Best Grow Lights for Cannabis 2025

Choosing the best grow lights for cannabis can be tricky. But don’t worry; this article will guide you through the process. To begin with, if you’re wondering why you need to find the right lights to grow cannabis, the answer is straightforward. Growers aim to recreate the optimal conditions plants would receive in their natural outdoor environment, and that’s where grow lights come in. They convert electricity into photons that stimulate photosynthesis and encourage plant growth.

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to purchase a new grow light, it’s essential to understand that the wattage only indicates the amount of power consumption and doesn’t refer to the actual light output. Thus, a 600W CFL, a 600W LED light, and a 600W HID are not the same. 

It’s also important to note that lumens only measure light visible to the human eye, not the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) wavelengths that plants need for growth. While lumens are useful in offices and homes, they are unreliable for LED grow lights on the market.

To grow plants of any kind, it’s helpful to understand the grow light spectrum, which is measured in electromagnetic wavelengths. These wavelengths are made up of particles called photons, or light particles, and the amount plants receive affects their growth and ability to photosynthesize. To achieve the best results using artificial light, plants require a full spectrum of light in the PAR region, measured in wavelengths between 380 and 800 nanometers (nm).

Let’s review the four main types of grow lights.

Light-emitting diode (LED) grow lights produce a large amount of blue and red light and are ideal for cannabis plants through vegetation and flowering. They are often recommended for both beginners and advanced growers because of their efficiency and low heat output.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are compact fluorescent lighting systems tailored for indoor gardening. They’re known for their affordability, availability, ease of use, and adaptability, making them great for novice growers and those with limited space.

High-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights are used to cultivate plants that require higher light intensities than fluorescent lighting. They’re popular among experienced growers looking to optimize plant growth during large-scale cultivation.

Light-emitting ceramic (LEC) lights are made of ceramic material that enhances performance. These bulbs also generate less heat, which makes it easier to manage the temperature in your grow space, and are suitable for growers of all experience levels.

3 best LED grow lights 2024

Unlike traditional marijuana grow lights that use high-pressure sodium or metal halide bulbs, LED grow lights use semiconductors to convert electricity into light. While early LED lights had a limited range of wavelengths, modern LED grow lights can now provide plants with a full spectrum of light that mimics sunlight. The light spectrum from LEDs ranges from approximately 380 to 800 nanometers, including ultraviolet, blue, green, red, and far-red wavelengths, ideal for all stages of plant development. 

LED grow lights are quickly becoming the preferred choice among growers due to their efficiency and long-term affordability. Some states are even offering tax credits for facilities that install LED systems. They are also an excellent option for beginners just starting their indoor gardening journey and looking to test their green thumbs. For experienced growers experimenting with large-scale cannabis cultivation, advanced LED models now feature quantum boards that produce highly intense light distribution, resulting in higher efficiency and better yields.

Positives of LED grow lights:  

So, do the positives outweigh the negatives? Let’s find out!

• LEDs are more efficient, with the ability to produce large yields using less electricity.
• Growers can easily find a light that meets their requirements with various models available.
• They emit a full spectrum of light, providing all the wavelengths for optimal growth.
• Due to their innovative design, LED lights produce less heat than traditional weed grow lights.
• They have the longest life cycle, with a potential lifespan of 50,000 hours or more.

Negatives of LED grow lights:

While LED grow lights have many benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge some of their limitations.

• The initial setup cost of LED grow lights can be expensive compared to other types of lighting.
• With a lower coverage area, you might need more LEDs to cover the same grow area.
• LED grow lights are considered less powerful than other types of lights, like HID lights.
• There isn’t a universal quality guideline, so avoiding buying lower-priced options on platforms like Amazon or AlieXpress is advisable.

LED grow lights are an excellent choice for indoor gardens, but the choice can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. Here are recommendations for three of the best weed growing lights available for 2024:

Mars Hydro TS 1000 (best for budget)

Photo: Mars Hydro TS 1000

If you’re new to growing cannabis indoors and are looking for a light that can provide sufficient light for two to four plants, the Mars Hydro TS1000 is definitely worth checking out. It’s an affordable option with a Quantum board for optimal light coverage. The TS1000 can replace a 250w HPS light while reducing the power intake by 40%. It also features a dimmable brightness control.

