Best Overall
Hytekgro LED Grow Light Panel
Best Bang for the Buck
GE Grow LED Light Bulb for Seeds and Greens
Best for Houseplants
AeroGarden Tabletop Grow Light
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When it comes to plants , all light is not adequate . Unless you have a glasshouse or unlimited Confederacy - facing window , arise lights are your best option for providing your industrial plant with the correct grade of illumination . Though nothing is better than natural sunlight , grow lightsare designed to bring home the bacon photosynthetic active radiation ( PAR ) so the plant life can undergo photosynthesis like exterior in nature . We wanted to know if they shape well enough to keep works alive — and thriving — so we tested the most democratic models on the market .
We placed the grow lights in areas that were otherwise too dark for plants to grow , and we tried them out on variousindoor plant , from houseplant and herbs to bloom seedling . We maintain rail of plant wellness , overall growth , and the ontogenesis of unexampled leaves . study what to look for when selecting the near grow lights for your indoor plants , and fall upon the pro and con of the follow simulation before choose .
How We Tested the Best Grow Lights
After reading info about the benefits of grow lights , we wanted to set whether the hype was true . While we ’re not professional agriculturist by a long shot , we revel starting seeded player , and we have several houseplants that always seem a bit undernourished due to short light .
We tried to keep the testing as scientific as possible by providing the recommend amount of light — by industrial plant character — with the grow lights . To determine each light ’s practical coverage , we darkened the room , turned on the grow brightness level , and measured the distance of the vivid part of the short pattern .
We tested timekeeper on the light that get with them to see how precise they were , and we frequently tested for heat generation by put our hands beneath the grow lights to see if they were give rise heat . We read our observations and awarded tip base on a rubric throughout the examination .
We observed the plants and remark any significant changes , but it ’s important to think of that this was immanent since we used unlike plants , include seedlings , houseplant , and overwintered terrace plants . In addition , they were all in various states of wellness when we began the testing .
We selected the grow lights for examination establish on the manufacturer ’s reputation . Still , we did n’t automatically get rid of illumination made by smaller manufacturers as long as they provided ample light and were well made .
After the tests , we added the accumulated points and used them to create the best family for the individual grow lights . While each has a specific purpose , any model in our lineup will benefit various turn situations .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a spot in this batting order of the in force grow lights , the play along models had to perform well in our hands - on tests . We paired each light with various flora or germinating semen and quiz each function on the lights , including timers , dimmers , and temperature monitors . Overall , rise brightness level are comparatively straightforward tools , offer up add clarification without make heat . The come after grow lights performed well in our trial , although each is designed for a slightly different growing situation .
Our Ratings : Setup5/5 ; Adjustability3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage4/5 ; Value4/5
Lightweight and easy to put in , the Hytekgro lead light panel puts out a full spectrum of color to support all stage of plant ontogeny . The two - panel outfit include sword hang brackets for proper height adjustment . Each 12 - column inch - long by 12 - inch - full panel distribute ignitor across approximately 3 square ft when suspended 18 inches from the top of a seedling tray . The light source emitted has a imperial glow , which may be something to moot if it will ignite up plants in a living place .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
We hung the Hytekgro lights over flowering seedlings we purchased for transplanting in the garden , and we turn the panels on for 16 hours day by day . The seedlings did n’t grow in summit too much during the weeks we prove the lights , but they did fill up out , and more blooms appeared .
We watered the seedling during the examination phase angle but did n’t fertilize them , so the majority of any growth could be attributed to the lights . A real upside to the Hytekgro lights is that they did n’t heat the space , but a slight downside is that they did n’t come with a timer , so we had to set an alarm system and manually deform them on and off . The square shape makes them suitable for hang over square and rectangular flatbed of seedling , and we felt the plants ’ health better during their time under the lightness .
Get the Hytekgro rise light atAmazon .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Our paygrade : Setup5/5 ; Adjustability5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage4/5 ; Value5/5
For those wanting to take vantage of a grow light without investing a lot of money in an luxuriant system of rules , consider the GE Grow LED electric light . It offers a range of red , white , and blue light , although it seem pure white to the naked oculus , which makes it well suitable for exercise in a living room , sleeping accommodation , or any spot in the house where plant - positive light is desired . Best of all , you may apply an existing lamp or lite fixture .
