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To start growing plants indoors, you will need some basic items, including soil, water, temperature, and light. By far, the most expensive part of your endeavor can be the mimicking of sunlight. Fortunately, LED grow lights are relatively inexpensive and are less costly to run. “LED lights, however, use less than half of the energy used by HID, high-intensity discharge, lights,”.
There are several different LED Grow lights, each with varying powers. Another critical factor is the power of your light. “The yield of your plant depends on the power of your light, according to Blake. The more powerful the light, the bigger the bud.” What is also clear is that having a LED grow light is much better than just the sunlight as you can control the conditions.
Best LED Grow Lights Reviewed
We’ve compiled a list of best LED grow lights for the money reviewed to pick the perfect brand for a balanced full spectrum to boost your plants results:
1.Advanced PlatinumLED
Are you thinking of growing plants indoors to maximize your yield? You understand that the investment in great lighting usually does pay off in increased productivity. The Advanced Platinum LED grow light is suitable for small situations or larger installations by daisy-chaining several lights together.
Unfortunately, the Advanced Platinum LED grow light is expensive. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Some people have found that the fans are noisy. The issue depends on your set up. If it is close to your living space, this could be a problem, but if the grow tent is in another part of your home, then you will not notice when the fan is running. Other people have noticed a drop-off of power at the edges of the grow area.
The Advanced Platinum LED grow light is known for the highest PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) per watt of any other LED light. It has a 12-band full spectrum capability to mimic sunlight. The light penetration goes down through the canopy, bathing all parts of your plant in light. With the 2 switches for vegetation and bloom, you control the amount of sunlight needed for the stage of growth in your plants. It is perfect for compact applications or with multiple units for an even coverage over a larger area.
The Advanced Platinum LED grow light has a new upgraded aluminum cooling heat sinks for temperature control. No longer do the plants in your tent suffer from overheating.
Select the Advanced Platinum LED grow light to achieve superior growth in your plants with a good ability to control the temperature along with good penetration of light. The 5-year warranty plus exclusive 90-day satisfaction or return guarantee makes the decision easy for you. The only issue is the expense, but sometimes quality comes at a price.
Pros
Highest PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector)
per watt of any other LED grow light
Perfect for compact applications or using multiple units for even coverage
12-band full spectrum
Vegetable and bloom switches
New upgraded aluminum cooling heat sinks for temperature control
Light penetration goes down through the canopy
5-year warranty plus exclusive 90 day satisfaction or return guarantee
Do you need a solid 4 by 4 coverage for your LED grow lights tent? The Marshydro Reflector will deliver the power for this area. When you are trying to maximize the growth of your plants, it is crucial to provide the right conditions. The right light is a critical component of the equation, especially for any medicinal plants.
Although the Marshydro Reflector is somewhat expensive, it does deliver on its promises. There is a warning issued by the company that this product is to be used indoors only as it is not waterproof. Two disappointing factors are that the heat sinks are heavy, and the power cord could be longer for user convenience in setting up the unit in a typical grown situation. No instructions come with the unit, but information can be obtained if you contact the company.
The Marshydro Reflector LED grow light is an ideal choice for small operations, demanding a 4 by 4 foot area coverage for each light. The reflector design provides maximum penetration for the lumens that are produced by the light. The unit has 2 switches for the vegetation and bloom phases of growth.
The low heat output of the Marshydro Reflector LED grow light means that you do not need to worry about overheating your plants as they receive more light during the Bloom phase. As with most LED grow lights, the power draw is minimized by this technology in comparison with non LED lights. The company follows up with an outreach email to provide you with an opportunity to refine your set up or ask questions. Keep in mind that Marshydro is well known for a high quality grow tents
The 3-years authentic warranty with the support of service center in California as well as the 30-day money-back guarantee, without any reason needed, provides peace of mind that you have made the right choice. Despite the expense, you will see good results with this light as long as you set up all of the correct parameters for growth.
