The Best LED Grow Lights for Cannabis Cultivators
Utilize our hands-on reviews and buyer's guide to choosing the best LED grow light for the 2024 growing season.
LED grow lights revolutionize indoor growing by allowing marijuana cultivators to grow more buds with less power. From versatile designs to cutting-edge technology, LED grow lights are the perfect option for beginners and professionals alike.
Read along if you’re ready to buy the best LED grow light for the 2024 growing season. Below, you’ll discover which LED grow lights scored the highest, along with hands-on reviews of each product.
Our Most Recommended LED Grow Lights
Before jumping into our buyer’s guide and hands-on reviews — here’s an upfront look at our most recommended LED grow lights.
| The Best LED Grow Lights | ||
| Product | Rating | More Info |
Best OverallMars Hydro TSW 2000 |
Available Models: 2’x4′ TSL 2000, 4’x4′ TSW 2000 |
[Read Review] |
Best For Small SpacesViparspectra XS1500 |
[Read Review] | |
Best For Medium SpacesPhlizon COB Series 2000W |
Available Models: 1000W, 1500W, 2000W, 2500W, 3000W/p> |
[Read Review] |
Best For Large Spaces Spider Farmer SF-4000 |
[Read Review] | |
Best Premium LED Gavita Pro 1700e |
[Read Review] | |
Best Budget LED Spider Farmer SF1000D |
[Read Review] | |
Best COB LED California Light Works SolarXtreme 250 |
[Read Review] | |
Best For Seedlings, Clones, and Mother Plants Vivosun VS1000 |
[Read Review] | |
Best T5/T8 LED Barrina 252w T8 |
Available Models: 2FT 6-Pack, 4 FT 6-Pack |
[Read Review] |
Each of these LED systems are optimized to grow massive buds covered in sticky trichomes without destroying your electricity bill.
Don’t worry, if you need additional time or information regarding LED grow lights — continue reading below.
How Do You Choose an LED Grow Light?
LED grow lights are an intimate piece of equipment for any marijuana cultivator.
Without light, cannabis plants won’t grow — let alone produce gorgeous buds covered in resin bursting with THC. Considering the massive amount of importance regarding your LED lighting choice — it’s essential that you choose the best product.
Below, we’ll discuss the primary considerations when buying an LED grow light for your weed garden.
What is Your Budget?
LED grow lights for indoor cannabis gardens cost between $50-$2,000.
Therefore, you need to have a clearly defined budget and purpose. If you’re a beginner that’s learning how to grow marijuana, it’s best to opt for an LED grow light in the $50 to $300 range.
If you’re a green thumb that requires additional features and power — you’ll want to buy an LED grow light in the range of $500 to $1,500+.
Once you read the reviews listed below, you’ll gain a better understanding of the price of each LED grow light system to make an informed decision.
When searching for an LED grow light, you need to have a clearly defined budget and purpose.
How Many Watts Do You Need to Cover Your Indoor Grow Room?
Overall, cannabis cultivators must understand the relationship between watts and square footage.
In other words, you must know how large your grow tent is to determine the number of watts needed from a LED grow light to provide ample coverage for your weed crop.
Below, we’ve listed a table to give you a better understanding of the relationship between grow tent size and watts needed for complete canopy coverage.
| Watts Needed for Complete Canopy Coverage | ||
| Grow Tent/Room Size | Minimum Watts Needed | Recommended Watts Needed |
| 1’x1’ | 25 | 35 |
| 2’x2’ | 100 | 140 |
| 2’x4’ | 200 | 280 |
| 3’x3’ | 225 | 315 |
| 4’x4’ | 400 | 560 |
| 4’x8’ | 800 | 1,120 |
| 5’x5’ | 625 | 875 |
| 5’x10’ | 1,250 | 1,750 |
| 10’x10’ | 2,500 | 3,500 |
Which Features Do You Need in an LED Grow Light?
LED grow lights come equipped with various features at different price points.
