Looking for the best T5 grow lights?
You’re in the right place.
Fluorescent bulbs are a favorite among indoor growers because they’re inexpensive, easy-to-use, and don’t give off much heat.
And T5 bulbs are the most common fluorescent light because they have better lumen output than T8 or T12 bulbs.
Our guide has everything you need to pick the best T5 grow lights for your indoor setup:
- 6 different recommendations (based on your specific needs)
- Why T5 grow lights beat T8 grow lights
- Different between 3000K and 6500K fluorescent bulbs
- Which you need
- And how to optimize your T5 system for maximum flower growth
Before we shine the light on the best T5 grow lights, let’s take a quick look at our top picks.
Best T5 Grow Lights: Quick Picks
- Best T5 Grow Light System: Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Best T5 Bulbs For Veg: LighWise 6500K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Best T5 Bulbs For Flowering: LightWise 3000K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Best 4-Foot T5 Grow Lights: Durolux 6500K HO 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Best 2-Foot T5 Grow Lights: Hydrofarm 6400K 2-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Best Cheap T5 Grow Lights: VIVOSUN 6500K HO 2-FootT5 Grow Light
What Are T5 Grow Lights?
T5 grow lights are a type of fluorescent light that’s popular among indoor growers, and their name tells you exactly what they are:
- “T” tells you their shape (tube)
- “5” tells you their size (5/8-inch diameter)
T8 and T12 are other common types of fluorescent lights.
- T8 grow lights are tube-shaped with 8/8-inch diameters (so 1 inch)
- T12 grow lights are tube-shaped with 12/8-inch diameters (so 1.5 inches)
T5 vs T8 Grow Lights
T5 and T8 grow lights use the same lighting technology and have the same total power, but T8 grow lights have a wider tube diameter (1 inch vs 5/8 inch). That makes for a few subtle differences:
- T5 bulbs are 40% smaller than T8 bulbs (due to their diameter)
- T5 bulbs are brighter than T8 bulbs (more lumens per watt)
- T5 bulbs get slightly hotter to the touch than T8 bulbs
- T5 bulbs require less maintenance than T8 bulbs
- T5 bulbs sometimes cost more than T8 bulbs
If you’re shopping for the best fluorescent grow lights, you want T5 bulbs.
Are T5 Bulbs Full Spectrum Grow Lights?
Full spectrum grow lights emit wavelengths similar to the sun with full coverage from the ultraviolent (UV) to infrared (IR) to ends of the visible light spectrum.
The image below shows the wavelengths emitted by the sun. Pay attention to the white line, which shows the amount of each wavelength emitted.
T5 bulbs are not full spectrum. (Look at the white line again.)
You can find true full spectrum LED grow lights, but they cost a lot more than T5 fluorescent bulbs.
Truthfully, your plants don’t need the full spectrum of light to grow their best. All they really need is light at the 350-500 nm wavelength during the veg stage and 650-670 nm during the flowering stage.
The problem with T5 fluorescent lights alone is they don’t produce much light at the red end of the spectrum for the flowering phase. For that, nothing beats high-pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights. You can read more in our LED vs HPS guide.
But that doesn’t mean fluorescent grow lights are worthless. They’re inexpensive and don’t emit a ton of heat, both of which are big advantages.
Plus, you can find different types of fluorescent grow lights. Let’s explore two in this next section.
3000K vs 6500K Grow Lights
You’ll also come across 3000K and 6500K grow lights. What’s the difference here?It’s all about the color temperature, which is measured in Kelvin.
- 3000K bulbs have a warmer, redder color
- 6500K bulbs have a cooler, bluer color
This is important because, as discussed above, fluorescent lights aren’t full spectrum and don’t emit enough of the red light plants need for strong flowering.However, lower-Kelvin fluorescent lights emit more red light, which you can plainly see in the image above. The summary?
- 3000K bulbs emit more red light and are better for flowering
- 6500K bulbs emit more blue light and are better for veg
The ideal fluorescent-only grow light setup has both 3000K and 6500K lights for as much spectral coverage as possible.
High-Output (HO) T5 Lights
You’ll also see fluorescent bulbs labeled HO or high-output. HO bulbs are brighter and are driven at a higher current, which means they also need HO fixtures. HO bulbs will put out more usable light for your plants.
Best T5 Grow Light Reviews
With our quick summary of T5 grow lights complete, let’s take a look at our top picks for Best T5 Grow Light!
1. Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
Best T5 Grow Light System
| Power | 8 x 54W |
| Color Temperature | 6400K |
| Length | 4 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 8 |
| Lumens | Up to 5,000 per bulb Up to 40,000 for 8 bulbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
These Hydrofarm Agrobrite T5 grow lights are a full commercial grow light system with 8 x 4-foot lights consuming 54W of power each for a total power draw of 432W. With that power, they can put out up to 40,000 lumens of bright, 6400K light, which is double the output of most T5 fluorescent light systems.
The system is configurable either overhead or sideways (horizontal or vertical) for full coverage and comes with a 10-foot power cord. Looking to scale this already-massive 8-bulb system up? You can daisy chain an additional setup to connect up to 16 bulbs from one wall outlet to truly scale a massive indoor fluorescent grow light system.
Pros of the Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Truly massive 40,000 lumens output (5,000 per bulb)
- Daisy chainable to connect up to 16 bulbs and 80,000 lumens
- Made from premium-grade, lightweight aluminum
Cons of the Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Frankly, might be more power than you need
- Only comes with 6400K T5 lights, so you’ll have to buy 3000K lights separately and swap them in for better coverage across the spectrum
2. LightWise 6500K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
Best T5 Bulbs For Veg
| Power | 24W for 2 ft 54W for 4 ft |
| Color Temperature | 6500K |
| Length | 2 ft and 4 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 1, 4, 8, 20, or 40 |
| Lumens | Up to 2,500 per 2 ft bulb Up to 5,000 per 4 ft bulb |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
LightWise sells a variety of high-quality, high-output 6500K T5 grow lights with bright, strong light on the blue end of the spectrum for your plants’ veg phase. They come in either 2-foot or 4-foot lengths. Depending on your needs, they also come in packs of 1, 4, 8, 20, or 40.
If you already have a T5 fluorescent fixture and just need replacement 6500K bulbs, LightWise is an affordable, quality option. These bulbs also work great if you buy a 3000K T5 light system and want to add some 6500K bulbs to give you wider coverage of the full light spectrum.
Pros of LightWise 6500K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Inexpensive
- Tons of flexibility in both color temperature and quantity
- LightWise has amazing customer service
Cons of LightWise 6500K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Bulbs only (no fixture)
- Bulbs don’t last quite as long as other T5 bulbs and should be replaced every 12 months or 2 grows instead of every 18 months or 3 grows.
3. LightWise 3000K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
Best T5 Bulbs For Flowering
| Power | 24W for 2 ft 54W for 4 ft |
| Color Temperature | 3000K |
| Length | 2 ft and 4 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 1, 4, 8, 20, and 40 |
| Lumens | Up to 2,500 per 2 ft bulb Up to 5,000 per 4 ft bulb |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
Like the entry about for best T5 bulbs for veg, LightWise sells a variety of high-quality, high-output 3000K T5 grow lights that are designed for the red end of the light spectrum. They, too, come in either 2-foot or 4-foot lengths. Depending on your needs, they also come in packs of 1, 4, 8, 20, or 40.
These 3000K bulbs are a great purchase either as replacements for your existing 3000K bulbs, which usually should be changed every 12-18 months or after every three grow cycles or as supplementary 3000K light should you get a full 6500K T5 system like the top-ranked Hydrofarm Agrobrite.
Pros of LightWise 3000K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Inexpensive
- Tons of flexibility in both color temperature and quantity
- LightWise has amazing customer service
Cons of LightWise 3000K HO T5 Grow Light Bulbs
- Bulbs only (no fixture)
- Bulbs don’t last quite as long as other T5 bulbs and should be replaced every 12 months or 2 grows instead of every 18 months or 3 grows.
4. Durolux 6500K HO 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
Best 4-Foot T5 Grow Lights
| Power | 4 x 54W |
| Color Temperature | 6500K |
| Length | 4 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 4 |
| Lumens | Up to 20,000 |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
Durolux’s 6500K high-output T5 grow light system comes with 4 T5 bulbs rated up to 5,000 lumens each with a total power draw of 230W (57.5W per bulb).
These fixtures are daisy chainable up to 5 fixtures in total, giving you truly massive coverage potential up to 20 bulbs and 100,000 lumens for your entire system.
This feature has a 8-foot power cord, which isn’t quite as long as the top-ranked Hydrofarm Agrobrite, but this system can scale larger than the Agrobrite with a 20-bulb max capacity compared to the Agrbrlite’s 16-bulb max.
