LED Grow lights come in two different types.
First, there are LEDs that emit only a specific color or a specific range of colors.
In such cases, you need to use combinations of lights of different wavelengths.
The second and easier alternative to these narrow-spectrum LED lights are full-spectrum LEDs.
Full-spectrum LED lights emit all wavelengths of the necessary electromagnetic spectrum from infrared (IR) to near-ultraviolet (UV), thus imitating real sunlight.
When your plants need sunlight but don’t have access to it, full-spectrum LED lights are an excellent substitute.
Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights: Quick Picks
- HLG 100 Quantum Board V2 (Best Quantum Board)
- Grower’s Choice ROI-E680
- HLG 320W XL V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit
- HLG 65 Quantum Board QB120 (Most Compact)
- NextLight Mega (Most Powerful)
10 Best Full-Spectrum LED Grow Lights
If you want cool, energy-efficient, complete light for your plants, these are the 10 best full-spectrum LED grow lights available.
1. HLG 100 Quantum Board V2 LED Grow Light
| Power Draw | 96W |
| Coverage Area | 3′ x 3′ veg 2’ × 2’ flowering |
| PAR Efficiency | 2.5 µmol/J |
| PPF | 225 µmol/s |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8″L x 11″W |
| More Info | View on LED Grow Lights Depot → |
The Horticulture Lighting Group 100 V2 Quantum Board QB192 has a 96W power draw and actual power consumption of 95W.
The high-efficiency quantum board V2 comes with 95 Samsung LM301H LEDs and produces more than 15000 lumens with just 95W of power. A non-dimmable Meanwell Power Supply is included with NEMA 1-15p plug. The fixture has better canopy light penetration because of its diffused light.
This light is equivalent to a 200W T5, 250W CFL, or 200W metal halide light.
You can read more about the differences between these lights in our 5 Type of Grow Lights, LED vs HID Grow Lights, and Best T5 Grow Light guides, which I highly recommend.
There are two variations of this light:
- One with a 3000K spectrum
- One with a 4000K spectrum
This grow light has a flowering footprint of 2’ × 2’ and a veg footprint of 3’ × 3’ and is suitable for smaller systems or grow spaces.
The HLG 100 LED Grow Light is great for those who want to grow a small number of plants. For others, this light would be too small to cover all of your plants, so you’re better off buying a larger and more powerful system or multiple of this light, which really is the best full-spectrum LED grow light.
Pros of the HLG 100 V2 LED Grow Light
- Ideal for small systems and grow spaces
- Amazing light penetration and light coverage for its size
Cons of the HLG 100 V2 LED Grow Light
- Non-dimmable
- Not suitable for growing a lot of plants
2. Grower’s Choice ROI-E680
| Power Draw | 680W |
| Coverage Area | 5′ x 5′ veg 4′ x 4′ flowering |
| Efficacy | 2.6 µmol/J |
| Light Output | 1770 µmol/s |
| Dimmable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 42.4”L x 42”W x 2.4”H |
| More Info | View on LED Grow Lights Depot → |
The Grower’s Choice ROI-E680 grow light is the result of a collaboration between two highly respected lighting companies: TSL Horti Tech and Grower’s Choice.
This LED grow light has high-quality diodes, ideal full-spectrum output, and high uniformity. The frame is collapsible, which is an advantage when it comes to storage and shipping.
The fixture is dimmable both manually and remotely. You can manually dim the light from 40-100% in 20% increments, but you have the option to buy it with a controller which gives you a greater range of control.
This is a vertical fixture but it can be used on horizontal systems as well. The light system enables over 40% energy savings over traditional HID lighting while maintaining the same or more output.
Three light spectrums make up this grow light: a warm light, a cool light, and a 660 nm deep red. The 660 nm deep red speeds up photosynthesis and helps in increasing yields during the flowering phase.
