Best LED Grow Light For One Plant
LED grow lights are pretty great indeed. Generally speaking, they aren’t too expensive, they are somewhat power friendly, don’t produce all that much heat, are easy to maintain, and often come in a full light spectrum too, not to mention with plenty of lumens.
Now, that said, many LED grow lights are made for big setups, but maybe you are just a home grower and want to grow a single pot plant. In this case, you aren’t going to need anything massive with a huge output, although it probably wouldn’t hurt in terms of final yield and bud quality.
VIVOSUN 600W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Growing Veg and Flowering (120PCS LED Diodes)
1000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower SUNRAISE LED Grow Lamp with Daisy Chain Triple-Chips LED (15W LED 96pcs)
Hytekgro LED Grow Light 45W Plant Lights Red Blue White Panel Growing Lamps for Indoor Plants Seedling Vegetable and Flower (2 Pack)
VIVOSUN 600W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Growing Veg and Flowering (120PCS LED Diodes)
1000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower SUNRAISE LED Grow Lamp with Daisy Chain Triple-Chips LED (15W LED 96pcs)
Hytekgro LED Grow Light 45W Plant Lights Red Blue White Panel Growing Lamps for Indoor Plants Seedling Vegetable and Flower (2 Pack)
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Either way, we are here right now to help you find the best LED grow light for one plant. There are plenty of good options, so get ready!
Best LED Grow Light For One Plant: Our Picks
Here we have what we think are some of the best options that are ideal for a single marijuana plant. Let’s take a closer look at each of them right now.
1. Vivsosun 600 Watt LED Full Spectrum Grow Light
- 600W LED with the Most Punch: VIVOSUN’s full-spectrum 600W LEDs deliver optimal light-spectrum coverage, more power for bloom, maximum PAR output at various distances, and super-bright lights that your plants will love
- Excellent Penetration in Tents & Grow Houses: Floods 3’x3′ targets in intense light for monstrous vegetative growth at height of 32″ and 2.5’x2.5′ targets for incredible blooms at height of 24″ that penetrate through your top canopy
- Cool, Quiet & Efficient: With 2 built-in 5″ cooling fans, VIVOSUN’s professionally designed composite-metal grow light runs at proper temperature and consume only 270 Watts to produce your best, most energy-efficient harvest ever
- Long Lifespan: Exclusive VIVOSUN design and composite-metal casing dissipates more heat than conventional LED grow lights, through the top and all 4 sides of the unit, extending the light’s lifespan to an estimated 100,000 working hours
- Guaranteed Quality & Results: VIVOSUN guarantees your satisfaction in veg growth and flowering, backing our confidence with a 3-year warranty and 30-day hassle-free return guarantee
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here we have a really nice full spectrum grow light, one that works well for all stages of marijuana growth including vegging and flowering.
It’s easy to mount, it produces a heck of a lot of light, and it can be used from start of growth to the end.
Power & Output
Ok, so this is a 600 watt LED grow light, so it is quite the powerful unit, and although it produces a lot of power, it actually only uses 270 watts, which is great.
In other words, this thing is actually quite energy efficient and cost effective. In terms of lumen output, this thing puts out around 25,000 lumens in total, which is enough light energy for vegging and flowering, plus it’s a high PAR grow light too.
Keep in mind that you will have to move the light a bit closer for flowering, but that’s about it. What is of course great about the Vivsosun 600 Watt is that it is full spectrum.
It has multiple different kinds of LED lights to cover all necessary wave lengths and colors on the spectrum, with lots of blue and others for vegging, and lots of red, orange, and others for flowering.
Mounting
This thing is actually quite small and lightweight, plus mounting hardware is included.
Realistically, you could probably mount it on your own without any help at all. It doesn’t require any extra ballast. Just hang it, plug it in, and turn it on.
Durability & Lifespan
We do like the Vivsosun 600 Watt LED Full Spectrum Grow Light because it has a composite metal casing which is super tough an durable.
This whole thing is rated to work well in humid environments, such as grow rooms. Speaking of the lifespan, the LED lights in this thing are rated to last for over 100,000 hours, which is of course nothing short of impressive.
Overall, this is quite the durable and long lasting unit.
Cooling
Yes, lots of LED lights can produce quite a bit of heat, which is why this particular LED grow lights comes complete with dual 5 inch cooling fans, ones that work to dissipate heat and keep this thing cool.
What’s nice about these fans is that they are also fairly quiet, which means that they won’t bother you while in use.
- Durable and long lasting
- Integrated high quality cooling system
- Full spectrum for all growth stages
- Very high lumen output
- Quite easy to mount
- Low power consumption
- Hanging hardware could be more secure
2. Sunraise 1000 Watt LED Grow Light
- 【Lens Technology】 SUNRAISE Full Spectrum LED Grow Light S-1000 combines optical lens technology (superior to reflector lenses) to increase light by 30% with higher PAR values than any other brand in the market.
- 【VEG & BLOOM 】 Two Seperately Switches: VEG for seedling growth, Bloom for fruit and flowers. Veg/Bloom features a more Red/blue heavy output to deliver maximum performance from seedling through final flower.
- 【Triple Chip LEDs】We used 15w Triple-Chip LEDs to make much brighter lights with improved PAR value. There are 96 Zener Diodes – each LED has one Zener Diode.
- 【Daisy Chain Available】 The power cord is double use for power and daisy chain. Great for you to simplify growing operation and management, link more grow lights while using one wall outlet only.
- 【What you get】S-1000 led grow light, stainless steel hanger hook, adjustable rope hanger, power cord (double use for daisy chain), welcome guide, our worry-free 36-month, and friendly customer service.
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking to grow one really massive weed plant with tons of buds, a huge yield, and super potent nugs, the Sunraise 1000 Watt LED Grow Light might just be the right option for you.
It’s a super high powered full spectrum grow light, complete with a cooling system, mounting accessories, and more.
Power & Output
Yes, this is a 1000 watt light, which means that it puts out a heck of a lot of power which your weed plants can use to veg and flower. Now, this is a 1000 watt light, so it does use a fair amount of energy, but as far as lights of this size go, it’s actually fairly energy efficient, which is always good.
What is also important to note about the Sunraise LED Grow Light is that it puts out well over 40,000 lumens, which is obviously way more than enough for a single plant. You can use this grow light for one plant, but it will also work great for multiples.
What is really nice about this thing is that it is a full spectrum grow light, with lots of blue for vegging and lots of red for flowering. You can choose to use the LEDs for one stage or the other, or both at once too.
There is a switch so you can the vegging and flowering lights on and off.
Mounting
Something that is nice about this LED grow light is that it is very easy to mount. It comes with all mounting hardware included for easy mounting, and no, you don’t need any extra ballasts or anything like that.
Simply hang it up, plug it in, and it is good to go. That said, it is slightly large and heavy, so you may need help from someone to hang it up.
Durability & Lifespan
This grow light is made with a nice composite metal shell, one which is quite durable, impact resistant, heat resistant, and moisture resistant too.
It’s a great option to have in a hot and humid grow room. In terms of the lifespan of the LED lights, it’s slightly over 50,000 hours. This is alright for this kind of thing, but could admittedly be better.
Cooling
This grow light comes with dual 5 inch fans for cooling, fairly efficient and quiet ones.
They work to dissipate quite a bit of heat and to keep this grow light cool, but that said, you may still need to increase ventilation in the grow room, as this thing does produce a fair amount of heat.
- Fairly good cooling system
- Quite durable
- Full spectrum LEDs
- High lumen output
- Easy to mount
- Plug and play
- Still produces a fair amount heat
- Lifespan of the LEDs could be better
3. Ankace LED Grow Light
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you need a small, convenient, and budget friendly LED grow light for a single plant, the Ankace Mini LED Grow Light makes for a good option.
Now, it’s not particularly powerful, so it may be a but lacking in terms of lumens, but that said, it is a convenient full spectrum light for all growth stages of marijuana.
