Best LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights have always been a modern trend for most users because of their impressive results in enhancing the growth of plants. It has never been easier to make a wise decision on the best LED grow lights due to the wide variety of options available in the market. Although most manufacturers will provide excellent quality and value of their products, some of them will also come up with a replica of the original model. They are always striving to lure more customers because of their affordable prices but the quality of the products have been greatly minimized.

To assist you to find the best brands in the market, we carried out a thorough research on the best LED grow that are proven to work best for their intended purpose. All of them have warranties that will be useful if you experience technical problems within the specified period. There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing your grow light. These include wattage, coverage, full spectrum, lifespan and replaces. Replaces show the equivalent light wattage of a particular non-LED technology it will replace to help save energy. The average wattage consumed during use is measured by the actual power draw rather than the approximate power output. The power draw allows you to estimate the costs of your energy.

Lifespan is one of the factors that determine how long the LEDs should last and it is always measured in hours. If you have a greater coverage of the lights then it means you have a bigger size kit. The grow lights having a full spectrum will mimic the intensity and spectrum of the sun. You can always grow your plants at any stage of their life cycle. The power of your lights will also be determined by the amount of wattage emitted. It is important to understand the features that make up the best LED grow lights since it gives you an idea of what to expect when shopping around.

Best LED Grow Lights Reviews for 2018

PictureItemWattageCoverageFull SpectrumLifespanPower DrawReplacesPrice
Advanced Platinum Series P300
Editor’s Choice		300 Watts4.5 x 3.8 feetYes100,000 hours185 Watts400 W HPS
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Viparspectra Reflector600 Watts3x3 feetYes100,000 hours276 Watts600 Watt HPS/MH
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HIGROW Optical lens1000 Watts 4x3 feetYes50,000 hours400 Watts1000 Watt HPS/MH
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Kind K3 LED Grow Light300 Watts3x3 feetYes50,000 hours220 Watts300 Watt HID
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Roleadro Second Edition300 Watts3x3 feetYes50,000 hours124 Watts300 Watt HID
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Apollo Horticulture400 Watts3x3 feetYes50,000 hours195 Watts400 W MH/HPS
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CrxSunny COB Grow light1000 Watts .5 x 2.5 feetYes50,000 hours226 Watts1000 W MH/HPS
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Galaxyhydro LED Grow Light300 Watts2x2 feetNo50,000 hours135 Watts 250/400 Watt HPS/MH
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KINGBO reflector LED light45 Watts2x2 feetYes50,000 hours35 Watts 100 W HPS/MH
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Aceple MR16 Grow Light7 Watts1.5 x 1.5 feetNo
25,000 hours7 WattsN/A
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1. Advanced Platinum Series P300

Advanced Platinum Series P300
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The advanced platinum series P300 provides a 12 brand spectrum of both ultra violet and infrared light. Your plants will experience enhanced photosynthesis because of the availability of the wavelengths. Unlike other brands, P300 provides an excellent light coverage at a ceiling height of up to 18 feet. It comes with two reflective lenses' 60 degrees - primary and 90 degrees – secondary that aid in the coverage.

When combined, they provide an intense, focused light that is consistent in the area covered. You can easily switch the light spectrum from flowering to vegetative using the two switches. This provides your plants with the most appropriate type of lighting for all phases in their growth cycle. It has one of the best warranty with a 90-day money back guarantee.

Features
300 Watts, 4.5 x 3.8 feet coverage, full spectrum, 100,000 hours lifespan, 5-year warranty, and 90-day money back guarantee. It replaces 400 W HPS.
Pros Cons
  • It allows for efficient power usage. It is capable of emitting high effective light without drawing out a large amount of energy. This saves you on energy costs
  • It provides good quality of light and efficiency
  • It delivers focused lighting in the secondary lenses
  • It offers a wide coverage compared to other brands
  • It is a self-contained LED lighting system
  • It is an expensive LED grow light despite its unique performance
  • There may be little risks associated with direct light focus

2. Viparspectra Reflector

Viparspectra Reflector
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The Viparspectra is one of the best-selling grows light having an average lifespan of 100,000 hours. It comes with cooling fans that help maintain the powerful LEDs cool. The aluminum heat sinks will prevent overheating the space where you want to grow. It was designed to hang at 24 inches above a 3 by 3-foot area. You can get started very easily since there is a hanging kit included as well.