We used the GELED igniter bulbin an aluminum work abstemious fixture and tied it to a rack over pots where we ’d imbed lemon balm seeds . Like other veg and herbaceous plant seed , lemon balm seeds need ample light to germinate . The seeds sprouted in about 10 day , so they got enough luminosity .
Photo: amazon.com
Our loose regular was gross , and when hang about 18 inches over the stain , the light radiated in a circular pattern about 2 human foot in diameter . However , it was very bright and difficult to look at at once . We decided it could be put to good use in an adjustable - limb lamp that could be pointed toward a plant but away from eye .
Get the GE spring up lightsome atAmazonorWalmart .
Our rating : Setup5/5 ; Adjustability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Coverage5/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: amazon.com
AeroGarden is well know for its tabletophydroponic systems . It come up as no surprise that it makes first-class grow lights . The AeroGarden tabletop grow easy , with its sleek and heavyset purpose , is an excellent solution for indoor gardeners expect to stand theirhouseplantsin areas with insufficient born light . Ideal for small to medium - size plants , this lamp integrates well with home interior decoration , adding elegance to any space . Its stopper - and - play setup and the AeroGarden app put up convenience and ease of exercise , allowing for remote control of light preferences , including on / off scheduling and cleverness adjustment . The lamp ’s four light modes — full - spectrum , ashen , fond , and coolheaded — meet the various pauperization of different plant metal money .
In testing , the AeroGarden evidence its versatility and effectualness for various plants , from low - lightness specie like ZZ and snake plants to light - have it off kind like hoya and cacti . However , we noticed that with some trailing varieties , such as pothos , the leaf that fell out of the lightness ’s reportage areas suffered . We urge sticking to plant with more upright growth habits . The adjustable light scope facilitated levelheaded growth in antecedently dark corners of our home plate , demonstrating the lamp ’s power to provide lively illumination for thriving plant animation .
Get the AeroGarden grow light atAmazon , Lowe’s(cream only ) , orAeroGarden .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Expandable
Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
Our military rating : Setup4/5 ; Adjustability4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage5/5 ; Value3/5
The Spider Farmer light is n’t designed to propagate arachnid , despite its name . rather , it ’s a serious grow light that can be paired with other Spider Farmer lights to provide healthy illumination to a large area of plants orindoor tree . This turn light comes with a build - in dimmer , timekeeper , easy colouration selection , and an intricate hang system of rules that take into account us to raise and lower the light source via a corded pulley organisation .
We only test a exclusive Spider Farmer develop light , but it was impressive . The book of instructions enunciate the system would support up to 11 extra light — all on a undivided lap . The top of the light comes with an outlet for plug in extra Light . It also features a continuous dimmer that let us select the precise brightness we wanted . The visible radiation offer gamey , blanched , red , and infrared ( IR ) . We tested all the gloss on the potted herb we were growing .
Photo: amazon.com
The herbs ( thyme ) were pretty gangly before putting them under the Spider Farmer . To get with , we turned the intensity up to maximal ignitor . We were surprised at how bright this was — it fall up the entire room . Since we were test it on just one industrial plant , we settled for a dimmed mode and left the igniter on for 16 hours . No timekeeper on this one , but that ’s because it ’s design for use in a horticultural stage setting , in combining with other lights and add - on timers .
After 3 calendar week , the herb plant seemed to gain vigor up a bit under the light , but it did n’t show a lot of new ontogenesis . However , it did become unripened in color . This is an telling light , and we would not waffle to recommend it to anyone serious about developing a commercial-grade - suitable organisation .
Get the Spider Farmer originate wakeful atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Tabletop
LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED Grow Light With Stand
Our paygrade : Setup5/5 ; Adjustability4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage3/5 ; Value3/5
A flake of space on a countertop or a board is all that ’s needed for the LBW get light . It comes with an adjustable tripod stand that extends from 15 column inch up to 48 inches high . If desired , the LBW light can be placed on a floor , but we put it on a table and turned its gooseneck light downward to elucidate our flora from above .
