If your SodaStream machine still works, you do not need to replace it. If it stopped producing bubbles, or you want to carbonate juice, tea and cocktails instead of only flavoured water, then yes, there is a better alternative to SodaStream, and the swap gets easier every year.
Two things push people off the brand. The first is durability: a machine that loses its fizz after two years of light use, with a full cylinder sitting in the cupboard. The second is the closed ecosystem. SodaStream’s blue Quick Connect cylinders, its bottle threads and its syrups all tie you to one machine, which is exactly the lock-in that drives people toward a third-party soda maker that runs on standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders.
We compared 11 sparkling water makers over several weeks, carbonating water, juice and flat store-bought soda on each one and looking hard at what actually changes day to day: how hard you press, how the carbonation holds, how loud it is, and what happens when a part breaks. This list covers water-only machines, multi-liquid carbonators, a design-led steel flagship and one drink station that does flavoured drinks, so you can pick the category that matches how you drink.
A word on what arrives in the box, since it is the first question most people ask: nearly every machine below comes with no CO2 cylinder at all. You will need one 60L screw-in canister before the first glass, and that is the single most common checkout surprise in this category. The same logic we use when ranking smart bike alternatives applies here: the sticker price is only the first line of a running cost.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Best Sodastream Alternatives (October 2026)
- Quick Comparison of All 11 Soda Makers in 2026
- Why People Switch Away From SodaStream?
- 1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Overall SodaStream Alternative
- 2. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best Value Soda Maker That Carbonates Anything
- 3. Philips ADD4902 – Best Budget SodaStream Alternative
- 4. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Top Rated for Silent Carbonation
- 5. Mysoda Woody – Best SodaStream Alternative for Small Kitchens
- 6. Breville InFizz Fusion – Premium Multi-Liquid Pick for Juice and Cocktails
- 7. Breville InFizz Aqua – Best for an Open Counter
- 8. WMF Element One – Best for Adjustable Bubble Control
- 9. Drinkpod FIZZpod – Best SodaStream Alternative With Multiple Bottles
- 10. Ninja Thirsti Ultimate – Best for Flavoured Drinks With a Cylinder Included
- 11. Airosia G15pro – Best SodaStream Alternative for Small Batches
- Can You Keep Your SodaStream CO2 Cylinders and Bottles?
- Drinkmate vs SodaStream and Aarke vs SodaStream
- How to Choose a SodaStream Alternative?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Best SodaStream Alternatives in 2026
Top 3 Best Sodastream Alternatives (October 2026)
Aarke Carbonator 3
- Stainless steel one-piece body
- Damper-controlled lever
- 800ml BPA-free PET bottle
- Screw-in CO2 cylinder
Drinkmate OmniFizz
- Carbonates any drink
- Fizz Infuser valve
- 1L BPA-free bottle
- Standard screw-in CO2
Breville InFizz Fusion
- FusionCap for juice and cocktails
- Die-cast lever
- Fast and slow modes
- Two-year warranty
The Aarke Carbonator 3 wins overall because it is the best-reviewed machine in this roundup, at 6706 reviews and a 4.4 average, and the only one here that pairs that volume of owner feedback with a stainless steel body. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the value pick and the most capable carbonator, since it handles juice, tea, wine and flat soda through its Fizz Infuser valve. The Breville InFizz Fusion is the premium tier, pairing a die-cast lever and a FusionCap with a two-year warranty.
Quick Comparison of All 11 Soda Makers in 2026
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Aarke Carbonator 3 |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Drinkmate OmniFizz |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Philips ADD4902 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Mysoda Ruby 2 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Mysoda Woody |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Breville InFizz Fusion |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Breville InFizz Aqua |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WMF Element One |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Drinkpod FIZZpod |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ninja Thirsti Ultimate |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Airosia G15pro |
|
Check Latest Price |
Three categories separate this list. Water-only machines such as the Aarke, Philips, Mysoda, Breville Aqua and WMF Element One carbonate plain water and expect syrup afterwards. Multi-liquid carbonators such as the Drinkmate OmniFizz, Breville InFizz Fusion, FIZZpod and Airosia G15pro inject CO2 straight into juice, tea, wine or flat soda. The Ninja Thirsti sits apart again because it makes flavoured drinks from pods and includes a cylinder in the box.
Why People Switch Away From SodaStream?
Machine failure is the reason that gets people searching for an alternative in the first place. One owner on r/SodaStream described a Terra that produced awful carbonation with a brand-new cylinder after two years of light use, which is the exact scenario that strands a working cylinder subscription. Replacing the machine while keeping the cylinders and syrups is what motivated that same owner to move to a Drinkmate OmniFizz rather than buy another branded machine.
The second reason is cylinder format. SodaStream’s Quick Connect blue cylinders screw in with a distinct thread, and third-party machines use the standard 60L screw-in pattern instead. The practical result is that your existing blue cylinders cannot be transferred to almost any machine on this list, so a switch means restocking on standard canisters. Those are sold at hardware stores, grocery aisles and online refill services rather than through a brand exchange programme, which is where the long-run cost difference comes from.