Pros of the Grower’s Choice ROI-E680
- Flexible frame
- Manual and remote dimming
- High energy-efficiency
- ETL and CE-approved for commercial use
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons of the Grower’s Choice ROI-E680
- Higher price point
3. HLG 320W XL V2 RSpec Quantum Board DIY Kit
| Power Draw | 320W |
| Coverage Area | 5’ × 5’ veg 2.5’ × 5’ flower |
| Efficacy | 2.6 µmol/J |
| Dimmable | Yes |
| Dimensions | 35″L x 8″W x 3″H |
| More Info | Check on LED Grow Lights Depot → |
As is usual, this light from HLG is made of high-quality parts and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The 3500K + 660nm deep red, full-spectrum white light is dimmable, and you can reduce it to up to 50%. Remove the back plug on the driver and use a Phillips screwdriver for dimming.
The grow light comes disassembled and you have to assemble it. Assembling this kit is easy and only takes around 20 minutes with just screwdrivers and scissors (not included).
What’s Included?
- 3x QB288 V2 R spec
- 1x Slate 2 Triple Predrilled 891mm Heatsink
- Meanwell HLG-320H LED Driver with 93.5% Driver Efficiency
- Boards should be wired in series with the driver for maximum output
- 6-foot Nema 5-15P 16/3 SJTW NA power cord or equivalent for standard 120VAC with cable connector
- 2-foot solid core wire and 2x Wago Connectors for DC wiring
- Hanger clips
Pros of the HLG 320W XL V2
- No soldering required
- Made of high-quality parts
- Has a one-year warranty
Cons of the HLG 320W XL V2
- Dimming is limited to 50%
4. HLG 65 Quantum Board QB120
| Power Draw | 65W |
| Coverage Area | 2′ x 2′ veg 2′ x 1′ flowering |
| PPF Efficacy | 2.35 μmol/J |
| PPF | 156 μmol/s |
| Total Output | 152 PPF |
| Dimmable | Yes, but dimmer not included |
| Dimensions | 11.5″L x 9.5″W |
| More Info | View on LED Grow Lights Depot → |
The Horticulture Lighting Group’s Quantum Board QB 120 is a non-dimmable lamp designed for small grow spaces, plants, and clones. It uses custom-designed, high-efficiency white light quantum boards.
This fixture has 120 Samsung LM301H LEDs and produces 10,000 lumens with just 65W of power and is equivalent to a 150W T5, 200W CFL, or 150W metal halide light.
It has a reliable, passive-cooled design and better canopy light penetration through diffused light. The light covers a flowering footprint of 2′ x 1′ and a veg footprint of 2′ x 2′.
It doesn’t come with a dimmer, but it is compatible with DC LED Rotary and remote PWM dimmer, which are rated 24VDC 2.5A or higher. The DC side wire is short and may require an extension. In that case, choose an extension option from Philmore, COOLM, or Hanvex as recommended by HLG.
It also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros of the HLG 65 Quantum Board QB120
- A highly-effective grow light for small plants, areas, and clones
- Inexpensive
Cons of the HLG 65 Quantum Board QB120
- Power cord is short
- Dimmer not included
5. NextLight Mega
| Power Draw | 650W |
| Coverage Area | 7′ x 7’ veg 5’ x 5’ flowering |
| Efficacy | 2.15 µmol/J |
| Light Output | 1400 µmol/J |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 37.0”L x 37.0”W x 2.5″H |
| More Info | View on LED Grow Lights Depot → |
The NextLight Mega is a full-spectrum white light that uses half the energy with 75% less heat than a double-ended 1000W HPS light.
This light isn’t named “Mega” because of its size but because of its increased production and large footprint.
The fixture has a wide design, which helps it to spread light over a large area with an even coverage while emitting a full-spectrum bright white light that’s more sun-like than a traditional HPS.
This is the most expensive grow light on this list but for good reason. It’s made of high-quality diodes that are made in America. This superior quality light has a lifespan of 100,000 hours at 77° F ambient conditions.
And what’s more, it also comes with a 5-year warranty (though cosmetic damage isn’t under warranty if shipping going out of the US).
It’s also UL and DLC Premium Listed.
Like HLG, NextLight also has great customer support.
This high-efficiency and high-intensity light is great for commercial and home growers alike.
