When it comes to starting hydroponic gardening as a hobby, a question I get asked a lot is “How much does a hydroponic system cost?”. The best answer is as much as you want to spend. While you could build your own, it’s oftentimes more convenient and sometimes more affordable to just purchase a hydroponic system instead of tracking down the different parts and tools.
To save you some time I’ve gathered a few different hydroponic system options for every budget!
Budget Hydroponic Systems
You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive hydroponic system to start a hydroponic garden, There are several options when looking for cheap hydroponic systems under $150. Low-cost hydroponic systems are great for those just learning hydroponics or who only have a small area for a garden. Though these systems are cheap, it doesn’t mean they won’t work well! Cheap hydroponics systems can be simple to use and produce great results.
Buying a cheap hydroponic system also doesn’t mean that you can only grow a few plants. Some hydroponic systems like the compact NFT system below can grow many plants at a time.
Hydroponic Systems Under $150 |
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  DWC Hydroponic Bucket
The DWC hydroponic bucket is a classic single-plant hydroponic system. It works great for growing plants that have large root systems and produce a lot of fruit. |
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  Multi Bucket DWC System
The hydroponic bucket shown above is easily customizable to add more plants; this one grows six. |
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 Vivosun NFT Hydroponic System
NFT hydroponic systems allow you to grow many plants in a small space. This Vivosun hydroponic system can grow up to 32. These systems are perfect for leafy greens or other small-rooted, lightweight plants. |
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  Aerogarden Harvest
If you’re not looking to take up hydroponics as a hobby, more just looking to have some fresh herbs to add to your meals, this starter countertop garden may be just up your alley. This system is great for learning about hydroponics and makes a great gift! |
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Hobby Hydroponic Systems
The next category of hydroponic systems is the $150-$400 range. These systems are typically for the hobby hydroponic grower who is more serious about their hydroponic gardening.
Spending a little more on a hydroponic system can often offer more features, better design or durability, or allow you to grow more.
Hydroponic Systems Under $450 |
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  Mr. Stacky Tower Garden
This tower garden allows you to grow 20 plants in roughly a 2ft by 2ft area. The kit comes with everything you need to get started growing along with a growing guide and online chat support. |
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  AeroGarden Bounty Elite
This Aerogarden version has several cool features like wifi capability, is Alexa compatibility, and displaying your garden statistics. It’s stainless steel adding a classy look to your countertop while growing up to 9 plants |
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  Rise Gardens Personal Garden
This hydroponic garden kit has everything you need to get started! The kit includes starter trays, seed pods, and 8 weeks’ worth of nutrients. The hydroponic system can be controlled by a phone app and has a built-in LED grow light. |
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  Foody 12 – Vertical Hydroponic Garden
This vertical hydroponic system from foody stands at 3ft 8 inches tall and can grow up to 12 plants. The hydroponic system comes with a kit that includes everything you need to get started growing. |
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Upscale Hydroponics Systems Options
The next level is what I like to call the upscale hydroponic systems. These systems are the ones that cost more than $400.
Hydroponic systems of this category can look amazing, produce a lot, or focus heavily on ease of use. Some are all three. If you’re serious about growing your produce with the most automation and ease, these systems are your go-to.
Hydroponic Systems Over $450 |
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  Aerogarden Farm
Aerogarden doesn’t only make countertop systems! This Aerogarden can grow up to 24 plants and has an adjustable grow height of 24 inches. The system is wifi enabled and can be paired with the Aerogarden app. |
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  Lettuce Grow Farmstand
This farmstand system is a vertical hydroponic system standing 4ft 7 inches with the ability to grow up to 20 plants at a time. The system has built-in LED lights and comes with everything you need to get growing. |
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  Indoor Vertical Tower Garden 2.0
This vertical hydroponics system can grow up to 70 plants at one time! It’s a 5 piece kit that includes LED lights that surround the tower. |
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Gardyn 3.o Hydroponics Growing System
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The Gardyn hydroponic system can grow up to 30 plants but only takes up 2 sqft of space! My favorite part of this system is its AI integration claim, which through the help of cameras and sensors, analyzes your garden to walk you through the grow, no green thumb required!
In Conclusion…
While the upfront cost is typically more with hydroponic gardening compared to soil, over the long-term, hydroponic gardens can be more cost-efficient, produce better results, and there is no weeding! The hydroponic system itself is a one-time purchase that if taken care of, will last you many years of growing.
