Cultivating plants doesn’t just take skill — it’s an investment too. Unfortunately, not everyone has the perfect environment for growing plants.
Enter small grow tents!
These allow anyone to grow cannabis plants indoors, even with limited square footage!
In this article, I’ve compiled the best small grow tents and a quick guide to choosing the right one for you.
7 Best Small Grow Tents
Below are my most highly-recommended small grow tents for your indoor growing of cannabis plants:
1) Vivosun S223 2×2 Grow Tent – Best Overall
Vivosun is a BIG name among grow tent manufacturers. This model is a high-quality indoor grow tent that’s less than three feet on each side.
Its outer material is made from tear-proof and double-stitched 600D oxford canvas. This ensures that it won’t experience light leaks.
Meanwhile, the inner lining is made with 100% reflective diamond Mylar so that all the light gets reflected back to your plants!
This Vivosun grow tent also offers many openings for equipment — such as for duct fans, lamps, and electrical cords.
You even get an inner tool bag and a removable waterproof floor tray.
The door unzips across three sides, which made it quite tricky to open when I placed it in the
PROS
- Large door and window
- Extremely light proof
- Very sturdy
CONS
- Door unzips across three sides
Rating: 4.8/5
2) GreenHouser 24″X24″X48″ High Reflective Grow Tent – Best Value
GreenHouser offers a good tent for its price.
The inside is made of 96% highly reflective waterproof diamond Mylar. The mid is PVC-free, so it’s non-toxic and environment-friendly.
The outer is made of a strong 600D oxford cloth. This, together with the heavy-duty zippers and double stitching, means you get light leak protection.
What’s interesting about this GreenHouser grow tent is that it has meshed vents for better ventilation.
However, I noticed that it DOESN’T have an observation window — so I had to open the door to check on the plants. This can possibly disrupt the controlled environment.
PROS
- PVC-free
- Mesh vents for better ventilation
- Multiple fan and filter outputs
CONS
- No viewing window
Rating: 4.8/5
3) CoolGrows 24″x24″x36″ Grow Tent – Best Budget
CoolGrow’s tent is quite impressive despite being a budget pick.
Its inner Mylar returns 93-97% of the light that hits it. The polyester material for the outside is also very durable and tear-proof.
The whole thing is lightproof. However, I’ve seen some customers complain about noticing a few pinholes in the stitching.
You can take care of that by using black appliance touch-up paint.
What interested me the most about this tent is that the front window filters out white light. This further protects your plants from light disturbance.
The tent has dual-cinching duct ports to make it EASY to seal light and air around ducting and cords.
PROS
- Filters white light
- Dual ventilation ports
CONS
- Some customers complain about seeing pinholes in the stitching
- The inner lining can get caught in the zipper
Rating: 4.7/5
4) AC Infinity Advance Grow System 2×2 – Best Smart Grow Tent
Having a grow tent doesn’t automatically mean you can cultivate plants. After all, you’ll need to control things like humidity and temperature.
If you’re like me and you’re having a hard time monitoring those factors, then AC Infinity has the PERFECT tent for you!
Unlike other tents, this particular model has the Advance Grow System that puts your indoor gardening on autopilot.
It has a smart climate control system that lets you customize schedules by automatically adjusting fan speed and brightness.
You can even set climate triggers and receive data graphs and other notifications through the Bluetooth app.
Of course, it’s also a COMPLETE kit that comes with programmable LEDs, a trellis net, and more.
However, I do admit it can be difficult to set up — not to mention all those inclusions and features that make it more expensive.
PROS
- A complete kit
- Automates climate control
CONS
- Relatively expensive
- Can be tricky to set up
Rating: 4.6/5
5) Spider Farmer 2x2x5ft Tent Kit with SF1000D Samsun Diodes – Best LED Grow Light
Spider Farmer offers another full kit containing the essentials — such as an inline fan, carbon filter, and flex aluminum ducting.
But I’ve put this grow tent on this list because it offers the best LED grow lights.
This model uses the Samsung LM301B diodes that allow for a full spectrum light — which makes it great for all stages of growth.