Pros of the NextLight Mega
- UL and DLC Premium Listed
- High-quality parts
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Excellent coverage of large areas
Cons of the NextLight Mega
- Doesn’t come with dimming capabilities
6. King Plus 1000W LED Grow Light
| Power Draw | 185W |
| Coverage Area | 4’ × 4’ veg 3.5’ × 3.5’ flowering |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2″L x 8.27″W x 2.36″H |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The King Plus 1000W LED grow light provides full-spectrum lighting from 380-780 nm required for all growing stages.
It comes with a switch to toggle the light for different growing stages for your crops. There’s a VEG, which controls the blue and the LEDs (430-660 nm used for seed and seedling growth, to encourage sprouting and root growth. The BLOOM switch with red and white LEDs (430-730 nm) is optimized for flowering, and it’s recommended you turn on both switches because your plants require the full spectrum!
The system uses multiple high-speed mute fans and upgraded aluminum radiators to maintain the temperature at 50-60°F.
It doesn’t have a dimmer.
It also isn’t very expensive and is great for clones and small plants.
Recommended Lighting Schedule
| Growth Phase | Hours Per Day | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Germination | 14-18 | 26-30” |
| Growing | 12-14 | 20-26” |
| Flowering | 9-12 | 18-24” |
| Fruiting | 7-8 | 18-24” |
Pros of the King Plus 1000W LED Grow Light
- Switches to control light for different stages of plant growth
- Great for the price
- Has a 100,000-hour lifespan
Cons of the King Plus 1000W LED Grow Light
- Insufficient as large crops grow, especially bushy crops
7. VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED Grow Light
| Power Draw | 130W |
| Coverage Area | 2’ × 2’ veg area and 1.5’ × 1.5’ flowering area |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8”L x 8”W x 2.8”H |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED grow light provides full-spectrum lighting with everything plants need for their entire growth cycle.
This grow light is made with sturdy and durable fire-resistant iron housing, upgraded aluminum heat sinks, and advanced, high-speed quiet fans for great heat dissipation.
The VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED is comparable to a traditional 250W HPS/MH but consumes only 130W.
The light is UL-certified and has a daisy chain feature to use multiple lights together. The fire-resistant reflectors are designed to increase PAR output by 50%.
Pros of the VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED Grow Light
- UL-tested for safety
- 3-year warranty
- Switches for growing/flowering phases
- Low power consumption
- Low price point
Cons of the VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED Grow Light
- Less red light than we’d like
- Not for large areas
8. Relassy 15000Lux Full-Spectrum Grow Lamp
| Power Draw | 20W |
| Dimmable | Yes |
| Dimensions | Up to 28.7″ tall |
| More Info | Check on Amazon → |
The Relassy 15000Lux Sunlike Full Spectrum Grow Lamp is snazzy and just too beautiful for it to be called a grow light. It’s sleek, slender, and looks like two lovely street lamps.
Offering a full-spectrum wavelength containing light from 380-800 nm, this beauty delivers the highly-uniform light needed by plants.
It’s equipped with flexible, 21-inch goosenecks and rotatable bulbs, which make adjusting the angle and the distance between your plants and light a breeze.
The lights have four dimmable levels: 10%, 25%, 75%, and 100%.
It included 88 high-quality, high-PAR, high-efficiency LED chips and is suitable for all plants throughout the growing cycle.
The bulb shells are made of aeronautical aluminum, providing better thermal conductivity. The fin-shaped heat-sink design increases heat dissipation area.
A C-clamp mount allows this lamp to be placed anywhere and mounts firmly.
Adopting overcurrent technology to prevent overheating and overvoltage, this light has also been certified by FCC, CE, ROHS, and PSE. It imitates natural light and is so safe, in fact, that it can be used not only as a grow light but also as a desk light or table light.
It has a 50,000-hour lifespan with replaceable bulbs, so you won’t have to replace the whole unit if they go out.
