The Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights
Harness our in-depth reviews to buy the best Full-Spectrum LED grow light for the 2024 growing season.
From photosynthetic active radiation-rich light to drastically reduced electricity bills — full-spectrum LED systems are the perfect solution for beginner and professional indoor cannabis cultivators.
Read along as we dive into everything you need to know about full-spectrum LED grow lights and how they benefit cannabis plants. Most importantly, you’ll discover in-depth reviews so you can buy the best full-spectrum system for the 2024 growing season.
Our Most Recommended Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights
If you’d like a preview of our most recommended full-spectrum LED grow lights — take a look at the list below:
| The Best Full-Spectrum Grow Lights | ||
| Product | Rating | More Info |
Best OverallViparSpectra XS4000 480W |
[Read Review] | |
Best For Small SpacesSpider Farmer SF-1000 |
[Read Review] | |
Best For Medium SpacesMars Hydro FC4800 480W |
[Read Review] | |
Best For Large SpacesSpider Farmer SE1000W |
[Read Review] | |
Best Budget LEDVivosun VS1000 |
[Read Review] | |
Best Premium LEDGavita Pro 1700e |
[Read Review] | |
Whether you’re ready to buy a full-spectrum LED grow light or not — continue reading below. From hands-on reviews to critical user information, you’ll soon understand everything there is to know about PAR-rich LED grow lights.
How Do You Choose a Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light?
If you’re in the market for a full-spectrum LED grow light — you’ll need to answer a few questions listed below.
Remember, full-spectrum LED grow lights come in different sizes, budget ranges, and PAR values. Once you answer the questions listed below — you’ll have a clear understanding of which full-spectrum LED grow light is best for your marijuana garden.
What is Your Budget?
Full-spectrum LED grow lights are available at many different price points.
Therefore, you need to have a budget in mind. Full-spectrum LED grow lights cost anywhere from $80 to $2,000 and beyond.
It’s important to note that the higher the price — the more specialized the full-spectrum system. The specialization, or purpose, of the grow light, is directly correlated to price.
Ultimately, broad-spectrum LED grow lights that cost between $80 and $300 are typically meant for beginners or cultivators with a small growing space. On the other hand, full-spectrum LED systems in the range of $400 and above are used for large grow areas and experienced cultivators.
Full-spectrum LED grow lights are available at many different price points, so you’ll need to have a budget in mind.
What Size is Your Grow Room or Tent?
In the case of full-spectrum LED grow lights — the size of your grow room or tent matters.
Whether you grow weed in a 1’x1’ closet space or a 10’x10’ grow tent — your overarching goal is to provide adequate PAR-rated light that not only covers but penetrates the cannabis crop.
Therefore, you can easily hone in on the right full-spectrum LED grow light once you know how much space you’re working with. Below, we’ve provided a chart to help you quickly determine the best full-spectrum LED grow light based on the size of your grow room or tent:
| 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 |
What Light Spectrum Should Your Full-Spectrum LED Use?
The selling point of full-spectrum LED grow lights is their PAR spectrum.
Overall, you should only buy full-spectrum LED grow lights that provide a spectrum between 400-700nm.
Although we’ll expand on it further below, PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) is wavelengths of light that weed plants use for photosynthesis. In other words, light that falls in the PAR range is consumed by cannabis plants to fuel plant growth and bud production.
Considering Your Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light Options
Due to the popularity of full-spectrum LED grow lights for cannabis cultivation — you’ll find no shortage of products for sale.
However, the sheer number of available full-spectrum LED grow lights is staggering, which is why we’ve crafted a series of reviews below.
Alternatively, if you’d rather purchase a full-spectrum LED bundle that includes a grow tent and other necessary equipment, head over to our buyer’s guide — The Best Grow Tent Kits for Cannabis Cultivators for more information.
The 6 Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light Reviews
Without further ado — let’s take an in-depth look at the best full-spectrum LED grow lights.
From small grow spaces to the best overall full-spectrum LED grow light — you’ll find detailed information regarding each product to make the best decision possible.
1. ViparSpectra® XS4000 480W Infrared Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
The Best Overall Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light: The ViparSpectra XS400 is a value-packed powerhouse that fuses full-spectrum PAR, wide-coverage, and essential features for beginner and professional cannabis cultivators.
The ViparSpectra XS4000 ranks as our best overall full-spectrum LED system because it offers a bounty of features that hit the bull’s eye.