These LED grow lights also have a protective coating for a longer lifespan.
It has a powerful but quiet ventilation system too.
However, I’ve noticed that it’s not COMPLETELY lightproof.
For one, some of the seams allow for light penetration. Then, the mesh intake vents have a removable velcro cover.
I personally think it would have been better to have flaps since the removable cover might also cause some light to leak.
PROS
- Powerful ventilation system
- Full-spectrum light
CONS
- Not completely lightproof
Rating: 4.5/5
6) Gorilla Grow Tent Lite Line 2×4 – Best Height-Adjustable
Gorilla grow tents offer a height-adjustable option in case you need a taller tent later on. This makes it PERFECT for the whole growing process.
At its tallest, this grow tent can be a full foot taller. Unfortunately, the extension kit is sold separately.
The Gorilla grow tents in the lite line have the same pro features as their original line — at a lower price! The fabric is still durable but more lightweight.
You also get strong metal poles, tough zippers, and big viewing windows.
I found it really convenient that this model has a 360-degree Wrap Around Access so you can tend to your plants from ANY angle.
PROS
- Have the same features as the original line
- Lets you tend to plants from any angle
- Can adjust to be taller
CONS
- Extension kit sold separately
Rating: 4.4/5
7) iPower 24″x24″x55″ Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent – Best for Large Headroom
iPower’s model would be the tallest tent on this list — making it great if you have a high headroom.
The manufacturer is also well-known for its grow lights, so you’re sure you’re in good hands.
I appreciate how the observation window can be covered with a removable mylar sheet so you can cover it when not in use. This allows for as much light as possible to be reflected back.
However, I did notice that this grow tent tends to leak light around the zippers.
PROS
- Viewing window can be sealed with a mylar sheet
- Manufacturer is known for its grow lights
CONS
- Tends to leak some light
Rating: 4.3/5
Why Should I Use a Grow Tent?
Grow tents help you create the IDEAL environment for raising high-quality cannabis.
Grow tents have reflective inner walls to spread the light from your grow lights. The materials also prevent light leaks.
Aside from lights, they also help contain the smell and humidity.
Having the right equipment lets you better fine-tune the environment inside the grow tent too.
A SMALL grow tent is much more convenient. After all, it has a small footprint! You can place it anywhere — even in closets. A small grow tent is also more portable.Another plus to small grow tents is that they use less energy since they can retain the heat inside more efficiently than large tents.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Small Grow Tent
All grow tents act as an indoor greenhouse. However, there are several things to keep in mind to buy the right one for your needs:
1) Space
It’s a given that small tents will produce small plants.
But even if you’re keeping your plants small, they still need ENOUGH space to give you high-quality yield.
To help, you can check this guide on grow tent sizes for a basic idea of what you might need.
Aside from floor space and vertical space, you should also think of your equipment — such as lights and pots for grow tents.
2) Lighting
Indoor gardening cannabis plants rely on one of three types of lighting: HID, CFL, and LED.
HID (high-intensity discharge) lamps have been used since the 1990s. However, they’re hot and can burn your plants if they’re too close.
Because of that, they’re not good for small grow tents with a low height.
Fortunately, LED systems are slowly becoming a trend. They’re much cooler, making them safer to be closer to plants.
3) Sterilization
In an actual greenhouse, there are predators that can get rid of the pests for you. However, in a small grow tent, things can EASILY spiral out of control.
As such, see if you also have enough room to clean the inside from time to time.
Having a removable floor tray is really helpful for getting rid of standing water.
4) Ventilation
Plants NEED fresh air. As such, you’ll need a solid ventilation system to ensure that they get it. Check if your grow tent has room for the required equipment.
For one, an oscillating fan will help manage temperature and humidity in the grow room.
However, they’re not enough. To help, an inline fan will suck out the hot and humid air to let fresh air in.
To further help regulate humidity, it would also be a good idea to have a humidifier too. Depending on your lights and the temperature outside the tent, a heater or AC can help as well.
5) Material
Many tents also find light leakage a problem — so this should be something to watch out for.