Power & Output
Ok, so the Ankace LED Grow Light is only a 50 watt light. This means that it is not that powerful, but of course, this can also be beneficial because it does not use much power at all, making it a very energy efficient and cost effective grow light.
Something else to note here is that because it doesn’t use much power, this thing also does not generate that much heat. That being said, this thing also doesn’t produce that many lumens, and doesn’t have a particularly high PAR value.
Now, it still puts out well over 10,000 lumens, which is more than enough for a single plant, but it’s not as powerful as some other options out there.
What is also worth noting is that this grow light is a full spectrum light, with some blue for vegging and lots of red for flowering. That said, it doesn’t have nearly as much blue as red, so it is better for flowering than vegging.
Durability & Lifespan
The Ankace Mini LED Grow Light is a fairly durable option, as it is made with aviation aluminum and ABS materials, so it’s about as tough as it can be.
The only downside here is that the electronics on the interior may suffer due to excessive heat or humidity. On the other hand, this budget friendly grow light has a pretty impressive lifespan of 50,000 hours, well, at least the LED bulbs do.
Mounting
What is definitely a bonus with the Ankace Mini LED Grow Light is that it is super easy to mount. It comes with all mounting hardware included, it does not require a ballast, and it is not very large or heavy either.
You could easily mount this grow light on your own due to its convenient size, and then once it is hung up, simply turn it on. It’s an easy plug and play kind of thing.
Cooling
What is good and bad about this LED grow light is that it does not come with cooling or ventilation fans.
On one hand, no, it does not really get hot enough that the unit itself requires cooling, but that heat is then left to sit in the grow room, thus causing temperature spikes.
In other words, you will probably need to increase cooling and ventilation when using this Ankace Mini LED Grow Light.
- Comes with mounting hardware
- Easy to hang and install
- Pretty decent lifespan for what it is
- Full spectrum
- Durable shell
- Low power consumption
- Much better for flowering than vegging
- Interior electronics could be of a higher quality
4. Hytekgro LED Grow Light
- [Classical Full Spectrum] Compact grow light that puts out the needed light, includes 163pcs (620-660nm)+58pcs blue leds(450-460nm) +4pcs white leds (6500k), which is ideal for all kinds of indoor plants seeding growing and flowering at all growth stages.
- [Easy Set-up] This led grow lights are lightweight and very easy to use with the upgraded hanging brackets, system can be built in perfect sturdy condition within one minute. Built in 59’’ power cord could really stand another two feet of length though and make your plants happy.
- [Low Heat] ABS plastic material molding hydroponic grow lights panel , excellent Heat control, runs cool and quiet, no harm to your plants. Square shape design maximizes the beam to cover 3ft by 3ft area of plants, recommended to hang at around 6-10 inches for seedling.
- [High Efficiency] Plants grow fuller with much stronger and straight stems with these led grow light bulb. Most of the seeds are germinated and sprouting in 2 weeks. Low power consumption save your electric bill, 2 pack design are value for the dollar.
- [Worry-Free Warranty] We offer 12 months warranty plus 30 days satisfaction or return guarantee for this grow light kit. Please contact us first if there’s any issue, we promise to response within 24 hours.
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here we have yet another smaller LED grow light, well, not exactly small, but it doesn’t use much power. Besides the fact that the Hytekgro LED Grow Light actually comes in a pack of 2, a single one is great for a single marijuana plant.
It features low power consumption, it’s a full spectrum light, easy to mount, and has a decent level of durability too.
Power & Output
The Hytekgro LED Grow Light uses only 45 watts of power, which is about as low as it gets. This means that for one, this LED grow light does not heat up too much, which is always a good thing, and of course, it helps you save money on your electricity bill too. It’s a power efficient and eco friendly LED grow light to go with.
Now, because it doesn’t use very much energy, the bulbs themselves don’t emit that much of it. This thing does still put out more than enough lumens for a single plant, probably enough for 2, but it’s no super high lumen output LED grow light to say the least.
What is however every useful about this grow light is that it is a full spectrum grow light. It comes with blue, red, and white LED bulbs for all stages of growth, although it does appear to be geared more towards flowering than anything else.
Durability & Lifespan
The Hytekgro LED Grow Light is decently durable. It is made out of durable ABS plastic, which may not be the most durable substance in the world, but durable enough for this kind of thing.
The lifespan of the LED bulbs themselves is somewhere around 50,000 hours, which is actually quite impressive considering that this grow light really is not anything overly special.
Mounting
In terms of mounting, this light comes in at 12 x 12 inches and is also very lightweight. In all reality, you should be able to mount it on your own without much of an issue.
It’s light and compact, which makes things easy, plus all necessary mounting hardware is included. That said, the mounting hardware could be a bit more rugged, but it should be good enough.
You don’t need a ballast for this thing, or any kind of power transformer. Just hang it up, plug and play.
Cooling
The Hytekgro LED Grow Light is pretty good in terms of heat dissipation, but no, it doesn’t come with an integrated cooling system.
That said, it also doesn’t draw much power to begin with, so it doesn’t produce all that much heat, although it does produce enough heat that you may have to do something about it.
- Budget friendly
- Great for a single plant
- Enough lumens for a single plant
- Full spectrum lights
- Lightweight, compact, easy to mount
- Mounting hardware included
- Doesn’t produce as much heat as others
- Still produces some heat
- Better for flowering than vegging
- Mounting hardware could be better
5. Phlizon CREE Cob Series LED Grow Light
- CREE COB LEDS- CREE COB is known for high power and stability. CREE COB, higher brightness, smaller thermal resistance, less light attenuation and longer life.CREE COB itself is a full spectrum design with high PPFD value which can promote faster and better plant growth
- EXTREMELY HIGH PPFD- PPFD, Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density，Hanging at 18″, the PPFD is 2453 umol/m²s. The bigger the density, the higher the value, the better the plant. COB LED has highest PPFD output. COB LED is much brighter and more efficient than traditional LEDs.
- FULL SPECTRUM- The COB LED itself is a full spectrum lamp integrated design bead. We have added additional light beads in various bands to ensure the full spectrum of science. It contains 4pcs COB, 68pcs 630-660nm, 10pcs 470nm,6pcs 6500k, 4pcs 3000K, 4pcs UV, 4pcs IR
- MAXIMUM ENERGY SAVING- The actual power is 400watt.Best hang height at 24″,Core Coverage area at 3.9×3.9ft. It is more scientifically and energy-efficient than HPS HID and MH. It serves both herb/veg/bloom and is convinient for you.
- BEST SERVICE- We are a professional LED light manufacturer with strong R&D team and many light tester. 2 years warranty plus 30 days money back guarantee. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with completely satisfing reply.
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Now, if you want to grow one very large, tall, thick, dense, and wide weed plant, a real monster plant that takes up something like 3 x 3 feet of space, and you need a super powered light to spur on fast and big time growth, the Phlizon Cob Series LED Grow Light might just be what you need.
This thing comes with multiple bulb types, it’s full spectrum, it produces a heck of a lot of lumens, and much more. This may not be the most budget friendly LED grow light around, but it does produce amazing results, plus it even comes with a nice 2 year warranty in case anything goes wrong with it.
Here you even get a thermometer and humidity monitor included for free, a nice little bonus. Let’s take a closer look at this monster right now.
Power & Output
What is impressive about this grow light is that it is a 2000 watt light, which is very powerful indeed, more powerful than anything else we have looked at so far, yet it only used 450 watts, which therefore means that comparably speaking, it’s one of the more energy efficient and eco friendly LED grow lights around.
Now, when it comes to output in terms of lumens, you really won’t find anything more powerful than this here on our list today.
This thing produces a ridiculous amount of lumens, something which equates to well over 1,000 lumens per square foot when the light is about 2 feet away from your weed plant. In other words, in total, this thing produces well over 30,000 lumens, which is more than enough for any weed plant.
Perhaps the most impressive part about this grow light is how many different kinds of LED bulbs it comes with.
This thing comes complete with 4pcs COB, 68pcs 630-660nm, 10pcs 470nm, 6pcs 6500k, 4pcs 3000K, 4pcs UV, 4pcs IR. In other words, all parts of the light spectrum are covered in full, making this grow light an excellent option for all growth stages of the marijuana plant.
