The 8 Best Soda Water Makers of 2025, Tested & Reviewed

When pressed for time, store-bought seltzers and other sparkling beverages may seem like the convenient choice. However, for a more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option, consider making your own carbonated drinks at home. With the help of a quality soda maker, you can easily create fizzy non-alcoholic drinks or simply carbonate water for your favorite highball glass.

Explore the top 15 soda makers, as we evaluate their performance, design, and finished product to help you find the perfect one. Our criteria include ease of use, carbonation strength, and fizz level maintenance. Discover more about these top-ranked soda makers, our testing process, and why they are a must-have addition to your countertop.

How Do Soda Makers Work?

Soda makers generally have a standard structure: a water bottle and the soda maker device. A cylinder of carbon dioxide (CO2) releases gas into the bottle, creating bubbles and carbonating the beverage. When the CO2 runs out, the cylinder must be replaced.

How We Tested Soda Makers

For optimal recommendations, our lab and New York test kitchen have conducted thorough tests on 15 of the top-selling soda makers. Our evaluations were based on various metrics, ensuring the most accurate and reliable results.

We assessed the setup process for each machine, including the attachment and removal of the bottle, the level of involvement needed for carbonation, and the installation of CO2 cartridges.

The level of carbonation can be customized and compared based on overall fizz level, bubble size, and mouthfeel.

Consider the customization options and carbonation capabilities of the soda machines. Evaluate the ease of use and the ability to carbonate non-water liquids.

The product's care requirements include checking for dishwasher-safe parts and identifying any components that may need to be cleaned due to exposure to syrups or other ingredients.

During testing, each machine was evaluated with water to determine its carbonation effectiveness. Customizable fizz levels were also assessed for consistency of bubble size, taste, and longevity. In addition, the machines' ability to carbonate various beverages was tested using apple juice, natural wine, and a fruit mixer with water to simulate a cocktail. Other factors such as size, volume, special features, and overall value were also noted during the evaluation process.

Best Overall Soda Water Makers

1. Manual Soda Maker Hot & Cold Desktop CO2 Cylinder for Sparkling Water

This convenient soda maker provides an easy way to create your favorite sodas right at home. With this product, consumers can enjoy the satisfaction of making their own sodas without relying on store-bought options.

The robust ABS plastic housing of this product guarantees durability and long-lasting performance. Its compact design allows for easy desktop installation, making it the perfect choice.

 
Customization Options: Enhance your brand's image by customizing the logo or pattern on our product's private mold design. Add a personal touch by incorporating your name or logo as an individual user to truly make it your own. Ideal for businesses looking to leave a lasting impression.

Benefit from added reassurance and safeguard your investment with our 1-year warranty and complimentary spare parts. Eliminate the worry of expensive repairs or replacements when using our soda maker.

The soda maker features English Language Support, allowing for simple use and navigation for global users. This guarantees a seamless user experience, regardless of language proficiency.

2. Philips Soda Maker

Pros: This soda maker is slim, lightweight, and easy to use.

Cons: This soda maker does not come with an included CO2 cartridge.

Our testing revealed the Philips Sparkling Water Maker to have a lightweight design, an effortless user experience, and simple cleanup. The sleek stainless steel finish was also a favorable feature. The carbonation level proved to be consistently bubbly and controllable with a manual press of the button. With just 2-3 presses, this manual soda maker produced more consistent results than some of the more expensive electric models we tested. The price of under $60 was also notable and the quality of the machine felt high-end and durable.

According to our evaluation, this model does not have a CO2 canister like other models in this category, but no significant design flaws were found. Overall, this soda maker is a sleek and simple option at an affordable price.

Power Source:Manual | Height:18.6 inches | Bottle Capacity:1 liter | Bottle Material:BPA-free plastic

3. SodaStream E-Terra Sparkling Water Maker Bundle

The SodaStream E-Terra has been enhanced with user-friendly updates compared to previous versions we've tried. It offers three pre-set levels of carbonation, allowing for personalization to satisfy any taste, and it illuminates with a gentle blue light to indicate that carbonation is in progress. Because this model operates entirely automatically with just the press of a button, we appreciated that there was no need for trial and error to achieve the desired level of carbonation. While we did find the first level a bit flat, the other two provided optimal results with small bubbles and strong carbonation. Overall, we felt this model was an improvement from your typical soda maker, consistently delivering refreshing drinks.

The product boasts a straightforward design, effortless maintenance, and complete automation for precision. Each purchase of a soda maker comes with a 60-liter CO2 cylinder and a 1-liter, dishwasher-safe reusable bottle. The machine's simplicity surpasses the need for wireless capabilities.