Pros
Ideal choice for small operations
Reflector design for maximum penetration of all of the lumens that are produced
4’x 4’coverage area
2 switches for vegetation and bloom
Low heat output
Follow up email outreach, provides an opportunity to refine your set up or ask questions
Save on electricity due to LED low draw
3-year authentic warranty with the support of service center in California, 30-days money back without any reason needed
Are you looking for economically priced LED grow lights? The VIPARSPECTRA is the answer to your search. Not only are they well priced, but they are effective, easily installed, and have a good manufacturer’s warranty. If you are just starting out or are replacing part of your current system, you will not be disappointed with the performance of the VIPARSPECTRA LED grow lights.
One negative feature is that the fan tends to be noisy. Some customers have replaced the fan with a quieter version. Others have the grow area separated from their living space and are therefore not disturbed by any noise. Depending on your set up, you need to monitor the temperature as the unit does produce heat and could raise the temperature in your grow area. The straps to mount the unit are not as substantial as some people desire. This is a 120-volt application only.
But the VIPARSPECTRA does perform well in many different circumstances and for many different plants, including medicinal applications. To accommodate the different light demands of plant growth for both the vegetation and flowering stages, this unit has two switches: VEG and BLOOM, to control the veg and bloom light delivery for the different growing needs. Both the VEG and BLOOM switches need to be turned on for the flowering stage.
When installing the VIPARSPECTRA it is vital to follow the recommendations for the size of the growing area. You can install the VIPARSPECTRA easily as it comes with straps for hanging. If you have more than one fixture in your set up, you can daisy-chain the lights together. The sturdy build of this product will give you confidence in its longevity and performance.
Since the VIPARSPECTRA comes with a 3-year warranty as well as a 30-days satisfaction or return guarantee, even if you do experience problems, you can be assured that the company will make every effort to correct any issues. The great price, performance standards, and the warranty make the VIPARSPECTRA a good choice for your grow operation.
Pros
Good price
Daisey-chain together for easy connections if you need more than 1 unit
Sturdy – solid aluminum body
Uses very little electricity
Lenses on the bulbs magnify the light, Reflector Design increase PAR Output by 50%
Two variations of light: for Veg and Bloom.
3-year warranty, 30-days satisfaction or return guarantee
Cons
Economically priced
Fan is noisy
Does generate heat, needs monitoring for your set up
The Holy Grail of marijuana growers is high yield. If the reviews are to be believed, these testimonials all support the assertion that the G8LED makes a huge difference in yield. In addition to testimonials, these LED grow lights have won 3 awards over the last 4 years. That success is tough to beat.
But these LED grow lights are expensive and designed for larger grow operations. If you are serious about your activity, you need to consider the G8LEDs. It is essential to clean these lights with compressed air at least once a year to keep them in good operating condition.
The awards won by this company are impressive. They include 2019 Expert Guide #1 Top Pick, 2018 Wiki Top Ten #1 LED Grow Light, 2017 & 2016 Best LED Grow Light Award by HT (high times Magazine). The G8LED is made for a more extensive operation that covers 24 square feet of grow area (6’x4′). This grow light will replace an entire 1200-1400 Watt MH/HPS system. And its light penetration does extend up to 60 inches past the plant canopy. There are settings for both vegetation and bloom, but during flowering, 90W red flower boosters are added to increase yield. Despite the high output, the amount of heat is minimal.
And the G8LED reduces electrical consumption by 60% compared to metal halide or HPS bulbs. So, if you have been using this older technology, you can recoup some expense on your power bills. Many customers also mentioned the excellent support given by the company for any mechanical or procedural questions that were dealt with. The certifications are also impressive: the USA: ETL Conforms to UL Std. 1598, Canada: ETL Cert. to CSA Std. C22.2#250.0 and the EU: CE, Rohs.
Yes, the G8LED may be expensive, but you will see a reduction in your power consumption as well as an increase in your yield and quality of the product. Start your grow op with one of the best pieces of equipment.
