One of the first decisions you need to make about growing cannabis indoors is which grow lights you will use. The lights are the most expensive part of growing cannabis indoors. They are expensive to purchase and to operate. Selecting the best grow lights for your set-up can improve the efficiency of your grow and the quality and quantity that you harvest, while saving money and electricity. Here, we provide our honest grow light recommendations for the best LED grow lights for different budgets and grow sizes.
We have a complete Grow Light Guide to help you learn and navigate the world of horticultural lighting.
Grow Light Tests and Reviews
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
- ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro
- Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1000
- Maxsisun MF-1000
- Mars Hydro TS 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1500
- Viparspectra P-1500
- Spider Farmer SF 1000
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
- Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w
- Mars Hydro FC-E3000
- Atreum Hydra 3200
- ViparSpectra KS3000
- Mogobe Octopus 300
- Photontek SQ 300w PRO
- ViparSpectra XS 2000
- Maxsisun MF 2000
- Mars Hydro FC-3000
- Mars Hydro SP 3000
- Mars Hydro TSL 2000
- Spider Farmer SF 2000
- Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
- Spider Farmer SE7000
- Mars Hydro FC-1000w
- Spider Farmer G8600
- Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus
- Medic Grow Smart 8
- ViparSpectra KS5000
- Mars Hydro FC-E8000
- Mars Hydro FC-8000
- ViparSpectra XS 4000
- Medic Grow EZ-8
- Mars Hydro FC-E4800
- Photontek X 600w PRO
- Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO
- Mars Hydro FC-E6500
- Mars Hydro FC-6500
- Spider Farmer SF 7000
- Grower's Choice ROI-E720
- Geek Light GeekBeast Plus
- Medic Grow Fold 8
- ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330
- Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro
- Mars Hydro SP 6500
- Mammoth 10 Bar
HID Fixtures
- Omega CMH 315w
Grow Light Tests and Reviews
LED Fixtures
Small: Up to 6sq. ft
- ViparSpectra XS1500 Pro
- Atreum Lighting Hydra 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1000
- Maxsisun MF-1000
- Mars Hydro TS 1000
- ViparSpectra XS 1500
- Viparspectra P-1500
- Spider Farmer SF 1000
Mid-Size: 6-12sq. ft
- Medic Grow Mini Sun-2 320w
- Mars Hydro FC-E3000
- Atreum Hydra 3200
- ViparSpectra KS3000
- Mogobe Octopus 300
- Photontek SQ 300w PRO
- ViparSpectra XS 2000
- Maxsisun MF 2000
- Mars Hydro FC-3000
- Mars Hydro SP 3000
- Mars Hydro TSL 2000
- Spider Farmer SF 2000
- Migro Aray 4 240w Full Spectrum
Large: Over 12 sq. ft
- Spider Farmer SE7000
- Mars Hydro FC-1000w
- Spider Farmer G8600
- Medic Grow Smart 8 Plus
- Medic Grow Smart 8
- ViparSpectra KS5000
- Mars Hydro FC-E8000
- Mars Hydro FC-8000
- ViparSpectra XS 4000
- Medic Grow EZ-8
- Mars Hydro FC-E4800
- Photontek X 600w PRO
- Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO
- Mars Hydro FC-E6500
- Mars Hydro FC-6500
- Spider Farmer SF 7000
- Grower's Choice ROI-E720
- Geek Light GeekBeast Plus
- Medic Grow Fold 8
- ChilLED Growcraft ULTRA X3-330
- Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro
- Mars Hydro SP 6500
- Mammoth 10 Bar
HID Fixtures
- Omega CMH 315w
You may want to start getting into grow lights by reading our "Grow Light Metrics Primer". If you want to know how much light you need, be sure to read our article, “How Much Light (PPF) Do You Need for Indoor Cannabis”. Use our Grow Light Calculator to calculate the efficiency, coverage and harvest potential of different grow lights! And check out our Grow Light Field Test Reports and Reviews!
On this page, we give you our impartial grow light recommendations, which are informed by our experience testing and reviewing grow lights. I have tested fixtures in each product line that we recommend. The lights listed below are the fixtures that we would buy to use for ourselves. We consider numerous factors in making our recommendations including efficiency, cost, light distribution, component and build quality, and track record. We are confident that you will be happy with any of our recommended LED grow lights.
This is a rapidly developing market and we are monitoring it closely to bring you regular updates on the best grow lights on the market.
LED LIGHTS
LED grow lights have been popular with home growers because they produce less heat, are easier to set-up, and more convenient to operate. However, until recently, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights such as High-Pressure Sodium (HPS), Metal Halide (MH) and Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) were the most efficient for both electricity and cost. Technological gains have allowed LEDs to surpass the efficiency of HID lighting. All of the fixtures that we recommend below are more efficient than HPS, MH or CMH grow Lights.