The third reason is drink range. Water-only machines make a fine base for flavoured water, but syrup added after carbonation is a different drink from sparkling juice or sparkling tea made in the bottle. If you want to carbonate the liquid itself, the machine needs a Fizz Infuser, a FusionCap or a detachable sub-machine to handle the pressure without a violent foaming mess.
A quieter fourth reason is footprint and sound. Machines with a quick-lock bottle and a dampened lever stay out of the way during open-plan living, and the long-running sparkling water drinkers on r/nutrition consistently favour machines that hold larger canisters so they are not making refill trips constantly.
1. Aarke Carbonator 3 – Best Overall SodaStream Alternative
Aarke Carbonator 3 – Premium Sparkling Water Maker, Stainless Steel
★★★★★★★★★★800ml BPA-free PET bottle
Stainless steel body
Manual lever, no electricity
Screw-in CO2
- Stainless steel enclosure that looks like a design object
- Damper-controlled lever gives consistent carbonation
- Quiet and electricity-free
- Very compact footprint
- 6706 reviews averaging 4.4
- 800ml bottle is smaller than the 1L bottles rivals include
- CO2 cylinder not included in the machine-only setup
- Water only
- so juices and cocktails are out
The Aarke is the machine I put on a counter when aesthetics are not optional. It weighs 1.72 kg, stands 16.3 inches tall and has a stainless steel enclosure that hides the cylinder behind the body rather than letting it hang off the side like a plastic shell. At 1.72 kg it is also among the most compact machines here, which matters more than it sounds if your machine lives next to a kettle.
Operation is entirely mechanical. You thread a standard cylinder into the base, push the bottle onto its connector and work the lever. The damper-controlled system is the part owners praise most: it delivers carbonation in seconds rather than in a long pump, and the consistent pressure is why carbonation does not vary much between bottles.
What you give up for that design is bottle volume and drink range. The bundled bottle is 800ml, where most rivals in this list include 1L, so a full glass means two cycles. The machine is water only, and a syrup added afterwards is the intended route to flavour. Neither is a fault exactly, but both are real limits if you drink large bottles or want sparkling juice.
One cylinder is claimed to produce up to 2,000 oz of carbonated water, roughly the equivalent of 167 twelve-ounce cans, which lines up with the 60L figure other brands quote. At that rate the cylinder, not the machine, sets your refill rhythm.
Who the Carbonator 3 suits?
It suits anyone who wants one appliance that looks deliberate rather than utilitarian, and anyone who drinks sparkling water in moderate glasses through the day rather than litre bottles. The 4.4 average across 6706 reviews is the deepest owner feedback of any machine here, so the quiet operation and consistent lever feel are well documented rather than promised.
It also suits people who do not want cylinders, batteries or plumbing logistics. Everything is manual, and the only consumable is a standard screw-in canister you can buy from almost any retailer.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want to carbonate anything other than water, or if a 1L bottle is essential. The 800ml capacity means more cycles and more lever work for the same volume, and there is no upgrade path to a larger bottle within the range.
Skip it also if you already have a working SodaStream cylinder subscription you plan to keep. Moving to the Aarke means switching to standard 60L screw-in canisters, so plan the changeover before the current cylinder runs out.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
2. Drinkmate OmniFizz – Best Value Soda Maker That Carbonates Anything
Drinkmate OmniFizz Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine | Carbonates Any Drink | BPA-Free Bottle | No Batteries or Electricity Required | CO2 Not Included (Matte Black)
★★★★★★★★★★1L BPA-free bottle and Fizz Infuser
Carbonates any drink
Manual, no electricity
Screw-in CO2
- Carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails
- wine and flat soda
- Standard screw-in cylinders so refills are cheap
- Revives flat store-bought soda
- Fizzy water holds its bubbles for hours with the cap closed
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
- CO2 cylinder can back out and need re-tightening
- Top button hinge can pop loose after an impact
- Lightweight plastic body feels less durable than steel
- Diffuser needle reported to seize after about a year on some units
It is the machine to buy if the reason you are leaving SodaStream is that you want more than flavoured water. The OmniFizz injects CO2 directly into the liquid through a patented Fizz Infuser valve, so juice, tea, wine, cocktails and even flat soda go in as they are and come out sparkling. Several reviewers describe it as the first soda maker that made them stop buying cans entirely.
It runs on standard SodaStream-style screw-in cylinders and adapters, which is the practical reason it converts SodaStream owners so easily. You are not locked into a brand exchange programme, and refill services that compete on price will happily fill the same format. The bottle detaches for carbonation rather than being sealed under pressure, so there is less opportunity for a leak at the machine.
Carbonation quality is the surprise. Water stays properly fizzy for hours with the cap closed, which is the complaint that most often ends a review of a cheaper machine, and owners comparing cost per litre frequently find it cheaper than their old setup. A 1L BPA-free reusable bottle is included.
The build is where the compromises live. It is a plastic body weighing 3 pounds, and the recurring complaints in reviews are mechanical rather than electrical: a cylinder that loosens slightly after repeated use, a top button hinge that can pop out after the unit is dropped, and a diffuser needle that some owners report seizing around the one-year mark. The two-year manufacturer warranty covers the first two years of that risk, which is worth more than it sounds in this category.
