Are you searching for the best indoor grow lights, and have the knack for succulents, gardening, and everything green? Who said you need an entire nursery in your house to grow them? Yes, some plants do require plenty of sunlight for flawless growth, but what if there was a solution? The best indoor grow lights for plants allow your greens to thrive right inside your house!
Be it Aerogarden vs Burpee or Hydrofarm vs Agrobite, we will discuss the details around these different products.
Plants require multiple minerals from the sun to conduct growth processes like photosynthesis, making you drop your plant-growing ideas. However, grow lights have the capability of offering the perfect growing conditions for your plant, right under your roof.
That sounds like the best solution, right? However, choosing the right grow light is not the easiest task. Worry not! Here are comprehensive reviews of the 10 best indoor grow lights for plants. Go ahead and choose your favorite!
Top 10 Picks For The Best Indoor Grow Lights for Plants
Image | Name | Category | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Burpee Home Professional Two-Tier Grow Light | Best Overall Grow Light | |
 | Hydrofarm Jump Start 2" T5 Grow Light System | #2 | |
 | Low Bamboo Stacking Garden | #3 | |
 | Gardener's Supply Company 3-Tier Garden | #4 | |
 | Aerogarden Harvest Elite 360 | #5 | |
 | Sunblaster SL1600220 Indoor Grow Garden | #6 | |
 | Hydrofarm Aerobite Designer T5 FLP42 Grow System | #7 | |
 | Agrobite 14W Standing Plant Lamp | #8 | |
 | Relassy LED Grow Lights For Indoor Plants | #9 | |
 | Aerogarden Bounty Elite | #10 |
To help you grow leafy greens for a delicious salad, we've reviewed ten fantastic indoor grow lights. After reading the reviews, pros, and cons of each product, you'll be able to make a better choice.
Whether you are looking for tiered gardening light or a smart garden light solution, you’ll find everything on this list!
Are you looking for the best indoor grow lights for plants? Look no further. This Burpee 2-tier garden cart provides a sufficient area and optimal light to grow herbs and veggies for your kitchen. With this 2-tier Burpee cart, you can enjoy fresh veggies right from your kitchen countertop.
This vertical garden cart maintains a small footprint so that you can place it near the windows or your kitchen tabletops. It has an overall dimension is 27 x 12 x 40 inches.
The dual-lamp structures feature 25-inch wide-spectrum T12 fluorescent light bulbs. Each light bulb has 750 lumens.
Besides, each light fixture includes an in-built electrical socket in its structure, enabling you to use it with heatable mats.
The watertight plastic planting tray is BPA free. The lamp to tray clearance is somewhere about 16-inches. You can easily adjust the canopy fixtures with the hand clamps. When you are dealing with seedlings, you can adjust the height of the light using these clamps.
Specifications
- Two-tier and freestanding lights
- 22 x 11-inch watertight plant tray
- 16-inch flexibility for light decks
- 27 x 12 x 40 inches
- Dual T12 Fluorescent per lamp structure
- Made in the USA
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
The Hydrofarm Jump Start 2” T5 Grow Light System is one of the most unique indoor grow lights. Its simple structure is a breeze to set up. Since there is no complicated parts or fixture, the assembly process takes only a few minutes.
This product features an inline power switch and is available in multiple sizes. The two sizes available are 50 x 18 x 31 inches and 26 x 18 x 24 inches.
The T4 fluorescent bulbs will augment the growth of your premature seedling and full-grown plants alike. You can fix the bulb's height with the simple pulley system and toggle clamp to ensure proper coverage.
The entire frame snaps together effortlessly without any additional tools. Moreover, the sturdy aluminum frames with powder coating have reinforced top bars for added durability. The stand has a 24-inch high output.
However, you must know that this grow light does not have casters. You may have to lug it whenever you wish to relocate this indoor gardening solution. Also, instead of being elevated, the base tray sits on the countertop. Since it has only a single bulb, it is best not to overcrowd the tray too much.
Specifications
- Suspending lights with a freestanding frame
- Adjustable lights for up to 20 inches
- Available in more than one size: 50 x 18 x 31 inches and 26 x 18 x 24 inches
- T4 fluorescent bulbs for higher output
- 60 Hz frequency
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
If you are into minimalism and modern garden equipment, you will love this simple bamboo frame with indoor lights. Gardener's Supply has a handsome collection of stackable and sustainable bamboo racks, and this product is one of them.
