Top 8 Best Grow Light For Tomatoes In 2023

Like any plant and flower out there, tomatoes (especially indoor ones) need great lighting sources to grow strongly and healthily under your caring hands. A high-quality and premium grow light is among the best and most efficient assistants for you in this regard. But how to choose the best grow light for tomatoes, though? 

We have exhausted all possible sources to filter out eight promising contenders. Scroll to learn more! 

Our Top Picks

Spider Farmer New SF1000Spider Farmer New SF1000
Best Noise-Free
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75W LED for Indoor75W LED for Indoor
Best for 100% Indoor Planting
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Juhefa Gooseneck 6000K 126 LEDJuhefa Gooseneck 6000K 126 LED
Best Lighting Rotation
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MARS TSW2000 HYDRO 300 WattMARS TSW2000 HYDRO 300 Watt
Best Auto Sensing
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LEOTER 80 LED Full Spectrum Upgraded VersionLEOTER 80 LED Full Spectrum Upgraded Version
Best Lighting Diversity for Different Needs
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FRENAN Blue Red SpectrumFRENAN Blue Red Spectrum
Best Customizable Stand Height
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GHOdec 5500K 80 LEDGHOdec 5500K 80 LED
Best Durability
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Lxyoug LEDLxyoug LED
Best Control Flexibility
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What Is The Best Grow Light For Tomatoes?

The best grow light should tick all the boxes below:

  • It must deliver the proper light spectrum that your tomatoes need (red and blue light).
  • The light should cast enough and equal light on all tomato plants for uniform development and a higher propagation rate.
  • Versatility is always appreciated: have various uses (grow light, desk light, etc.) and fit in many environments (garden, greenhouse, office, etc.)
  • The best light will not eat up a lot of electricity and not leave you with an off-the-chart bill.

Now, let’s discuss further purchasing the most well-suited grow light! 

How To Choose An Ideal Light For Tomatoes?

Getting home a grow light, especially for first-time gardeners, is never an easy feat, as tons of makes and models are flooding the market. Consider these important criteria during your purchase:

Light Type

Do you prefer red, green, blue, or ultraviolet light? Research them carefully to learn their pros and cons. Regardless of your preferences, avoid choosing grow lights with limited spectrums (only blue or red). 

Wattage and Energy Efficiency

Again, the market offers a diverse range of options. We suggest 200W or below for small tomato plants and 600W for larger plants/gardens. 

Still, tight-budget customers should also balance power and energy efficiency. Choose products in the middle of the month to avoid long electricity bills at the end of the month!

Size and Coverage

Do your tomatoes grow in huge backyards/greenhouses or on small balconies? Measure carefully to pick a propagation light that can fit your plants and spaces. 

Buying a too-short light will not cover all the tomatoes in your garden, while too-tall ones don’t make much of a difference to your plants.

Ones with adjustable heights will be terrific!

Varied Application

Farmers often grow their tomatoes along with other vegetables and plants in most cases. Instead of buying different lights for each plant, you should save money, time, and effort by buying a type of light that has the inclusive ability to cater to all of them.  

Types of Light

Another critical aspect to which you should pay attention is the different light spectrums. A full understanding will foster better purchase decisions for you:

UV (Ultraviolet) and Green Light

Though UVs can speed up photosynthesis and germination processes, the harmful effects on humans make this option a big no.  

Greenlight is considered the least efficient out of the bunch. However, it has no harm or side effects, which is why you can still use it in moderate amounts between intervals for better color balance and plant regulation.

Red And Far Red Light

Red lights promote fruiting and flowering thanks to abundant antioxidants and lycopene, which is highly recommended for your tomatoes.

How about far red lights? They are similar to red lights – except for their better light-seeking abilities. The plant’s leaves will grow bigger and stronger thanks to them.

Blue Light

A wonderful choice for chlorophyll production. Most grow lights often combine red and blue light to offer maximum vegetative growth.

Top 8 Best Grow Light For Tomatoes in 2023

Experts and seasoned planters have lauded these eight grow lights as the best in the game. Let’s have a closer look! 

