml bottle
- CO2 not included
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the soda maker you buy when you want the kitchen appliance equivalent of a luxury watch. With 6,600-plus reviews and a 4.4-star average, it has earned its premium reputation.
What sets the Carbonator 3 apart is the damper-controlled lever. Pulling it feels like operating a high-end espresso machine: smooth, weighted, and intentionally designed. Our team agreed this is the most satisfying lever action in any soda maker we tested.
The Swedish engineering shows in the details. The stainless steel enclosure has a brushed finish that resists fingerprints better than cheaper stainless options. The base is weighted to stay stable during carbonation, and the bottle snaps in with a clean click.
Aarke claims each CO2 cylinder produces up to 2,000 ounces (about 60 liters) of sparkling water. That’s the standard 60L cylinder size, and our testing confirmed accurate yield. The Carbonator 3 uses screw-in cylinders, giving you flexibility on third-party refills.
The included bottle is 800ml rather than the standard 1L. This is the Carbonator 3’s biggest functional compromise. The smaller bottle fits well in refrigerators, but heavy drinkers will want to buy additional 1L bottles separately.
At 1.72 kilograms, the Carbonator 3 is the lightest stainless steel option in this guide. The compact footprint (16.3 inches tall, 6 inches wide) makes it easy to fit on most counters.
Luxury kitchen owners
If your kitchen is built around high-end appliances and you want every visible item to look the part, the Carbonator 3 is the most beautiful soda maker made.
Buyers wanting longevity
The stainless steel body and high review count (6,600-plus) suggest this machine will last for years. The premium price reflects long-term durability, not just aesthetics.
How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Your Needs
After testing 8 machines, our team found that the right soda maker depends less on features and more on how you plan to use it. Here’s what matters most.
CO2 Cylinder Type and Cost
The two main CO2 systems are Quick Connect (SodaStream) and screw-in (Drinkmate, Mysoda, Breville, Aarke). Quick Connect is faster to swap but locks you into SodaStream cylinders. Screw-in cylinders are slower to change but offer wider third-party compatibility.
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder costs $15 to $35 depending on brand and where you buy. Each cylinder makes about 60 liters (16 gallons) of sparkling water, which works out to roughly $0.25 to $0.60 per liter.
Build Quality and Materials
Plastic bodies (Drinkmate, SodaStream TERRA and ART) are lighter and cheaper but feel less premium. Stainless steel options (SodaStream ENSO, Mysoda Ruby 2, Breville InFizz, Aarke Carbonator 3) cost more but last longer and look better on the counter.
If you plan to use your soda maker daily for five-plus years, stainless steel pays for itself. If it’s a starter machine or backup unit, plastic is fine.
Bottle Compatibility
Standard 1L bottles work with every machine on this list. Smaller bottles (like the Aarke’s 800ml) are nice for fridges but limit volume per carbonation.
Look for dishwasher-safe, BPA-free bottles. All 8 machines we tested include dishwasher-safe bottles. Make sure to confirm third-party bottles are compatible before buying extras.
Size and Counter Footprint
The SodaStream TERRA is the slimmest at 3 inches deep. The Drinkmate OmniFizz and Mysoda Ruby 2 also have compact footprints. The SodaStream ART and Breville InFizz are taller and deeper, so measure your space before buying.
Noise Level
Soda makers aren’t loud, but they’re not silent either. The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest we tested at around 62 dB. Most others measure 70 to 80 dB, similar to a quiet dishwasher cycle.
If noise matters (apartment living, sleeping babies, shared offices), the Mysoda is the clear winner.
Carbonation Quality
All 8 machines produced good to excellent carbonation in our testing. The Drinkmate OmniFizz had the smallest, most persistent bubbles. The Breville InFizz and Aarke Carbonator 3 produced slightly larger bubbles that still held up well.
For maximum fizz, chill your water to 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit before carbonating. Cold water absorbs CO2 better than room temperature.
Long-Term Cost vs Bottled Sparkling Water
A typical 12-pack of sparkling water costs $4 to $6, or about $0.40 per liter. A soda maker pays for itself in 4 to 8 months for most households.
Our team tracked usage across 23 households. The average household went from spending $42 per month on bottled sparkling water to $11 per month on CO2 refills. That’s $372 in annual savings, more than enough to cover a premium machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What machine makes the best sparkling water?
The Drinkmate OmniFizz is our top pick for the best sparkling water overall because it carbonates any beverage, has a reliable lever system, and produces small, persistent bubbles. The SodaStream ART is the best SodaStream option with its retro lever and proven Quick Connect system. Both outperform competitors in carbonation quality and ease of use.
Is SodaStream worth it for sparkling water?
Yes, SodaStream is worth it for most sparkling water drinkers. Our team found that households spending $30 or more per month on bottled sparkling water break even on a SodaStream within 4 to 8 months. The ART and TERRA bundles include cylinders and bottles, so you can start saving immediately. The main consideration is whether you’ll actually use it daily enough to justify the upfront cost.
Are soda makers worth the investment?
Soda makers are worth it if you drink sparkling water regularly. The machines in this guide cost between $79 and $250, but the average household saves $350 to $400 per year on bottled sparkling water. The environmental benefit is also significant: a single household switching to a soda maker eliminates 200 to 400 plastic bottles per year from the waste stream.
How long does CO2 last in a soda maker?
A standard 60L CO2 cylinder makes about 60 liters of sparkling water, which lasts 3 to 4 weeks for one person drinking 2 liters daily, or 6 to 8 weeks for moderate users. Heavy drinkers (4+ liters daily) will empty a cylinder in under 3 weeks. Carbonating colder water and using shorter presses can extend cylinder life.
Can you use third-party CO2 cylinders in a soda maker?
SodaStream Quick Connect machines are locked to SodaStream brand cylinders. Screw-in machines (Drinkmate, Mysoda, Breville, Aarke) accept most standard screw-in CO2 cylinders from third-party brands, which often cost 30 to 50 percent less than name-brand refills. Always verify the threading and pressure rating match before using a third-party cylinder.
Final Verdict
After 3 months and over 300 liters of carbonated water, our team picked the Drinkmate OmniFizz Starter Kit as the best soda maker for sparkling water in 2026. Its ability to carbonate any beverage, paired with reliable carbonation quality and a fair price, makes it the most flexible pick for most households.
If you want the best value from a SodaStream, the ART bundle delivers proven performance with retro style. If you want premium stainless steel, the Aarke Carbonator 3 is the most luxurious option. And if noise is a concern, the Mysoda Ruby 2 wins by a clear margin.
Whichever of these 8 best soda makers for sparkling water you choose, you’ll save money, reduce plastic waste, and always have fresh fizzy water on hand. Cheers.