Hydroponic systems are one of the most efficient ways to grow plants without soil. These systems are becoming more and more popular each day since they take up minimal space, they use less water, and you can grow beautiful plants in much less time than traditional processes.If you want to get started with this type of modern gardening, you need the best available tools for your needs. In this guide, we’re going to go over the top 10 hydroponic systems on the market so that you know how to choose the most appropriate one.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Hydroponic Systems – Reviews
- 1. PowerGrow DWC Hydroponic System
- 2. AeroGarden Black Ultra LED
- 3. DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit
- 4. VegeBox Hydroponics Growing System
- 5. SIMBR Hydroponic Growing System
- 6. General Hydroponics WaterFarm Hydroponic System
- 7. General Hydroponics HGC706980
- 8. iDOO Hydroponics System
- 9. Active Aqua – Root Spa Hydroponic System (Two-Pack)
- 10. Atwater Hydroponics – DWC/Recirculating Drip Hydroponic System
- Hydroponic Systems – Buyers Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Top 10 Hydroponic Systems – Reviews
1. PowerGrow DWC Hydroponic System
Key Features
- Pods: Four Buckets (Expandable)
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Lighting System: Not included
- Pump: Included
- Color: Black
This is the perfect combination of affordability and efficiency. PowerGrow’s hydroponic system provides everything you need to grow your plants to full maturity; this DWC system can also save you a huge amount of time on the setup process.The most remarkable feature about this product is that its buckets are made from highly-durable materials, which is great news if you’re looking for the most effective experience possible.
Why we like it
- It’s fairly easy to set up.
- The product has a premium-quality build.
- It’s affordable.
- It’s suitable for growing small, medium, and large plants.
What we don’t like
- You need to provide a grow light to start using the product.
- The package doesn’t include any nutrients or growing stones.
- You may need to get a pH adjustment kit if you want to monitor the plants’ pH levels.
Our Verdict
The build quality of the buckets makes this product the best one on this list since it ensures healthier and stronger plants. If four buckets aren’t enough for you, you can easily expand the system to a bigger one.If you want to read more about this product, click here.
2. AeroGarden Black Ultra LED
Key Features
- Pods: Seven
- Weight: 11.88 pounds
- Lighting System: 30-watt LED system
- Pump: Included
- Color: Black
This is one of the most effective hydroponic systems to grow plants in a faster and healthier way. We love this product because it allows you to grow up to seven plants, simultaneously, without any issues. Aerogarden products excel at growing many kinds of plants, such as flowers, herbs, vegetables, salad greens, and many others, since they use a powerful, 30-watt LED lighting system.
Why we like it
- It’s perfect for beginners.
- It’s easy to set up.
- It comes with an LCD-display control panel which optimizes the growing process for you.
- The package includes a gourmet herb seed kit that can cover a full season of growth.
What we don’t like
- It’s not suitable for growing large plants.
- You need to constantly clean it to avoid roots from blocking water circulation to the pods.
Our Verdict
Overall, this is a great product that you can get if you’re a beginner, and you need something that doesn’t take too much space indoors. Thanks to its powerful lighting system and LCD-screen control panel, you can optimize the growing process without issues.
3. DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit
Key Features
- Pods: 90
- Weight: 22.4 pounds
- Lighting System: None
- Pump: Included
- Color: White
If you’re planning on growing many plants at the same time, this might be the most appropriate choice for you. This hydroponic system allows up to 90 planting pods, as well as 10 different pipes that help optimize the water flow to each pod.This product is great for beginners since it only takes a few minutes to set it up; you can place this hydroponic system indoors and outdoors without any problems. It’s also great for growing high-quality and better-tasting plants.
Why we like it
- It’s very easy to set up.
- It can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- It has a high number of growing pods.
- It’s great for smaller plants.
What we don’t like
- The pipes are made from PVC plastic, which is not a durable material.
- The pump is not very powerful.
- You may need a bigger setup if you want to grow bigger plants.
Our Verdict
This hydroponic system works great for anyone who wants an easy-to-set-up product with a high yield. However, remember that the build materials are not very durable, so make sure that you treat it carefully and/or get a backup system.To read more about the DreamJoy Hydroponic Grow Kit, click here.
4. VegeBox Hydroponics Growing System
Key Features
- Pods: 12
- Weight: 5.09 pounds
- Lighting System: 22-watt LED lighting system
- Pump: Included
- Color: White
The VegeBox Hydroponics system takes the process to a new and optimized level with its smart-spectrum technology. Aside from having 12 plant pots and a 135-degree light adjustment feature, it has an auto turn on/off system, which helps the plants grow healthier.One of the most remarkable features of this hydroponic system is that its lighting system provides four different settings, which you can set up to your needs. The available colors are IR, blue, green, and red.
Why we like it
- It’s extremely light.
- It has a powerful lighting system.
- It has a big two-liter water tank.
- It doesn’t have a UV light, which protects your skin.
What we don’t like
- The auto turn on/off system doesn’t work sometimes.
- The package doesn’t come with any seeds.