 1. Best Noise-Free – Spider Farmer New SF1000 

Spider Farmer New SF1000 

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Light Source: LED  
  • Power Sources: Corded Electric
  • Dimensions: 15.4 x 13.8 x 4.7
  • Weight: 2.5 Pounds
  • Wattage: 100W
  • Batteries Included: No
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Product’s highlight

Grow lights are notorious for making a loud noise, which stems from their fans trying to dissipate excessive heat. Not with Spider Farmer, though; the aluminum fan is light yet sturdy, swallowing all the possible sounds with zero difficulties. You will hear nothing at all, even on the quietest night! 

Some assume this seemingly small design advantage has more benefits for humans than plants. But did you know scientific studies have stressed the impact of noise pollution on growing seeds and tomatoes numerous times? That’s why purchasing Spider Framer is a win-win situation, protecting your precious sleep and fostering plant growth!

We are also impressed with its dimming knob, whose intensity is easily adjustable. That’s a huge advantage since not every tomato type is subjected to the same lighting requirement! Even better, for large areas of the same commercial plants, farmers can use the multi-lighting connection system of Spider Framer to guarantee unified dimming and save an insane amount of effort! 

How can we forget about the innovative Samsung LED technology, which uses high-performing semiconductors to separate and filter electrical power? We are not surprised that it uses 50% less energy than rival lamps, allowing full-force usage without concern about the electricity bills at the end of each month. 

Pros

  • No fan noise
  • Suitable for different growth rate
  • Dimmable and multi-connected lighting
  • Power-saving LEDs

Cons

  • Confusing instructions
  • Possible malfunctions of the dimming switch

Bottom line

Spider Framer protects sleep and plants from noise pollution, providing a support system for both. Samsung LED technology uses high-performing semiconductors to separate and filter electrical power, allowing full-force usage without worrying about electricity bills.

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2. Best for 100% Indoor Planting – 75W LED for Indoor

75W LED for Indoor

  • Material: Plastic, Aluminum
  • Light Source: LED
  • Power Sources: AC
  • Dimensions‎: 12.2 x 12.2 x 1.4 
  • Weight: 1.5 Pounds
  • Wattage: 75 watts
  • Batteries Required: No
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Product’s highlight

100% indoor planting is much more demanding than outdoor or semi-outdoor, as natural factors (ex: sunlight, rain, etc.) cannot seamlessly access the plants. This I-Venoya light is produced with that concern in mind, introducing an extremely wide lighting spectrum of 390 nm to 730 nm that spans from UV to red light! 

As a result, this grow light provides more than enough lighting diversity and intensity for all stages of indoor growth, including planting, vegetating, germination, and flowering. Any possible lack compared to outdoor plants can easily be compensated by a flick of your hands to adjust the lighting adjustments. How convenient! 

Such an impressive and intense light range introduces another benefit: as long as the environment is indoors, you can customize I-Venoya anywhere, whether in grow rooms, grow chambers, grow boxes, vertical farms, or greenhouses.

And that is why it can work with diverse plants with different care needs, too: whether tomatoes, algae, chili, lemons, orchids, or bonsai trees, trust I-Venoya to deliver beyond your expectations. 

Though I-Venoya’s noise-canceling capability is not as impressive as the Spider Farmer introduced above, it’s by no means lackluster: the product utilizes a square, air-flowing design to foster maximum cooling capacity, whitening out the noises without bothersome fans! 

Pros

  • Great for all indoor growth stages
  • Easy setup with hands only (no tools)
  • Little noise
  • 12-month guarantee

Cons

  • Cheap material (Plastic) leads to shorter durability

Bottom line

I-Venoya provides an impressive and intense light range for indoor growth, making it easy to customize for any environment. This grow light provides enough lighting for all stages of indoor growth, with easy adjustments.