The Viparspectra is an ideal growing light because it has veg/bloom switches that allow adjustment of the light spectrum produced by the LEDs. This optimizes the emitted light which stimulates plants to flower or fruit. Its 600-watt rating makes it a versatile choice and is suitable for smaller growing areas.

Features
600 Wattage, 3x3 feet coverage, full spectrum, 100,000 hours lifespan, 3-year warranty and 276 W Power Draw. It also replaces 600 watt HPS/MH and consists of 120 individual 5-watt LED Chips.
Pros Cons
  • It is easier to adjust the light spectrum produced by the LEDs because it has Veg/bloom switches
  • It encourages plants to flower or fruit by optimizing the emitted light
  • You can get started quickly as it comes with a hanging kit
  • It comes with a 3-year warranty and offers a great coverage for your growing plants
  • It can also be used in the smaller growing areas
  • It has a higher lifespan compared to other models making it ideal for lengthy use.
  • It is a little pricey unlike other competing brands
  • It is mostly suitable for indoor growing

3. HIGROW Optical Lens

HIGROW Optical Lens
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If you are looking for something epic that will go achieve an extra mile, consider choosing the HIGROW LED growing lights. It provides 1000 watts and hangs 24 inches above your plants. It also has 200 5-watt LEDs that can easily cover a 4 by 3-foot area. To keep the system cool, it has three heat sinks and fans that are essential when managing a lot of LEDs having a high output.

It is capable of covering the 12-band full spectrum including the UV and Infrared lights from 380 to 760 nm. The UV lights facilitate the growth of plants and also allows for effective transplant to the outdoors. The HIGROW optical lens helps to angle the light to reach the bases and sides of your growing plants for a more efficient photosynthesis.

Features
1000 wattage, 4 x 3 feet coverage, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan, 3-year warranty and 400 watts power draw. It replaces 1000 watt HPS/MH.
Pros Cons
  • It comes with a hanging kit to get you started
  • It allows for a more effective photosynthesis with light angled by the optical lens. This facilitates rapid growth of your plants
  • It has inbuilt veg/bloom switches that enhance the lights' functionality
  • The lengthy warranty provides you enough time to detect any technical problems that might arise during the stated period.
  • It has a high wattage
  • It allows you to completely turn off the lights without unplugging your LED down lights.
  • It might be lacking in producing a lot of outward light or focused beam.

4. Kind K3 LED Grow Light

Kind K3 LED Grow Light
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The most popular alternative for indoor plant setups is the Kind K3 LED grow lights. They are suitable for medium to larger indoor gardens with their full LED spectrum. They produce a complete 12-band spectrum with the 90 3-watt LEDs that have been split into six groups. It also includes both the infrared and UV lights that encourage growth in the right amounts. If transplanting is your end goal, they can easily allow for plant transition. To maintain the cool temperatures, it is equipped with four fans and heat sinks.

The grow lights of the Kind K3 LED can be used for grow tents, hydroponic lighting, and other indoor applications. It is great for growing plants because of its larger coverage. The Secondary optical lens makes them more popular and allows lights to reach the base of the plants

Features
300 wattage 3x3 coverage, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan, 3-year warranty and 220 watts power draw. It also replaces the 300 watts HID.
Pros Cons
  • It provides higher yields with the combination of efficiency and full spectrum light
  • The secondary optical lens helps to magnify the PAR.
  • It has an incredible lifespan that gives a huge advantage over other brands of LED grow lights.
  • The 12 band diode included in the Kind K3 LED light ensures that your plants are healthy.
  • It encourages growth in both vegetative and flowering stages of the plants
  • It uses a cost saving technology
  • It is expensive compared to other models despite its unique qualities.