Wattage: 150w

Energy efficiency: 2.3 µmol/J

Light intensity: 690 µmol/s

Coverage: 2.5 × 2.5 ft

Light spectrum: 400nm to 700nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $100 to $150

Lumatek ATS PRO 300W (best for yield)

If you’re looking for exceptional yields, this ATS 300W by Lumatek is an excellent choice. With an impressive efficiency ratio of 2.7 µmol/J with a full spectrum of LED light, it can significantly enhance your yields. It’s effortless to use, making it a great option for beginners. Moreover, the ATS 300W is fanless, which makes it a quieter and more energy-efficient choice for your indoor gardening space.

Wattage: 300w

Energy efficiency: 2.7 µmol/J

Light intensity: 816 µmol/s

Coverage: 3.5 x 3.5 ft

Light spectrum: 400nm to 700nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $350 to $400

Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 600 Rspec (best for THC production)

Photo: Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 600 Rspec (refurbished)

Assembled in the USA, HLG has established a solid reputation for its high-grade products and exceptional customer support. If you’re looking to enhance THC production, look no further than the HLG 600 Rspec. Serving as a replacement for a 1000-watt HID and featuring four full-spectrum high-efficiency quantum boards, it provides higher intensity and more plant coverage, resulting in increased cannabinoid production and density.

Wattage: 600w

Energy efficiency: 2.4 µmol/J

Light intensity: 1522 µmol/s

Coverage: 5 × 0.5 ft

Light spectrum: 400nm to 700nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $950 to $1,000; $499.00 refurbished

3 best compact fluorescent lights for cannabis

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) have been a popular choice for small-scale indoor gardening for over three decades. These lights work by conducting an electric current through a tube containing argon and mercury vapor. The electric current produces UV light in the tube, which reacts with a luminous coating inside the tube, producing a wide range of wavelengths spanning 400-700 nm.

If you’re new to indoor gardening, CFL lights can be an excellent choice for illuminating your plants. However, it’s important to note that most CFL lights are designed for specific stages of plant growth. 

• The first type is a cool color in the range of 5500K/6500K that emits blueish light, perfect for all phases of growth, especially the vegetative stage.
• The second type is a warm color in the range of 2000K/2700K that provides light in the yellowish and red spectrum. It is primarily used for flowering.

As a result, growers should be prepared to change bulbs as their plants progress from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage, as it provides plants with the light they need for healthy growth and development.

Positives of CFL grow lights:

So, let’s check out the positives and negatives and see if they’re suitable for your indoor growing setup.

• They use fewer resources than traditional HID lights, making them a cost-effective option to lower the electricity bill.
• CFL lamps don’t require a ballast, ideal for indoor gardens with limited space.
• With a potential lifespan of 45,000 hours, CFL lamps are durable and long-lasting.
• They’re easy to use and don’t require any special wiring or knowledge.
• Widely available in supermarkets nationwide, growers can easily find a CFL that meets their needs.

Negatives of CFL grow lights:

Despite the numerous benefits of using CFL grow lights, let’s address some limitations.

• CFLs have extremely limited coverage, so multiple lights may be needed for larger grow areas.
• They produce very little usable PAR light.
• CFLs can be sensitive to temperature and may not perform well in cold temperatures.
• They’re only suitable for small plants, as they don’t produce enough light for XL yields.
• CFL bulbs are only capable of producing effective light up to a distance of 10 inches

To ensure that your plants receive consistent and even lighting over their entire surface, it’s recommended to use multiple smaller CFL bulbs instead of a few larger ones. So, here are three of the best lights for growing weed from the CFL lamp category.

Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLC32D (best for budget)

Photo: Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLC32D bulb

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient CFl bulb, look no further than the Agrobrite FLC32D. These energy-efficient bulbs provide a well-balanced spectrum of 6400K, equivalent to 550 nm, making them ideal for optimizing growth during vegetation. While these bulbs can be used during flowering, lighting in the 2700K to 3500K range is recommended for optimal yields.

Wattage: 32W

Energy efficiency: 1.1 µmol/J

Light intensity: 35.2µmol/s

Coverage: 1 × 0.1 ft

Light spectrum: 450 to 550 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $15 to $20

Sunblaster 125W (best for yield)

Photo: SunBlaster 125W bulb

If you’re looking for a high-quality bulb designed to increase yield, the SunBlaster 125W CFL is an ideal option. These bulbs come in blue and red spectrums and produce a full spectrum of light, which is crucial for vegetation and flowering. This feature allows the growers to personalize the lighting conditions according to their specific growing needs.

