The Top Grow Lights for Thriving Indoor Plants, Based on Extensive Testing

Top Pick

The LBW Grow Light is an excellent solution to keep your houseplants flourishing throughout their growth stages—from seedling to flowering. Its full-spectrum design includes all the necessary wavelengths for photosynthesis. The tripod stand extends up to 48 inches, making it a perfect option for larger plants. Alternatively, you can hang the light from the ceiling for broader coverage without using the stand.

Assembling the grow light was a breeze—just a few screws to tighten and parts to connect. Adjusting the tripod stand to accommodate our plants' growth was equally simple. The LED light itself proved incredibly effective: Our spinach and tomatoes grew much faster under it compared to when they were on the windowsill. After six months of use, it continues to exceed our expectations. It has helped our plants thrive during winter, with no noticeable decline in quality.

The light offers 30 watts of bright illumination, so you won't have to worry about it being too dim. However, the brightness is fixed, meaning it may not be ideal for growing different types of plants in one room. The light was strong enough to be visible through our window at night from a distance, so we recommend angling it downward to avoid this. Overall, we found that the grow light positively impacted our plants, leading to noticeable growth with all our seedlings. Its compact size also makes it a good fit for a small apartment.

Type: LED bulb | Wattage: 30 watts | Size: 15.75 x 7.87 x 7.87 inches

Best Budget

Equipped with dimmable settings, full-spectrum lighting, and USB connectivity, the Leoter Grow Light is an excellent option for growing plants indoors. It includes a remote and a timer that offers intervals of 3, 9, and 12 hours, as well as four adjustable light heads on a flexible gooseneck. This setup allows you to grow flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs. During our tests, it proved to be effective across all stages of plant growth. We tested the 12-hour timer, and it performed consistently. While we appreciate the feature, a longer interval would have been ideal.

The light emits a purplish glow, which is bright but not the brightest among the models we tested. Unlike our top pick, this one has nine dimming modes to adjust the light intensity for your plants. It worked particularly well for our tomato and spinach plants, which grew faster and healthier than those without grow light. After six months of use, we have no issues—this is both an effective and affordable option.

Type: LED bulb | Wattage: 40 watts | Size: 13.46 x 5.71 x 3.27 inches

Best for Small Plants

The AeroGarden Trio Grow Light is an excellent choice for beginners, helping plants grow stronger and faster than they would with natural light alone. Its sleek and compact design makes it perfect for those who want to incorporate plants into their decor. With three adjustable arms, it works best for plants up to 12 inches tall, making it ideal for small desk plants or an indoor herb garden.

Setting up was simple—just plug it in and position the lights for your plants. It also comes with a connected app, but we found it a bit complicated. Fortunately, the light functioned well without it, though we missed out on custom features like adjusting brightness and weather settings. Despite this, the light has some great features, including a built-in timer that keeps the lights on for 10 hours, simulating the natural sunlight cycle (adjustable via the app). Each arm has a 5-watt light and offers four modes: full spectrum, white, warm, and cool.

After six months of use, this light is still performing as expected—the timer continues to work, and the light is still strong. Plants grown under it appear taller, greener, and more vibrant than those that only received natural light. If you’re looking to maintain an indoor garden year-round, this is a solid choice.

Type: LED bulb | Wattage: 15 watts | Size: 14.88 x 6.46 x 6.46 inches

Ideal for Larger Spaces

The Mars Hydro LED light enables you to grow enough leafy vegetables to sustain you year-round. Despite its sizable frame, setting it up was surprisingly simple, though it did require more tools compared to many other models we tested. A standout feature is the ability to link up to 50 LED lights and control their power and dimming from a single unit. When switched on, we observed that the light emitted minimal heat and stayed cool to the touch. With 150 watts of power, it also offers a dimmer that adjusts for different growth phases.

Using this grow light significantly improved the health of our plants. We saw noticeable improvements in our plants compared to those that only received natural light. After six months, the light was still performing admirably—though occasionally it could be a bit too strong. While it worked wonderfully for herbs and tomatoes, once we added more seedlings, it became excessive. We wouldn’t recommend this light for growing plants at various stages, but it’s ideal for those who need intense light on a small area.

