Introduction
You don’t need an expensive setup to start growing indoors. The best cheap grow lights in the UK now use efficient LEDs or compact fluorescents that deliver strong light for seedlings, herbs, and salad leaves — all for well under £100.
In this guide, you’ll see real-world low-cost options — from plug-in bulbs for a few plants on a windowsill to slim LED bars that can light an entire shelf.
If this guide isn’t quite what you are looking for, check our Grow Light Resource Hub for more comparisons and set up tips – or visit the HomeGrower Homepage for our latest self-sufficiency guides.
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Comparison Table: Best Cheap Grow Lights UK (2025)
Comparison Table: Best Cheap Grow Lights UK (2025)
| Product | Type | True Wattage* | Coverage (approx.) | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANSI 36W LED Grow Light Bulb | E27 full-spectrum bulb | ≈30–36 W | 30–40 cm circle / 1–2 pots | Single herbs/houseplants; first budget setup | See on Amazon |
| Wolezek 4-Head LED Grow Light (80 LEDs) | Gooseneck clip-on, timer & dimmer | ≈25–30 W | ~40 cm width / 3–4 small pots | Windowsills & shelves; herbs, seedlings, succulents | See on Amazon |
| Barrina T5/LED Grow Light Bars (2-pack) | Slim LED bars, daisy-chain | ≈40–50 W (pair) | 60–90 cm shelf / seed trays | Propagation shelves; microgreens; even spread | See on Amazon |
| LumiaStar 2ft 24W T5 Fluorescent Tubes (5-pack) | T5 fluorescent tubes (6500K) | 24 W per tube | Tray/cold-frame width (needs fixture) | Gentle seedling propagation in cooler rooms | See on Amazon |
| Viparspectra XS1000 LED Grow Light | Full-spectrum LED panel, dimmable | ≈100–120 W | ~60 × 60 cm (small tent/cabinet) | Serious growth on a budget; leafy crops, compact fruiting | See on Amazon |
| Mars Hydro TS600 LED Grow Light | Full-spectrum LED panel | ≈95–100 W | ~60 × 60 cm (small tent/cabinet) | Entry-level panel for salads/herbs; upgrade path later | See on Amazon |
* True wattage is approximate based on typical user measurements/specs. Check current listing details before purchase.
1️⃣ Best Cheap Grow Light Bulb (Plug-in Option)
Example model: Sansi 36W LED Grow Light Bulb (E27 screw fitting)
Type: Full-spectrum LED bulb
Typical price: ~£35
What it’s good for:
- Ideal for individual houseplants, herbs, or a single tray of seedlings.
- Perfect entry-level choice — just screw it into a regular desk lamp or clip-on holder.
Pros:
- True 20–25 W draw; bright for its size.
- Uses a standard E27 socket — no special fittings needed.
- Low heat, long lifespan (25,000+ hrs).
Limitations:
- Narrow light cone; only covers ~30–40 cm area.
- Uneven spread for wider trays.
Best used for:
Herbs, chillies, succulents, or single plant pots. Great for beginners dipping into grow lights for the first time.
2️⃣ Best Budget Gooseneck / Clip-On Light
Product: Wolezek 4-Head LED Grow Light (80 LEDs, Full Spectrum)
Typical Price: ~£26.99 (on Amazon UK with periodic discounts)
Rating: 4.3 ⭐ (1,400 + reviews, Amazon’s Choice)
Link: (Add your affiliate “See on Amazon” button here)
What it’s good for
- Ideal for windowsills, desktops and small shelves.
- Four flexible gooseneck heads let you cover 3–4 small pots evenly.
- Great starter light for herbs, succulents and seedlings without taking much space.
Specs & Features
- Full spectrum: 3000 K warm white + 5000 K cool white + 660 nm red.
- 10 dimming levels and 3 switch modes (for 1–2–4 heads).
- Timer: 4 / 8 / 12-hour auto cycle memory.
- True power draw: ≈ 25–30 W (USB or mains adapter included).
Pros
- Adjustable arms reach different pots easily.
- Built-in timer saves using a separate plug timer.
- Excellent value for under £30.
Limitations
- Light spread is limited to small areas (~40 cm wide).
- USB power limits maximum brightness slightly compared to plug-in bars.
Best used for
Herbs, microgreens, succulents, and seedlings on shelves or windowsills where you need flexibility and timed cycles without a complex setup.
3️⃣ Best Budget LED Bar Kit (Shelf Setup)
Example model: Barrina T5 LED Grow Light Kit (4-pack, 3ft each)
Type: Slim LED bars (full-spectrum white)
Typical price: £40–£60 depending on pack size
What it’s good for:
- Lighting seed trays, propagation shelves, or hydroponic towers.
- Provides even light across longer areas.
Pros:
- True 40–50 W total draw across two bars.