Who the OmniFizz suits?
It suits households that drink sparkling water and sparkling everything else, and anyone who buys juice, wine or soda only to find it flat a day later. The FIZZpod and Airosia below carbonate drinks too, but the OmniFizz has by far the largest review base of the three, which means replacement parts and advice are easier to find.
It also suits price-sensitive switchers. Standard cylinders are the cheapest refill route in the category, and the machine itself sits well below the steel-bodied premium machines while doing more than any of them.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want an appliance that looks like furniture or handles like a piece of engineering. The plastic shell and the push-button top feel a step below the Breville and Aarke machines once you have handled them, and a dropped unit is more likely to lose its hinge.
Skip it if carbonation of plain water is genuinely all you do. A water-only machine with a metal body and a quieter mechanism will serve you better for less fuss, and several of those are cheaper.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
3. Philips ADD4902 – Best Budget SodaStream Alternative
Philips Sparkling Water Maker & Soda Streaming Machine, ADD4902WHOQ/37
★★★★★★★★★★1L quick-twist BPA-free bottle
Stainless steel body
Standard 60L screw-in CO2
Water only
- Stainless steel body at the entry level of the market
- Quick-twist bottle system is genuinely simple
- Standard 60L screw-in cylinders sold at most retailers
- One 60L cylinder covers up to 16 gallons
- Available in seven colour options
- Weakest carbonation in the group unless the water is ice cold
- Water only
- Quick-twist bottles are not interchangeable with third-party bottles
- Tall bottle form factor crowds the counter
It is the pick if your priority is getting away from SodaStream at the entry level of the market, and you do not care that it is a steel shell rather than a full steel machine. The material is stainless steel, which puts it ahead of most machines at this price, and the quick-twist bottle is the least fiddly locking mechanism in this list.
It takes standard 60L screw-in cylinders, so refills are the standard cheap format rather than a proprietary exchange. One cylinder is quoted as carbonating up to 16 gallons of water, which replaces roughly 120 single-use plastic bottles, and seven colour options make it easier to live with than a generic white box.
Carbonation strength is the honest weakness. At a 4.0 average across 1542 reviews with a 14% one-star share, the consistent complaint is weak fizz unless the water is ice cold, and that is a fixable habit rather than a defect. Start with fridge-temperature water and leave it cold.
The 4.0 average is the lowest among the well-reviewed machines here, and it is worth understanding why. The machine is water only, and the bottle system is Philips-specific, so if you want a second bottle you buy another Quick Twist model rather than reusing a standard thread.
Who the Philips ADD4902 suits?
It suits first-time soda maker buyers, students and anyone replacing a dead machine who wants a familiar, low-effort experience. No electricity, one button, one twist, and a cylinder format you can pick up in a supermarket.
It also suits anyone who wants a stainless steel object on the counter for the least money, and it fits the same kitchen corners as the plastic budget machines because the mechanism is simple.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if carbonation punch is the whole point. The machines above deliver noticeably harder fizz without needing fridge-cold water, and the Philips is not going to change your mind about that.
Skip it if you plan to carbonate juice or tea. It is a water-only machine, and forcing anything thicker through it is a way to lose warranty cover and create foam.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
4. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Top Rated for Silent Carbonation
Mysoda Ruby 2 Sparkling Water Maker – with 1L Bottle – Black Copper
★★★★★★★★★★1L bottle, quick-lock attachment
Silent aluminium body
Anti-freeze nozzle
Screw-in CO2
- 4.6 average from 332 reviews with 82% five-star
- Silent mechanism suits open-plan kitchens
- Anti-freeze nozzle produces smaller smoother bubbles
- Scratch-proof coated aluminium body
- Works with any standard screw-in cylinder
- Water only
- CO2 cylinder sold separately
- Quick-connect cylinders are explicitly not compatible
The Mysoda Ruby 2 carries one of the two highest ratings in this roundup, 4.6 from 332 reviews with 82% five-star, and the reason is unusually specific: it is quiet. The quick-lock bottle attachment needs no twisting force and the mechanism itself makes very little noise, which matters enormously in an open-plan kitchen where a loud pump is audible from the next room.
The anti-freeze nozzle is the other thing owners mention. It produces smaller, smoother bubbles than a basic machine, and the difference shows up as a silkier mouthfeel rather than more foam. The coated aluminium body resists scratches, which is a real improvement on the plastic shells most of this price bracket uses, and the design picked up Red Dot and Green Good Design recognition.
At 2.4 kg and 16.14 inches tall it is a full-size machine, not a small one, so measure your counter clearance first. The 1L bottle in the box is plastic, and the cylinder is not included, so the first order needs two line items.
Mysoda is explicit in its own documentation that quick-connect cylinders are not compatible, which is honest but worth knowing before you buy: this is a standard screw-in machine, so blue SodaStream canisters will not go in it.
Who the Ruby 2 suits?
It suits people who are the first person to notice a sound in the kitchen. If the machine is carbonating while you are on a call or cooking dinner for people, the Ruby 2 is the pick here with the least noise to apologise for.
