Growing your own plants and herbs at home is not only a rewarding hobby, but also a fantastic way to add fresh flavors to your meals.
But what if you don’t have a green thumb, or simply don’t have enough space for a traditional garden? Enter the world of hydroponic indoor gardens, where you can grow plants without soil and with minimal effort.
Two of the top contenders in this arena are AeroGarden and Click And Grow. Which one is the best choice for you? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of AeroGarden vs Click And Grow to help you make an informed decision.
Short Summary
- AeroGarden has more features and options, but requires slightly more maintenance. Gardeners who want more control and/or want to grow larger plants, such as tomatoes or peppers, will do better with the AeroGarden system.
- Click And Grow is slightly easier to use because of its Smart Soil nutrient delivery system. Gardeners who want to grow herbs and leafy greens and who want a minimalist aesthetic will prefer the Click and Grow Smart Garden.
Understanding Hydroponic Gardens
Hydroponic gardens have revolutionized the way we grow plants indoors. Both the AeroGarden and Click And Grow offer automated hydroponic systems that provide water, nutrients, and light, allowing you to enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
But how do these indoor smart garden systems work, and what sets them apart from each other? Let’s explore the inner workings of AeroGarden and Click And Grow to see which one is right for you.
How AeroGarden Works
AeroGarden utilizes a special hydroponic technology called “Ein Gedi Aeroponics” which allows plants to grow faster and with less effort compared than traditional gardening methods. The system consists of a water reservoir, a pump which oxygenates the water, adjustable LED lighting system, and either a touch screen control panel or touch sensitive controls.
Gardeners add nutrients and water to the system. The Aerogarden makes it easy with lights on the control panel which tell you when to add nutrients and when to add water.
With AeroGarden, you can expect greater yields, making it a popular choice for indoor garden enthusiasts.
How Click And Grow Works
Click And Grow uses a combination of Capillary Precision Irrigation (CPI) and Smart Soil to create an optimal environment for plant growth.
The CPI system is a type of hydroponic wick system that efficiently delivers water from the reservoir to the plants. The Smart Soil ensures a steady supply of nutrients to plant roots, gradually releasing the nutrients over several months.
The only thing required from users is to top up the water when it gets low. There isn’t a control panel to alert you when the water level is low however. You will need to check the water level periodically. However, topping up the water is super easy!
With its easy-to-use features, Click And Grow Smart Gardens are a popular choice for those who prefer a more “set it and forget it” indoor gardening experience.
Design and Aesthetics
While AeroGarden and Click And Grow are designed to make indoor gardening a breeze, their aesthetics differ significantly. AeroGarden boasts a more technical look with its modular designs and adjustable LED lighting arms.
Click N Grow, on the other hand, offers a minimalist design that appeals to those who prefer a more pared-down and simple, elegant look.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. The Click N Grow smart garden has a simpler asthetic while the AeroGarden systems have higher tech look.
AeroGarden Design
AeroGarden’s design is focused on functionality and adaptability. The units are constructed out of durable plastic, with pure Canadian Sphagnum Peat grow sponges.
The adjustable LED lighting system is easily raised and lowered. In addition, the touch screen control panel and modular design allow for easy customization based on the type and size of plants you wish to grow.
Click N Grow Design
Click N Grow, in contrast, focuses on simplicity and elegance in its design. The patented tray system allows for easy growing of leafy greens, while the high-end materials ensure durability and longevity.
The pro-grade LED grow lights and passive watering system are designed to provide optimal conditions for healthy plant growth with minimal effort. The LED arm height is adjusted by adding arm extensions which raise the lights.
Click N Grow’s minimalist design is perfect for those who appreciate a more streamlined and unobtrusive indoor gardening solution.
Models and Cost
Cost is always a significant factor when purchasing any product, and indoor gardening systems are no exception. AeroGarden systems cost more than Click And Grow initially. But both companies offers discounts, making the prices similar.
AeroGarden has a more extensive range of models, while Click and Grow offers a more focused product line. Note that all models of both brands come with enough seed pods to grow your first garden.
| AeroGarden Models | No. Plant Pods | Cost | Click And Grow Models | No. Plant Pods | Cost |
| Sprout | 3 | $69.95 | Smart Garden 3 | 3 | $74.96 |
| Harvest (base model) | 6 | $99.95 | |||
| Bounty | 9 | $199.95 | Smart Garden 9 | 9 | $172.46 |
| Farm (base models) | 12 – 24 | $495.95 – $585.95 | Smart Garden 25 | 25 | $599.00 |
AeroGarden Models
AeroGarden has several different models of indoor gardens. The four main AeroGarden model families are Sprout, Harvest, Bounty, and Farm.
