Grow tents are the more practical variety of greenhouses. It’s incredibly hard and expensive to try and build one on your own property, and if you don’t have a garden of sorts, it’s impossible.
Grow tents, on the other hand, allow you to control every single aspect of the environment where the plant is trying to thrive.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the best grow tents for indoor growing, so stick around to learn more.
Further reading:
- Best Grow Lights for Indoor Gardening
- Best Grow Tents for Indoor Gardening
- Best Grow Kits for Indoor Gardening
Best Grow Tents Reviewed
Pinpointing a suitable grow tent can be tricky, especially with all the models available on the market. There’s plenty to choose from in regards to features, such as different builds, different sizes, observation windows, door styles, extension kits, and so much more.
But don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you to make things a bit easier. Now, let’s get straight to the point and start discussing the choices that we’ve got for the day.
Best Overall: VIVOSUN Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
We start the reviews with our top-of-the-line pick, the VIVOSUN Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent.
This grow tent comes with a ton of unique features starting at 98% light reflectivity thanks to its double-stitched tear-proof fabric that’s almost completely light-proof and, of course, the act of the robust SBS zippers supported by black lining on both sides. This prevents the leakage of light from the outside to the inside and vice versa.
The entire grow tent is lined with non-toxic PE. Plus, if you want to keep an eye on your plants conveniently, you can use the strategically placed observation window.
Pros
Robust SBS zipper with black lining
Easy connections
Observation window
Metal frame
Affordable
Cons
Zippers need frequent oiling
Great Choice: Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line
On to the next choice: the Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line, an 8×8 grow tent that can be extended even higher using the kit that’s sold separately. This entire thing is incredibly robust, thanks to its all-steel frame and interlocking poles that provide security.
On top of that, it comes with both a flood pool and a roof section that successfully blocks the damaging infrared rays and reduces heat accumulation inside. Not to mention, the entire tent is bug and pest resistant for the protection of your plants, courtesy of the double-lined mesh pre-filters.
Pros
Height extension kit (sold separately)
Double-lined mesh pre-filters
Oversized zippers
360° doors
All-steel frame
Cons
210D fabric
Expensive
Best Reflective: Hydroplanet Grow Tent
The Hydroplanet Grow Tent brings a lot of competition to the race with its stylish black and blue design and completely washable fabric; it’s already an attractive choice.
Moreover, this fabric has 100% reflectivity and is completely tear-resistant. Also, no PVC is involved in the construction of the tent at all; hence, it’s environmentally friendly.
All of this tent is supported by a stainless steel frame that’s rust-resistant. Subsequently, the longevity of the Hydroplanet Grow Tent is extended.
As for the windows, it does have observation windows; unfortunately, they’re flimsy and need Constant maintenance.
Pros
Affordable
Stylish (black and blue)
Washable fabric
Stainless steel frame
Rust-resistant
Cons
Flimsy windows
Eco-Friendly: Quictent SGS Approved Eco-Friendly
This is our environmentally friendly option; the Quictent SGS Approved Eco-Friendly, with its 600D Oxford fabric that provides 100% of reflectivity. As for the frame, there’s a stainless steel frame that’s coated with non-toxic green powder. This allows the frame to withstand the trials of time much longer.
Additionally, it comes with a floor tray and four nylon belts to hang light fixtures and appliances however you see fit. The entire tent is light resistant and heat resistant to maintain the desired conditions for the plants. It’s also worth noting that the observation window is protected by a removable cover.
Pros
100% reflective mylar
600D Oxford fabric
Steel frame
Heat-resistant
Floor tray
Cons
Quality control
Space Efficient: TopoGrow 2-in-1 Indoor Grow Tent
The Quictent SGS Approved Eco-Friendly is space-efficient for a reason. Its design is amazing as it’s split vertically into two chambers, and the left chamber is split using shelves in order to grow all kinds of plants throughout different ages without any trouble.
Moreover, the design is flexible as you can remove the shelves and place them however you see fit to distribute your plants. The primary frame is made out of stainless steel.
Additionally, the fabric on the outside is 100% reflective, while the inside has a diamond pattern, which works great for keeping everything where it should be.
Pros
Steel frame
600D Oxford fabric
Diamond patterned mylar
100% reflective
Waterproof
Cons
Absence of front window
Pricey for some people
Best on a Budget: Mars Hydro Grow Tent
Last but not least, we have our budget pick, the Mars Hydro Grow Tent, which offers you 1680D double-stitched fabric on the outside, with a diamond mylar on the inside, all in the pursuit of light reflection.
Moreover, there’s a rust-proof metal frame to support all of that, and it’s helped by the floor drain and the adequate vents distributed around the tent.
Additionally, assembling the Mars Hydro Grow Tent requires no tools, and it’s an easy process. There’s also heavy-duty metal double-lined SBS zippers that don’t harm your hands at all, and they can withstand a lot of trouble.