Here’s a list of essential features that you’ll encounter once you begin reading our LED grow light reviews:
- Full-Spectrum Light
- Dimmable Switch
- Remote Operation
- Fan-less Cooling
- Waterproof
- Onboard Power Supply
Most modern LED grow lights come equipped with many of the above-mentioned features. However, a handful of features may not appear on the cheapest LED grow lights available.
Considering Your LED Grow Light Options
Buying the right LED grow light for your marijuana garden is of the utmost importance.
However, there’s a lot to consider when making your choice. If you’re just starting out and have yet to purchase any equipment for growing weed — we recommend buying a Grow Tent Kit that Includes an LED Grow Light.
The 9 Best LED Grow Light Reviews for Indoor Cannabis Cultivators
Without further ado, let’s dive into our hands-on LED grow light reviews.
Below, we’ll discuss each of our recommended LED grow lights to showcase their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, each of these reviews will assist you in choosing the best LED system possible.
1. Mars Hydro TSW 2000
Available Models: 2’x4′ TSL 2000
Best Overall LED Grow Light: From built-in reflectors for maximum light distribution to 300-watts of full-spectrum lumens, it’s hard to get a better deal than top-rated Mars Hydro TSW 2000.
The Mars Hydro TSW 2000 ranks as the best overall LED grow light because it checks all the boxes.
When I unboxed the Mars Hydro TSW 2000, I knew I was in for a treat. The professionally built TSW 2000’s plug-and-play design allows cultivators to use it right out of the box.
As I fiddled with the dimming knob, it was clear as day that the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 could grow seedlings to cannabis plants in the final stage of flowering. The TSW 2000 left a bright footprint across my 4’x4’ tent.
Here’s what we liked and didn’t like about Mars Hydro’s TSW 2000 LED grow light:
● 300w true power output
● Professionally designed
● Efficient reflector
● Ideal PAR spectrum for rapid growth and massive flowers
● Useful accessories
● Daisy-chain compatible
Cons:
● The thermometer (accessory) on displays Celcius
● Does not have Samsung diodes
2. Viparspectra XS1500
Best LED Grow Light For Small Spaces: The Viparspectra XS1500 LED system pushes the boundaries of what a cannabis cultivator can yield in a small space with its top-rated lumen output and overall design.
The Viparspectra XS1500 offers a massive amount of power in a little package, which is why it ranks as our best LED grow light for small spaces.
When I’m growing in a closet or a small grow tent — I reach for the Viparspectra XS1500. At first glance, the XS1500 is an unassuming LED system. However, once you turn it on, you’ll realize it’s loaded to the gills with all the bells and whistles you’d expect for more expensive LED systems.
From ultra-bright Samsung LM301B diodes to the efficient Meanwell Driver, the Viparspectra XS1500 is ready to push your small marijuana garden to the limit.
● Potent combination of Samsung Diodes and a Meanwell Driver
● Silent operation and low heat accumulation
● Draws 150-watts which significantly reduces electricity bills
● Ideally covers up to 2’x2’ of growing space
● High lumen and PAR output generates big yields
● Dimmable
● Accessories to hang the LED light
Cons:
● Heavier than expected
● Could use an extra 50-watts for added power
3. Phlizon COB Series 2000W
Available Models: 1000W, 1500W, 2500W, 3000W
Best LED Grow Light For Medium Spaces: Loaded with 400-watts of Cree COB LEDs, the Phlizon 2000W LED system is the perfect solution for medium-sized spaces while maximizing marijuana yield potential.
The Phlizon COB Series 2000W is an affordable yet powerful COB-style LED grow light that’s rated best for medium-sized spaces.
Buying an LED grow light for a medium-sized room is tricky. In most cases, cultivators buy an LED system that’s either too weak or too strong when growing in a 4’x4’ space.
However, the Phlizon COB Series 2000W hits the nail on the head. From 400-watts to ultra-bright COB Cree diodes — the Phlizon COB Series 2000W earned its place as the best system for medium spaces.
The high PPFD values of COB Cree diodes are the primary reason why the Phlizon 2000W is so bright. Overall, cultivators will find that a 4’x4’ canopy will be completely drenched in light.
