The Best Grow Lights for Lush, Healthy Plants, Tested
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Indoor lighting—even on a windowsill—is rarely bright enough to give plants what they need to thrive. We reviewed the top grow lights on the market to see if they could ensure healthy plant growth—find out how they fared in our hands-on tests.
When it comes to plants, all light is not equal. Unless you have a greenhouse or unlimited south-facing windows, grow lights are your best option for providing your plant with the right level of illumination. Though nothing is better than natural sunlight, grow lights are designed to provide photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) so the plant can undergo photosynthesis like outside in nature. We wanted to know if they worked well enough to keep plants alive—and thriving—so we tested the most popular 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 various indoor plants, from houseplants and herbs to flowering seedlings. We kept track of plant health, overall growth, and the development of new leaves. Learn what to look for when selecting the best grow lights for your indoor plants, and discover the pros and cons of the following models before choosing.
- 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
- BEST EXPANDABLE: Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
- BEST TABLETOP: LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED Grow Light With Stand
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: Bestva Dimmable Pro Series LED Grow Light
- BEST FOR SMALL POT: GrowLED LED Umbrella Grow Light
- MOST VERSATILE: Hydrofarm Agrobrite Compact Fluorescent Grow Lamp
- BEST MONITORING: Phlizon 600W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
- BEST FOR SHELVES: Soltech Grove LED Grow Light
How We Tested the Best Grow Lights
After reading information about the benefits of grow lights, we wanted to determine whether the hype was true. While we’re not professional growers by a long shot, we enjoy starting seeds, and we have several houseplants that always seem a bit undernourished due to inadequate light.
We tried to keep the testing as scientific as possible by providing the recommended amount of light—by plant type—with the grow lights. To determine each light’s practical coverage, we darkened the room, turned on the grow light, and measured the distance of the brightest part of the light pattern.
We tested timers on the lights that came with them to see how accurate they were, and we frequently tested for heat generation by putting our hands beneath the grow lights to see if they were producing heat. We recorded our observations and awarded points based on a rubric throughout the testing.
We observed the plants and noted any significant changes, but it’s important to remember that this was subjective since we used different plants, including seedlings, houseplants, and overwintered patio plants. In addition, they were all in various states of health when we began the testing.
We selected the grow lights for testing based on the manufacturer’s reputation. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate lights 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 category for the individual grow lights. While each has a specific purpose, any model in our lineup will benefit various growing situations.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Time spent testing: 6 weeks
- Tests performed: 4
- Average price: $55.93
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best grow lights, the following models had to perform well in our hands-on tests. We paired each light with various plants or germinating seeds and tested each function on the lights, including timers, dimmers, and temperature monitors. Overall, grow lights are relatively straightforward tools, offering added illumination without creating heat. The following grow lights performed well in our tests, although each is designed for a slightly different growing situation.
Best Overall
Hytekgro LED Grow Light Panel
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Adjustability 3/5; Durability 4/5; Coverage 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Size: 12 inches long by 12 inches wide
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 3 feet long by 3 feet wide (per panel)
Pros
- Easy to hang due to lightweight construction
- Provides low heat settings to prevent plant burn or overheating
- Emits bright light, supporting the growth of multiple plant varieties
Cons
- Lacks an included timer, which may not meet some users’ preferences
Lightweight and easy to install, the Hytekgro LED light panel puts out a full spectrum of color to support all stages of plant growth. The two-panel kit includes steel hanging brackets for proper height adjustment. Each 12-inch-long by 12-inch-wide panel distributes light across approximately 3 square feet when suspended 18 inches from the top of a seedling tray. The light emitted has a purple glow, which may be something to consider if it will light up plants in a living space.
We hung the Hytekgro lights over flowering seedlings we purchased for transplanting in the garden, and we turned the panels on for 16 hours daily. The seedlings didn’t grow in height too much during the weeks we tested the lights, but they did fill out, and more blooms appeared.
We watered the seedlings during the testing phase but didn’t fertilize them, so the bulk of any growth could be attributed to the lights. A real upside to the Hytekgro lights is that they didn’t heat the space, but a slight downside is that they didn’t come with a timer, so we had to set an alarm and manually turn them on and off. The square shape makes them suitable for hanging over square and rectangular flats of seedlings, and we felt the plants’ health improved during their time under the lights.
Get the Hytekgro grow light at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
GE Grow LED Light Bulb for Seeds and Greens
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Coverage 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Size: 6 inches high by 4 inches in diameter
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 2-foot radius at 18 inches above plant specimen
Pros
- Emits very bright light; adequate for bedrooms, living spaces, and more
- Can emit cool light across a 2-foot diameter, offering wide coverage if desired
- Represents an affordable alternative to similar grow lights
Cons
- Offers less versatility than some alternatives, lacking an integrated fixture and timer
For those wanting to take advantage of a grow light without investing a lot of money in an elaborate system, consider the GE Grow LED bulb. It offers a range of red, white, and blue light, although it appears pure white to the naked eye, which makes it well suited for use in a living room, bedroom, or any spot in the house where plant-positive light is desired. Best of all, you can use an existing lamp or light fixture.
We used the GE LED light bulb in an aluminum work light fixture and tied it to a rack over pots where we’d planted lemon balm seeds. Like other vegetable and herb seeds, lemon balm seeds need ample light to germinate. The seeds sprouted in about 10 days, so they got enough light.
Our light fixture was crude, and when hung approximately 18 inches over the soil, the light radiated in a circular pattern about 2 feet in diameter. However, it was very bright and difficult to look at directly. We decided it could be put to better use in an adjustable-arm lamp that could be pointed toward a plant but away from eyes.