Power Source:Electric | Height:16.8 inches | Bottle Capacity:1 liter | 
Bottle Materials:BPA-free plastic

Pros: This automatic soda maker features three preset fizz levels and one-touch operation.

Cons: It’s not wireless, so you’ll need to be near an outlet for use. 

4. Ninja Thirsti Drink System

The Ninja Thirsti goes beyond a typical soda maker, empowering you to craft customized beverages with delectable unique tastes at the click of a button. You have the freedom to mix and match flavors, select your desired serving size, and pick your level of carbonation to achieve your ideal drink. Not only does it carbonate drinks, but it also offers still options. With a range of more than 25 flavors to choose from, including choices for hydration, energy, and added vitamins, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can dispense your latest concoction directly into a glass and savor it immediately, without needing to carbonate a full liter or use a specific bottle.

The customization options and flavors are impressive and the Thirsti performed exceptionally well during our tests. Our favorite feature is the ability to combine flavors and adjust the bubble intensity. Additionally, this machine is hands-off and easy to use. While CO2 canister refills are slightly expensive, we discovered that the max and classic seltzer carbonation settings produce a similar mouthfeel, making it unnecessary to use more CO2 than needed.

Power Source:Electric | Height: 16 inches | Drink Capacity:Up to 24 ounces | Bottle Material:N/A

Pros: This multi-functional soda maker allows for customization of drink size and flavor, easily achieved with the press of a button.

Cons: The CO2 canister refills are more expensive than other models.

5. Aarke Carbonator Pro

Aarke's latest carbonator has made significant user-friendly improvements and elegant touches that impressed us. One notable upgrade is the replacement of the previous BPA-free plastic bottle with a glass one. The carbonator has a sleek design, with stainless steel finishes that caught our attention. Setting up and operating the machine was also a breeze. It follows a two-step manual process of placing the cover over the glass bottle and then pressing the carbonation button to achieve the desired level of fizz. Adjusting the carbonation level manually may take a few tries, but the end results of sparkling water were satisfactory.

The carbonator may require some adjustments during initial use, as we noticed some water pooling in the drip tray. However, with proper pressure, this can easily be remedied. Please note that only water can be used with this carbonator, but you have the option to add flavor after pouring into your preferred drinking glass. Keep in mind that a gas canister must be purchased separately.

Power Source:Manual | Height:19.49 inches | Bottle Capacity:0.7 liters | Bottle Material:Glass

Pros: This improved wireless version has a streamlined design, simple operation, and generates powerful carbonation. Additionally, the glass bottle has received high praise.

Cons: Creating the right bubble size via manual pressure takes some trial and error.

6. Drinkmate Sparkling Water and Soda Maker

This is a compact, portable, wireless soda machine that allows for manual regulation of water carbonation. Our testing showed that this soda maker was uncomplicated to assemble and the included CO2 cartridge could be easily inserted into the back of the machine. One of its key features is the ability to carbonate a variety of beverages, such as juices, wines, teas, or even plain water, using Drinkmate’s OmniFizz. It is a versatile, user-friendly, and low-maintenance appliance that doesn't require batteries or electricity.

The merchant tested the product using apple juice and wine, resulting in a refreshing drink with the perfect level of carbonation. The carbonated wine was particularly impressive, closely resembling champagne. Unlike other bottles, this one features multiple measurement markings to help you customize the amount of drink you make. Be sure to fill up to the designated line, as the machine tends to produce very foamy drinks initially.

Power Source:Manual | Height: 16 inches | Bottle Capacity:1 liter | Bottle Material:BPA-free plastic

Pros: This tool can be used to carbonate almost any drink, including wine and juices.

Cons: It foams up a lot while using, so it can get a little messy.

What We Looked For

Carbonation Type

Soda makers use carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinders to pressurize the flat liquid and create the bubbles commonly found in carbonated drinks. The carbonation levels vary depending on the machine, resulting in different sizes of bubbles - from large ones to tiny, foamy ones. Some machines even allow for adjustable carbonation levels.

Power Source

Two types of soda machines are available: manual and electric. Depending on your needs, either option offers good performance. If you have ample countertop space and access to an electrical outlet, an electric soda maker is a strong choice. It may even include unique options, such as adjustable levels of carbonation, not found in manual counterparts. For a convenient and straightforward portable option, consider a soda maker that requires a simple press-down, like the Philips Soda Maker.

Size

When searching for a soda maker, consider the height as well as the width and length. It's important to find one that fits on your counter, tabletop, or small bar cart. Also, ensure that the bottle's height is suitable for your refrigerator.

Versatility

Discover the various capabilities of soda makers before selecting the right one for you. Some models not only carbonate water, but also juices, wine, and alcoholic beverages. Get creative and use natural syrups to replicate your favorite soda with a healthier twist.