The AeroGarden Sprout model is the smallest and holds 3 plant pods.
The AeroGarden Harvest models are the most popular model family. They are a mid-sized, space-efficient model that can easily fit on top of your kitchen counter and can grow up to 6 plants. There are several variations of the AeroGarden Harvest model. These include:
- AeroGarden Harvest (Matte finish, rectangular shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest XL (Matte finish, rectangular shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest 360 (Matte finish, round shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest Slim (Matte finish, narrow single row shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite (Stainless steel finish, rectangular shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 (Stainless steel finish, round shape)
- AeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim (Stainless steel finish, narrow single row shape)
The Harvest models have a matte plastic finish, whereas the Harvest Elite models have a stainless steel finish and come in a different range of colors. The key differences between the models, except the Harvest XL, are their shapes and finishes.
The AeroGarden Harvest XL is a larger version of the AeroGarden Harvest model. It features a larger bowl to hold more water than the base Harvest, a larger grow deck to give more room between plants, and has an adjustable grow height of 18″ (the other models feature a grow height of 12″) so you can grow larger indoor plants and full-size veggies.
The AeroGarden Bounty model is larger and can grow up to 9 plants. The AeroGarden Farm series is the largest and holds from 12 to 24 plant pods and has a digital control display screen.
Click N Grow Models
Click N Grow indoor smart garden kits offers a more limited range of models but still caters to a variety of indoor gardening needs.
The Smart Garden 3 is the most affordable option, accommodating up to three plants and featuring adjustable LED grow lights and a built-in timer.
The Smart Garden 9 and Smart Garden 9 PRO are designed for those who wish to grow up to nine plants, with the PRO model offering additional features such as app control and gardening advice.
They also offer the Smart Garden 27, which comes with 3 of the Smart Garden 9 and a plant stand with 3 shelves to hold them.
While Click N Grow may not have as many model options as AeroGarden, the range of offerings from 3 plant models to 27 plant models is similar to the range of AeroGarden models.
LED Lighting System
Both AeroGarden and Click And Grow use LED lights with minor, but important, differences.
| AeroGarden Model | Light Wattage | Click & Grow Model | Light Wattage |
| Sprout (3 pods) | 10W | Smart Garden 3 | 8W |
| Harvest (6 pods) | 20W | – | |
| Bounty (9 pods) | 45W | Smart Garden 9 | 13W |
| Farm (24 pods) | 60W | Smart Garden 25 | 2 x 16W |
AeroGarden
AeroGarden’s LED lighting system uses white, red, and blue lights. The Sprout model uses 10W bulbs, Harvest models use 20W bulbs, Bounty models use 45W bulbs, and Farm models use 60W bulbs.
The lights have a lifespan of 2 – 4 years if used daily. The built-in timer ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of light and darkness, alternating between 15 hours of light and 9 hours of darkness.
The lamp arms can easily be lowered and raised as the plants grow.
Click And Grow
Click And Grow’s LED lighting system uses the red and white light spectrum. The Smart Garden 3 uses 8W lights, the Smart Garden 9 uses 13W lights, and the Smart Garden 25 uses 2 – 16W lights.
The lights are incredibly long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 7 years if used daily. The built-in timer alternates between 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.
The lamp arm is adjusted by adding an 8″ extension to the lamp arm.
One issue I had with my Click And Grow Smart Garden 3 was that after my power went out one time, the timer on the lights quit working. I contacted customer support and they were willing to replace the light arm.
Plant Growth and Yield
The bottom line with the hydroponic systems are the yield that you get. After all, that’s why we have them – to produce nice, fresh veggies or flowers! Let’s see how they compare.
AeroGarden Yield
AeroGarden’s LED lighting system ensures that plants receive the optimal amount of light for growth, resulting in larger yields and faster growth when compared to the Click And Grow. Particularly if you want to grow larger fruiting vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc., AeroGarden is the top choice.
Click And Grow Yield
Click And Grow, while not as powerful as AeroGarden, still provides an effective indoor gardening solution for herbs and leafy vegetables. If you stick with herbs and leafy vegetables, the Smart Garden 9 and larger will provide many plentiful harvests.
