Overview
LED grow lights have plenty to offer in the world of indoor gardening and they are, therefore, worth investing in.
They have been shown to promote plants’ overall growth by ensuring that they get the required light to grow and flourish.
Before the emergence of LED grow lights, keeping indoor plants alive was strenuous for most people. Shifting indoor plants from one point to another or placing them at a certain point that doesn’t suit your aesthetic so that they can get sunlight is generally hectic and annoying.
But not anymore with LED grow light. Thanks to LED technology you can now place your plants where you like irrespective of the lighting situation in your house and let the lights grow and do their thing.
Unlike in the past years, we now have plenty of these devices on the market today from different brands and they are beating the limitation of the traditional grow lights which has been limiting.
According to the president of Florida-based BIOS Lighting Company Sean Tegart, LED grow light technology is rapidly becoming a choice for many indoor plant growers.” This is because, unlike the traditional grow light, LED lights are programmed to deliver different parts of the plant both visible and invisible light spectrum to optimize their growth.
Tegart further notes that “the majority of indoor plant growers are warming up to this technology because the devices can last for about 15-20 years without the need to change the bulbs.”
Top Picks: Best Grow Lights
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![Mars Hydro LED Grow Light]()
Best for Commercial and personal useMars Hydro LED Grow LightGo to Review - At Amazon
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![GooingTop LED Grow Light]()
Best for Indoor plantsGooingTop LED Grow LightGo to Review - At Amazon
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![AeroGarden Trio Grow Light]()
Best for Small to medium houseplantsAeroGarden Trio Grow LightGo to Review - At Amazon
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![GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb]()
Best for Indoor gardeningGE BR30 LED Grow Light BulbGo to Review - At Amazon
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![Leoter Grow Light for Indoor Plants]()
Best for Houseplants, herbs, and seedlingsLeoter Grow Light for Indoor PlantsGo to Review - At Amazon
What is a Grow Light?
LED grow lights have tremendous benefits in the world of indoor gardening. They support the growth of indoor plants from the initial development stages like germination and shooting to flowering, and ensure that they grow and flourish into beautiful healthy plants.
The LED technology increases the indoor plants’ ability to complete photosynthesis and ensure that they grow strong and healthy. It is a targeted approach that ensures that the energy high percentage is not wasted but utilized to support the growth of plants.
Research published by Juseppina Pennisi et al in Frontiers in Plant Science notes that
Unlike traditional grow lights that produce limited light spectrum and excessive heat, LED grow lights are designed in a way that they produce specific light wavelengths that the plants can comfortably absorb.
In a publication in The Journal of Applied Ecology, Xian-Wei Chen, Shi-Qi Liu, Yue Wang, Jing-Kai Liu, and Lei Feng looked into the advantages of using LED light growth over traditional lighting. Compared to traditional lighting, red and blue LED lights appeared the best combination as they increased plant growth, nutritional quality, leaf chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate.
How we picked
Trusted Manufacturers
We considered LED lights to grow from a reputable company. Such manufacturers are keen on protecting the reputation of their company and so they focus on producing high-quality, safe, and efficient products for consumers.
Cost
Cost was also an important consideration for us during our selection because we wanted to bring you cost-effective LED light grow devices that are also easy to use.
Reliability and Plant Safety
We value our reader’s safety and happiness which is why when choosing our top best LED lighting grow devices, we ensure that they all meet the set manufacturing safety standards. We also looked at each product’s reliability before adding it to our list.
Ratings & Customer Reviews
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Best Grow Lights: Our Recommendations
1. Mars Hydro LED Grow Light
Best For: Indoor plants, Greenhouse applications, Commercial and personal use
Price: $249.99
Features: High-quality components, Targeted spectrum, Network connectivity possibilities, Daisy Chain Dimming Feature
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One-Year Warranty
- Lifetime Customer Support
- Energy-efficient
- High light intensity
- Versatile for different plant growth stages
- Good heat management
Cons
- Higher initial cost compared to some traditional grow lights
- May require knowledge to optimize setup for best results
More to Know
User Timothy KorchaK Review,
Bright
I already had a 2×2 grow light from a different manufacturer that was over a year old. I bought this 2×2 grow light, and added it to my grow tent with my other light. I now have approximately 200 watts. This girl light is much brighter, durable and well worth the price.