● Ultra-bright lumen output produces heavy yields
● High PAR/PPFD values
● 24-month warranty
● Comes with accessories to hang the LED
● Ideal for medium-sized spaces (4’x4’)
Cons:
● Must hang 24” or higher to avoid burning the weed canopy
● Gets hotter than non-COB LED systems
4. Spider Farmer SF-4000
Best LED Grow Light For Large Spaces: The upgraded Spider Farmer SF-4000 boasts extreme lumen output for large grow rooms and maximum bud production at the perfect price.
When it’s time to illuminate a large grow tent or room — it’s best to break out the Spider Farmer SF-4000.
The Spider Farmer SF-4000 ranks as the best LED grow light for large spaces because it pumps out serious lumens for big buds. Overall, the SF-4000 can handle a single 5’x5’ grow tent.
If you’re looking at a 10’x10’ grow room, then two daisy-chained SF-4000’s will do the trick (and then some).
The star of the show is the Samsung LM301B diodes and the MeanWell Driver. These two components produce astounding light, silent operation, and cool-to-the-touch heat production.
● High-quality parts and professional design
● Consumes 450-watts
● Even light distribution and efficient PAR rating for gigantic buds
● Ideal for larger grow spaces (5’x5’ and above)
Cons:
● Relatively expensive
● May be too much light for smaller-sized spaces
5. Gavita Pro 1700e
Available Kits: 2’x2′+600W, 2.3’x2.3′+1000W
Best Premium LED Grow Light: The Gavita Pro 1700e is loaded with high-performance diodes that push PAR lighting to the limit.
When I learned that Gavita was making an entrance into the world of LEDs — I had to experience it.
The Gavita Pro 1700e ranks as our best premium LED grow light thanks to its ultra-efficient design and sky-high PAR output. The Gavita Pro 1700e comes equipped with 8 passively cooled bars that come stock with cutting-edge tech.
Specifically, the bars contain Samsung white LEDs and Osram red LEDs to create the perfect spectrum for your weed crop. Additionally, the Philips driver ensures a long-lasting and powerful experience.
● Consumes 645-watts and sky-high PAR values
● Ideal for large grow spaces (5’x5’ and above)
● 50% dimmable switch
● Water-resistant and FCC compliant
● Easy installation and reliable components
● Produce sky-high marijuana yields
● Insanely powerful lumen output
Cons:
● Cord and controller sold separately
● Expensive
● Must wear sunglasses in the grow room
6. Spider Farmer SF1000D
Best Budget LED Grow Light: The Spider Farmer SF1000D LED system is the perfect choice for mothers, seedlings, and clones due to its extremely efficient design, overall size, and full-spectrum lumen output.
The Spider Farmer SF1000D destroys the argument that cheaper LED grow lights can’t perform.
If you’ve been searching for a budget-oriented LED system — there’s nothing better than the Spider Farmer SF1000D. After a single-use, I knew that the Spider Farmer SF1000D would remain in my LED grow light quiver for years to come.
The Spider Farmer SF1000D consumes only 100-watts while remaining equivalent to 200-watt HIDs. The SF1000D manages to hold its own thanks to the onboard Samsung LM301B diodes that produce ample light and efficient PAR.
Although rated for smaller grow spaces, the Spider Farmer SF1000D LED system is packed with awesome features that leave competitors in the dust. Features, such as fan-less cooling, result in cool-to-the-touch operation.
Additionally, the quality of the SF1000D leaves nothing to be desired. In other words, you can expect top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, which is a surprise for an LED with such a cheap price tag.
From seed to harvest, the Spider Farmer SF1000D will push your crop to the limit.
● Affordable price
● Feature-rich design
● Powerful while reducing electricity bills
● Deep penetrating light and ideal PAR output
● Only consumes 100-watts
Cons:
● Small light footprint
7. California Light Works SolarXtreme 250
Best COB (Chip on Board) LED Grow Light: The California Light Works SolarXtreme 250 LED system pushes COB lights to the next level with ultra-bright lumens and low power consumption.
Whether you’re a fan of Chip on Board lighting or not — you’ll love the California Light Works SolarXtreme 250.