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3. Best Lighting Rotation – Juhefa Gooseneck 6000K 126 LED

Juhefa Gooseneck 6000K 126 LED

  • Material: Iron, Plastic
  • Light Source: Energy Efficient
  • Power Source: USB with Adapter and Controller 
  • Dimensions: 13.07 x 4.72 x 3.11
  • Weight: 1.52 pounds
  • Wattage: 75 W 
  • Batteries Required: No
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Product’s highlight

The term “gooseneck” explains it all; upon its first usage, we were super amazed by its flexible rotation. It comes with three light stands, each of which can rotate 360 degrees to cast its lighting intensity to even the furthest tomatoes in the garden! 

Just ensure you get more than one set, as each one only covers a small area (six potted tomatoes). You can be confident that every single flower and plant is well cared for and growing at relatively similar rates.

And for those worrying that this rotating gooseneck might make the construction a bit unstable, you can rest assured. The gooseneck is made of thickened iron, accompanied by a strong pair of clips. 

Make it rotate and move all you want, and the lighting system will definitely not fall! No supporting bases or devices are needed, streamlining your setup process to a great extent. 

The auto timer is another incredible charm. Like how you time a TV or coffee machine to shut off automatically after a certain period, it’s easy to do the same with Juhefa. There are six-timer programs: 4 hours/ 8 hours/ 12 hours/ 16 hours/ 20 hours off for every 24-hour session. 

This inclusive automation is terrific for forgetful owners and keeps overheating issues at bay! Your plants will enjoy both ample lighting for photosynthesis and enough resting time away from the heat.

Lastly, its lighting adjustability impresses everyone (though not as much as the i-Venoya), offering 5 brightness levels and 3 tube controls. Experiment with them to choose the best combinations for your precious plants and their growth stages.

Pros

  • 360 degrees sturdy gooseneck
  • Six auto-timer programs
  • Pretty impressive lighting adjustability
  • Double as a working lamp 

Cons

  • Occasional issues with the electrical currents in the cords and wirings
  • Small coverage for each one

Bottom line

Juhefa is a flexible gooseneck with three light stands that rotate 360 degrees to cast its lighting intensity to even the furthest tomatoes in the garden. It also has an auto timer that can be set to shut off automatically after a certain period, with six-timer programs for 24-hour sessions.

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4. Best Auto Sensing – MARS TSW2000 HYDRO 300 Watt

MARS TSW2000 HYDRO 300 Watt

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Light Source: LED
  • Dimensions: 21. 2 x 19.7 x 3.7 
  • Weight: 7.68 Pounds
  • Wattage: 300W
  • Warranty: 5 years
  • Batteries Required: No
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Product’s highlight

We have talked enough about light control and adjustments; how about a grow light that can automatically sense and tweak the lighting intensity according to different conditions? Yes, that’s what MARS Hydro offers! 

Of course, perfectionist plant growers can set out to manage the lighting manually like any other product. But admit it; our limited human radars sometimes cannot detect the slightest change in the temperature, air, or natural light, ending up overheating or under-illuminating our tomatoes. 

Auto sensors can handle this, easily adapting to new planting environments and conditions even before you realize it. That will take a huge weight off your shoulders, especially if you are just a confused beginner and completely clueless about optimal lighting intensity for each tomato type. 

Our team also fell head-over-heels in love with its diode arrangement—a seamless and balanced combination of dense (at the center) and sparse (from both sides) to create more uniform lighting between the sides and the middles. 

That’s a huge step up over the 100%-dense or 100%-spare setup from other brands, fostering a more consistent growth rate no matter which and how many plants you seed. Aside from tomatoes, try some plants notorious for long periods of growth (apricot, for instance), and you will be blown away by the result!

And although many prefer Juhefa’s complete 360-degree gooseneck, we are certain some will love Mars Hydro’s 120-degree refraction angle, too. It provides better reflector ranges than stay-sill grow lights, allowing plants to enjoy more light. 

Pros

  • Auto light sensors 120-degree 
  • Uniform diode arrangement for consistent growth rate

Cons

  • Confusing manuals
  • Slightly bent after shipping/delivery

Bottom line

MARS Hydro offers a grow light that automatically adjusts lighting intensity to different conditions. Auto sensors can quickly adapt to new planting environments and conditions, making it easier for beginners.