Pros of the Relassy 15000Lux Full-Spectrum Grow Lamp
- Aesthetically-pleasing
- Flexible goosenecks
- Replaceable bulbs
- Can be used as a desk or table light
- Lowest price point by far on this list
Cons of the Relassy 15000Lux Full-Spectrum Grow Lamp
- Shouldn’t be used for more than 5 hours or else you drastically reduce the bulb’s lifespan
- Not sufficient for large grows
9. Haus Bright LED Grow Light
| Power Draw | 20W |
| PPF | 140 μmoles/s |
| Light Output | 1200 lumens |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 4.8″L x 4.8″W x 4.8″H |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
The Haus Bright LED Grow Light Bulb is a full-spectrum bulb for all kinds of plants in various growth stages.
It has a 100W brightness but draws only 20W of power. Unlike any other grow light in this list, this is a grow light bulb that screws into any standard light socket, which makes installation extremely simple.
It comes with a protective lens cover to protect the bulb and extend its life.
This is the original bulb that emits blue and pink (blurple) light, but there are 100W Warm White Light and the 100W Pure White Light options available.
It comes with a 24-page eBook with awesome tips and information to maximize the use of the Haus Bright LED Grow Light Bulb. It’s made entirely of 150 LEDs but sits in the price range of a typical light bulb.
Haus Bright also has highly-reputable 24/7 customer service
Pros of the Haus Bright LED Grow Light
- Easily screws into a standard light socket
- Includes protective cover
- Very bright
Cons of the Haus Bright LED Grow Light
- Since this bulb is designed to be screwed into a socket, if you have a light socket high up in the wall and your plants are closer to the ground, the light may not entirely reach your plants.
10. BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow
| Power Draw | 390W |
| Coverage Area | 7.8′ x 7.5’ |
| Light Output | Same as a 1400W HPS/MH |
| Dimmable | No |
| Dimensions | 20.66″L x 8.46″W x 2.36″H |
| More Info | View on Amazon → |
Nine different bands of LEDs make up the BESTVA DC Series 2000W grow light, which gives your plants similar lighting to sunlight. Like most other lights from Amazon, this light has a switch for both the Veg and the Bloom stages.
It uses dual-chip, 10W LEDs that are more efficient and brighter than traditional 3W and 5W LEDs.
It also uses a 3mm thick aluminum radiator for better heat dissipation.
And the package even includes glasses to protect your eyes, because LEDs are extremely bright and generally unsafe to look at with the naked eye.
Recommended Lighting Schedule
| Growth Phase | Hours Per Day | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Germination | 15-18 | 26-30” |
| Growing | 15-18 | 20-26” |
| Flowering | 12-14 | 18-24” |
Pros of the BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow
- Very bright light
- Great for flowering
- Comes with glasses
Cons of the BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow
- Low PAR
- Sometimes the lights may burn after few months of use
How To Choose The Best Full-Spectrum LEDs For You
With so many full-spectrum LED grow lights available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best light that suits your plants.
Here are 5 things to look for when you’re shopping for the best full-spectrum LED grow lights for your system.
1. Spectral Range
Not all LED lights advertised as full-spectrum are actually full-spectrum, and some of don’t distribute the of all wavelengths evenly.
Full-spectrum can’t really be measured, so you have to decide the quality of a grow light based on the manufacturer’s reputation and customer reviews.
When in doubt, go quantum.
2. Draw Power
The actual draw power may be less than the theoretical draw power. If the LEDs operate at very high power (their full capacity) they produce a lot of heat, bringing down the lifespan and efficiency of the light. The low draw power means your grow light won’t emit enough light for your plants.
Draw power ranges for different stages
- Vegetative: 30-35 W per square foot
- Flowering: 35-50 W per square foot
3. Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)
PAR is the amount of light produced in the 400-700 nm range, which is suitable for plants to use for photosynthesis. The higher the PAR, the better.
PAR requirements for different stages:
- Vegetative: 300-350 μmol/s
- Flowering: 700-800 μmol/s
4. Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF)
The photons that plants use for photosynthesis are called photosynthetic photons. Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) is the total amount of photosynthetic photons (or PAR) put out by a light source.
5. Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD)
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) is the density of photosynthetic photons falling on a surface per second.
The PPFD varies on different points on a given area and also depends upon how close or far the light is from the surface. You shouldn’t buy a light just because its PPFD is high in the middle. You should also check the overall PPFD values at different distances. The higher the PPFD, the better, as your plants will have more access to PAR.