Aerogarden vs Grow Box (First Timer)

So my buddy said he will sell me the biggest aerogarden they make for 50 bucks. Since i am a noob to all this i was just wondering if I would be better off just making a grow box and using soil instead. This is my very first grow ever and am just planning on growing 3-5 plants. I have a 5x7 closet where all this is going down. My budget is 300 bucks (not including the seeds). I would just like to know what you guys would recomend for a first timer since you already know the deal with all this jazz.


Thanks for you help!!!!

Starting in soil or coco will give you a understanding of nutrients e.t.c. and is a bit more forgiving to mistakes.

I started in soil and am just getting ready to try my luck with aero/bubbles. I would start in soil cause hydro nutes will add up quick.