April 18, 2022
When it comes to finding the best LED grow lights, there’s going to be a lot to consider, and that’s where we’re here to help point you in the right direction.
They can be a convenient solution for growing indoor plants, especially if you don’t get that much light where you live, and also during winter when light levels are reduced, anyway.
A key thing to look out for first and foremost is going to be price. Some grow lights are pretty affordable and therefore are a superb choice for everyone, whilst others can be a little pricey, so it’s worth weighing up how much you want to spend on some grow lights.
In addition, you’ll also want to consider their brightness and efficiency, which leads you into the debate of whether you go for fluorescent or LED bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are cheaper but less efficient than LEDs, and LEDs do need to be placed further away from plans than their fluorescent counterparts.
This leads nicely onto the point of space. If you’re working with a more compact growing space, then go for some fluorescent lights as these can work when hung as little as three inches above the plants, whilst LEDs usually work best between 14 and 24 inches.
This distance also works hand in hand with the brightness figure — the more lumens, the brighter the light. If you get some brighter lights, you don’t need to position them as close to your plants as if they’re a little dimmer.
So, with all this in mind, we’ve listed what we think are some of the best grow lights based on specs, general reviews, and features they offer that we think to make them stand out from the crowd, plus answered some of your most frequently asked questions too.
Let’s get into it — here are some of the best grow lights out there today.
AC Infinity IONBOARD S44 400W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
Features:
This full spectrum LED grow light is designed with algorithmically positioned Samsung LM301B diodes to maximize plant yield. Features proprietary drivers for dimming, daisy chaining and interfacing with our smart controllers. Built on a fanless unibody aluminum plate for heat dissipation and longer diode life. All components are sealed to IP-65 standards for optimum performance even in high temperature and high humidity growth environments. Includes a pair of metal rod hangers and rope hangers. This LED grower is specially designed for growing a variety of plants, fruits and vegetables with interior reflective mylar lined grow tents.
Features:
VIVOSUN LED grow light uses the latest LED plant light technology including Samsung LM301H Diodes, high-energy efficiency with 2.9 umol/J. Extremely high output but consumes only 400W of electricity, more efficient than traditional HID lamps and other plant lamps on the market. VS4000 LED grow light has a dimming knob that makes it adaptable to different growing periods of your plant by adjusting its output from 40% to 100%. The VS4000 full-spectrum LED delivers optimal full-spectrum coverage — offering power needed by your plants at all growth stages and maximum PAR output at various distances, supporting photosynthesis of your plants in an efficient way.
Listed below are some key features to look for when you choose a grow light.
LED Output and Power: When selecting your ideal indoor grow light, we recommend looking at the LEDs’ output in your prospective light. The average small grow light for seedlings needs between 45-Watts to 80-Watts of light output. That’s enough lumens to help your plants achieve optimal growth.
LED Quality: The quality of the LEDs in your grow light makes an enormous difference in service life. The average high-quality T5 LED should provide you with at least 10,000-hours of service life before replacement.
Timers: The best grow light for seedlings comes with timers. You get the option of setting your light cycle to 3-hours, 6-hours, or 12-hours, depending on your plant’s needs.
A timer is a handy feature in your light, allowing you to control the light cycle. However, if your model doesn’t come with a timer, you’ll have to purchase one separately or rely on manual operation.
Color spectrum: This is the most crucial feature of the grow light. Indoor plants require full-colour spectrum light, which outdoor plants receive from sunlight.
Programmable: A programmable light reduces the incidence of errors.
Cooling system: Since the lights also produce heat, it is essential to look for an excellent cooling system to prevent the plants from burning or drying.
Size: If you require a large footprint, then go for a large grow light. You can choose the more aesthetic desktop or free-standing smaller models for smaller plants. Choose a lightweight, compact glow light for easy portability.
Ease of use: Some grow lights are easy to use, while others require a lot of effort for installation. When you buy a grow light, you must consider the one that is easy to operate.
Noiseless operation: Choose a grow light that does not have noisy cooling fans.
By now, you should have your eye on a few prospective models for your LED grow light. Light is an essential element for the development of your plants, and choosing the right lighting system makes a significant difference in your plant’s yield at harvest time.
October 20, 2023