Countertop Harvest
By the Countertop Harvest team · Last updated
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What do LetPot and AeroGarden have in common?
Both are countertop hydroponic gardens: seeds sit in pods above a water tank, a pump circulates water to the roots, you add liquid plant food, and a full-spectrum LED on a timer replaces the sun. So the choice is about size, light height, app features and pod costs, not growing method. If you'd rather skip the pump and nutrients entirely, see AeroGarden vs Click & Grow, and for the basics, hydroponic nutrients explained.
LetPot vs AeroGarden side by side
| LetPot | AeroGarden | |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup | LPH-Mini (5 pods), LPH-Air (10), LPH-Lite (12), LPH-SE (12), LPH-Max (21 + 2-pod tray) | Sprout (3 pods), Harvest family (6), Bounty family (9), Farm 12XL (12) and Farm 24 models |
| Max light height | Mini 16.3", Air 14", Lite 16", SE and Max 30" | Sprout 6", Harvest 12", Bounty 24", Farm adjustable |
| Tank | 1.5 L (Mini) to 7.5 L (Max) | Harvest about 2.55 L |
| Light power | Mini 10W; Air, Lite, SE 24W; Max 36W | Harvest 15W; Bounty Elite 50W, dimmable |
| App | Every current model | Wi-Fi app on Bounty and Farm models |
| Hands-off features | Max: auto water refill from an external container and auto nutrient dosing; Air: low-water alerts | Vacation Mode on Harvest Elite, Bounty and Farm (shorter light cycle uses about half the water); nutrient reminders |
| Pods | Check each listing for which seed kits and pods are included | One universal basket size for every model; empty "Grow Anything" kits for your own seeds |
| Smallest footprint | LPH-Mini, 8.7" × 5.3" base | Harvest, about 10.5" W × 4.75" D |
Specs from LetPot's comparison and product pages and AeroGarden's product pages, checked October 2026. Makers change models and specs; check the listing before you buy. We have not tested these gardens ourselves.
Pods and capacity
LetPot fits more plants into a given size: the 10-pod Air and 12-pod Lite cover a full kitchen herb mix, while AeroGarden's popular Harvest holds 6. AeroGarden's range goes from a 3-pod Sprout to the Farm models if you want to scale up. For a couple of cooking herbs, 6 pods is plenty; for basil, parsley, mint, chives and cilantro all at once, look at 10–12.
Light height: herbs vs tomatoes
Herbs are fine around 12". Taller crops need more: LetPot's SE and Max lights rise to 30", and AeroGarden's Bounty offers up to 24" of grow height. The Harvest's 12" and the Sprout's 6" suit herbs and greens only.
Apps and automation
Every current LetPot model works with the LetPot app for light schedules and modes, and the Max can refill itself from an external water container and dose nutrients automatically, which helps if you travel. AeroGarden reserves Wi-Fi app control for Bounty and Farm models; its Vacation Mode stretches water on Harvest Elite, Bounty and Farm units.
Ongoing costs
Both run on plant food and replacement pods, so look past the price of the garden itself. AeroGarden's empty "Grow Anything" pods let you use ordinary seed packets, usually the cheapest way to keep a garden going. Check current pod and nutrient prices on each maker's page before deciding.
Who should pick which
Pick LetPot if…
- You want 10–12 herbs going at once (Air, Lite)
- You want app control on any model
- You want to grow dwarf tomatoes or peppers (SE, Max: 30" light)
- You travel and want auto refill and dosing (Max)
Pick AeroGarden if…
- Your counter is narrow (Harvest is about 4.75" deep)
- You want one pod size across every model
- You want empty pods for your own seeds
- You want Vacation Mode on a mid-size unit
More detail: our LetPot review, best hydroponic herb kits, best smart gardens for small kitchens and smart gardens under $100. Deciding what to plant? See the best herbs to grow indoors.
Sources
- LetPot: indoor garden comparison
- LetPot: LPH-Air
- LetPot: LPH-Max
- AeroGarden: gardens
- AeroGarden: Harvest 2.0
Frequently asked questions
Is LetPot better than AeroGarden?
Neither is better for everyone. LetPot offers more pods per unit, app control on every model and lights up to 30"; AeroGarden offers a slimmer 6-pod Harvest, a universal pod size and empty pods for your own seeds.
Do LetPot and AeroGarden both need nutrients?
Yes. Both are hydroponic, so you add liquid plant food to the water and both use a pump.
Which has an app?
Every current LetPot model has app control. AeroGarden's Wi-Fi app works with Bounty and Farm models.
Which is better for tomatoes?
For taller plants, look at the LetPot SE or Max (30" light) or the AeroGarden Bounty (up to 24" grow height). The AeroGarden Harvest (12") is for herbs and greens.
Can I use my own seeds?
AeroGarden sells empty "Grow Anything" pod kits for your own seeds. For LetPot, check each listing for which seed kits and pods are included.