You do not need to be a gardening expert to know that natural light is the best for plants. That said there are many occasions when natural outdoor light is limited and a need arises to add a little artificial help.
LED grow lights are a great option to supplement the outdoor gardener or for indoor gardening enthusiasts who want to provide their plants with the right amount of light without worrying about the cost and energy consumption of traditional grow lights.
When it comes to buying LED grow lights for plants or seedlings, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 LED grow lights for seedlings in 2023. Our list features a range of options to suit different budgets and growing needs.
We’re an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
This LED grow light is designed with a high reflective and noise-free fanless professional LED grow system, making it quiet and durable. The quickly heat dispersing material aluminum reduces light lost to aisles and walls, increasing light intensity up to 20% and allowing your plants to receive more energy without the risk of burning.
The light is dimmable, and with an independent dimming button on the external driver, this growing lamp allows you to adjust the brightness from 0 to 100% according to the specific growth stage of your plants. Additionally, it supports daisy chaining of up to 30 LED lights, seamlessly connected in a chain. The auto-sensing power supply is compatible with 120VAC, 240VAC, and 277VAC, making it suitable for both large-scale setups and personal settings.
Overall, the MARS HYDRO 2023 New TSL2000 300 Watt Led Grow Lights is a great choice for indoor plant growers who want a high-quality, energy-efficient LED grow light that can help maximize plant growth and yield.
Pros
- The diode layout is densely packed in the center and sparse on the sides, which creates a more uniform light distribution between the center and sides, ensuring the most even PPFD distribution and maximizing plant yield.
- The 120° angle white reflector design allows for wider coverage and increased light intensity, aiding plants in better light absorption.
- The advanced SMD LED technology offers the highest PAR/LUMEN output while consuming only 300W with 704 LEDs, resulting in up to 50% energy savings compared to other grow lights for indoor plants.
Cons
- The analogue timer outlet that comes with the light is not reliable and can malfunction.
- The light may be too bright for some users, which can lead to overexposure and burning of plants.
- The light kit does not include a remote control.
The Brite Labs LED Grow Light is designed to give your plants the full spectrum of light they need to grow and thrive indoors. With 75 red, blue, UV, IR, and white LED chips, this grow light provides the perfect environment for new growth, longer lifespans, and higher production.
One of the biggest advantages of this grow light is that it’s ready to use right out of the box. The adjustable hangers make it easy to install above any table, desktop, planter, stand, pot, or hydroponic growing system. Plus, the portable fixture makes it easy to move from one location to another.
Whether you’re looking to save struggling houseplants, sprout new growth, or get a head start on planting seedlings, the Brite Labs LED Grow Light is a great choice. With faster germination rates, stronger seedlings, and an overall increase in quality, you’ll be able to grow plants like an expert without having to get a horticulture degree.
Overall, if you’re looking for an indoor grow light that’s easy to use and provides consistent, full spectrum light for your plants, the Brite Labs LED Grow Light is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Experience healthier plants with consistent light that provides the ideal conditions for growth
- Instantly start seeds indoors with faster germination rates and stronger seedlings
- Extend your growing season with the ability to grow vegetables all year round, even in the depths of winter
Cons
- The light is smaller than expected
- The weight of the electrical cord can be a bit heavy for some setups
- It may take some experimentation to find the right placement for optimal growth
This LED grow light is perfect for those who want to grow indoor plants without having to worry about harming their eyes or wasting energy. It’s also great for those who want a sturdy and adjustable grow light that provides maximum coverage. However, it may not be the best choice for those who need a more powerful grow light or who need a larger product.
Pros
- The natural white spectrum and enhanced 660nm red light are great for seed starting, propagating cuttings, and growing indoor flowers, vegetables, and other houseplants.
- The adjustable iron frame structure is sturdy and makes it easy to adjust the height of the light.
- The T5 LED grow light shop light fixture with a wide reflector provides maximum coverage, and it’s ETL listed for safety and reliability.
Cons
- The brackets on the light sometimes turn and make the light go askew.
- The product dimensions may be too small for some growers.
- The light may not be as powerful as some other LED grow lights on the market.
The SUWITU LED grow light is a great option for anyone looking to grow small plants indoors. The light offers full spectrum from 380 up to 800nm, promoting photosynthesis, germination, bloom and fruit bearing. The intelligent cycle memory function allows you to set up the repeat time and it will turn on and off automatically every 24 hours, so you don’t need to worry about your plants while you are not at home for a long time. The light includes three lights and 10 dimmable levels to adapt to the growth of various types of plants. The anti-slip clamp can be stably and arbitrarily clamped on anywhere, and 360° adjustable gooseneck allows you to adjust grow lights in any direction to provide the best lighting angle for your plants.
However, the timing function is relatively accurate, but due to the time difference in each time zone, it’s recommended to turn on the power again and set the timing every week. The gooseneck is flexible, but some users have reported that it’s a bit too short for their needs. Also, the light is suitable for small plants like succulents, but may not be powerful enough for larger plants.
Overall, the SUWITU LED grow light is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile grow light for their indoor plants.
