LED grow light technology has been rapidly advancing over the past several years. A LED grow light that is deemed the best today is often outdone by a competitor within the matter of months. With hundreds of grow lights on the market today, it can be challenging to keep up with. 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 4’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 $800 because in my opinion it's simply not worth it to spend more than that to cover a 4'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
AC Infinity IONBOARD S44 LED Grow Light
Upgrade your 4' x 4' grow tent with the AC Infinity IONBOARD S44 LED grow light. This is a one hundred percent dimmable model with over 1000 algorithmically-positioned Samsung LM301B diodes in 660nm, 730nm, 3000K, and 5000K. These are some of the highest-rated LED components on the market today.
AC Infinity IONBOARD grow lights are ideally suited for grow tent and closet growing thanks to the fan-less and low heat unibody aluminum technology. In addition, it's built with a proprietary driver and can be daisy-chained together for larger spaces.
This fixture is highly efficient - drawing only 400 watts with a 2.75 PAR efficacy. Hung at a 12" height, you can expect a PPFD approaching 2000 µmol/m²/s, which is more than enough to feed your hungry plants.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT15)
AC Infinity website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B LEDs, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1937 µmol/m²/s
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.75 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 400W
Coverage area: 4' x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 18"
Dimensions: 23.62” x 23.62” x 2”
Weight: N/A
Warranty: 2-year warranty
Mars Hydro FC4800 LED Grow Light
For any cultivators who prefer working with established and proven grow light brands, any fixture from Mars Hydro is well worth your consideration. It promises a 50 percent higher PPFD than HID lamps, hitting over 1100 µmol/m²/s even when hung 18" from the canopy height.
The FC4800 LED grow light is equivalent to a 900-watt HID fixture, yet it only draws a minimal 480 watts. Instant savings without losing out on efficiency or intensity. It's perfect for a mid-size grow tent with a 4' x 4' space in flower.
The Mars Hydro FC4800 contains 1680 Samsung LM301B and Osram 660nm LED chips (2800-3000K, 4800-5000K, and 660-665nm Deep Red), spanning the full spectrum to deliver what your plants need no matter if they are in the vegetative stage or bloom stage.
Mars Hydro website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B, Osram Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1602 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 1366 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.85 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 480W
Coverage area: Vegetative 5' x 5', Flower 4’ x 4'
Light distance: 8" to 18"
Dimensions: 32.6" x 32.2" x 3.9"
Weight: 19.4 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Medic Grow Smart 8 LED Grow Light
The Smart 8 Medic Grow LED grow light relies on Top Bin Osram diodes and a powerful Sosen driver to deliver a PPF of 2136 µmol/s. Combined with the Medic Grow Controller, you can dim this fixture in one percent increments and daisy chain multiple lights together while maintaining temperature control.
The onboard controls make this fixture unique in the 4' x 4' category. The easy-to-read LCD digital screen enables adjustments to the schedule, dimming, timing, and power. A three-year warranty supports all the features.
You can also switch between spectrums to suit a room in the vegetation stage or a room in the flowering stage. The flower setting hits more into the red spectrum, while the veg setting leans into the blue spectrum.
Medic Grow website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Top bin Osram, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1206 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 2136 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.8 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 760W
Coverage area: 4' x 4'
Light distance: 6" to 24"
Dimensions: 47.2" x 45.6" x 3.1"
Weight: 30.86 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year warranty
ViparSpectra KS5000 LED Grow Light
ViparSpectra promises stronger intensity, higher efficiency, and more yield with the KS5000 LED grow light. This lightweight fixture, suited to a 4' x 4' grow tent, is packed with over 1200 diodes, including Samsung LM301H 3000K (792 pieces), 5000K (432 pieces), and Osram 660nm (36 pieces). A truly full-spectrum fixture to take you from veg into flower.
The KS5000 offers 618 to 1000 µmol/m²/s, draws 500 watts, and delivers one of its class's most effective PPF distributions. So for those cultivators frustrated with dark corners, the ViparSpectra KS5000 LED grow light could be the solution you seek.
