The Best Quantum Boards for Cannabis Cultivators

Harness our in-depth knowledge of quantum board LEDs to help you select the best system for the 2024 growing season.

The Best Quantum Board LED Grow Lights Cover Photo

Ever since HLG (Horticulture Lighting Group) introduced the first quantum boards to the market — cannabis cultivation with LEDs has never been the same.

From PAR-rich full-spectrum light to optimized power consumption, quantum boards are the de-facto choice for cannabis cultivators who want to push their weed crop to the limit.

If you’re ready to experience the beauty of quantum board LEDs — it’s time to buy the best product for your indoor cannabis garden. Below, you’ll find hands-on reviews of our most recommended QB grow lights, along with ample information to ensure you buy the perfect quantum board for your needs.

Our Most Recommended Quantum Board LED Grow Lights

Before we dive into a handful of reviews — here’s an upfront look at our top-rated quantum board LED grow lights.

The Best Quantum Board LED Grow Lights
Product Rating More Info
Best OverallSpider Farmer SF-4000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightSpider Farmer SF-4000
Design: 9.5/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 10/10
[Read Review]
Best Budget LEDHLG 65 V2 Quantum Board LED Grow LightHLG 65 V2 QB Grow Light
Design: 8/10
Price: 10/10
Quality: 8.5/10
[Read Review]
Best Premium LED600 Rspec Quantum Board LED Grow LightHLG 600 Rspec QB Grow Light
Design: 9/10
Price: 7.5/10
Quality: 9.5/10
[Read Review]
Best For Small SpacesSpider Farmer SF-1000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightSPIDER FARMER SF-1000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9.5/10
Quality: 9/10
[Read Review]
Best For Medium Spaces Mars Hydro TSW 2000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightMars Hydro TSW 2000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
[Read Review]
Best For Large SpacesViparSpectra XS4000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightVIPARSPECTRA XS4000
Design: 9/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 9/10
[Read Review]

If you’re not ready to buy one of these quantum boards or you’d like more information — don’t worry! Continue reading below to familiarize yourself with each product and its key details.

How Do You Choose a Quantum Board LED Grow Light?

Before you pull the trigger on a quantum board LED — you need to answer a few important questions.

What is the Size of Your Grow Room or Tent?

For the best experience — you must buy a quantum board LED that fits in your grow tent.

When we say fit — we mean to say that the light adequately drenches the cannabis canopy. By knowing the size of your grow tent, you’ll avoid buying a QB LED that’s too small or too big.

Below is a chart that displays the minimum and recommended watts required for complete canopy coverage in a grow tent or room.

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’s Your Price Range?

Quantum boards range between $80-1,500+.

Therefore, you need to have a budget in mind if you want to buy a quantum board LED. Quantum boards that cost between $80-300 are typically geared towards beginners or small to medium-sized grow spaces.

Quantum board LEDs over $300 are generally meant for large grow spaces and/or experienced marijuana cultivators.

What Features Do You Need on the Quantum Board?

Another important consideration when buying a quantum board LED grow light is to choose a product with the best (and most relevant) features.

For instance, professional growers may want a quantum board LED that’s daisy chain compatible to allow for multiple linked systems. In another example, a beginner may want a dimmable switch for maximum versatility in the grow room.

Here are a few features to look out for while searching for quantum board LEDs for the 2024 growing season:

  • Dimmable switch
  • Detachable driver
  • Built-in reflector
  • Daisy chain compatible
  • Full-spectrum diodes
  • Passive cooling
  • Long term warranty

Considering Your Quantum Board LED Grow Light Options

Hundreds, even thousands, of quantum boards have hit the market ever since HLG showed the power of QB LEDs.

Therefore, you need to consider your options when shopping for a new quantum board system. If you’d rather buy a bundle that includes a quantum board LED, grow tent, and ventilation system — check out our guide on the Best Grow Tent Kits for Cannabis Cultivators.

In any case, we’ve put in the leg work by reviewing the best quantum board LED grow lights for sale below.

The Best Quantum Board LED Grow Lights


1. Spider Farmer SF-4000 Quantum Board LED Grow Light

Spider Farmer SF-4000
Design: 9.5/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 10/10

The Best Overall Quantum Board LED Grow Light: From massive coverage to top-of-the-line diodes, the Spider Farmer SF-4000 blows the competition out of the water.

The Spider Farmer SF-4000 ranked as our best overall quantum board LED grow light because it offers an astounding array of top-shelf features at an unbeatable price.

