When growing cannabis in small spaces, you can still get high yields if you have the proper lighting. Although, these days there are so many grow lights on the market that it can be difficult to choose a grow light that is sufficient for optimal cannabis plant growth. I’ve been studying horticulture lighting and growing with LED grow lights for over 7 years now and I’m often asked what are the best LED grow lights on the market today. In this article, I will reveal my picks for the Best LED Grow Lights in 2023. This list will include LED grow lights that have a flowering coverage area of 2’x2’ and are best for a full-cycle grow (from seedling through flowering). These are complete fixtures only. This list does not include DIY grow lights or lights that require significant assembly. The grow lights are listed in no specific order. For a LED grow light to make this list, I factor in: PAR output, efficiency, spectrum, light spread, diodes, drivers, price and warranty. I've excluded grow lights that are over $200 because in my opinion it's simply not worth it to spend more than that to cover a 2'x2' area. Since prices are always changing, click either the Amazon link, Happy Hydro link, or LED Grow Lights Depot link under each light for the most up-to-date price. Do you need a better understanding of PAR output, spectrum, efficacy, energy consumption, or light spread? Check out this complete Buyer’s Guide for LED Grow Lights
Phlizon PL-1000 LED Grow Light
As one of the more affordable LED grow lights on the market, the Philzon PL-1000 still comes with the intensity you've come to rely on in the grow room. It is packed with 260 Samsung LM281B diodes spanning the usable spectrum. It includes: 3000K (180 diodes), 6000K (72 diodes), and 660nm red (8 diodes). In addition, the fixture is dimmable, ensuring you can meet your plants' needs throughout every phase of growth.
The PL-1000 pulls 100 watts yet still pumps out an impressive 500 µmol/m²s and maintains a 2.8 µmol/j PAR rating. This is an ideal fixture for smaller grow rooms or tents since it produces drastically less heat than any HPS/MH alternative. This Philzon LED grow light offers a cost-conscious, low-heat, and energy-efficient solution for novice growers working in small spaces. Amazon link
LEDs: Samsung LM281B Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 500 µmol/m²s
PPF: up to 250 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.8 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 100W±3%
Coverage area: 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 13.4" x 11" x 2.4"
Weight: 3.7 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
BLOOM PLUS BP 1000W LED Grow Light
The Bloom Plus BP 1000W LED Grow Light is exactly what small-space growers need to get started. It's dimmable, water-resistant, and produces a full spectrum. This fixture contains more than 500 individual Samsung 2835 diodes, including those in 3000K, 5000K, 660nm, and 730nm ranges. These diodes combine to produce 450 µmol/m²/s PPFD, which isn't too shabby considering the low price point.
The BP 1000W grow light fits a small grow room or grow tent for approximately a 2' x 2' grow space. However, no matter what growth phase you are in, the dimming feature on this fixture adjusts as needed. This LED light promises a 2.7 µmol/J PAR efficacy yet pulls only 150 watts. If you are used to HPS lighting, you'll immediately see the efficiency difference on your next energy bill once you've made the switch. In addition, all Bloom Plus grow lights come with a 3-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
LEDs: Samsung 2835 Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 450 µmol/m²/s
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.7 µmol/J
Wattage draw: 150W±5%
Coverage area: 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 11.6” x 10.8” x 2.2”
Weight: 7.25 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
ViparSpectra® VS1000 LED Grow Light
Another contender in the budget-friendly small space category is the ViparSpectra VS1000 LED grow light. This fixture features high-quality Samsung LM301B diodes consisting of 3000K warm white, 5000K white, 660nm deep red, and 730nm IR light — covering the full spectrum your plants need to thrive.
ViparSpectra VS1000 is a high-efficiency LED grow light with an impressive PPFD of 894 µmol/m²/s. Its design ensures uniform distribution across the canopy, suitable for a 2.5' x 2.5' grow space while in the vegetation stage or a 2' x 2' grow space while in the flowering stage. It's noise-free and has a powerful heat-dispersing design to ensure your plants stay cool even during daylight hours.
Unlike some other options, you won't need a screwdriver to adjust the dimming with ViparSpectra. Instead, when it's time to adjust light intensity, the fixture has a simple dimming knob. The ViparSpectra brand stands behind a 3-year local US warranty.