Although this grow light isn’t the most visually appealing, it delivers an abundance of light, perfect for creating a lush, thriving indoor garden. Keep in mind that it lacks a timer, meaning you will need to manually manage when it’s switched on and off.

Type: LED bulb Wattage: 150 watts Dimensions: 14.17 x 13.25 x 1.36 inches

Top Hanging Option

This was our first experience with a hanging grow light, and the Dymond BoostGro impressed us. Despite its affordable price, it delivers great value and is perfect for growing herbs or plants on a kitchen island or cabinet. It's available in 2-, 3-, and 4-foot sizes, each offering a 30,000-hour lifespan and a one-year limited warranty.

This full-spectrum light provides your plants with a yellow-green glow, mimicking natural sunlight. It also features red lamp beads to support seed germination and the growth of fruits and flowers. The light can be mounted two ways: with the built-in hooks and hanging cables or directly installed on your ceiling. However, the unclear instructions left us guessing on how far apart to space the screws.

During our tests, plants flourished under the grow lights, especially when compared to the non-grow light control plants. Our tomatoes, a typical summer crop, grew by about 16 inches. You can adjust the height with the included wires to accommodate plant growth if you have enough vertical space. While effective, this grow light doesn’t match the quality or aesthetic of other models on our list, and it lacks a built-in timer. Nevertheless, it remained reliable after six months of use with no quality changes, making it a solid, affordable choice.

Type: Hanging LED Wattage: 16 watts Dimensions: 22.05 x 4 x 1.42 inches

Top Clip-On Choice

If you're looking for a grow light that also works as a desk lamp, the GooingTop LED Grow Light is the perfect choice. It provides your desktop plants with the light they need to thrive, all while adding a touch of greenery to any room. The extra-long gooseneck rotates 360 degrees, allowing light from every angle, and the two adjustable arms make it easy to accommodate various pot and plant sizes.

This model features a full-spectrum 6000K white light, which mimics the intensity of midday sun, along with a red spectrum light that promotes healthy growth. It comes with a remote for convenient control from afar, and a timer that allows you to set it to turn off after four, eight, or twelve hours. One downside is its limited effectiveness with certain plants—besides tomatoes, we didn’t have much success. However, the tomatoes under this light grew significantly more than those by the window.

Being an LED light, it generates very little heat while providing ample brightness without overpowering the room. In short, this light offers all the essential features you need and can be easily clipped to a desk, cabinet, or shelf. After six months, it continues to perform as well as it did on day one.

Type: Clip-on LED | Wattage: 50 watts, 100 watts | Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 7.9 inches

Top Mounted Option

If you've been hesitant to start an herb garden due to space or light limitations, the Soltech Grove LED Grow Light is a great solution. It fits conveniently under your kitchen cabinets, allowing you to grow fresh herbs all year long.

This model comes with an adhesive sticker and a magnetized light fixture for easy setup. However, we found the adhesive strip didn't hold well, and the light fixture kept falling off the wall. After replacing the adhesive strips, we were able to keep the grow light securely in place.

Despite the initial issue, the grow light performed well during testing, noticeably benefiting our basil and tomato plants compared to those relying on natural light. The fruit on our tomato plants also grew larger than those without a grow light. After six months, the light is still as effective as it was on day one. While our basil and tomatoes flourished, it's worth mentioning that our spinach didn’t show much growth.

We love the touch sensitivity of the light—you can easily tap it to turn it on or off, and adjust the brightness levels. It also has a 360-degree rotating feature for flexible positioning. On the highest brightness setting, the light is quite intense, which could be a concern for some. This model is an excellent choice for those with limited countertop space or light, as it can be mounted directly under a kitchen cabinet or shelf.

Type: Mounted LED | Wattage: 11 watts | Dimensions: 18 x 1 x 1.5 inches

Top Choice for Seedlings

While it takes a bit longer to assemble than some alternatives, this grow light offers a straightforward solution for growing numerous seedlings at once. The 31-inch unit from Gardener’s Supply features two shelves, each with 3 feet of LED lighting, and a built-in timer to regulate the light exposure for your seedlings. We appreciate its modular design, allowing you to stack two units if you need more space for additional seed starters or plants.

