While there are more elegant options, the SodaStream Terra is probably the best soda water maker for most people.
SodaStream
Best soda makers to buy in 2025
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best soda maker overall" description="
The Terra is SodaStream’s entry-level model, but it works well and lands at the top of our list as the best soda water maker for most people. The Terra made consistently fizzy water with simple manual pumps. It’s very easy to operate and doesn’t take up much space on the counter.
The Terra model has one recent improvement over SodaStream’s previous models, which is that you can click the carbon dioxide canister into the back rather than having to load it from the bottom. This saves a step each time you change the canister. Speaking of canisters, SodaStream has an easy exchange program where you can drop off empty cartridges in exchange for full ones at about half price ($17).
If I had one complaint about this and some other SodaStreams, it’s that the plastic build is a tad flimsy. The Terra has the lowest price of any model on this list. The basic package is around $100 and includes a carbon dioxide cartridge and plastic carafe, The value bundle features three plastic bottles (1 liter), two carbon dioxide cartridges (60L) and two bottles of Bubly drops to flavor your water for $160.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Does what it’s supposed to and makes sparkling water consistently
~ You can tailor the fizz level to your liking
~ New Quick Connect feature makes loading the CO2 canister even easier” dislike=”~ Plastic frame feels a bit flimsy
~ SodaStreams often break after two years of steady use
~ This and other models are a bit overpriced for what they are” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"7401f7ea-f733-4b58-9d8c-1248fc0047da","slug":"sodastream-terra-sparkling-water-maker","name":"SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1740008707884}” overridecredit=”SodaStream” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"7afef6e2-7fbe-4d75-b6f3-9350e98b4547","alt":"SodaStream Terra","caption":null,"credits":"SodaStream","imageData":{"id":"7afef6e2-7fbe-4d75-b6f3-9350e98b4547","filename":"sodastream-terra.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/c65c1b84cb25425dba00aaaaded6fd67569de8b6/hub/2025/02/19/7afef6e2-7fbe-4d75-b6f3-9350e98b4547/sodastream-terra.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2025-02-19 23:57:58.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/c65c1b84cb25425dba00aaaaded6fd67569de8b6/hub/2025/02/19/7afef6e2-7fbe-4d75-b6f3-9350e98b4547/sodastream-terra.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"SodaStream","imageAltText":"SodaStream Terra","imageFilename":"sodastream-terra.jpg","imageWidth":1921,"imageHeight":1081,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2025-02-19","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"cy6xu4jvab90tmv","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__2f64f88d-65d2-4d43-a45c-faff1b45c465″ index=”1″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”gap-project,bl-promo-banner,hv28,freelance-update” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”SodaStream” imagealttext=”SodaStream Terra” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
SCORE
Overall Rating 8.2
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best for making more than just sparkling water" description="
If it’s more than just sparkling water you covet, Ninja’s souped-up Thirsti beverage system is the right pick. At its base price of $150, it’s more expensive than a standard SodaStream, but that’s because it does a whole lot more.
The Thirsti is the only electronic drink maker on this list. It adds carbon dioxide to your water with the best of them, but also has the option to impart flavors, caffeine, vitamins and other enhancements electronically in 6-,12-, 18- or 24-ounce servings.
Choose from more than 20 water drops to plug into the front of the drink maker — as many as two at a time — and the Thirsti will spit out fruity beverages, lemonade and flavored sparkling water in about 3 seconds. The beverages are all zero-calorie and some are sweetened with sucralose. If you don’t like the taste of that sugar substitute, you’ll want to stick to the "Splash" pods, which contain only essence.
The basic Thirsti package comes with the machine, a carbon dioxide canister and eight water drops to add some panache to your hydration routine.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Adds flavors and other enhancements to water
~ Cheaper alternative to bottles and cans
~ Allows full control over flavor strength and carbonation levels
~ More versatility than a SodaStream
~ Easy to use” dislike=”~ Some flavors pods had a chemical taste
~ More expensive than most SodaStreams
~ Wider body than other carbonators” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{"id":"beae6627-8d46-443f-918d-2283996683a3","label":"Ninja Thirsti Drink System Black WC1001","slug":"ninja-thirsti-drink-system-black-wc1001","edition":["us"],"imageId":"","imgUrl":"","imageHeight":0,"imageWidth":0,"typeLabel":"Product","objectType":"content_product","icon":""}” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"beae6627-8d46-443f-918d-2283996683a3","slug":"ninja-thirsti-drink-system-black","name":"Ninja Thirsti Drink System (Black)","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"PRISM","mod":1740008708426}” overridecredit=”Ninja” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"788dbdbd-5b4e-4c1e-bdb7-648603460016","alt":"Ninja Thirsti","caption":null,"credits":"Ninja","imageData":{"id":"788dbdbd-5b4e-4c1e-bdb7-648603460016","filename":"ninja-thirsti.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/17374a1500bda16490a87c8ccca924e94f3db029/hub/2025/02/20/788dbdbd-5b4e-4c1e-bdb7-648603460016/ninja-thirsti.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2025-02-20 00:03:12.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/17374a1500bda16490a87c8ccca924e94f3db029/hub/2025/02/20/788dbdbd-5b4e-4c1e-bdb7-648603460016/ninja-thirsti.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"Ninja","imageAltText":"Ninja Thirsti","imageFilename":"ninja-thirsti.jpg","imageWidth":1921,"imageHeight":1081,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2025-02-20","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"041j9rnnf5gnt5y","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__66d6fe2f-093a-4b77-b85d-62c361261de1″ index=”2″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”gap-project,bl-promo-banner,hv28,freelance-update” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Ninja” imagealttext=”Ninja Thirsti” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
8.6
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If it’s more than just sparkling water you covet, Ninja’s souped-up Thirsti beverage system is the right pick. At its base price of $150, it’s more expensive than a standard SodaStream, but that’s because it does a whole lot more.