Our Verdict
If you were looking for a lightweight hydroponic system that you could use indoors, the VegeBox Hydroponics system works perfectly. It includes a decent number of pods, and its advanced lighting system allows for a more efficient and fast-growing process.Click here to read more about this product.
5. SIMBR Hydroponic Growing System
Key Features
- Pods: 12
- Weight: 5.24 pounds
- Lighting System: 27.5-watt LED lighting system
- Pump: Included
- Color: White
This is another product that works amazingly for indoor growing! The SIMBR Hydroponic System features a bigger, four-liter water tank, which allows for approximately two weeks of uninterrupted growing, as well as an amazing 27.5-watt lighting system.While this hydroponic system is small enough for indoor growing, it includes an adjustable height feature, which allows you to grow plants up to 11.8 inches tall. Overall, this product provides an amazing environment to grow small-to-medium plants.
Why we like it
- The water tank has a visible level scale, making it easier to tell when you have to add more water.
- The lighting system can be set up to work with two planting modes: Flower-Fruit Mode and Vegetable Mode.
- It’s easy to set up.
- The product’s fan and pump work for 30 minutes and rest for 30 minutes, which helps to balance the water and air circulation to the plants.
What we don’t like
- The fan may feel noisy for some people.
- It’s not suitable for growing large plants.
Our Verdict
This is one of the easiest-to-use hydroponic systems on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this product works great for growing many types of plants indoors.If you want to read more about the SIMBR Hydroponic System, click here!
6. General Hydroponics WaterFarm Hydroponic System
Key Features
- Pods: One Bucket
- Weight: 16.3 pounds
- Lighting System: Not Included
- Pump: Included
- Color: Red, Beige
General Hydroponics is one of the most popular hydroponic system manufacturers in the world, and this WaterFarm model proves it. This product excels at growing medium-sized plants, but you can also use it to grow medium-large plants if you want.While it has a low price, it doesn’t mean that it has a lower quality build. The materials of the WaterFarm hydroponic system are sturdy and durable, which means that you can use this product for a long time without having to replace its pieces.
Why we like it
- It’s made from durable materials.
- It’s great for growing small, medium, and large plants.
- It has a big water tank.
- The package includes everything you need to start growing your plants (Nutrients, clay pebbles, etc.)
What we don’t like
- The pump is not durable; you may need to upgrade it to a more powerful one.
- You may experience some water leakage after prolonged usage.
Our Verdict
Overall, this is a simple yet powerful tool to start growing any kind of plant inside your home. One of the best things about it is that the package includes three nutrient bottles on it, and you can choose the one that benefits your plants the best.If you were looking for an affordable option, this is as safe as you can go. Click here to read more about this product!
7. General Hydroponics HGC706980
Key Features
- Pods: Eight Buckets (Expandable)
- Weight: 43.3 pounds
- Lighting System: Not Included
- Pump: Included
- Color: Red, Beige
If you want to get serious about optimal gardening, the General Hydroponics’ HGC706980 model does the job. This is -by far- the most powerful hydroponic system on this list, featuring eight buckets with an integrated 13-gallon reservoir.On the other hand, this package includes a “Smart Controller,” which allows you to keep the right level of nutrients for each one of your plants. Thanks to all of these features, the system itself doesn’t require frequent maintenance, which is great for efficiency.
Why we like it
- It comes with an integrated 13-gallon reservoir and an eight-gallon controller.
- It can be expanded up to 12 buckets.
- You can grow plants of all sizes and types.
- The controller makes it easier to keep every plant at the right water and nutrient level
What we don’t like
- The package doesn’t include any pollinators.
- It’s not an affordable product.
- It’s not suitable for small spaces.
Our Verdict
If you’re an experienced gardener, this might be a good option that you can get on the market. You can grow any type of plant in the most efficient and quick way possible. You can also expand the bucket number if you feel like eight buckets aren’t enough for you.However, keep in mind that this is an expensive product, so it’s not recommended for people who are looking for a smaller and more affordable option. If you want to read more, click here!
8. iDOO Hydroponics System
Key Features
- Pods: Seven
- Weight: 4.55 pounds
- Lighting System: 24-watt LED lighting system
- Pump: Included
- Color: Black, White
This is another great budget option for beginners and intermediate gardeners. This hydroponic system includes three “Smart Modes” for each growth stage, which means that you can adapt the lighting conditions so that they benefit the plants in a better way.Another amazing feature about this product is that the lighting platform can be lifted up to 13.4 inches, which allows your plants to grow throughout all their stages without any issues.
Why we like it
- It’s a lightweight product.
- It comes with a smart lighting system, which you can set up depending on your plants’ growing stage.
- The water pump can be set up to two different circulation modes: “Normal Mode” and “Sleep Mode.”
- The package includes two sets of all-natural nutrients.
What we don’t like
- It’s not suitable for growing large plants.
- The instructions may be a bit confusing.
Our Verdict
This is one of the most practical hydroponic systems on this list, and its stylish design makes it perfect to be set in any room in your home. Another great thing about it is that it can be used by beginners without any issues, making it a more accessible product.If you’re a beginner or a gardening enthusiast, this might be an excellent option to start. If you want to read more about this product, click here!