The LBW light requires some forum , but it ’s round-eyed , and the manufacturer includes the pull need to tighten the ball that attaches the LED head to the tripod . The flexible gooseneck allowed us to turn the light source in any counseling , making this grow light worthy for lighting plants at various angles . At 18 inches above the plants , the LBW light shone a hopeful 1.5 metrical unit diameter — not a big area , but it was n’t made to compete with some of the wall hanging grow Christ Within we tested . It ’s well suitable for item-by-item houseplant or minuscule seed - starting projects , and it did n’t produce noticeable warmth .
Photo: amazon.com
The LBW allow for white , blue , and red illumination , and we were able-bodied to select which color we wanted . We test this originate Inner Light on various plants , having to manually turn it on and off as it does n’t have a timer . We feel it help to perk up straggly plants , although it ’s not as knock-down as some other lights , so its benefit were less apparent . Still , it ’s an affordable option for those who require to supplement visible light for overwintered houseplants or start up seeds on a tabletop .
Get the LBW produce loose atAmazon .
Best Adjustable
Bestva Dimmable Pro Series LED Grow Light
Our Ratings : Setup3/5 ; Adjustability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Coverage5/5 ; Value:4/5
The Bestva dimmable grow light is for consecrated indoor grower . The 224 powerful light-emitting diode in this control board lit up the room nearly as bright as daylight , making this grow illumination suited for getting seedlings off to a salutary kickoff or grow plants indoors yr - round .
Right out of the loge , the lineament of the cloth was unmistakable . The Bestva light sport a dimmer telephone dial with marked increment . lasting anchors are cut into the stainless steel top that attaches to a hanging pulley system , which allow us to lour and raise the light as necessary . This bright grow light illuminates an surface area about 3 feet long by 3 feet wide at the elevation of 18 inches above the plants when turned to full intensity . It was more scant than we needed for our examination , but a pair of sunglasses is admit , which would come in handy for someone who execute the light at maximum intensity .
Photo: amazon.com
The light produce red , blue , and clean light waves , although it appears white . The Bestva light is beneficial for growing a wide-cut range of plants . Plus , it did not grow obtrusive heat .
Get the Bestva farm light atAmazon .
Best for Small Pot
GrowLED LED Umbrella Grow Light
If any grow light has a right to claim prettiness , it ’s the GrowLED Umbrella light . This trivial light come with a telescoping spike we introduce in the grease of our pot to point calorie-free down , now onto the plant . The GrowLED offer only cool white or red Light Within , but it ’s enough to affix ambient light in a home plate office or another room .
The thing that makes this tiny grow short singular is the ability to power it by plugging it into a USB port or a standard release . The light intensity is dimmable , and it did n’t produce any heating — even on the highest stage setting . The umbrella is 4.5 inches in diam , and the telescoping spike adjusts from just over 8.5 inches up to almost 30 in , piddle it well suited for short or tall plants . However , we felt it was best fit to smaller plant since it does n’t offer a great deal of intensiveness .
The lamp come with a timer that permit us to program the light to come on for 16 time of day and then go off for 8 hours . While it does n’t cast enough light for seed begin or for great growing procedure , it ’s adequate for overwintering a favorite potted plant life or for supplement year - round light for an indoor houseplant .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the GrowLED grow easy atAmazonorWalmart .
Most Versatile
Hydrofarm Agrobrite Compact Fluorescent Grow Lamp
Our Ratings : Setup5/5 ; AdjustabilityN / A ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage4/5 ; Value3/5
Whether as a replacement for a burned - out light or as a basic option to a larger grow lamp , the Hydrofarm Agrobrite fluorescent fixture bulb is a minimalist solution deserving considering . The simple bulb accommodate into a standard ignitor socket , offering versatility while offer clear snowy light to enhance works increase .
The succinct fluorescent light source ( CFL ) is expected to last for up to 10,000 hours , making it well suited for add the extra light seedlings or overwintered potted plant life hunger . We used the Hydrofarm luminosity in a meditative aluminum light fixedness and suspended it over dill germ we ’d sown in small pots . After sprouting , the tiny Anethum graveolens seedling grew on sturdy inventory , which would not have been possible without a supplemental sparkle informant .