It was love at first sight from the moment I tore open the box of the Spider Farmer SF-4000. The high-level craftsmanship was extremely apparent, and the quantum board felt surprisingly sturdy.



After growing a multitude of cannabis crops under the SF-4000 — it’s safe to say that this quantum board means business.

Let’s take a look at what I liked and didn’t like about the SF-4000 LED.

Pros:
● High-quality Samsung LM301B diodes
● Consumes 450-watts
● Efficient MeanWell driver
● Dimmable switch
● Full-spectrum PAR
● Massive 5’x5’ coverage
● Fan-less design
● 3-year warranty
Cons:
● The dimmable switch isn’t easy to adjust
What made my jaw drop was the fact that you can dim the SF-4000 way down. In other words, you can grow seedlings or cannabis plants in full bloom. Ultimately, the SF-4000 is the perfect quantum board LED to grow into.

Overall, the SF-4000 by Spider Farmer is in a league of its own. From plug-and-play usability to monster yields — the SF-4000 is a must-have quantum board whether you’re a beginner or a pro.


2. HLG 65 V2 Quantum Board LED Grow Light

HLG 65 V2 QB Grow Light
Design: 8/10
Price: 10/10
Quality: 8.5/10

The Best Budget Quantum Board LED Grow Light: The HLG 65 V2 is the most affordable Quantum Board LED grow light with gold standard quality.

The HLG 65 V2 ranked as our best budget quantum board LED grow light because it offers wave after wave of PAR-rated light at an unbelievable price.

Whether you have the budget or not — every grower needs the option of an affordable quantum board LED. When I say affordable — I’m not saying cheap.



Luckily, I stumbled across the HLG 65 V2 — a high-quality quantum board from HLG with enough firepower to keep a small cannabis garden happy.

Below, I’ll list the pros and cons of the HLG 65 V2 after multiple grows in a 2’x2’ tent.

Pros:
● Consumes 65-watts of power but rivals a 150-watt HID
● Produces PAR-rich white light via Samsung LM301B diodes
● Runs cool-to-the-touch
● Can fit in nearly any space
● Incredible price
● Ideal for small cannabis plants, seedlings, mother plants, or clones
Cons:
● Does not offer full-spectrum diodes
Ultimately, the HLG 65 V2 is the perfect option for anyone who’s on a tight budget. Furthermore, the HLG 65 V2 is suitable for cannabis growers with limited space, such as a closet.

However, do not think for one moment that the HLG 65 V2 is only recommended for users with limited space. The HLG 65 V2 performs admirably as supplemental lighting when your primary quantum board isn’t doing the trick.

Overall, we recommend the HLG 65 V2 because it offers world-class craftsmanship, top-shelf light output, and a price you can’t refuse.


3. HLG 600 Rspec Quantum Board LED Grow Light

HLG 600 Rspec QB Grow Light
Design: 9/10
Price: 7.5/10
Quality: 9.5/10

The Best Premium Quantum Board LED Grow Light: Cannabis cultivators with an eye for premium lighting will find everything and more with the star-studded HLG 600 Rspec Quantum Board LED.

Considering HLG coined the term quantum board — it’s only fitting that their uber-powerful 600 Rspec QB LED took home our best premium quantum board LED grow light rating.

After months of abuse and pounds of weed, I’ve come to the conclusion that the HLG 600 Rspec is a monster LED system that’s itching to pump out massive buds drenched in mind-blowing trichomes.



Below, we’ll highlight the primary advantages and disadvantages of the HLG 600 Rspec quantum board LED grow light.

Pros:
● Consumes 600-watts and easily replaces a 1,000-watt HID
● Dimmable all the way down to 60W
● Massive light footprint of 6’x6’
● Utilizes the famed LM301H Samsung diodes and deep red Osram diodes
● Runs cool-to-the-touch thanks to its passive cooling system
● High-quality Inventronics power supply
Cons:
● High price
Aside from the expensive price tag — the HLG 600 Rspec is worth every penny. It’s rare to find a quantum board that can easily blow away the lumen output of a 1,000-watt HPS.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro — the HLG 600 Rspec is chomping at the bit to push your cannabis crop beyond the limit. Additionally, you won’t find Samsung LM301H diodes anywhere else.

If you’re ready to splurge on a premium-grade quantum board LED — it’s time to buy the HLG 600 Rspec.


4. Spider Farmer SF-1000 Quantum Board LED Grow Light

SPIDER FARMER SF-1000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9.5/10
Quality: 9/10

The Best Quantum Board for Small Spaces: The Spider Farmer SF-1000 pushes the limit of what cannabis cultivators can yield in small spaces with its efficient and powerful design.