It also suits buyers who care about finish and texture more than multi-liquid capability. The aluminium body will still look considered in a few years, and the smaller bubbles are a genuine quality upgrade over a standard nozzle.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want to carbonate juice, cocktails or flat soda. This is a water-only machine by design, and the multi-liquid picks below exist for that reason.
Also consider skipping it if quietness is not an issue for you. At 332 reviews the owner base is smaller than the Aarke or Drinkmate, so replacement bottles and long-term parts availability are less certain.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
5. Mysoda Woody – Best SodaStream Alternative for Small Kitchens
Mysoda Woody Sparkling Water Maker with 1L Bottle – Premium Quality – Black
★★★★★★★★★★1L PET bottle, quick-lock
Wood composite body
Silent, no electricity
Screw-in CO2
- Renewable-based wood composite body rather than plastic
- Noise-free mechanism quieter than conventional machines
- Silent quick-lock attachment
- Uses the most common screw-in cylinders
- Award-winning Nordic design
- Water only
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Wood composite is more scratch-prone than steel
- Smaller review base than the mainstream rivals
The Woody is the same core mechanism as the Ruby 2 in a body made from renewable-based wood composite, and it shares that machine’s main advantage: a noise-free operation that barely registers in a small kitchen. It also uses the standard screw-in cylinder format, so refills are the cheap, widely available kind.
Where it differs is the finish and the price position. At a 4.4 average from 309 reviews with 78% five-star, the feedback is strong, and the recurring note is that the wood composite looks better on a counter than the plastic machines it costs about the same as. It picked up the Chicago Athenaeum Green Good Design award and four other design awards.
The trade-off is durability of the exterior rather than the mechanism. Wood composite scratches more easily than steel, so on a counter that takes knocks it will show wear sooner than the aluminium Ruby 2 or the steel Breville machines. If you have young children or a busy kitchen, that is a fair thing to weigh.
At 2.4 kg and 16.06 inches tall it is not physically small. The win in a small kitchen comes from it being quiet and visually light, not from its dimensions.
Who the Woody suits?
It suits buyers who want a soda maker that does not look like kitchen equipment, and who care more about noise and looks than about carbonating anything other than water. A 1L PET bottle is included and the quick-lock is silent.
It also suits anyone who wants design-led build at a mid price without moving up to a full stainless steel machine, which is the gap this machine occupies.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if your counter is prone to knocks or scratches. Steel and aluminium tolerate that better, and the Ruby 2 offers the same quiet mechanism in a tougher body.
Skip it if drink range matters. Like most machines on this list, it is water only, and the cylinder still has to be bought separately.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
6. Breville InFizz Fusion – Premium Multi-Liquid Pick for Juice and Cocktails
Breville InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drink Carbonator, Brushed Stainless Steel
★★★★★★★★★★1L bottle with FusionCap
Carbonates juice and cocktails
Stainless steel body
Two-year warranty
- FusionCap carbonates juice
- tea
- cocktails
- wine and flat soda
- Die-cast lever and steel body feel substantial
- Magnetic removable stainless drip tray
- Fast or slow carbonation modes
- Two-year product warranty
- Only one 1L bottle included
- CO2 canister not included
- Plastic bottles carry an expiration date and no glass is offered
- Tall body may not fit under a low cabinet
The InFizz Fusion is the machine we would buy if the budget is not the first constraint. It rates 4.6 from 169 reviews with 86% five-star, ranks fourth in the Soda Makers category, and the feedback describes it as a clear step up in build quality with metal parts rather than moulded plastic.
The FusionCap is the mechanism that matters. It carbonates juice, tea, cocktails, wine and flat soda directly, and it offers fast or slow carbonation modes depending on the drink, so you can push hard on water and gentle on something already carbonated. The lever is die-cast, the drip tray is removable magnetic stainless steel, and the twist-and-lock ring pull makes bottle changes quick.
The build quality is the reason reviewers describe it as durable rather than merely good-looking. At 3.57 kg it has real mass, and reviewers who moved up from a plastic machine notice the difference immediately in the smooth, near-silent action and the long-lasting fizz.
Two practical caveats. Only one 1L bottle is in the box, so a second bottle is an extra purchase, and that bottle is plastic with an expiration date printed on it, which some buyers dislike. No glass option is offered, which matters if you care about taste purity or travel durability.
Who the InFizz Fusion suits?
It suits households that want a proper bar setup rather than only fizzy water. Cocktails, mocktails, sparkling tea and reviving a flat bottle of shop-bought soda are all core use cases here, and the two-year warranty gives room for a machine you intend to keep for years.
It also suits buyers who came from a plastic soda maker and want metal parts. The die-cast lever and magnetic tray are not specification padding; they are the reason this machine is rated where it is.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if the tall form factor is a problem. The body does not fit under many cabinets, so measure before ordering, and consider the drink-only buyers who do not need the FusionCap at all.
