LED lighting benefits include energy efficiency, longevity, and a full spectrum of light that closely mimics the sun's rays.

8 Best LED Grow Lights UNDER $400 for Cannabis Grow Tent Setup (2023)

LED grow lights have become increasingly popular among cannabis cultivators due to numerous advantages over traditional lighting systems. These benefits include energy efficiency, longevity, and a full spectrum of light that closely mimics the sun’s rays. As a result, LED grow lights can significantly improve plant growth and yield without consuming excessive amounts of energy.

We compiled a list of the 8 best LED grow lights under $400 that are perfect for any cannabis grow tent setup.

II. Factors to consider when choosing an LED grow light

A. Light spectrum

The light spectrum plays are critical to plant growth because different wavelengths of light impact various processes like photosynthesis and flowering. These lights can closely mimic the sun’s rays, providing optimal light conditions for development.

B. Power efficiency

When comparing different models, take note of the wattage and estimated power consumption. Lower power consumption not only reduces your electricity bill but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly grow tent setup.

C. Coverage area

Ensure that the LED grow light you choose can adequately cover the entire canopy of your grow tent. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the coverage area and compare it with the dimensions of your grow tent. A light with insufficient coverage could result in uneven growth and lower yields.

D. Cooling system

LED grow lights generate heat, which can be detrimental to your plants if not managed correctly. A reliable cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and prolong the lifespan of your grow light. Look for models with built-in fans or heat sinks that effectively dissipate heat.

E. Durability and warranty

Check for high-quality materials and construction, and read customer reviews to gauge the product’s durability. Additionally, opt for grow lights with a good warranty to protect your investment in case of any issues.

III. The 8 best LED grow lights under $400

1. Double Spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Light:

The Double Spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Light is an innovative lighting solution for your indoor garden. This high-performance grow light provides a double spectrum, offering optimal lighting conditions for both the vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth. Here’s what you need to know about this top-notch grow light:

Brief product description: The Double Spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Light is designed to cater to the specific needs of plants during various growth phases. This energy-efficient light ensures that your indoor plants receive the ideal spectrum of light, promoting healthy growth and maximizing yield.
Key features: The grow light’s double spectrum feature allows it to support both vegetative and flowering stages, making it a versatile choice for any indoor gardener. Moreover, its energy-efficient design helps save on electricity costs while still providing the necessary light intensity for optimal plant growth.
Customer reviews and ratings: Although we couldn’t find specific reviews and ratings for the Double Spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Light, we can look at the highly-rated Spider Farmer SF-4000 LED Grow Light for comparison. This light has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5, with 94% of the reviews having 4 or 5 stars and 4% having 1 or 2 stars [1]. Satisfied customers mentioned its excellent heat dispersion as one of the product’s standout features.
Distance from the plant canopy: To ensure optimal light exposure, it’s essential to maintain the correct distance between the grow light and the plant canopy. Here’s a general rule of thumb to follow:

100 W = 8 – 12 inches away
200 – 399 W = 12 – 20 inches away
400 – 599 W = 20 – 30 inches away
600+ W = 30+ inches away [2]

In conclusion, the Double Spectrum Greenhouse LED Grow Light is a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution for your indoor garden. Its double spectrum feature and energy-saving design make it an attractive choice for gardeners looking to optimize plant growth while minimizing energy costs.

2. AC Infinity IONBOARD LED Grow Light:

The AC Infinity IONBOARD LED Grow Light is a top-tier lighting solution for your indoor garden. Designed with Samsung LM301B diodes, this grow light offers deep penetration and a dimmable full spectrum, ensuring that your plants receive optimal light conditions throughout all stages of growth. Here’s a closer look at this exceptional grow light:

Brief product description: The AC Infinity IONBOARD LED Grow Light is an indoor-specific, full-spectrum light designed to maximize plant yields. With its optimized spectrum and diode positioning, this grow light provides targeted lighting to support healthy plant growth in grow tents and greenhouses.
Key features: The IONBOARD LED Grow Light has 5 dimmable settings, allowing you to adjust the light intensity according to your plants’ needs. Its unibody aluminum boards enhance durability, while the daisy-chaining capabilities of the IONBOARD S44 version make it easy to use multiple lights in your setup. The grow light is equipped with high-quality Samsung LM301B LEDs, ensuring consistent and powerful lighting for your plants.
Customer reviews and ratings: The AC Infinity IONBOARD LED Grow Light has received positive reviews from customers, with one user praising it as an “amazing light for the money”. However, another user mentioned experiencing two power supply failures within a short time span. Overall, the IONBOARD LED Grow Light has 583 ratings on Amazon, indicating a popular choice among indoor gardeners.

