Written by Daniel Elderenbosch - Aquablu Hydration Expert | Last updated: March 2026
More and more companies are switching from traditional water coolers and bottled water to smart water dispensers with flavored water, vitamins, and sparkling water in the workplace. Two companies are increasingly appearing in the Benelux: Aquablu and Dripl.
Both systems connect to the mains water supply and offer filtered water with natural flavors, but that's where the comparison ends. From filtration technology to flavor options, to vitamin content and installation time: the differences are greater than you might initially think.
Multi-barrier filtration (3 layers: mechanical, chemical, biological)
Cold, sparkling and hot water (2 temperature levels (80 & 95 degrees)
8 flavors — all with vitamins
Sugar-free & sweetener-free options
60 liter/hour capacity
Installation in ~45 minutes
Red Dot Design Award '24
🇳🇱 Based in the Netherlands
Carbon filtration
Cold and sparkling water
No hot water
3 of 8 flavors with vitamins
8 flavors, 4 flavor slots
Touchscreen interface
Henry van de Velde Award
🇧🇪 Based in Belgium
We've compared the key features and specifications of the Aquablu REFILL+ Series 2 and the Dripl Refill Point. This gives you a clear overview of where the two water dispensers have similarities and where they fundamentally differ.
On paper, Aquablu and Dripl seem similar at first glance: both systems provide flavored water via a connection to the mains water supply. But there are three fundamental differences that directly impact water quality, health, and ease of use in the workplace.
Multi-barrier vs. carbon filtration
The filtration technology is the biggest technical difference between the two water dispensers.
The Aquablu REFILL+ Series 2 uses multi-barrier filtration: a three-layer system that removes mechanical, chemical, and biological contaminants from tap water. This means that not only chlorine and flavorings are filtered, but also microplastics, heavy metals, and bacteria.
Dripl uses carbon filtration. Carbon filters are effective for improving water taste and removing chlorine, but offer less protection against chemical contaminants and microorganisms. This is a significant difference for facility managers in buildings with older pipes or locations with fluctuating water quality.
Vitamin water in every flavor
At Aquablu, every flavor contains vitamins. Whether your team chooses IMMUNITY (lemon), GLOW (mango guava), THRIVE (blackberry acai) or another. This makes the water dispenser not only an alternative to bottled water but also a contribution to employees' daily vitamin intake.
Dripl offers flavored water made with natural concentrates, but only two of the eight flavors contain vitamins. For HR managers and workplace experience leaders who want to link hydration to a broader office wellness strategy, the difference in vitamin content and sugar composition is a relevant factor.
Hot water at two temperature levels
The filtration technology is the biggest technical difference between the two water dispensers.
The Aquablu REFILL+ Series 2 offers hot water at two temperature settings: a lower setting ideal for green tea and a higher one for black or herbal tea. This means a single water dispenser not only replaces the water cooler and soda machine, but also the kettle in the pantry.
The Dripl Refill Point doesn't provide hot water. For offices looking to simplify their pantry and reduce the number of separate appliances, this means a separate hot water heater will still be needed in addition to the Dripl. The Aquablu REFILL+ consolidates everything into a single system: less maintenance, lower energy consumption, and a smaller footprint.
Curious if Aquablu is a good fit for your team? We'll visit you free of charge with hydration van, so your team can sample all the flavors in their own workplace. No obligations, no long contracts upfront. Taste the difference and then decide.
Bas Drogtrop
Country Manager & Partner, Insider
Aquablu runs on a Pay-Per-Drink model. No CAPEX investment. No hidden costs. Hardware, installation, CO₂ service, maintenance are all included. For a team of 100, that's around 4,000 drinks a month at €0.27 per serving. €1,080 a month.
For comparison, bottled water costs an average of over €0.60 per serving, and individual bottles of vitaminwater (like those from Charlie's in the supermarket) cost over €3.00 per liter. This means an office water dispenser can be up to 50% cheaper than traditional water supplies.
Dripl operates on a rental model: a fixed monthly fee for the hardware plus variable costs for flavor consumption.
01
What is Dripl?
Dripl is a Belgian startup that makes beverage dispensers for offices. The Dripl Refill Point filters tap water using carbon filtration and blends it with natural flavor concentrates to create low-sugar drinks. The system offers still and sparkling water with four flavor slots and eight available flavors. Dripl as a water dispenser brand is not to be confused with the German hairstyling brand dripl.de.
02
Are Aquablu and Dripl the same?
No, Aquablu and Dripl are not the same. While both systems provide flavored water via a tap water connection, the technology is significantly different. Aquablu uses multi-barrier filtration with three layers of filtration, offers vitamins in all eight flavors, sugar-free options without sucralose, and hot water at two temperature levels. Dripl uses carbon filtration, offers vitamins in only two of the eight flavors, and does not provide hot water.
03
What is the difference between Aquablu and Dripl?
he biggest difference is the filtration technology. Aquablu's multi-barrier filtration combines mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for maximum water purity—it removes not only chlorine, but also microplastics, heavy metals, and bacteria. Dripl uses standard carbon filtration, which is effective for improving taste but offers less protection against chemical contaminants.
04
Can I try Aquablu first before I decide?
Yes, Aquablu offers a free on-site demo with a mobile demo unit. Your team can sample all the flavors in their own workplace, without obligation or cost. 95% of companies that try Aquablu decide to keep the system—usually within two weeks.
05
What if I already have a contract with another supplier?
That's no problem. Schedule a free on-site demo now, so your team can experience the difference and you can make an informed decision about when your current contract expires. Aquablu is happy to help you plan the timing and ensure a smooth transition.
06
Which water dispenser is best for my office?
That depends on your needs. If you only want flavored water, both Aquablu and Dripl are good options. Do you also want warm water, multi-barrier filtration, vitaminwater in every flavor, and a higher filtration level? Then the Aquablu REFILL+ Series 2 offers a more complete system. Schedule a free demo to experience the difference for yourself.
07
How much does an Aquablu water dispenser cost?
Aquablu operates a transparent pay-per-drink model starting at €0.23 per serving. Hardware, installation, and service are included. For an office with an average of 2,500 drinks per month, the total cost comes to approximately €850 per month. Request a free quote for a customized calculation.
Want to know how Aquablu stacks up against other office water dispensers, water coolers, and office water taps?
Check out these comparisons:
Filtered water for the office.
Our mobile demo unit comes to your office. Try all the flavors, see how the system works, then decide.