The Best Smart Hydroponic Systems for 2020

Some people have green thumbs and can’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon but in the garden. Others love knowing that their fresh fruits and veggies come from their own backyard and don’t mind spending the time it takes to cultivate a healthy diet. Still, others love the idea of a plush, fragrant, colorful space to relax with a cup of coffee, but can’t stand the thought of all of that work!

Hydroponic systems are the solution. It reduces the energy you have to exert on your outdoor living space while helping your plants to grow without worrying about getting your hands dirty in the soil. They also cut down on the risks associated with pests and weeds. They can accelerate plant growth more than natural conditions.

Peruse this list of the best hydroponic systems on the market today and decide for yourself. Some come with the most intricate technological advances, while others simply make gardening easy. All of them give you the options you need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of someone, or something else’s labor.

AeroGarden

Made by the trusted brand Miracle-Gro, the AeroGarden is a smart hydroponics system that makes growing your produce easy. This tabletop system has several different models, each with its own proprietary features and technology, so you can pick the one that works for you.

By using hydroponics efficiently, instead of traditional gardening, your plants grow up to five times faster than with soil-based methods. AeroGardens are for indoor use, which means you have nutrition at your fingertips year-round.

While there are several different models and kits available, there are some key features common to all. Each model comes with your choice of controls, LED lights, capabilities, and colors. There’s also an AeroGarden to fit every budget.

Included with every AeroGarden purchase are Seed Pod Kits. They are easy to use and soil-free. There are hundreds to choose from including herbs, vegetables, flowers, and other greens. You can even choose a Grow Anything Kit, allowing you to use your own seeds. Your purchase also includes grow media, plastic domes to encourage germination, and patented nutrients for use in AeroGarden’s water. These Seed Pod Kits include everything you need to get started, so you don’t need to worry about buying anything separately.

AeroGarden comes in four model categories including Bounty, Classic, Harvest, and Sprout.

AeroGarden Bounty Elite Wi-Fi

This is the most feature-rich AeroGarden model. In fact, there aren’t many more hydroponics systems on the market from any manufacturer that comes close to the technology and capability of this model. You can grow nine plants in the Bounty Elite, and it comes with an LCD control panel that is fully automated.

You can set the Bounty Elite’s full spectrum LED light at exact setting your plants need, maximizing growth for the highest yield. It not only works great, but it looks amazing, too. It’s finished in premium stainless steel, making it clean and attractive.

The Bounty Elite’s Wi-Fi allows you to control your AeroGarden via an app. The app also notifies you when the water needs changing or your plants need nutrients with alerts straight to your smartphone. Included in the app are growing tips and customer support.

The nine-pod gourmet herb seed kit comes with two Genovese basil pods, Thai basil, curly parsley, Italian parsley, chives, dill, thyme, and mint. It also includes enough nutrients to last for an entire season. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a state-of-the-art system and needs to monitor and control it away from home.

AeroGarden Bounty

This Bounty model is similar to it’s more technologically advanced sibling. It can grow nine, comes with the same forty-five watt LED grow light, and includes the same herbs and nutrients. For those who don’t want or need Wi-Fi, this model is perfect. Adjust the light spectrum manually, and watch your abundant harvest!

It might not have Wi-Fi, but the AeroGarden Bounty still has plenty of appealing features. The LCD touchscreen control panel allows you to see the status of your garden at a glance. Alerts for water and nutrients let you know when it’s time for some extra attention, and you still have access to growing tips and light controls.

AeroGarden Ultra LED

The AeroGarden Ultra models were the biggest and most advanced hydroponic systems until the Bounty came along. They’re amazing powerhouses of photosynthesis and growth. These premium systems allow you to grow seven plants at once.

The thirty-watt LED is energy-efficient and high-performance. You can tailor it to the ideal light spectrum for your plants. White LEDs encourage rapid growth, blue LED yield higher numbers, and red LEDs are perfect for fruits and flowers. With an adjustable light hood up to two feet, it fits exactly where you need it to for efficient use.

