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Grow tents can be a must for hydroponic gardening, which is increasing in popularity thanks to the flexibility it offers growers who are lacking in soil space. Grow tents can be used inside or outside for hydroponic plants, but their main function is helping growers maintain the perfect environment for their plants.
Finding the best grow tents is important because the quality of a grow tent will affect how well you can control the environment for your plants. The size, fabric, ventilation, and frame all matter in regard to how well your new grow tent will function. In order to help you navigate the options, keep reading to find out several key considerations when shopping for a grow tent, and check out some of the best grow tent kits for specific situations below.
- BEST OVERALL: Vivosun 48″ x 48″ x 80″ Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Nova Microdermabrasion Hydroponic Grow Tent
- UPGRADE PICK: Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACE: Mars Hydro 36″ x 36″x 71″ Grow Tent
- BEST LARGE: Vivosun 96″ x 48″ x 80″ Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
- BEST FOR DURABILITY: Spider Farmer Pro-Grade Grow Tent
- BEST FOR BEGINNERS: CoolGrows 48″ x 48″ x 80″ Indoor Mylar Grow Tent
- BEST FOR STARTING PLANTS: Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse
- BEST FOR VEGETABLES: TopoLite 24″ x 24″ x 48″ Grow Tent
How We Chose the Best Grow Tents
After extensively researching grow tent products, their features, customer reviews, and leading and niche companies, we selected the list of some of the best indoor grow tents based on a few factors. Among these factors were durability, quality, price, assembly, and extra features. The size was less of a consideration since many brands include different sizes so buyers can choose the right option for them.
The best grow tents were those that had features many buyers were looking for, such as exhaust ports, hanging bars, metal framing, durable fabric, and dual stitching to help reduce light leaking. Observation windows and the number of openings were also considered as convenience features when reviewing the best grow tents.
Our Top Picks
After sorting through a range of the top products on the market, we created this list of our top picks for some of the best indoor grow tents. The options below include smaller tents as well as large tents and even a mini option for starter plants so gardeners at various stages can create an indoor greenhouse.
Best Overall
Vivosun 48u0022 x 48u0022 x 80u0022 Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent
This sizable grow tent measures 48 by 48 by 80 inches, meaning it can house six to eight plants in 3-gallon pots in the tent. It’s lined with reflective Mylar to increase heating efficiency.
The tent comes with a door that runs the full length of one side, but it also comes with a window for viewing. It features dual ports for exhaust vents and a removable floor tray for easy cleaning. No tools are required to set up this grow tent and get started growing.
The tent has metal poles instead of plastic and has 600D fabric on the outside. Double-layer black-lined zippers help prevent light leaks and protect plants.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 80 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 48 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Beginner
- Weight: 28.9 pounds
Pros
- Comes with removable floor tray for getting rid of debris, leaves, and more
- Includes a sturdy hanging bar for plants, grow lights, and more
- No tools required for assembly; suitable for first timers
- Zippers help keep light in and cold air out for proper plant growth
Cons
- Viewing window might be too tall for some people
Get the Vivosun hydroponic grow tent at Amazonor Vivosun.
Best Bang for the Buck
Nova Microdermabrasion Hydroponic Grow Tent
With three hanging rods and different ports for exhaust fans and wires, this grow tent also has a removable floor tray. At 80 inches tall by 48 inches wide and 48 inches deep, this grow tent offers ample space inside for about six to eight plants.
Made with 600D fabric with Mylar on the interior to help increase the heat inside, its frame is made with metal poles instead of plastic. It also weighs less than other top grow tents of similar size at just 28 pounds. In addition to its affordable price, this grow tent needs no tools for setup.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 80 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 48 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Beginner
- Weight: 28 pounds
Pros
- Comes with hanging bars to accommodate certain plants or grow lights
- Metal frame bars for long-term durability and use
- Removable tray on the bottom to rid tent of dead leaves, dirt, and other debris
Cons
- More prone to light leaks than some; may not be ideal for plants needing specific or low lighting
Get the Nova hydroponic grow tent at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line
When shoppers are searching for a larger grow tent that’s a bit sturdier than others, this tent from Gorilla Grow can be a worthwhile consideration depending on how many plants are being grown. At 79 inches tall by 96 inches wide by 48 inches deep, the tent weighs 49 pounds. The height of this grow tent is actually adjustable with the separate purchase of extension poles, which can add another foot of height onto the grow tent.