You can use it to cultivate veggies, herbs, succulents, and all houseplants.
This unit harbors two 6400K LED lamps that have excellent inclusion of the entire base. You will even find a clear cover of the reflective lighting structure.
The light stands almost 12-inches above the planting tray. On an important note, these lights are not customizable, so you've to choose your plants carefully. One of the great perks of this gardening unit is its galvanized steel plant tray. The tray is robust and allows heavy-duty use.
You can separately purchase a rolling base to make this unit portable. Whenever you wish to expand your beautiful garden collection, all you have to do is buy and stack more of these models.
The light screws do not exactly scream quality. And the thing with the non-adjustability might be concerning. However, none of these cons are deal-breaking, and the product is still an excellent investment.
Specifications
- Galvanized steel planetary
- Lamp height at 12 inches above the tray
- 50-pound plant weight capacity
- Freestanding stackable bamboo frame
- 38 x 19 x 18.5 inches
- 2 6400K LED light tubes for maximum output
- 38-1/4" L x 18-3/4" W x 18-1/2" H - 12" of space between tray and lights
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Stack and grow base units are always an excellent idea for small and compact indoor spaces. If you love gardening but don't own a backyard or a huge place, this product is your best bet. This modular gardening light is a wise option for vertical positioning.
The structure starts with a base and extends to additional two tiers for extensive seed propagation. Even though it has a large plant holding capacity, it still does not occupy an ample countertop space.
This unit can bear up to 110 pounds, and the base measures 31 x 15.5 x 21 inches. Having two 6400K, full-spectrum T5 fluorescent bulbs, this equipment can surely give fantastic coverage. The high-tech reflectors reflect the light directly onto the plants with almost no glare.
You do not require a big tool collection to set up this 3-tier gardening equipment, which is another plus for buying this product.
The package comes with everything you require to starting the seeing process immediately. It has 24 seedling markers, 2 x 6-quart packs of organic seed starting mix, and three 24-cell seed starting trays.
One of the significant drawbacks of this product is that the base tray does not feature any support structure. Because of this lack, it's not ideal for placing heavy pots on the base.
Specifications
- Casters included with the package
- Plastic shelf trays with powder-coating aluminum frames
- Freestanding 3-tier plant frames
- 2 6400K LED full-spectrum tubes on all tiers
- Lights adjust to 14-inches above the trays
- 51 x 14.75 x 68.5 in.
- Made in the USA
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Aerogarden is one such brand that will break through all the indoor gardening troubles. The Aerogarden Harvest Elite 360 holds a better and fair price than other competitive smart herb gardens. You are going to love the aesthetics and the modern design of this product.
Apart from the looks, this plant holds a design that can change the way you do indoor gardening. The stainless steel finish and digital display of this Elite model will be a proud display and centerpiece of your kitchen.
The equipment uses a 20W LED grow light to facilitate the growth of 6 plants. The button control makes it easier to customize and monitor the settings of this model. Though it does not have Alexa and WiFi compatibility, you can complain considering the price point.
You can extend the lamp's arms to up to 12-inches, which doesn't limit the variety of plants. It is also offering some unimaginable automatic features like automatic power on/off controls. If you tend to forget watering and feeding your plant, you'll be contented to know that this equipment will remind you to do so.
Specifications
- Six plant growing pods
- Stainless steel construction
- Customizable settings
- 12” extendable lamp arms
- Automatic power controls
- 20W LED grow lights
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Sunblaster’s SL1600220 grow light and gardening kit is self-watering and compact. It has all the feature that makes it an ideal countertop gardening equipment.
Its heavy-duty bottom has a recycled polypropylene make that can act as a 4-quart reservoir. It also has a wicking capillary mat that self-waters for two to three weeks at a time.
The best thing about this light's design is that it has a stand holding the heavy-duty trays and mat. This structure allows the seedling to be unaffected by the subtle bottom watering.
The garden canopy has two 24-inch long, 6400K, full-spectrum, T5 fluorescent tubes. The fluorescent tubes have 3,730 lumens with in-built ballasts and nanotech reflectors.
All the above lighting features ensure maximum electrical output.
The canopy has an easy adjusting system with robust verticals with thumbscrew collars. The clearance space between the light and the base is 18-inches.
