We researched the top-rated grow lights available online, ranging from as simple as adding a lightbulb, to a full indoor garden system that does all of the work of taking care of your plants for you. We then set up and tested several of these options in our own homes and at the lab for several weeks and up to three months in some cases. We then evaluated their size, wattage, bulb type, ease of setup, and overall effectiveness. Here are the best grow lights for your plants, backed by our thorough research and testing.

Each unit includes a -foot fabric cord, three ceiling hooks, two wall fairleads, and a swag hook for do-it-yourself installation. Just note that despite clear instructions, we found the installation process to be somewhat tricky, requiring two people, a ladder (given the ceiling installation), and a drill. Tricky installation aside, we believe the Soltech Solutions Hanging Grow Light is highly effective and aesthetically pleasing.

We love how versatile this grow light is: Thanks to a wide-opening clamp, you can attach it to almost any table, chair, desk, or countertop. It even has rubber pads on the clamp to prevent surface damage. Plus, the flexible gooseneck allows you to easily adjust the angle of the light. We found it to be extremely portable, easy to set up, and small enough to tuck away in a drawer. We think its compact size makes it ideal for households with a few small plants. You can even screw it into the wall for a more permanent yet space-saving solution, but keep in mind that you will lose the portability.

After researching dozens of indoor grow lights and reaching out to experts for insights, we sent several of these options to our testers around the country to test for several weeks. We also set up several in our lab to monitor over three months. At each location, we set up the light and recorded how long it took to set up, and noted any assembly that was required. Plus, we noted if the instructions were easy to follow, or were tricky and confusing. We then noted where we set up the light, how much space was required, and which plants we used it on. We noted the bulb type and wattage of each grow light, and then generally monitored the growth and health of the plant.

Different types of plants need different amounts of light. Check your seed packaging or plant tags or ask at the nursery for specific suggestions. While seedlings or vegetative plants can require as much as hours of light exposure each day, flowering plants benefit from at least hours. Timers or our C by GE Smart Plug can be connected to the lights to help manage or automate these cycles.