Keep in mind that you can choose which of the LEDs to have on or off with convenient power switches.
Durability & Lifespan
This particular full spectrum LED grow light is also shown to be one of the more durable options out there.
It’s made with a lot of metal and some durable ABS plastic too, plus the interior components are rugged, heat resistant, and moisture resistant too.
This might just be the most durable grow light here on our list today. In terms of the lifespan, you can expect to get at least 60,000 hours of it, which is also nothing short of impressive.
Mounting
Ok, so when it comes to mounting, you will probably need some assistance from somebody, as this thing is pretty big and heavy. That said, all mounting equipment is included, and the mounting equipment is pretty durable too.
The Phlizon LED Grow Light is a plug and play type of thing, plus it does not need a ballast either. So, all in all, installation and mounting is quite easy.
Cooling
One downside to the Phlizon Grow Light is that it does run quite hot, and yes, it produces a fair amount of heat which you then need to deal with.
Now, it does come with its own multi fan cooling system, and it does work pretty well to keep the light itself at a decent temperature, but that heat still gets dispersed into the grow room, and that is something you will need to deal with.
- Super bright and powerful
- Lots of lumens
- Quite energy efficient
- Total full spectrum light
- Good mounting hardware
- High quality cooling system
- Super durable
- Produces a lot of heat
- Probably overkill for a single plant
6. Yoyomax Mini LED Grow Lamp
- Best Red & Blue Light Combination | 60 Full Spectrum LEDs: 39 red LEDs combined with 21 blue ones provide the most common spectrum of light to fuel indoor plants growth. Whether in the indoor garden or commercial greenhouse, yoyomax grow lights keep plants healthy and thriving.
- 3 Switch Modes | 6 Dimmable Options: yoyomax 3-head plant light, with 3 switch modes and 6 dimmable options, is ideal for all kinds of your indoor plants at all growing stages. You are able to turn on/off each arm individually and change the light intensity, depending on the growth stage.
- Auto On/Off | Circular-Memory Timer: 3 time settings enables you to keep the light on for 3, 6 or 12 hours, ensuring that your plants receive the proper amount of lighting at different stage. Moreover, when kept plugged in, yoyomax grow lamp remembers the latest setting and will turn on at the same time next day.
- Flexible Goose-Neck | Sturdy Clamp: The 360-degree rotatable necks allow you to perfectly place the lights around a single plant or grow more plants at the same time. With anti-slip clamp, they are sturdy enough to hold their position for the best coverage around the plants.
- yoyomax 24 Hrs Online: We take pride in delivering top quality products and offering our friendly life time support. You can contact our 24 hours customer service through clicking “Sold by” on the product detail page or your Amazon order page and you will be directed to “Ask a question” to send us message.
Last update on 2022-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here is a little honorable mention, so we will keep it short. This Yoyomax Mini LED Grow Lamp is a very small grow lamp, one that is really only ideal for seedlings and plants just starting their vegetative state.
It has 3 heads, each with about 20 LED lights, and each head has both red and blue light. This is therefore a good light for both vegging and flowering, in theory, but keep in mind that it is small and doesn’t have great light penetration past the canopy, so it’s not best for flowering large weed plants.
That said, the 3 heads are all highly adjustable, and you can face them in whatever way you want. The Yoyomax Mini LED Grow Lamp could thus make for a good side light, for directing at your weed plant from the side.
It’s a really easy to use light. Just plug it in, clip the clamp onto a surface over a small weed plant, and you are good to go.
No, it doesn’t have all that many lumens, it’s not super bright, and it won’t produce the highest yields, but it will work fine for very young and small weed plants, or as a supplemental side light as well.
- Small and compact
- Energy efficient
- Good for flowering and vegging
- Great for young plants
- Can be used as a side light
- Can make for a good supplement
- Energy efficient
- Not bright or strong enough for full scale growth
- Limited durability
Conclusion
Folks, there are plenty of great LED lights out there for growing one plant. Sure, some of the ones we talked about here today are pretty big and powerful, and yes, can be used for more than a single plant.
That said, there is no denying the fact that if you use a more powerful LED grow light, one that is full spectrum and puts out a lot of lumens, your overall results will be much better.
Choose the right LED grow light for your marijuana plant and you definitely won’t regret it.
Fabian
My passion for the sticky icky started nearly a decade ago, and it all began when I first laid my eyes on the beauty that is the marijuana plant.
I cover all aspects of growing from equipment recommendations to plant health/care tips to help both new and experienced growers.
The Best Grow Lights in 2022
Indoor lighting is rarely bright enough to give plants what they need to thrive—even on a windowsill. We tested 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.
By Heather Blackmore and Glenda Taylor | Updated Mar 30, 2022 8:43 AM
BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Photo: Glenda Taylor
When it comes to plants, all light is not equal. Unless you have a greenhouse or an unlimited number of south-facing windows, grow lights are your best option for providing the right light to your plants. 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 not just alive—but thriving—so we tested the most popular models on the market.
We placed the plants and grow lights in areas that were otherwise too dark for plants to grow, and we tried them out on a variety of plants, from houseplants to herbs, to flowering seedlings. We kept track of plant health, overall growth, and the development of new leaves. Ahead, learn what to look for when selecting the best grow lights for your indoor plants, and find out both the pros and cons of the following models before making your choice.
- BEST OVERALL:Hytekgro LED Grow Light 45W Panel (2 Pack)
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:GE Grow LED Light Bulb, BR30 Bulb Shape
- BEST FOR HOUSEPLANTS:Ankace Grow Light, 3 Head Timing, 5 Dimmable Levels
- BEST EXPANDABLE:2022 New SPIDER FARMER SF-1000 LED Grow Light
- BEST TABLETOP:LBW Grow Light with Stand, LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED
- BEST ADJUSTABLE:BESTVA Dimmable Pro1000 LED Grow Light
- BEST FOR SMALL POT:GrowLED LED Umbrella Plant Grow Light
- MOST VERSATILE:Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLC32D Compact, 32 Watt
- BEST MONITORING:Phlizon 2022 Upgraded 600W LED Plant Grow Light
Photo: Glenda Taylor
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Grow Light
Whether you’re hunting for a grow light to supplement natural light for indoor overwintering of potted patio plants, or you’re looking to start seeds 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, depending on quality and light range.
Cool, Warm, and Full-Spectrum
Grow lights are labeled with numbers like 2,500K or 6,500K, which tells you the temperature of the light according to the Kelvin scale of measurement. The higher the number, the cooler the light. So a bulb with a Kelvin rating of 6,000K will have a white or bluish tint, whereas a 3,000K bulb will be yellower. Each type of light—warm or cool—stimulates specific plant behavior.
If your goal is to improve foliar growth in your houseplants or grow leafy greens or seedlings, choose a cooler spectrum bulb around 6,500K. Warm light will have a lower Kelvin rating and is ideal for flower production in houseplants and fruiting plants like citrus. When in doubt, full-spectrum lights take out the guesswork and offer a combination of both cool and warm light for the best of both worlds.
LED vs. Fluorescent Bulbs
Standard fluorescent bulbs are a weak home light source but they’re great for supplementing natural light for houseplants or starting seedlings. Their cooler light makes them one-dimensional, so they’re ideal when lush foliage, not flowers, is the goal. Because their light cannot penetrate plant leaves with strong intensity, the grower must locate the light within a few inches of the top of the plant to be effective.
Full-spectrum compact fluorescent lights (CFL) are a better option. Available in tube and bulb forms, CFL grow lights are more intense than standard fluorescent lights.
LED grow lights, not to be confused with regular LED lights, are more expensive than fluorescent lights but they make up for that with longevity and energy savings. LEDs have both blue and red lights to mimic the full-color spectrum of the sun and might emit a bright, purplish glow. That’s not a big deal if the lights will be in a basement or a garage, but it’s something worth considering if they’ll be in a living area. Like fluorescent bulbs, LEDs are available in tubes for lighting a tray of seedlings or as bulbs when you want to light a specific plant.
