Capsule machines: what you gain and what you give up
Capsules buy you consistency and zero skill. They cost you money per cup, choice of coffee, freshness you can verify, and a bin full of packaging.
Pod machines
Soft-pod systems, the low-pressure cousin of the capsule machine, and the ESE standard that outlived the rest.
Articles
Pods or capsules: the difference nobody explains
A pod is a paper disc made to an open standard. A capsule is a sealed container made to one company's. That single difference decides price, choice and waste.