Aerogarden vs. Click & Grow (I Tried Both): Who's Better In 2024?

Ever thought about growing fresh herbs and veggies right on your kitchen counter? I know I have, and the idea of having a mini-garden indoors is pretty exciting.

Two of the most popular options out there are Aerogarden and Click and Grow, but which one's the best fit for you?

I've spent some time digging into both systems, and each has its own perks and quirks. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a complete newbie, choosing the best indoor garden can make all the difference.

Aerogarden vs. Click & Grow: Who Wins?

Winner

The comparison between Click & Grown and AeroGarden is dead even. The best choice from both brands is the 9 plant versions, which are still tabletop-size gardens but give you enough space for more variety.

The prices of the two products are the same, so it's up to you to decide which one matches your vibe.

AeroGarden is the techier solution with more features and a more sophisticated app.

Click & Grow is the most laidback and hands-off home garden you can get and is easier to operate and maintain, even compared to AeroGarden, which is incredibly straightforward to work with.

Regardless of your choice, you will get a fresh garden of organic leafy greens in your kitchen year-round.

What Is Aerogarden?

Aerogarden is like having a tiny, futuristic farm right on your countertop. The Aerogarden promises to make growing herbs and veggies indoors as easy as pie.

First off, let's talk about what you get with an Aerogarden. Picture this: a sleek, modern design that won't cramp your kitchen style. It's like the spaceship of indoor gardens, all shiny and techy.

Most models have an LED light hood, which acts as a sun substitute. These LEDs are high-performance, so your plants get all they need without you having to mess with natural light.

I had an Aerogarden Harvest model, and within weeks, I had enough basil to start my own Italian restaurant. The plants grow fast and lush, all thanks to those powerful LEDs and the hydroponic system that makes sure the roots are always getting what they need.

So, if you're into easy, fast-growing plants with a sleek design, the Aerogarden could be your new kitchen BFF.

You can read my in-depth Aerogarden review here.

What Is Click and Grow

The Click and Grow system sports this sleek, minimalist design that would look fantastic on just about any countertop. It's like the IKEA of indoor gardens, blending simplicity with functionality.

The pods are pre-seeded, and all you have to do is pop them into the slots and add water. No green thumb is required whatsoever.

In terms of performance, Click and Grow is no slouch. These little pods grow surprisingly fast, and the best part? You don't have to do much more than check the water level now and then.

It uses these smart soil pods that take care of nutrient delivery, so your plants get what they need when needed. Expect your basil, thyme, and cherry tomatoes to do pretty well.

You're looking at a high-quality product that doesn't need much upkeep. For the price tag, you get a reliable and efficient system that pretty much runs itself.

You can read my in-depth Click And Grow review here.

Aerogarden vs. Click & Grow Main Differences

So, you've checked out both Aerogarden and Click & Grow, and now you're wondering about the nitty-gritty differences. Let’s dive right in to see how these two stack up against each other!

Size

The basic AeroGarden Harvest model’s size is 10.5"L x 6" W x 17.4"H.

The smallest of the Click & Grow range is even smaller, but the capacity is half at only 3 plants. AeroGarden and Click & Grow also have 9 plant models, which are also similar in size, and I find are the best options to get.

Amount of Plants

The OG of indoor hydroponic growing AeroGarden Harvest has 6 plant sports. The product also has a Boutnty version with 9 and the big daddy in the range called the Farm, which boasts space for 24 plants.

Click & Grow’s smallest unit only houses 3 small plants, but there are also 9 plant versions and some much larger gardens, which are distinctly different models.

Plant Pod Selection

Let’s talk about variety. Aerogarden wins the diversity contest here. They offer a wild selection of more than 50 pods. From heirloom tomatoes to Thai basil, you can mix it up based on your mood.

Click & Grow, while not as extensive, still offers a solid range. They focus on essential herbs and veggies – like they know you just want reliable, staple plants.

Membership

Memberships might not be the most exciting topic, but they’re worth mentioning. Aerogarden users can opt for a membership that comes with perks like discounts on pods and growing tips.

Click & Grow offers a similar deal – their membership includes plant subscriptions and other handy bonuses.

Setup

Setting these bad boys up is super straightforward, but it's a bit different for each. Aerogarden typically requires a little assembly, like snapping parts together and plugging it in. Nothing crazy – you won’t need an engineering degree, trust me.

Click & Grow, on the other hand, is even simpler. You just unpack it, pop in your pods, fill up the water, and plug it in.

It’s almost like the difference between assembling a simple IKEA shelf with Aerogarden versus taking out a new coffee maker from the box with Click & Grow. Both are pretty easy, but Click & Grow edges out for ultimate simplicity.

