The timer function works great, it's really bright and puts off the perfect amount of heat. The light is just a tiny bit brighter when plugged in. I have mine set for 6 hours and use the blue and violet lights.
This planter is well worth the money. It usually takes radishes a full month to harvest outside. This is the cutest little aerogarden seed pod sized life support carrier.
These lights are sleek and easy to hid and install. When i out of town, the timer is wonderful. I think plugging it into an alexa plug might make it even easier.
More importantly my plants love these lights. All the succulents that are grown under this light show beautiful color and grow well. My plants love this type of light and they bloom for me often!
Brightness is nice, light is a bit more towards the red/pink end of the spectrum than daylight but isn't displeasing to the eye. This lighting is awesome.