I Compared 3 Grow Lights Under $50
I tested 3 grow lights under $50 with basil seedlings. Here’s which worked best.
The Test
6 basil seedlings per light. 14 hours on, 10 off. 21 days.
The Results
| Light | Price | Height (day 21) | Leaf Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED shop light (20W) | $25 | 5.5 in | Dark green |
| LED panel (45W) | $45 | 6.2 in | Dark green |
| Clip-on LED (10W) | $20 | 3.8 in | Pale green |
The Winner
LED shop light. Best balance of price and performance.
What I Learned
- Cheap LED shop lights work.
- Distance matters more than wattage.
- Clip-on lights are too weak for most seedlings.