Best LED Grow Lights 2018

Top Rated LED Lights: Worth Every Buck!

LED Lights are something everyone wants to get their hands on and why not? If you keep the technical parameters in mind, LED Lights turn out to be cost-efficient and also last for a considerable amount of time. I’m assuming that most people are clueless when it comes to lighting since every brand makes it a point to prove they’re the best.

There are over a dozen brands that make LED lights and it becomes quite a task to choose between so many, without having prior knowledge of the same or if you’re not technically sound.

Don’t worry, if you’re having trouble choosing the right lights or if you’re a bit skeptical of the price, this post is perfect for you. Here are our top picks for best led grow lights 2018 and recommendations that are worth every penny!

Specifications and Comparison!

If you don’t know how this works: these are artificial or electric lights which stimulate a plants growth by producing a spectrum which acts just like normal sunlight. These lights fulfill the duty of the sun while being outside. Why can’t we use normal bulbs or lights for these, you ask? It’s because these are specific horticulture lights. You’re probably asking yourself, “Does this really work?” Well, Yes! It definitely works ONLY if you ensure that the lights are installed correctly and proper measures are taken. The lights should be placed at a height of 24”. These lights get extremely hot, and if you don’t have a good quality one at hand, chances are that your plant will eventually suffer the consequences. To further solve your dilemma, here we have detailed information about each of these lights. Let’s take a closer look at these lights and read the insights of each of them.

LED lights are much different from traditional bulbs in so many ways, for example, they’re free from lead, mercury, gas and filament. Another feature, which should be kept in mind is the relationship between how intense the light is and the distance between the plants and the light. Beforehand, you should find out if the grow light you’re supposed to be using is fit for a large area or a small one.
Although, high light intensity is great for fast growth, too much of it will damage the plant and probably burn it.

Next, if the brand is boasting about their cooling fans, read on and find out if their fans are quiet ones or noisy ones. This makes a lot of difference. Although, they’re amazing if you like having noisy fans in the background but really, they can get annoying after a while.

Moving on to the physical features of the lights, you should make sure the lights are durable and heavy-duty and generally have a longer lifespan.

One of the best LED lights for 2018 are the ones with Full Spectrum, which means that they’ll work for every stage of the plant.

Additionally, the grow lights should be user-friendly. Lights that are difficult to operate can be a real pain so, while you’re looking, look for the ones that are adjustable, versatile and most of all, durable.

Best LED Grow Lights 2018

1. MEIZHI Reflector-Series 600W

These lights are scientifically engineered in order to balance lumen outputs and coverage. Lumen is the unit which basically measures total quantity of visible light emitted by a source. So, the higher the lumen rate, the brighter the lights will appear.

The MEIZHI Reflector Series can actually level up with those by bigger brands. Apart from helping you save a lot of money, they compare to the traditional lights while consuming much lesser electricity. This best LED grow lights does wonders for plants. It is the perfect fit for hydroponic indoor plants or even for soil breeding. It fulfills the potting or seeding need.

The lights, themselves, are noticeably bright. It is a small innovation with big possibilities as it’s also quite efficient in saving money on power bills.

Plants also have a tendency to absorb blue light which is present in this one, rather than the usual green lights or other ones. Hence, it really helps with the plant growth. The lifespan of these is around 50,000- 100,000 hours so, these are a good option.

2. VIPARSPECTRA Reflector Series 450W 

VIPARSPECTRA is a well-known brand which has not let down anyone over many years. It is quite reputed and trusted by many indoor growers. Apart from being a viable and cheap option, it offers an outstanding spectrum for all growth stages. It works very well as a supplemental grow light and it definitely maximizes economic efficiency. It consumes only 200 Watt which ensures power-efficiency.

If you’re just starting out, hang it a little higher and then work your way down to around 25 inches high. This will ensure that your plants get used to the environment and the light and its intensity. Being scientifically engineered, it comes with a balance between the PAR/Lumen and the coverage. The Price currently is around 125$ but, I bet you can get it for cheaper during a sale or anything of that sort. So, Price-wise, it is totally worth it.

Heat exhaust is not needed as the mechanism itself is quite sufficient. The looking lines at the ends allow it a little tilting which helps to cover the plant footprint. It also has cooling fans which keep running and ensure it doesn’t heat up unnecessarily. Overall, it is a no brainer that this is the perfect choice for beginners and professionals.