Light

The lighting situation is another big differentiator. Aerogarden uses powerful LED grow lights that simulate sunlight, which is awesome for plant growth. But it also means these lights can be pretty bright.

Click & Grow uses more subtle lighting, which is gentle on the eyes and creates a softer ambiance.

So, if you don’t mind a bit of extra brightness that guarantees quick, healthy plant growth, Aerogarden is your buddy. If a softer, more ambient lighting fits your home's vibe better, Click & Grow might be the way to go.

Ease of Use

Both Aerogarden and Click & Grow are user-friendly but cater to different levels of involvement. Aerogarden gives you a bit more flexibility in terms of customization – you can fiddle with settings to your heart's content.

Click & Grow is more like a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal. Pop in the pods, add water, and you're golden. 

Maintenance

Maintenance also varies between these two. Aerogarden needs a bit more love – you must clean it more frequently and monitor the water levels to ensure everything's running smoothly. Think of it like having a small pet.

Click & Grow is ever lower-maintenance. They've designed their system to be super easy, so you only have to add water occasionally.

The water tank in the Smart Garden 9 I use can last for weeks before needing a refill (although it’s good to refill it at least once a week).

App

Here’s where it gets tech-savvy. Aerogarden comes with a nifty app that lets you control the lighting, keep track of your garden’s progress, and even get reminders for maintenance. It’s like having a gardening assistant in your pocket.

Click & Grow also has an app, but it’s more of a guide – it gives you tips and tricks but doesn’t offer as much direct control over the system itself.

But it still sends you notifications when to refill the water tank or adjust the lights, so it’s got everything you need.

Growing and Harvesting

Aerogarden vs. Click & Grow also comes down to how quickly and healthily your plants grow. Aerogarden's robust lighting system encourages faster growth, meaning you'll be harvesting your herbs and veggies sooner. Click & Grow's system provides consistent growth but at a slower pace.

It's like the difference between a sprinter and a marathon runner. Both systems produce healthy, delicious plants, but if you're impatient and want quicker results, Aerogarden's your best bet.

Price

The prices of the two products are nearly identical. The 9 plant versions, which are the most convenient, in my opinion, cost $250, give or take a couple of dollars.

Click & Grow offers the cheapest product at $99, but it only houses 3 plants, while the AeroGarden Harvest, which has 6, costs $114 and provides much greater value.

The big models with 20+ flowers rapidly jump in price, but they are also much larger and fall into another segment competing with additional hydroponic home gardens. This comparison is mainly between the tabletop models, and the prices are nearly identical.

My Experiences With Aerogarden And Click & Grow

I’ve spent some quality time with both the Aerogarden and the Click & Grow, and I gotta say, it’s been quite the ride.

First stop, the Aerogarden. This thing is like the spaceship of indoor gardening. When I first set it up, it was like bringing a miniaturized farm into my kitchen. The LED lights are bright enough to light up a small concert but work wonders on the plants.

I began with the Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit. Within a week, I had tiny green sprouts popping up like they couldn’t wait to join the industry. The plants grew fast, and I mean fast. In no time, I had fresh basil, thyme, and dill right at my fingertips.

On the flip side, I quickly learned that with great power comes great responsibility. The Aerogarden needed constant water refills, and those buzzy LED lights were quite the conversation starter for anyone visiting my kitchen.

Now, let's flip the coin to Click & Grow. This one's like the laid-back surfer brother of the Aerogarden. Setting it up was a breeze. I put the pre-seeded pods in, filled the tank, plugged it in, and off it went. No muss, no fuss—just water it when the float indicator tells you to.

But it's not in such a rush to grow, which can be nice if you're not trying to rush your indoor jungle experience. The plants took their sweet time sprouting, but when they did, they were strong and healthy.

Maintenance? Click & Grow takes that by a mile. Less tech, fewer interruptions, and definitely less time spent refilling water. If Aerogarden is for the gadget lovers, Click & Grow is for the slow-living enthusiasts who want their herbs without the hustle.

Should You Get An Aerogarden Or Click & Grow?

Deciding between Aerogarden and Click & Grow really boils down to what you're looking for in an indoor garden.

If you love tech gadgets and want to see your plants grow quickly, Aerogarden might be your best bet. It’s like having a mini spaceship for your plants right in your kitchen.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-off approach and don't mind a slower growth pace, Click & Grow could be perfect. It's super easy to set up and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for busy folks or beginners.

Both systems have unique perks and quirks, so think about what fits your lifestyle and gardening goals better.