Although it’s quite large, we found the assembly process surprisingly easy. The instructions were clear, straightforward, and simple to follow. Keep in mind that it will require some space and time, so if DIY isn't your strength, you may want to have someone help out.

During our testing, we saw a striking improvement in plant health and growth, especially considering we planted them in the cooler months. The difference was clear between the plants we grew under the lights versus those left in natural sunlight. Our grow light plants thrived with thick stalks and healthy, green leaves, while the ones left in sunlight sprouted briefly and then withered. Even after six months of use, the light is still functioning flawlessly. While the light did produce some warmth, it was minimal, which is typical for LED grow lights.

If you're looking to grow a large garden without sacrificing space in your basement or garage, this grow light system is a solid choice. Our only complaint was that adjusting the light for plant growth wasn’t particularly easy—it took two people to unscrew and re-attach it to a new height. This system also might not be the best for taller plants, so we suggest making a plan to move them out of the light’s range before you start using it.

Type: LED shelf | Wattage: Not specified | Dimensions: 31 x 15.5 x 21 inches

Most Fashionable

This grow light combines style and functionality, easily claiming the title of the best-designed grow light we've tested. It looks just like a regular overhead light and has an appealing aesthetic that could easily blend in as a permanent fixture in your home. While installation requires ceiling mounting and some DIY knowledge, once that's done, all it takes is plugging it in to get it working.

Available in 20- and 40-watt options, this grow light offers a color temperature of 3000K, delivering a warm white light that promotes growth, flowering, and fruiting. Its size is perfect for both large and small plant collections, which will flourish when placed directly beneath it. With a lifespan of 90,000 hours (roughly 15 years), it boasts the longest lifespan of any grow light on this list. Additionally, it’s programmable and features an analog timer with a 12-hour setting, though being analog, it can be tricky to set the precise time.

After six months, there’s no doubt that our plants under the grow light thrived more than those by the window. Our tomatoes grew into strong seedlings, and the basil also flourished. Although we felt a mild warmth beneath the light, it wasn’t significant enough to impact the plants negatively.

We found this light to be quite bright, making it a great fit for less trafficked spaces or corners of a room. However, a notable downside is that the light is not dimmable. Despite this, the quality of light remained excellent, keeping our plants in perfect condition throughout our testing period.

Type: Overhead LED | Wattage: 20 watts, 40 watts | Size: 6.5 by 4 inches

Best Bulb

The Sansi grow light bulb is a great addition to any existing light fixture. While it may lack some advanced features, such as a connected app or dimmer, it compensates with a low price and an integrated design. With a 4000K color temperature, this bulb promotes flowering and fruit-bearing in plants.

Despite its simplicity, this grow light proved effective, and we were thrilled to see buds and shoots emerging within just a week or two. The plants under the grow light grew at least twice as fast as those under natural light, flourishing much more abundantly. Six months later, the light continues to perform as expected.

Its design is basic, featuring a cord with a caged bulb that can be hung on its own or placed in a lampshade. You can install it practically anywhere on your ceiling, as long as it’s mounted high enough. While the light lacks brightness control and a built-in timer (though you can use a smart timer), the straightforward design is perfect for beginners who don’t need advanced features. It’s an affordable and powerful option, making it great as a primary or backup grow light.

Type: LED bulb Wattage: 10, 15, 24, 36 watts Size: ‎5.16 by 6.65 inches

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the LBW Grow Light With Stand due to its full-spectrum light that promotes plant growth throughout all stages. It also comes with a 15-inch tripod stand that extends to 48 inches, making it perfect for larger plants. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the LeoterGrow Light offers a unique purple hue and dimming features.

Our Testing Process

To identify the top grow lights, we tested 16 models in real-life conditions over the span of six months. We began by gathering the necessary testing equipment, which included six seed packets (tomato, basil, and spinach), and set up the grow lights for use. We planted three plants in natural sunlight and three under the grow lights, positioning the grow light plants as far from natural sunlight as possible.

