WIRED Reviews Auk Mini 2: Smart Garden Upgrade Addresses Key Design Flaws
A limited-time launch deal sees the upgraded device priced at $229, down from the original model’s $259 retail point.
WIRED has published a review of the Auk Mini 2, the second-generation indoor smart garden from Norwegian manufacturer Auk. The publication positions the device as a direct upgrade to the Mini 1, released in 2024, noting that the new model addresses several functional shortcomings of its predecessor while maintaining the original’s commitment to non-proprietary seed pods.
The Auk Mini 2 features a 12 per cent smaller footprint than the Mini 1, yet offers a 25 per cent larger water capacity. Aesthetic updates include new colour variations for the tops—espresso, sage, and terra-cotta—and the replacement of cork bottoms with beech and ash wood. The device also introduces larger plant pots and an optional Auk Connect app, which allows users to schedule light cycles and activate a "Slow Mode" for vacations.
A primary improvement highlighted in the review is the new optical lens system within the light bar. This component focuses light more directly onto plants, reducing the "leggy" and floppy growth that plagued the Mini 1. The lens also minimises light spill, making the device less visually disruptive in domestic settings. Additionally, the starter kit includes a fine gravel topper to help support herb stems, further preventing floppiness.
The review notes that while the Mini 1 suffered from inconsistent light and watering cycles, the Mini 2’s improved light focus allows herbs such as Italian parsley and Genovese basil to grow lush and bushy without stretching toward the light source. The device retains the original’s use of widely available coco coir pods, avoiding subscription models or proprietary seed systems. The app is optional, with manual controls remaining available on the light bar.
The Auk Mini 2 is priced at $229 during a limited-time launch deal, with an espresso-and-walnut combination available for $249. This represents a reduction from the Mini 1’s $259 retail price. A separate $39 Chili & Tomato Kit, featuring longer dowels and larger pots for fruiting plants, is also available, though the reviewer has not tested this accessory. The launch pricing is expected to expire by the end of the month.
