A soda maker requires upfront investment. Bottled water has no upfront cost but adds up over time. Which is actually cheaper? Let's run the numbers.
The Short Answer
A soda maker saves 75-80% compared to bottled sparkling water. A $90 SodaStream pays for itself in 3-4 months for regular drinkers, then saves $300-500+ per year ongoing.
Cost Per Liter: Direct Comparison
The Math: Year 1 Costs
Assuming you drink 10 liters of sparkling water per week (520L/year):
| Option | Year 1 Cost | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| SodaStream Terra | $246 | $90 machine + $156 CO2 (9 refills × $17) |
| Store brand bottles | $416 | 520L × $0.80 |
| LaCroix / Bubly | $624 | 520L × $1.20 |
| Perrier / San Pellegrino | $1,040+ | 520L × $2.00 |
Year 1 savings: $170-800 depending on what you'd otherwise buy.
Year 2+: Ongoing Costs
After the machine is paid off, ongoing costs drop dramatically:
| Option | Annual Cost (Year 2+) |
|---|---|
| Soda Maker | $156 (CO2 only) |
| Store brand bottles | $416 |
| LaCroix / Bubly | $624 |
| Perrier | $1,040+ |
Annual savings (Year 2+): $260-900 per year.
Break-Even Point
When Does a Soda Maker Pay for Itself?
- vs Store brand: ~180 liters (3-4 months @ 10L/week)
- vs LaCroix/Bubly: ~100 liters (2-3 months)
- vs Perrier: ~50 liters (5-6 weeks)
Beyond Cost: Other Factors
Convenience
- Soda maker: Always available, no shopping trips, no hauling bottles
- Bottled: Runs out, requires regular shopping, heavy to carry
- Winner: Soda maker
Environmental Impact
- Soda maker: One reusable bottle, recyclable CO2 cylinders
- Bottled: Hundreds of plastic bottles per year
- Winner: Soda maker (by a huge margin)
Taste
- Soda maker: Fresh carbonation, adjustable fizz levels
- Bottled: Consistent, but can go flat
- Winner: Tie (personal preference)
Storage Space
- Soda maker: Small countertop footprint + spare cylinder
- Bottled: Bulk storage of cases
- Winner: Soda maker
The Verdict
Soda Maker Wins on Cost
A soda maker is cheaper than bottled sparkling water in virtually every scenario. The only exception: extremely light drinkers (less than 2-3 liters per week) might not recoup the upfront cost quickly enough for it to make sense.
For anyone drinking 5+ liters per week, a soda maker is an obvious choice financially — plus you get convenience and environmental benefits.
See also: Is a Soda Maker Worth It? · Best Soda Makers 2026 · CO2 Refill Costs