California Light Works SolarXtreme 250 ranks as our best COB LED system because it puts COB-based LEDs on another planet. From reduced glare to tighter beams, the SolarXtreme 250 is a whirlwind of lumen and PAR output.
Although COB LEDs run warmer than other types of LEDs, the California Light Works SolarXtreme 250 runs far cooler than traditional HID systems. While only consuming 200-watts of electricity, the SolarXtreme offers a stunning amount of light that’s best described as blinding.
● High-quality COB and direct AC drive combo produce exceptional PAR values
● Ideal for a 2’x2’ grow tent
● Easy to set up and use
● Relatively affordable
Cons:
● Fan-based cooling
● Heat build-up
● Relatively heavy
● Non-dimmable
8. Vivosun VS1000
Best LED Grow Light For Seedlings, Clones, and Mother Plants: The Vivosun VS1000 offers the perfect balance of affordability and lumen output for beginners and professionals alike to grow top-shelf weed.
The Vivosun VS1000 ranks as our best LED system for seeds, clones, and mother plants for a good reason.
I realized that a dedicated seedling/clone/mother LED light was necessary once I mistakenly burned a batch of expensive marijuana seedlings with an overly powerful LED light.
I’m glad I chose the Vivosun VS1000 because it’s packed with enough watts, high-quality components, and features that are perfect for those sensitive growth stages within the cannabis plant.
At 100-watts, the Vivosun VS1000 is powerful enough to grow from seed to harvest. However, the dimming knob allows you to create a gentle environment for seedlings and newly rooted cannabis clones.
● Perfectly suited for seedlings, clones, and mother plants
● Provides a 1’x1’ footprint
● High-quality Samsung diodes produces high PAR values
● Powerful Sosen driver
● Silent operation and fan-less cooling
● Produces exceptional leaf and bud growth
● Affordable
Cons:
● May not provide enough power for large-scale harvests
9. Barrina 252w T8
Available Models: 2FT 6-Pack, 4 FT 6-Pack
Best T5/T8 LED Grow Light: Cannabis growers that prefer the T5/T8 style LED will be pleased with the ultra-powerful Barrina 252W T8 LED system.
If you grow cannabis in vertical growing racks — you’ll need a reliable and powerful T5 or T8 LED grow light system.
The Barrina 252w T8 ranks as our best T8 LED system because it offers everything a vertical marijuana grower requires. From 6 x 4’ bulbs to 252 total watts, the Barrina T8 is loaded to the gills with power and quality PAR output.
Additionally, the Barrina 252w T8 provides reflectors for each bulb, thus casting a wide light footprint. From seedlings to full-blown flower — the Barrina 252w T8 is an all-in-one LED solution for your marijuana garden.
● Consumes 252-watts and produces high PAR values
● Provides a wide light footprint (4’x2’)
● Linkable design increases versatility
● Plug-and-play
● Can be placed close to the cannabis canopy
● Affordable
Cons:
● Non-dimmable
● Minor quality control issues
Everything You Need to Know About LED Grow Lights
What is an LED Grow Light?
An LED grow light is a light that uses light-emitting diodes to generate light.
However, LED systems offer something that not all grow lights offer — increased PAR value. In other words, LED grow lights specialize in producing photosynthetically active radiation — the wavelength range that’s available to marijuana plants during photosynthesis.
Additionally, LED grow lights consume far less electricity than energy-intensive HIDs (HPS and MH). Therefore, an LED grow light is a specialized system that harnesses diodes to generate favorable light for plants — especially cannabis.
What are the Different Types of LED Grow Lights?
There are various types of LED grow lights available to cannabis cultivators for the 2024 growing season.
We’ll describe each in brief detail below so you have a better understanding when buying an LED system for your marijuana garden.
Quantum Board LED
Although Quantum boards were originally coined by HLG (Horticulture Lighting Group) — the name describes “spread style” LED grow lights.
Quantum board-based LED systems are lights that contain many LEDs placed across the entirety of the board. Depending on the overall size, quantum boards can contain thousands of LED chips.