Skip it if multi-liquid carbonation is not something you will actually do. The cheaper Breville InFizz Aqua does water and nothing else, and it costs less.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
7. Breville InFizz Aqua – Best for an Open Counter
Breville InFizz Aqua Sparkling Water Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel
★★★★★★★★★★1L bottle with steel cap
Stainless steel body
Twist-and-lock ring pull
Two-year warranty
- Brushed stainless steel finish with a die-cast lever
- Water-only design keeps operation simple
- Removable magnetic stainless drip tray
- Includes 1L bottle with steel cap and base plus a brush
- Two-year warranty and no power needed
- Carbonates only water
- CO2 canister not included
- Only one plastic bottle in the box
- Bulky at 3.49 kg
The InFizz Aqua is the InFizz Fusion with the multi-liquid capability removed, and that is exactly what makes it interesting. If you only ever make sparkling water, you get the same brushed stainless body, die-cast lever, removable magnetic drip tray and two-year warranty for less money, and you remove the only part of the machine that needs careful technique.
At 4.5 from 111 reviews with 78% five-star, the feedback is about the finish and the ease. The twist-and-lock ring pull is described as smooth and ergonomic, and the cycle is simple enough that there is nothing to get wrong once a month when you make a bottle.
It is also the most electric-free choice in design terms: no adapter, no buttons to press, a screw-type 60L canister and a lever. There is nothing to plug in and nothing to charge, which is a genuine advantage in a holiday kitchen or an outdoor table.
At 3.49 kg and 10.31 inches deep it is a large footprint for a water-only machine, and the included 1L bottle is plastic and needs hand washing. That is the trade you make by choosing the simpler machine.
Who the InFizz Aqua suits?
It suits households that drink sparkling water with syrup and nothing more, and that want a steel appliance on a visible counter. The brushed finish is the most neutral of the machines in this list, and the one most likely to disappear into an existing kitchen.
It also suits anyone who prefers fewer steps. Water in, lever, cap on. There is no mode to select and nothing that can foam over if you use the wrong liquid.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you want sparkling juice or cocktails. That capability is the entire reason the Fusion exists, and the Aqua will not do it.
Skip it if counter space is tight. The weight and depth are noticeable, and the Philips or Mysoda options are physically smaller for a similar water-only result.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
8. WMF Element One – Best for Adjustable Bubble Control
WMF Element One Water Carbonator – Fully Automatic Stainless Steel Bubble Machine with 3 Settings Levels, Space-Saving Design, Elegant Soda Maker & Fizzy Device for Tingling Enjoyment, Ice Flow Colour
★★★★★★★★★★850ml PET bottle
Three bubble levels
Cromargan steel body
AC adapter power
- Three selectable bubble levels from fine pearl to medium to sparkling
- Cromargan 18/10 stainless steel housing
- Compact space-saving design with a bayonet click bottle system
- Reusable stainless steel lid and base cap
- Single-button operation with quick cylinder access
- Top of this group's price range with the lowest category rank
- Replacement bottles very hard to source and support reported unresponsive
- CO2 cylinder not included
- Bottle carries an expiration date
The Element One is the only machine here with a real bubble-size control rather than a press-count approximation. Three settings run from fine pearl through medium to sparkling, which is a different design decision from the lever-or-buttons approach used everywhere else on this list, and it is genuinely useful when you want a soft texture for wine or a hard sparkle for a gin and tonic.
The build is also among the most refined here. Cromargan 18/10 stainless steel, a bayonet click system for the bottle, and reusable stainless steel parts on the lid and base cap rather than disposable plastic closures. At 4.5 from 126 reviews, European buyers consistently praise the finish and the footprint.
Two things make this harder to recommend than its rating suggests. It needs an AC adapter, the only machine in this group besides the Ninja that requires power. And the service picture is the weakest reported of any product here: several reviewers describe being unable to source replacement bottles or reach WMF support.
It sits at the top of this group’s price range with the lowest category ranking of any machine here, which points to limited availability rather than a quality problem. If you are outside the markets where WMF is normally stocked, the practical risk is being unable to replace a damaged bottle at all.
Who the Element One suits?
It suits drinkers who care about texture more than volume, and anyone who wants a single dial-like decision between a gentle fizz and a hard one instead of guessing how many presses a bottle needs.
It also suits buyers who can get WMF bottles locally and already own an AC-powered corner of the kitchen. The stainless lid and base cap reduce the number of consumable parts.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you are in a market where WMF is not normally stocked. The reported experience of being unable to obtain replacement bottles is a genuine risk, not a hypothetical, and a soda maker is only worth buying if you can keep it running.
Skip it if you want to carbonate more than water or if you need a manual, electricity-free machine. At 4.5 stars it is a good product, but the ownership risk is higher than the alternatives.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
9. Drinkpod FIZZpod – Best SodaStream Alternative With Multiple Bottles
FIZZpod Soda Maker – Fizzy Drink Machine with 3 PET Bottles, 3 Caps, 1 Carbonator Cap and Manual – Make Homemade Sparkle Water, Juice, Coffee, Tea and Cocktail Drinks with Fruit (White)
★★★★★★★★★★3 x 1L PET bottles
Two-step gas relief
Carbonates any drink
Standard 60L CO2
- Includes three 1L bottles
- three caps and a fizz infuser
- Patented two-step gas relief handles juice
- cocktails
- wine and flat beer
- Can infuse fruit pieces for natural flavour
- Very slim 6 inch by 3.16 inch footprint
- Works with all standard 60L cylinders in North America
- Tall bottles must be laid down in the refrigerator
- Canisters can seep from the infuser if not tightened firmly
- Thick or pulpy juices foam heavily and can overflow the venting step
- Bottles are not dishwasher safe
The FIZZpod is the value multi-liquid machine in this list, and the reason is simple arithmetic: three 1L bottles are in the box. Nobody else here includes more than one, which means a household with two or three people can have separate bottles for sparkling water, sparkling juice and cold brew without waiting for a cycle to finish.