In summary, the AC Infinity IONBOARD LED Grow Light is an outstanding option for indoor gardeners seeking a reliable, full-spectrum lighting solution. With its adjustable settings, high-quality diodes, and deep light penetration, this grow light ensures that your plants receive the ideal light conditions to thrive and produce high yields.

3. VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1000 LED Grow Light:

The VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1000 LED Grow Light is a powerful and efficient lighting solution for indoor gardeners. Designed with Samsung LM301B diodes, this grow light offers a balanced and full spectrum light output, promoting healthy growth and increased yields for your plants.

Brief product description: The VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1000 LED Grow Light is a 100W grow light featuring a new diode layout for a more uniform PAR map and deeper canopy penetration. The scientifically designed distribution of the LM301B diodes maximizes plant yields and ensures optimal light conditions throughout all stages of growth.
Key features: The P1000 LED Grow Light is lightweight, at around 5 lbs, making it easy to hang and set up. The ratchet straps included for hanging the light make adjusting the height a breeze. The P1000 has a mixed spectrum of 3500K, 6500K, and 660nm red, providing a balanced light output for various stages of plant growth.
Energy efficiency: Consuming only about 150W of power at full capacity, the VIPARSPECTRA P1000 is one of the most efficient LED grow lights on the market. While increasing your budget may lead to a marginally better light output per watt, the P1000 offers excellent performance at an affordable price.
Coverage area: The P1000 LED Grow Light is perfect for a 2’x2′ grow area, ensuring that your plants receive the right amount of light for healthy growth.

In conclusion, the VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1000 LED Grow Light is an exceptional choice for indoor gardeners looking for an efficient and powerful lighting solution. With its advanced diode layout, full spectrum light output, and easy setup, this grow light provides the ideal conditions for your plants to thrive and produce high yields.

4. BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow Light:

The BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow Light is a high-performance, full-spectrum grow light suitable for indoor gardening and hydroponic greenhouses.

Light output and coverage: The BESTVA 2000W LED Grow Light has a power consumption of 275 watts, which offers about 50% energy savings compared to HID lights. Despite its energy efficiency, it provides an impressive light output that can effectively replace a 1600 to 2000 watt HPS grow light.
Full spectrum: The BESTVA 2000W LED Grow Light provides a well-balanced, full-spectrum light output, which is crucial for the healthy growth of plants throughout all their life stages. It includes both VEG and BLOOM switches for easy control during vegetative and flowering stages.
Cooling system: An efficient cooling system is essential for the longevity and performance of any grow light. The BESTVA 2000W LED Grow Light features a robust and effective cooling system, ensuring that the light operates within an optimal temperature range of 68°F to 104°F.
Durability: The BESTVA 2000W LED Grow Light boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, which makes it a reliable and long-lasting lighting solution for your indoor garden.

In conclusion, the BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow Light offers an exceptional combination of powerful light output, energy efficiency, and durability.

5. VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1500 LED Grow Light:

The VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1500 LED Grow Light is an energy-efficient and powerful grow light designed for indoor horticulture enthusiasts. This grow light is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized grow areas and offers a host of features to ensure optimal plant growth.

Light Output and Efficiency: The P1500 LED Grow Light operates at full power and consumes approximately 150 watts of energy. When it comes to efficiency, VIPARSPECTRA lights are among the top choices on the market. Although investing more in your budget could improve light output per watt, the difference is only marginal.
Coverage: The VIPARSPECTRA P1500 LED Grow Light provides excellent coverage for a 2’x2′ grow area, ensuring uniform light distribution and optimal growth conditions for your plants. The PPFD light map can be viewed on the manufacturer’s website for more details.
Dimmable Function: One of the standout features of the VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1500 is the dimmable knob, which allows you to adjust the light output between 10% and 100%. This versatility makes it perfect for accommodating different stages of plant growth.
Cooling System: The VIPARSPECTRA P1500 LED Grow Light has a large heat sink built into the top of the light, ensuring that heat is effectively dissipated away from the bottom of the light and maintaining a cooler environment for your plants.
Wide Application: The VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series grow lights, including the P1500 model, are suitable for various indoor plants, ranging from lettuce, orchids, and strawberries to medical plants, catering to their needs from vegetative growth to flowering and fruiting stages.

In summary, the VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1500 LED Grow Light is an excellent choice for indoor gardeners seeking a powerful, energy-efficient, and versatile grow light. With features such as adjustable light output, an effective cooling system, and compatibility with a range of plant types, the P1500 LED Grow Light can help you achieve outstanding growth results in your indoor garden.

6. MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light:

The MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is a powerful and efficient full-spectrum grow light designed to cater to the needs of indoor plant enthusiasts. Boasting an array of features and impressive specifications, this grow light is an excellent choice for a wide range of plants. Let’s explore some of the key features of the MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light:

Full Spectrum and Efficiency: The MARS HYDRO TS 1000 is a 150W full-spectrum grow light, equipped with 354 LEDs that cover an area of up to 2.5×2.5 feet (76x76cm). This grow light produces 343 umol/m2s PPFD at 12 inches and has an impressive PPE value of 2.3 umol/J .
Dimmable and Daisy Chain Feature: The MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is dimmable between 0-100%, allowing you to customize the light intensity to suit different stages of plant growth. Additionally, it has a daisy chain feature, which enables you to connect multiple grow lights to enhance your indoor garden setup.
Package Options: The MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is available in two package options. One option includes the light, a timer plug, thermometer/hygrometer, soil moisture/PH meter, and a hanging kit. The second, more affordable option, includes just the light and hanging kit.
Energy Efficiency: The MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is designed to be energy efficient, consuming up to 50% less energy compared to traditional grow lights while providing the highest output of fraction/lumen.

In conclusion, the MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is a versatile and high-performing choice for indoor gardeners looking for an energy-efficient, full-spectrum grow light. With features such as dimmability, daisy chain capabilities, and various package options, the MARS HYDRO TS 1000W LED Grow Light is an excellent investment to enhance the growth and flowering of your indoor plants.

7. King Plus 1200W LED Grow Light:

The King Plus 1200W LED Grow Light is a powerful and efficient lighting solution for indoor gardeners looking to optimize plant growth and yield. With a compact design, advanced technology, and several noteworthy features, this grow light is an excellent addition to any indoor growing setup. Let’s delve into the key aspects of the King Plus 1200W LED Grow Light:

Size and Weight: The King Plus 1200W LED grow light measures 12.2×8.26×2.36 inches and weighs approximately 6.4 lbs. This compact size and lightweight design make it a great fit for grow tents and other indoor gardening spaces.
LED Configuration: This grow light panel consists of 100 LED lights arranged in 10 rows and 10 columns. These LEDs are 10W double chips, which are brighter and more efficient than traditional 3W and 5W LEDs. The grow light is engineered to maintain an optimal balance of PAR/Lumen output and coverage, ensuring a long lifespan for the LEDs.
Power Consumption: The King Plus 1200W LED grow light is compatible with a worldwide voltage range of 85V to 265V. Despite its high-power output, it consumes only around 320 watts of energy, providing maximum light for your plants while remaining energy-efficient.
Light Absorption: The high-powered 6-watt LED bulbs used in the King Plus 1200W LED grow light enables plants to absorb up to 90% of the light emitted [4].

In conclusion, the King Plus 1200W LED Grow Light is a powerful, energy-efficient, and versatile grow light solution for indoor gardeners. With its compact design, advanced LED technology, and impressive light absorption rates, this grow light is an excellent investment for those looking to enhance the growth and yield of their indoor plants.

8. MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light:

The MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light is a feature-packed and efficient grow light designed to provide optimal lighting conditions for your indoor plants. With a full spectrum design, Samsung diodes grow light offers excellent performance for a variety of plant growth stages.

Full Spectrum: The MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light provides a full spectrum of light to ensure healthy growth.
Samsung Diodes and Mean Well Driver: This grow light uses high-quality Samsung diodes and a reliable Mean Well driver, which contribute to its performance and durability.
Remote Control: The PB2000 Pro model includes a remote control for adjusting the light settings, making it easy to manage the grow light from a distance. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to manage multiple lights or adjust settings without disturbing the plants.
Performance: Some growers have found that doubling up on the MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light has led to improved yields and potency. However, it’s important to note that the spread and penetration of the light may be more suitable for single-plant growing due to its focused design.
User Reviews: The MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light has received positive feedback from growers for its coverage and budget-friendly price. Some users have mentioned that it’s a great light for new growers, especially those working with autoflowers.
Sturdiness: The MAXSISUN PB2000 Pro Grow Light is known for its sturdiness, making it a reliable option for indoor gardeners who require a durable and long-lasting lighting solution.

In summary, the MAXSISUN PB2000 LED Grow Light is a versatile and efficient lighting option for indoor gardeners. With its full spectrum design, quality components, and user-friendly remote control, this grow light provides a reliable and effective solution for supporting plant growth at various stages.

VI. Conclusion

We hope that our list of the 8 best LED grow lights under $400 has provided you with valuable insights and guidance in selecting the perfect lighting solution for your cannabis cultivation endeavors. Remember, investing in a high-quality LED grow light is a long-term commitment that can pay off in the form of healthier plants, higher yields, and reduced energy costs.