The Spider Farmer SF-1000 ranked as our best quantum board LED grow light for small spaces because it offers the perfect mixture of light output and versatile size.

When it comes to cannabis cultivation — I’m usually growing in a 5’x’5 tent and above. However, I’ve recently gained a deep interest in micro-growing.

The Spider Farmer SF-1000 is the perfect solution for small spaces while pumping out massive colas drenched in trichomes. Within a single cycle, I fully realized the true potential of the SF-1000 quantum board LED.

With enough firepower to light up the block — I was duly impressed by the capabilities of the SF-1000. Below, you’ll find what I liked and didn’t like about the Spider Farmer SF-1000.

Pros:
● Unbeatable Samsung LM301B diodes
● Ultra-efficient MeanWell driver
● Daisy chain compatible
● Consumes 100-watts
● Dimmable switch for greater versatility
● Maximum 3’x3’ footprint
● Full-spectrum PAR output
● Affordable
Cons:
● An extra 50-watts would increase its versatility

Ultimately, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better quantum board LED for a small grow space. From high-quality components to a feature-rich design — the Spider Farmer SF-1000 is a must-have for anyone with a small grow space.


5. Mars Hydro TSW 2000 Quantum Board LED Grow Light

Mars Hydro TSW 2000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9/10
Quality: 8/10

The Best Quantum Board for Medium Spaces: Cannabis cultivators with medium-sized grow tents will find record-breaking yields and extremely high-quality components with the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 Quantum Board.

The Mars Hydro TSW 2000 ranked as our best quantum board LED grow light for medium-sized spaces because it offers stunning lumens that’ll push your cannabis crop to the limit.

Mars Hydro TSW 2000 features 1
Mars Hydro TSW 2000 features 2

When I think about quantum board LEDs, I never envisioned them with a built-in reflector — until now. The Mars Hydro TSW 2000 changed my entire perspective on LED lights because it transforms a moderate amount of power into a lumen powerhouse.

By integrating a reflector into the quantum board, Mars Hydro created a hybrid that’s more than capable of lighting up a medium-sized grow space. In my case, the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 was more than enough light for my 4’x4’ grow tent.

After multiple harvests under its belt, I can say with confidence that you won’t find a better deal on a mid-size quantum board than the TSW 2000. Below, I’ll provide my insight on the pros and cons of the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 QB LD.

Pros:
● Built-in reflector hood
● Consumes 300-watts and rivals up to a 600-watt HID
● Daisy chain compatible
● Dimmable switch
● Full-spectrum PAR output
● Easily covers a 4’x4’ space
Cons:
● Does not offer Samsung diodes
Overall, the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 is an awesome display of power, canopy coverage, and craftsmanship. The only place where the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 fell short was in the diode category because they did not incorporate Samsung’s legendary technology.

In any case, if you need a quantum board to cover your medium-sized grow tent — look no further than the Mars Hydro TSW 2000 for the 2024 growing season.


6. ViparSpectra XS4000 Quantum Board LED Grow Light

VIPARSPECTRA XS4000
Design: 9/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 9/10

The Best Quantum Board for Large Spaces: When big space and big yields are the priority, the ViparSpectra XS4000 springs into action with massive power, intense lighting, and a quiver of features.

The ViparSpectra XS4000 ranked as our best quantum board LED grow light for large spaces because it’s the exact definition of a workhorse.

After seeing the ViparSpectra XS4000 QB LED at a local friend’s cannabis operation (and subsequent jaw-dropping harvest) — I was feeling some serious FOMO. Soon after, I pulled the trigger and bought the XS4000 to see what this quantum board could do in my 5’x5’ grow tent.

VIPARSPECTRA XS4000 ppfd

The results were exactly as I expected: massive buds covered in sticky resin throughout the entire plant canopy. To my surprise, I noticed that the buds underneath the canopy were nearly as thick as those up top.

In other words, the ViparSpectra XS4000 excelled in not only offering canopy coverage but

light penetration as well. In other words — the ViparSpectra XS4000 performs as a 1,000-watt HID without the sky-high electricity bill.

Pros:
● Super bright Samsung LM301B diodes
● Sturdy MeanWell driver
● Easily covers a 5’x5’ grow tent (or 10’x10’ when paired with a second device)
● Affordable
● Fan-less design reduces heat emission
● Consumes 480-watts
● Dimmable switch
Full-spectrum PAR output
Cons:
● Extra watts would make this quantum board more versatile
VIPARSPECTRA XS4000 spectrum copy
Ultimately, the ViparSpectra XS4000 is the quantum board to buy if you grow weed in a 5’x5’ grow tent or more. From daisy chain compatibility to insane lumen output — the ViparSpectra XS4000 is a do-it-all QB LED grow light for marijuana growers.