One of its most unique features is the detachable power supply that removes the heat source from the grow space entirely. It's backed by a 36-month US local warranty plus has received tones of praise from growers across social media.
Amazon link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
ViparSpectra website link (Discount code: VSMRGROWIT)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301H, Osram, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 618 to 1000 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 1273 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.6 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 500W
Coverage area: 4' x 4'
Light distance: 16" to 30"
Dimensions: 40” x 40” x 1.6”
Weight: 12.8 lbs.
Warranty: 36-month US local warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
Grow Light Science PROGROW 640 LED Grow Light
Grow Light Science, a trusted name in cannabis cultivation, has designed the PROGROW 640 model for full-cycle use. With Top Bin Samsung and Ledestar LEDs (translating into a GLS HI-RED spectrum), this fixture boasts photosynthesis and maximizes yield potential for any home grower.
The PROGROW 640 grow light pumps out 1109 µmol/m²/s (1756 μmol/s) at a 24" hanging height, with a PAR efficacy of 2.7 µmol/j. It's ideally suited to a 4'x 4' or 5' x 5' grow tent. It's also one of the heavier models, weighing 27 lbs. So don't forget to double-check your grow tent weight capacity.
This model has an onboard dimming feature (from zero to 100 percent) and is entirely scalable for larger grow rooms. Grow Light Science also offers a 120-day money-back guarantee and a 5-year warranty.
LEDs: Top Bin Samsung and Ledestar LEDs , Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1748 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 1756 μmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.7 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 650W
Coverage area: Vegetative 5' x 5', Flower 4’ x 4'
Light distance: >6”
Dimensions: 47.2" x 42.8" x 3.2"
Weight: 27.6 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Spectrum King Phoenix 680W LED Grow Light
If you've been looking for an LED grow light to finally replace your aging 1000w HID fixture, the Spectrum King Phoenix is exactly what you've been looking for. Drawing only 680 watts, this fixture uses 36 percent less energy than a traditional grow light.
This is a highly rated grow light, backed up by a Q90 fixture lifespan rating promising 62,000 hours of usable light. It is further supported by a five-year warranty, dual surge immunity, and waterproof IP65 certification.
The Spectrum King Phoenix 680W is perfect for a mid-size 4' x 4' grow tent, as it has a PPF of 1870 μmol/s and covers the life-cycle spectrum from seedling through flower. It's safe to hang six inches (or more) over the plant canopy, and its ultra-slim design promises better airflow and microclimate control than its competitors.
LEDs: Samsung, Osram, Seoul, and Cree
PPFD: N/A
PPF: 1870 μmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.75 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 680W
Coverage area: 4' x 4'
Light distance: >6”
Dimensions: 47” x 43” x 4.3”
Weight: 20 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Grower's Choice ROI-E680S LED Grow Light
For the lovers of the original Growers Choice ROI-E680, the newest iteration is the ROI-E680S. This envisions the much-loved LED grow light, but now with greater heat management and chemical contaminant resistance.
As with the original model, the ROI-E680S suits a 5' x 5' grow tent in veg and a 4' x 4' in bloom. It pulls 680 watts from the wall, which is standard for other lights within this category. All of which is to say, you see a substantial energy saving from 1000-watt traditional grow lights.
As for spectrum, this fixture covers the full-gamut your plants will need, including GC-3k and 660nm deep red (Osram diodes). At a 12" hanging height, you will measure 999 µmol/m²/s and a PAR efficacy of 2.6 µmol/j.
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: GC-3k and Osram, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 999 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 1770 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.6 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 680W
Coverage area: Vegetative 5' x 5', Flower 4’ x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 36"
Dimensions: 46.5” x 42” x 3.2”
Weight: 29 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
LUXX Lighting 645w LED Pro LED Grow Light
The LUXX Lighting 645w LED Pro grow light combines over 2200 individual diodes across six bars to produce a full spectrum, full-cycle option for your grow tent. This fixture is fitted for a larger 7' x 7' veg tent (or a 5' x 5' flower tent) but can easily fit into a 4' x 4' sized space.