2. GooingTop LED Grow Light
Best For: Indoor plants, including small houseplants and seedlings
Price: $35.09 for 50W, $45.49 for 100W
Features: 6000K full spectrum light, 5-level dimmable, Auto on/off timer (4/8/12 hours), Flexible gooseneck with a strong clamp, USB or AC power plug
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Energy-efficient
- Good for small spaces
Cons
- Limited to small areas
- Requires proximity to plants for best results
More to Know
User Christopher Creel Review,
Great product.
Wonderful task light that helps my indoor plants as well. The adjustment settings are great and the lamps don’t get hot at all. Easily adjustable with the option of turning on only one of the two lights if needed. Dimmable and has time settings too.
3. AeroGarden Trio Grow Light
Best For: Indoor plant enthusiasts seeking a versatile, smart grow light suitable for small to medium houseplants
Price: $79.99
Features: Three bendable arms with 5W LED lights each, Four light modes: full-spectrum, white, warm, cool, Adjustable height between 11-17 inches, Bluetooth connectivity for AeroGarden app control, Automatic timer and dimming capabilities
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customizable lighting modes and schedules
- Adjustable and bendable arms for precise lighting
- Attractive, modern design
- App connectivity for remote control
Cons
- Stability issues when arms are extended too far
- Limited functionality without the app
More to Know
User Joshua Review
Very sleek!
Easy to assemble and provides great light. The timer works great and turns on and off easily. Very helpful for my plants that do not get enough sun due to shade or colder months.
4. GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb
Best For: Indoor gardening for seeds and greens, particularly leafy greens and herbs
Price: $18.35
Features: 9-watt LED grow light, Full spectrum with balanced red-blue light, Non-dimmable, Medium base, BR30 shape
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Long lifespan (25,000 hours)
- Low heat generation
Cons
- Non-dimmable
- Limited to specific plant types
More to Know
User W.P. Review
Great for outdoor plants brought inside for winter
Nice grow lights and not at all like a standard flood light bulb. We installed ours in built in fixtures in the ceiling over the fireplace and use them for plants and cactus brought in for the winter. Cactus suffered last year, with lights they appear healthier.
5. Leoter Grow Light for Indoor Plants
Best For: Indoor plants, including houseplants, herbs, and seedlings
Price: $29.99
Features: 80 efficient LED lamps (36 red, 16 blue, 28 full spectrum), Auto on/off timer (3/9/12 hours), 10 dimmable levels, Adjustable gooseneck, 3 switch modes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile and customizable lighting
- Easy to set up and use
- Affordable
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- The timer needs resetting if the power is off
- Not ideal for large plants
More to Know
User ashley martinez Review
Love the ability to change the settings
I wish that it came with a remote but a plus side it came with box for the charger which is rare these days timer works great and plants are thriving . I definitely recommend . I love you can change the settings to the type of light your plants require also ! Wish the plug was a little long but overall happy !
6. Soltech Solutions Large Grow Light
Best For: To provide optimal lighting conditions for the plants. Suitable for a wide range of plants, from herbs and vegetables to decorative houseplants.
Price: $299.00
Features: Sleek, modern design, Full-spectrum LED lighting, Adjustable hanging height, Energy-efficient, High light output with minimal heat
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- 90-day Money Back Guarantee
- 15-year lifespan
- Hand-built in the US
- Easy setup
Cons
- Little Expensive
- May require additional installation for optimal placement
More to Know
User Jaime L. Hudgins Review
Great for plants!
Finally! A grow light that works well for my plants and for my design style. I bought two. Plants that are under each are growing like crazy!!
7. Soltech Solutions LED Grow Light
Best For: This grow light is best for indoor gardeners and plant enthusiasts who need high-quality lighting solutions for growing a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, and houseplants
Price: $130.00
Features: Full-spectrum LED lighting, Adjustable hanging height, Energy-efficient design, High light output with minimal heat generation, Sleek, modern aesthetic
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect for Tight Spaces
- Quality and Durability
- Modern design fits well with home decor
- 360° rotation with magnetic mount
- Produces minimal heat, preventing plant damage
Cons
- Higher upfront cost compared to some basic grow lights
- Installation may require effort.