Wattage: 125w

Energy efficiency: 2.0µmol/J

Light intensity: 350 µmol/s

Coverage: 1.5 × 0.1.5ft

Light spectrum: 450 to 800 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $30 to $40

Advanced Star Pro Star 250W (best for THC production)

The PRO STAR 250W designed by Advanced Star is designed to fully match the PAR spectrum, emitting a full spectrum of light that includes cold blue and warm red light, essential for encouraging growth and development. With its high light intensity, this lamp provides the optimal environment for bud development and resin production.

Wattage: 250w

Energy efficiency: 2.4µmol/J

Light intensity: 560 µmol/s

Coverage: 2 x 2 ft

Light spectrum: 450 to 800 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $35 to $45

3 best HID grow lights for cannabis

High-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights have been used in horticulture since the 1970s, known for their ability to provide an intense amount of light. They are popular among experienced growers in large-scale cultivation and ideal for indoor plant growth. They work by generating an electrical discharge between two electrodes; a ballast is used to regulate the electrical current, which provides an initial high voltage to ionize the gas inside the bulb. This ionization process creates an electrical arc that emits light.

Two primary types of HID grow light exist: metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS). The MH lights emit a blue light ideal for the vegetative stage, while the HPS lights emit a reddish-orange light perfect for the flowering stage. HID grow lights provide a broad spectrum ranging from 400 to 700 nanometers, making them popular among experienced growers. However, due to their high intensity, they may not be recommended for beginners.

Positives of HID grow lights:

While HPS lights have become the most popular type of HID lighting, let’s consider the general positive and negative aspects of HID grow lights.

• HID grow lights produce a high intensity of PAR light, maximizing yields.
• Both MH and HPS lights provide a broad spectrum of light for all stages of growth.
• Compared to LEDs, HID grow lights are affordable, making them a cost-effective option.
• They have a trusted reputation among the cannabis community
• Due to the extensive heat emission, they’re ideal for indoor and grow tent cultivation in colder climates.

Negatives of HID grow lights:

Indoor growers should be aware of some of the downsides of using HID grow lights.

• They produce a lot of heat, which can be problematic in small indoor growing areas.
• HID grow lights require regular maintenance and bulb replacement.
• HID grow lights require additional equipment, such as an electronic ballast and reflector.
• Lights must be positioned a considerable distance from the plant canopy.

So now we’ve discussed the positives and negatives of HID grow lights within your indoor garden. Here are three of the best HID grow lights for 2024!

Lumatek 600W (best for budget)

Photo: Lumaket 600w 240v

Lumatek has gained the trust of many growers for its reliable and affordable products. If you’re a beginner just starting, the Lumatek 600W HPS is an excellent option. It provides optimal coverage for up to four plants. With a great light spectrum of 90,000 lumens, your plants will receive the perfect amount of light.

Wattage: 600W

Energy efficiency: 12µmol/J

Light intensity: 7200µmol/s

Coverage: 4.5 x 4.5 ft

Light spectrum: 450 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $15 to $25

Philips Green Power 1000W (best for yield)

Philips GreenPower 1000W HPS Bulbs provide a well-balanced blend of red and blue light, essential for optimal growth. Despite having lower lumens, these bulbs outperform traditional 1000W lamps, running cooler and offering a broader spectrum. They are widely used in large indoor cultivation setups across Europe, making them the ultimate choice for maximizing growth and yields.

Wattage: 1000w

Energy efficiency: 12µmol/J

Light intensity: 12000 µmol/s

Coverage: 6 x 6 ft

Light spectrum: 400 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $80 to $100

VIVOSUN 1000W (best for THC production)

If you’re looking to increase the THC content in your plants, check out the VIVOSUN 1000W. With its optimal coverage and light intensity of 11200 µmol/s, this lamp can help increase trichome production and bud density, leading to potent and high-quality cannabis. Give your plants the light they need to produce dense, potent buds with the VIVOSUN 1000W grow light.