The moment I unboxed the ViparSpectra XS4000, I knew I was in for a treat. From high-quality materials to thoughtful packaging, the XS4000 is plug-and-play capable and loaded with enough lumens to light up the block.
Here are the notable aspects of the ViparSpectra XS4000:
Full-Spectrum Light
The XS4000 consists of 660nm of red LED, 3000K and 5000K of white LED, and IR LED straight from Samsung’s legendary LM301B diodes. Each color spectrum offered optimizes both vegetative and flowering phases for cannabis plants.
Overall Efficiency
Loaded with a Meanwell Driver — the ViparSpectra XS4000 is not only energy efficient (consumes 480-watts) but long-lasting.
User-Friendly Design
The ViparSpectra XS4000 is user-friendly by incorporating a dimming knob that goes from 100% power to 5% at a moment’s notice. Furthermore, the ViparSpectra XS4000 is easy to install.
Canopy Coverage
The ViparSpectra XS4000 covers upwards of 5’x4’ vegetative and 5’x3’ flowering. Ultimately, the XS4000 covers ample space for a wide range of grow tent sizes.
What Could Be Improved
As with all things — the ViparSpectra XS4000 could use a more affordable price tag. However, the price is not a deal-breaker with so many game-changing aspects.
● Wide canopy coverage (5’x3’)
● Samsung diodes produce PAR-rich light and IR light
● Meanwell driver reduces heat output and operational sound
● Fan-less design
● Consumes 480-watts and offers dimming knob
● 36-month warranty
Cons:
● A little pricey
Final Thoughts
Overall, the ViparSpectra is the perfect option for beginner and professional cannabis cultivators searching for a powerful and versatile broad-spectrum LED with an ironclad 3-year warranty.
2. Spider Farmer SF-1000 Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light
The Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light for Small Spaces: The Spider Farmer SF1000 is built to transform small growing spaces into bud producing factories by offering high-quality full-spectrum light and essential features.
The Spider Farmer SF-1000 is rated as our best LED system for small spaces because it offers a stunning amount of power in a small package.
When I’m using a closet space to grow marijuana, I always reach for my Spider Farmer SF1000. From its seamless design to high efficiency, the SF1000 is truly more than meets the eye at first glance.
Let’s take a look at what we did and didn’t enjoy with the SF1000 by Spider Farmer.
Full-Spectrum Light
The moment the Spider-Farmer kicks on, you’ll note the bright light that ranges from white to deep red. Thanks to Samsung’s LM301 diodes — the SF1000 LED produces a tidal wave of full-spectrum light that’s perfect for all stages of growth.
Overall Efficiency
The Meanwell Driver allows the SF1000 to draw 100-watts from the wall in the most efficient manner. Additionally, the Samsun diodes are renowned for their high energy efficiency, making the SF1000 one of the most streamlined full-spectrum LED systems on the market.
User-Friendly Design
My favorite aspect of the Spider Farmer SF1000 is its ease of use. From plug and play functionality to the dimmer knob — everything is a no-brainer.
Ultimately, the SF1000 is perfect for beginners in tight spaces that don’t want to fumble with instructions and how-to videos on YouTube.
Canopy Coverage
The Spider Farmer SF1000 is rated as the best full-spectrum LED system for small spaces for a good reason.
Whether you grow in a 1’x1’ or 2’x2’ — the SF1000 will make any small space feel like home. Additionally, the Samsung diodes will penetrate nearly any canopy to produce a bounty of trichome-covered buds.
What Could Be Improved
After using the Spider Farmer SF1000 for last year’s growing season, I would like to see an extra 50-watts added under the hood. However, the SF1000’s current capability is more than enough for most cannabis cultivators in small spaces.
● Consumes 100-watts
● Small design provides coverage up to 2’x2’
● Full-spectrum Samsung diodes and Meanwell Driver
● High-quality design
● Reduce heat emission
Cons:
● A little under powered
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to pump out massive buds in a small space — look no further than the SF1000 full-spectrum LED grow light from Spider Farmer.
3. Mars Hydro FC4800 480W Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light
The Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light for Medium Spaces: Star-studded features paired with 480-watts of PAR-rich lighting makes the Mars Hydro FC4800 a must-buy for medium-sized spaces.
The Mars Hydro FC4800 ranked as the best full-spectrum LED grow light for medium spaces because it offers optimized coverage and a jaw-dropping level of PAR-rated light for beginners and professionals alike.