Unfortunately, the structure does not have any scope for expansion. In simpler words, you can not add more seedlings to diversify your indoor garden.
Specifications
- Countertop single-tier aluminum plant growing frame
- Self waters from 14-21 days
- 26 x 15.5 x 18 inches
- Adjustable light arms up to 18 inches above the stand
- Dual T5 fluorescent tubes with nanotech reflectors
- 36 W powerful lights
- Garden canopy structure
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
The earlier products on this list are more versatile, but this product is just for you if you do not wish to spend a lot. This low-profile product is an excellent combination of budget-friendliness and functionality. Hydrofarm’s Designer Grow System is powder-coated, durable, and has a hammered touch.
You can hang this designer light in multiple ways, which suit numerous locations. The interior of this fixture has a mirrored aluminum feel. The two T5 6400K fluorescent bulbs are highly energy-efficient and can give full and absolute spectrum coverage.
You will find the 10-foot long grounded power cord to be extremely convenient. A long power cord makes it easy to connect the equipment to power sockets. The power on/off toggle switch is mounted on the front of the structure.
This Hydrogfarm lighting solution has a dimension of 24 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches and can be suspended vertically and horizontally. You can even use daisy chains with the structure for more customizable configurations.
You might be disappointed to find that these indoor grow lights do not have any timer. Though there are a handful of complaints about the insufficient packaging, that might not occur with everyone.
Specifications
- 24 x 7.5 x 2.5 inches
- Overhead and vertical hanging
- Up to 10,000 Lumens
- 10' grounded power cord
- Two high output T5 fluorescent tubes
- Daisy chainable
- Aluminum construction
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
This Agrobite Floor Plant Lamp will help you get rid of all the indoor gardening woes. This lamp has the simplest and most straightforward design on this list.
The broad, weighted base adds sturdiness and balance to the whole structure.
The flexible gooseneck is a significant plus in this equipment. That flexible gooseneck allows you to accommodate plants of all sizes and stages easily. Another reason why you must consider this product is because it is space-efficient.
The lamp features 5400K, full-spectrum, energy-efficient lights. These lights also mimic natural sunlight to maintain healthy and lively plants. Do you know what’s great about this floor lamp? Well, since it is flicker-free, you can also use it for reading.
You can adjust the gooseneck from 48 to almost 61 inches. It comes with an inline on/off toggle switch and a 6-foot long power cord.
Additionally, you don’t have to worry about this map to match your decor. The black color usually complements all homes and indoor spaces nicely. A few feedbacks claimed that this product might not be adept at providing light for immature plants or seedlings.
Specifications
- Adjustable height from 48 to 61-inches
- Freestanding lamp with weighted base support
- Flexible gooseneck
- 5400K replaceable LED bulbs
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Thanks to the dual switches, you can use the lamps together and even separately. The bulbs use a C-clamp to securely attach themselves to the desk, table, or counter. You will need something else to clamp it on since it cannot stand up on its own.
The manufacturer highly suggests using sunglasses to prevent your eyes from any kind of damage from these powerful lights. It would be best if you didn’t directly look at the lights.
Despite being so strong, the lights maintain a cool temperature which will not damage the seedlings. All in all, the product is a great indoor grow light considering the price and the features.
Specifications
- Sunlike color
- Certified by FCC, CE, ROHS, and PSE
- Separate switch for each light
- C-clamps for proper fixing
- 120-degree beam angle
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
The Aerogarden Bounty Elite is all set to impress you with a compelling set of features. WiFi and Alexa ability in a plant growing kit? Is it even a thing? Though it sounds very unreal, Aerogarden has made it possible. Now the full control of your little gardening kit is right in your smartphone.
The Aerogarden Bounty is excellent for delivering quality products. With the ability to grow nine plants at a time, this is a great buy. Since this unit is significantly more prominent, the lights stretch to 24-inches. You will quickly increase the quantity of food from this model compared to other Harvest units.
The whole structure has a stainless steel construction, assuming that is one reason for this model's hefty price. The digital display is excellent and showcases all the essential information that you will require.
The newest upgrades in this model include dimming grow light, a 3 step water level indicator, auto-dimming light with sunrise/sunset. These features ensure that you have homegrown freshness 365 days a year.
If you are wondering what's in the box, let us tell you that this is an all-inclusive kit. The package includes nine pods of gourmet herb seeds and a 6-inch tall trellis.