This grow tent uses metal framing and has tool pouches built directly into the grow tent so gardening tools can be kept right where they are needed. It also has dual cinching ports for tent lights and electrical ports and features viewing windows for a gardener’s convenience.
Product Specs
- Dimensions:79 inches tall by 96 inches wide by 48 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 49 pounds
Pros
- Can adjust height with extension bars (purchase separately)
- Durable metal framing provides long-term use and durability; high weight capacity for larger pots
- Built-in tool bags hold needed accessories required for plant care
- Viewing windows are built-in for quick check-ins on plant growth inside
Cons
- Heavier weight than others makes it less portable
Get the Gorilla grow tent at Amazon or Gorilla Grow Tent.
Best for Limited Space
Mars Hydro 36u0022 x 36u0022 x 71u0022 Grow Tent
When looking for a grow tent that has a smaller footprint yet doesn’t compromise too much on height, this grow tent from Mars Hydro delivers. With metal framing, removable floor trays, Mylar lining, and dual cinching ports, it also has double-stitched seams to help prevent light leaks.
With observation windows and no tools necessary to get started, this grow tent is easy to assemble for beginners or for when short on space. The fabric is 1680D, which makes it sturdy and can help prevent light leaks and heat loss. As long as the ceiling height is available, this tent can be placed in any 36-by-36-inch space.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 71 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Beginner
- Weight: 19.76 pounds
Pros
- Double-stitched seams to help prevent light leaks
- No tools needed for assembly; perfect for first timers
- Smaller footprint makes it easy to put virtually anywhere; suitable for smaller apartments
- Metal framing integrated into construction to provide ample durability and high weight capacity
Cons
- Main door opens on 1 side only; may not be ideal for some users
Get the Mars Hydro grow tent at Amazon or Mars Hydro.
Best Large
Vivosun 96u0022 x 48u0022 x 80u0022 Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
When a larger grow tent to house as many plants as possible is needed, this option from Vivosun might be a good fit. It is 80 inches tall by 96 wide by 48 inches deep, and up to 16 plants can grow in 3-gallon pots with this tent. The zipper has a black lining to help prevent light leaks, and the seams are double-stitched for the same purpose. It comes with two doors and observation windows and doesn’t require tools for assembly.
The tent is made with 600D fabric and metal poles. It comes with a removable floor tray, built-in tool organizers, and dual-layer vent openings. The tent’s hanging bar can hold up to 88 pounds.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 80 inches tall by96 inches wide by 48 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 47 pounds
Pros
- Surprisingly easy to assemble for size; purchase includes detailed instruction manual
- Black-lined zippers and dual stitching prevent light leaks
- Comes with 2 doors and windows for quick check-ins on plant growth
- Can fit up to 16 plants in 3-gallon pots
Cons
- Large size makes is inconvenient for many homes or garages
Get the Vivosun mylar grow tent at Amazonor Vivosun.
Best for Durability
Spider Farmer Pro-Grade Grow Tent
Shoppers searching for the most durable grow tent kit will want to consider this option from Spider Farmer. This 80-inch tall by 60-inch square tent is made with 1680D fabric, which is tear-resistant and also helps the grow tent retain heat better. The hanging bars can support up to 140 pounds.
The grow tent kit comes with a removable floor tray and dual exhaust ports in addition to power cord ports. Made with metal framing, this tent doesn’t require any tools to assemble. It has an observation window in addition to its full-length door. Since the window is mesh-lined, it can also work to help ventilate the tent.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 80 inches tall by 60 inches wide by 60 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 37.2 pounds
Pros
- Durable fabric construction keeps light out and plants insulated
- Bars can support up to 140 pounds to hold large plants or lighting fixtures
- Metal framing provides ample durability for long-term use
- Mesh observation window for checking on plants as they grow
Cons
- Harder to assemble than some tents; may not be the best option for first timers
Get the Spider Farmer grow tent at Amazon or Spider Farmer.
Best for Beginners
CoolGrows 48u0022 x 48u0022 x 80u0022 Indoor Mylar Grow Tent
For a beginner indoor gardener who is looking for an easy-to-assemble tent at an affordable price, this tent from CoolGrows may be worth considering. This 80-inch tall, 48-inch square grow tent comes with an observation window and has tool-free assembly.
The tent is made with 600D canvas and metal framing, and the tray at the bottom is removable. The tent also comes with hanging bars. The tent design includes several observation windows and ports so plants can be properly ventilated and gardeners can check on their progress.