As the technology improves, quantum boards (spread style) are adopting high-efficiency and high-powered diodes that rival the power of COB-based LED systems.
Furthermore, quantum board-based LED systems are fanless, which allows them to operate at near-silent levels while reducing heat accumulation.
For example, spread style LED grow lights with Samsung LM301B diodes and the Meanwell Driver are rated as the most efficient and powerful systems across the LED industry.
Quantum board-based LED systems are lights that contain many LEDs placed across the entirety of the board.
Traditional Panel LED
The “original” LED that first hit the market was the traditional panel LED.
The traditional panel LED offers various types of LEDs across the panel, such as varying diode sizes. Additionally, traditional panel LEDs bridge the gap between standard SMD (surface-mounted diodes) and COB (chip on board).
In general, traditional panel LEDs contain both SMDs and COBs. However, most traditional panel LEDs are not fan-less — making them prone to heat production and increased noise during operation.
Chip On Board (COB) LED
The chip on board (COB) design is the most powerful type of LED available.
However, COB LED systems are prone to high heat production and electricity consumption. Furthermore, COB-based LED grow lights must be hung at a larger distance from the weed canopy to avoid burned leaves.
Due to the design of COB-based LEDs — the light pours out in dense beams. Unlike spread-style LEDs (quantum boards), COB LEDs do not offer a wide lumen footprint.
However, the saving grace of the COB LED is their sheer power that beams PAR-rich light deep into the weed canopy.
Due to the design of COB-based LEDs — the light pours out in dense beams.
How Close Should Your LED Grow Lights Be to the Canopy?
Overall, marijuana cultivators can place LED grow lights much closer to the canopy than traditional HID systems.
We’ve provided a useful distance chart to help you determine the ideal distance between LED and weed canopy.
| LED Distance Chart | |
| LED Wattage | LED Distance From Cannabis Canopy |
| 50-200 | 6-12″ |
| 200-400 | 12-20″ |
| 400-600 | 20-28″ |
| 600-800 | 28-35″ |
| 800-999 | 35-43″ |
| 1,000+ | 43-50″ |
What are the Benefits of Growing Marijuana With LED Systems?
LED grow lights offer a wide array of benefits for beginners and professional cannabis cultivators. Let’s take a brief look at each benefit below.
LED grow lights offer a wide array of benefits.
LED Grow Lights Cut Electricity Bills in Half
The main selling point of LED grow lights is their ability to drastically reduce your electricity bill.
LEDs consume far less electricity because they are efficiently designed. The method by which light travels through diodes saves much more energy than any other style of lighting.
For example, the average American household pays $0.10 per kilowatt-hour. By calculating the kilowatt-hours used by a 350-watt LED system, you can expect to pay ~ $12.60 per month in electricity.
Now, compare that to the average price of ~ $216 per month in electricity cost when running a 600w HPS system during the flowering cycle.
Furthermore, LED lights produce less heat, which reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC). By reducing your reliance on high-powered HVAC, you’ll save heaps of money by using an LED grow light system.
Ultimately, cannabis cultivators save ample sums of money by switching to LED grow lights. Lastly, most cannabis cultivators pay off their LED grow light within a single cycle from the energy savings alone.
The main selling point of LED grow lights is their ability to drastically reduce your electricity bill.
LED Grow Lights Offer Focused PAR Values
LED lights are focused on usable light instead of the sheer amount of light compared to traditional HID systems.
Cannabis plants grow at an optimum rate (and produce heavy harvests) when exposed to the 400-700nm wavelength range (PAR). By dialing in PAR values, LED grow lights produce effective lighting that results in
- Bigger buds
- Faster growth
- Healthier plants
For example, an LED system that harnesses 300-watts may outperform that of a 600-watt HPS light because of its higher PAR rating. Remember, PAR is the light wavelength that’s absorbed by plants during the process of photosynthesis.
Ultimately, throwing thousands of watts at a cannabis plant is not as efficient as drenching it in PAR-rich wavelengths.
