With an overwhelming amount of LED grow lights on the market today, it can be difficult to identify which ones are good vs junk. It's no secret that LED grow light technology is rapidly advancing. Some of the best LED grow lights released last year are no longer relevant this year. I’ve been studying horticulture lighting and growing with LED grow lights for over 7 years now, and because of that, 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’x4’ 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, and warranty. I've excluded grow lights that are over $420 because in my opinion it's simply not worth it to spend more than that to cover a 2'x4' 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
ViparSpectra® XS2000 LED Grow Light
The ViparSpectra XS2000 produces a sun-like full spectrum experience for your plants. The 240W Meanwell Driver combined with over 500 Samsung LM301B diodes pumps out 660nm, 3000K, 5000K and infrared to achieve optimal grow room conditions - no matter where your plants are in the grow cycle. This diode spectrum combination is optimized for healthy, rapid growth.
Hung at a 12" height, this fixture hits a PPFD of 1845 µmol/m²/s, and at 36", you can still expect up to 549 µmol/m²/s. In addition, the XS2000 comes with an onboard dimmer to adjust light intensity throughout the grow. The ViparSpectra XS2000 is ultra-quiet and low profile, plus it is designed with a large heat sink to help cool the entire system. In addition, ViparSpectra offers a three year local US warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Amazon link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
ViparSpectra website link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B
PPFD: 1845 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 454.9 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 1.96 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 240W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 4'x3', Flower 2'x4'
Light distance: 12" to 36"
Dimensions: 20” x 12” x 3”
Weight: 7.9 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
Mars Hydro TSL 2000 LED Grow Light
Another option for a grow space with 4 to 6 plants (2'x4' space) is the Mars Hydro TSL 2000 LED grow light. It has over 700 individual LEDs, spanning the entire usable spectrum for cannabis: 660nm, 3000K, 5000K, and 730nm. Thanks to the unique rectangular design, this light produces a perfect 975 to 1403 µmol/m²/s across the plant canopy.
Drawing only 300 watts, the Mars Hydro TSL 2000 grow light helps reduce your monthly utility bill while boosting total yield. The TSL 2000 is significantly cooler than the MH and HPS alternatives, but it also has a unique reflective aluminum hood to help improve overall light efficiency.
While perfect for a 2' x 4' grow space, this light is easily daisy-chained to up to 20 additional lights for larger spaces. Conveniently, should you need to dim the entire room, all you need to do is adjust the dimming knob on a single light. The connected lights will follow suit.
Mars Hydro website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: 704 Full Spectrum Diodes
PPFD: 1403 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 778 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.6 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 300W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 5’ x 3’, Flower 2’ x 4’
Light distance: 12" to 18"
Dimensions: 39.2” x 9.9” x 5.1”
Weight: 7.8 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
AC Infinity IONBOARD S24 LED Grow Light
One of the more advanced options in the 2' x 4' coverage category is the AC Infinity IONBOARD S24 LED grow light. This full-spectrum, 100 percent dimmable fixture contains high-end Samsung LM301B diodes, spanning the entire spectrum, including 660nm, 730nm, 3000K, and 5000K.
The algorithmically positioned diodes produce an incredibly uniform PAR spread. You can expect to hit 1598 µmol/m²/s at a 12" hang height and an impressive 1080 µmol/m²/s at an 18" height. Despite the outstanding light output, this fixture only pulls 200 watts.
For those growers who prefer more control in their grow spaces, the IONBOARD S24 easily connects to AC Infinity's entire ecosystem. Then, gather more intel through the intelligent controller dashboard. More data means more control and a better product.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT15)
AC Infinity website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1598 µmol/m²/s
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.65 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 200W±5%
Coverage area: 2’ x 4’
Light distance: 12” to 24”
Dimensions: 11.81” x 23.62” x 2”
Weight: 12.92 lbs.
Warranty: 2-year warranty
Grower's Choice ROI-E200 LED Grow Light
One of the most ingenious designs for a 2' x 4' coverage area is the Growers Choice ROI-E200 LED grow light. This is a premium LED grow light without the premium price tag. It is incredibly reliable, supported by a five-year warranty, and you can expect upwards of a 54,000-hour diode lifespan.
The ROI-E200 supports four to six plants in a 2.5' x 4.5 veg or a 2' x 4' flower room. Growers Choice promises 500 PPF, with a PAR efficacy of 2.5 µmol/s. This is the perfect light for any grower on a budget who doesn't want to sacrifice quality or yield.
The fixture has a super low profile, designed to fit in tight grow spaces for the home-grower. It is passively cooled, and naturally, as an LED grow light, it will produce much lower heat than traditional grow lights.
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Full Spectrum Diodes
PPFD: 650 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 500 µmol/j
PAR efficacy: 2.5 µmol/s
Wattage draw: 200W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 2.5' x 4.5', Flower 2' x 4'
Light distance: 6” to 24”
Dimensions: 43.2" x 23.3" x 2.3"
Weight: 12.57 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED Grow Light
The Spider Farmer SF-2000 LED grow light is a low-wattage LED light with an impressive PPFD of 840 μmol/m²/s. It is a full spectrum LED grow light with a MeanWell driver. Plus, it's dimmable!
This SF2000 model is essentially a combination of two smaller SF1000 models. The advanced full-spectrum Samsung LM301B diodes span a broad range, including white, blue, red, and infrared (3000K, 5000K, 660nm, and infrared at 760 nm).
