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Grow Smarter With The Best Hydroponic System | 2023

Last updated on June 1, 2023
Best Hydroponic System

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Our Picks For The Top Hydroponic System

Show Contents
Our Take
  Top Pick

AeroGarden Harvest GMO-Free Hydroponic Garden System, 6-Pod

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

AeroGarden

Harvest GMO-Free Hydroponic Garden System, 6-Pod

Overall Take

Bring the Outside InWith this kit, you can cultivate your own fresh herbs throughout the year.

  Runner Up

Click & Grow Energy-Efficient Nursery Herb Hydroponic System, 3-Pod

Click & Grow

Energy-Efficient Nursery Herb Hydroponic System, 3-Pod

Overall Take

Self-Sustaining Gardening KitYou don’t need a green thumb to grow herbs with this electronic herb garden kit.

  Strong Contender

QYO LED Sunlight Simulating Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

QYO

LED Sunlight Simulating Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

Overall Take

Budget-Friendly PickYou're sure to love the affordable price tag on this economical hydroponic system.

  The Best Value

EZORKAS Year-Round Quiet Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

EZORKAS

Year-Round Quiet Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

Overall Take

Large Growing SpaceThe pump on this hydroponic system is designed to run quietly.

Guide written by Danielle Smyth
Last updated on June 1, 2023

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants with a growing medium other than soil, water and nutrients. The medium can be vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir or other natural materials.

Believe it or not, hydroponic plants often grow 20% faster than those grown in soil, with higher yields. This is because there are fewer barriers between the plants’ roots and the water, nutrients and oxygen that they need to thrive.

Indoor hydroponic garden systems have become quite popular amongst consumers. These often can use LED lights, which are efficient and do not emit as much heat as other types of bulbs.

Some of these gardens also employ so-called smart technology, so little effort is needed to keep the plants growing after the initial set up. You can find systems that pump the water and nutrients and adjust the light and oxygen levels for you. Other indoor gardens do even more.

The systems are not inexpensive, but the initial investment can really pay off once the garden is in bloom. They are semi-permanent fixtures (though they can be moved), so you will need to allow some space for them in your kitchen or wherever else you want them to be located.

First-timers can start out with a smaller hydroponic garden, as some accommodate fewer growing pods. Some of these systems are expandable, so look for that feature if it interests you.

If you are on the fence about getting an indoor hydroponic garden, here are some more reasons to jump on board. Aside from the faster growth rates, these gardens allow you to grow plants throughout the year instead of only in the spring and summer. In addition, you don’t have to deal with the dirt, insects and fungal infestations that come from growing plants in soil.

The Best Hydroponic System

1
  Top Pick

AeroGarden Harvest GMO-Free Hydroponic Garden System, 6-Pod

Grow up to six herb plants at a time with this easy-to-use hydroponic system. It comes with seed pods, LED grow lights, a control panel and enough nutrients for a full growth season.

Features


Specifications

Brand
AeroGarden
Model
2
  Runner Up

Click & Grow Energy-Efficient Nursery Herb Hydroponic System, 3-Pod

This hydroponic system includes bright LED lights, which help your plants grow regardless of the weather. The water reservoir powers the self-watering function, so you never have to remember to water your herbs. You can choose from over 50 pre-seeded plant pods.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Click & Grow
Model
3
  Strong Contender

QYO LED Sunlight Simulating Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

Growing your own herbs has never been easier than with this hydroponic system. No matter what the weather is doing outside, you'll be able go grow 12 delicious herbs. The set comes with a grow light and a smart water circulation system, so all you need to do is plant the seeds.

Features


Specifications

Brand
QYO
Model
4
  We Also Like

MUFGA Any Weather Oxygen Increasing Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

With this hydroponic system, you'll be able to germinate and grow your favorite plants five times faster than if you used soil. The height is adjustable to match the specific plant or herb you're trying to grow and the system is designed to run quietly. Included with your purchase are two bottles of plant food, a seed pod kit and a water pump.