3. Advanced Platinum Series P600 600W

The Advanced Platinum LED Light successfully combines an optimal blend of a variety of 12 different bands of light spectrum which provides the plants the most nutrition which they require.

This LED provides enough light so, you wouldn’t need any supplemental lighting. It is perfect for a small-spaced, enclosed area since its compact as well.

Another special feature is the fact that it puts out very little heat. Heat is something you should seriously consider when you’re installing a Grow Light indoors. Even a tiny amount of excess heat damages plants to a great extent. The Advanced Platinum Series matches as closely as possible to absorption by chlorophyll and has similar characteristics too, making it a great option.

Coming to the Specifications, it provides a higher output while still having a cooler running. The spectrum, too, is very efficient and the lights use almost half electricity and heat but have the same growing potential.

4 GalaxyHydro 600W LED Plant Grow Light

GalaxyHydro 600W LED is professionally and scientifically engineered to ensure PAR/Lumen output and perfect spectrum for plants. The price is unbeatable keeping in mind that the performance is extraordinary. The spectrum itself is quite intense.

These best led grow lights use epileds chips and are built such that the power consumption is low. They are built to last longer than usual grow lights. Although, it lacks the ability to change or customize color spectrum, the results are pretty good. You cannot customize your colors of the light according to your specific needs, which might be a disadvantage for all those who want to tailor the light spectrum according to the stages of the plant but it still seems to be a very beginner friendly choice.

This light emits 9 wavelengths of light which means that ultimately, you can use it to grow your plant at any growth stage.

Overall, this light guarantees all kinds of savings so I think it’s definitely worth it.

5. Dimgogo Triple Chips Full Spectrum Grow Lights 1000W

As the name suggests, they consist of triple chips which are more efficient on plants than double chips or traditional 3W or 5W LED.

They come with two cooling fans and heat sink in every fixture which ensures that it does not get heated up too much. Moreover, the electricity used is 2/3 cheaper than normal lights. It has a lifespan of 50,000 hours approximately.

These lights are definitely compact and the perfect size for your room. They’re suitable for all kinds of indoor plants. This version also has upgraded aluminum cooling heat sinks. Each led also has a resistance to keep the lights separate. The spectrum emitted is a full spectrum, meaning that it emits all kinds of light: Blue, Red, Yellow, White, IR and also, UV! Keeping the lifespan and high-quality in mind, it is well-worth the price.We have also reviewed top 1000 watt led grow lights .

6. California Lightworks Solarstorm 440W

The brand California Lightworks is quite well-known and has a good reputation for selling high-quality lights. These Grow lights have a stellar light system. Growers have reported high yields as compared to usual lights. You can reduce the power consumption and save an amount of money during the vegetative stage. The lights have 5 bands of the spectrum which are all a plant requires in any stage of growth.

The construction of the grow light is very compact which makes It an excellent light for indoor lighting.

These also have High PPF (Just a tech word for Photo Synthetic Photon) to penetrate into the canopy and deliver unparalleled yield results. The cooling fans are very quiet, which is why I think they’re a good option. Being too simple to use, they’re very beginner-friendly.

7. Marshydro Reflector 960W

The Marshydro Reflector Lights are well-packed with minimal stuff. The metal parts in this make it very durable. The lights are easy to adjust without the hassle of a chain and rope. The good rope hangers make the raising and lowering of lights/fans a breeze which is very convenient and saves a lot of time and effort.

The design is quite unique and not like any others available in the market. The lights are heavy duty and best for homemade light system. The build is sold, stable and very efficient.

The output and yield results are very high. The mirror-like finish ensures that the light is reflected properly. The overall coverage is the standard one that you’d expect to find. They also have incorporated a switchable mode to ensure that you get the best light for each growth stage. Hence, it excels perfectly as a highly powerful and efficient light source. Marshydro’s best LED grow lights is packed with the best features of all time at an unbeatable price.

Top Budget-Friendly LED Lights (Under 100$)

Now, Some of the best LED Grow Lights can be pretty expensive as it is, since they’re made up of an entirely different material than usual LED lights. The prices can be a little daunting, especially, if you’re on a limited budget and still want to get the best of what these lights have to offer. Finding budget-friendly LED is, again, a difficult job for a layman. Alternatively, you can also check if these lights are working for your plants and inspect properly. So, buckle up your seat belts, because the ride forward might be a bit too smooth for you.