Medium-sized grow tents are the bane of cannabis cultivators because most grow lights are either too powerful or too weak. However, the Mars Hydro FC4800 bridges the gap that I have yet to see in other full-spectrum LED systems.
Let’s take a look at the notable aspects of the Mars Hydro FC4800 below.
Full-Spectrum Light
The Mars Hydro FC4800 goes above and beyond by offering Osram red and Samsung white diodes. Additionally, the FC4800 produces IR and UV light that pushes cannabis crops beyond the limit.
Overall Efficiency
Passive-cooled light bars and aluminum heat sinks allow the FC4800 to operate at maximum performance (480-watts) without increasing heat emission. Additionally, the Osram and Samsung diodes are power efficient, which reduces the overall energy consumption.
User-Friendly Design
In my experience, nothing is easier than the plug-and-play functionality found in the Mars Hydro FC4800. Once you hang the FC4800 — let there be light!
Canopy Coverage
For optimal coverage — the Mars Hydro FC4800 works best in a 4’x4’ grow tent during the flowering phase. However, cultivators can use the FC4800 in a 5’x5’ grow tent during the vegetative stage.
What Could Be Improved
The only issue I found with the Mars Hydro FC4800 was the driver. Most full-spectrum LED grow lights in this range harness the Meanwell Driver, which would make an already efficient LED system even better.
● Consumes 480-watts
● Equipped with Osram and Samsung diodes for full-spectrum performance
● Daisy chain compatible and efficient dimming switch
● 5-year warranty
● Foldable design
● Ideal for 4’x4’ grow tents
Cons:
● Not as efficient as it could be
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s no better choice than the Mars Hydro FC4800 full-spectrum LED system for medium-sized spaces. At 480-watts and optimized PAR lighting — your cannabis crop will thank you with ounces of weed at the end of the 2024 growing season.
4. Spider Farmer SE1000W Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light
The Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light for Large Spaces: Unleash the beast with 1,000-watts of full-spectrum light with Spider Farmer’s efficiency-driven SE1000W LED.
The Spider Farmer SE1000W ranked as the best full-spectrum LED grow light because it offers unparalleled power for large growing spaces.
Of all the full-spectrum LED systems I’ve used over the years, few have had the power and efficiency of the Spider Farmer SE1000W.
Below, you’ll discover the all-important attributes of the Spider Farmer SE1000W.
Full-Spectrum Light
The Spider Farmer SE1000W harnesses the powerful Samsung LM301B diodes to deliver full-spectrum light. With over 3,700 individual diodes, you’ll need sunglasses the moment the SE1000W kicks on.
Overall Efficiency
The Spider Farmer SE1000W utilizes an efficient driver that’s capable of consuming 1,000-watts of power from the wall.
Aside from the driver, strategically placed heat sinks allow the light bars to passively cool during operation, resulting in minimal heat emission.
User-Friendly Design
The Spider Farmer SE1000W allows users to detach the driver and hang it nearby in an effort to make installation easier. Additionally, the SE1000W offers a plug-and-play design.
Canopy Coverage
At 1,000-watts, cultivators can cover a 5’x5’ grow tent with ease. If you have a larger tent, such as a 10’x10’ — you can daisy chain a second SE1000W for maximum coverage.
What Could Be Improved
Once again, a name-brand driver would boost my overall confidence in the SE1000W.
However, the Spider Farmer SE1000W boasts a lifetime rating of 50,000-hours.
● Ideal size for 5’x5’ grow tents
● 10 bar design maximizes the light footprint
● Consumes 1,000-watts
● Dimmable and daisy chain compatible
● Full-spectrum and red-enhanced Samsung diodes
Cons:
● Not as efficient as it could be
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, large-scale cultivators should buy the Spider Farmer SE1000W full-spectrum LED grow light due to its mind-blowing power — especially when your garden utilizes CO2 to boost yields.
5. Vivosun VS1000 Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light
The Best Budget Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light: The ultimate duo of affordability and performance wrapped in a small design for beginners and professionals alike.
The Vivosun VS1000 is rated as our best budget full-spectrum LED grow light because it offers appealing power at the perfect price point for all types of cannabis cultivators.
Since money doesn’t grow on trees, I’ve searched high and low for the perfect budget option that doesn’t feel cheap. Luckily, the Vivosun VS1000 proved that full-spectrum LED grow lights could be affordable.
Below, we’ll go over the primary aspects of the Vivosun VS1000.