When you factor in price, this Durolux 6500K, 4-Foot T5 Grow Light System is an astounding value.
Pros of the Durolux 6500K HO 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Great bang-for-your-buck with up to 20,000 lumens of bright light
- Daisy chainable up to 5 fixtures (20 bulbs and 100,000 lumens)
- Reflector does a great job concentrating light
Cons of the Durolux 6500K HO 4-Foot T5 Grow Light
- 8-foot power cord is 2 feet shorter than the Hydrofarm Agrobrite system
- Aluminum frame isn’t as strong as the Hydrofarm Agrobrite system
- Only come with 6500K T5 bulbs
- Run hotter than similar systems
5. Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 2-Foot T5 Grow Light
Best 2-Foot T5 Grow Lights
| Power | 24W per bulb |
| Color Temperature | 6400K |
| Length | 2 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 2, 4, 8, or 12 |
| Lumens | Up to 2,000 per bulb Up to 8,000 for 4 bulbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
If you’re looking for the best 2-foot T5 bulbs, stick with the LightWise 3000K and 6500K bulbs above. They’re a great value and will get the job done.
If you’re looking for the best 2-foot T5 grow light with fixture included, this Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K T5 Grow Light is perfect. It’s the smaller, 2-foot, 4-bulb version of the top-ranked 4-foot, 8-bulb system we rated as the best T5 grow light, but you can also find systems from 2-12 bulbs, so there really is something for everyone.
The same strengths we listed above hold here too: high-quality product, 10-foot power cord, daisy chainable, and can be hung either overhead or sideways (horizontal or vertical).
If you’re just getting started with indoor growing and are looking for a stress-free T5 grow light with a small footprint, these 2-foot Hydrofarm Agrobrite T5s are for you.
Pros of the Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 2-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Low-heat, even for T5 lights
- Excellent quality aluminum construction
- Systems come in 2-12 bulb sizes
Cons of the Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 2-Foot T5 Grow Light
- Can only daisy chain 2 fixtures
- Only comes with 6400K T5 lights, so you’ll have to buy 3000K lights separately and swap them in for better coverage across the spectrum
6. VIVOSUN 6500K 2-Foot HO T5 Grow Light
Best Cheap T5 Grow Lights
| Power | 54W per bulb |
| Color Temperature | 6500K |
| Length | 4 ft |
| Number of Bulbs | 6 or 8 |
| Lumens | Up to 5,000 per bulb Up to 40,000 for 8 bulbs |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
VIVOSUN never makes the best equipment, but they almost always are a contender for best value equipment. That’s true once again as we’ve got VIVOSUN picked as our best cheap T5 grow lights.
Their T5 grow light system comes with either 6 x 4-foot bulbs or 8 x 4-foot bulbs with each bulb outputting 6500K of high-output light up to 40,000 lumens, meaning their 8-bulb system can product up to 40,000 lumens, just like our top-ranked Hydrofarm Agrobrite 6400K 4-Foot Grow Light System.
Then you see the price with these VIVOSUN costing half as much as Hydrofarm’s T5 lights. Hydrofarm may be better, but are they worth paying twice as much for the same T5 light specifications?
In our opinion, yes. Hydrofarm’s bulbs last longer, don’t emit as much heat, and their aluminum housing is just better-quality (hands-down). And even though the specifications are listed as the same, Hydrofarm’s bulbs always seem to produce better plants.
In the end, that’s the goal, right?
Still, VIVOSUN’s cheap T5 grow lights (or should we say budget?) have their place. You could always buy this cheaper system and test it out for a couple of grow cycles, and when it comes time to replace your bulbs simply upgrade to the LightWise bulbs, which are a fantastic value and our pick for the best 4-foot T5 grow light bulbs.
Pros of the VIVOSUN 6500K 2-Foot HO T5 Grow Light
- Excellent value for first-time or casual indoor growers
- VIVOSUN offers both 6 x 4-foot and 8 x 4-foot systems
- Reflective shield does a good job (even if it is cheaply made)
Cons of the VIVOSUN 6500K 2-Foot HO T5 Grow Light
- Overall bulb and build quality isn’t as good as the top-ranked Hydrofarm Agrobrite T5 grow lights even though the specifications are the same
- 8-foot power cord compared to Hydrofarm’s 10-foot cord
- Hook hanging system is flimsy