It has no mechanical parts and produces low heat, ideal for small spaces. The Spider Farmer SF-2000 has a system efficacy of 2.7 μmol/J. This brand is produced in China and comes with a 90-day all-inclusive warranty, plus an extended 3-year limited warranty. The Spider Farmer fixture is rated for 40,000 to 50,000 hours.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Spider Farmer website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B diodes, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 840 μmol/s/m²
PPF: 527 µmol/j
PAR efficacy: 2.7 μmol/J
Wattage draw: 200W±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 3' x 4', Flowering 2' x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 30"
Dimensions: 25.5” x 10.55” x 2.3”
Weight: 10.32 lbs.
Warranty: 90-day all-inclusive parts warranty, 3-year limited warranty
AC Infinity IONGRID T24 LED Grow Light
Looking for a plug-n-play design suitable for a 2' x 4' grow tent? The ultra-low-profile AC Infinity IONGRID T24 LED grow light is a full spectrum grow light with a powerful output of 1728 μmol/s/m².
Despite its intensity, it still draws only 260 watts, which is less than similar lights also on this list. A main difference between the IONGRID T24 and the IONBOARD S24 (highlighted above) is the T24's innovative halo design. This shape improves plant yield and offers light penetration deep into the canopy. AC Infinity explains that this four-sided halo form factor finally archives commercial LED grow light output.
AC Infinity has fit more than 500 Samsung LM301H diodes (660nm, 730nm, 3000K, 5000K) into this fixture and a digital controller. This is the other major difference between the IONGRID and the IONBOARD. The IONGRID controller allows onboard dimming, timers, cycles, and a backup memory should it get hit with a power outage.
AC Infinity website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301H, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1728 μmol/s/m²
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.75 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 260W±5%
Coverage area: 2’ x 4’
Light distance: 12” to 18”
Dimensions: 28.89” x 12.99” x 1.13”
Weight: N/A
Warranty: 2 years
MARS HYDRO SP 3000 LED Grow Light
Another new launch from Mars Hydro is the SP3000 LED grow light - with over 960 individual diodes. This model improves upon smaller fixtures by upgrading the diodes' quality to Samsung LM301B and Osram chips. These full spectrum diodes cover the essential full spectrum required for growing plants indoors, covering both 440 to 460nm (ideal for the vegetative stage) and 650 to 660nm (ideal for flowering).
As Mars Hydro notes, by upgrading the diodes, this system technically produces less heat than their SP250 model. This new SP3000 model draws a moderate 300 watts but has a system efficacy of 2.8 μmol/J.
Much like smaller models, the SP3000 comes with a MeanWell driver with a multi-chain dimmable feature suitable for connecting up to 15 lights. The SP3000 produces no noise, is IP65 standard waterproofing, and has an additional thick heat sink. It is a Chinese-made fixture and comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Mars Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B and Osram 660nm LED chips
PPFD: 1136 μmol/s/m²
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.8 μmol/J
Wattage draw: 300w
Coverage area: Vegetative 3' x 5', Flower 2' x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 24"
Dimensions: 42.5" x 4" x 3.1"
Weight: 13.19 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Grow Light Science Grow 300 LED Grow Light
Grow Light Science LED lights is a brand backed by research. The Grow 300 is powered by a MeanWell Driver and Top-Bin white LEDs with OSRAM Hyper Red 660nm Gen3 diodes for a high-power bloom phase. With a balanced full spectrum, it will work from seedling all the way to flower.
Unlike other fixtures, Grow Light Science only uses 15 percent blue in their spectrum which is scientifically proven to reduce stretching in veg. It's ideally suited to a small rectangular grow room (3' x 6' in vegetative, or 2' x 4' in flower) but is scalable. You can also daisy-chain together multiple fixtures.
Thanks to the low thermal output and dispersed LED configuration, the fixture and the diodes have a longer expected lifespan than other grow lights on the market. Grow Light Science products come backed with an incredible five-year warranty and a four-month satisfaction guaranteed return policy.
LEDs: Top-Bin white LEDs with OSRAM Hyper Red 660nm Gen3
PPFD: 1124 μmol/s/m²
PPF: 884 μmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.75 μmol/j
Wattage draw: 321w
Coverage area: Vegetative 3’ x 6’, Flower 2’ x 4’
Light distance: 18” x 48”
Dimensions: 46.1” x 12.6” x 2.9”
Weight: 14.2 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty and a 120-day satisfaction guarantee
Which LED grow light do you think is the best on this list? Do you think any other LED grow lights (with a 2’x4’ 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?
CATEGORIES:
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I have two others that I think are newer to the market, that can be found on Amazon.
Both are bar style lights.
Vivosun VS4300 - $294 (10/25/22)
Foldable Dimmable Plant Grow Light with Samsung & OSRAM Diodes and 5 Dimming Option - 4 Bar Lamp - Full Spectrum Light (5 year Warranty)
ATREUM HYDRA-3200 - $419 (10/25/22)
320W Full Spectrum 3x5ft 2x4ft 1136pcs Diodes Enhanced Deep Red Uniformity Dimmable Daisy Chain Veg Flower Greenhouse 4 Bar Lamp (3 year Warranty)
Youtube review: https://youtu.be/CafuXy0-ELI
I like both of them - haven’t decided yet?
Paul, did anyone answer you yset??? Im looking at same 2 lights in ths usa. Those 2 are rseally ths 2 best choices for 2×4.
Hey Chris and fellow growers, I'm looking for some advice. im currebtly using a 400w HID MH/HPS in a 2 x 4 and finding it hard to decide on which light to purchase/upgrade to. My options here in Australia where I am are either the SP3000 or the ES300. I'm wondering if anyone has used either light and what they think of each and which they would prefer. Only reason I'm thinking the SP300 it has updated diodes, but then again ES3000 hasn't been updated possibly because "if it ain't broke don't fix it" saying? Anyway love your work Chris! Appreciate any advice thanks guys.