Get the GE grow light at Amazon or Walmart.
Best for Houseplants
AeroGarden Tabletop Grow Light
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Adjustability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Coverage 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Size: 19 to 25 inches high by 8 inches wide
- Light color: Full-spectrum, white, warm, and cool
- Estimated coverage area: 15 inches
Pros
- Lamp-style design is attractive and functional, making it suitable for various interior decors
- Easy to program lighting time and intensity with the help of the AeroGarden app
- Can accommodate plants up to 15 inches tall, encompassing a wide range of vegetation
Cons
- Best for plants that grow upright; trailing plants may not receive enough light
AeroGarden is well known for its tabletop hydroponic systems. It comes as no surprise that it makes excellent grow lights. The AeroGarden tabletop grow light, with its sleek and compact design, is an excellent solution for indoor gardeners looking to support their houseplants in areas with insufficient natural light. Ideal for small to medium-size plants, this lamp integrates well with home decor, adding elegance to any space. Its plug-and-play setup and the AeroGarden app offer convenience and ease of use, allowing for remote control of light settings, including on/off scheduling and brightness adjustment. The lamp’s four light modes—full-spectrum, white, warm, and cool—meet the diverse needs of different plant species.
In testing, the AeroGarden proved its versatility and effectiveness for various plants, from low-light species like ZZ and snake plants to light-loving varieties like hoyas and cacti. However, we noticed that with some trailing varieties, such as pothos, the leaves that fell out of the light’s coverage areas suffered. We recommend sticking to plants with more upright growth habits. The adjustable light settings facilitated healthy growth in previously dark corners of our home, demonstrating the lamp’s ability to provide vital illumination for thriving plant life.
Get the AeroGarden grow light at Amazon, Lowe’s (cream only), or AeroGarden.
Best Expandable
Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 4/5; Adjustability 4/5; Durability 4/5; Coverage 5/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Size: 10.5 inches long by 10.5 inches wide
- Light color: Blue, red, white, and infrared
- Estimated coverage area: 3 feet long by 3 feet wide (brightly)
Pros
- Emits very bright full-spectrum light, including blue, red, white, and infrared
- Offers adjustable intensity to suit different plant types
- Features an expandable design that accommodates a variety of spaces
Cons
- Lacks an integrated timer; may require separate purchase
The Spider Farmer light isn’t designed to propagate arachnids, despite its name. Instead, 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 or indoor trees. This grow light comes with a built-in dimmer, timer, light color selection, and an intricate hanging system that allowed us to raise and lower the light via a corded pulley system.
We only tested a single Spider Farmer grow light, but it was impressive. The instructions said the system would support up to 11 additional lights—all on a single circuit. The top of the light comes with an outlet for plugging in extra lights. It also features a continuous dimmer that let us select the exact brightness we wanted. The light offers blue, white, red, and infrared (IR). We tested all the colors on the potted herbs we were growing.
The herbs (thyme) were pretty gangly before putting them under the Spider Farmer. To start with, we turned the intensity up to maximum light. We were surprised at how bright this was—it lit up the entire room. Since we were testing it on just one plant, we settled for a dimmed mode and left the light on for 16 hours. No timer on this one, but that’s because it’s designed for use in a horticultural setting, in combination with other lights and add-on timers.
After 3 weeks, the herb plant seemed to perk up a bit under the light, but it didn’t show a lot of new growth. However, it did become greener in color. This is an impressive light, and we would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone serious about developing a commercial-worthy system.
Get the Spider Farmer grow light at Amazon.
Best Tabletop
LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED Grow Light With Stand
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 5/5; Adjustability 4/5; Durability 4/5; Coverage 3/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Size: 15 inches to 48 inches high (adjustable); 13-inch tripod base
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 1.5 feet
Pros
- Requires no hanging support for installation
- Suitable for both tabletop and countertop use; easier to install than comparable options
- Features adjustable light head direction for precise aiming
- Includes integrated adjustable height options
Cons
- Lacks a timer, which may not meet all users’ needs
- Offers less brightness compared to some other grow light options
A bit of space on a countertop or a table is all that’s needed for the LBW grow light. It comes with an adjustable tripod stand that extends from 15 inches 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 illuminate our plants from above.
The LBW light requires some assembly, but it’s simple, and the manufacturer includes the wrench needed to tighten the nut that attaches the LED head to the tripod. The flexible gooseneck allowed us to turn the light in any direction, making this grow light suitable for lighting plants at various angles. At 18 inches above the plants, the LBW light shone a bright 1.5 feet diameter—not a large area, but it wasn’t made to compete with some of the hanging grow lights we tested. It’s well suited for individual houseplants or small seed-starting projects, and it didn’t produce noticeable heat.
The LBW provides white, blue, and red light, and we were able to select which color we wanted. We tested this grow light on various plants, having to manually turn it on and off as it doesn’t have a timer. We felt it helped to perk up straggly plants, although it’s not as powerful as some other lights, so its benefits were less apparent. Still, it’s an affordable option for those who want to supplement light for overwintered houseplants or start seeds on a tabletop.
Get the LBW grow light at Amazon.
Best Adjustable
Bestva Dimmable Pro Series LED Grow Light
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Setup 3/5; Adjustability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Coverage 5/5; Value: 4/5
Product Specs
- Size: 17 inches long by 13 inches wide
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 3 feet long by 3 feet wide
Pros
- Emits very bright full-spectrum light, accommodating a variety of plant types
- Includes a pulley system for quick and simple height adjustments
- Offers a dimmable feature to meet the lighting needs of different plant varieties