which is better for indoor growing hid or hps?

[Brian]

which is better for indoor growing hid or hps?

[Ron]

I think you mean metal halide. Both MH and hps are hid's (high intensity discharge).
HPS last longer and cost less per lumen to operate but cost more than a MH. I know MH is best for veg stage and HPS for flowering but if you can only afford one light I would go with HPS.