Whether you already have a green thumb or you're just now becoming a plant parent, gardening is a relaxing, practical hobby anyone can get behind. And while it may seem like a seasonal activity, there are tons of tools out there to help transition gardens into an all-year activity—though, we get it if you'd rather opt for a low-maintenance cactus.
Plant grow lights are a simple way to bring the sunshine indoors and ensure your favorite leafy greens and herbs are getting the proper nutrients they need. From hanging options to minimal designs and decorative units, there are tons of styles out there to fit every budget and need.
Here, the best plant grow lights.
Best Overall
Feit Electric Dual Full LED Plant Grow Tube Light
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Amazon
If you're looking for a versatile, no-frills lighting option, consider Feit Electric's fixture. The LED design offers all of the basic features you need for a successful indoor garden, paired with a minimal look that'll fit into any space.
Designed with a lightweight material that's easy to hang, this fixture can be hung or mounted vertically or horizontally depending on what fits your space best. Regardless, the low-energy light has an LED engine, so you'll never have to replace any bulbs. The budget-friendly style is even designed to link to up to eight of the same fixture, so you can create as large of a lighting system as you need for your garden.
Best Budget
GooingTop LED Grow Light
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Amazon
If you want to try indoor gardening but aren't ready to fully commit just yet, this LED grow light is an ideal place to start. This budget-friendly option has two adjustable heads for maximum impact, and it's powered by USB so you never have to worry about replacing batteries. It can be timed for 4, 8, or 12 hours depending on what your plants need. The best part? It clips to the table, so it won't take up any counterspace.
Best Light Bulb
GE BR30 LED Grow Light Bulb
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Amazon
While there are tons of different indoor gardening tools and systems out there, sometimes all you need is a good light bulb. If that's you, consider GE's LED Grow Light—the low-energy bulb offers a subtle natural light that'll make it easy to grow a blooming garden.
Though the bulb may appear to emit white light at first glance, there's actually a red/blue spectrum that's perfect for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens, and herbs. If you're growing other plants, they're sure to flourish as well—the bulbs were designed to ensure your plants are getting prime lighting, so your garden will be well nourished.
Best Mounted
Modern Sprout Grow-Anywhere Growbar LED Light
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Courtesy of Food52
If you want a light that's a bit more behind the scenes, you'll appreciate Modern Sprout's Growbar. The minimal design will brighten up your garden without taking up much space in your home thanks to an easy-to-mount design that'll fit just about anywhere.
With the Growbar, you'll get a full spectrum LED light that emits a natural white light to your plants. If you want to take your indoor gardening game one step further, you'll appreciate the built-in timer and range of settings that make it easy to mimic sunrise and sunset.
Best Hanging
Hytekgro LED Grow Light
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Courtesy of Amazon
For a more advanced take on indoor gardening, consider Hytekgro's LED Grow Light. The hanging design includes two lights per set, each of which is ideal for all stages of plant growth. The lights include a wide spectrum of lighting—red, blue, and white—so plants will get the proper nourishment throughout growth. Plus, they're low-energy so you won't have to worry about leaving them running for a bit.
Each set includes two power cords and two steel hanging kits, so it's easy to install. If you're unsure about whether this set is the best fit for your garden, take note that in addition to a 12-month warranty, there's also a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Best Small
Soltech Solutions Hanging Grow Light
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Bloomscape
If you're working with a smaller space—or don't want to sacrifice anymore counterspace—gardening lights with smaller blueprints are the way to go. Take Soltech Solution's Aspect Grow Light, for example, which offers the perfect lighting in a small, hanging frame.
Available in two colors—black and white—this light measures 5.5 x 4 inches and includes a 15-inch cord for easy hanging. The light was designed with a specific spectrum that's proven to support your plant baby's health, and includes LED bulbs that'll last for years to come. The light has a chic minimal design as well, so it'll fit right in with any décor aesthetic.
Best Garden System
Click & Grow The Smart Garden 3
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Amazon
Perhaps one of the most traditional styles of plant grow lights comes in the form of an indoor garden system, like this design from Click and Grow. The system features automated watering, lighting, and nutrients that make for an easy transition into indoor gardening.
Available in three colors—white, gray, and beige—Click and Grow's indoor garden features an energy-efficient LED lighting system that'll provide the perfect amount of light to your plants. The kit even includes two lamp extension arms, so you're able to adjust the lighting to best fit your needs. The best part? The lamp is specially designed for quicker germination and growth and has a 16-hour light cycle, so you'll have leafy greens in no time.
Best Smart
Modern Sprout Smart Growframe
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Courtesy of Modern Sprout
Whoever said indoor gardens can't be stylish probably hasn't met Modern Sprout's Growframe. Designed like a picture frame, this vertical garden pairs tech capabilities and décor for a truly unique system. The Growframe is available in four colors (matte black, mustard, emerald, and matte white), each of which is enabled by the Modern Sprout app. The app offers customizable programming and lighting recommendations for your plants so your garden will flourish.
The mountable frame includes the necessary hardware to hang with ease, as well as a three-year warranty. Though it's certainly an investment piece, the timeless design never goes out of style—and, you can always try new plants to change up the look.
Best Planter
Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System
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Amazon
For a grow light that'll make itself right at home (literally), consider Miracle-Gro's Twelve Indoor Growing System. The all-in-one system combines a planter, grow light, and accent table for a truly practical piece. It's made of a steel frame and features a white, plastic reservoir on the bottom level. Within the reservoir you'll find separate compartments for your favorite plants—leafy greens, herbs, and flowers like lettuce, kale, mint, basil, and petunias are best suited. The LED light features three settings—grow, low, and off—so no matter what you plant, it'll always have proper lighting.
Each kit includes one Miracle-Gro Twelve Indoor Growing System, one Miracle-Gro Twelve Seed Starting Kit, one Miracle-Gro Twelve Transplanting Kit, two packets of Miracle-Gro Plant Nutrition, and an Accessory Storage Bag to help you get started. The system even has Bluetooth connectivity and can pair with the Miracle-Gro Twelve—from there, you can receive reminders to feed and water your plants.
Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend the Feit Electric LED Plant Plant Grow Tube Light (view at Home Depot) because it includes all of the essential functions and has a minimal look that won't overpower space in your home. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the GooingTop Clip LED Grow Light (view at Amazon), which includes an assortment of gardening settings and can clip onto a table so it won't take up tons of counterspace.
What to Look for in a Plant Grow Light
Size
Plant grow lights come in all different shapes and sizes, from light bulbs to full garden systems. If you're working with a smaller space, it's best to consider either hanging or mounted options, or smaller units that take up minimal counter space. (There are even models that clip onto a table!) Indoor gardening systems and bigger mounted lights are good to consider if you have a bit more room to work with.
Price
The price of plant grow lights depends on a few factors, with size being one of the main considerations. If you're investing in a more sophisticated indoor gardening system, you can expect to spend around $100-$200, give or take. For just a light bulb or smaller product, however, you can spend anywhere from $10-$30.
Style
While you can certainly just get a simple lightbulb, it's worth considering a few of the other more decorative options out there. From framed designs to stylish lighting, you can now incorporate your garden into your home décor. Some lights also offer various adjustable settings, so be sure to double-check what each product offers before you choose. If you're looking for a more advanced option, consider styles that allow you to set timers or adjust lighting depending on the type of plant you have.