I found that the Smart Garden 3 just wasn’t powerful enough, and the kale that I grew just stopped growing before providing a decent harvest. So I recommend buying the Smart Garden 9 for bountiful harvests of leafy greens.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Both AeroGarden and Click And Grow are designed to make indoor gardening as easy and hassle-free as possible. However, there are some differences in ease of use and maintenance between the two indoor garden systems.
Setting Up AeroGarden
Setting up AeroGarden is relatively straightforward, with step-by-step setup guides available for different models. The system includes a water/nutrient reservoir, pump, LED grow lights, and seed pods.
The setup process involves filling the water reservoir, adding nutrients according to the user manual, and inserting the seed pods into the holes in the grow deck. Then plug it in and the system automatically turns on and off the grow lights.
Once set up, AeroGarden requires regular maintenance such as adding water and nutrients, as well as cleaning the reservoir once a month to ensure optimal plant growth. Lights on the control panel tell you when you need to add water or nutrients.
Setting Up Click And Grow
Click And Grow is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making its setup process quick and hassle-free. The system consists of a water reservoir, LED grow lights, and seed pods pre-filled with Smart Soil, providing all the necessary components for plant growth. Once the seed pods are inserted into the designated slots, simply add water to the reservoir and plug the system into a power source.
Once the system is set up, all you need to do is check the water level and add water when needed. Click And Grow is an ideal choice for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to indoor gardening.
Energy Consumption and Efficiency
When it comes to energy consumption and efficiency, AeroGarden and Click And Grow both offer energy-efficient LED lighting systems designed to provide the optimal light spectrum for plant growth. However, AeroGarden’s more powerful LED lighting system requires 2 to 3 times more electricity than Click And Grow, making it less energy efficient overall.
AeroGarden Energy Efficiency
AeroGarden’s energy efficiency varies depending on the model, with power consumption ranging from 6.8 to 66.4 kWh per month and monthly costs ranging from $1.56 to $15.27 (based on the average cost of electricity in the US). While this may be higher than Click And Grow’s energy consumption, AeroGarden is still a relatively affordable option for those looking to grow their own plants and herbs at home.
Below is a table that lists the power consumption of the various AeroGarden models. The monthly costs are based on the national average cost of electricity in the US.
| Model | Power Consumption (kWh per month) | Monthly Cost ($0.23 per kWh) |
| Sprout | 6.8 kWh | $1.56 |
| Harvest | 12.1 kWh | $2.78 |
| Bounty | 25.3 kWh | $5.82 |
| Farm | 66.4 kWh | $15.27 |
Click And Grow Energy Efficiency
Click And Grow is designed for energy efficiency and is an attractive option for those who prioritize minimal energy consumption. The energy efficiency varies depending on the model, with power consumption ranging from 3.8 to 18.6 kWh per month and monthly costs ranging from $0.87 to $4.28 (based on the average cost of electricity in the US).
Below is a table that lists the power consumption of the various Smart Garden models. The monthly costs are based on the national average cost of electricity in the US.
| Model | Power Consumption (kWh per month) | Monthly Cost ($0.23 per kWh) |
| Smart Garden 3 | 3.8 kWh | $0.87 |
| Smart Garden 9 | 6.2 kWh | $1.43 |
| Smart Garden 25 | 16.7 kWh | $3.84 |
| Smart Garden 27 | 18.6 kWh | $4.28 |
Seed Pod Options and Costs
AeroGarden and Click And Grow both offer a variety of seed pod options, allowing you to grow a diverse range of plants and herbs in your indoor garden. There are slight differences in cost and variety between the two systems. Both systems offer just the pods so you can add your own seeds. AeroGarden includes a bottle of nutrient solution as well as the grow pods. The nutrients are incorporated into the seed pod in the Click And Grow so there is no need to add a nutrient solution.
AeroGarden Seed Pods
AeroGarden seed pods offer a wide variety of options. They are usually on sale and prices are comparable to Click And Grow prices, if not a little less. At the time of this writing, prices for 9 pods are $21.95 and sale prices range from $13.17 to $17.56.
AeroGarden offers 26 different herbs, including 9 varieties of basil. You can buy variety pack they have put together, such as gourmet blend, Italian blend, cocktail/mocktail blend, or make your own with whichever herbs you choose. They also offer 18 leafy greens varieties, 15 veggie varieties (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumber), and 17 single flower varieties that you can mix in a customized mix and 1 mountain meadow flower mix.