Features


Specifications

Brand
MUFGA
Model
5
  Also Great

Ahopegarden Starter No Mess Hydroponic System, 8-Pod

This hydroponic system is equipped with eight pods and two growing modes that can accommodate flowers, as well as fruits and vegetables. The system has an adjustable height of up to 15.3 inches and a timer to automatically shut off the lights after 8 or 16 hours.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Ahopegarden
Model
6

VegeBox Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System, 12-Pod

With its wide-angle, powerful LED light and large water tank, this indoor hydroponic system can grow up to 12 plants at a time. It is easy to use, does not require soil and only needs watering every two weeks.

Features


Specifications

Brand
VegeBox
Model
7

EZORKAS Year-Round Quiet Hydroponic System, 12-Pod

Thanks to the three separate modes on this hydroponic system, you'll be able to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. The unit is equipped with 80 LED grow lights and 12 pods. One of the biggest benefits of using this system is that your plants will grow faster in the nutrient water then they would in the soil in your garden.

Features


Specifications

Brand
EZORKAS
Model
8

GrowLED Advanced Indoor Hydroponic System, 10-Pod

This is a 10-pod hydroponic indoor grow garden that only needs watering every few weeks. It also has height-adjustable lighting with an automatic smart timer, so your plants will get the perfect amount of light.

Features


Specifications

Brand
GrowLED
Model
9

iDOO Soil Planting Easy Set-Up Hydroponic Growing System, 12-Pod

This indoor garden kit has a water circulation system and high-performance LED lights to get your plants rooted and growing strong. It features three smart mode growth stages and two water pump modes.

Features


Specifications

Brand
iDOO
Model
10

Moistenland High Efficiency Fresh Hydroponic Growing System, 12-Pod

After you assemble this indoor growing kit, you only need to add water, nutrients and seed pods. You can expect to see sprouts in one week, which will fly by.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Moistenland
Model
15

VegeBox Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System, 12-Pod

With its wide-angle, powerful LED light and large water tank, this indoor garden system can grow up to 12 plants at a time. It is easy to use, does not require soil and only needs watering every two weeks.

Features


Specifications

Brand
VegeBox
Model

Our Hydroponic Systems Buying Guide

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants with a growing medium other than soil, water and nutrients. The medium can be vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir or other natural materials.

Believe it or not, hydroponic plants often grow 20% faster than those grown in soil, with higher yields. This is because there are fewer barriers between the plants’ roots and the water, nutrients and oxygen that they need to thrive.

Indoor hydroponic garden systems have become quite popular amongst consumers. These often can use LED lights, which are efficient and do not emit as much heat as other types of bulbs.

Some of these gardens also employ so-called smart technology, so little effort is needed to keep the plants growing after the initial set up. You can find systems that pump the water and nutrients and adjust the light and oxygen levels for you. Other indoor gardens do even more.

The systems are not inexpensive, but the initial investment can really pay off once the garden is in bloom. They are semi-permanent fixtures (though they can be moved), so you will need to allow some space for them in your kitchen or wherever else you want them to be located.

First-timers can start out with a smaller hydroponic garden, as some accommodate fewer growing pods. Some of these systems are expandable, so look for that feature if it interests you.

If you are on the fence about getting an indoor hydroponic garden, here are some more reasons to jump on board. Aside from the faster growth rates, these gardens allow you to grow plants throughout the year instead of only in the spring and summer. In addition, you don’t have to deal with the dirt, insects and fungal infestations that come from growing plants in soil.

DWYM Fun Fact

Although the word “hydroponics” sounds pretty modern, it is derived from two Greek words: “hydro” for water and “ponics” for labor. The method is not a new one; soil-free gardening was invented thousands of years ago. It was used in the Floating Gardens of China and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Around 1950, scientists rediscovered hydroponics, and countries around the world have been using it for crop production since then. During the COVID-19 period of quarantine, more people became interested in hydroponics, and companies have responded in full force. Now, there are nearly effortless systems that can grow incredible herb, flower, vegetable and ornamental plants indoors.

The Hydroponic Systems Tips and Advice

  • When shopping, look for the garden’s exact dimensions and compare that to the space you have available. Plan for extra height if you want to grow taller plants.
  • Some hydroponic gardens may have timers or reminders to tell you when the plants need to be watered or fed. This is a helpful feature.
  • Certain indoor gardens are easier to set up than others, so see if you can find online instructions before buying.
  • If you want to go all out, some of the systems have voice assistants that you can control through Google Assistant or Alexa. You will have to cough up more money for these, though.