Here are our handpicked, budget-friendly lights which wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket or in your plants!

Indoor growers have sworn by these lights and why not? These cheap LED grow lights are budget-friendly and a viable choice for beginners. If you’re unsure about which light would be suitable for you considering the slightly cost increase for the pair and other various factors like power usage, heat dissipation, lens, directionality and so much more. Let’s divulge into the details further and learn the insights about each of them!

Editor's choice

Title

Marshydro

Roleadro's GalaxyHydro

UNIFUN Light Bulbs

Dimension

12 x 8 x 3

12.1 x 8.2 x 2.4

14.5 x 12.6 x 1.7

Wattage

300

300

45

Coverage

3.5'×3.5' at 18" height

2’ X 2’ at 18" height

2.5’ X 2.5’ at 24" height

Ratings

Buy Now

Buy Now

Buy Now

Editor's choice

Title

Marshydro

Dimension

12 x 8 x 3

Wattage

300

Coverage

3.5'×3.5' at 18" height

Ratings

Buy Now

Title

Roleadro's GalaxyHydro

Dimension

12.1 x 8.2 x 2.4

Wattage

300

Coverage

2’ X 2’ at 18" height

Ratings

Buy Now

Title

UNIFUN Light Bulbs

Dimension

14.5 x 12.6 x 1.7

Wattage

45

Coverage

2.5’ X 2.5’ at 24" height

Ratings

Buy Now

1.Marshydro 300W

Besides being a beginner-friendly choice, the light is bright and vibrant. This design provides uniform light for plants which prevents the plant from burning or getting too much heat.

The cooling system has silent fans which ensure that there is not a lot of noise while maintaining a long lifespan. It does have fans and multiple blades, which in turn allows the grow light to remain cool and work for efficiently for a longer duration of time.

The Marshydro is equipped with High intensity 5w LED chips with increased PAR which is much needed to support yield, development and growth.

The spectrum grow lights have a suitable wavelength which can be completely absorbed by a plant. Full spectrum ensures that the plant gets uniform light which is advantageous for all stages.

There is a noticeable, dramatic difference in the growth of plants before and after this. Overall, it’s one of the best cheap led grow lights for the price. The Marshydro 300W  comes with an amazing light spectrum distribution and various other options, which allow it to be used in all kinds of stages, all kinds of situations and a variety of different indoor vegetables/plants.

2) Roleadro LED Grow Light, GalaxyHydro Series 300W

Roleadro best LED grow lights provides loads of nutrients- same as photosynthesis. The spectrum ratio is efficient in maintaining a good plant growth. It has 45mil Epileds chips and 120 degree lens which directly ensure high PAR value. The frame is quite sturdy and easy to plug-in while also being ready to use.

Unlike other best LED grow lights 2018, it has two quiet cooling fans and aluminum heat sinks which ensure uniform heating. The cooling fans are not noisy and the heat sink provides excellent heat dissipation. These lights make sure you have a productive yield and good results at that, too.

The blue and red led chips are very bright and they are more in number than the white chips. Plus, The shear wattage of this light sets it apart from the rest. It is cost-effective and economical. Basically, it has lots of bang for your buck. Need I say more?

For this price, the light offers the much needed boost for your plants. It is right to say that while there are many lights you can get in a limited budget; this is one of those you can get which is a part of the elite group, without compromising on the important features.

3) UNIFUN New Light Plant Bulbs 45W

The UNIFUN New Light Plant bulbs may look like the usual ones but besides that, they only cost a couple of bucks. They have a high cost performance and low power consumption: which in turn saves you more money.

It is said to increase your harvest by a massive percentage. The operating temperature is suitable for your crops and does not burn them either. Apart from this, the cooling fans are quiet and ensure that there is not a lot of noise made during the process. The integrated fans ensure that the heat consumption is lower. This Led does come with a wide dimming capacity. While most budget-friendly lights only offer a couple of levels of dimming, plants often require many levels to match the actual levels that will have the effect like normal daylight. They often require replication of various temperatures and seasons. This grow light allows such gradual change in light intensity through the dimmer with so many levels of dimming that is available at all times at your service.

It is good to last for about 50,000 hours which is a good lifespan for a light costing so less. It is aesthetically nice keeping in mind the cost is less. It brings 4 different bands to get the full spectrum for your plants. For the price, it’s definitely a steal!