It uses a patented two-step gas relief with a split injection pipe, which is how it manages to carbonate juice, cocktails, wine and even flat beer. The first step vents, the second injects, and that staged approach is why the machine can handle thicker liquids than a single-shot design. It also accepts all standard 60L cartridges in North America, and you can add fruit pieces to the bottle for natural infusion.
At 4.3 from 147 reviews with 70% five-star, the feedback is positive but specific. The slim 6 by 3.16 inch body fits under cabinets that nothing else here will, and the bottle detaches for carbonation so there is no screw-in seal to leak.
Two practical problems recur. The bottles are 1L and tall, which means they do not stand up in a fridge door and have to lie down, and pulpy juices such as orange or tomato can foam heavily enough to overflow the venting step. Cylinders can also weep at the infuser if they are not tightened firmly, which is a habit rather than a defect.
Who the FIZZpod suits?
It suits multi-drinker households. Three bottles means a glass of sparkling water, a glass of sparkling juice and a bottle of flat soda revived, all at once, without waiting for the machine to cycle twice.
It also suits buyers working in a small kitchen, because 6 inches deep is the narrowest body in this group by a wide margin and it needs no power.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you make large quantities of thick juice. The two-step venting step handles it, but heavily pulpy blends are where owners report overflow, and the bottles are not dishwasher safe, so cleanup is by hand.
Skip it if finish matters to you. It is a slim plastic column, and the tall bottles that must lie in the fridge are the part most likely to annoy you over time.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
10. Ninja Thirsti Ultimate – Best for Flavoured Drinks With a Cylinder Included
Ninja Thirsti Ultimate Drink System, Soda Maker, Cyberspace, WC3001BL2
★★★★★★★★★★48oz reservoir, 60L cylinder included
Three fizz levels plus still
Flavoured pods compatible
AC adapter power
- Only machine here that makes flavoured drinks
- 20+ zero and low-calorie flavour pods
- Three sparkling levels plus a still water option
- 12oz and 24oz serving sizes
- Includes a 60L CO2 cylinder and 48oz reservoir so no extra purchases
- Requires an AC adapter
- Flavour pods are not included and are a recurring cost
- Locked into proprietary Ninja Thirsti pods with no third-party alternative
- Largest countertop footprint here at over 13 inches deep
The Ninja Thirsti Ultimate is the odd one out in the best way. Every other machine on this list makes unflavoured sparkling water and leaves flavouring to a syrup you pour in afterwards. The Thirsti makes flavoured drinks directly, dispensing from 20-plus zero and low-calorie Thirsti flavour pods, and it will blend any two of them into a custom drink.
It is also the only machine in the set that comes with a 60L CO2 cylinder in the box, along with a 48oz temperature-sensitive water reservoir. For a first-time buyer, that removes the two most common surprise line items entirely, and the temperature-sensitive reservoir is the reason the poured result tastes like a fountain drink rather than a cold tap.
There are three levels of sparkling plus a still option, and it dispenses either 12oz or 24oz servings, so it works as a countertop dispenser rather than a bottle-and-pour machine. That is a genuinely different use pattern from every other product here.
The trade-off is real and it is ecosystem-shaped. It needs an AC adapter, it has the largest footprint in the group at over 13 inches deep, and the flavour pods are proprietary with no third-party equivalent, which reintroduces exactly the lock-in some people are switching away from. At 4.1 from 66 reviews with a 14% one-star share, it also has the thinnest feedback in this roundup.
Who the Thirsti Ultimate suits?
It suits households that mostly drink flavoured soda rather than plain sparkling water, and anyone who wants one appliance to cover sparkling, still and sweet drinks. The included cylinder and reservoir mean it works out of the box.
It also suits families where serving sizes matter. A 24oz pour and a 12oz pour from the same machine is not something the manual bottle systems here can do.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you are leaving SodaStream specifically to escape a closed ecosystem. The Thirsti swaps a closed cylinder system for a closed flavour-pod system, and the pods are a recurring cost with no alternative supplier.
