10 Best Grow Light Bulbs in 2026
Ten LED grow light bulbs compared, from GE and Briignite A19s to SANSI 36W BR30 and PAR38 floods, with listed PPF, beam shape, and who should skip each.
By Ethan Cole
Updated November 2, 2026
A grow light bulb is an LED bulb with a standard E26 screw base that turns a lamp you already own into a grow light. It is the simplest and cheapest way to give one or two houseplants more light.
Grow bulbs come in three shapes. A19 bulbs are the classic pear shape and spread light widely. BR30 floods aim light forward in a wider cone. PAR38 bulbs are larger, more focused floods. This guide compares ten, from low-cost A19s to high-output BR30 and PAR38 models. For other forms, see our full spectrum LED grow light guide.
Safety note: grow lights are plug-in electrical fixtures. Follow each maker’s minimum distance from leaves, keep drivers, timers, and plugs away from watering and misting unless the listing gives a water rating, and do not look straight into the LEDs at close range. Lights with UV or IR diodes are marked in the specs below. We describe what each maker lists; we do not promise growth results for any plant.
All Products Compared
| Product | Best For | Shape | Power (Listed) | Plant Light (Listed) | Light Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Grow BR30 (Seeds & Greens, 2 Pack) | Best Overall | BR30 | 9W | 16 umol/s PPF | White |
| Briignite A19 Grow Bulb | Best Budget | A19 | 11W | 25 umol/s PPF | Appears white |
| SANSI 36W BR30 | Highest Output | BR30 | 36W | 65.6 umol/s PPF | 4000K |
| Wiyifada A19 (3 Pack) | Dimmable Multi-Pack | A19 | 9W | Not stated | 4000K |
| mfxmf A19 (2 Pack) | Lowest Cost | A19 | 9W | Not stated | Not stated |
| SANSI 10W (2 Pack) | Small Spot Bulb | PAR20 | 10W | 16.8 umol/s PPF | 4000K |
| Feit Electric A19 Grow | High Humidity Rating | A19 | 9W | Not stated | 3300K |
| PHILIPS PAR38 Grow | Best PAR38 | PAR38 | 15.5W | Not stated | 5000K |
| Lonwon PAR38 30W | High-Output PAR38 | PAR38 | 30W | Not stated per bulb | 4000K |
| Soltech Vita | Best for Decor | PAR30 | 20W | Not stated | 3000K, CRI 98 |
| Award | Product | WikiHomeLED Score About WikiHomeLED ScoreThe WikiHomeLED Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, calculated the same way for every product from Amazon buyer ratings, adjusted for how many ratings each product has. It is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GE Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
|
8.7/10 | $24.77 | Buy | |
| Best Budget |
Briignite Grow Light Bulbs
|
8.7/10 | $8.98 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
SANSI Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
|
8.5/10 | $36.95 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Wiyifada 3 Pack Full Spectrum Grow Light Bulbs,A19
|
8.7/10 | $11.99 | Buy |
| Best Overall |
2 Pack LED Grow Light Bulbs，Full Spectrum Plant
|
8.7/10 | $6.99 | Buy |
SANSI LED Grow Light Bulbs 2-Pack
|
8.6/10 | $9.95 | Buy | |
Feit Electric A19 LED Grow Light Bulb, 9W
|
8.5/10 | $10.98 | Buy | |
PHILIPS LED Plant Grow Light Bulb PAR38
|
8.3/10 | $24.99 | Buy | |
Lonwon Grow Light Bulb, PAR38, 30W, E26
|
8.3/10 | $25.99 | Buy | |
Soltech Vita LED Grow Light Bulb
|
8.2/10 | $84.99 | Buy |
GE Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
Briignite Grow Light Bulbs
SANSI Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
Wiyifada 3 Pack Full Spectrum Grow Light Bulbs,A19
2 Pack LED Grow Light Bulbs，Full Spectrum Plant
SANSI LED Grow Light Bulbs 2-Pack
Feit Electric A19 LED Grow Light Bulb, 9W
PHILIPS LED Plant Grow Light Bulb PAR38
Lonwon Grow Light Bulb, PAR38, 30W, E26
Soltech Vita LED Grow Light Bulb
Top 3 Grow Light Bulbs Reviewed
#1 GE Grow BR30 LED Bulb (Seeds & Greens, 2 Pack): Best Overall
Why We Picked It
GE’s BR30 grow bulb scores 87 from 4.6 stars on about 19,400 ratings, the most of any grow bulb we found. The flood shape aims its light forward, which suits a floor lamp or track head pointed down at a plant.
Each 9W bulb has a published PPF of 16 umol/s and a 25,000-hour rated life. GE gives clear guidance on the box listing: about 16 inches from the plant, 12 hours a day.
Key Specifications
- Shape and base: BR30, E26 medium
- Power: 9W per bulb
- Output: 16 umol/s PPF (listed)
- Lifespan: up to 25,000 hours (listed)
- GE guidance: about 16 in, 12 hours a day
- Pack: 2 bulbs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
This is the Seeds & Greens version. GE’s Flowers & Fruit BR30 adds more red; see our vegetable picks. Full review: GE BR30 grow bulb.