Amazon link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
ViparSpectra website link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 894 µmol/m²/s
PFF: 223 µmol
PAR efficacy: 2.7 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 100W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 2.5’ x 2.5’, Flowering 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 12” x 10.8” x 2.5”
Weight: 3.4 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Spider Farmer® SF1000D LED Grow Light
The Spider Farmer SF1000D LED grow light upgrades your grow space all while producing 50 percent less heat and using 50 percent less energy. Although it only draws 100 watts of power, it has a high-intensity full spectrum that's curated for seedlings, vegetative and flowering plants. The spectrum covers 660-665nm, 3000K, 5000K, and IR.
In the budget LED grow light category, the Spider Farmer SF1000D has a very impressive PPFD reading — hitting 960 µmol/m²/s when hung 12" over the canopy. Its PAR reading is 2.5 µmol/j and it's suitable for growing two to four plants in a 2' x 2' garden.
Once hung at the appropriate height, this fixture is a straightforward plug-and-play design. That means no complicated switches, light recipes, or dials. As a grower, you only need to plug into a timer to get started. Finally, the Spider Farmer SF1000D comes with an impressive 5-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Spider Farmer website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
LEDs: Samsung LM281B Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 960 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 199 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.5 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 100W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 3’ x 3’, Flowering 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 30”
Dimensions: 12” x 11” x 2.25”
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee.
AC Infinity IONBOARD S22 LED Grow Light
The AC Infinity family has welcomed another addition to their growing line of grow room products: the IONBOARD S22 full spectrum LED grow light. This fixture delivers deep canopy penetration with algorithmically placed Samsung LM301B diodes in colors targeting plant growth across all stages: 660nm, 730nm, 3000K, and 5000K.
It surpasses much of the competition in the budget-grow light category with 998 µmol/m²/s PPFD. The AC Infinity proprietary driver is dimmable and can be daisy-chained together for ease of installation. The entire fixture meets grow room waterproofing certifications and is built from unique heat-dispersal materials to prolong the diode lifespan.
The IONBOARD S22 is specifically designed to work within the AC Infinity ecosystem, which encompasses the AC Infinity Grow Room Controller, Cloudline Exhaust Fans, Airlift Shutter Exhaust, and Cloudray Circulating Fans. While you can use it as a standalone, the system is designed to work from the smart controller system to manage cycle information, scheduling, and environment monitoring.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT15)
AC Infinity website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 998 µmol/m²/s
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.6 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 100W±5%
Coverage area: 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 11.8” x 11.8” x 4.43”
Warranty: 2 years
Mars Hydro TS1000 LED Grow Light
Mars Hydro is a well-established brand in the grow light industry, with a product proven trustworthy over a decade of development. The TS1000 model is perfect for the novice grower working in a smaller grow room and is especially fitting for a 2'x2' grow tent.
Like many fixtures in this category, the Mars Hydro TS1000 LED grow light is designed to replace a traditional 250W HPS fixture. Thanks to the improved LED technology, it can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40 percent. Its average watt draw is only 150w. It's completely dimmable and has an advanced-hooded heat-dispersing design that performs better than other leading LED fixtures. With more than 350 BridgeLux diodes, the TS1000 maintains a consistent 928 µmol/m²/s and a PAR efficacy of 2.3 µmol/j. Mars Hydro offers a 5-year warranty at local after-sales repair centers.
Mars Hydro website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: BridgeLux Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 928 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 343 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.3 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 150W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 3’ x 3’, Flowering 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” x 24”
Dimensions: 15" x 13.2" x 2.14"
Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
AC Infinity IONGRID S22 LED Grow Light
The IONGRID S22 LED grow light provides commercial-grade horticultural lighting for a fraction of the price. Not only can it be used in commercial settings, but home growers are using it for some amazing results as well. This AC Infinity grow light has a unique halo form factor arrangement of high-quality LEDs: Samsung LM301H full spectrum diodes. It delivers deep canopy penetration and consistent coverage across a small 2' x 2' space.
AC Infinity's IONGRID fixture comes with an onboard grow light controller - something unheard of at this low price point. From the controller, you can set lighting schedules and dimming levels; it also comes with power-outage-proof backup memory. Despite all the options, its plug-and-play design is easy to install and it may be daisy-chained into a room full of lights.
