We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Grow lights make it possible to keep indoor plants healthy and thriving, even when natural sunlight is scarce. To see how well they work, we tested 10 of the most popular models on the market, placing them in dim corners and using them with everything from herbs to flowering seedlings. By tracking plant health, leaf growth, and overall vitality, we found which lights truly help plants flourish.

Finding a reliable grow light matters because not every option provides the right balance of brightness, spectrum, and heat. Some are too weak to support real growth, while others run hot and risk damaging delicate plants. After weeks of testing, our top recommendation is the Hytekgro LED Grow Light Panel, which stood out for its lightweight design, low heat output, and impressively bright illumination.

Whether you’re nurturing seedlings, supplementing a few houseplants, or creating a full indoor garden, the right lighting setup makes all the difference. Ahead, we’ll look at the best grow lights to help your plants thrive indoors and break down what to consider when shopping.

1. BEST OVERALL:Hytekgro LED Grow Light Panel
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GE Grow LED Light Bulb for Seeds and Greens
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST FOR HOUSEPLANTS: AeroGarden Tabletop Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST MONITORING: Phlizon 600W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST FOR SHELVES: Soltech Grove LED Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST EXPANDABLE: Vivosun VS1000 LED Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST ADJUSTABLE: GooingTop LED Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST DESIGN: Valikiy Hanging Grow Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
9. BEST PLANT STAND: Bacekoll Plant Stand with Grow Lights
   ↓ Jump to Review
10. BEST ALL-IN-ONE: Auk Mini
    ↓ Jump to Review

Grow Lights Comparison

Our Top Picks

To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best grow lights, the following models had to perform well in our hands-on tests. We paired each light with various plants or germinating seeds and tested each function on the lights, including timers, dimmers, and temperature monitors. Overall, grow lights are relatively straightforward tools, offering added illumination without creating heat. The following are our favorite grow lights for plants—they performed well in our tests, although each is designed for a slightly different growing situation.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5

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 panel is 12 inches square and 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 illuminate plants in a living space.

We hung the Hytekgro lights over flowering seedlings we purchased for transplanting to the garden, and we turned the panels on for 16 hours daily. The seedlings didn’t grow in height too much during the weeks we tested the lights, but they did fill out, and more blooms appeared.

We watered the seedlings during the testing phase but didn’t fertilize them, so the bulk of any growth could be attributed to the lights. A real upside to the Hytekgro lights is that they didn’t heat the space, but a slight downside is that they didn’t come with a timer, so we had to set an alarm and manually turn them on and off. The square shape makes them suitable for hanging over square and rectangular flats of seedlings, and we felt the plants’ health improved during their time under the lights.

What our tester says:“I love these lights for starting seeds and growing microgreens. They offer just the right amount of light to give the tender shoots the boost they need.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Hytekgro grow light atAmazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5

For those wanting to take advantage of a grow light without investing a lot of money in an elaborate system, consider the GE Grow LED bulb. It offers a range of red, white, and blue light, although it appears pure white to the naked eye, which makes it well-suited for use in a living room, bedroom, or any spot in the house where plant-positive light is desired. Best of all, the bulb fits into any existing lamp or light fixture with a medium E26 base.

We used the GE LED light bulb in an aluminum work light fixture and tied it to a rack over pots where we’d planted lemon balm seeds. Like other vegetable and herb seeds, lemon balm seeds need ample light to germinate. The seeds sprouted in about 10 days, indicating that they got enough light from this bulb.

Our light fixture was crude, and when hung approximately 18 inches over the soil, the light radiated in a circular pattern about 2 feet in diameter. However, it was very bright and difficult to look at directly. We decided it could be put to better use in an adjustable-arm lamp that could be pointed toward a plant but away from eyes.

Get the GE grow light atAmazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

AeroGarden is well known for its tabletop hydroponic systems, so it’s no surprise that it makes excellent grow lights. The AeroGarden tabletop grow light, with its sleek and compact design, is an excellent solution for indoor gardeners looking to support their houseplants in areas with insufficient natural light. Ideal for small to medium-sized plants, this lamp integrates well with home decor, adding elegance to any space. Its plug-and-play setup and the AeroGarden app offer convenience and ease of use, allowing for remote control of light settings, including on/off scheduling and brightness adjustment. The lamp’s four light modes—full spectrum, white, warm, and cool—meet the diverse needs of different plant species.

In testing, the AeroGarden proved its versatility and effectiveness for various plants, from low-light species like ZZ and snake plants to light-loving varieties like hoyas and cacti. However, we noticed that with some trailing varieties, such as pothos, the leaves that fell out of the light’s coverage areas suffered. We recommend sticking to plants with more upright growth habits. The adjustable light settings facilitated healthy growth in previously dark corners of our home, demonstrating the lamp’s ability to provide vital illumination for thriving plant life.

Get the AeroGarden grow light atAmazon,Lowe’s (cream only), orAeroGarden.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

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 nearly 3-foot-long by 1.5-foot-wide 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.