Pros
Covers 24 square feet of grow area (6’x4′)
Penetration up to 60 inches past the plant canopy
During flowering, 90W red flower boosters are added to increase
yield
Company support is valuable
Low heat
Awards: 2019 Expert Guide #1 Top Pick, 2018 Wiki Top Ten #1 LED Grow Light, 2017 & 2016 Best LED Grow Light Award by HT
Reduce electrical consumption by 60% compared to metal halide or HPS bulbs
Cons
Very expensive
Needs to be cleaned with compressed air to keep them functional
Are you looking for a full spectrum light at a reasonable price? Is now the time to upgrade your grow tent to the modern LED lights? Are you looking for reduced power costs? The BESTVA DC is the answer to all of these 3 questions. Besides, this company has invested 7 years of R&D (research and development) and has production experience. Each unit is tested for 72 hours for quality control.
The pricing is at a mid-range level. The unit is to be used exclusively indoors, as it is not waterproof. It is unfortunate that the units cannot be daisy-chained together for grow tent situations that require the power of several lights. Some customers have experienced an increase in temperature when the light is turned on to full strength. It is essential to monitor the situation so that you will achieve optimal growth.
The BESTVA DC LED grow light is backed by research and testing of every unit. It replaces a 1400 watt HPS/MH and is large enough to cover a 4 by 4 tent. The unit comes with a vegetable and bloom switches to accommodate the different needs of plants at various stages of growth. It uses 10 kinds of LEDs to form a true full spectrum to achieve a high yield.
The BESTVA DC has a 3mm thickness aluminum plate radiator for better heat dissipation. Each light comes with dark glasses for your safety. It is important not to look directly at the light, so you do not damage your eyes.
You can set your mind at ease as it comes with a 3-year warranty as well as a 90-day satisfaction or return guarantee. It does not matter if you are upgrading old equipment or starting with a new installation, you will find success with the BESTVA DC. The company support can guide you through any issues, whether that be with the equipment itself or how to use the BESTVA DC.
Pros
Comes with dark glasses
Test each unit for 72 hours
Mid-range price
Vegetables and bloom switches
3mm thickness aluminum plate radiator for better heat dissipation
7 years of R&D and production experience, use 10 kinds of LEDs to form our true full spectrum
Replaces a 1400 watt HPS/MH, covers 4 by 4 tent
3-years warranty, plus 90-days satisfaction or return guarantee
Cons
Indoor use only, not waterproof
An improvement is to have the ability to daisy-chain the lights together
In some grow op situations does put out some heat, carefully monitor the temperature
Are you searching for a LED grow light that is very inexpensive so that you can try your hand at growing medicinal plants? Do you need to see if you can maintain the rigor of providing the exact environment to achieve the results you desire? The Phlizon is a very inexpensive answer to your first experimentation with a grow tent. It is perfect for a small area.
The Phlizon is named as a 600w LED grow light. But that is somewhat confusing as it is really a 100/180 watt panel. Under the veg setting, the light produces 100 watts, and with the bloom setting, it produces 180 watts. The company does not include any reflectors in the structure of the light, as they could become a fire hazard in some circumstances. This product is made in China.
The Phlizon does provide a full spectrum light with universal blue – red, IR, UV, and white light. It can replace traditional 400-watt HPS/MH in a grow area of 2×2 feet at 24″ height. Since it consumes only 108 watts, it is far less expensive to run than all of the more traditional methods.
Installation is simple, and if you want to expand your operation, it daisy-chains together with another Phlizon when you want to expand operations. Its lifespan is about 50,000 hours. The double cooling fans give longevity to the light, as well as keeping the area cool.
With the 2-year warranty, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee, it is hard to resist the advantages of this LED grow light for a smaller installation or your first step into growing plants indoors. This inexpensive option is a good choice for testing out the waters or adding a boost to your existing plan. The company has a professional R&D (research and development) team and production factory.
