Best Bubble Machines – Buyer’s Guide (February 2022)
No matter what age you are, everyone loves bubbles! That’s why we’ve reviewed the best bubble machines. Whatever you’re a mobile DJ, set designer, party thrower, or looking to entertain kids, there’s a product below that will meet your budget.
With so many cheap options out there, we’ve narrowed it down to a few great machines. Enjoy lots of fun bubbles, but skip the soapy mess of traditional bubble solutions. Just fill the tank with solution, plug it in, and be engulfed in a world of awesomeness! Make sure to stock up on bubble fluid – check out our article on the Best Bubble Fluid.
We’ve made finding the best bubble machine easy – just check out our top picks below. It’s our pleasure to be your personal bubble guides!
Name | Category | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
American DJ BubbleTron XL | ![]() | Best Overall - Our Top Pick! | ![]() |
CITC BubbleMax X2 | ![]() | Highest Bubble Output | ![]() |
American DJ BubbleTron | ![]() | Best DJ/Party | ![]() |
American BubbleTron Go | ![]() | Best Battery-Powered | ![]() |
Chauvet DJ Hurricane Bubble Haze | ![]() | Best Multi-Effect | ![]() |
Antari Bubble B-200T | ![]() | Best Remote-Controlled | ![]() |
Chauvet B-250 | ![]() | Best Mini Bubble Machine | ![]() |
TheeFun TBMO | ![]() | Best Budget | ![]() |
1. ADJ BubbleTron XL (Best Overall)
Whether you’re a DJ or just looking to create an unforgettable party experience, the ADJ BubbleTron XL is not one to miss. Capable of creating hundreds of bubbles, its high output guarantees happy guests on the dancefloor. Thanks to its large high-speed fan, bubbles rise quickly and efficiently. Thanks to its extra-large 2-liter front fluid tank, refilling is no problem. The BubbleTron is compatible with virtually all commercial soap bubble fluids, so have fun experimenting with various fluids and effects. Weighing just 11 pounds, you’ll have no problem transporting it or moving it to different locations on the stage or at your party.
Easy access refill tank
High bubble output
Residue-free
Remote isn’t wireless
2. CITC BubbleMax X2 (Highest Output)
If you’re looking for load of bubbles, look no further than the CITC BubbleMax X2. This powerful machine offers both high and low bubble output, thanks to adjustable wands. This unit comes with a fan to direct bubbles exactly where you want them. You can mount this machine anywhere or operate from the ground. If you connect the BubbleMax to a fluid container, this unit’s auto-fill mode produces never-ending bubbles! This comes in handy especially for longer DJ sets, productions, or parties.
Capable of high or low bubble output
Auto-fill feature produces endless bubbles
Durable metal construction
Less portable than smaller machines
3. ADJ BubbleTron (best DJ/party)
The ADJ BubbleTron is our top pick for mobile DJs and house parties. Why? Because it’s portable, lightweight, has a powerful output, runs residue-free, and comes with a convenient wired remote. Considering its reasonable price-point, it’s a great deal all around. This bubble machine combines the best features, making it highly versatile and easy to use.
Sturdy but lightweight design
EZ-Access front fluid tank
1 liter fluid capacity
Less bubble output than BubbleTron XL
Plastic construction recommends protective case if taking on the road
4. ADJ BubbleTron Go (Best battery powered)
This bubble machine doesn’t require any power cords! Now that’s awesome. If you’re searching for a bubble machine that’s highly portable, check out the ADJ BubbleTron Go. Thankfully, ADJ has made this unit to be lightweight, even though its battery lasts for hours. The housing is made of sturdy plastic that probably needs a case to ensure it’s protected well. The 1-liter fluid tank features an easy-access opening, so you won’t struggle to refill it during your gig.
Once charged, no outlet needed!