Photo: amazon.com
However , this is a smart bulb and want to be used in a fixture that direct the lightness away from the user ’s eyes . We detected a minimum amount of heat from the ignitor , but not enough to be problematic . The Hydrofarm light crystallise an area almost 2 feet in diam when suspend 18 inches above the seedling . For the best results , consider pairing it with a fixture that comes with a timekeeper to keep from take in to turn the light on and off daily .
Get the Hydrofarm develop light atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Monitoring
Phlizon 600W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
Our Ratings : Setup4/5 ; Adjustability4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Coverage4/5 ; Value4/5
For indoor growers concerned about the estrus and humidity of their plant ’s environs , the Phlizon grow light is just the slate . It come with a disjoined temperature and humidity module that can be placed anywhere near the plants .
The spark itself offers a mountain range of blue and ruddy light-colored waves . We climb up the Phlizon brightness over a potted English ivy plant that was showing signaling of weariness after a long wintertime indoors . We pick out a combining of blue , red , and clean light in Holy Order to arouse new leaf growth and improve its immature color . After 3 hebdomad under the light , we saw marked betterment in the ivy ’s overall health . New , tiny leaves appear along the vining radical , and the foliage color improved dramatically .
Photo: amazon.com
That pronounce , the Phlizon is probably better beseem to growing multiple plants rather than hike the wellness of a individual houseplant . user can choose between either reddish or bluish light , depend on their plants ’ needs . At 18 inches high-pitched , the oblong luminance provides enough light for a nearly 3 - foot - long by 1.5 - foot - wide domain . It fall with everything we ask to hang it from an overhead support , and it features a handy pulley system for raise the light as industrial plant grow taller .
Get the Phlizon grow tripping atAmazon .
Best for Shelves
Soltech Grove LED Grow Light
If you ’re an indoor gardening partizan seeking a premium light-emitting diode mature light that combines efficiency and mode , the Soltech Solutions Grove LED grow light is the perfect choice . Its sleek and full-bodied design ensures that it not only blends seamlessly into your home interior decoration but also render the essential full - spectrum light that your plants demand for optimal growth .
The Grove LED acquire light is highly vigor efficient and has a lifetime of 50,000 hours . you could easy place it anywhere in your home , whether on a bookcase , under cabinets , or on a wall . The part we like best about its installation summons is that there ’s no need for boring ; it comes with tops - strong adhesive pads to attach to any open and sturdy magnets to connect the Light . And if you need to hop on it with screws ; the necessary bond are also include . To change state on the lights , double wiretap . To dim , double tap and hold .
It ’s deserving noting that the Grove light does not have an integrated timer . Instead , it comes with a manual timekeeper to plug away the electric cord into . We thought it was slightly disappointing given its high toll point , but the light ’s tone , enduringness , and public presentation justify the investment , making it an fantabulous value for anyone serious about indoor horticulture .
Get the Soltech grow light-headed atAmazonorSoltech .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Grow Light
Whether you ’re hunting for a grow light to affix natural light for indoor overwintering of potted patio plant , or you ’re look to start seed indoors for transplanting to the garden in spring , a grow light can help . Today ’s options range in price from under $ 20 to $ 150 or more , depend on timber and light range .
Cool, Warm, and Full Spectrum
Grow light are judge with numbers like 2,500 K or 6,500 K , which tells you the temperature of the Light Within fit in to the Kelvin scale of measure . The high the number , the cooler the light . So a lightbulb with a Kelvin rating of 6,000 K will have a white or bluish tint , whereas a 3,000 K medulla oblongata will be more yellow . Each eccentric of promiscuous — warm or nerveless — stimulates specific plant conduct .
If your goal is to improve foliar growing in your houseplant or turn leafy green or seedlings , prefer a ice chest spectrum bulb around 6,500K. tender igniter will have a lower Kelvin rating and is ideal for blossom production in houseplant and fruit plants like citrus fruit . When in doubtfulness , full - spectrum lights take the guesswork out and offer a combination of both nerveless and warm Inner Light for the best of both worlds .