Wattage: 1000w

Energy efficiency: 11.2µmol/J

Light intensity: 11200 µmol/s

Coverage: 6 x 6ft

Light spectrum: 450 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: N/A

Price: $20 to $30

3 best LEC grow lights for cannabis

Light-emitting ceramic (LEC) or ceramic metal halide (CMH) lights have become popular among growers due to their excellent performance and energy efficiency. With LEC lights, growers can achieve higher yields per watt of electricity than traditional HID lights. Made from ceramic instead of quartz, they generate less heat than other types of lighting, making it easier for growers to control the temperature in their grow room.

Initially conceptualized as the next generation of HPS lights, LEC lights have been designed to provide a full spectrum of light replicating natural sunlight as closely as possible. This light spectrum spans around 380 to 750 nm, encompassing all the essential wavelengths that plants require for photosynthesis and optimal growth. This unique feature makes LEC lights ideal for growers who want to maximize yields while limiting energy consumption.

Positives of LEC grow lights:

Now that we’re familiar with LEC lights and how they work, let’s explore their advantages and disadvantages.

• LECs are more affordable than LED grow lights and are a cost-effective choice.
• They produce less heat than HID lights, so you can place them closer to your plants.
•  LEC grow lights are easy to set up and can be hung straight in your indoor garden.
• Unlike traditional HID bulbs, LECs usually have a longer lifespan of up to 20,000 hours.
• They provide your plants with a full spectrum of light

Negatives of LEC grow lights:

Let’s address the potential drawbacks of LEC lights.

• LEC grow lights have lower light intensity than traditional HID lights.
• Their lifespan is shorter than LED lights, typically around 30,000 hours.
• These lights are not as widely available as conventional HID lights, making it difficult to find replacement bulbs. 

Here are some recommendations for the best LEC lights for 2024.

Grower’s Choice Master Pursuit 500W (best for budget)

Photo: Grower’s Choice Master Pursuit 500W

Growers Choice Master Pursuit 500W is a ceramic fixture with three voltage choices, providing a full spectrum of colors ranging from 3,000K to 10,000 K. It produces 65% more light than an average 315w CMH grow light. Designed to be used in all stages of growth but optimized for bloom, it is ideal for growers looking to improve their yields on a budget.                                                                                                       

Wattage: 500w

Energy efficiency: 1.68µmol/J

Light intensity:  840µmol/s

Coverage:  4.5x 4.5 ft

Light spectrum: 400 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $150 to $200

The Gavita Pro 630e (best yield)

Photo: Gavita Pro 630e CMH

The Gavita Pro 630e SE offers dual 3,100K or 4,200K color options and a double ballast that allows you to switch off one of the two lamps during vegetation when your plants’ lighting demands are lower. It is highly durable with optimal thermal management and comes with 4200 K Philips Master Bulbs that offer high PPF/s, making it an excellent choice for growers who want to maximize their yields.

Wattage: 660w

Energy efficiency: 1.9µmol/J

Light intensity:  1254µmol/s

Coverage: 4.5 x 4.5 ft

Light spectrum: 400 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $550 to $600

Growers Choice Master Pursuit 1000w (best THC content)

Photo: Growers Choice Master Pursuit 1000w

The Master Pursuit 1000w is made from high-quality quartz glass and provides consistent spectral output and PAR production. It includes a 1200-watt HPS lamp that outperforms other premium 1000W lamps by five. Its reflector is designed to produce optimal cross-lighting and PPFD levels while emitting UV light to increase resin production.

Wattage: 1000w

Energy efficiency: 2.5µmol/J

Light intensity:  2500µmol/s

Coverage: 6 x 6 ft

Light spectrum: 400 to 700 nm

Dimming and control: Yes

Price: $300 to $400

FAQs

Now that you’ve learned about the four main types of light, here are some common questions and answers about cannabis grow lights:

What’s the best type of grow light for my plants?

Choosing the best type of grow light for your plants depends on the kind of plant you want to grow, your budget, and your growing area.

How high should I position my LED grow light above the plants?

This typically depends on the stage of growth. For LEDs with a lower wattage of 200 watts, place them between 12 and 20 inches away from the plant’s top, while those with a 1000-watt LED should position them between 36 and 46 inches from the top.

Can I use a regular light bulb as a grow light?

It is possible to use a regular CFL light bulb as a grow light, but it may not produce optimal results.

How long should I leave my grow lights on?

Cannabis plants require 16-18 hours of light throughout vegetation, while during flowering, they need 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day.