Large 1-liter fluid tank
Two method of control: manual or remote
Requires pre-charging before use
Construction could be more durable
5. Chauvet Hurricane Bubble Haze (Best Multi Effect)
If you want to take your bubble effect to the next level, check out the Chauvet DJ Hurricane Bubble Haze. This machine creates an amazing atmospheric effect combining bubbles and haze! Combine it with colored fluid and take things to the next level at your parties. With a 3-minute heat-up time you will be able to jump right into party mode without delay. The Hurricane Bubble Haze uses water-based fluid, so it won’t coat the room with sticky residue.
Produces multiple effects: haze, bubbles, and haze-filled bubbles
Easy to refill
Gravity-fed reservoir minimizes fluid consumption
Heaver than some models (20 lbs)
6. Antari Bubble B200T (Best remote control)
It you’re looking to create bubbles with minimal effort, a remote-controlled bubble machine is the way to go. And our recommendation in this category is the Antari Bubble B100XT. The included remote offers more than just manual control – you can also set a timer. This handy feature means bubble output without the worry.
3 sets of fans
4 double rotating bubble wheels
Large fluid reservoir
Includes remote with timer
A bit more expensive
7. Chauvet B-250 (Best mini bubble machine)
If you’re searching for a bubble machine that’s compact but effective, the Chauvet B-250 is a great option. It’s a particularly small model which is perfect if you’re throwing a house party or are using it on a table with minimal space available. Since it’s light weight, the B-250 is ideal for mobile DJs and other compact contexts. This machine’s durable plastic construction prevents rust, which lets you store it in a case even when slightly wet from operation.
Compact, portable design
Solid plastic construction
Rust-resistant
Doesn’t have a remote
Less bubble output than larger machines
8. TheeFun TBMO (Best budget)
If you’re looking for one of the highest-quality bubble machines on the market today but don’t want to spend a lot of cash, check out the Theefun TBMO Professional Bubble Machine. The TBMO features a high velocity fan perfect for making bubbles rise quickly to create an ethereal atmosphere perfect for all kinds of gatherings and performances. The motor rotates all the way up to a whopping 22 RPM which means thousands of bubbles a minute consistently. Due to the heavy-duty metal housing, it’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Easy to transport
Portable design with detachable handle
Easy to operate
Bubble output suited only for small spaces
How Do Bubble Machines Work?
The nice thing about bubble machines is their simple, straightforward design. Most models share similar qualities, although they vary in weight and output. Each machine basically has four main components: a tank, a fan, a motor, and a disc of bubble wands. Most bubble machines can be plugged into any standard outlet, making them easy to operate.
So how are bubbles created?
Think back on using a bubble wand as a kid – that’s basically how they work! The main difference is, rather than having to dip a bubble wand into a soapy solution, then blow through the wand, bubble machines are electronically powered and do all the work for you!
The bubble machine motor siphons fluid from the tank into the main machine compartment, where the fan then blows the fluid through the wands. These machines are so effective precisely because they have multiple wands, which means they produce an incredible amount of bubbles. By investing in one of these machines, you can achieve a truly unique effect, without much effort!
What kind of fluid to use
If you’re looking for the best bubble juice, check out our article here. Bubble juice is essentially a thick, glycerin-based soap solution, if we’re talking about the commercial solution that can be purchased in large jugs and poured straight into the machines. If you rather save a few bucks, an alternative is to mix regular soap and water. However, be aware this could damage your machine if the ratios are off. Our recommendation is to use a professional grade bubble solution for your machine.
Liquid dish soap is probably the best soap to use if you’re going to make it DIY-style, but liquid hand soap can also be used. We recommend using the bubble juice made by the manufacturer of your machine, if possible, as each bubble machine will vary in terms of fan speed, motor speed, and configuration.
There are so many fun options when it comes to the look of bubbles these days. Mix it up with glow-in-the-dark bubbles or colored bubbles. There’s nothing more exciting than floating bubbles that glow or shine with color – so experiment and create an atmosphere people will always remember. It’s important to ensure the bubble liquid you’re working with is non-toxic and made from environmentally safe ingredients. Always take time to peruse the label for any warnings.