Pros
1680D double-stitched fabric
Diamond mylar
Floor tray
99% light reflection
Adequate vents
Cons
Fabric and seams problems
How to Choose a Grow Tent
Different Sizes
We’ll just go through a brief of what each side can include in regards to different plants and their sizes.
2×2
A 2×2 grow tent can house a large plant, two medium plants, or four small plants.
2×4
A 2×4 can house either two large plants, four medium plans, or eight small ones.
3×3
A 3×3 grow tent can contain two large plants, four medium ones, or nine small plants.
4×4
A 4×4 makes quite a jump, as it can house four large plants, eight medium plants, or 16 small ones.
4×8
The 4×8 grow tent can be home to eight large plants, sixteen medium plants, or thirty-two small plants.
5×5
Lastly, we’ve got the 5×5 grow tent, which can contain six large plants, twelve medium ones, or twenty-five small plants.
Must-Have Features
Heat and Rip Resistance
When you decide to go with a grow tent, you’ll find yourself going through numerous processes inside the tent in order to grow your plants properly. So, you’d have a lot of light fixtures, some devices that will require electric current, and, of course, a water source.
Having these three elements in an enclosed space can be incredibly hazardous. Hence, the material of the grow tent will always be a crucial factor in the success and safety of the project. We don’t expect a fire amongst the growing plants, but the working devices can bring it on.
Fabric Density and Strength
Another essential factor is the strength and durability of the fabric. We’d advise you to go with the strongest fabric possible. The thing is, how do you know the strength of the fabric?
The answer is denier, which is the unit in which the strength of the fabric is measured, and it can go up to 1680D.
A stronger fabric will last you a few years, keeping all of the plant products that can cause diseases, especially respiratory ones, inside, such as spores and pests. It’ll also reduce light leakage as much as possible.
Quality Reflective Material
When talking about the quality of the reflective material, we’ve got two aspects to be wary of. The first one is the pattern on the inside which offers different levels of reflectivity levels. From experience, we’d say that diamond patterns are the best way to go, as they’re adopted by the majority of the top-notch grow tents.
On the other hand, we’ve got the percentage of reflectivity. You ought to go for the highest level of reflectiveness possible; 100% would be perfect if you can obtain it.
This means that all of your calculations will be as accurate as possible since your plants will be benefiting from all of the lightings that you have supplied them with; nothing will go to waste.
No Gapping in the Fabric
We’ve just mentioned how important it’s to use all of the light that you’re supplying for your plants inside of the grow tent, and that won’t ever happen unless your tent is completely secure.
This means that all of your seams are done perfectly, all windows and openings are extra supported through the use of velcro straps overlapping each other, preventing the light from escaping. Also, openings for any chords must be surrounded all around by zip draws to prevent any leakage.
Zipper Durability
The thing with zippers is that you can easily damage a small part of its length without knowing it; this small error will allow light out of the tent while you’re none the wiser. So, you must be incredibly careful with how you handle your zipper.
You have to be delicate about it. More importantly, when purchasing your grow tent, try to look for a robust zipper system that’s oversized so that you can maneuver it with comfort and economically designed not to hurt your hand when frequently used.
Corner Construction
Corners are the most important pillars of the primary structure of the grow tent. If you have weaker corners, then the tent is bound to collapse at any time; hence, always check the quality of the corner pieces of the frame.
Try to go for interlocking parts that can connect the three sides of the frame. Also, these pieces can be weighted, which will make the tent much more stable, and fixated to the ground; subsequently, way more durable.
Frame and Pole Strength
Just like a puzzle, grow tents are built by connecting the right pieces. These pieces are complementary to each other, so it’s essential for each piece to be of excellent quality.
With the frames of grow tents, you can go three ways; metals in general, steel which is our best choice, or plastic which isn’t at all recommended as it’s nowhere near as durable as the two other choices.
Nevertheless, no matter which way you decide on, make sure that the locking mechanism of the pieces is as secure as possible. Moreover, some frames come with extra pieces in case you want to make the tent taller or wider, which is always a welcome plus.
Number of Ventilation, Exhaust, and Cord Ports
Ventilation, exhaust, and chord ports are all openings in the grow tent. We’ve mentioned before that the security of their closure is essential to obtaining the maximum benefit from the tent.
Their placement around the tent is crucial to the efficiency of the entire process. If you’ve got all of your cord ports placed strategically, you won’t need extension cords, which can make things way more complicated.
The same goes for ventilation openings or exhaust ports, as that will allow the proper amount of ventilation that your plants need without you having to tackle the tent in any way.
Flood Tray
The flood tray is the same as the tray placed at the bottom of the dish drying rack. It catches anything that might’ve spilled inside of your grow tent and drains it through a specific port. In other words, your floor is completely safe and dry no matter what kind of accident happens.
This feature is becoming more and more popular by the day as it doesn’t just boost the efficiency of your work, as you don’t have to waste time cleaning, it also makes the grow tent much safer inside and around.