Bulb or Stand Setup
The number of plants or seedling trays you want to grow is a good indicator of the kind of grow light best suited to your situation. Although a single bulb is perfect when positioned above a sun-loving succulent during the winter, seedling trays are better suited to a stand system that allows you to raise the light as the seedlings grow taller. So, whether it’s a premade stand with lights attached or one you build from scratch with an inexpensive wire rack and a hanging grow light bar or two, ultimately, your budget will have the final say.
Premade stand setups are pricey and if your seed-starting plans are modest, consider building your own system. However, houseplant enthusiasts might gravitate toward a more aesthetic premade grow light stand better suited to indoor living spaces.
Bells and Whistles
For houseplants, consider a full-spectrum grow light attached to a bendable or gooseneck arm that allows you to position the light directly above the plant. Some are stationary lamps for tabletops, and others have a clamp at the end of the bendable arm so you can attach the light to the edge of a desk or table. Intended for use with one or two houseplants, these lights often come with timers so you can cater to a plant’s specific light needs and a USB connector for plugging into a computer.
For seed starting and flowering houseplants, some full-spectrum grow light panels come with timers as well as remotes that allow you to change the type of light emitted based on the plant’s growth stage—cool light for seed starting, warm light for flower production, and full spectrum when you’re uncertain about the type of light you need.
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best grow lights, each of the following models had to perform well in our hands-on tests. We paired each light with various plants or germinating seeds, and we tested each function on the lights, including timers, dimmers, and temperature monitors. Overall, grow lights are relatively straightforward helpers—they offer 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 45W Panel (2 Pack)
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 by 12-inch 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 that we purchased for transplanting in the garden, and we turned the panels on for 16 hours per day. 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 that occurred 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 as though the health of the plants improved during their time under the lights.
Product Specs
- Size: 12 inches by 12 inches (2 pack)
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 3 feet by 3 feet (per panel)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low heat
- Easy to hang
- Bright light
Cons
Get the Hytekgro Grow Lights on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
GE Grow LED Light Bulb, BR30 Bulb Shape
For those wanting to take advantage of a grow light without investing a lot of money in an elaborate system, consider the GE Full Spectrum Grow Light 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 bulb in an aluminum work light fixture and tied it to a rack over pots in which we’d planted lemon balm seeds. Like other types of vegetable and herb seeds, lemon balm seeds need ample light to germinate. The seeds sprouted in about 10 days, so they got enough light to germinate.
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.
Product Specs
- Size: 6 inches high, 4 inches in diameter
- Light color: Red, blue, and white (appears white)
- Estimated coverage area: 2-foot radius at 18 inches above plant specimen
Pros
- Very bright
- Cool light
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a fixture or a timer
Get the GE Grow LED Bulb on Amazon, at Lowe’s, or at Walmart.
Best for Houseplants
Ankace Grow Light, 3 Head Timing, 5 Dimmable Levels
Not all homes have room for large hanging grow lights, but the Ankace 60-watt tri-head grow light takes up very little real estate. The three prongs on the Ankace light measure almost 3 feet high, and we decided to use them to supplement ambient light for a houseplant that was looking pretty tired after a winter in a dimly-lit room. Each of the prongs is flexible and can be moved into position over or around the side of a plant—to spread out light as desired.
The grow light is also adjustable—we could choose either red light, blue light, or a combination of red and blue. Even better, the Ankace grow light comes with a timer and the ability to dim or brighten the lights. We selected the 12-hour-on mode on a mid-range brightness setting. When all three prongs were positioned over the plant, the light spread in a radius of about 1.5 feet—just enough for a single houseplant.
Our test plant had quite a few yellowing leaves at the beginning of the test—and that’s not uncommon for that plant, but we wanted to see if we could green it up a bit. After 3 weeks under the Ankace lights, the plant showed signs of new leaves starting—something it typically has not done until it’s taken out to the patio in late spring.
The Ankace lights didn’t produce much heat, although we could feel a slight warmth by putting our hands under the lights when the red light was on. When only the blue light was on, no heat could be felt. The light comes with a robust clip-on fastener for attaching to a counter or a desktop.
Product Specs
- Size: Nearly 3 feet high
- Light color: Blue and red
- Estimated coverage area: 1.5 feet
Pros
- Handy timer
- Select red or blue light—or both
- Dimmable light output
Cons
- Slightly warm on the red light
Get the Ankace 3 Head Grow Light on Amazon or a similar model at Wayfair.
Best Expandable
2022 New SPIDER FARMER SF-1000 LED Grow Light
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. 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—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 lets 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. Wow! This light lit up the room. It’s that bright. 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.
Product Specs
- Size: 10.5 inches by 10.5 inches
- Light color: Blue, red, white, and infrared
- Estimated Coverage Area: 3 feet by 3 feet (brightly)
Pros
- Very bright
- Full-spectrum light
- Adjustable intensity
- Expandable
Cons
Get the Spider Farmer Grow Light on Amazon.
Best Tabletop
LBW Grow Light with Stand, LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED
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 brightly a 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—manually turning it on and off as it doesn’t have a timer. We felt it helped perk-up straggly plants, although it’s not as powerful as some, 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.
Product Specs
- Size: Adjustable, 15 inches to 48 inches high. Tripod base, 13 inches.
- Light color: Red, blue, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 1.5 feet
Pros
- No hanging support required
- Suitable for a tabletop
- Adjustable direction of the light head
- Adjustable height
Cons
- No timer
- Less bright than some
Get the LBW Grow Light with Stand on Amazon.
Best Adjustable
BESTVA Dimmable Pro 1000 LED Grow Light
The BESTVA Dimmable Grow Light is for dedicated indoor growers. The 224 powerful LEDs in this panel lit up the room nearly as bright as daylight, making this grow light suitable for getting seedlings off to a good start or growing plants indoors year-round.
Right out of the box, the quality of the materials was apparent—the BESTVA light features a dimmer dial with marked increments. Permanent anchors are cut into the stainless steel top that attaches to a hanging pulley system, allowing us to lower and raise the light as necessary. This bright grow light illuminates an area about 3 feet by 3 feet at the height of 18 inches above the plants when turned to full intensity. It was more light than we needed for our testing, but a pair of sunglasses is included, which would come in handy for someone who ran the light at maximum intensity.
The light produces red, blue, and white light waves, although it appears white. The BESTVA light is a top choice of those who live in locations where it’s legal to grow marijuana, and the light itself is marketed for growing marijuana—its logo is a marijuana leaf. However, it would also be beneficial for growing a wide range of other plants. It did not produce noticeable heat.
Product Specs
- Size: 17 inches by 13 inches
- Light color: Red, blue, and white (shows as white)
- Estimated coverage area: 3 feet by 3 feet
Pros
- Very bright
- Full-spectrum light
- Pulley system included
- Dimmable
Cons
Get the BESTVA Dimmable Grow Light on Amazon.
Best for Small Pot
GrowLED LED Umbrella Plant Grow Light
If any grow light has a right to claim cuteness—it’s the GrowLED Umbrella Light. This little light comes with a telescoping spike we inserted in the soil of our pot to direct light downward—directly on the plant. The Grow LED offers only cool white or red light, but it’s enough to supplement ambient light in a home office or another room.
The thing that makes this tiny grow light unique is the ability to power it by plugging it into a USB port or a standard outlet. The light intensity is dimmable, and it didn’t produce any heat—even on the highest setting. The umbrella is 4.5 inches in diameter, and the telescoping spike adjusts from just over 8.5 inches up to almost 30 inches, making it well suited for short or tall plants. However, we felt it was best suited to smaller plants since it doesn’t offer a great deal of intensity.
The light comes with a timer that allowed us to program the light to come on for 16 hours and then go off for 8 hours. While it doesn’t cast enough light for seed starting or for large growing operations, it’s adequate for overwintering a favorite potted plant or for supplementing year-round light for an indoor houseplant.