Get the Phlizon grow light atAmazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

If you’re an indoor gardening enthusiast seeking a premium LED grow light that combines efficiency and style, the Soltech Solutions Grove LED grow light is the perfect choice. Its sleek and robust design ensures that it not only blends seamlessly into your home decor but also provides the essential full-spectrum light that your plants need for optimal growth.

The Grove LED grow light is highly energy efficient and has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. You can easily place it anywhere in your home, whether on a bookcase, under cabinets, or on a wall. The part we liked best about its installation process is that there’s no need for drilling; it comes with super-strong adhesive pads to attach to any surface and sturdy magnets to connect the lights. And if you need to mount it with screws, the necessary attachments are also included. To turn on the lights, double tap. To dim, double tap and hold.

It’s worth noting that the Grove light does not have an integrated timer. Instead, it comes with a manual timer to plug the electric cord into. We thought it was slightly disappointing given its high price point, but the light’s quality, durability, and performance justify the investment, making it an excellent value for anyone serious about indoor gardening.

Get the Soltech grow light atAmazon orSoltech.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

The Vivosun VS1000 may not win any design awards—it’s a flat, industrial-looking panel that hangs from strings—but when it comes to delivering light, it does its job impressively well. This high-efficiency LED grow light runs at just 100 watts, yet it blasts out a full spectrum of brightness that mimics natural sunlight. We set it up in a dark closet, and it was powerful enough to make the space feel like midday.

Setup was simple, though a little tricky since the fixture dangles from rope hangers rather than integrating into a stand or frame. Still, the system felt sturdy enough once it was in place. The dimming knob was useful, giving us four levels of adjustment to tailor brightness for seedlings or more mature plants. Like other pro-style grow lights, the VS1000 supports daisy chaining with additional units, but it doesn’t include a timer—you’ll need to either manage that manually or buy the add-on controller (sold separately, and we didn’t test it).

Performance-wise, the VS1000 impressed us. The plants we tested perked up quickly under its intense brightness, showing greener leaves and healthier growth after just a couple of weeks. It runs quietly, too, thanks to its fanless design and effective heat dissipation, which meant we could position it close to foliage without worrying about scorching.

This isn’t the most attractive grow light for everyday living spaces, but for serious indoor gardeners—or anyone running a dedicated grow setup—the Vivosun VS1000 is a solid, efficient, and affordable option.

Get the Vivosun grow light atAmazon,Walmart, orVivosun.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5

The GooingTop LED Grow Light is a clever, compact solution for houseplant owners who need flexible lighting in tight spaces. Instead of a bulky panel, this model uses a strong clip-on base with two flexible gooseneck arms. Each arm ends in a strip of LEDs, allowing you to bend and angle the light to cover plants from multiple sides. We clipped it to the side of a large planter and adjusted the necks so the light shone across the plant evenly, and it worked beautifully.

Brightness is easily controlled with the in-line buttons, which also include a handy timer function. Set the light to run for 4, 8, or 12 hours on a 24-hour cycle, and it will shut off automatically. While you need to reset the timer each day, the feature is still far more convenient than the fully manual controls found on many competing grow lights. The 6000K white light—with red LEDs blended in—mimics midday sunlight and is gentle on the eyes, so it doubles as a reading lamp if needed.

This light isn’t meant for large-scale growing, but for desktop plants, seedlings, or herbs in a kitchen window, it’s efficient, affordable, and surprisingly versatile. With minimal power consumption (around 10 watts) and a bendy, user-friendly design, it’s a great fit for casual plant lovers who want to keep greenery thriving indoors.

Get the GooingTop grow light atAmazon orWalmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

The Valikiy Hanging Grow Light is proof that grow lights don’t have to look utilitarian. With its sleek aluminum body, sandy-coated surface, and pendant-style design, this fixture could easily be mistaken for a modern light fixture in a living room. We hung it above a large indoor fig tree that sits in a low-light corner, and the transformation was instant—the tree now basks in bright, full-spectrum light that blends seamlessly into the room’s décor.

Functionally, this lamp works as well as it looks. It casts a strong, warm glow that mimics natural sunlight, keeping our fig healthy and green even in a space that otherwise receives little light. The unit does heat up a bit after long periods of use, but not to a concerning level. The included plug-in timer unfortunately didn’t work during testing, though we don’t fault the light itself. Still, the lack of an on/off switch means you’ll need to plug and unplug it manually unless you purchase a separate timer.

For plant parents who don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics for function, the Valikiy is a standout. It offers both effective plant lighting and stylish design, making it a rare option that satisfies your greenery and interior décor at the same time.

Get the Valikiy grow light atAmazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.8/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

The Bacekoll Plant Stand with Grow Lights combines function and style, offering a way to display plants while giving them the supplemental lighting they need. Assembly was straightforward, and while the MDF shelves and metal frame aren’t luxurious, the finished product looked tidy once plants were arranged across the tiers. The S-shaped design makes it feel more decorative than a typical utility shelf, and it worked well as a plant display in a dark office corner.

The grow lights are three LED strips mounted under the upper shelves, shining down onto the plants below. During testing, plants directly under the lights responded well, showing perkier leaves and steady growth despite the lack of natural sunlight. However, the lowest shelf didn’t receive much light, and the top shelf sat above the lighting system entirely, meaning only about half the tiers truly benefited. That said, for smaller plants, seedlings, or a collection of medium houseplants, the lighting coverage was enough to keep them looking healthy.