During the test, we maintained equal care for both plant groups, using the natural sunlight plants as our control group. Each plant received the same amount of water at the same times, and we kept the temperature and humidity levels consistent for both groups. Additionally, we used identical soil in both groups to guarantee fairness and accuracy in our results. We measured the growth progress of the plants weekly with a tape measure, recording their height at both three and six weeks.

Upon completing the tests, we assessed each grow light on various factors including ease of setup, performance, design, brightness, and value for money. We also checked whether the lights had app integration, timers, and adjustable brightness settings.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Grow Lights

Type

To elevate your plant collection, you have a range of options like bulbs, tabletop lights, clip-on lights, and hanging lights. For those with a large number of plants, Trautz-Awot suggests opting for a fixture (such as hanging lights) that provides ample light. Alternatively, for individuals with limited space or plant shelves, clip-on lights offer flexibility as they can be placed almost anywhere and adjusted to suit the plants.

Bulbs are best for smaller plant collections, as they can fit into nearly any lamp or fixture. These bulbs typically come in LED or fluorescent versions, both of which are full-spectrum, offering the necessary red or blue light crucial for healthy plant development. For a medium to small-sized collection, Trautz-Awot recommends using a tabletop light, especially if you're starting seeds.

Another popular choice is HID (high-intensity discharge) lights. These lights generate heat, consume more energy than LEDs, and are ideal for plants, fruits, and vegetables that require intense light. While typically used in commercial settings, they can also be used by home gardeners for optimal plant growth.

Color

For optimal plant growth, it’s crucial to choose a grow light with the right color temperature. Trautz-Awot suggests a range between 2,700 and 7,000 Kelvin, which mimics natural sunlight. A temperature that’s too high may reduce photosynthesis, leading to damage, while a too-low temperature can slow growth and limit fruit or flower production.

Power

The power requirements for your plants vary depending on factors like the plant species, its size, and how much light it needs. For optimal growth, experts typically recommend 40 watts per square foot.

You may also come across the term PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density) on grow light labels, which indicates the amount of light emitted. Most plants thrive with a PPFD ranging from 200 to 900, depending on their growth stage.

Plant Type

The right grow light depends on the plants you're cultivating. For plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as lettuce, snake plants, and peace lilies, fluorescent lights are a great option. LED lights work for almost any plant but are particularly effective for flowers and vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and orchids, thanks to the blue and red light spectrums they offer. HID lights are ideal for growing herbs, fruits, and flowering plants.

More to Consider

GE Grow Light LED Indoor Flood Light Bulb: This bulb is perfect for homeowners, as it illuminates a broad area with light that's neither too intense nor too faint. However, it's a bit pricey for a single bulb. To save, we suggest purchasing a two-pack, which offers a more affordable option.

i-Venoya 75W LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants Growing Lamp: This grow light performed well in our tests, although some plants didn't appear as vibrant as those grown under natural sunlight. Nonetheless, we loved the colorful, warm purple glow it cast, adding a cozy ambiance to the room.

Questions You Might Have

Can any LED light be used as a grow light?

While regular LED lights can help indoor plants grow, they usually lack the necessary light intensity or spectrum to support strong, healthy growth. “It’s better to use dedicated LED grow lights,” says Trautz-Awot. “Regular LEDs only emit light that humans need to see, while grow lights provide a full spectrum of blue and red light, which is essential for plants to thrive.”

Where should grow lights be placed?

“I suggest positioning the grow light directly above the plant to prevent sideways growth,” advises Trautz-Awot. “If you can't place it directly above, rotate your plant's position in front of the light to promote uniform growth.” She also recommends keeping the grow light on for 16 hours daily, followed by 8 hours off.

Are grow lights a worthwhile investment?

“Without adequate sunlight, your plants will struggle and may even fail to grow,” explains Trautz-Awot. “If your plants get enough natural sunlight during the day, a grow light might not be necessary. However, a grow light becomes invaluable if your plants aren't receiving sufficient sunlight, as it can supplement or even fully replace natural sunlight depending on the light's strength.”

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour, and revised by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer at Mytour. To create this list, we tested 16 different grow lights over a span of six months to determine the best options. Additionally, we consulted Nancy Trautz-Awot, a horticultural expert from Burpee Gardening, to gain professional advice on selecting the right grow light for healthy plants.