Product Specs
- Size: Height adjusts from 8.5 to 30 inches, 4.5 inches in diameter
- Light color: White and red
- Estimated coverage area: 8 inches
Pros
- Suitable for small potted plants
- Adjustable umbrella height
- Dimmable
- Comes with a timer
Cons
- Not suitable for large plants
Get the GrowLED Umbrella Light on Amazon or at Walmart.
Most Versatile
Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLC32D Compact, 32 Watt
Our second bulb in the lineup, the Hydrofarm Agrobrite Fluorescent Bulb, fits into a standard light socket, offering versatility while providing clear white light to enhance plant growth.
The compact fluorescent light (CFL) is expected to last for up to 10,000 hours, making it well suited for adding the extra light seedlings or overwintered potted plants crave. We used the Hydrofarm light in a reflective aluminum light fixture and suspended it over dill seeds we’d sown in small pots. After sprouting, the tiny dill seedlings grew on sturdy stocks, which would not have been possible without a supplemental light source.
However, this is a bright bulb and needs to be used in a fixture that directs the light away from the user’s eyes. We detected a minimal amount of heat from the light, but not enough to be problematic. The Hydrofarm light illuminated an area almost 2 feet in diameter when suspended 18 inches above the seedlings. For the best results, consider pairing it with a fixture that comes with a timer to keep from having to turn the light on and off daily.
Product Specs
- Size: 7.5 inches by 2.5 inches
- Light color: Cool white
- Estimated coverage area: 2 feet
Pros
- Very bright
- Fits in standard light sockets
- Useful for seedlings or houseplants
Cons
- Just a bulb—fixture needed
Get the Hydrofarm Agrobrite Grow Bulb on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Monitoring
Phlizon 2022 Upgraded 600W LED Plant Grow Light
For indoor growers concerned about the heat and humidity of their plant’s environment, the Phlizon Grow Light is just the ticket. It comes with a separate temperature and humidity module that can be placed anywhere near the plants.
The light itself offers a range of blue and red light waves. We mounted the Phlizon light over a potted ivy plant that was showing signs of fatigue after a long winter indoors. We selected a combination of blue, red, and white light in order to stimulate new leaf growth and improve its green color. After 3 weeks under the light—we saw marked improvement in the ivy’s overall health. New, tiny leaves appeared along the vining stems, and the foliage color improved dramatically.
That said, the Phlizon is probably better suited to growing multiple plants rather than boosting the health of a single houseplant. Users can choose between either red or blue light, depending on their plants’ needs. At 18 inches high, the oblong light provides enough light for a 1.5-foot by nearly 3-foot area. It comes with everything we needed to hang it from an overhead support, and it features a handy pulley system for raising the light as plants grow taller.
Product Specs
- Size: 6.7 inches by 15.7 inches
- Light color: Blue, red, and white
- Estimated coverage area: 1.5 feet by almost 3 feet
Pros
- Well made
- Ability to select light color
- Pulley system for adjusting height
Cons
Get the Phlizon Grow Light on Amazon.
Our Verdict
All of the grow lights in our lineup are suitable for supplementing natural and ambient light to enhance plant growth and health. Our best overall pick, a set of two Hytekgro LED Light Panels ticks off all the boxes—offering full-spectrum light and comprehensive coverage for the average indoor gardener. For those looking for the benefit of added illumination without investing a lot, the GE Full Spectrum Grow Bulb is among the best options. It offers ample light and can be used in an existing lamp or fixture to save money.
How We Tested the Best Grow Lights
After reading information about the benefits of grow lights, we wanted to determine for ourselves whether the hype was true. While we’re not professional growers by a long shot—we do enjoy starting seeds, and we have several houseplants that always seem a bit on the leggy side 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 then 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 or not. We recorded our observations and awarded points based on a rubric throughout the testing.
We observed the plants and noted any significant changes, but keep in mind that this part 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 manufacturer reputation, such as the GE Hydrofarm light. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate lights made by smaller manufacturers as long as they provided an ample amount of light and were well made.
After the tests, we added up the accumulated points and used them to create the best category for the individual grow lights. While each is better suited to specific situations, any of the models in our lineup will benefit various growing situations.
FAQs
Grow lights open up a whole world of indoor gardening possibilities. From starting seeds to transplant outdoors to overwintering houseplants, grow lights are a popular and economical way for keeping all types of plants healthy, even if they’re tucked in the back corner of a dimly lit room. Those looking to boost their plants’ health with grow lights will likely have questions.
What is the best brand of LED grow light?
Today’s best grow light brands include well-known names such as GE and Phillips and up-and-comers, such as Hydrofarm.
What color grow light is best for houseplants?
Cooler, white light is beneficial for producing healthy foliage in houseplants, but those who are hoping to see some blossoms or fruit, will want to expose their indoor plants to warmer, yellower light.
What color light do plants grow best in?
While plant needs vary, most plants do best with full-spectrum light that contains red, blue, green, and yellow waves. Interestingly, full-spectrum lights often look white to the naked eye, although they contain a variety of colors.
Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Best Grow Lights for Seedlings Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Are you looking for the best grow lights for seedlings? Read on as we review all the top options with Pros & Cons.
Preparing yourself with a veggie garden is a great way to safeguard your family against food shortages. Speak to any vegetable farmer or hobbyist gardener, and they’ll tell you that the biggest challenge with growing your garden comes from managing the seedling phase of development.
Most beginner gardeners fail at this stage, causing stress in the plant that delays growth. If you want to start your veggie garden like a pro, you need the best grow light for seedlings. A grow light imitates the rays of the sun in a specific spectrum, providing your seedlings with the optimal light spectrum they need for speedy growth.
With growing zones expected to shift on the coming Grand Solar Minimum, a seedling grow light can help you get an early start on the growing season. As a result, you get more harvests per year, increasing your food stockpile.
In this review, we’ll look at the best grow lights for seedlings and make our recommendations on top products for your indoor garden.
Our Top Picks
If you want to skip on the rest of the review, and get right to the bottom line, check out this section. We scoured hundreds of online listings to settle on our top three choices for the best overall, premium, and budget grow lights for your indoor garden.
We selected these three models, giving you options to suit your gardening requirements and your budget.
Best Pick: Root Farm All-Purpose LED Grow Light
- This 45 watt grow light is specially designed to grow a wide variety of plants from seed to harvest
- Grow your favorite veggies fruits and flowers 365 days a Year
- Versatile design adapts as plants grow
- LED recipe specially designed to grow plants indoors
- LED light provides more power with less energy compared to more traditional lights like CFLs
This model takes our top award for the best overall seedling grow light. This model features a sturdy, freestanding design, with an overhead canopy light for your seedling tray. This grow light comes with an all-purpose LED grow light, providing a suitable spectrum that raises your plants from seedlings to healthy adults. The adjustable legs on the stand allow you to lift or drop the light to the correct distance from the canopy, ensuring speedy growth in your seedlings. The 45-Watt capacity and blend of red and blue LEDs provide optimal lighting conditions for your plants. This model comes with a hanging rig and power adapter included.
Premium Pick: Future Harvest Developer
- Indoor herb garden: The SunBlaster Growlight Garden is ideal for growing microgreens, herbs, flowers or your favorite plants year-round; this indoor garden is great for home growers with limited space
- T5HO full spectrum grow lights: The 12-inch, 11-watt T5HO 6400K grow lights help maintain your plants year-round while the NanoTech reflectors reduce heat buildup and maximize performance by reflecting 100% of the light towards the plants
- Adjustable lighting canopy: The grow light canopy easily adjusts to a maximum of 17 inches to get the right amount of light to the plants, seeds or transplants below
- Self watering for up to 14 days: Includes a raised platform insert and capillary matting allowing plants to self water for up to 14 days (depending on growing conditions), ensuring optimum growth
- The SunBlaster Growlight Garden comes with 4 reusable seedling starter trays, allowing you to grow a single crop or a variety of plants, herbs and microgreens
The Future Harvest Developer wins our top award for the best premium seedling grow light in this review. With this model, you get Sun-blaster 6400K T5HO LED lamps, providing 48-Watts of total light to your plants. There’s an adjustable hood to accommodate your seedlings development, with nanotech reflectors to enhance the light on all sides of the plants. You get four seedling trays included with this farm, and efficient operation, using 20% less energy than other leading indoor grow light systems.