Tent fabric tends to be made of a canvas-like material that has a reflective interior and can block out light.
Cheaper models typically use polyethylene, which does the work. However, they’re not tear-proof.
Higher-end tents use Mylar. This tent material is THICKER and more durable, providing better insulation and reflecting more light.
You should also check for a sturdy structure. This means opting for steel poles and metal frames.
Plastic corners (such as those used in the Secret Jardin Hydro Shoot tents) might make most tents relatively cheaper and lightweight.
However, they won’t give the same support as a FULL metal frame. Not to mention, it might crack from the weight of your equipment.
6) The Strain You Want to Grow
Indicas are best suited for small spaces. That’s because they’re short and stocky — only experiencing a 50 to 100% increase in height.
This means you can put them in small grow tents with low headroom.
You can also work with sativas, although you’ll need to spend more time and attention pruning them.
This is because sativas in the flowering phase can have a 200 to 300% increase in height. For these, I recommend you choose small grow tents with higher headroom.
Regardless of which strain you want to grow, consider your tent’s plant capacity to ensure that it can accommodate the plants.
Tips to Make the Most of Small Grow Tents
Grow tents are handy to have, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Below are a few tips for setting up your grow tent:
Plan Your Design First
Before you buy ANYTHING, it’s important to plan the layout of the room you’ll be putting the tent in and how the tent’s inside will look first.
Think of the factors I’ve listed above. What kinds of lights will you need? How can you ensure that the plants get enough fresh air?
It’s also better to plan to put the tent on top of concrete or tiled floor in case water accumulates on the ground.
Planning everything beforehand means that setting up can go as smoothly as possible.
Place the Tent Near an Electrical Outlet
It’s best to place the tent near an electrical outlet that can properly power your equipment.
This is also PRACTICAL since you won’t want people to stumble over cords — which can either accidentally unplug equipment or damage the cords.
Keep a Journal
Once you’re all set up, a garden journal can help you monitor environmental conditions (like humidity, temperature, and light) and record plant growth.
At first, recording these factors can be like trial and error as you look for the best conditions for your plants.
As you get used to it, recording these metrics will help you pay attention to when you’ll need to adjust certain things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a few more questions on small grow tents? I’ve answered a few of them below:
Are Indoor Grow Tents Worth It?
Yes, indoor grow tents are VERY worth it. After all, you get to create the best environment to encourage vigorous growth.
If you have SMALL tents, then they’ll work very well in any space since they only have a small footprint
What Is the Best Size Grow Tent?
The best size grow tent depends on how many plants you want to cultivate.
In general, a 2’x2′ tent can accommodate two plants. Meanwhile, a 4×4 grow tent kit can fit three or four.
When choosing the size of your tent, always consider the grow space that each individual plant needs.
Can Grow Tents Keep the Smell In?
Grow tents by themselves CANNOT keep the smell in. You’ll need an air filter or carbon filter to contain the odors within the tent.
Recap of My Top Picks
Before I end this article, let me give you a recap of my top picks:
Best Budget – CoolGrows Grow Tent
CoolGrows’ tent is pretty impressive for the price.
It allows easy sealing around the duct ports to prevent light and air leaks. It also has a front window that filters white light to further protect the plants from disturbance.
Best Value – GreenHouser 24″X24″X48″ High Reflective Grow Tent
If you want good value, GreenHouser’s tent has double-duty zippers and double-stitching to prevent light from leaking.
Its meshed vents allow for better ventilation. I also appreciated how it’s PVC — making it non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Best Overall – Vivosun S223 2×2 Grow Tent
My best overall pick is Vivosun’s tent. I’d even daresay it’s the highest-quality tent I’ve put on this list.
It has a big viewing window, is extremely light proof, and is very sturdy. It also gives you a lot of openings for your equipment.
Conclusion
Small grow tents are certainly very helpful in growing your own cannabis plants from the comfort of your own home — even if you don’t have a lot of indoor space!
Ready to own your own small grow tent?
Read through tent reviews and consider factors like tent fabric and plant capacity to choose the right one for you.