Cannabis plants grow at an optimum rate (and produce heavy harvests) when exposed to the 400-700nm wavelength range (PAR).
LED Grow Lights Can Be Placed Closer to the Canopy
Since LED systems emit less heat than traditional HID grow lights — they can remain close above the plant canopy.
The benefit of placing LED grow lights closer to the canopy (without harming them) is the increased intensity of light. The further the distance, the less light is available to a marijuana plant’s leaves.
Therefore, lowering your LED system closer to the canopy results in faster growth, bigger buds, and lush leaves.
With HID grow lights you had to worry about placing your lights too close, but no so with LED grow lights.
LED Systems Offer Increased Product Lifespan
Unlike HPS or MH bulbs, LED grow lights don’t burn out after 1-2 growing cycles.
Instead, LED grow lights have a lifespan that ranges from 5-12-years. Therefore, LED systems benefit growers by reducing the need to purchase new diodes each year.
As you can imagine, a 5-12-year lifespan can save you a lot of money in the long run. Lastly, a long product lifespan means your LED system is reliable and ready to perform day in and day out.
Unlike HPS or MH bulbs, LED grow lights don’t burn out after 1-2 growing cycles.
LED Grow Lights are Environmentally Friendly
One of the most notable achievements of LED grow lights is their environmentally friendly nature.
LED systems produce a small carbon footprint by
- Consuming less electricity (directly and indirectly)
- Reducing the need to constantly replace components (long lifespan)
- Being efficient (95% of electricity is converted to light and 5% is lost as heat)
Overall, LED grow lights are better for the environment (and your wallet) when compared to all other forms of lighting in the cannabis industry.
LED Grow Lights vs. HID Systems
The difference between LED grow lights and HID systems are drastic, as seen in the chart below:
| LED Grow Lights vs. HID Systems | ||
| Type | LED | HID |
| Initial Cost | Medium – High | Low |
| Electricity Cost | Very Low | Very High |
| Heat Production | Very Low – Low | Very High |
| Eco Friendly | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | 5-12 Years | 1-2 Grow Cycles (bulbs need replacing) |
| Type of Light | COB LED or SMD LED | HPS, MH, CMH |
| Spectrum/PAR | Full Spectrum | Limited Spectrum |
Conclusion
LED grow lights offer beginner and professional cannabis cultivators with the chance to increase bud production while drastically reducing electricity costs.
LED systems are at the cutting edge of lighting technology and pair exceptionally well in the energy-intensive cannabis industry. Whether you’re tired of spending hundreds of dollars on your power bills or you want to grow cannabis efficiently — it’s time to buy an LED grow light for the 2024 season.
Alternatively, if you’d rather buy an all-in-one grow tent kit that offers a high-quality LED system — head over to our Best Grow Tent Kit for Cannabis Cultivators for a wide selection.
Once you buy your LED grow light of choice, don’t forget to drop in on our Growing Guide for pounds of essential information on cultivating weed.
Category Pages:
If you’ve come this far then you’re probably doing your research on all LED grow lights. Luckily, we’ve reviewed dozens of high-quality LED grow lights so you don’t have to. We have more LED grow lights for you to look at and find the one that will suit your garden!
| The Best LED Grow Lights | ||
| Product | Rating | More Info |
| Best OverallMars Hydro TSW 2000 |
Available Models: 2’x4′ TSL 2000, 4’x4′ TSW 2000 |
[Read Review] |
| Best For Small SpacesViparspectra XS1500 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best For Medium SpacesPhlizon COB Series 2000W |
Available Models: 1000W, 1500W, 2000W, 2500W, 3000W/p> |
[Read Review] |
| Best For Large Spaces Spider Farmer SF-4000 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best Premium LED Gavita Pro 1700e |
[Read Review] | |
| Best Budget LED Spider Farmer SF1000D |
[Read Review] | |
| Best COB LED California Light Works SolarXtreme 250 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best For Seedlings, Clones, and Mother Plants Vivosun VS1000 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best T5/T8 LED Barrina 252w T8 |
Available Models: 2FT 6-Pack, 4 FT 6-Pack |
[Read Review] |