9. Active Aqua – Root Spa Hydroponic System (Two-Pack)
Key Features
- Pods: Two Buckets
- Weight: 28.2 pounds
- Lighting System: Not included
- Pump: Included
- Color: Black
This is a hydroponic system that keeps everything simple but functional. You get a five-gallon bucket, an eight-inch bucket basket, an 0.25-inch tubing, and an excellent air pump.On the other hand, the purchase of this product includes two kits, which means that you’re getting double of everything we just listed! Overall, this system works as advertised, and it’s suitable for growing most kinds of plants.
Why we like it
- The buckets are tightly sealed, which prevents all kinds of water leaks.
- It works amazingly at growing tomatoes and other vegetables.
- Adding nutrients and water is easy, and it doesn’t take much time.
- The purchase includes two hydroponic kits.
What we don’t like
- The two kits come in two separate packages, which may be uncomfortable for some people.
- The air pump is loud.
Our Verdict
Overall, you’re getting amazing value for the price. This product keeps everything simple, but it still manages to deliver great results each time. If you want to grow your plants in the easiest way possible, this is a good way to go.You can read more about the Active Aqua Hydroponic System here.
10. Atwater Hydroponics – DWC/Recirculating Drip Hydroponic System
Key Features
- Pods: One Bucket (Expandable)
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Lighting System: Not included
- Pump: Included
- Color: Black
When we first tried this product, we instantly decided to include it on the list! This product features two different types of hydroponic systems, which provide a broader range of options for you to grow your plants efficiently.All you need to start growing your plants with this system is the water and the plants; the package includes everything from the buckets to the nutrients that you need. Overall, this product is easy to set up, and it works incredibly fast.
Why we like it
- It comes with everything that you need to start growing your plants.
- It’s easy to set up.
- It comes with an effective water level indicator.
- It comes with a liquid pH tester.
- It combines the DWC and the Recirculating Drip systems.
What we don’t like
- It’s not as affordable as other products.
- The air pump may not be powerful enough in some cases.
- The drip ring doesn’t fully reach the center of the net pot.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a product with all the possible accessories to get started, this is one of the best options for you. It’s fairly easy to set up, you can place the bucket anywhere, and you can expand the system with more buckets if you want to.If you want to read more about this product, click here!
Hydroponic Systems – Buyers Guide
Are There Different Types of Hydroponic Systems?
Yes! There are currently six different types of hydroponic systems. While every system works for the same purpose, they have slightly different mechanisms. You have to choose the one that you consider the easiest and most effective for your plants.
The following is a list of all six types of hydroponic systems:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC) – Low maintenance, easy to build and use.
- Wick – Easy to set up, it’s smaller than other systems.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – Low consumption levels, easy to expand.
- Ebb and Flow – Easy to build, suitable for growing larger plants.
- Drip – Suitable for large-scale operations, supports many kinds of large plants.
- Aeroponics – Portable, eco-friendly.
How to Choose the Best Hydroponic System for You
Keep in mind that not every type of hydroponic system may work for your operation. You need to consider the plants you want to grow and the environment in which you’re going to grow them.The best way to choose an appropriate hydroponic system is to make a checklist of everything you need and buy the product that checks most of your needs.
Choosing an Appropriate Yield
Hydroponic systems tend to offer a wide variety of pods or buckets. To help you make a smarter purchase, choose a product that can fit your required number of plants.If you want to cultivate a lot of plants, look for a bigger system. On the other hand, if you only want to work with a few plants, a smaller system can do the job for you.
Additional Things to Look Out For
Before you make your purchase, make sure that you understand all the benefits of a hydroponic system for your plants. This way, you make sure that you’re buying an appropriate product for your specific case.Additionally, you should fix a flexible budget and look for a product that offers good customer service. This is the best way to ensure that you’re getting more value from your purchase. If you want to know more about the advantages of hydroponics, make sure to watch this video! It includes a thorough explanation of how a hydroponic system is different from the soil and what the pros and cons of each system are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Be Grown in Hydroponics?
There are many types of plants that you can grow in a hydroponic system. However, many users have seen better results on particular plants, such as spinach, strawberries, lettuce, bell peppers, and herbs.
What is the Easiest Hydroponic System to Use?
This is a debatable answer since there are users that may find a specific type of hydroponic system easier than others. We believe that the DWC system is one of the easiest to use by beginners since you can set it up in just a matter of minutes.
What Cannot Be Grown Hydroponically?
Some vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, turnips, and rutabaga are not recommended to be grown hydroponically. This is because these vegetables usually need high quantities of soil for their roots to spread out.
Final Thoughts
While all the hydroponic systems listed in this article work exceptionally well for most needs, the winner is the PowerGrow DWC Hydroponic System since it provides one of the most effective systems on the market for an affordable price.Other products on this list tend to have height limitations. However, PowerGrow’s DWC system lets you grow four different plants to their full maturity with just one main system. If four buckets aren’t enough, you can expand the system easily.Our favorite thing about this product is that it’s a solid DWC system; these types of systems tend to be more effective when you build them yourself, but in this case, you have everything that you need to start growing your favorite plants, regardless of their size.
About The Author