While it doesn’t come with any extra features such as a tool bag or a door that opens from more than one side, this tent is a great start for beginners.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 80 inches tall by 48 inches wide by 48 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 26.5 pounds
Pros
- No tools required for assembly; perfect for first timers
- Removable floor tray for taking out dead leaves, dirt, and other debris
- Metal framing provides long-term durability
Cons
- Door opens from 1 side only; may not be ideal for some spaces
Get the CoolGrows grow tent at Amazon.
Best for Starting Plants
Nova Microdermabrasion Mini Greenhouse
When growing plants indoors with an absolute minimal investment and without taking up hardly any floor space, this mini greenhouse can be used both inside and outside as a grow tent.
Although it doesn’t come with exhaust fans or hanging bars for plants, the tent does include shelves so four tiers can be set up for starting plants such as seedlings for transferring to an outdoor garden when the time comes.
The shelves are made of powder-coated steel, and the tent comes with a waterproof cover to keep plants protected from the weather should it be used outside. The covers also help keep heat inside during the day. No tools are required to set it up.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 63 inches tall by 27.25 inches wide by 19 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 10.16 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight product is easy to move inside or outside; ideal for apartments
- Shelves are removable depending on your needs
- Cover is waterproof; safe for keeping on patios or outdoors during a rainfall
Cons
- Lightweight product makes it less sturdy when used outdoors
- No hanging bars or exhaust vents
Get the Nova mini grow tent at Amazon.
Best for Vegetables
TopoLite 24u0022 x 24u0022 x 48u0022 Grow Tent
Though growing plants and vegetables might be a daunting task for some, the TopoLight grow tent might help make it an easy and fun process. Made with heavy-duty 600D lightproof oxford cloth on the outside and mylar on the inside, this tent’s interior provides 96 percent light and heat distribution for growing various vegetables and plants. Plus, this model is made with metal rods and plastic connectors for ample durability.
As for user-friendliness, this tent has a large door for accessing plants as they grow, and the heavy-duty zipper keeps light out. Plus, this pick provides good ventilation for plants with its integrated mesh air vents and openings to accommodate filtration systems (if required). The set also includes a removable floor tray, dual nylon belts, and assembly instructions.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 48 inches tall by 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep
- Assembly difficulty level: Intermediate
- Weight: 11.34 pounds
Pros
- Made with durable 600D oxford cloth, metal frame, and mylar
- Interior provides 96 percent heat and light distribution
- Mesh air vents and openings allow for circulation and ventilation
- Comes with a removable floor tray, dual nylon belts, and assembly instructions
Cons
- Some users have reported some light leakage from the zipper
- May not be ideal for outdoor use
- Smaller interior space than comparable grow tents
Get the TopoLite grow tent at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Grow Tent
Choosing the best indoor grow tent means evaluating a few key features of the tent, including the size, insulation, ventilation, assembly, and features. All these factors will affect the longevity of a grow tent and how well it will support indoor gardening needs.
Size
Grow tents are primarily meant to go indoors, which means the size of the home, garage, basement, or shed where the grow tent will be placed matters. Another consideration is the expected height of the plants that will be grown, so the height of the grow tent will matter as well.
Some tents are wider than they are tall, while others are taller than they are wide. Some indoor grow tents have a pitched roof to allow for taller plants to grow. Know the ceiling height of the indoor space and consider the plants that will be inside the tent when considering the size of a new grow tent.
Fabric
Grow tents are made from fabric, and this is an important consideration because the fabric of a grow tent affects the insulation of the plants.
The outside fabric is typically made of a synthetic fabric such as polyester or nylon. These fabrics are rated by a number and a “D” that stands for “denier.” Denier is a unit of measurement that describes the thickness of the fabric. The higher the number, the thicker and more tear resistant the fabric.
The inner part of the tent, which is the shiny material often seen, is called Mylar. Mylar is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and helps enhance the effectiveness of the lights inside the tent. Mylar is heat resistant and is at lower risk of catching fire.
The type of fabric on a grow tent can also affect whether outside light sources can “leak” inside. This is important because certain plants need a dark/light cycle to flourish properly. If tent lights are off at night but household members are still up and using lights in the home, the house lights won’t affect the growth of the plants.
On the other hand, light from inside the tent can also “leak” out, which can disrupt a household. Generally, thicker fabric and quality zippers can help stop light leaks. For this reason, it is helpful for any doors or windows on the grow tent to also have covers.