5. Roleadro Second Generation

Roleadro Second Generation
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This LED grow light is made up of sixty 5-watt LEDs that serve their intended purpose. It is one of the affordable options that offers a full spectrum lighting making it ideal if you are working on a fixed budget. We picked the lower end of the lifespan although it is rated as 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Either way, you won't feel disappointed by this grow light since it has much to offer.

It emits an overall number of 5000 lumens covering an area of 3.9 square meters (6,200 square inches). However, it is best suited for spaces that are closer to 3 by 3. Roleadro second generation comes with a stainless steel hanging kit as well as two fans that enhance the cooling process. There is also a daisy-chained model offered by the manufacturer with a 600 wattage.

Features
300 wattage, 3 by 3 feet coverage, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan, 2-year warranty and 124 watts power draw. It also replaces the 300 watts HID
Pros Cons
  • It is the best option for indoor growing when working with a budget
  • The dual fans help maintain the cooling system and prevent overheating
  • They have a good build and are up to standard compliance
  • You can expect to achieve good results within a short period of time ‘
  • It has an ideal color temperature for a start to finish growth
  • It lacks switches that control the different sections of the LED as well as the power.
  • The lights may tend to flicker in some occasions

6. Apollo Horticulture GL80X5LED

Apollo Horticulture GL80X5LED
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The Apollo Horticulture comes with a simple design equipped with 400-watt full spectrum lighting. It has two fans that help to keep the area cool and eighty 5-watt LED chips that light up the surface of the board. Despite the fans, they may run on the hot side. With a few adjustments, Apollo Horticulture can provide impressive results to the growers.

It has an average lifespan of 50,000 hours with a hanging kit and can cover up to 4 by 4 feet. In the case of any technical issues, you will benefit from the warranty offered by the manufacturers. It is a good option for a simple setup that ranges from small to medium-sized plots. This LED Grow light has received good reviews over the past years because it offers great results.

Features
400 wattage, 3 x 3 feet, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan, 2-year warranty and 195 Watts Power Draw. It replaces 400 W MH/HPS.
Pros Cons
  • It has a good lifespan which makes it highly durable
  • It is a better option for small to medium-sized setups
  • It is very easy to setup and you can also do it by yourself
  • It provides an optimum temperature for the growth of your plants despite the adverse of the conditions
  • It is likely to run on the hot side despite the fans and is much recommended for outdoors
  • It might be a little costly for the beginners
  • To achieve the best results, it is advisable to place the plants close to the LED lights. This can limit the number of plants in your garden.

7. CrxSunny COB Grow Light

CrxSunny COB Grow Light
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There are five integrated 200 watt LEDs incorporated in the CrxSunny COB Grow light. Unlike other brands, this one takes a different perspective because of the arrangement of the watt LEDs. The chip on board, abbreviated as COB refers to the setup of the LED lights in the device. Most people who have used it before found out that they simulate the full spectrum much better compared to other models.

Five LEDs is perfect if you have been searching for a LED grow light that has the fewest lights. There is no need to pull the plug to simulate nighttime since it comes with an on/off switch as well as a hanging kit. It is bound to produce some heat with 1000 watts LED grow light.

Features
1000 wattage, 2.5 x 2.5 coverage, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan, 3-year warranty and 226 W power draw. It replaces 1000 W MH/HPS.
Pros Cons
  • It can produce an adequate amount of heat when used in an open area
  • It comes with a 3-year warranty that covers any technical issues. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the manufacturer.
  • It has an improved spectrum that mimics natural sunlight making it a perfect replacement for sunshine.
  • The light is evenly redistributed among the bulbs; uniform color of lighting
  • It has a superior thermal performance compared to most brands
  • It is also ideal for all phases of plant growth
  • The high wattage might not be suitable for the beginners

8. Galaxyhydro LED Grow Light

Galaxyhydro LED Grow Light
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If you are looking for something affordable yet worth your choice, you might consider having a look at the Galaxyhydro LED grow light. It has been a star among the hydroponics fans equipped with 300 watts LED grow light. It might not be a full spectrum setup as you would expect but lays emphasis on providing the spectrum areas that is needed by plants for growth. It provides both UV and infrared lights while covering up to 740 nm.