Full-Spectrum Light
The Vivosun VS1000 utilizes Samsung’s LM301H diode series to produce unbelievable full-spectrum and PAR-rich light. From light blue to deep red, cannabis plants will thrive under the Vivosun VS1000.
Overall Efficiency
The Sosen driver produces maximum efficiency and pulls 100-watts from the wall.
Additionally, the VS1000’s fan-less design uses ventilation holes to reduce heat accumulation. Lastly, the LM301H diodes are power efficient and decrease users’ overall electricity bills.
User-Friendly Design
There’s nothing easier to set up than the Vivosun VS1000. Simply hang the system with the provided hangers and plug it into a socket — it’s that easy!
Additionally, the Vivosun VS1000 offers a dimmable knob to cycle through different wattages for various stages of plant growth.
Canopy Coverage
The Vivosun VS1000 is rated for a 1’x1’ grow tent for flowering or a 2’x2’ space of vegetative plants or seedlings.
What Could Be Improved
Overall, the Vivosun VS1000 could use LM301B Samsung diodes to produce more powerful full-spectrum light. However, the LM301H diodes are effective given the overall size of the VS1000.
● Extremely affordable
● Consumes 100-watts
● Ideal size for small spaces
● 3-year warranty
● Full-spectrum lighting
● Fan-less design and dimmable
Cons:
● Could have better diodes
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for an affordable and entry-level full-spectrum LED grow light — look no further than Vivosun’s VS1000.
6. Gavita Pro 1700e Full-Spectrum LED
The Best Premium Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light: When you need ample power, efficiency, and elegant design, the Gavita Pro 1700e is the creme de la creme of full-spectrum LED grow lights.
The Gavita Pro 1700e ranked as our best premium full-spectrum LED system because it offers all the bells and whistles for professional cannabis cultivators.
When cultivating high-value cannabis strains — I always reach for the Gavita Pro 1700e to ensure my crop receives nothing but premium full-spectrum light.
Below, you’ll discover all the notable aspects I found while growing with the Gavita Pro 1700e.
Full-Spectrum Light
The Gavita Pro 1700e provides watts on top of watts of full-spectrum light that weed plants love.
The Gavita Pro 1700e comes equipped with Osram red and Samsung white diodes. Ultimately, the Gavita Pro 1700e is the ultimate choice when PAR-rated light is of utmost importance.
Overall Efficiency
The Gavita Pro 1700e draws 645-watts from the wall with complete ease. Due to the open light bar design, the 1700e emits little heat and reduces overall HVAC costs by 30%.
User-Friendly Design
Gavita ships each 1700e LED system with custom hangers to make installation as easy as possible.
However, Gavita fumbled by requiring users to purchase a separate master controller and adapter to access the dimming function.
Canopy Coverage
The Gavita Pro 1700e flourishes in 4’x4’ grow tents during flowering and 5’x5’ spaces during veg.
The Osram and Samsung diodes penetrate deep into the cannabis canopy with ease, making the 1700e a must for cultivators that seek ultra-sticky harvests.
What Could Be Improved
The primary concern with the Gavita Pro 1700e is the need for a separate master controller and adapter to access the dimming function. At this price point, the 1700e should come standard with the necessary tools to allow users to dim the light to 50%.
● Consumes 645-watts
● Features full-spectrum Samsung and Osram diodes
● Philips driver
● 8 passively cooled light bars
● Custom hangers for easy installation
Cons:
● Needs a separate master controller and adapter
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Gavita Pro 1700e full-spectrum LED grow light screams quality. However, it doesn’t come cheap. From terpene and trichome-rich buds to oversized harvests, you won’t regret paying a premium for this product.
Everything You Need to Know About Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights
What is a Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light?
A full-spectrum LED grow light is powered by light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
However, the core aspect of full-spectrum LED systems is the fact that they produce wavelengths of light in the 400-700nm range.
Overall, full-spectrum LED grow lights are used specifically for plant cultivation, and in our case — cannabis.
What is PAR?
PAR, also known as photosynthetic active radiation, is a term that describes the light wavelength range in which photosynthesis occurs.
For most plants, including marijuana, 400-700nm is the primary range in which photosynthesis occurs. With this in mind, PAR is also known as “full-spectrum” light.
PAR, also known as photosynthetic active radiation, is a term that describes the light wavelength range in which photosynthesis occurs.
What is PPF and PPFD?
PPF is the photosynthetic photon flux is the total amount of PAR light emitted per second from a full-spectrum LED grow light.
