They are not exactly the same. I have smart pots. They do not grow as good of plants as airpots. They have a solid base that rests against the ground - there is no aeration below the pot. Airpots have air flow on ALL sides. I wish I had bought more airpots this round and not put plants in the smart pots, but I did. Not that they grow shitty plants or anything, but they're f'ing useless/a pain for LST. Has nothing to do with hype - I've used both - airpots won. It was not close. Since when does 'it's easier' rate higher than better results? Does not for me. They are definitely not easier if you LST. That's just my opinion -- to each their own -- if you love smart pots, more power to you. Just don't tell me they're as good or better because in my book they're not at all. And I haven't heard any hype on them at all... i'm making the hype, because I love'm. An airpot advocate in case you can't tell