A Brief History of Bubbles
You might be surprised to discover that bubbles have fascinated people of all ages for many generations. They even provided recreational enjoyment hundreds of years ago, as pictured in Flemish paintings from the 17th century. In these paintings, you’ll find children using clay pipes to blow bubbles. You might say these pipes were the first iteration of the modern-day bubble machine!
Over the course of the next 200 years, it was quite common for kids to play with leftover soap to make their own bubbles. By the 19th century, the famous painting known as “Bubbles” was created by Sir John Everett Millais. The painting shows a child enamored with a bubble he’d just made with his pipe and a bowl of soapy water.
Towards the beginning of the 20th century, bubbles began to be sold on the streets to children, marketed as a type of toy. In the 1940’s a chemical company (which doesn’t sound like it should have made children’s toys), came up with the simple but marketable idea to bottle bubble solution, and the trend went viral.
Bubbles even made an early American TV debut on The Lawrence Welk Show. On the program, a style of musical arrangement dubbed “Champagne Music” gained popularity, so the show’s intro featured a flurry of bubbles to create a champagne effect. In the wild decade of the 60’s, hippies and other young people blew bubbles as music festivals.
Finally, the 21st century solidified the popularity of the bubble machine. They are perfect for throwing parties and other special events, and are far less messy than conventional bubble wands.
How Much To Spend
The good news is there’s a bubble machine for every budget – without sacrificing quality. As a general principle, you’re likely to spend anywhere from $50-$400, depending on what features and output desired.
If you’re spending over $200, you should expect your machine to produce a high output of bubbles. At this price point, you should also consider a machine with additional lighting effects that add impact to your show. Additionally, nicer models often include a remote control, which makes controlling the bubbles simple from a distance.
If you’re really going cheap, you can find some for under $30, but we really wouldn’t recommend these models if you’re looking for a professional machine with professional results that’s going to survive many events. Non-professional machines may blow out bubbles, but they’re not going to give you the results you’d get from slightly more expensive units. As with anything else, you get what you pay for!
You’ll also have to spend some money on bubble juice, but that’s typically not too expensive. Even unique solutions, like glow-in-the-dark bubble fluid, aren’t much more costly. You’re bound to get the perfect fluid for a great price. Just make sure the fluid you choose is compatible with the make and model of your bubble machine.
When To Use Bubble Machines
There’s so many unique and fun contexts bubble machines are perfect for. Here’s a few of our best ideas:
Weddings – this made the top of our list because no event calls for bubbles more than a couple’s big day! There are many moments throughout a wedding day perfect for some bubble action, including the final ceremony moment when the couple walks down the aisle together, newly married and ready for their new life. Bubbles are also fitting during the first dance, creating a romantic, magical effect for all to enjoy.
Dances – Bubbles add beautiful, playful atmosphere to any dance floor, especially a wedding couple’s first dance. But we’ve seen bubbles work at school dances, corporate events, and house parties.
Kids Events – There’s no audience more into bubbles than children! Whether it’s a block party, 4th of July, birthday, or just a playdate, filling the atmosphere with tons of floating bubbles is sure to be a hit!
Choose The Best Bubble Machine For You
The primary question to consider is: What will you be using your bubble machine for? First, consider how the machine is powered – either battery-powered or plug-in. Each has its own benefit. Battery-powered machines are obviously more portable, but require charging. Plug-in bubble machines aren’t as portable, but are more reliable, as they don’t need to have their batteries replaced.
A second factor to consider is the bubble output level. If you plan to use your bubble machine for small house events and parties, go with a cheaper model. If you’re planning to incorporate bubbles into a DJ setup, or you just want a lot of bubbles, go with a bigger unit. The choice is yours!
Lastly, if you’re going for a ton of smaller bubbles, pick a machine that has a higher number of wands with smaller holes. As you probably could have guessed, the larger the wand is, the larger the bubbles will be. Professional bubble machines come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best bubble machine, we hope this review has been helpful. There are so many great products on the market, so check out our categories and individual product reviews to locate exactly what you need. Bubbles make every event more fun, so whatever machine you choose, it’s bound to create joy and excitement!