LUXX Lighting has created this model to be an easy-to-install, plug-and-play style fixture. It's dimmable, down to 40 percent, which reduces photon intensity to safely support your plants no matter their growth stage.
The 645w LED Pro design uses top-quality diodes from Samsung (white) and Osram (red). It has an average PPFD of 843 µmol/m²/s while drawing only 645 watts from the wall. The entire fixture comes with a five-year warranty.
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung Whites, Osram Reds
PPFD: 1156 µmol/m²/s
PPF: N/A
PAR efficacy: 2.67 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 645W
Coverage area: Vegetative 7’ x 7’', Flower 5’ x 5' or 4' x 4'
Light distance: 8" x 18"
Dimensions: 49" x 43.3" x 2.55"
Weight: 31 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
Spider Farmer® SE7000 LED Grow Light
A competitive contender in the best 4' x 4' LED grow lights under $800 is the Spider Farmer SE7000. Built from Samsung LM301B diodes producing full spectrum (3200-4200K, 4800-5000k, 650-665nm), this fixture brings your plants from veg all the way to harvest.
Hung at 12" above the canopy, your plants will get a core PPFD of 1577 µmol/m²/s and achieve a PAR efficacy of 2.8 µmol/j. You'll see impressive savings on your monthly utility bill since this fixture draws only 730 watts. And yes, it perfectly replaces a 1000-watt HID fixture.
The Spider Farmer SE7000 delivers maximum uniformity across the canopy and is dimmable even in a 30-fixture daisy chain. It works for a single grow tent or a larger home facility.
Amazon link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Spider Farmer website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT5)
Happy Hydro link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: Samsung LM301B, Full Spectrum
PPFD: 1577 µmol/m²/s
PPF: 2045 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.8 µmol/j
Wattage draw: 730W ±5%
Coverage area: Vegetative 5' x 5', Flower 4' x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 24"
Dimensions: 45.31” x 45.31” x 3.03”
Weight: 23.5 lbs.
Warranty: 5-year warranty
ChilLED Growcraft X4 600W LED Grow Light (DIY)
DIY! I mentioned in the beginning of this article that I wasn't going to include any DIY grow lights or grow lights that require significant assembly. Although, this is an incredible grow light for a 4'x4' grow space and comes in just under $800 so I figured I'd include it. The ChilLED Growcraft X4 may be the smallest model in this line but is still powerful in intensity and output. Using 3rd Gen 2020 Samsung diodes and the Growcraft Yield Max Spectrum, this beast puts out 1575 µmol/s and has a PPFD of 880 μmol/s/m². This fixture also reduces your total heat load, drawing only 600w with a remote power driver location.
The X4 600w model is dimmable from five to 100 percent range. The ChilLED Growcraft characterizes this LED as its best price model out of the three in this product line for its standard 4' by 4' grow space or a 5' by 5' grow space. The ChilLED Growcraft X4 600W has a rugged, easy-to-install design and spread for excellent light dispersion.
ChilLED Tech website link (Discount code: MRGROWIT)
LEDs: 3rd Gen 2020 Samsung diodes, Growcraft Yield Max Spectrum
PPFD: 880 μmol/s/m²
PPF: 1575 µmol/s
PAR efficacy: 2.66 μmol/J
Wattage draw: 600w
Coverage area: Vegetative 5' x 5', Flower 4' x 4'
Light distance: 12" to 24"
Dimensions: 42.5” x 42.5” x 1.375”
Weight: 29 lbs.
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Which LED grow light do you think is the best on this list? Do you think any other LED grow lights (with a 4’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?
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Yeah what's better the hlg600 R-Spec or the California lightworks lights either the solar extreme or solar system which would be either the 550 or 500 for my 4x4 tent indoor. ?
In your opinion would you say the enlite ceres 780w or the roi growers choice 680 is better? Can't decide between the