The Thirsti is the only electronic drink maker on this list. It adds carbon dioxide to your water with the best of them, but also has the option to impart flavors, caffeine, vitamins and other enhancements electronically in 6-,12-, 18- or 24-ounce servings.
Choose from more than 20 water drops to plug into the front of the drink maker — as many as two at a time — and the Thirsti will spit out fruity beverages, lemonade and flavored sparkling water in about 3 seconds. The beverages are all zero-calorie and some are sweetened with sucralose. If you don’t like the taste of that sugar substitute, you’ll want to stick to the “Splash” pods, which contain only essence.
The basic Thirsti package comes with the machine, a carbon dioxide canister and eight water drops to add some panache to your hydration routine.
CNET Score Breakdown
8.6 /10
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Most stylish soda water maker" description="
If design and aesthetics are important to you, the Aarke is pretty clearly the best-looking soda water maker on the market. It’s built from metal, while most others are constructed from cheaper plastics. It also has something of a vintage malt shop appeal, and it’s slim, so you can slide it onto the counter without forfeiting much real estate. The Aarke III works well, although it releases carbon dioxide a bit less consistently than a SodaStream.
This is also the most expensive soda maker on our list at over $200, and that price doesn’t include a carbon dioxide canister. The good news is you can use SodaStream and Soda Sensei canisters with the Aarke and take advantage of their robust canister exchange programs.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ The best-looking carbonator on the market
~ Made almost completely from steel and available in six attractive finishes
~ Makes sparkling water as promised
~ Easy to set up and operate
~ Works with SodaStream CO2 canisters for easy exchange” dislike=”~ The most expensive at-home carbonator
~ The $219 price does not include a CO2 canister
~ Somewhat inconsistent when emitting gas” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"b966bdaa-2aa6-4dbd-9cb3-eee6275c0f33","slug":"aarke-carbonator-iii-premium-carbonator-sparkling-seltzer-water-maker-with-pet-bottle-copper","name":"aarke – Carbonator III Premium Carbonator/Sparkling & Seltzer Water Maker with PET Bottle (Copper)","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1740008708848}” overridecredit=”Aarke” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"7b442cc5-00a8-46b9-b7dd-465e782704a0","alt":"Aarke Carbonator","caption":null,"credits":"Aarke","imageData":{"id":"7b442cc5-00a8-46b9-b7dd-465e782704a0","filename":"aarke-carbonator-soda-machine.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7a235df1f72bbe98a757541874a2f258a520eb2a/hub/2025/02/20/7b442cc5-00a8-46b9-b7dd-465e782704a0/aarke-carbonator-soda-machine.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2025-02-20 00:10:59.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/7a235df1f72bbe98a757541874a2f258a520eb2a/hub/2025/02/20/7b442cc5-00a8-46b9-b7dd-465e782704a0/aarke-carbonator-soda-machine.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"Aarke","imageAltText":"Aarke Carbonator","imageFilename":"aarke-carbonator-soda-machine.jpg","imageWidth":1921,"imageHeight":1081,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2025-02-20","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"nb4kj6oyk8zc26p","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__6ba7880e-5771-4a44-b88d-1fcc60a244f4″ index=”3″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”gap-project,bl-promo-banner,hv28,freelance-update” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Aarke” imagealttext=”Aarke Carbonator” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
8.0
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If design and aesthetics are important to you, the Aarke is pretty clearly the best-looking soda water maker on the market. It’s built from metal, while most others are constructed from cheaper plastics. It also has something of a vintage malt shop appeal, and it’s slim, so you can slide it onto the counter without forfeiting much real estate. The Aarke III works well, although it releases carbon dioxide a bit less consistently than a SodaStream.
This is also the most expensive soda maker on our list at over $200, and that price doesn’t include a carbon dioxide canister. The good news is you can use SodaStream and Soda Sensei canisters with the Aarke and take advantage of their robust canister exchange programs.