Tips

Growing plants is not as easy as it seems. If you’re really serious about growing your plants indoors, you need to learn more about your plants and the type of light that is suitable for them. Using LED grow lights to grow plants indoors has become quite popular these days because of they are considerably more affordable compared to HID set-ups. They also use less power and less heat, and do not produce a lot of noise and do not require power ballasts. They also last long; most LED could work as long 100,000 hours.Source

Although an expensive price does not guarantee high quality, most good quality LED might cost you at least $150. Don’t just be satisfied in looking at the price tag though; get some additional information like who the supplier is, what kind of bulbs they used and do a little research on the manufacturer’s general reputation. Plus, while it is helpful to know how much light the product provides (measured in terms of lumens)

Here are some useful things to remember in buying LED

1. Consider the quality of LED bulbs. LED bulbs are the primary component of LED grow lights that is why it is important that you know which bulbs are produced by better-known manufacturers. High-quality LED bulbs include those produced by Cree, Bridgelux and Semiled.
2. Check out the warranty and the price of the product. Before buying LED, consider the product’s warranty side by side with its price. Very high quality LED would offer you some kind of warranty. But keep in mind that some more affordable LED’s also end up performing quite well. For long term and large-scale use however, consider buying those that have warranties covering a longer period of time.
3. Inspect heat dissipation features. Since LED produce light, it is only natural that they emit some form of heat, but it shouldn’t be so hot though. Otherwise you can imagine how it will scorch and totally destroy your plants. Also, remember that LED are sensitive to heat; when the product tends to get so hot there is a high probability that the LED chips won’t last long. Cast metal devices that have structures in fins or columns help ensure that heat would dissipate properly.
4. Go for versatility, control and balance. LED’s may be all blue or all red, but the ones that come in dual form are still the best. Unless you know that a particular kind of color spectrum is needed by your plant, those that have both red and blue lights present are likely to grow more kinds of plants more flexibly.

How to use led grow lights

First, determine the optimal lighting requirements for your particular plant or plants to thrive if they were living outdoors. Figure out the intensity of light and for how many hours a day it is needed. Often this information is on the plant tag or little plastic pick stuck in the soil of your plant. Online garden resources can help you make the determination if your plant is unmarked. This is what you need to mimic indoors with LED. If they are vegetables and grown in full sun for 14 hours per day outdoors then that is the bar you must meet in order for the plant to thrive indoors.If your plants grow outdoors in shade then they need less light indoors.

Second, LED Grow Lights provide a mix of red spectrum and blue spectrum LEDs. Plant photosynthesis is most responsive to these two spectrum. According to research conducted by NASA, mixing at least 80 percent red LED and roughly 20 percent blue LED is a successful ratio for growing plants indoors. You can easily switch to out a few of the blue LED’s for white without harming the plant growth. This light will allow you to see what’s happening with your plants much more readily because white LED have a spectrum of green, yellow and orange, which is more easily visible to the human eye.

Third, you can adjust your LED to hang above your plant tops by anywhere from 5 inches to 20 inches, according to the plant’s size and light intensity requirements. Your goal is to have the plant greens showered in light to their edges but not have the light spill or be wasted on surrounding areas where there are no plants. Height adjustment of lighting helps achieve this economy as plants grow, changing in both shape and size.

Fourth, you determine if your plants require light and dark periods. If so, connect your LED grow lights to a timer to regulate their on and off cycles to save you time, worry and labor. If your plants prefer long daylight periods and short night periods, program the automatic timer for that length of light cycle.

The light produced by LED driven grow lights vary from visible to ultraviolet or even infrared. Its been said that these Lights are specially engineered with just the right blend of light and intensity. This is perfect for plants in need of enough energy to manufacture the necessary nutrients needed for their growth.

Conclusion

If you want to grow your own flowers, herbs, fruits, or vegetables but do not have a large enough yard to do so, you no longer have to be disappointed because there are new grow light systems perfect for indoor growing! These systems work great for cuttings, flowers, seedlings, African Violets, and other house plants. The assembly is super simple and the system is energy efficient, durable, and sturdy.

Well, This is the end of the list! These are some of the best, top rated, budget-friendly picks that would help you make a suitable decision. The best part is that these are by well-reputed brands and there’s a sure shot that they’ll work very well for you!