Everything You Need to Know About Quantum Board LEDs

What is a Quantum Board LED Grow Light?

Quantum board LED grow lights describe fixtures that utilize an ultra-thin aluminum body with attached SMD LEDs.

The Horticulture Lighting Group (HLG) was the first brand to introduce quantum boards as a direct competitor to COB and “blurple” LED lighting.

What are the Key Advantages to Buying a Quantum Board LED?

There are many benefits to growing cannabis under a quantum board LED. Below, we’ll briefly list each to show why quantum boards are the leading style of LED grow lights.

Quantum Boards are Energy Efficient

Quantum boards are efficient LED grow lights because they utilize SMD LED diodes, such as those commonly seen from Samsung (LM301B/H) and Osram.

As opposed to COB LED lights, quantum boards consume less energy while producing extremely PAR-rich lighting. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient design while maximizing the lumen count — quantum boards are the way to go.

Quantum Boards Evenly Spread Light

The main reason why HLG invented the quantum board in the first place was to spread light evenly across the canopy.

Whereas COB LEDs punch through canopies, their light diminishes towards the outer edges. Instead, quantum board LEDs focus on consistent maximum coverage that allows marijuana cultivators to get the biggest bang for their buck.

Quantum Boards Offer Better Heat Management

Another perk of growing cannabis with quantum board LEDs is the fact that they harness passive cooling techniques to dissipate heat.

Unlike traditional or COB LEDs, quantum boards do not have a fan. Instead, strategically placed heat sinks across the surface passively cool the quantum board system.

Thus, quantum boards offer superior heat management. Lastly, your overall HVAC costs will be reduced because your quantum board will not emit large amounts of heat.

Quantum Boards Can Fit Low-Hanging Roofs

A massive perk of owning a quantum board LED grow light is the fact that you don’t need much headroom to fit it in.

In other words, cannabis growers in tight spaces (i.e., closets or low ceiling areas) will benefit from using the paper-thin design of quantum boards.

How do Quantum Board LED Grow Lights Compare to Traditional LEDs and HIDs?

LED QB vs. LEDs vs. HIDs
Type Quantum Board LED COB LED HID
Power Output Low to High Low to High Low to Very High
Spectrum Range Full-Spectrum Full-Spectrum Limited Spectrum (MH/HPS)
Light Penetration Low to Medium Low to High Low to Very High
Canopy Coverage High Medium High
Energy Efficiency Very High Medium Low

Conclusion

Ultimately, quantum board LEDs are the perfect solution for replacing inefficient HID systems.

If you’re ready to push the envelope of your cannabis garden — there’s no better time than now to buy a quantum board LED. If you’d prefer to buy a complete growing package that contains a QB LED, grow tent, and ventilation system — head over to the Best Grow Tent Kits for Cannabis Cultivators for more information.

Alternatively, jump over to The Best LED Grow Lights for Cannabis Cultivators if you want to learn about other types of LED systems.

Once you buy a quantum board LED — it’s time to head over to our Grow Guide to learn all the essential tips and tricks to growing top-shelf marijuana.


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 Quantum Board LED Grow Lights
Product Rating More Info
Best OverallSpider Farmer SF-4000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightSpider Farmer SF-4000
Design: 9.5/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 10/10
[Read Review]
Best Budget LEDHLG 65 V2 Quantum Board LED Grow LightHLG 65 V2 QB Grow Light
Design: 8/10
Price: 10/10
Quality: 8.5/10
[Read Review]
Best Premium LED600 Rspec Quantum Board LED Grow LightHLG 600 Rspec QB Grow Light
Design: 9/10
Price: 7.5/10
Quality: 9.5/10
[Read Review]
Best For Small SpacesSpider Farmer SF-1000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightSPIDER FARMER SF-1000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9.5/10
Quality: 9/10
[Read Review]
Best For Medium Spaces Mars Hydro TSW 2000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightMars Hydro TSW 2000
Design: 9/10
Price: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
[Read Review]
Best For Large SpacesViparSpectra XS4000 Quantum Board LED Grow LightVIPARSPECTRA XS4000
Design: 9/10
Price: 8.5/10
Quality: 9/10
[Read Review]
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