Growth is encouraged by these portions of the spectrum especially when you plan to transplant your plants in the outdoors. The hydro-lights also offer a two-year warranty that is useful if you experience any technical problems within the stated period. It can also be hooked up to a timer and your plants can have adequate time for resting between the growing periods.

Features
300 Wattage, 2x2 feet coverage, 50,000 hours lifespan, 2-year warranty and a 135 Watt power draw. It also replaces the 250/400 watt HPS/MH.
Pros Cons
  • It is best suited for beginners or small basic setups.
  • It is easy to hook the light to a timer
  • It offers a 2-year warranty that provides cover if you experience some technical problems
  • It is the best budget pick if you are working on a tight budget without sacrificing the quality. It will definitely meet your demands in terms of price and functionality.
  • It lacks the ability or power to switch lights for different stages of plant growth
  • Not ideal for large setups

9. KINGBO Reflector LED Panel

KINGBO Reflector LED Panel
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It is one of the affordable options among the different brands of grow light kits. Your plants can handle outdoor transplants better since the UV lights encourage the plant growth. KINGBO reflector LED panel is ideal for young plant sprouts, seedlings, and small container gardens. It might not achieve the desired results if you use it on a larger setup.

It incorporates most of the features that are hard to find in the budget models. This includes the heat sinks as well as on/off switches. The amount of heat released by the 6-band spectrum of visible light is enough to stimulate plant growth. If you experience any technical problems within a year, you will be covered by a warranty offered by the manufacturer. If you are seeking to sprout plants before a spring plant, then it will be the right choice for you.

Features
45 Wattage, 2 x 2 feet coverage, full spectrum, 50,000 hours lifespan and 35 wattage power draw. It replaces 100 W HPS/MH.
Pros Cons
  • It has an efficient cooling system
  • It mimics the spectrum of the natural sunlight which encourages healthy growth of plants
  • It saves on energy costs because it uses less power
  • It is the best suited for beginners or small container gardens that have young plant sprouts.
  • It comes equipped with a hanging kit as well as a one year warranty.
  • It is not waterproof and thus should be handled efficiently
  • It does not produce as much heat compared to the more intense models

10. Aceple MR16 Grow Light Bulb

Aceple MR16 Grow Light Bulb
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The Aceple MR16 grow light bulb will help you forego the process of hanging up the kits. They can be installed in any E26 bulb socket and covers a 2 x 2-foot area. It is ideal for small setups and container gardens. There are four brands of light emitted by six LEDs. This includes 460nm, 610 nm, 630 nm and 660 nm.

During cloudy days, it can provide windowsill to plants or be used for a basic beginner system. Experts tend to prefer the full spectrum bulbs. You can easily incorporate the Aceple MR16 into your DIY LED grow light setup. For most setups, this makes it an easy add-on LED hydroponic light. A bulb is an affordable option if you find it too expensive to jump into the LED technology right away.

Features
7 Wattage, 1.5 x 1.5 feet coverage, 7 Watt power draw and 25,000 hours lifespan. It also comes with one-year warranty.
Pros Cons
  • It is a great option if you have been working on a tight budget
  • The six LEDs emit four brands of light which encourage growth of plants
  • It is easy to setup and you can always do it for yourself
  • It offers a little resistance to adverse weather conditions
  • It is best suited for the beginners because it offers great simplicity
  • The Aceple MR16 may be a great boost for the LED hydroponic light that is used in most systems.
  • It has a lower wattage compared to other models
  • It has a shorter lifespan
  • It has a shorter coverage which might not be suitable for bigger setups


Conclusion

We have made an honest review of each product on our list to give you a better idea when choosing the best LED Grow light. The Advanced Platinum series P300 was our top pick because the unique features make it stand out above the rest. It has a higher coverage as well as great performance in encouraging the growth of your plants.

Although it might be a little pricey, it is an ideal investment that will give you the best results. Other brands too had much to offer and Galaxyhydro LED Grow light was among the budget picks. Always be mindful of the factors we discussed earlier to determine the best grow light for your garden. It is possible to get a better deal without sacrificing on quality.