Frame and Weight Capacity
The frames of grow tents can either be made from plastic or metal. Plastic frames tend to be lighter while still supporting the grow tent’s weight; however, metal tends to be able to hold more weight. The material doesn’t matter as much as the quality when choosing the best indoor grow tent. If a tent with metal frames is chosen, however, the framing material performs best when coated to ensure it doesn’t rust over time.
The material of the frame also affects the weight capacity when hanging plants and lights in the tent. While it will depend on the specific tent, the best indoor grow tent kits can usually hold anywhere between 100 to 175 pounds of weight.
Doors and Windows
Every grow tent has at least one door that allows access inside the grow tent. The doors can vary in size, but most run the entire height of the grow tent for easy access to all parts of it. Regardless of the door size, the best grow tents have zippers that properly seal the fabric shut to prevent light leaks and keep the heat inside to nourish plants.
However, not every grow tent will have windows. Whether or not a window is desired is a personal choice. Windows provide the ability to peek in on plants without opening the door and letting heat out. However, one downside to having windows is that the window will need to have a cover on it to prevent light leaks or escaping heat.
Ventilation, Exhaust, and Cord Ports
All grow tents need to have ventilation to ensure that plants have enough carbon dioxide and to support proper temperature and humidity. Some grow tent kits come with an exhaust fan to help remove stale air and infuse fresh air in. However, a separate ventilation or exhaust fan will be needed for most tents.
Some grow tents also come with dual exhaust ports and cord ports to ensure there is plenty of room for everything needed, including cords from lights and fans. Checking how many ventilation ports or cord ports are available on each model under consideration can help determine the best grow tent kit for a gardener’s needs.
Assembly
Not every grow tent is easy to set up. Some will require tools, while others don’t require any tools to get started. Generally, the more sturdy the tent, the more complex it will be to assemble. Grow tents come with instructions to help setup go smoother, but not all instructions are created equal when it comes to detail and specificity.
If the complexity of the assembly or additional tools required is a concern, be sure to check the manufacturer’s description of the product to see if extra tools are needed. Most indoor grow tents don’t require anything beyond what comes with the grow tent kit for assembly.
Extra Features
Grow tent kits may come with extra features. These could include windows, removable floor trays, and even a bag to keep the tent in when not in use. Although extra features aren’t strictly necessary for the grow tent to grow plants, they can be helpful.
For example, having a removable floor tray allows for easy cleaning on the bottom of the tent. Windows allow gardeners to check the progress of plants without opening the door, which offers better control of temperature and humidity levels.
If extra features are important, consider them before making the decision on the best grow tent for the hydroponic garden.
FAQs
After reviewing the shopping considerations and potential features of some of the best grow tent kits, there may be new or lingering questions. Below are answers to some of the most popular questions about grow tents.
Q. Why use a grow tent?
A grow tent allows a gardener to grow a variety of plants indoors due to the fact that it creates an environment with ideal heat, light, aeration, and humidity. This is especially helpful for growing fruits and vegetables indoors all year-round.
Q. Are indoor grow tents worth it?
If you want to grow plants indoors or start plants for a garden, grow tents can be worth using as they enable growing plants year-round. For those who need certain plants that cannot grow in some months or regions, grow tents can simulate the perfect environment.
Q. How tall of a tent should I buy?
That depends on where you’re planning to put the tent. The ceiling height should be able to accommodate the grow tent. Also consider how tall the plants will get, as well as how low your grow lights will hang. However, the average grow tent will range from 50 to 80 inches high.
Q. How thick should my grow tent fabric be?
Most grow tent fabrics are 600D and up to prevent light from leaking into the unit. The higher the number, the thicker the fabric and protection. Thicker fabric helps better insulate the tent and makes for better tear resistance.
Q. What grow lights should I use in my grow tent?
For every square foot of grow space in a tent, 25 to 50 watts of light is recommended. The amount of light will depend on whether the plants are vegetables or flowers, with flowers needing more light. LED grow lights are a favorite among growers.
Q. How do I regulate the temperature and humidity in my grow tent?
You can regulate temperature and humidity with exhaust fans. Some grow tents also have mesh observation windows or vents/holes that can double as a way to ventilate the interior of the tent.
Q. Can a grow tent be used outside?
Most grow tents can’t be used outside. Although their fabric is somewhat waterproof, the lights and electrical cords going to the tent could pose a risk. Make sure the grow tent lists outdoor use as a feature, if you are looking for an outdoor grow tent.
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