Budget Pick: Elaine Indoor LED Grow Light
- Sunlight Full-Spectrum: Perfect grow light with 132 high quality(10,0000 hours lifetime),high par value(120 μmol/m2·s at 12in) and high efficiecy LED chips,3 head grow lamp with timer,the wave of the light from 380nm to 820nm.Suitable for both home & office.
- Timer & Auto On/off Function: Comes with 3 timer setting options which allows up to 3,6,or12 hours according to plant needs.Also has two-way memory timing function,set up once and it will turn on and off automatically EVERY DAY!
- High-Efficiency: Larger illumination area 120° beam angle and 18 inch gooseneck.Provide 360-degree illumination for your plants,High-efficiency and scientific heat dissipation design,make your plants grow faster and healthier,effectively promotes photosynthesis, increases growth rate,and satisfies plant germination, growth, flowering,and results entire process of light energy needs!
- 5 Brightness & 3 Switch Modes: 5 adjustable brightness to suit varied stages of plant growth,and 3 Switch Modes One light on,Two lights on and Three lights on.360-degree flexible gooseneck with clip that can easily adjust the angle and distance,which enlarge the illumination area and provided more efficient lighting for more plants.
- Widely Used：This Grow lamp has more larger lighting area that is suitable for whole growth circle. Perfect for balconies,greenhouses,darkroom,office and so on. Powerful Clip
This elaine model is a great choice for starting your plants indoors. You get three light arms, featuring 20-Watts each, for total lighting power of 60-Watts. They feature five dimming levels and a built-in timer for three, six, and 12-hour light cycles. This model is affordable, and it comes with three brightness modes to help your seedlings adjust to stronger light as they develop. The flexible goosenecks allow for custom positioning above the canopy, with two-way memory timing to your preferred settings.
Grow Lights for Seedlings Reviews
After reading through the reviews of our top models, let’s unpack them further. We’ll also look at other models that qualify for the best grow light for seedlings.
After reading through the reviews, make sure you check out our buyer’s guide section. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right indoor lighting system for your seedlings.
Root Farm All-Purpose LED Grow Light
Growing seedlings for your veggie garden or indoor flower display require you to mimic natural sunlight to help the plants produce food for growth. This Root Farm model is an excellent example of a top-quality indoor lighting system.
With this model, you get compatibility with Root Farm seedlings trays (sold separately). The frame on this lighting system features telescopic legs with release and locking buttons available in various positions to suit your canopy height.
Start your plants indoors early this season using the Root Farm indoor LED lighting system. With this model, you get an attractive display for your indoor garden, featuring clean design and the use of aluminum materials in the frame for a classy finish.
This model includes a powerful 45-Watt LED light setup. It offers a good balance for red and blue light, providing plants with optimal growth in the seedling stage. There is a hanging kit and a power adapter included with your purchase.
- 45-Watt output
- Good LED balance and PAR output
- Adjustable legs with locking and release mechanism
- Clean design
- Energy efficient
- Comes with a hanging kit
Future Harvest Developer
If you’re a home gardener looking to propagate cuttings or grow seedlings for your veggie garden, this indoor grow light is a great choice for starting your seedlings early.
You get a complete system included with this kit, featuring four seedling trays, a reflector canopy, and Sun-blaster 6400K LED lights.
The hood and reflector increase light absorption by your plants by up to 20%. You get two rows of LED lights, each offering a 24-Watt output, for a combined light output of 48-Watts total. The hood sits on a frame, allowing for adjustment to suit your canopy height.
This model is the ideal choice for homeowners looking for a complete lighting and growing system for indoor use. It’s easy to set up, with a plug-and-play operation for your seedlings.
- An excellent choice for hobbyist gardeners
- Includes four seedling trays
- Canopy with reflectors included
- Adjustable canopy height
- Sun-blaster 6400K lamps included
- 2 x 24-Watt output for 48-Watts total
Elaine Indoor LED Grow Light
If you’re looking for an indoor grow light on a budget, we recommend this model from Elaine. This indoor grow lamp wins not only our best budget model in this review, but it’s Amazon’s top choice as well.
With the Elaine indoor grow light, you get three gooseneck arms supporting three T5 LED lights. Each light offers a 20-Wat output, for a total light output of 60-Watts. Each light comes with a full-spectrum LED set up, and you have the option of choosing between three lighting modes to suit your seedling development.
This indoor grow light features a desk clamp design, allowing you to secure it to tabletops and windowsills in seconds. The Gooseneck arms on the lights allow for customizable height selection to suit your canopy.
This lighting system also includes a three-stage timer for three, six, and twelve-hour light cycles. You get high-quality LEDs included with this model, providing up to 50,000-hours service life.
- Affordable
- Powerful 60-Watt light output
- Five dimming options
- Adjustable goosenecks
- Timer included
- Three switch modes
VeRosky LED Grow Light
If you’re looking for professional-grade equipment for your indoor garden, we recommend this model from VeRosky lighting.
This SMD grow light features design and construction with 300 SMD LED chips, providing reduced heat during operation, and no LED burn on your plants.
This model produces up to 3X more lumen per LED, featuring a 90-degree reflector to reduce light loss by up to 30%. The triple LED chips to enhance plant photosynthesis, increasing crop yield, and the size of your seedlings when transplant season rolls around.
This model comes with a complete light spectrum for vegetative growth and flowering.
You get a hanging design, with easy access to the on/off switch. The fans keep the light cool, and you get a total light output of 1,000-Watts.
- Powerful 1,000-Watt output for larger seedling farms
- PAR levels three times above competitive models
- Full-spectrum light for flowering and vegetative growth
- Reflector included
- Efficient operation
- SMD LED chips for extended service life
Barrina Grow Light
If you’re looking to build a large indoor garden, we recommend going with the Barrina model.
This indoor grow light offers you full-spectrum grow lamps, featuring 384 LEDs, producing a light output of 96-Watts. These lights have the same lumen output as traditional 600-Watt models, with improved efficiency and low energy consumption.
The high-efficiency LEDs produce a light spectrum that’s 95% absorbed by your plants, speeding growth while increasing yield. The aluminum reflector enhances light output by up to 20%, with long service life.
The Barrina indoor grow lights feature easy installation, with plug-and-play operation. You can daisy-chain up to four of these lights together for the largest indoor setups. You get a hanging design and all mounting hardware included with your purchase.
- Professional-grade equipment
- Super bright 96-Watt output
- Reflector provides a 20% increase in efficiency
- 384-total LEDs
- Plants absorb 95% of light energy with this model
- Plug-and-play operation
Super Sprouter Deluxe Propagation Kit
If you’re looking for a quick start for your seedlings this summer, we recommend the Super Sprouter Deluxe Propagation Kit. This model features an enclosed environment for your seedlings, ensuring your plants’ best chances of survival.
The Super Sprouter comes with a 10″ x 20″ seedling tray and a propagator hood. The propagator hood increases temperature and humidity inside the unit by creating a greenhouse effect. The clear canopy allows for optimal light penetration for the 18-inch T5 LED light mounted into the hood.
You get plug-and-play operation right out of the box; with everything you need to get a great start on your veggie or herb garden this year. Use this model to grow seedlings or your favorite cuttings, providing the optimal growing environment for younger plants.
- Ideal for growing sprouts
- Hood included for micro-climate
- A good choice for propagating cuttings
- Seed tray included
- Complete system
- 18-inch T5 grow light included
Elaine Tri-Light Indoor Grow Lamps
Elaine gets a second mention in this review for the best grow light for seedlings.
This model features the same desk clamp design, fitting to windowsills, tables, and desks. You get three gooseneck stands featuring light setups with 132 high-quality LEDs, offering a service life of 10,000-hours.