More to Know
User Rahrah Review
Very nice
The design team thought of everything. The covered light, mechanical timer (no wifi issues), easy install, dimmable, magnetic mounting. Its really sharp. I bought this to replace my modsprout lights. Worth it.
8. iGrowtek Grow Light
Best For: This grow light is best for home gardeners and plant enthusiasts who need a reliable lighting solution for seedlings, young plants, and indoor gardens. It is particularly effective for starting seeds and promoting early plant growth stages.
Price: $19.99
Features: Full-spectrum LED lighting, Adjustable gooseneck for flexible light positioning, Clip-on design for easy attachment, Energy-efficient with low power consumption, Natural light spectrum to promote healthy plant growth
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Full-spectrum LED for natural light simulation
- Flexible positioning with adjustable gooseneck
- Easy to install with a clip-on design
- Energy-efficient, reducing electricity usage
Cons
- Limited to smaller plants and seedlings
- May not provide sufficient light for larger or more mature plants
- Clip-on design may not fit all surfaces
More to Know
User Barbara J. Snyder Review
Light enough
Very easy to assemble, Easy to adjust the height of the light as plants grow and is lighting off to make Seedlings happy.
Types of Grow Lights
LED grow lights
LED grow lights are energy efficient. They produce lighter but less heat at a lower cost compared to conventional lights.
Since we are referring to lights that will be on for long hours every single day, these attributes are worth considering.
The initial price of LED bulbs may be high but keep in mind that the long-term savings are quite significant. The bulbs can serve you for more than 10 years before you can think of replacing them.
High-intensity discharge lights (HID)
High-intensity discharge (HID) lights are another type of grow light considered powerful for growing indoor plants, especially for large plants or grow spaces.
They are commonly used in controlled environment labs or indoor farms. They produce both full spectrum and bright light than any other grow light device.
They are highly priced because of their extremely powerful nature and they produce a good amount of heat which means you will at some point required to cool the place.
Fluorescent lights
Fluorescent lights are another popular light grow option for people with indoor plants. These types of light grow are affordable and energy efficient but not as efficient as LED lights.
They also provide a great spectrum of light that enhances plant growth and development. However, their output is said to produce excess heat which can lead to plant damage.
Incandescent lights
Incandescent is another type of light grower you can use on your indoor plants. However, they produce much heat and less light meaning that an overheating effect is highly likely to occur. It is, therefore, best used as a supplement for lighting your plant and not for plant growth.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Grow Lights
If you want to properly raise and care for your indoor plants, the following factors are worth considering when buying a grow light.
Types of Plants
Indoor plants are different so they may vary in terms of treatment. Some may require intensive light while others less light and others may require different colors and so on.
So, before buying a light grow, you should do research first to increase your chances of selecting a lighting grow that will properly care for your plant.
Photosynthetic Photon Flux [PPF] and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density [PPFD]
When buying an LED light grow device, choose one that can adequately provide maximum benefit to your plant.
Considering a light grow device with PFF and PPFD features is important because it will provide valuable light that will optimize the growth of your indoor plants and ensure survivability.
Micromoles
Micromole is a unit of measurement meant to describe the amount of light that lights up an area for a given period of time.
As far as plants are concerned, micromoles enable us to understand the amount of light that is required for photosynthesis to take place.
However, the requirement may be different depending on the type of plant one has. So, it is important to research and check out how much light that plant in your home requires.
Fortunately, most LED grow lights specify the number of micromoles it is set to produce so that you can decide whether it suits your plant or not.
Heat
Basic indoor plants do not require excess heat for them to grow. In fact, a bulb that produces excess heat may damage the plant.
So, when buying a LED light grow, check out the amount of heat is meant to produce because different bulbs or lighting systems are designed to produce different amounts of heat.
For the safety of your houseplants, we recommend going for one that produces a decent amount of light.
Bulb Sizes and Shapes
LED lights grow bulbs differ in shape and size and so, they cannot fit in one fixture. So, before buying a bulb, verify the size and shape to ensure that it can properly fit in the space.