Furthermore, PPFD is the photosynthetic photon flux density, which measures the total amount of PAR light per second within a specified amount of space.
As such, both PPFD and PPF are useful tools in calculating the perfect amount of light in a given area.
PPFD is the photosynthetic photon flux density, which measures the total amount of PAR light per second within a specified amount of space.
How Close Should Your Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights Be to the Canopy?
Overall, marijuana cultivators can place full-spectrum 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 full-spectrum LEDs and the weed canopy.
| LED Grow Light Canopy Spacing | |
| Full-Spectrum 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″ |
| 1000+ | 43-50″ |
How Much PPFD Should My Cannabis Crop Receive?
Next, we’ve provided a simple chart to show generalized PPFD values per growth stage of the cannabis plant.
| LED Grow Light Canopy Spacing | |
| Growth Stage | PPFD Level |
| Seedling/Clone | 100-300 |
| Vegetative | 250-600 |
| Flowering | 500-1050 |
Remember, these are general values and it’s best to experiment in your garden to see what PPFD level works best for you. However, measuring the PPFD level is not recommended for beginners.
If you’re interested in measuring the PPFD in the grow room, you’ll need to buy a light meter to do so.
What are the Benefits of Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights?
Full-spectrum LED grow lights offer a bounty of benefits for beginner and professional cannabis cultivators.
Below, we’ll briefly take a look at each advantage of using a full-spectrum light.
Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights Grow Big Buds
Cannabis plants demand light within the 400-700nm range — and full-spectrum LED grow lights are more than willing to oblige.
Aside from ample light within the usable (PAR) range, most modern full-spectrum LED systems provide small levels of IR and UV light, which further promotes heavy trichome, terpene, and bud production.
Most modern full-spectrum LED systems provide small levels of IR and UV light, which further promotes heavy trichome, terpene, and bud production.
Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights Reduce Electricity Bills
Full-spectrum LED grow lights are incredibly energy efficient because they offer:
- Energy-saving diodes
- Minimal wattage
- High-performing drivers
- Heat-reducing technology
Furthermore, full-spectrum LED systems create a domino effect of energy savings by reducing the demand of your HVAC system. Ultimately, full-spectrum LED grow lights are the perfect option to increase bud production while reducing electricity bills.
Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights are Versatile
Unlike traditional LEDs or HID systems, full-spectrum LED grow lights are perfect for all stages of cannabis growth.
From seedling to harvest, full-spectrum LEDs provide the perfect wavelength of light during the growth cycle. In other words, you can kiss all those expensive HPS and MH bulbs goodbye once you convert to a full-spectrum LED system.
Full-spectrum LED grow lights are perfect for all stages of cannabis growth.
Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights vs Other Grow Light Systems
| LED Grow Lights vs. HID Systems | |||
| Type | Full-Spectrum LED | Traditional LED | HID |
| Initial Cost | Low – High | Low – High | Low – Medium |
| Electricity Cost | Very Low | Very Low | Very High |
| PAR Range | 400-700nm | 300-800nm | Limited (650 for HPS and 450 for MH) |
| Carbon Footpring | Low | Low | High |
| Power Output | Low – High | Low – High | Medium – Very High |
As you can see, full-spectrum LED grow lights offer the best characteristics across all types of grow light systems.
Conclusion
Ultimately, full-spectrum LED grow lights are the key to unlocking your cannabis crop’s potential.
By harnessing the usable (PAR) range of light that matters to weed plants, you’ll yield bigger buds that are drenched in trichomes and terpenes. However, if you’re on the hunt for a bundle package that includes a full-spectrum LED light, grow tent, and other crucial products — head over to our Best Grow Tent Kits for Cannabis Cultivators page to find out more.
Once you buy the full-spectrum LED system of your choice — jump into our Grow Guide for essential information on growing marijuana indoors or outdoors.
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 Full-Spectrum Grow Lights | ||
| Product | Rating | More Info |
| Best OverallViparSpectra XS4000 480W |
[Read Review] | |
| Best For Small SpacesSpider Farmer SF-1000 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best For Medium SpacesMars Hydro FC4800 480W |
[Read Review] | |
| Best For Large SpacesSpider Farmer SE1000W |
[Read Review] | |
| Best Budget LEDVivosun VS1000 |
[Read Review] | |
| Best Premium LEDGavita Pro 1700e |
[Read Review] | |