LED vs. Fluorescent Bulbs
stock fluorescent bulbs are a weak home lightness germ but they ’re great for mimic natural light for houseplants or starting seedlings . Their cool light makes them one - dimensional , so they ’re ideal when lush foliage , not flowers , is the destination . Because their brightness can not penetrate plant leaves with strong intensity , the grower must site the light within a few inches of the top of the works to be effective .
Full - spectrum CFLs are a better pick . uncommitted in tube and bulb forms , CFL grow spark are more intense than standard fluorescent light .
light-emitting diode grow lightness , not to be confused with regular LED lights , are more expensive than fluorescent lights but they make up for that with longevity and vigor savings . light-emitting diode have both sorry and red lights to mimic the full - colour spectrum of the sun and might emit a shiny , purple glow . That ’s not a big deal if the lights will be in a cellar or a garage , but it ’s something worth consider if they ’ll be in a living area . Like fluorescent bulbs , LEDs are available in tube for lighting a tray of seedling or as LED medulla when you require to illume a specific plant life .
Bulb or Stand Setup
The number of plants or seedling trays you need to grow will help determine the kind of grow light best fit to your situation . Although light bulbs are pure when positioned above a Sunday - know succulent during the wintertime , seedling trays are better suitable to a stand system that permit you to raise the lightness as the seedling grow taller . Of course , whether it ’s a premade stand with spark attached or one you build from scratch with an inexpensive wire rack and a wall hanging raise light bar or two , your budget will ultimately have the final say .
Premade stand setups are pricy , so if your seed - start plans are modest , see building your own organization . However , houseplant enthusiast might gravitate toward a premade maturate light viewpoint with esthetics well become to indoor livelihood spaces .
Bells and Whistles
For houseplants , regard a full - spectrum grow light attached to a bendable or gooseneck sleeve that allows you to set the light straight above the plant . Some are stationary lamps for tabletop , and others have a clamp at the end of the waxy weapon so you may attach the light to the bound of a desk or board . specify for use with one or two houseplants , these visible radiation often come with timers so you’re able to cater to a plant ’s specific light needs and a USB connecter for plugging into a computer .
For seeded player startle and flowering houseplant , some full - spectrum grow light panels hail with timers . They may also include remotes that leave you to change the character of light emit found on the plant life ’s growth stage — cool light for seed start out , warm light for flower output , and full spectrum when you ’re uncertain about the type of light you want .
FAQs
Grow lights open up up a whole populace of indoor gardening possibilities . From starting come that will finally be transplanted out of doors to overwintering houseplants , develop Inner Light are a popular and economical mode to keep all types of plants healthy , even if they ’re tucked in the back recess of a indistinctly lit room . Those looking to boost their plants ’ health with grow lights will likely have questions .
Today ’s best grow unclouded brand name let in well - make love gens such as GE and Phillips as well as up - and - comers , such as Hydrofarm .
Cooler , ashen light is beneficial for producing healthy leafage in houseplants , but those who are hop to see some blossoms or fruit will want to disclose their indoor works to strong , more chicken light .
While industrial plant need vary , most plants do best with full - spectrum light that incorporate red , drear , green , and chickenhearted waves . Interestingly , full - spectrum lights often look white to the nude oculus , although they contain a variety of colors .
Meet the Testers
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specialize in the twist , remodeling , and real landed estate industries . She and her husband own a general contracting fellowship , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade construction applications . She test a wide range of king tools as well as other plate improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Debbie Wolfe is a photographer , generator , and self-employed person writer in various niches . She has give hundreds of household , garden , and craft articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers , including HGTV , Real Simple , Forbes Advisor , The Spruce , The Home Depot , Walmart , and Mother Earth News . She is the author of two DIY books : Do - It - Yourself Garden Projects and CraftsandCrafting with Herbsfrom Skyhorse Publishing . Her testing glide slope is straightforward and budget - minded .
Additional enquiry supply by Heather Blackmore .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few crapper on your terrace , a evoke bed , or an in - ground game out back — and select the right plant life for your soil and region .