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5. Best Lighting Diversity for Different Needs – LEOTER 80 LED Full Spectrum Upgraded Version

LEOTER 80 LED Full Spectrum Upgraded Version

  • Material: Metal, Plastic
  • Light Source: LED 
  • Power Source: AC
  • Dimensions: 13.66 x 5.87 x 3.35 
  • Weight: 1.98 pounds
  • Wattage: 40W
  • Batteries Included: No
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Product’s highlight

Every light has different lighting levels for adjustments, but LEOTER steps up to new heights: there are 10 modes and 3 spectral levels in total, suiting all types of plants from cacti to ferns to lilies to crotons—and, of course, tomatoes. 

We wouldn’t be surprised if someone started to build an entire forest in their home using LEOTER’s diverse lighting range. And our review hasn’t yet mentioned the spectrum combination – a full-fledged mixture of warm white, red, and blue light – that can cater to every growing need with relative ease!

Long story short: while many growing lights are only built for specific demographics (only indoors/outdoors, or only for certain types of plants,…), you can believe in LEOTER’s impeccable ability to perform in any setting it’s put in. 

Another selling point is the automatic timer. Not as inclusive as Juhefa’s six programs, sure, but convenient nonetheless: there are three settings for red (12h), green (9h), and blue (3h), streamlining your maintenance workflow better than you could imagine. There is no need to monitor the light, especially when you are busy at work all day! 

The USB connector and adapter seal the deal for you, providing more operation options for your office or household due to their exceptional compatibility with both AC and USB sources. Be it a household tomato garden or a small cactus at your office, LEOTER will assist you anywhere you wish!

Pros

  • Built-in temperature control kit to reduce heat
  • 10 dim modes and 3 spectral levels
  • USB connectors and adaptors
  • Convenient auto timer

Cons

  • Overheating issues with the plug

Bottom line

LEOTER offers 10 modes, 3 spectral levels, and a spectrum combination to cater to every growing need. LEOTER offers an automatic timer with three settings for red, green, and blue, as well as a USB connector and adapter for more operation options.

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6. Best Customizable Stand Height – FRENAN Blue Red Spectrum

FRENAN Blue Red Spectrum

  • Light Source: LED 
  • Power Sources: Corded Electric
  • Dimensions: 17.09 x 6.02 x 3.78
  • Weight: 3.49 Pounds
  • Wattage: 120W
  • Batteries Included: No
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Product’s highlight

Brands often pay the most attention to lighting intensity levels. FRENAN is one of the few that thought of another great way to control the brightness: adjusting the stand’s height!

Lighting sources too far from or too close to the plant’s current height are not good for its growth. Understanding that need, the FRENAN manufacturers offer a great height range for its grow light—15” to 63”—that can be shortened or lengthened in a blink. 

And no, there’s no need to worry that too frequent adjustments might make this stand stumble; it’s a tripod (having three legs), after all, and as stable as any hard furniture in your house! From the first tiny sprouted seeds to taller seedlings and mature plants, the light takes care of them all (the average height of most tomato variants is 36 to 48”).

Furthermore, like other innovative grow lights on our list, FRENAN incorporates three auto-timer programs: 4h, 8h, and 12h settings. Set every setting for the days ahead, and you can enjoy your vacations or trips with no disturbance. 

Our team members also note the incredibly straightforward usage. All important controls (lighting, timer, etc.) are integrated into one remote control that plant growers can keep with them all the time. Non-tech savvy should be able to learn ways to navigate it within minutes after the product’s arrival! 

Pros

  • Adjustable, stable tripod stand
  • Brightness adjustments from 10% to 100%
  • Remote control for easy usage

Cons

  • The gooseneck is a bit unstable 
  • Smoke from the plug after long-time usage

Bottom line

FRENAN uses adjustable stand heights to control lighting intensity levels. The tripod has three legs, making it stable for all types of plants, from the first sprouted seeds to taller seedlings and mature plants. Its remote control is easy to use, and non-tech-savvy techies can grasp it quickly.