Pros
Very inexpensive
Company has a professional R&D (research and development) team and production factory, made in China
Can replace traditional 400 watt HPS/MH, 2x2ft growing area at 24″ height
Daisy-chains together
Lifespan: about 50,000hours
Double cooling fans to give longevity to the light
Full spectrum light with universal blue – red IR UV and white light
2-year warranty, plus 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
Small grow tent coverage
No reflectors in the light as may be a fire hazard
Actual wattage is 100 to 180, not 600 as you might think from part of the description
Are you looking for a starter light for your new passion – growing plants indoor? The HLG 65 Quantum is ideal for vegging, clones, supplement light, or a small plant grow tents. There is no need to invest a lot of money when you want to determine if this new enterprise is for you. The HLG Quantum is available at a very reasonable price.
The flowering footprint on this is a 1×2 foot space, which may not be big enough for all of your needs for experimentation. It can only be used indoors as it is not advisable to get the light wet.
The HLG 65 Quantum produces a very bright, white light. It is a white light with a full spectrum of 4000k. This spectrum is a reflection of natural sunlight for optimum growing conditions. This LED grow light achieves faster root growth with more bud sites in the appropriate-sized grow tent. It produces 10,000 lumens, with just 65 watts of power. So, the light is powerful but economical as well.
There is no need for a cooling fan as it has a substantial aluminum panel that acts as a heat sink. The temperature in your tent will remain stable while the light is on. Installation is easy as the unit is lightweight and compact in size. If you decide to expand, it is easy to add another light to do so.
Since the company is based in the USA, your fears of proper customer service can be put aside. The light is manufactured in China and the power supply in China or Taiwan. So, for a small operation or as an additional light for a boost in the spectrum for blooming, this light is an inexpensive answer for your needs.
Pros
Reasonable price
Produces 10,000 lumens, with just 65 watts of power
No cooling fan needed, substantial aluminum panel
is a heat sink
Spectrum is a reflection of natural sunlight for optimum growing conditions
Unit is lightweight and compact in size
Achieve faster root growth with more bud sites
Life Expectancy: 50,000 hours
Cons
Only White Light Full Spectrum 4000K
Small area: 12 to 18 inches in height to cover a 2×2 area in plants
Are you looking for a reliable LED grow lights for a larger grow tent? The Morsen can cover 6 by 6.5 square feet. Yet the grow light is offered at a mid-range price. You can get started with this LED grow light and plan on having a significant area for the plants you want to cultivate.
Unlike many of its competitors, the Morsen does not have separate switches for Veg and Bloom. It can be adjusted but you need to understand its capabilities when adjusting the light. It can only be used indoors as it cannot get wet. The light is very bright so there is a warning not to look directly into the light. On start-up, some of the fans can be noisy. This is not a problem depending on the location of your grow tent. If it is in a secluded area, the noisy fan noise will not bother you. But if it is in your living space, you may have difficulty ignoring the noise.
The Morsen has 3 adjustable lighting modes to cover the light conditions for your plants from germination to bloom. It is a full spectrum light, yet it is dimmable. It lights a 120-degree wide angle for more coverage. The area is 6 by 6.5 square feet. This LED grow light can replace a conventional 2400 watt HPS grow light. It can save more than 80 percent of electricity in comparison to the old technology. So, the running costs are much reduced.
There are 6 UL certificated cooling fans for temperature control. The lifespan of the unit is up to 100,000 hours. It can run on 110 or 220 volt circuits.
Some people may worry about the fact that this is made in China but with 30-day money-back guaranty and 3-year after-sales service offered, your mind should be at ease. The many reviews mentioned how pleased individuals were with the customer service that resulted in them receiving a new unit without any additional costs.
Pros
Mid-range price
3 adjustable lighting modes to cover from germination to bloom
Replaces a conventional 2400 watt HPS grow light
Save more than 80 percent of electricity from old technology
Full spectrum light, yet dimmable
120 degree wide angle for more coverage, 6 by 6.5 sq. feet
6 UL certificated cooling fans for temperature control
Lifespan up to 100,000 hours
Can run on 110 or 220 volts
30-days money-back and 3-years after-sales service offered
Cons
No separate buttons for Veg and Bloom
Extremely bright, do not look directly into the light
The Roleadro is an inexpensive, yet very functional LED grow light. If you are upgrading from older technology, you will appreciate a significant reduction in power consumption. If you are just starting out, these are the perfect beginner grow lights as they are easy to install, and the network can be expanded.