Specifications
- Smart garden technology
- Nine pod configuration
- Hydroponic plant growing system
- WiFi and Alexa compatibility
- 24-inch grow height
- High-resolution touch control panel
- One step dimming and 40W lights
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
Best Indoor Grow Lights for Plants – Buying Guide
So, have you chosen the optimal indoor grow light for your plants? Your job may not be over yet. While you have gone through the top 10 reviews, you must know that there are few judgment factors here. You need to ponder over these factors to get to the ultimate option for you.
So, what are the things to look for in the best indoor grow lights for plants? You need to be clear about the type of plants you are looking forward to growing. Once you know that, you can choose the type of bulbs, the grow light size, functionality, style, and much more.
In this buying guide, you will get the answers to all the questions related to grow lights for plants. Dive in!
Types of Bulbs and lights in Indoor Grow Lights for Plants
You would be amazed to know the multiple light options when you get to choose an indoor grow light. Here are the 5 common types.
Fluorescent Tubes
These are long cylindrical lights that may vary in length and brightness. The best part about fluorescent tubes is that one piece can cover a considerably large area. Therefore, if you have multiple small plants or a few large ones, one or two of these tubes will be sufficient.
Another benefit of these tubes is that you can fix them in a standard fixture present at your home. That said, you must know that the regular fluorescent tube that you use is not fit enough for the purpose.
Compact Fluorescent Tubes (CFLs)
CFLs are excellent cost-effective options, plus they can easily fit in incandescent bulb fixtures. These lights are perfect for small areas as they cover a short space. However, CFLs are relatively more expensive than incandescent lights.
That said, you must know that CFLs may not be enough for large plants. If you still prefer these, you will have to use multiple lights to provide enough light. That is because their coverage is considerably less.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
LEDs are downright the best types of grow lights for your indoor plants. These lights feature the latest technology that reduces heat dissipation to the minimum. Additionally, LEDs are the most cost-efficient when it comes to long-term use.
That is not all. These lights also have the longest life span, i.e., around 5 years. Yet another benefit of this light is that it is environment-friendly.
High-Pressure Sodium Vapor (HPS)
HPS lights are high-intensity, colored lights that are usually used by commercial plant growers. These bulbs are great for the flowering stage of the plant to speed-up the blooming process. Additionally, they are more cost-efficient than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
The downsides of these lights are that they offer a large spectrum of light. Thus, the light is spread over a large area instead of concentrating on a required patch. Also, these lights may take some time to warm up.
Metal-Halide (MH)
Similar to HPS, metal halide lights also cover a considerably-large area. Thus, you may not need a light with high wattage. These are high-intensity discharge lights and generate a lot of heat.
They emit a cool light, without any red wavelengths, and thus, are not the best for flowering plants. However, MH lights are energy-efficient, too, though not more than HPS.
Things To Look for In the Best Indoor Grow Lights for Plants
Now that you are aware of the basics of light types, there are a few other aspects that you must consider. These include brightness, style, and other functionality factors of indoor lights.
Lumens
If you are hearing the term ‘lumens’ for the first time, do not worry. With the advent of technology and energy-efficient lights, this term has come into existence in place of wattage. Yes, you guessed it right. Lumen refers to the measurement unit of brightness.
So, if you see lights with 1500-2000 lumens, they produce as much light as a bulb of 100-120 watts. However, the light will only use 22-25 watts of power. Isn't that super awesome! Basically, you will want a lamp with a high number of lumens to get a higher level of brightness.
If you have seedlings, around 2000 lumens/square feet is sufficient, but it must be 10,000 lumens/square feet for the flowering stage.
Size
The size of light indicates the number of bulbs it has and the area covered by the lamps. Similar to lumens, if your plant is small, you may only need around 25-30 watts of light. On the other hand, you may need approximately 50-80 watts of light at the flowering stage.
If you have multiple plants, you must choose lights or lamps that cover a larger area. Measure your planting area's length and width, and compare it with the given size covered by the lights.
Style
There are various styles of indoor lights that you can choose from. It may be a whole stand with fluorescent tubes already fitted in, with a section to place the pots. These are like small, readymade indoor gardens, perfect if you do not already have a stand or gardening space.
Another option that you may have is a hanging lamp with multiple bulbs. These are best for adjusting the height as and when required. Yet another option is lamps with desk fixtures or a base. These lamps may have 2-3 heads with flexible necks to arrange and cover large areas.