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7. Best Durability – GHOdec 5500K 80 LED

GHOdec 5500K 80 LED

  • Materials: Steel and Aluminum
  • Light Source: LED 
  • Power Sources: USB
  • Dimensions‎: 16.57 x 4.8 x 3.62 
  • Weight‎: 3.03 pounds
  • Wattage: 100W
  • Batteries Required: No
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Product’s highlight

Most options we have introduced so far have used a fusion of both high-quality and low-quality materials (ex: iron and plastic). While their overall lifespans are still exceptional compared to other market averages, they are all against GHodec, whose compounds are solely steel and aluminum! 

You don’t even need us to explain how this combination surpasses everything else we could have ever seen. The sturdy and solid construction ensures that you will be able to enjoy its performance for years. Imagine how much money you could save on repairs and replacements during that time period!                                        

The timer programs are not absent on GHodec; like other grow lights, you can expect to choose among 4h, 8h, and 12h settings.

We also love the adjustable stand (though its range is not as wide as the FRENAN discussed above). Not only do your tomatoes enjoy better lighting arrangements that way, but you also have more flexibility regarding the installation places: feel free to cramp these lights on small balconies or huge greenhouses—your choice! 

Pros

  • Impressive durability
  • Timer and adjustable stand (15 to 48”)
  • Good heat dissipation
  • Versatile usage 

Cons

  • Limited brightness levels (only 5)

Bottom line

GHodec combines high-quality and low-quality materials, resulting in longer lifespans than other market averages. GHodec has an adjustable stand that allows for better lighting arrangements and more flexibility in installation places.

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8. Best Control Flexibility – Lxyoug LED

Lxyoug LED

  • Material: Aluminum, Plastic
  • Light Source: LED 
  • Power Sources: Corded Electric
  • Dimensions: 5.43 x 2.17 x 1.24 
  • Weight: 3.51 pounds (shipping)
  • Wattage: 80W
  • Batteries Required: Lithium-ion 
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Product’s highlight

While most other grow lights come with only one control system, Lxyoug LED outsold them all with two different types of remote controls: standard and RF (radio frequency).

With the latter, there’s no need to lurk around the grow lights to control their power and settings. You can be busy in a kitchen 20m away from the garden and still manage to tweak their intensity and operation scope! Multitasking is no longer a challenge with Lxyoug.

On the other hand, the standard (in-line) controller suits more urgent situations where you need precise, immediate adjustments. The fact that Lxyoug is considerate enough to include both types for different situations speaks volumes about its high quality.

How about other features? Although Lxyoug is admittedly not a high-end brand, you can still find a lot of innovative add-ons usually found on pricier alternatives, such as:

  • Timer (4h, 8h, and 12h)
  • Adjustable stand (15” to 60 ”)
  • 3 light modes with 0-100% brightness adjustment

And it doesn’t fail to serve you basic functions: a wide spectrum from 380 nm to 780 nm to satisfy the requirements of not only tomatoes but other plants alike.

A great deal for your money, isn’t it? However, be aware of its durability (though thankfully, there is a 90-day return policy and 24-month warranty to compensate for it) and the loud screeching noises. 

Pros

  • Budget-friendly price
  • Timer, adjustable stand, brightness adjustments
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not as durable as others
  • Loud noise

Bottom line

Lxyoug allows for multitasking and easy control of grow lights. This light is a great deal for your money, but be aware of its durability and loud screeching noises.

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Conclusion

Our inclusive guides on the best grow light for tomatoes have helpfully given you amazing ideas for your beloved garden. You should choose carefully among the 8 picks, as each suits different needs.

Good luck gardening and harvesting; Don’t forget to leave comments below and tell us how it’s going!

FAQs

How many hours per day should you use grow lights for tomatoes?

12 to 16 hours is the most recommended. But if you cannot achieve this benchmark, at least ensure 8 hours of minimum sleep. 

What is the ideal height for tomato grow lights?

About 30 inches (75 cm) are best for your tomatoes. The height should be measured from where the tomato seeds are planted.