This beginner-friendly light delivers 1253 µmol/m²/s which you'll note is significantly higher than many other models in this category. With white, red, and IR diodes, this light is applicable across all growth phases: seedling, vegetative, and flowering.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT15)
AC Infinity website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301H Diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1253 µmol/m²/s
PAR efficacy: 2.7 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 130W±5%
Coverage area: 2' x 2'
Light distance: 12" to 18"
Dimensions: 12.99” x 12.99” x 2”
Warranty: 2-year warranty
ViparSpectra XS1500 LED Grow Light
Another budget option from the team at ViparSpectra is the XS1500 LED grow light. Compared with the smaller model, this fixture produces almost double the possible PPFD at a 12" hanging height - measuring at roughly 1470 µmol/m²/s in the dead center. This is more than enough for cannabis and other light-hungry crops.
The XS1500 LED grow light provides plants with a full spectrum of color, hitting the specific ranges that matter most for development including: 660nm, 730nm, 3000K, and 5000K. Plus, the fixture is dimmable. This ensures that it's applicable no matter what phase of growth your plants are in.
If you struggle with rising temperatures in your grow tent, this model promises 30 percent better heat desperation over their VS1000 model, thanks to a heat sink cooling design. This translates into a better growing environment and a longer lifespan for the grow light - potentially hitting a 100,000-hour lifespan.
Amazon link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
ViparSpectra website link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1470 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 227µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.7 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 150W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 2.5’ x 2.5’, Flowering 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 11.8" x 11" x 3"
Weight: 5.6 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years and a 30-day money back guarantee
Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
Next up is the Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED grow light. It uses Samsung LM301B diodes and powers them with a Meanwell driver. Their custom spectrum includes Blue, White, Red and IR (660-665nm, 3000K, 5000K and IR 760nm) which they state, “provides everything plants desire in the natural sunlight.” It pulls 100 watts from the wall, emits 250 µmol/s PPF and has an efficiency of 2.5 µmol/J.
It is passively cooled via a solid aluminum heat sink and has special protective covers for the cables. It also has a silicone coating over the diodes to make them waterproof. The dimensions are 11.8"x10.5"x2.3” and the fixture weighs 6.09 lbs. This LED grow light has a lifespan of ≥50,000 hours and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Spider Farmer website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B diodes
PPF: 250 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.5 µmol/J
Wattage draw: 100W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 3’ x 3’, Flowering 2’ x 2’
Light distance: 12" to 18”
Dimensions: 11.8” x 10.5” x 2.3”
Weight: 6.09 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years
HLG 100 V2 & HLG 100 Rspec®
I used the Horticulture Lighting Group 100 V2 LED grow light for a few of my grows and was very happy with the results that I got from such a small, efficient fixture. The HLG 100 V2 uses top-bin Samsung LM301H diodes and a Meanwell driver to power. This white-light LED grow light has a PAR output of 225 µmol/s PPF and a PAR efficacy of 2.5 µmol/J - all while consuming only 96 watts. The dimensions are 12.75"x11.5" and the fixture weighs 3.8 lbs.
The 100 V2 comes in a 4000k spectrum which is generally recommended for the vegetative stage. HLG also has the 100 Rspec LED grow light which has a spectrum more tuned for the flowering stage. Both fixtures are passively cooled; so there aren’t any fans cooling the unit. This LED grow light comes with a 1-year warranty.
-----100 V2-----
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
-----100 Rspec-----
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: 192 top-bin Samsung LM301H diodes
PPFD: 640 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 225 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.5 µmol/J
Wattage draw: 96w
Coverage area: Veg- 3’x3’, Flower- 2’x2’
Light distance: Veg- 18”, Flower- 12”
Dimensions: 12.75” x 11.5”
Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Warranty: 1-year
What LED grow light do you think is the best on this list? Do you think any other LED grow lights (with a 2’x2’ flowering coverage area) should have made this list? I’d also love to hear from growers using these LED grow lights. What do you like/dislike about these LED grow lights? Comment below!
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Are these listed in any particular order? I have a 2x2 with a cheap 1000w LED off Amazon. I've almost finished 3 Autos, buds are not as dense as I would like them to be. I am thinking its this cheap light.
Removing cost from the equation, which light listed here would be best for a 2x2?
@Sunny V , the grow lights listed on this page are ones that have a flowering coverage area of 2'x2' ... The Mars Hydro TS1000 has a flowering coverage area of 2.5'x2.5' and the Mars Hydro TSW2000 has a flowering coverage area of 3'x3' so neither of those were even considered.
Hi I just interested to know why mars hydro ts1000 and tsw2000 are not in this list?