Viewing Windows
Viewing windows are exactly what they sound like. Just like the exhaust and chord ports, they’re secured from all sides using overlapping velcro tape to prevent any leakage from happening.
They allow you to monitor everything that’s going on inside of your grow tent without having to go inside by yourself. That, of course, boosts the lifespan of your grow tent and reduces leakage.
Tool Pockets
At first, tool pockets might sound like a small secondary detail. Nevertheless, they do provide a massive boost to your efficiency and practicality inside of the tent.
You certainly don’t want to be going back-and-forth between the tent and where you keep all of your tools; that’s not productive at all. Pockets allow you to keep everything inside and within an arm’s reach. Moreover, they’re very flexible with their shapes and placement to fit your exact needs. You might need specific tools in one spot of the tent, while other tools ought to be kept at the other end.
Net Trellis
Gardeners have used net trellis for so long, and the point of them is supporting the delicate veins that you want to grow higher and higher. Undoubtedly, this makes growing any type of plant so much easier as you don’t have to worry about the newer, more sensitive parts of your precious plants.
Consequently, they’re a great option to have on hand, as they‘re exceedingly adaptable and can fit all kinds of plants without any trouble. In the end, the net trellis will support these branches till they’re strong enough to stand on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Use a Grow Tent?
A grow tent is like a more flexible greenhouse that you can build yourself inside of your home. They come with so many options and so many sizes.
The most important thing to look at is the level of reflectiveness of the wall and the security of the openings and zippers. That way, you’ll be able to provide the best environment possible for your plants and reap the best results.
How Big of a Grow Tent Do I Need?
The size of the grow tent that you want to go with completely depends on the type and number of plants that you plan on growing inside of it. These two categories will lead to the type of devices that you’ll need to put inside of the tent, such as light fixtures.
That’s why you must study the needs of the plants that you wish to grow before going for a certain size.
What Grow Lights Should I Use in My Grow Tent?
When it comes to the lighting system that you‘ll implement inside your grow tent, you need to think about the size of your grow tent to determine the wattage.
For instance, if you have a 3×3 grow tent, you’ll need around 350W to power it. As for the type of light used, our number one choice will always be LED lights. That’s because they use less electricity and reduce the amount of heat generated.
How Thick Should My Grow Tent Fabric Be?
The thickness of the fabric is measured in the unit known as Deniers(D).
One denier stands for the thickness of an individual strand of silk, and of course, the more, the merrier. You ought to go for the highest thickness that you can find, which will definitely cost you a lot.
1680D is the maximum protection of thickness for grow tents, and it offers an excellent level of reflectiveness.
What Kind of Ventilation Fan Should I Get?
In order to guarantee proper ventilation, you’ll need two types of fans. First, we’ve got the air extractor fan system, which is basically an exhaust system that removes old air to the outside of the tent while pulling in fresh air to keep the circulation going.
On the other side of the spectrum, you can use oscillating or regular fans that you can find in houses. They’re efficient!
How Powerful Should My Fan Be?
Your fans should be powerful enough to cover the entire room in a reasonable length of time. How are you supposed to know that? Calculations. The first thing they need to know is the volume of your room.
Then you need to multiply that by the efficiency drop, which is a kind of safety margin to make sure that the entire room is covered. The efficiency drop depends on the duct part.
Do I Need an Intake Fan?
The answer to this question is yes. You might not need to operate it at all times, still, to keep the circulation going, remove all of the unwanted gases to the outside, and start bringing in the fresh air inside; an intake fan or an exhaust fan is essential to the small ecosystem that you’re trying to create inside of your grow tent.
Do Grow Tents Keep the Smell In?
Not really. Exhaust fans carry the air with the particles that create foul smells to the outside, and if the smell is overpowering for any reason, then you might need a stronger exhaust fan or more ventilation ports to boost the airflow a few notches. So, as you can see, there is more than one way to get rid of the smell in a grow tent. Fertilizers, too, can cause foul odors.
Can Grow Tents Become a Fire Hazard?
Grow tents do include a lot of light, appliances, and even gases produced from the plants. So, the answer is yes! Due to the electronics present inside and the fabric of the tent, it can catch on fire.
Yet, there are certain steps that we take to prevent that; most importantly, don’t overload your electronics. If you’re using a power strip, try to distribute more than one around the grow tent.
Can a Grow Tent Be Placed on a Carpet?
Now, placing a grow tent on any kind of flooring that can get damaged by spills isn’t the wisest thing to do. You can take all of the precautions and still suffer from some mishaps with your grow tent.
You wouldn’t want such liquids seeping into your carpet and then into your flooring to ruin it. So, try to find a proper place for your tent, away from carpet and hardwood floors.
Final Thoughts
- The VIVOSUN Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent is our top pick, boasting a double-stitched tear-proof fabric..
- The Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line is another good choice, with its flood pool, heat-resistant roof section, and interlocking poles.
- The Hydroplanet Grow Tent is made of tear-resistant fabric and is also lightweight.