Note that LED light bulbs are not just ordinary bulbs. Some can be 2-3 feet long so if you don’t have enough space in your home for such lights, then it will be a waste of money to buy them. Choose a size or shape that matches the available space.
How Do Grow Lights Work?
The majority of plants utilize sunlight to grow. Light from sunlight is referred to as white light but technically, it is just a combination of all colors both visible and invisible to us.
So, exactly does light work for plants? Plants need light in order to grow. However, it is worth noting that plants utilize each of the spectrum colors for a specific function.
Though we are able to interpret most of the colors, blue and red are the colors identified as the most important for plants’ successful growth.
The combination of the two LED lights creates a balance in the indoor growing environment to ensure better and healthy growth of plants, a notion that a statement by professor, and researcher Janis T. Ells noted in another content we reviewed for Red Light Therapy Benefits.
Blue lights are crucial for anything to do with the structural aspects of the plant. The blue lights work to make the structural part of the plant healthy and strong.
According to a publication in Molecules Journal, LED light spectrum does affect indoor plants’ growth and development as well as metabolite production. Blue light spectrum was found to support the plant’s leaf photosynthetic process, stomata opening, morphogenesis, and phototropism.
Red lights, on the other hand, are known to support the plant’s initial phases of development including flowering.
It helps the plant to flower and fruit and has also been found to enhance plant’s photosynthesis and promote the overall growth of plants.
According to a research study published in Plants Journal, red light was found to enhance leaf photosynthesis leading to the growth of new leaves, new shoot length, leaf thickness as well as polyphenols.
Benefits of Grow Lights
- Promote plant growth: Grow lights have hues great for optimizing survivability and photosynthesis for the successful growth of your indoor plants.
- Energy efficient: Compared to traditional lighting, growth lights are 30-50% more efficient. They provide minimal light which reduces heat-damage-related risks to your plants and also prevents energy wastage.
- Spectrum timing and dimming control: Grow lights are designed with spectrum timing and dimming control fixtures. The intensity setting enables you to fine-tune the lighting as per the specific plant’s requirements. With the flexibility feature, you can optimize how the energy is used to ensure that your indoor plants get the right amount of light at different developmental stages.
- Easy to plug and set up: Grow lights are hassle-free to use. Plugging in and setting up the light grow is fast and simple.
- Safe to operate: Grow lights are safe to operate as they contain no mercury.
- Long bulb life: Grow light bulbs are designed to last long. They can provide light to your plants for about 50,000-100,000 hours without needing a replacement. If translated to years, the bulb is set to serve you between 5-10+ years (of non-stop use).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Long Should I Leave May Grow Lights On Each Day?
Q: What Number of Watts of Grow Lights Do Need Per Square Foot of Grow Space?
A: The standard watts of the actual watts per square foot of grow space is between 30-40 watts. However, depending on efficiency, some LED growth may require less while others more of this.
To ensure optimal results from LED growth, it would be best if you followed the manufacturer’s recommended watts because LED units are not the same as they are designed to function differently.
Again, you should not use wattage to determine how powerful an LED grow light is. You should also consider other factors which are equally important like footprint and PPFD uniformity.
Q: How far away should I set up my Grow Light from the plant canopy?
A: There is no specific distance. How far you should set up your grow light from the plant canopy should be guided by various factors such as light shape, beam angle, coverage area, brand, etc.
All these factors do affect the photosynthetic active radiation meant to contact your indoor plant leaves.
The best thing to do in this case is to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer because coming from different brands, the grow lights will slightly vary in some way.
But in general, the typical distance of most grow lights is usually 18̎-36̎. If it is a flowering plant 18̎ would be ideal and 24̎ for veg.
Conclusion
As many people turn to indoor gardening, there is a growing need for indoor artificial lighting. Luckily, many LED manufacturing companies are responding to the demand and are now producing many LED lights to match indoor gardeners’ needs.
Using LED lights to grow over traditional lighting has proven to be effective. The LEDs have been shown to support effective plant growth, development, and nourishment with limited risk-related damages.
Notable also, by utilizing LED technology to grow indoor plants, they stand a chance of experiencing many benefits like metal halide, high-pressure sodium, and fluorescents that traditional grow lighting does not offer.
Most of the devices are cost-effective and easy to use, meaning that they will save you money and time.