LED lights that are capable of outperforming HID lights have been available for several years now, but they have been very expensive. It is only within the last couple of years that models have become available that can out compete HID lights on both efficiency and cost. LED fixtures are now the clear choice for home growers.
There are quality LED fixtures available at an affordable price. However, the LED market is full of incomplete information and false claims. There are many discount LED lights that grossly exaggerate their efficiency and HID light equivalence. Without good information, it can be easy to end up with a low-quality light. Steer clear of the no-name brands that make fantastical claims. If you want the best LED grow light for your space and budget, then choose from among the brands and options below.
LED Grow Light Recommendations
2x2 Grow Lights
2x2 grow tents and other small spaces are perfect for starting sprouts and seedlings, vegging, or, for some growers, running a crop all the way to harvest. In a well run 2x2 space, you can harvest up to about 10oz. I recommend lights with at least 150-watts of power if you plan to use it for flowering. Smaller lights may suffice if your plan is a seedling or veg space.
Viparspectra XS-1500
Viparspectra XS-1500 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable PPF µmol/s | Usable PPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
4.3 ft2 | 7.5oz | 279.7 | 1.83 | Check | $0.45 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Viparspectra XS-1500 Key Data:
Coverage | 4.3 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 7.5oz |
Usable PPF (µmol/s) | 279.7 |
Usable PPE (µmol/j) | 1.83 |
Cost w/ Discount | Check |
Cost Efficiency | $0.45 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
4x2 Grow Lights
4x2 Grow Tents are a great size for many home growers. They are easy to work in with access to one 4-foot side, and they can produce more than enough for many growers. With a dialed in grow and one of the lights below, you can harvest over a pound each run from a 4x2.
Mars Hydro SP-3000
Mars Hydro SP-3000 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable PPF µmol/s | Usable PPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
9.7 ft2 | 16.9oz | 630.3 | 2.12 | $349.20 | $0.55 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Mars Hydro SP-3000 Key Data:
Coverage | 9.7 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 16.9oz |
Usable PPF (µmol/s) | 630.3 |
Usable PPE (µmol/j) | 2.12 |
Cost w/ Discount | $349.20 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.55 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Atreum Hydra 3200
Atreum Hydra 3200 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
10.5 ft2 | 18.4oz | 685.3 | 2.17 | $359.10 | $0.52 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Atruem Hydra 3200 Key Data:
Coverage | 10.5 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 18.4oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 685.3 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.17 |
Cost w/ Discount | $359.10 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.52 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
3x3 Grow Lights
3x3 grow tents (9 sq ft) are slightly larger than 4x2 tents (8 sq ft). They are an easier shape to light up, but somewhat harder for accessibility. With a well run 3x3 tent and one of the lights below, you can get over a pound per harvest.
Mars Hydro FC-E3000
Mars Hydro FC-E3000 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
10.1 ft2 | 17.5oz | 655.0 | 2.31 | $242.50 | $0.37 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Mars Hydro FC-E3000 Key Data:
Coverage | 10.1 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 17.5oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 655.0 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.31 |
Cost w/ Discount | $242.50 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.37 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Medic Grow Mini Sun 320w
Medic Grow Mini Sun 320w Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
10.4 ft2 | 18.1oz | 674.2 | 2.12 | $215.10 | $0.32 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Medic Grow Mini Sun 320w Key Data:
Coverage | 10.4 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 18.1oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 674.2 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.12 |
Cost w/ Discount | $215.10 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.32 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Viparspectra KS-3000
Viparspectra KS-3000 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
11.2 ft2 | 19.6oz | 731.1 | 2.45 | Check | $0.42 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Viparspectra KS-3000 Key Data:
Coverage | 11.2 ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 19.6oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 731.1 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.45 |
Cost w/ Discount | Check |
Cost Efficiency | $0.42 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
4x4 Grow Lights
4x4 grow tents are very popular for home growers. With a good light and a well-managed grow, you can harvest over 2 pounds per cycle!
Viparspectra KS-5000
Viparspectra KS-5000 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
18.3 ft2 | 31.8oz | 1186.7 | 2.43 | Check | $0.41 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Viparspectra KS-5000 Key Data:
Coverage | 18.3ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 31.8oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 1186.7 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.43 |
Cost w/ Discount | Check |
Cost Efficiency | $0.41 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
5x5 Grow Lights
5x5 grow tents are huge – 25 square feet! Access can be a challenge when you fill a 5x5 with flowering plants, but the harvest potential may be worth it. You can hit over 3 pounds per harvest if you get a full canopy in a 5x5 under one of the lights below.
