Most say growing cannabis is a form of art, others say it’s more of a finely tuned recipe, where the grower, is the chef. With a sustainable amount of research being conducted over the years, the study of growing cannabis has really become a standardized procedure among a vast variety of medical and recreational practices all around the world.
With an endless amount of new strains available, the demand for this growth must be supported through the use of LED light systems, soil, fertilizer, heat, humidity, and growth control all come into play when creating the best strain out there.
These LED light systems will create the perfect environment for your plants, maximizing growth wield. The grow lights are in no specific order and these are the different factors that have been used in creating this list; power output, efficiency, spectrum, light spread, diodes, drivers and warranty.
Whether you are a commercial grower or a small-scale home grower, we have reviewed the best LED lights for you. Specifications will vary depending on the crop size, but all LED lights have individual uses for the different stages of your grow.
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DIY Systems
Firstly, if you want to piece together your own DIY system, which can be a lot of fun, but quite costly. On the other hand, if you want something complete and functional, without putting too much effort into the hydroponic system itself, consider buying one of these lights. Perfect for a wide range of popular approaches to LED cannabis growing.
Hydroponics
The hydroponics method of growing plants is the method of growing without the use of soil. The hydroponic systems deliver nutrients from a water-based solution, straight to the roots of plants.
This creates a much more effective and accurate way to grow any plant. As the systems are usually on a timer, they provide the perfect amount of nutrients the plant needs, creating a genetically perfect plant.
There are perks to having a hydroponic plant, which include not having to deal with the soil and the pests that reside in soil, they require less water than other plants, people can even grow their own food with them.
Before you purchase one of these plants for your own home, it is beneficial for you to see examples of what LED systems are available for sale on the market.
LED Light Systems
LED lights are crucial to growing cannabis hydroponically. If the plants aren’t getting the correct heat and light exposure they require, the plants will wither and eventually die. The perfect amount of light is needed, not to burn the leaves and ruin the crop.
There is a vast array of hydroponic systems, that all vary in sizes from small to large, which are all extremely easy to take care of. The commercial grower will tend to use a much larger LED system, allowing for a bigger yield.
Power output, spectrum, light spread will be a lot greater than those of a small-time grower, minimizing cost and maximizing efficiency.
As a grower, you want to see your plants reach their fullest potential, not to mention the legalization of cannabis growing across many states has prompted many to turn their green thumb into a profitable business.
Therefore, growers need the perfect growing conditions in order to realize the full beauty of their plants and capitalize off the market, should they choose to.
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However, sometimes your plant’s potential can be limited by climate and seasonal changes that are specific to your region.
Therefore, growing rooms, which utilize LED grow lights, have become increasingly popular because they enable you to realize the full potential of your plants regardless of climate or region.
LED grow lights are energy-efficient, they produce more light per watt than most other forms of traditional lighting, which means they return much higher yields for lower levels of electricity consumed, and they last for years.
They also run cooler and include small built-in fans, which means they do not require added ventilation and decrease the risk of fire in your grow room. They are also lightweight and easier to set up and use as compared to other forms of lighting which are heavier and require a lot of support to hang.
There are various LED lights available on the market; however, they are not all created equal, so the following reviews of the top 10 best LED grow lights should assist you with selecting the best lights for your growing room.
Table of Contents
10. MEIZHI Reflector-Series R450 450W LED Grow Light
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The MEIZHI Reflector-Series R450 450 LED Grow Light only consumes 195W ±5%@AC110V and fits growing areas of 2.ft to 3.5 feet at a height of 18 inches.
In addition, it has a new Reflector Series design that includes a 120 degree reflector panel connect with plating process for 100% perfect dispersed light and reflection on plants. It also includes a Daisy chain, which can connect with other LED grow lights to increase coverage.
It has 3 IR LED’s, which are beneficial for plants on the blooming stage, a high quality heat dissipation system, which includes 2 quiet high speed cooling fans, and 12 band full spectrum bloom and growth switches to control the spectrum.
The MEIZHI Reflector grow light is for indoor use only in greenhouse hydroponic plants, budding, seedlings, and more, and it can be used to replace 450W HPS/HID/MH traditional lights.
Pros:
- Saves energy
- Excellent light for the price
- Easy to use
Cons:
- May need to purchase more than one
- Doesn’t include a manual
9. Spider Farmer Reflector R90 450W LED Grow Light
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The Spider Farmer Reflector R90 450W LED Grow Light can be used for indoor and greenhouse hydroponic plant sprout, seedling, budding, flowering, veg, and ripening stages.
It includes 3 IR LED lights to encourage plant blossom, a heat dissipation system, which helps disperse even lighting, and a reflector design, which includes a 120 degree reflector panel for 100% perfect light reflection and dispersion on plants.
The Spider Farmer also includes a dimmer function, which enables you to control the spectrum on the veg and bloom model.
Pros:
- Has a lifespan of 100,000
- Includes a dimmer switch to control light intensity
- Great quality for the price
- Great for plants in all life cycle stages
Cons:
- May need to purchase more than one
- May put out more heat than other LED brands
8. G8 240 Watt LED Grow Lights
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The G8 LED Grow Light is a two time award winner of the High Times Magazine “Best LED Grow Light” for years 2014 as well as 2016. These lights provide both IR and UV lights and an optimal 8 band wavelength radio.
In addition, they remain extremely cool, even after 24 hours of use, and the lights are configured in parallel with modular parts to prevent system outages due to faulty diodes.