Skip it if you need manual, electricity-free operation or if counter depth is tight. It is the biggest machine here and the only other one besides the WMF that needs power.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
11. Airosia G15pro – Best SodaStream Alternative for Small Batches
Carbonates Any Drink-Airosia Soda Maker Machine-304 Stainless Steel Sparkling Water Maker, Carbonator Machine with BPA Free Bottles(1L+0.5L) (CO2 Carbonator NOT Included)
★★★★★★★★★★1L and 0.5L BPA-free bottles
304 stainless steel
Carbonates any drink
Detachable sub-machine
- Carbonates juice
- wine
- lemonade and other liquids without fizzing over
- Full 304 stainless steel body
- Detachable carbonation sub-machine makes cleaning simple
- Includes both 1L and 0.5L BPA-free bottles
- Uses standard screw-in CO2 cylinders
- Replacement Airosia bottles are very hard to find
- Plastic bottles only
- CO2 cylinders not included
- Very small review base of 42 recent ratings
The Airosia G15pro is the machine to look at if you drink sparkling water in modest amounts and do not want to commit a full litre each time. It is the only machine in this group that includes two bottle sizes, 1L and 0.5L, so a single glass does not mean a full bottle sitting in the fridge going flat.
It also handles liquids well. The detachable carbonation sub-machine is the part worth understanding: it controls how the CO2 dissolves so thicker drinks do not overflow, and because it detaches you can clean the working parts properly instead of rinsing around a fixed mechanism. The 304 stainless steel body is fully stainless rather than a steel panel on plastic.
At 4.6 from 42 reviews, the rating is excellent and the sample is tiny and recent, so treat it as encouraging rather than proven. The design is 9 inches wide and compact, and it uses standard screw-in cylinders.
The consistent problem is sourcing. Buyers report that replacement Airosia bottles are very hard to find, and the instructions specify Airosia-only bottles, which is awkward because the smaller 0.5L bottle is the main reason to buy it and it is the hardest to replace. Bottles are plastic, not glass, and the cylinder is not included.
Who the Airosia G15pro suits?
It suits one-person and couple households, and anyone who wants sparkling juice or wine in small quantities rather than litre batches. The detachable sub-machine is a genuine advantage if you make dirty drinks regularly.
It also suits buyers who want a multi-liquid machine in a metal body at a mid price, without going to the top of the range for a full steel build.
Who should skip it?
Skip it if you care about long-term parts availability. A 42-review base and bottles that are hard to source is a different risk profile from the Aarke or Drinkmate, where spares and advice are easier to find.
Skip it if glass matters to you, or if the smaller bottle appeals mainly because it is unusual. If you want small batches, buying a standard 1L machine and drinking it quickly is a simpler solution.
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Can You Keep Your SodaStream CO2 Cylinders and Bottles?
No, you generally cannot keep using blue Quick Connect cylinders or SodaStream bottles on a third-party machine. Every machine on this list uses the standard 60L screw-in cylinder thread, which is a different fitting from the Quick Connect system, and Quick Connect canisters will not physically go in. The exception to check is the Drinkmate OmniFizz, which accepts standard SodaStream-style screw-in cylinders and adapters, but that is the screw-in format, not the blue Quick Connect type.
What you do get is cheaper and more available refills. Standard 60L canisters are the common currency of this whole category, sold at hardware stores, supermarkets and independent refill services, and third-party refill exchanges compete hard on price because they are not tied to one machine brand. One 60L cylinder carbonates about 16 gallons, so the number of swaps per year depends entirely on how much you drink.
Bottles are a separate question and the answer is the same. SodaStream bottle threads are not universal, and the Philips quick-twist, Aarke, Mysoda, Breville, WMF, FIZZpod and Airosia bottles are all brand-specific fittings. Every machine here includes at least one bottle, so you are not left with nothing, but if you are replacing a SodaStream you will be buying a fresh bottle ecosystem. The Airosia listing mentions compatibility with existing SodaStream-style bottles on the cylinder side, and reviews note that other SodaStream bottles do not fit.
The practical switch-over order is simple. Buy the machine and a standard 60L cylinder together, run a bottle of cold water through it to check the carbonation feels right for you, and only then let your existing Quick Connect subscription lapse. Bundles are the place to watch out, because they are frequently region-locked: a Drinkmate OmniFizz and cylinder bundle was found on r/SodaStream only through Costco Canada while the buyer was in the US, so assume you will be buying the two parts separately unless you can confirm local availability first.
Drinkmate vs SodaStream and Aarke vs SodaStream
Drinkmate beats SodaStream on versatility, SodaStream wins on price and ecosystem. The OmniFizz carbonates juice, tea, cocktails, wine and flat soda directly, while a SodaStream machine carbonates water only and expects syrup afterwards. On cost, the OmniFizz runs on standard screw-in cylinders, which are the cheaper refill format and are not tied to a single brand. SodaStream’s counterargument is genuine: its machines are generally cheaper, replacement parts are easier to source, and the Quick Connect network is the most developed in the category.
Aarke beats SodaStream on build and design, SodaStream wins on price and serviceability. The Carbonator 3 is a stainless steel object with a dampener-controlled lever, and reviewers comparing it with the SodaStream Gaia in appliance communities tend to find the Aarke the more refined machine while noting the Gaia holds its own. It costs more than triple a typical SodaStream, and its bottle and cylinder are proprietary parts. Both are water only, so neither will safely carbonate juice.
The pattern across both comparisons is the same. If you want more drinks, choose Drinkmate or Breville. If you want a better-looking object with consistent carbonation and a large owner base, choose Aarke. If you want the cheapest machine and the widest parts network, staying with SodaStream is a defensible decision, and switching is only worth it once you are buying a standard cylinder anyway.
