I'll say this.... the earthbox is just a brand name. Not much unlike any other brand name. I use the earthbox personally. Imo it works fucking kick ass. You just have to keep up with the feedings. I also grow dwc. I notice a lot of similarity in growth rate between the two. It's one of the reasons for me getting an earthbox. Hydro growth rate, with organic living soil. The other, is being new to sips, and seeing someone else use one, and being really successful with it. I now know how to use a sip. A DIY tote sip is in my future, but for a grower that's new to sips, and may be a lil nervous about building their own, it's a good option imo. Not saying it's great, or the be all, end all, but it makes it really easy for someone new to the method.