Verdict: Mirador 111S, for the published ratings and the longer warranty. Pick the Purple Leaf Athena if you need a size Mirador does not sell or want aluminum louvers.
Price at the same size
The two meet around $2,400–2,500: $2,399 for a Mirador 111S 10×13 (130 sq ft) and $2,499 for a Purple Leaf Athena 10×12 (120 sq ft). Per square foot, Mirador is cheaper. Purple Leaf sells 13 sizes up to 14×24; Mirador sells the 111S in three (10×10, 10×13, 10×20).
Wind, snow and warranty
Mirador publishes 90.2 mph and 20.8 psf with professional assembly and anchoring, and 3 years of warranty plus one with registration. Purple Leaf publishes 72 mph when fully secured on a hard floor, no snow figure, and 1 year.
Build
This is where Purple Leaf wins: aluminum frame and aluminum louvers, versus aluminum posts with galvanized steel louvers on the Mirador. Steel louvers can rust where the coating is scratched.
Assembly
Mirador says two people and about four hours. Purple Leaf recommends four to six people.
Side by side
| Criterion | ||
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.0/10 · Fair | 8.7/10 · Good |
| Price checked | $2,499 for 10 × 12 ft Nov 15, 2026, kit only | $2,399 for 10 × 13 ft Nov 15, 2026, kit only |
| Price per sq ft | $20.8 | $18.5 |
| Sizes sold | 10×12, 10×14, 11×13, 11×14, 12×12, 12×14, 11×15, 10×16, 12×16, 12×20, 12×24, 14×20, 14×24 | 10×10, 10×13, 10×20 |
| Frame / louvers | Powder-coated aluminum / Aluminum | Powder-coated aluminum / Galvanized steel |
| Roof control | Two independent roof zones adjusted with poles, 0–90° | Hand crank, louvers open up to 93° |
| Mounting | Freestanding | Freestanding |
| Wind (brand) | 72 mph | 90.2 mph |
| Snow (brand) | Not published | 20.8 psf |
| Warranty | 1 year (Purple Leaf comparison table on the product page) | 3+1 years: 3 years, plus 1 year when you register the product with Mirador |
| Returns | 30-day refund for unopened, unused items; return shipping paid by the buyer | Return, refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt (Mirador store) |
| Buy | Check price at Purple Leaf | Check price at Mirador |
Who should pick which
- Purple Leaf Athena: The widest choice of sizes and colors. The catch: A 1-year warranty, no published snow load, and 4–6 people to install.
- Mirador 111S: A proven Costco-sold kit around $2,400. The catch: Steel louvers, and right now the aluminum 111DA costs the same $2,399 at 10×13 with higher ratings. Retail listings also quote a lower 70 mph.
Read the full reviews: Purple Leaf Athena review and Mirador 111S review, the Purple Leaf pergola guide, the Mirador pergola guide, and the full ranking.
Questions buyers ask
Which is better, Purple Leaf or Mirador?
On our published score the Mirador 111S ranks higher, mainly for its wind and snow ratings and warranty. Purple Leaf is the better pick for unusual sizes and all-aluminum louvers.
Is Purple Leaf the same as Mirador?
No. They are separate brands with their own stores. Mirador is also sold at Costco; Purple Leaf sells mainly through its own store and marketplaces.
Which one is easier to install?
Mirador quotes two people and about four hours. Purple Leaf recommends 4–6 people and points to third-party installers.
Written by Laura Benson, updated November 15, 2026. Prices checked November 15, 2026, kit only.