The 18-inch gooseneck design of the lamps makes it easy to adjust them to the canopy height. You get three light settings for your preferred spectrum, with full-spectrum lighting available. This model comes with five dimmable modes to replicate sunlight hours.
This model comes with three timer settings for 3-hour, 6-hour, and 12-hour light cycles for your seedlings.
You get a 120-degree beam angle, with 360-degree illumination of your plants. This high-efficiency model features a 20-Watt output per light, offering 60-Watts of total light output.
- Three 20-Watt LEDs for a 60-Watt total output
- High-efficiency LED chips for 10,000-hour service life
- Three timer settings and auto on/off
- 120-degree beam angle
- Flexible gooseneck adjusts to canopy height
Ankace LED Growth Light
This Ankace indoor grow light is a great choice for starting your seedlings earlier this year. This model comes with four 11-inch gooseneck arms, allowing for a customizable setup to match your canopy height.
There are three light settings, with a full-spectrum setting available, and you get five dimming modes to replicate the daylight hours. This model includes a desk-clamp desk, allowing for easy setup on desks, windowsills, and tables.
This model comes with a 3-stage timer, offering you 3-hour, 6-hour, and 12-hour light cycles for easy operation.
You get plenty of coverage with this model, including a light output of 20-Watts per gooseneck, providing a total of 80-Watts of light output.
- Four 20-Watt LED arms
- Flexible goosenecks for adjustable canopy height
- Three lighting modes with a full spectrum
- Five dimming modes
- Affordable price
- Three cycle timer
CXhome T5 LED Grow Light Strip
This CXhome model is a great choice for homeowners building a custom indoor seedling garden. These light strips attach to shelves, providing you with a custom fit to your application.
The CXhome LED lighting system includes three lighting tubes, featuring high-efficiency, full-spectrum LEDs. You get three lighting settings, along with 10-dimming options, to adjust the light to your preference.
This model comes with a three-stage timer, allowing 3-hour, 6-hour, and 12-hour light cycles. The auto on/off button gives you total control over the lighting system for efficient and effective light cycles.
This indoor grow light includes an aviation-grade radiator material, dispersing heat for cool operation, even if you’re running 24-hour light cycles.
- T5 LEDs for full light spectrum
- High-efficiency LEDs
- Three-tube switching and 10-level dimming functions
- Three timer settings
- Scientific heat dissipation design
Byingo 2ft 32W Plant Grow Light
This full spectrum grow light for seedlings rounds off our review. You get a full-spectrum design suitable for vegetative or flowering stages, with a long tube design.
This model includes high-efficiency LEDs, with a polished aluminum shell that reflects more light.
This model comes ready for use right out of the box, with plug-and-play operation and a 4.9-foot power cord. The LEDs offer low power consumption, reducing the cost of your electricity bill.
You get an extendable design, allowing you to daisy-chain up to four lights together for the largest setups.
- High-power indoor grow light
- High-efficiency operation
- Plug-and-play operation
- Extendable design
- Full light spectrum
Other Best Selling Options
- PERFECT FOR INDOOR PLANTS: Optimised full spectrum white LED grow light with enhanced 660nm red light, no harm to eyes, healthier and more efficient. Great for seed starting, propagating cuttings and growing indoor flowers vegetables and other houseplants.
- EASILY ADJUSTABLE AND STURDY: Upated Iron Frame Structure, More Sturdy. LED Light height adjustable.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: T5 LED grow light shoplight fixture with wide reflector provides maximum coverage,ETL Listed.Safe and reliable.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Use High efficiency, high output LEDs, longer life span, energy saving up to 70% on your electricity bill. Save your money.
- PERFECTLY SIZE for Seedling trays,also for growing pot plants on the table.
- 【5 Head 150 LEDs Plant Light for Indoor Plants】This plant growing lamp consists of 150 effective growing LEDs, divided into 120 white LEDs and 30 red LEDs. The 5 heads grow light for indoor plants supplies a broader lighting range than the traditional 2, 3, and 4 heads indoor plants lights, and increases the intensity of the light by up to 50%, allowing your plants to receive better and extra light energy.
- 【3 Spectrum Modes & 10 Brightness Levels】The full spectrum led grow light has 3 spectrum modes, which are Red, Full, and Mixed Spectrum. It has ten brightness settings, starting from 10% to 100%, that can be switched as per your requirements, so you are able to choose the more proper spectrum and brightness for your plant to grow in the best way. The indoor plant lights make your plants develop a rapid response to grow, five times faster than plants with natural light only.
- 【Auto Timer Function & On/Off Cycle】Designed with a function for autocycle memory timing, there are different three timer settings for you to choose from, between 3H, 9H, and 12H of lighting time. Following your setting, the plant grow light will switch on/off automatically every day. Even when you are away from home, these grow light lamps will take good care of your plants every day.
- 【Flexible Gooseneck Neck & Strong Clip】You can place and clamp the 5 head grow light anywhere as it has a strong clip and bracket support for it to be stable. The indoor grow lights have a 360 rotation design that can be independently adjustable, so each can be rotated to any angle to adapt to your requirements, which supplies a wider and more flexible range of light, and different growing directions.
- 【Designed for Indoor Plants to Growth】These plant lights for indoor growing is perfect for the different sunlight needs of your plants depending on their growing stage, from seeds to every growing phase. The lamps have an excellent performance of fast heat dissipation, which ensures that these lamps provide you with a long-lasting and durable service life of up to 80,000 hours.
- PRODUCT DETAILS: Gardener’s Supply Indoor Greenhouse Plant Grow Light System Set The frame is made from 100% heavy duty powder coated aluminum steel with movable caster wheels for flexibility and easy maneuvering. Comes with three watertight shelf trays and three light fixtures; each holds three 4 foot, full-spectrum T5 fluorescent bulbs which showcase the natural beauty of our indoor garden.
- BEST USE FOR: Indoor Plant Gardening and Herb Succulent Growing Our Vermont-made SunLite Gardens give your Plants the quality and intensity of light they need, and this 3-tier model has plenty of room for a variety of Plants. You can start seeds, grow herbs and houseplants, or even try your hand at growing orchids
- HIGH QUALITY BUILT: Gardeners Supply Company EXCLUSIVE – MADE IN THE USA. MEASUREMENTS: -Frame Size: 51″” L x 14-5/8″” W x 68-1/2″” H – Made with Rugged powder-Coated Aluminum frame that is sturdy enough with large room to grow your potted and aerogarden Plants. -Each fixture holds two 4′ long, full-spectrum T5 fluorescent bulbs and can be easily adjust to the proper height for optimal plant growth. -Includes three watertight shelf trays to protect your floors from water and soil spillage
- VERSATILE AND EASY MANEUVERING: Our Grow Light Plant Stand System is specially design for versatility and Easy Access for our Indoor Garden needs. With its movable caster wheels, it is easier to maneuver the plant shelf and clean underneath or behind it without moving all the Plants one-by-one. Also, it adds elagance to our home interior design promoting clean oxygen inside the house.
- INDOOR GARDEN TESTED & GUARANTEED: Every purchase you make is 100% guaranteed. We will exchange or refund your purchase for any product that is not what you expected or does not work as described during its lifetime.
- 【3 Color Settings & 5 Levels Dimmable】There are 3 color modes – Purple Light,3500K White Light and Mixed White Light, infinite close to natural light,best for plants at all growing stages. Also it support you to adjust the brightness within 20%-100% by operating the remote attached.
- 【Auto On/Off Timer】this growing lamp will automatically keeps 4hrs/8hrs/12hrs ON and 20hrs/16hrs/12hrs OFF each 24 hour period once timer activated. Which requires no manual operation and takes good care of your plants when you on work or vacation.
- 【360° Gooseneck & Easy to Use】flexible goosenecks with clip can be rotated 360 degrees make it easier for you to adjust the angle between the plant lamp and indoor plant. Powered by USB or AC Power Plug(USB power adapter included ),it’s portable and convenient to use at home or in the office.