Pros
- The light offers a full spectrum from 380 up to 800nm, promoting photosynthesis, germination, bloom and fruit-bearing.
- The intelligent cycle memory function allows you to set up the repeat time and it will turn on and off automatically every 24 hours.
- The light includes three lights and 10 dimmable levels to adapt to the growth of various types of plants.
Cons
- The timing function is relatively accurate, but due to the time difference in each time zone, it’s recommended to turn on the power again and set the timing every week.
- The gooseneck is flexible, but some users have reported that it’s a bit too short for their needs.
- The light is suitable for small plants like succulents, but may not be powerful enough for larger plants.
The Briignite Grow Lights is a compact and quiet LED grow light that provides sunlike full spectrum for growing plants. However, some users have reported issues with the quality and durability of the product, and it may not be suitable for larger planting areas.
A very compact design measuring only 11.8×11.8×0.28 inches in size, but can illuminate a 2x2ft planting area. Convenient to hang, install and move.
Pros
- The Briignite Grow Lights use high-quality Samsung LM281B Diodes that consume only 45 watts, equivalent to 600 watts HPS, with a PPE of 2.7μmol/J and a PPFD of 736 μmol/m²s.
- The grow light is dimmable with a dimming knob, making it suitable for different plant grow stages like germination, seedlings, flowering, fruiting, etc.
- The grow light is equipped with 3000K, 5000K, red and IR 760nm LEDs, providing a sunlike full spectrum for growing plants.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the quality and durability of the product, with flickering, turning off, and varying intensity problems.
- Some users have reported packaging issues, with missing hangers or poorly packed products.
- The grow light may not be suitable for larger planting areas, as it can only illuminate a 2x2ft planting area.
The LUZRY LED Grow Light has a flexible timing function that allows you to set the light to turn off at a specific time. The automatic memory and precise timekeeping feature allows the light to restart at the same time every day, and the memory function records the brightness set before. The 196 LED beans full spectrum lighting provides a good range of light suitable for indoor gardens, and the 10 levels of brightness adjustment plus 4 kinds of illumination modes allow you to customize the light to your plants’ needs.
The special heat dissipation design of the aluminum shell effectively scatters the temperature produced by the lamp, extending the lamp life and protecting the plants from heat damage. The special clamps and flexible arms allow you to adjust the light to the right angle and height for your plants. The inside of the clamp comes with a soft anti-slip pad that stabilizes the clamp’s position, even clip-on inclined or smooth surfaces. This pad also prevents the clamps from scratching the surface due to pressure.
However, some customers have reported that the light stopped working after a few weeks. The brightness may not be enough for some plants, and the light may get hot and damage your plants if it’s too close. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly LED grow light for your indoor garden, the LUZRY LED Grow Light is worth considering.
Pros
- The timer function is precise and allows you to set the light to turn off at a specific time.
- The 196 LED beans full spectrum lighting provides a good range of light suitable for indoor gardens.
- The special clamps and flexible arms allow you to adjust the light to the right angle and height for your plants.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the light stopped working after a few weeks.
- The brightness may not be enough for some plants.
- The light may get hot and damage your plants if it’s too close.
The APLANT Grow Light is a great option for those looking for a sleek and easy-to-install grow light for their indoor plants. With its auto ON/OFF timer function and full-spectrum LED chips, it provides a convenient and natural light solution for your indoor garden. However, be aware of the warm light and flimsy wires when considering this product.
Pros
- The ultra-thin design of the APLANT Grow Light makes it easy to hide and install, ensuring a neat and beautiful setup for your indoor garden.
- The auto ON/OFF timer function allows you to set the grow light to turn off after 6H/10H/12H, providing a convenient and energy-saving solution for your indoor plants.
- The full-spectrum LED chips provide a natural sunlight-like light wave from 380nm to 780nm, ensuring your plants receive the light energy they need for all-season growing.
Cons
- Some customers have noted that the warm light of the APLANT Grow Light is not to their preference, as they are used to white light from other grow lights.
- The wires needed to install the grow light are flimsy and may break when trying to attach the two panels for optimal light coverage.
- The panels may be smaller than expected based on the product images, so be sure to check the actual dimensions in the product description.
The FECiDA 600W LED Grow Light Dimmable is a well-made and user-friendly grow light that provides a natural sunlight-like spectrum for indoor plants. Its powerful and energy-efficient LEDs, stepless dimmable design, and daisy chain function make it a great investment for indoor gardening. However, it may not cover a large area, and it is not waterproof, so it should be used in dry environments. Overall, the FECiDA grow light is an excellent choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
Pros
- The FECiDA grow light is powerful and energy efficient, using 588 high-quality LEDs with a 2.2 μmol/J energy efficiency ratio. It consumes only 65 watts of home electricity at 100% brightness, making it a cost-effective option for indoor gardening.
- The stepless dimmable design of the FECiDA grow light allows you to adjust the brightness to fit your plants’ needs. It also has a daisy chain function that lets you connect up to four units together with only one outlet, and you can dim each light independently.
- The FECiDA grow light has a full spectrum of LEDs, including white, blue, red, IR, and UV lights. The 3000K diodes provide reddish light, while the 5000K diodes provide blueish light. The 660nm red and IR light is especially useful during bloom, and the 395nm UV light can make your plants healthier.