You still have access to an LCD control panel guiding you through the planting process and the seven-pod seed kit includes Genovese basil, Thai basil, chives, dill, mint, thyme, curly parsley, and nutrients for one season. It’s the perfect combination of quality, functionality, and value.

AeroGarden Extra LED

With the same seven-plant growing capabilities, thirty-watt LED light, size, and adjustable hood, this model varies little from the Ultra LED. The main difference is the control panel, which features a push-button instead of the fully-automated panel. However, it still controls many of the functions of the garden including turning the light on and off and sending alerts for water and nutrients.

While it’s still a powerful hydroponic system, it’s not as easy to use as the fully-automated models and needs a little bit more attention. If you enjoy being hands-on with your garden and interacting more with the plants instead of the electronics, this system is just about perfect.

AeroGarden Classic 7 LED

The AeroGarden Classicgrows seven plants simultaneously, but the hood height is about half the size of the Ultra and the Extra models. The LED bulb is also ten watts less, which yields slightly less than the others as well. However, it is perfect for smaller plants like herbs, strawberries, or small tomatoes, and fits in smaller indoor spaces.

It has a push-button control panel with alerts, growing tips, and automatic lighting, just like the Extra. The twenty-watt LED system includes over one hundred full spectrum LED lights to ensure plenty of ‘sun’ for your plants.

Read my full AeroGarden 7 review here!

AeroGarden Classic 6 LED

The capabilities of the Classic 6 are almost identical to that of the Classic 7. The primary difference is the space to grow six plants at once instead of seven. Its dimensions are also slightly smaller, and the compact design allows it to fit easily on countertops and in tight corners. The short hood height is great for smaller plants and herbs.

It comes with the same seven-pod seed kit; however, you’ll only be able to grow six at a time. It’s an efficient hydroponics system, growing five times faster than traditional soil. Enjoy the same push-button control panel with alerts and tips.

AeroGarden Harvest

With space for six plants, the Harvest features an LCD control panel with prompts guiding you through setup, growth, and harvest. It helps ensure your plants are always growing in their optimal conditions with alerts for water and nutrients.

It comes with a six-pod seed kit including Genovese basil, curly parsley, dill, thyme, Thai basil, and mint. As always, it includes enough patented nutrients for an entire season. The twenty-watt LED light is the same as the Classic 6 and Classic 7 models, but you’ll enjoy a more advanced control panel. It’s the perfect mix of value and features in a compact system.

AeroGarden Sprout LED

The AeroGarden Sprout LED features room for three plants with an energy-efficient, and high-performance ten-watt LED light. With ten inches of grow height, it’s spacious enough for small herbs and plants, and it’s the perfect size for a small family or a beginner.

The push-button control panel alerts you to the need for water and nutrients, and the plastic finish is glossy and attractive. Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill come in the three-pod kit along with the same patented nutrients as all of the others.

The compact size is convenient and perfect for someone wanting to dabble in hydroponics. It’s a very small commitment of both time and money and allows for an easy upgrade when you’re more comfortable with how the system works or want to expand your garden.

AeroGarden Sprout

This is the simplest AeroGarden model. There are no fancy features, just the capability to grow three plants at a time under a small CFL grow light. The push-button control panel alerts you to the need for water or nutrients.

It’s small enough for a kitchen countertop but large enough for herbs, greens, and small plants. It’s not as high yielding as the other AeroGarden options, but you may find it’s sufficient for your needs if you’re just starting out or you don’t need much. Its investment is minimal, and you can always upgrade later.