Medic Grow Smart 8
Medic Grow Smart-8 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable ePPF µmol/s | Usable ePPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
26.8 ft2 | 46.7oz | 1744.4 | 2.33 | $566.10 | $0.32 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Medic Grow Smart 8 Key Data:
Coverage | 26.8ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 46.7oz |
Usable ePPF (µmol/s) | 1744.4 |
Usable ePPE (µmol/j) | 2.33 |
Cost w/ Discount | $566.10 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.32 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Mars Hydro FC-E8000
Mars Hydro FC-E8000 Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable PPF µmol/s | Usable PPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
28.1 ft2 | 49oz | 1829.7 | 2.34 | $611.09 | $0.33 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Mars Hydro FC-E8000 Key Data:
Coverage | 28.1ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 49oz |
Usable PPF (µmol/s) | 1829.7 |
Usable PPE (µmol/j) | 2.34 |
Cost w/ Discount | $611.09 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.33 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Using Supplemental CO2
Most growers rely on ambient levels of carbon dioxide in a ventilated grow space. If you use exhaust to control temperature and humidity, then there is no good way to increase the concentration of carbon dioxide. However, growers who seal the space and control the climate with AC and dehumidification need to supplement the carbon dioxide. If you run elevated levels of carbon dioxide, then you can increase the density of the light.
Without supplemental carbon dioxide, I advise 1000 µmol/m2/s maximum PPFD and a 700 µmol/m2/s Average PPFD. All of the light recommendations above assume you are not running elevated levels of carbon dioxide.
With supplemental carbon dioxide (800-1500 PPM), you can increase the Maximum PPFD up to 1500 µmol/m2/s, which can be an Average PPFD as high as 1200 µmol/m2/s. To reach these levels of PPFD, you may need a more powerful fixture.
Medic Grow EZ-8
Medic Grow EZ-8 Key Data:
Coverage for CO2 Grows | Harvest Potential | Usable PPF µmol/s | Usable PPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
22.3 ft2 | 56.6 | 2114.5 | 2.19 | $611.10 | $0.29 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Medic Grow EZ-8 Key Data:
Coverage for CO2 Grows |
22.3ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 56.6oz |
Usable PPF (µmol/s) | 2114.5 |
Usable PPE (µmol/j) | 2.19 |
Cost w/ Discount | $611.10 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.29 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Photontek XT1000W CO2 PRO
Photontek XT1000w CO2 PRO Key Data:
Coverage | Harvest Potential | Usable PPF µmol/s | Usable PPE µmol/j | Cost with Discount | Cost Efficiency $/µmol |
25.6 ft2 | 65.1 | 2429.1 | 2.40 | $1134.00 | $0.47 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
Photontek XT1000w CO2 PRO Key Data:
Coverage for CO2 Grows |
25.6ft2 |
Harvest Potential | 65.1oz |
Usable PPF (µmol/s) | 2429.1 |
Usable PPE (µmol/j) | 2.40 |
Cost w/ Discount | $1134.00 |
Cost Efficiency | $0.47 |
Data from Coco for Cannabis Grow Light Testing by Dr MJ Coco
LIGHT ACCESSORIES
Light Hangers
It most grow tents, you need to hang a number of things from the top bars: lights, exhaust fan, carbon filter, bracing frame, etc.
6-Pack 1/8 Inch Ratchet Pulleys
Digital Timers
You need a timer to control the lights and also potentially to control the exhaust and drip irrigation systems.
Digital Programmable Timer
Digital Timer with one second intervals
Power Switches
These are very handy to control the lights without messing with the timer or for turning other equipment on and off.
Grounded Power Switches
Light Meters
Light meters are used to evaluate the light distribution in the grow space and to determine the best height to hang your light above the canopy. This is not a required tool. Many growers can do fine following general guidelines, but if you want to dial in your grow you need to be able to measure the light.
Lux Meter
PAR Meter
Bubble Levels
Magnetic Bubble Levels
Clamp Light
If you are growing in a tent or a closet you need a light so you can work.
Clamp Light with Reflector
About Our Product Recommendations
At Coco for Cannabis, our mission is to help growers maximize the success of their cannabis crops by providing scientifically accurate information and sharing proven growing practices.
The products that we recommend are the actual products that we chose to purchase and use ourselves. In a few cases, we recommend products that we would buy if we needed them. We do not accept advertising and will not recommend any product that we would not buy for ourselves. We offer this guide as a resource to growers.
We may receive a referral when you purchase products through this page. This is the main revenue stream that keeps Coco for Cannabis up and running! When you click through our links and make purchases you are supporting our work! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Whether we receive a referral does not influence our recommendations. For example, when products are cheaper to buy locally, we’ll tell you that rather than just recommend a more expensive online option.
Disclaimer:
The information on cocoforcannabis.com should not be considered as financial, legal, or medical advice. You are responsible for knowing and following the local laws that pertain to cannabis cultivation, possession, and use. Decisions to grow cannabis should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor. Decisions to use cannabis should be made in consultation with your doctor or medical professional.