Heat Dissipation
Every grow light emits a particular amount of heat. For example, LEDs dissipate quite less heat as compared to HIDs and incandescent bulbs. You can decide the type of light according to the type and growth stage of your plants.
Apart from that, you must also consider that lights with high heat output tend to fade away sooner. Also, lights with high heat levels may end up burning your plants.
Therefore, if you are choosing high-intensity lights, make sure you can adjust their height or position. In this way, you can control the amount of heat touching your plants.
Adjustability
Most lights come with multiple adjustable features. These range from changing the height and distance of the lamp to adjusting its intensity. Some lights also give the option of changing the type of color, i.e., only red, only blue, or both.
Having a higher number of controls can let you adjust the specs according to the plant growth stage. Additionally, higher adjustability also reflects greater ease of use. Make sure you choose a light that has replaceable bulbs. It will ensure that you do not need a new light because of one faulty bulb.
Accessories
Accessories and additional features are always spot-on, even for the best indoor grow lights for plants. One such eminent supplement is a timer. It lets you turn the light on for a specified period. So you need not keep an account of the hours to switch-off the light. Thus, a timer also helps save energy.
Another essential accessory is an efficient ventilator or fan. Several large lamps feature an in-built fan to balance the heat dissipation. It ensures that plants do not get burned due to the extra heat.
Durability and Quality
You do not want to buy plant lights that only last a few months. Therefore, the quality and lifespan play a vital role. That said, you must know that all types of lights will eventually fade away or degrade. Still, you must choose the one with a maximum life span.
For example, if you choose quality HID lights, they may work up to 6-8 months. Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, have a comparatively more extended life expectancy. Nevertheless, the most durable option is an LED light bulb. It will usually last up to 15-20 years if used with care.
Price
Grow lights can have an extensive price range from a minimum of $30 to a maximum of $750 or more. However, that does not mean that the pricier, the better. You need to consider the features of the light before determining its worth.
Before everything else, the best indoor grow lights for plants must meet your requirements. Factors such as high lumens, low heat dissipation, additional accessories, and adjustability features are what you must look for. Going through the user comments is an excellent way of determining light quality.
FAQs
1. Why Use Grow Lights for Indoor Plants?
Plants require sunlight to conduct growth processes such as chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis. Additionally, they get multiple essential minerals that are needed for growth from light. If plants do not get a sufficient amount of these, they may stretch and eventually fade away.
Using grow lights can help provide a similar environment for plants, artificially. These lights ensure that plants get the required light spectrum for varying processes and stages.
Grow lights are perfect if you live in cold regions where sunlight is scarce. Additionally, when you do not see the sun for weeks in the winter season, your plants will still get the light and warmth.
2. What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
Light consists of varying color wavelengths, namely red, yellow, blue, violet, indigo, green, and orange. The sun also emits these colored lights, which is needed by plants for growth.
For example, blue and purple are essential for the beginning stage, while green and yellow help in energy conversion. On the other hand, red is quintessential for the mature or blooming stage, while white is a combination of all. Therefore, white light helps in every level of the plant germination.
You must understand the electromagnetic spectrum and plant requirements to ensure your plants get the correct light.
3. What is the Best Light Color for Indoor Plants?
The light color required by a plant depends on its growth stage and needs. Blue and violet lights are necessary at the early stages of a plant. They promote processes like chlorophyll absorption and photosynthesis for growth. Red light, on the contrary, is needed at the flowering stage of the plant.
Therefore, you must choose a light that offers both color spectrums so that you can adjust accordingly. Alternatively, you may also prefer white lights that provide a little of everything.
4. Can I Use Household Light for Indoor Plants?
No, you cannot use household lights for indoor plants. Though they do emit light and heat, the amount is not sufficient for the healthy growth of plants. The intensity of these lights is relatively less, and so is the electromagnetic spectrum.
EndNote
Unfavorable weather conditions or insufficient gardening space cannot stop you from growing your favorite plants. You only need the best indoor grow lights for plants to watch your seedlings flourish in no time.
These lights provide the perfect growing conditions like light and heat that a plant needs for propagation and growth. So, whether you want to grow veggies or highly-adorable succulents, compare your options and choose the best grow light.
These are easy to use, economical and ultraconvenient!