AeroGarden Pros:

• Beginner-friendly – easy to use, automated controls, programmable lights, alerts, tips
• Easy to control – indoors, optimal growing conditions, full control
• Efficient – compact, minimal water and electricity usage
• Minimal pests – indoor and soil-free means fewer pests
• Continual harvests – rapid growth, year-round crops

AeroGarden Cons:

• Cost of more advanced models – better functionality, stronger grow lights, higher yields, more seed pod capability
• Seed Pod Kit expenses – only the first seed pod kit is included
• Upkeep – changing water, cleaning the reservoir
• Lack of mobility – hard to move when full
• Noise – the pump is not silent

Miracle-Gro’s AeroGarden options span a breadth of features, functionalities, options, and sizes for just about any gardener. Even people who aren’t gardeners should be able to master any one of these systems with a little learning over time. The AeroGarden systems may have the market cornered on technology, but there are still others that compare well regarding accelerated growth, efficiency, and design.

Pathonor Indoor Hydroponics Grower Kit

The Pathonor Indoor Hydroponics system can grow plants from cuttings. This means you don’t have to purchase any seeds. You can start your own garden using cuttings from a friend, or from the fresh herbs you bought at your last trip to the grocery store.

The Pathonor uses minimal water and no powders or soil. It is meant for indoor use with Pathonor lights that accelerate growth more than natural light. However, it’s also safe for outdoor use and using it outdoors does not inhibit growth at all. You only have to remember to bring it in when it’s raining.

The appearance is clean and elegant, and it looks like it belongs indoors. It is built from durable materials to ensure lifelong value and efficiency. Its design reduces algae growth and makes it easy to ward off pests.

PowerGrow Deep Water Culture

The PowerGrow Deep Water Culture is easy on your time and your wallet. It comes with everything you need to get started. It submerges the plant’s roots in deep water rich in nutrients. It cultivates the perfect environment for the indoor growth of all of your herbs and plants.

It far exceeds the capability of traditional soil methods concerning the rate of growth. Its tubing is designed to disburse oxygen at the optimum rate for accelerated growth and high yields. It also has an indicator telling you when to change the water. With a comprehensive set of instructions and a one year warranty, you’re sure to learn fast and have no regrets.

General Hydroponics GH4120 WaterFarm Complete

Some systems exceed expectations as far as technological innovation, but the WaterFarm Complete exceeds expectations in simplicity and design. The plastic is heavy-duty and resistant to impact, while the modules are compact enough that they use a very little space. This high-density design allows for plants of varying sizes, small to large.

The reservoir holds two gallons, so it only needs to be changed every few days, and the risk of leaking is small because if its durability. It’s ideal for using indoors because of its compact size, but versatile enough to grow a variety of plants and herbs for your diverse needs.

Growmanji Solar Powered Hydroponic System

This is a perfect learning system to get you started in hydroponics. It does away with all of the messy cleanup associated with some of the other systems on the market, as well as reduces pests. It uses patented solar-powered technology, so it’s even more energy-efficient than others. It isn’t very advanced as far as extra features, but it’s a great stepping stone to something more advanced when you’re ready.

One unique feature of the Growmanji is that it’s collapsible. You can easily store it away when you aren’t using it, which is a fantastic option for people who don’t plan to use it all the time or have a continual harvest. It’s a space-saving option for people living in small spaces who don’t have access to an outdoor garden.

The Growmanji rests nicely on the floor, counter, or in the air, allowing for maximum space savings and convenience. The biggest advantage to this hydroponic system is that it conserves space no matter where it is, giving you more flexibility for your garden.

HTG Supply Hydroponic Bucket System

The HTG Supply system is delightfully simple. It’s also cost-effective and requires very little maintenance. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who has a black thumb. It’s among the easiest systems on the market now and has a lot going for it.

The deep water culture system provides better oxygen flow through its dual outlet air pump. These help create more oxygenation as well as diffusion. This system carries out crucial processes effortlessly to promote healthy growth.

The reservoir blocks light from getting to the roots, preventing algae growth, so the roots aren’t compromised. Its nutrient-rich water supply enhances growth and development, and the design is durable. It’s not as visually appealing as many of the other systems, but it’s easy to use and gets the job done.