Lightweight construction makes the shelf easy to move, but it also feels a bit wobbly once loaded with pots. Anchoring it to the wall is a smart idea, especially in homes with kids or pets. Overall, this stand is best for plant enthusiasts who want a combination of storage, display, and light in one unit—an affordable solution that adds greenery and brightness to underlit spaces.

Get the Bacekoll grow light shelves atAmazon,Wayfair, orWalmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

The Auk Mini is one of the sleekest hydroponic systems we’ve tested, combining high-end design with a surprisingly powerful LED bulb. Crafted from premium aluminum with walnut wood accents, it looks more like a designer countertop lamp than a plant-growing appliance. We tested the black-and-walnut version, which included basil and parsley seeds, coco coir, and nutrients to get us started.

The built-in LED light bar is the star of the system. It provides full-spectrum lighting that automatically turns on and off throughout the day, mimicking natural sunlight cycles. As plants grow taller, the bar raises smoothly to keep them illuminated from seedling stage through full maturity. We placed the unit on our kitchen counter with no access to natural light, and within 2 weeks our basil and parsley sprouted. Under the Auk Mini’s glow, growth accelerated dramatically, proving the light was strong enough to support healthy plants on its own.

Beyond the lighting, the system itself is straightforward: a water reservoir with a float indicator, nutrient pumps, and space for four plants. Unlike many hydroponic brands that lock you into proprietary pods, the Auk Mini lets you add your own seeds or even soil after the initial setup, giving it long-term versatility. While its price is higher than other small hydroponic grow lights, the combination of premium materials, elegant design, and an effective grow light makes the Auk Mini a great option for design-conscious indoor gardeners.

What our tester says:“This is easily one of the best-looking herb growing systems I’ve ever used. It’s definitely a keeper on my kitchen counter.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Auk Mini atAuk.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Grow Lights

To find the best grow lights, we tested 10 models from both well-known and emerging brands, evaluating each on design, performance, ease of use, and value. We set them up in otherwise dim areas and tracked how houseplants, herbs, and seedlings responded under their glow. To gauge coverage, we darkened the room, turned on each light, and measured the brightest spread. We also tested built-in timers for accuracy, checked for heat output by hand, and noted ease of setup, durability, and noise level. Each light was scored using a rubric, and we awarded points across categories like brightness, adjustability, aesthetics, and overall plant health. While plant response varied depending on species and starting condition, we observed clear differences between products.

In past years, we’ve also tested several other popular models.

• The LBW Full Spectrum 150W LED Grow Light With Stand is a tabletop option that works well for seedlings and small houseplants.
• The Hydrofarm Agrobrite Compact Fluorescent Grow Lamp is a versatile pick that’s affordable and easy to set up in almost any corner.
• The Bestva Dimmable Pro Series LED Grow Light offers strong output with adjustable brightness for different growth stages.
• And the Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light stands out for its expandability, making it a good fit for larger or multi-light grow setups.

Though they’re not part of this year’s lineup, they’re still solid choices for the right situation.

What to Consider When Choosing a 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 more yellow. 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 the guesswork out 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 mimicking 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 CFLs 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 grow 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 LED bulbs when you want to light a specific plant.

Bulb or Stand Setup

The number of plants or seedling trays you want to grow will help determine the kind of grow light best suited to your situation. Although light bulbs are 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. Of course, 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, your budget will ultimately have the final say.

Premade stand setups are pricey, so if your seed-starting plans are modest, consider building your own system. However, houseplant enthusiasts might gravitate toward a premade grow light stand with aesthetics 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 lights come with timers. They may also include 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.

FAQs

Grow lights open up a whole world of indoor gardening possibilities. From starting seeds that will eventually be transplanted outdoors to overwintering houseplants, grow lights are a popular and economical way to keep 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 these indoor gardening lights will likely have questions.

Q. What is the best brand of LED grow light?

Today’s best grow light brands include well-known names such as GE and Phillips as well as up-and-comers, such as Hydrofarm.

Q. 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, more yellow light.

Q. 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.

Q. How many lumens do I need for a grow light?

Aim for 2,000 to 3,000 lumens per square foot for most indoor plants.

Q. Where should you put grow lights?

Position them 6 to 12 inches above plants, adjusting height as they grow for best coverage.

Q. Do grow lights affect humans?

Grow lights are safe, but bright exposure can strain eyes—avoid prolonged direct viewing.

Meet the Testers

Paul Rankin is a freelance writer, editor, and product tester with extensive experience in DIY, home improvement, and lifestyle content. He has tested everything from power tools and outdoor gear to household appliances and smart home devices for major publications. His testing style is hands-on, detail-oriented, and focused on helping readers find products that make everyday projects easier.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of articles on home, garden, and crafting topics, as well as DIY tutorials, to leading media outlets and retailers. Her testing approach is straightforward and budget-minded.

Additional research provided by Heather Blackmore.

The post The Best Grow Lights of 2025, Tested and Plant-Approved appeared first on Bob Vila.

​Read More