How to Choose a SodaStream Alternative?
Decide water only or anything at all first, because it is the one decision that eliminates half the list. Machines that carbonate juice, tea, wine and flat soda need a mechanism built for it: the Drinkmate Fizz Infuser valve, the Breville FusionCap, the FIZZpod two-step gas relief, the Airosia detachable sub-machine and the FIZZpod fruit infusion. Everything else in this list is water only, and pushing juice through a water-only machine is how you get heavy foam at best and a warranty problem at worst.
Second, understand the cylinder maths. A standard 60L screw-in canister covers roughly 16 gallons, or about 120 twelve-ounce bottles, and heavier carbonation uses more gas per bottle. Machines rated at #4 in the Soda Makers category and machines rated near the bottom produce the same volume per cylinder, so the running cost is identical and the difference shows up in taste, not in your gas bill.
Third, check the bottle format against your fridge. Several machines here include a 1L PET bottle that is tall enough to have to lie down, which is fine but changes how your fridge door closes. The Aarke at 800ml and the WMF at 850ml are deliberately smaller, the FIZZpod gives you three bottles, and the Airosia includes a 0.5L for single servings. If you travel with a bottle, plastic is lighter and glass is better for taste; if it lives in a fridge, volume matters more.
Fourth, look at the counter and the noise. Six of the machines here are 16 to 16.5 inches tall, and the Breville InFizz models are the heaviest at around 3.5 kg. For sound, the Mysoda Ruby 2 and Woody are the quiet picks, and both use quick-lock bottle attachment. For an open counter, the Aarke, Breville and Mysoda bodies are the ones that look deliberate rather than utilitarian.
Fifth, budget for the consumables honestly. Most boxes contain no cylinder, and the Philips, Drinkmate, Mysoda, Breville, WMF and Airosia listings all state it explicitly. Add a 60L canister, and add bottles if you want more than one. The Ninja is the exception that includes a cylinder in the box, and the Thirsti flavour pods are a recurring cost on top of that. The rule we use across our gear alternative guides applies: check what the box does not include before you compare prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a better alternative to SodaStream?
Yes. The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best overall alternative because it pairs a stainless steel body with the deepest owner feedback in the category, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best value pick and carbonates any drink, and the Breville InFizz Fusion is the premium option. The catch is that SodaStream Quick Connect cylinders are proprietary, so switching means moving to standard 60L screw-in cylinders.
Why is Drinkmate better than SodaStream?
Drinkmate carbonates juice, tea, cocktails, wine and flat soda directly through its Fizz Infuser valve, while a SodaStream machine carbonates water only and expects syrup added afterwards. It runs on standard 60L screw-in cylinders, so you are not locked into one brand. The trade-offs are a mostly plastic build and a cylinder that is not always included.
What is a good CO2 alternative to SodaStream?
A standard 60L screw-in CO2 canister is the answer. Every alternative worth recommending uses that format, and those cylinders are cheaper and sold at most retailers, unlike the proprietary Quick Connect blue cylinders. One 60L cylinder carbonates about 16 gallons of water, so the swap frequency depends on how much you drink and how hard you carbonate.
What are some good alternatives to SodaStream bottles?
SodaStream bottle threads are not universal, so third-party bottles do not fit a SodaStream machine and vice versa. Good alternatives are the Mysoda, Philips, Breville, Aarke, WMF and FIZZpod bottles, each of which suits a different bottle size and material. Every machine here includes at least one bottle, and several include two sizes or three bottles.
Which is better, Aarke or SodaStream?
The Aarke Carbonator 3 wins on build quality, aesthetics and its dampener-controlled lever, and it costs roughly triple a typical SodaStream machine. SodaStream wins on price, replaceable parts and its Quick Connect refill network. Both are water-only machines, so neither will carbonate juice safely. Choose the Aarke if it lives on an open counter.
Which is the best SodaStream machine to buy?
Within SodaStream itself, the models that accept larger canisters hold up best in real households, and the Terra and Art remain the common choices for water-only carbonation. If you want to leave the brand, the Aarke Carbonator 3 for design and quiet operation, the Drinkmate OmniFizz for multi-liquid capability, and the Breville InFizz Fusion for build quality are the three picks worth comparing against it.
The Best SodaStream Alternatives in 2026
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is the best overall alternative for 2026, and the case is the feedback rather than the spec sheet: 6706 reviews at a 4.4 average, a stainless steel body that does not need explaining to anyone who walks into your kitchen, and a lever that produces consistent carbonation without a plug socket. If you want one machine and one decision, that is it.
Choose the Drinkmate OmniFizz instead if you want sparkling juice, tea, wine and revived flat soda, because nothing else at this price carbonates that range of drinks. Choose the Breville InFizz Fusion if build quality and a two-year warranty matter more than the outlay, the Mysoda Ruby 2 if noise is the thing that bothers you most, and the FIZZpod if you are a family that needs three bottles at once.
Whatever you pick, budget for a standard 60L screw-in cylinder in the same order. That one extra line item is the difference between a machine you use and a machine you leave in a cupboard, and it is the detail most switchers get wrong.