Best For
Houseplants, herbs, and leafy greens under an existing lamp.
Skip It If
You want strong light for succulents or fruiting plants.
Check current pricing and availability for the GE Grow BR30 LED Bulb (Seeds & Greens, 2 Pack).
#2 Briignite A19 Grow Light Bulb: Best Budget
Why We Picked It
Briignite’s A19 scores 87 from 4.6 stars on about 15,100 ratings pooled across its pack sizes. It lists 11W, 1,000 lumens, and 25 umol/s PPF, which is more published plant light than the GE BR30 at a lower price per bulb.
The 180-degree beam spreads light in all directions like a household bulb, so a reflector lamp helps send it toward the plant.
Key Specifications
- Shape and base: A19, E26
- Power: 11W
- Output: 1,000 lumens, 25 umol/s PPF (listed)
- Beam: 180 degrees
- Light color: appears white (listed as 4000K in the text, 3500K in the specs)
- Lifespan: up to 25,000 hours (listed)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Pair it with a clamp light or a desk lamp with a metal shade so the light goes down, not sideways.
Best For
A first grow light on a budget.
Skip It If
Your lamp is open on all sides and far from the plant.
Check current pricing and availability for the Briignite A19 Grow Light Bulb.
#3 SANSI 36W BR30 Grow Light Bulb: Highest Output
Why We Picked It
SANSI’s 36W BR30 scores 85 from 4.5 stars on about 2,600 ratings. It is the brightest well-rated screw-in grow bulb we found, with a published PPF of 65.6 umol/s and PPFD of 265.58 umol/m2/s at 1 foot.
The body is ceramic rather than aluminum, and SANSI lists it as ETL certified with a 5-year protection plan. The light is 4000K daylight white.
Key Specifications
- Shape and base: BR30, E26
- Power: 36W
- Output: 65.6 umol/s PPF; 265.58 umol/m2/s PPFD at 1 ft (listed)
- Light color: 4000K
- Body: ceramic, flame retardant grade V0 (listed)
- Certification: ETL listed; 5-year protection plan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Things to Consider
Check that your lamp or socket is rated for at least 36W. See our SANSI 36W review and SANSI grow light guide.
Best For
Succulents, citrus, and larger houseplants under a floor lamp.
Skip It If
Your plant is a low-light type and a 9W bulb is enough.
Check current pricing and availability for the SANSI 36W BR30 Grow Light Bulb.
How to Choose a Grow Light Bulb
A19, BR30, or PAR38
A19 bulbs spread light widely and suit lamps with reflector shades. BR30 floods send a broad cone forward. PAR38 floods are larger and more focused, which reaches a plant from farther away. Our BR30 vs PAR38 grow bulbs guide compares them.
Output, Not ‘Equivalent’ Watts
Many listings say a bulb ‘replaces’ 100W or 150W. That is a comparison with old incandescent bulbs, not a measure of plant light. A published PPF (umol/s) is more useful; PPFD only means something with its distance.
Check the Lamp
Use an E26 socket rated for the bulb’s wattage. High-output bulbs like the SANSI 36W are larger than standard bulbs, so check the shade clearance. Some makers say not to use their bulbs in enclosed fixtures.
Add a Timer
None of these bulbs has a timer except where noted. A plug-in outlet timer keeps hours steady; see how long should grow lights be on.
How We Evaluate Grow Light Bulbs
We did not grow plants under these lights. We compared manufacturer specifications and Amazon listing details, and ranked products by the WikiHomeLED Score, which adjusts the Amazon star rating for the number of ratings (ratings checked November 1, 2026). To qualify, a product had to be an LED grow bulb with an E26 base, with at least 20 ratings and a rating of 4.2 stars or higher, one listing per product family. PPF, PPFD, lumen, and wattage figures are as published by each seller and are not our measurements. The full method is on our How We Review page. PAR38 was too thin a field for its own guide (four qualifying bulbs), so the best two are included here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a grow light bulb in any lamp?
Any lamp with an E26 socket, if the lamp is rated for the bulb’s wattage and the shade leaves room. Pointing the bulb down at the plant matters more than the lamp style.
How far should a grow bulb be from a plant?
Follow the maker: GE suggests about 16 inches for its BR30 and 9 inches for its A19. Our distance guide lists more.
Is a BR30 or A19 grow bulb better?
A BR30 aims its light forward, so more of it reaches the plant from a floor or track lamp. An A19 suits a lamp with a reflector shade.
Final Verdict
The GE Grow BR30 is the safest pick for most houseplants, with by far the largest rating base and clear guidance. On a tight budget, the Briignite A19 lists more plant light for less. For strong light from a single socket, the SANSI 36W BR30 is the bulb to get. More in Full Spectrum LED Grow Lights.
About the author
Ethan Cole leads research and editing at WikiHomeLED, comparing LED lighting for the home through manufacturer specs, manuals, safety listings and owner feedback. Every product is scored against the criteria on our How We Review page, and picks are updated when models change.