Cons
- Some users have reported receiving used or defective products, but FECiDA provides excellent customer service and offers a two-year warranty for their grow light.
- The FECiDA grow light may not cover a large area, so it is best suited for small indoor gardens or seedlings.
- The FECiDA grow light is not waterproof, so it should not be used in humid or wet environments.
The AKRRYR LED Grow Light is designed with a base that makes it suitable for succulents, seed starting, hydroponics, and soil plants. You can place your plant directly on the base without worrying that it will knock over by being top-heavy. The full spectrum LED chip can emit wavelengths from 380nm to 800nm, providing your plants with the light they need for healthy growth. Additionally, the light has 10 levels of dimming, and you can adjust the spectrum or brightness according to the size of the plant and the growth stage of the plant.
The AKRRYR LED Grow Light has a 3/9/12 hours timing function, so you can set your expected time and not worry about manually turning the lights on or off every day. The height of the plant light is adjustable from 8.46″ to 38.2″, making it suitable for different plant sizes. The product is easy to install, and all the installation tools are provided. Compared to other grow lights, the AKRRYR LED Grow Light can even accommodate taller plants.
In addition to being a great grow light for indoor plants, the AKRRYR LED Grow Light can also decorate your room. It is suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, balconies, offices, and other places. It also serves as a housewarming gift and is perfect for plant lovers. If you have any questions or concerns about installation or shipping damage, the manufacturer offers after-sales support and will reply within 24 hours.
Pros
- The full spectrum LED chip can emit wavelengths from 380nm to 800nm, providing your plants with the light they need for healthy growth.
- The height of the plant light is adjustable from 8.46″ to 38.2″, making it suitable for different plant sizes.
- The 3/9/12 hours timing function ensures that your plants can continuously absorb energy, which is important for their healthy growth.
Cons
- The product does not include a USB charger.
- Some users have reported that the controller is a little cheaply made.
- The switch/button has its own little light in it, which some users find annoying.
The Diboys LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants is a great choice for indoor gardening. It works well for all seeding indoor, and could be used for both hydroponics and indoor plants like succulent, micro greens, clones, lettuce, chili, tomatoes. It is perfect for seed starting, and you can even use magnets to attach the lights to the bottom of a metal shelf on your rack to increase the space for plants. If you encounter any issues, the manufacturer provides excellent service and will respond within 24 hours.
Pros
- The newest ultrathin design makes it smart and lightweight, and the upgraded hanging brackets make it easy to assemble.
- The 90° reflector helps to reach a bigger lighting area, making it ideal for a 3ft by 3ft area of plants. It is recommended to hang at around 6-10 inches for seedlings.
- The full spectrum plant lights are perfect for all growing stages, and the light fixture itself does not get hot or burn your plants. Low power consumption saves your electricity bill.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the lights received did not work.
- The light does not come with an onboard timer, but you can purchase one for a few bucks.
- All of your pictures will be straight up purple, as the light has a red-blue-white color.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best LED grow lights for seedlings, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of important features to look for when making your purchasing decision.
Light Spectrum
One of the most important factors to consider is the light spectrum. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are the best choice for seedlings, as they provide a range of wavelengths that mimic natural sunlight. This is important for promoting healthy growth and development.
Wattage
Another important factor to consider is wattage. While higher wattage may seem like a good thing, it’s important to consider the size of your grow space. A higher wattage light may be too powerful for a small space, while a lower wattage light may not provide enough coverage for a larger space. Consider the size of your grow space and choose a light with an appropriate wattage.
Coverage Area
The coverage area of the LED grow light is also an important consideration. You’ll want to choose a light that provides coverage for your entire grow space. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that the light you choose will cover the area you need.
Durability and Warranty
Durability and warranty are also important factors to consider. Look for lights that are built to last and come with a warranty. This will ensure that you get the most value for your investment and that your light will be covered in case of any defects or issues.
Other Features
Other features to consider include adjustable light intensity, cooling systems, and energy efficiency. These features can help you customize your grow environment and save on energy costs.
In summary, when choosing the best LED grow lights for seedlings, consider the light spectrum, wattage, coverage area, durability and warranty, and other features. By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to choose a high-quality LED grow light that will help your seedlings thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should LED grow light be for seedlings?
Typically, it is advisable to position LED grow lights for seedlings at a height ranging from 24 to 36 inches above the plant canopy. However, this recommendation may vary depending on the power (wattage) of the light source being used.
Should seedlings get 24 hours of LED light?
Seedlings require a consistent 14-16 hours of light per day. It is important to avoid leaving the lights on continuously for 24 hours, as they also need a period of rest at night. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the artificial lights on for 14-16 hours during the daytime and switch them off overnight to provide the necessary balance for the seedlings.
How do you know if your seedlings are getting too much light?
When plants are exposed to excessive light, certain physical symptoms become apparent. Initially, the leaves may droop before any changes in color become noticeable. Subsequently, pale or brown spots may appear, and the leaves can turn yellow while the veins retain their green and healthy appearance.