Pros:
- Includes 2 year warranty
- Covers 6 square feet
- Includes veg and flower light
Cons:
- Does not have as many light sizes as other brands
- A bit more expensive than other brands
7. ABI 12W PAR38 Flowering Lamp
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The ABI 12W PAR38 Flowering Lamp contains 12 (620-630nm) red LED’s, which is just perfect for bud development, fruit growth, and flowering.
This lamp produces up to 24W of light and has a 50,000 or more hour service life. It fits a standard household E25 socket and has a drive current of 420mA (12x2W class). It also includes a 30 degree beam angle for pinpointing various areas.
Pros:
- Includes a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty
- Uses a true 12W of power
- Works well with panel lights
- Good price for a quality product
Cons:
- May need more than one to cover even small areas
- Slightly heavier than other LED’s
6. TaoTronics Hydroponic LED Grow Light
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The TaoTronics Hydroponic LED Grow Light contains 12 ultra bright LED’s, 9 red and 3 blue, which is just perfect for plants that require an added boost of light, such as plants in areas with low sun exposure, rain, snow, or dark indoor areas.
The outside of this light is made of a pure heat-sink design to eliminate high temperatures, even after 24 hours of use. In addition, the light emitted from this product can be fully absorbed by the plants, so there is no energy waste.
This plant light is just perfect for growing and improving the health of various plants throughout various stages, including roses, spinach, kale, wheat grass, tomatoes, wildflowers, and more with results noticeable in as little as two weeks with everyday use.
Pros:
- Contains both red and blue lighting, which is good for blooming and fruit as well as leaf growth
- Easy to use
- Fits standard E26 socket
- Long service life
Cons:
- Only covers small areas
- Only good for short plants
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5. Global Star G02 300W
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The Global Star G02 300W differs from other LED’s in that it contains a crystal plus lens design, which offers more brightness than 5W and 3W LED’s.
This 6W LED grow light covers areas of 2 feet by 1.5 feet for the flowering stage, and 3 feet by 2 feet for the veg stage, which is selectable via the Leaf/Bloom switch.
It also includes 11 full spectrum bands, including IR, UV, and white, and it has aluminum on the outside as well as the inside and 2 fans for heat dissipation.
Pros:
- Includes protecting diodeds in the event that one chip stops working, it will continue to work
- Good for various plants, including flower plants, greens, and aquarium plants
- 1 year warranty
Cons:
- Only covers small areas
- May have a short lifespan
4. Apollo Horticulture 300W LED Grow Light
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The Apollo Horticulture 300W LED Grow Light is a 75W horticulture UFO light. It is suitable for indoor use only, including grow tents, H20 systems, greenhouses, most hydroponic systems, and more.
It contains 25 3W Epistar chips and covers up to 2 square feet. Its light spectrum is 460nm, 610nm, 630nm, and 730nm, and it has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
It also includes an LED view angle of 120 degrees, a quiet cooling fan, 1 stainless steel hanging kit, and a power cord. It has a working temperature range of 0-131 Degrees Fahrenheit and humidity of 0%-95%.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Actual power draw of 50 watts
- 2 year warranty
- Great quality for the price
Cons:
- May have a short lifespan
- May not save as much on power consumption
3. Galaxy Hydro 300W
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The Galaxy Hydro 300W is one of the largest size 300W available. It uses high quality 3W Epileds LED’s for a PAR output that covers a larger lighting area and far exceeds traditional design and HPS to well balance PAR/Lumen output.
Its optimal spectrum, 430nm, 450nm-470nm, 620nm-630nm, 740nm, UV, white, and IR, includes only the most useful light and is grower tested to produce the highest quality and yields.
In addition, it utilizes an exclusive patented cooling system, which includes a Sunflower radiator and 3 UL approved fans for better heat dissipation.
It also includes a 120 degree light angle of each LED, which magnifies PAR value and increases canopy and penetration up to 150%, which is just perfect for areas of 40×40 at a height of 36″.
Pros:
- Daisy chain compatible
- 2 year warranty with 30 day money back guarantee
- Great product for the price
Cons:
- Only covers small areas
- May need to purchase multiple lights
2. Apollo Horticulture GL45LED 135W
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The Apollo Horticulture GL45LED 135W 75W LED UFO, which is for indoor use only, has a diameter of 6.8 inches and covers areas up to 2 square feet. It’s light spectrum includes 460nm, 610nm, 630nm, and 730nm, and it has a lifespan of 500,000 hours.
It also includes 25 3W chips, a quiet cooling fan, a 120 degree LED view angle, a stainless steel hanging kit, a power cord, and more.
Pros:
- Produces considerably less heat
- Just perfect for all phases of plant growing and flowering
- Includes a 2 year warranty
Cons:
- May have diodes issues
- May not last as long as advertised
1. VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W
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The VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W is just perfect for a 2×2 growing area at 24 inches in height. It is scientifically designed to keep the balance of the PAR/Lumen output coverage and includes an optimal full spectrum that provides flower and plant veg with much needed natural sunlight throughout all stages.
It also includes upgraded fans and big aluminum cooling heat sinks for easy heat dissipation.
Pros:
- 60 piece high intensity 5W Bridgelux/Epileds LED chips
- Has a lifespan of 100,000 hours
- 3 year warranty with 30 day money back guarantee
Cons:
- May heat up smaller grow tents
- May burn plants if positioned too close
Which LED Glow Lights Should You Buy?
Each of these LED grow lights offer the perfect opportunity to realize the maximum growth potential of your plants. The key is to select a light that can be utilized throughout all stages of growth, focuses on both bloom and leaf growth, and has a long lifespan.
However, the VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W, which covers a 2×2 growing area of 24 inches in height, is suitable for taller plants. So be sure to share your experience below regardless of which of these you try.