CNET Score Breakdown
8.0 /10
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best soda water maker with glass carafes" description="
If you’re looking to transport yourself to an Italian piazza, a bottle of sparkling water poured from a shapely glass bottle could help. SodaStream’s Aqua Fizz has all the functions of the other models but an elevated design. The carafe that accompanies the starter package is glass and the base that holds them while in use is metal. It’s also quieter than other models since the bottles are encased completely while they’re being pumped with gas.
I don’t like the look of this model quite as much as the Aarke, but it’s a more affordable premium model, and the glass carafes, although smaller than the plastic versions, are nice to set on the table for dinner parties.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Glass bottles are classy and easy to clean
~ Enclosed chamber dampens the noise” dislike=”~ Replacement bottles are expensive
~ Bottles are smaller so you’ll need to carbonate more often” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"6a027f7d-21f9-480a-ba25-57fa36c5b01a","slug":"sodastream-aqua-fizz-sparkling-water-machine","name":"SodaStream Aqua Fizz Sparkling Water Machine","productType":"SERIES","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1740008708284}” overridecredit=”SodaStream” overridecaption=”” imagegroup=”{"uuid":"6d86302a-041c-4bbf-9965-82d68a5a59a2","alt":"SodaStream Aqua Fizz","caption":null,"credits":"SodaStream","imageData":{"id":"6d86302a-041c-4bbf-9965-82d68a5a59a2","filename":"sodastream-aqua-fizz.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/351a1b6da9cd2c2ce8d3e43cf57771ebacc50d1c/hub/2025/02/20/6d86302a-041c-4bbf-9965-82d68a5a59a2/sodastream-aqua-fizz.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","dateCreated":{"date":"2025-02-20 00:15:13.000000","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false},"size":"","float":"","lightbox":false,"imageUrl":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/351a1b6da9cd2c2ce8d3e43cf57771ebacc50d1c/hub/2025/02/20/6d86302a-041c-4bbf-9965-82d68a5a59a2/sodastream-aqua-fizz.jpg?auto=webp&height=500","imageCaption":null,"imageCredit":"SodaStream","imageAltText":"SodaStream Aqua Fizz","imageFilename":"sodastream-aqua-fizz.jpg","imageWidth":1921,"imageHeight":1081,"imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageDateCreated":"2025-02-20","imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"lbta2jdlh6tq3cp","type":"listicle"}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__466becde-4d63-4a11-82b8-c4ee35d7d438″ index=”4″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” tagslugs=”gap-project,bl-promo-banner,hv28,freelance-update” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”SodaStream” imagealttext=”SodaStream Aqua Fizz” class=”c-bestListListicle”>
8.4
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If you’re looking to transport yourself to an Italian piazza, a bottle of sparkling water poured from a shapely glass bottle could help. SodaStream’s Aqua Fizz has all the functions of the other models but an elevated design. The carafe that accompanies the starter package is glass and the base that holds them while in use is metal. It’s also quieter than other models since the bottles are encased completely while they’re being pumped with gas.
I don’t like the look of this model quite as much as the Aarke, but it’s a more affordable premium model, and the glass carafes, although smaller than the plastic versions, are nice to set on the table for dinner parties.
CNET Score Breakdown
8.4 /10
In testing to find the best soda water makers, it mostly came down to general performance, ease of use, and overall value. I made at least 10 full bottles of sparkling water using each, noting how proficiently and consistently a machine executed its most vital duty of imparting carbon dioxide into the water. I also carbonated other liquids — including fruit juice and wine — but found that there was no difference in performance based on the type of liquid being carbonated. If a machine carbonated water well, it did so across all liquids.
Some of the machines took more muscling and pumps of the lever to get carbon dioxide emitted into the bottles. Of the manual machines, the SodaStream models were the most consistent. With five unique settings, the Spärkel electric seltzer maker makes the most precise soda water.
How much cheaper is it to make seltzer at home?
Let’s use the rough estimate SodaStream gives of getting 60 liters out of each $17 cartridge if you use the exchange program. That breaks down to about 25 cents per liter. By comparison, the average cost for a 1-liter bottle of soda water is about 80 cents in a store.
If you were to go through six cartridges over a year ($102), plus the cost of the SodaStream Terra ($100), that would be $202 total and about 56 cents per liter, a significant savings over store-bought seltzer.
These calculations are based on drinking 360 liters per year, which is about 33 ounces of soda water per day, or a little less than three cans. The more carbonated water you drink and the longer you use your SodaStream, the more you’ll save versus paying for the canned stuff.
Can you carbonate other beverages with a soda water maker?
Beyond making carbonated water, you can add fizz to just about any liquid with a soda water maker. Fruit juices, sparkling wine and beer that have gone flat (even flat soda) are just a few popular beverages to consider other than plain cold water. If you want fizzy milk, you can make that too.