One significant issue for some people is that the unit does not have an on-off switch. But since many individuals set up their grow tent with a timer, so not having a switch is not a problem. Note that the light can be used indoors only, as it should not get wet. Some people would like a longer cord for ease of installation. The unit comes with 2 fans, which is useful for maintaining temperature control, but the fans are noisy. Again, if the unit is in your living space, this can be a problem. If your grow area is out of the way, loud fans will not bother you. This unit is appropriate for a small growth tent.
The Roleadro is a full spectrum daylight unit, with a 3500K color temperature, which is ideal for all phrases of growing, both vegetation and blooming. Since the lenses are a mix of 90 and 120-degree lenses, the light is good for both penetration and coverage. This LED grow light operates efficiently to save you power.
The unit comes with 2 cooling fans to aid with temperature control. You can daisy-chain one unit to the other for a natural expansion of your operation. This brand is a good option for low budget growers.
With a 2-year warranty plus a 30-day guarantee, you can be assured that if there are any issues that you will receive replacements, parts, and assistance. The responsiveness of their customer service is well documented. The cost is right, so don’t delay in beginning your new approach to gardening.
Pros
Inexpensive
Full spectrum daylight
3500K color temperature, ideal for all phrases of growing, both vegetation and blooming
Daisy-chain connection function
2 fans for cooling, good temperature control
LENS: Mixed of 90 and 120 degree lenses for both penetration and coverage
Are you planning on growing a couple of marijuana plants in a smaller growth tent? Then the King Plus is perfect for your situation. It is very economical to run, is easily installed, and has been recently upgraded to promote growth for marijuana plants.
The King Plus is suitable for small operations on its own. To expand the number of plants you can grow, you would need to purchase more lights. It can also be used for auxiliary lighting situations.
It is a sturdily built unit that is easy to install. The cord hangers are thick enough to hold the weight of the unit. Unlike some other LED grow lights, the fan operates quietly. The unit does create some heat but not excessive heat. This light bulb works at 50°F to 60°F, and that is lower than other lamps. This LED grow light uses very little electricity, drawing only 170 watts. Pair this LED grow light with a timer, and you have a system that will only require you to monitor the watering of your plants.
King Plus has upgraded its product by increasing the ratio of red to blue from 8:3 to 1:1, giving you more blue LEDs. The total number of different lights in the spectrum includes 9 kinds of LEDs. While red light encourages seeding and flowering, the blue light encourages growing. This newly updated ratio of LEDs is more effective for marijuana growth. The blue LEDs cost more, but King Plus has not increased the price of its product. Its lifespan is 100,000 hours of running. It comes with UV filtering glasses, which help with eliminating headaches if you are in the grow room for an extended period of time.
With its attractive price point, excellent grow qualities and good customer service, the King Plus is an excellent starter LED grow light for a limited number of plants. For a more significant operation, you will need to order additional lights to meet your needs.
Pros
Very low price
Spectrum of light has been increased to include more blue which is better for marijuana growth.
Sturdily built
Quiet fan
Effective for 1 to 2 plants
Lifespan 100,000 hours
3-years Professional Service and free return for 90-days
Perhaps you are ready to upgrade your current grow operation by purchasing the new technology of LED grow lights. Or maybe you have decided to begin to cultivate your own medicinal plants. In either case, you will be pleased with the 10 offerings in these LED grow lights. However, every consumer searches for a combination of the best quality at the most affordable price for a solution that meets their needs. Before you decide what type of LED grow light, you need, take a look at the following considerations.
Size of Operation
Larger LED grow lights can be used for more plants, but their cost is more. If you are just starting out, you may want to start with a smaller plant tent, and then it would be appropriate to order a smaller LED plant light.