Click And Grow Seed Pods
Click And Grow also offers a wide variety of plant varieties. They are also usually on sale. At the time of this writing, prices for 9 pods are from $23.95 to $29.95 and sale prices range from $11.98 to $22.46.
Click And Grow offers 26 different herbs, including 9 varieties of basil. They also have 4 different herbs blends, such as basil variety, calming tea, Italian herb, and steak seasoning mixes. 25 leafy green varieties, 11 veggie varieties (tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, peas), 19 single flower varieties and 1 mix of flower varieties.
Customer Support and Warranty
Both AeroGarden and Click And Grow offer customer support and warranty options to ensure a positive experience for their customers.
AeroGarden Support and Warranty
AeroGarden offers a dedicated support page on their website that provides helpful information on setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Users can also contact AeroGarden’s customer service team via contact form or chat bot for personalized assistance.
Although I have never had a need to contact customer support, reviews of AeroGarden products indicate that the customer support may be difficult to reach and have issues with replacement parts or lost orders.
AeroGarden offers a one-year limited warranty on their products.This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, with some exceptions. AeroGarden also offers a “Guarantee to Germinate” that covers germination of seeds for one year from the date of purchase from an authorized AeroGarden retailer.
Click And Grow Support and Warranty
Click And Grow offers a similar level of customer support, with a support page on their website that provides information on setup, plant care, shipping, and restrictions. Users can also contact support via email, support form, or chat.
Click And Grow offers a two-year limited warranty on all of their products, covering any defects in materials or workmanship. Reviews indicate that customer support for Click And Grow is more responsive than AeroGarden.
I have used Click And Grow’s customer support and found them responsive.
Pros and Cons
When deciding between AeroGarden and Click And Grow, consider the features that are most important to you and weigh the pros and cons of each system to make an informed decision.
AeroGarden Pros and Cons
AeroGarden’s main advantages lie in its comprehensive indoor gardening solution, providing a wider range of models, more advanced features, and a powerful LED lighting system for optimal plant growth and yield. Additionally, AeroGarden offers a variety of seed pod options, including the ability to use your own seeds with their Grow Anything seed pod kit.
However, AeroGarden’s more advanced features and powerful lighting system can result in higher initial and ongoing costs, as well as requiring more setup and maintenance compared to Click And Grow.
Click And Grow Pros and Cons
Click And Grow’s main advantage lie in its simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to indoor gardening. The Smart Soil technology ensures a steady supply of nutrients for plant growth, and the built-in timer for the LED lighting system helps to conserve energy.
While Click And Grow may not offer the same level of customization and advanced features as AeroGarden, its minimalist design and straightforward setup process make it an attractive option for those seeking a more streamlined indoor gardening experience.
Summary
AeroGarden vs Click And Grow, which is better?
AeroGarden and Click And Grow both offer unique and effective solutions for indoor gardening enthusiasts. AeroGarden is a better choice if you want to grow larger plants because it produces higher yields and stronger plants. However, it can be more slightly more expensive maintain. Click And Grow is a better choice if you only want to grow herbs and leafy greens and want a beautiful, minimalist display for your herbs.
I personally use both. I use the AeroGarden for my veggies because I get a better yield, and I use the Click And Grow to keep a steady supply of herbs throughout the year. Nothing beats having fresh herbs and vegetables growing right in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Click And Grow compare to AeroGarden?
Both AeroGarden and Click And Grow are automated indoor gardens, that require very little maintenance. The main difference is that AeroGardens use a pump to water its pods while Click And Grow uses a passive wicking system.
The lack of a water pump also makes Click And Grow quieter than AeroGarden.
Is Click And Grow compatible with AeroGarden?
Yes, Click And Grow is compatible with AeroGarden! There is a conversion kit available that makes it easy to switch between the two growing systems.
You can also purchase pods, covers, algae prevention pod covers, and growing sponges to customize your experience.
What is the alternative to Click And Grow?
For an alternative to Click A Grow, many people recommend Terraplanter, Herbert, and Grove Labs. These options provide a more personalized growing experience and can offer great results with careful maintenance.
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Oscar Stephens
I am a gardening and tech enthusiast! Stumbling across the world of Hydroponic Gardening, Aquaponics, and Aeroponics by accident I've decided to create this website to put all of the best information I can find in one easy to navigate place. I'll continue to add more content as I discover new things!