H2OToGro Complete Hydroponic System

The H2OToGro system has a custom-made reservoir and lid, comes with net cups, and has a manufacturer’s warranty. Because it uses deep water culture, your plants are constantly submerged in water rich with nutrients for the ideal growing environment. It touts a growth rate of thirty to fifty percent faster than traditional soil gardening.

It also yields more per plant. By eliminating pesky weeds and pests, your plants are safer, healthier, and grow more rapidly. A deep water culture system neutralizes these threats effectively so that you’re not plagued with fungi, diseases, or harsh chemicals used to treat these things in an outdoor bed. The H2OToGro system can be used inside or outside.

General Hydroponics AeroFlo System

The AeroFlo system contains everything you need to grow healthy plants. It helps manage the elements like water, oxygen, and nutrients to give plants all of the food they need in an environment that fosters increased growth rates. This system is made from state-of-the-art components, giving your plants a great start at life.

The twenty-gallon reservoir and large grow chambers support taller plant heights and more room for roots to grow. The WaterPower pump promotes oxygenation and supplies all the nutrition your plants need while requiring minimal maintenance on your part.

GOWE Hydroponics System

Keep your plants organized with the GOWE Hydroponics System. The attention to detail in this system is stunning. It is comprised of thirty-six independent pieces, all necessary for the growth of your plants. That sounds daunting, but it shouldn’t.

Parts like a pump, net cups, and starter seeds are all essential for your hydroponics garden. In addition, you receive the frame, a foam net, a foam cube, a timer, and much more. No trips to the hardware store for extra parts needed, although you may choose to purchase accessories like a growth medium or stones.

With integrated technology like an innovative irrigation system, you don’t need to worry about overdosing your plants on nutrients. A timer regulates how the plants are hydrated and how frequently, so you don’t need to check in regularly. Plus, the tubular design is really cool.

Mr. Stacky Hydroponic Vertical Tower Gardening System

The Mr. Stacky Hydroponic system gives plants the nutrients they need no matter where you grow them. It’s easy to fill the reservoir with nutrients and water and plant. Stack as many modules as you’d like, and as high as you’d like. The pump plugs into an automatic timer, and all you have to do is sit back and watch.

The SmartFarm is smart enough to know how often the plants need water, so it’s convenient for you to leave it alone. The components themselves aren’t very attractive, but the stackable design saves space, and once the plants grow, it makes a really beautiful tree of greens and other flowers.

Comparison Chart

	Wi-Fi	Reservoir	Control Panel	# of Plants	App	Indoor	Outdoor
AeroGarden Bounty Elite	X		X	9	X	X
AeroGarden Bounty			X	9		X
AeroGarden Ultra LED			X	7		X
AeroGarden Extra LED			X	7		X
AeroGarden Classic 7			X	7		X
AeroGarden Classic 6			X	6		X
AeroGarden Harvest			X	6		X
AeroGarden Sprout LED			X	3		X
AeroGarden Sprout			X	3		X
Pathonor		3.5 gallon		11		X	X
PowerGrow		5 gallon		1		X
GH4120		4-13 gallon		1		X
Growmanji		1.2 gallon		1		X	X
HTGSupply		5 gallon		1		X
H2OToGro		5 gallon		8		X	X
AeroFlo		20 gallon		Up to 60		X
GOWE				Up to 54		X
Mr. Stacky				Unlimited		X

Summary

With the breadth of options available on the market today, you’re sure to find the perfect hydroponics system for you. From varying sizes and designs to the number of plants they hold and the fancy features, each one is unique in its capabilities and style.

You’ll be happy you entered into the world of hydroponics because it’s low-maintenance, hassle-free, and fun! You can enjoy fresh herbs and beautiful flower gardens all year with continual harvest options and regulated indoor growing seasons. You can’t beat the ease with which you can plant your own garden.

Further read,

• Root Smart Indoor Plant Growing System
• Which Works Best? The GreenIQ Smart Garden Hub vs. RachioSmart Smart Watering
• Edyn Smart Garden Sensor Review