Expansion
If your plan is to start small, but most likely expand in the future, you may want to take an easy route for installation. Consider the LED lights that daisy-chain together. Then your bid for expansion can happen gradually with the least amount of inconvenience in stringing cords to supply the electricity.
Willingness to Adjust Parameters
Many people want a “set it and let it happen” approach. Others are intrigued by tweaking the parameters to maximize the effect. Some of the LED lights are full-spectrum and do not need to be adjusted. Others have a 2-way approach with the veg switch and the bloom switch. You may even want to purchase extra grow lights to provide more light exposure during the final phase of the bloom.
Location
Will the LED plant light be part of your living space, or will it be tucked away downstairs or in the garage? The noise of fans can be a great hindrance if you have to listen to them day and night. So, if the plant tent is in or near your living space, look for units that have a heat sink to handle the temperature or a very quiet fan. Another consideration is the color of the light. If the grow area is in your living space, you may prefer a full spectrum light that mimics sunlight.
Power Consumption
There is no doubt that you will see an improvement in your power consumption if you are upgrading your technology. You may want to consider power consumption in your decision about what plants you want to grow.
Expected Longevity
Some LED grow light manufacturers are very upfront about the expected life span of their products. Some of the life spans differ considerably. So, take this into account in comparison to the bottom line, the cost.
Warranty
Many people like the easy of mind that comes with a longer warranty period. Also, check out the customer reviews to see how complaints are dealt with by the company of your choice. You must know everything about warranty before investing in the proper grow lights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which color light is best for plant growth?
The most important light for plant growth is blue-colored since the chlorophyll readily absorbs it, and then it transforms through photosynthesis into energy. That being said, blue light alone, without being combined with red, is not nearly as adequate as when it gets mixed with the red one. So, in a nutshell, both blue and red in combination are incredibly crucial for the healthy development of plants in a grow tent or box.
How many plants can I grow with a 300w LED light?
LED lights play a significant role in the growth of plants inside your growing tent or cabinet. More LED lights of higher watts can affect more plants. If the light is insufficient for the plants, their development will not be too active and rapid.
So, if you are using a 300W LED light in your grow tent, it is suggested for you to limited the number of plants till two. Trying to grow more plants with this LED light may not deliver you the results that you require or expect.
Can you leave grow lights on 24 hours a day?
To keep it short, indeed, you can leave the LED lights of your to grow tents on for 24 hours a day, but that is only throughout the growing vegetative phase. Many individuals opt to keep only the lights on for 18 hours a day, even in the increasing vegetative stage of marijuana that is for a good cause.
Since dark reactions do not need a deficiency of light, plants should stay safe 24 hours a day when exposed to the light. Nevertheless, there are some plants that could strive without darkness but not flourish.
Which color causes the most plant growth?
Differently colored lights are helping plants achieve different targets. For instance, blue light tends to promote the growth of vegetative plants. Red light aids the plants to bloom when paired with blue.
In conclusion, for the growth of plants, blue light is the most important one. Blue light is responsible for controlling the opening of stomata, the tiny openings on leaves that monitor both water depletion and carbon dioxide absorption. In general, for full functional photosynthesis, only a low intensity of blue is needed in a light spectrum.
Is white light good for plants?
Cool fluorescent LED light is perfect for indoor growth of plants. White light given by fluorescent tubes is a wide spectrum light that combines various colors which are beneficial for plants. For this cause, a conventional fluorescent light is one of the most excellent sources for light to use in grow tents. White LEDs, by comparison, do not offer a wide spectrum.
Can plants survive with LED light?
Functionally, indeed, you can use all sorts of LED lights for growing plants, but that doesn’t make sure your plants grow healthier or productively, because standard LED lights don’t provide adequate color or light spectrum to photosynthesize plants need. So if you want to expand your indoor growth, using a professionally specialized LED light that is specially intended for grow tents will be better.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that great satisfaction can be achieved by growing your own produce or flowers. For some people, indoor gardening is a fulfilling hobby, but for others, it is a serious enterprise that can significantly add to their income. No matter what is your motivation, there is a LED grow light setup that is perfect for your situation and budget.
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