- 【Professional Full Spectrum 】Compared to other 40LED tri-head growing light, Juhefa’s was equipped with 60 LED and Lastest Drive Processor Chip.Its illumination is wider and brighter ,achieve 360-degree coverage of plants.
- 【Widely Used】A best gift for gardening,family balcony seedings,breeding,potted plants. It can effectively supplemented the lack of natural sunlight and promoted the growth of plants at all stages.【18-Month Warranty!】
- Auto turn on and off timing function
- Red and blue led combination
- 9 dimmable modes
- 3 cycle timing modes
- Suitable for indoor potted plants or indoor gardens
Grow Lights Buyer’s Guide
Plants require air, water, and light to grow. When the winter pulls around, the days get shorter, and the sun’s rays lose intensity. As a result, it’s challenging to grow plants until the ground thaws in the spring.
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, that means you can only put plants in your vegetable garden or flowerbeds when it’s mid-spring. Unfortunately, the shorter seasons in the Northern Hemisphere mean you don’t get a longer growing season than you do in the south.
If you want to get more out of your garden this year, you’re going to need to start your plants indoors. To achieve growth indoors, you need an indoor grow lamp to provide your plants with the chance to produce food to thrive.
It’s easy to reproduce the effects of rain and air. However, lighting presents the biggest challenge to replicate indoors. Leaving your plants on the windowsill won’t work – you need an indoor grow light for your seedlings.
Why Do I Need a Grow Light for My Seedlings?
An indoor grow light for your plants mimics the sun’s rays, providing you with a source of light energy for your seedlings. Your seedlings can’t tell the difference between the grow light and the sun, as the grow light emits the same lightwaves.
Therefore, you can start your plants four to six weeks early, transplanting them into the garden as the ground thaws and spring starts. This strategy gives you a longer growing season and an additional harvest.
Indoor grow lights allow you to start early, and your plants should be ready for transplanting as soon as the spring gets into swing.
Features to Look for
When purchasing the best grow light for seedlings, we recommend looking for the following features in a prospective model.
LED Lights
All modern grow lights feature design with LED technology. LED is effective and affordable to run. It’s the best way to give your plants the optimal spectrum they need for growth. LEDs have a longer service life than fluorescent, incandescent, or metal halide bulbs, and they use less electricity.
LED Output and Power
When selecting your ideal indoor grow light, we recommend looking at the LEDs’ output in your prospective light. The average small grow light for seedlings needs between 45-Watts to 80-Watts of light output. That’s enough lumens to help your plants achieve optimal growth.
LED Quality
The quality of the LEDs in your grow light makes an enormous difference in service life. The average high-quality T5 LED should provide you with at least 10,000-hours of service life before replacement.
Light Spectrum
It’s critical that you look at the wavelength emitted by the device when purchasing your grow light. Plants require full-spectrum light for the best growing results. Look for models featuring a full PAR spectrum, offering both red and blue wavelengths. Some models will also feature white-light.
Lighting Modes
Your LED grow light should feature different lighting modes. Look for models offering blue, red, and full-spectrum modes for your choice of growing conditions. The lighting modes affect your plants and how they grow.
PAR refers to the balance of red, blue, and white light in your LEDs. Top models feature high PAR ratings, giving you the best performance out of your new grow light.
Timers
The best grow light for seedlings come with timers. You get the option of setting your light cycle to 3-hours, 6-hours, or 12-hours, depending on your plant’s needs.
A timer is a handy feature in your light, allowing you to control the light cycle. However, if your model doesn’t come with a timer, you’ll have to purchase one separately or rely on manual operation.
Reflectors
A reflector helps increase the light intensity from the LEDs, amplifying the light output. Some reflectors can increase lumen count by up to 30%, depending on the design and materials used in the reflector. The best reflectors feature design and construction with polished aluminum or mylar materials.
A reflector is not an essential piece of equipment for your grow light. However, we recommend looking at models with reflectors to speed up your seedling growth. Some models come with detachable hoods, while others have permanent fixtures.
Propagator Hoods
If you’re starting cuttings, then you need a humid environment to help with the rooting process. A propagator is a type of lighting setup involving a seedling tray and a clear hood, with an LED light on top.
This setup allows you to contain humidity and heat inside the growing area. As a result, your plants root faster. Propagation kits are also good choices for growing seedlings. The additional moisture and warmth accelerate growth.
Adjustable Light Height
As your plants are growing, you need to move the light up to keep it at the correct distance from the canopy.
If you place the light too close to the plant’s, it results in the burning of foliage and delayed growth. Some models come with gooseneck arms for easy adjustment, while others have hanging cables or telescopic legs for fast adjustment of the light height.
Seedling Trays
Some models include seedling trays, while others don’t. We like the custom setups with integrated seedling trays. They offer you a plug-and-play system that’s ready for use right out of the box. Seedling trays are relatively inexpensive and available at most nurseries and big-box retailers.
What are the Mounting Designs for Indoor Grow Lights?
- Hanging – Hanging models require installation into your roof or a growing cabinet. They are highly adjustable and can accommodate full-grown plants. They aren’t the best choice for indoor lights due to the advanced setup and mounting required.
- Freestanding – A freestanding model is convenient and easy to use. You can set it up anywhere in the home, and it’s the ideal choice for starting seedlings. In most cases, freestanding models come as complete kits, but there are plenty of exceptions in this review.
- Clips – These grow lights feature a clamp design, allowing you to secure them to tales, windowsills, and desks. While they offer a convenient mounting design, they have limited applications around the home.
Grow Lights FAQs
How far do I position the lights from my plants?
We recommend you position your LED lights at least 12 to 30-inches from the canopy. As your seedlings develop, you’ll need to keep adjusting the canopy’s height to accommodate the new growth.
Placing the lights too close to the canopy cause burning on the seedlings. Leaving the light too far from the canopy slows growth.
How many hours of light do seedlings need each day?
According to experts, your plants need at least 16 to 18 hours of light every day during the seedling stage. This lighting cycle provides the plants with the amount of light they receive at the height of the growing season. Don’t set your lights on a 24-hour cycle. Your seedlings need a few hours break from the light to recover from the stress of the growing hours of the day.
What is the best color spectrum for my seedlings?
When purchasing your grow light, it’s vital that you do your research on the system’s output before you finalize your purchase. Red LEDs stimulate flowering and fruiting in your seedlings, and it also mimics the shorter days of the season, allowing you to put your plants into the flowering phase of its lifecycle. Therefore, red light is essential for growth, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming in your grow light. Blue light LEDs assist with the vegetative growth of your plants. It’s the ideal spectrum for seedlings, but you do need to include some red light to balance it out.
Where do I buy the best grow light for seedlings?
We recommend searching for the best grow lights on Amazon. Amazon is the leader in global eCommerce, with the best selection and prices on grow lights. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get buyer protection on your order, with fast, free shipping to your doorstep. Amazon offers you a hassle-free returns service if there’s anything wrong with your grow light.
Grow Lights – The Verdict
By now, you should have your eye on a few prospective models for your new seedling grow light. Light is an essential element for development in your plants, and choosing the right lighting system makes a significant difference in your plant’s yield at harvest time.
Start your plants early this season with one of our top choices in this review. If you’re having trouble settling on a model, why not go with one of our top picks?
The Root Farm All-Purpose LED Grow Light wins our award for the best overall seedling grow light. This model comes with a freestanding design and telescopic legs for an adjustable canopy height. You get a good balance of red and blue LEDs, with a 45-Watt capacity that’s ideal for rearing seedlings.
The Future Harvest Developer is our choice for the best premium seedling grow light in this review. This model comes as a complete system, including seedling trays. You get two banks of 24-Watt lights for a powerful 48-Watt total light output. The reflector hood features a telescopic stand to adjust to your canopy height as your seedlings develop.
The Elaine Indoor LED Grow Light is another top choice and the winner of the best budget buy in this review. With this model, you get three flexible gooseneck arms featuring a 20-Watt LED. This model comes with five adjustable dimmer functions and easy adjustment to your canopy height. These grow lights come with high-quality LEDs, offering 50,000-hours of service life at a great price.