Which grow light to choose? Complete guide to LED, HPS, CMH and more
Plants need light for photosynthesis and growth. Do you want to know exactly how this process works? Read more about photosynthesis in plants.
Choosing the right grow light is essential for healthy plant growth and maximum yield. In this guide, we compare LED, HPS, CMH, and other grow lights, so you can easily make the best choice.
🌈 Light and plant growth: blue vs red light
Blue light stimulates growth, while red light promotes flowering. Do you want to know more about this? Then also read our article about light spectrum for plants and its effect on development.
⚡ Efficiency and PPFD of grow lights
| Lamp type | Lumen/W | µmol/J | Application | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 24–254 | 2.0–3.5 | Growth & flowering | Best all-round choice |
| HPS | 120–140 | 1.6–1.9 | Flowering | Lots of red light |
| CMH | 80–120 | 1.5–2.2 | Growth & flowering | Broad spectrum |
| MH | 70–100 | 1.3–1.7 | Growth | Lots of blue light |
| Induction | 70–90 | 1.0–1.5 | General | Long lifespan |
| Plasma | ±140 | 1.8–2.4 | Professional | Sunlight spectrum |
Please note: PPFD (µmol/J x Wattage per m²) indicates how much light plants can actually use. This is more important than lumens.
💡 LED grow lighting
LED grow lights are energy-efficient, produce little heat, and offer an optimal light spectrum.
- Up to 80% energy saving
- Long lifespan
- No ballast needed
- Healthier plants
🔆 CMH grow lighting
CMH lamps offer a more natural spectrum than HPS and are suitable for both growth and flowering.
☀️ Plasma grow lighting
Plasma lighting comes closest to sunlight and is mainly used professionally.
♾️ Induction grow lighting
Induction lamps have an extremely long lifespan and low heat generation.
🌻 HPS grow lighting
HPS lamps are powerful and especially suitable for the flowering phase, but less efficient than LED.
🌿 MH grow lighting
MH lamps are ideal for the growth phase due to the high blue light.
✅ Which grow light is best for you?
- LED: best all-round choice
- HPS: strong flowering
- CMH: high quality light
- MH: growth phase
🛒 Find the right grow light directly?
Choose energy-efficient and effective grow lighting with LED.
View LED grow lights❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the best grow light for beginners?
LED grow lights are the most user-friendly and energy-efficient.
What is better: LED or HPS?
LED is more efficient and produces less heat.
Do I need red and blue light?
Yes, both spectrums are essential for optimal growth and flowering.