- Daisy-chain design lets you link multiple shelves.
- Natural white light, no “blurple” hue.
Limitations:
- Requires basic mounting (clips or zip ties).
- Slightly more setup time than clip-ons.
Best used for:
Seed starting, salad greens, or herb shelves. A very popular balance of performance and cost.
4️⃣ Best Cheap Fluorescent Grow Light (T5 Tube Option)
Product: LumiaStar 2ft 24W T5 Fluorescent Tube (Pack of 5, 6500K Daylight Full Spectrum)
Price: ~£48.81 (5-pack)
Rating: 4.4 ⭐ (79 reviews on Amazon UK)
Link: (Add your affiliate “See on Amazon” button here)
What it’s good for
- Ideal for traditional seed propagation and cooler growing spaces.
- Soft, even light that’s gentle on seedlings and young plants.
- Each tube gives ~2000 lumens with a 6500K daylight spectrum — perfect for leafy greens and herbs.
Specs & Features
- Light type: Fluorescent (T5, full spectrum)
- Wattage: 24 W per tube
- Colour temperature: 6500 K (cool daylight)
- Output: ~2000 lumens per tube
- Quantity: 5 tubes per pack
Pros
- Excellent light spread for wide seed trays.
- Cool running temperature — ideal for propagation.
- Tubes are replaceable and widely available.
Limitations
- Requires a ballast or fixture (these are tubes only, not plug-and-play).
- Slightly less efficient and shorter lifespan than LEDs.
Best used for
Gardeners who already own a T5 fixture or want to retrofit an existing propagation unit with fresh full-spectrum tubes. Perfect for seedlings, cuttings, and microgreens in cooler environments where gentle light is preferred.
5️⃣ Best Cheap Grow Light Panel (Compact LED)
Example model: Viparspectra XS1000 or Mars Hydro TS600
Type: Full-spectrum LED panel
Typical price: ~£80–£100 (often discounted below £80)
What it’s good for:
- Small grow tents or cupboards (60×60 cm).
- Much higher intensity than bulbs or bars.
Pros:
- True draw around 100 W; enough to grow salad crops or compact fruiting plants.
- Silent passive cooling.
- Dimmable driver.
Limitations:
- Overkill for single pots; needs distance (~30 cm).
- Higher upfront cost, though very efficient long-term.
Best used for:
Grow boxes, small tents, or when you want serious growth on a tight budget.
6️⃣ Best DIY Budget Option (Creative Route)
Type: LED light strips + adhesive mount + plug timer
Typical cost: ~£25 total
What it’s good for:
- Custom shelf builds or under-cabinet gardens.
Pros:
- Fully flexible — you decide layout and brightness.
- Great for hobbyists with existing shelving.
Limitations:
- No official plant-growth spectrum; performance varies.
- Requires safe wiring and decent ventilation.
Best used for:
Low-light herbs, leafy greens, or decorative setups where appearance matters more than speed of growth.
⚙️ Choosing the Right Cheap Grow Light (Quick Guide)
| Use case | Recommended Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single plant or herb pot | E27 bulb | Cheapest entry-point |
| Windowsill herbs | Clip-on gooseneck | Adjustable coverage |
| Seed tray / shelf | LED bar kit | Most efficient overall |
| Seed propagation | Fluorescent T5 | Gentle, even light |
| Compact tent / cabinet | LED panel | Strongest output |
| DIY project | LED strip | Custom layouts |
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💡 Tips for Success on a Budget
- Set correct distance: Bulbs and clip-ons: ~20–30 cm; panels: 30–40 cm.
- Run 12–16 hours/day: Use a plug timer; most budget lights lack memory after power cuts.
- Watch plant feedback: Stretched stems = too far; pale leaves = too close.
- Reflective sides: Use white card or foil to improve light use by 20–30 %.
- Upgrade smart: Keep old lights for seedlings or side lighting once you scale up.
💰 Running Cost
A 40 W light for 14 hours/day = 0.56 kWh/day ≈ 17p/day at £0.30 / kWh.
Even two lights cost less than £10/month for year-round greens.
Are cheap grow light bulbs worth buying?
Yes. A quality LED bulb can easily handle herbs, chillies or succulents indoors — just keep it 20–30 cm above plants and run it 14 hours/day.
Can I grow vegetables with cheap lights?
Leafy crops like lettuce, spinach and basil — absolutely. Fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers) need more power and space than most budget lights provide.
Which is better, fluorescent or LED?
LEDs are now more efficient and last longer. T5 fluorescents remain great for gentle seedling growth, especially in cooler rooms.
How close should I keep cheap lights to plants?
Around 20–30 cm for bulbs/bars, 30–40 cm for panels. Adjust weekly as plants grow.
Do cheap grow lights use a lot of electricity?
No — a 40 W unit costs about £5/month to run, far less than expected.