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The 4 Best LED Grow Lights Under $100 of 2023
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Are you a budget-conscious indoor gardener looking for affordable yet effective LED grow lights? Look no further! This guide will explore the 4 best LED grow lights under $100 that offer excellent value for your tight budget.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: VIPARSPECTRA P1000 LED
- Best Performance: Cultiuana CT-100 LED
- Best Adjustable: SANSI 2-Head Clip-On LED
- Best Thermal Control: VIVOSUN VS1000E LED
Best Overall: VIPARSPECTRA P1000 LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Price | $79.99 |
Product highlights
With an affordable price tag and a reputation for efficiency in small spaces, the VIPARSPECTRA P1000 LED grow light was the perfect solution to my indoor gardening ambitions. I have used this device for over 6 months in my chilli garden.
From the moment I opened the box, I could tell it was built to last. Despite its sturdy construction, it has perfect dimensions and weight, making it easy to handle and install. In addition, the included instructions guided me through the ideal lighting level and exposure time for each stage of the plant’s growth.
At 100% intensity, this type of grow light shines beautifully on my plants, providing them with the perfect amount of light they need to grow with negligible heat. I especially appreciate the dimmer knob, which allows me to adjust the intensity for my home garden from germination, seedling, and vegetative growth stages to flowering growth stages.
The only improvement I can suggest is the addition of a built-in timer. While I managed to get around this by purchasing a separate timer for the outlet, integrating it into the device would be a nifty feature.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-designed
- Easy setup with ratcheting hangers
- Provides ample illumination for plants
- Adjustable lighting intensity
Cons
- No built-in timer
Best Performance: Cultiuana CT-100 LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Price | $89 |
Product highlights
The Cultiuana CT-100 LED grow light under $100 has the same performance as the VIPARSPECTRA P1000 LED in many functions. So I was very deliberate in leaving it in second place.
With 372 LEDs and three colours (red, yellow, and infrared), this device provides a full spectrum resembling natural sunlight. Thus, it ensures vigorous plant growth in my 2 x 2 growing space. The CT-100’s standout feature is its impressive and high-performance PPFD of 1050 µmol/m²/s at only 12 inches. In other words, its LED light is evenly distributed across the plants.
Also, I’m pleased with its heat dissipation design, as it effectively keeps my plants cool, even during the hottest hours of the day. It works quietly, ensuring a peaceful environment for my plants. In terms of dimmer function, this unit has a simple dimmer knob that allows me to change the intensity from 0 to 10 volts as needed.
Regarding energy efficiency, I noticed an immediate saving in my energy bill compared to my previous HPS lighting. But like the VIPARSPECTRA P1000 LED, it also doesn’t have a built-in timer. Furthermore, I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the 3-year warranty offered in the USA. It gives me confidence in the quality and durability of the product.
In summary, its full spectrum, high efficiency, impressive PPFD, heat dispersion design, user-friendly dimmer, and energy savings make it a great investment under $100 for growers.
Pros
- High performance
- Work best with a 2 x 2 grow tent
- Have a heat-dispersing design
- Simple dimming with a knob
Cons
- No built-in timer
Best Adjustable: SANSI 2-Head Clip-On LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 20 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Price | $77.97 |
Product highlights
SANSI Clip-on LED, with its compact size and versatile design, has exceeded my expectations and become an invaluable addition to my botanical collection. With the perfect amount of additional light, I successfully covered all four Monstera plants, ensuring their healthy growth and development.
The standout feature of this device is its versatility and ease of use. The adjustable 360° goosenecks allow me to direct the light exactly where needed, whether on a shelf or a bookcase.
Besides, the clip holds the device firmly in place, and I appreciate the padding on each side that helps prevent scratches. Also, the cord length is just enough to reach a nearby outlet without any problems. In addition, two on-and-off switches for each bulb provide convenience and control. It allows me to tailor the lighting schedule to the specific needs of my plants.
About SANSI Grow Light Performance: This lighting device has had a transformative effect on my Monstera plants. But note that it has no dimmer function and a built-in timer. Before using this device, my Monstera had lost its fenestrations. But combined with this device, the newest leaf has 5 fenestrations, a significant improvement.
In short, its versatility, ease of use, and efficiency make it value for money. Your home plants will thrive and benefit from the outstanding performance of this lighting device.
Pros
- Versatile and adjustable with a gooseneck design and a convenient clamp
- Have dual on/off switches
- Effective for starting plants
- No heat
Cons
- No dimmer function
- No built-in timer
Best Thermal Control: VIVOSUN VS1000E LED
Specifications
| Wattage | 100 watts |
| Spectrum | Full |
| Price | $69.99 |
Product highlights
The 4 pick on this list stands out for its thermal control. The VIVOSUN VS1000E LED works much better than the other options on this list.
Its aluminium heatsink efficiently dissipates heat, allowing more energy to be converted into light than heat. This feature improves its efficiency and keeps the temperature in the growing area at an optimal level. In addition, the VS1000E runs smoothly, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed environment for both me and my plants.
Besides, equipped with 238 Samsung diodes, it delivers an impressive output of 2.5 umol/J while consuming only 100 watts of power. Regarding spectrum, it offers 3000K, 5000K, 660nm, and 750 nm light. So it is suitable for many different plant species. I’ve tested it with my tomato and chilli plants, and it provides the right lighting source for both.
Also, not only is it cheap, but safety is also a top priority for me, and I appreciate that the VS1000E comes with an ETL-certified safe driver. This driver is isolated from the LED panel, minimising the risk of electric shock.
Pros
- High efficiency
- Efficient heat sink
- Have ETL-certified safe driver
- Come with an extra set of hangers and is IP65 waterproof
Cons
- No dimmer function
- No built-in timer
Conclusion
I have explored the 5 best LED grow lights under $100 that offer exceptional value for tight budgets. From the VIPARSPECTRA P1000 with high efficiency to the SANSI 2-Head Clip-on with an adjustable design, each option on this list delivers impressive features that contribute to healthy plant development.
Start growing with these options under $100 if you have a tight budget!
FAQs
<strong>Is a 100-watt grow light good?</strong>
Not always, a 100-watt lighting device is for small-scale or low-light plants, seedlings, or supplemental lighting. However, a higher-wattage lighting device may be suitable for optimal growth and yield for larger plants or growing areas.
<strong>How much coverage can a 1000-watt grow light cover?</strong>
It depends. Generally, a 1000W LED can effectively cover an area of around 7 x 7 feet to 8 x 8 feet, accommodating several plants.
<strong>Are 12 hours of grow light too much?</strong>
No, 12 hours of grow light is typically considered the standard for the vegetative stage of plant growth. But for the flowering or fruiting stage, most plants require a longer uninterrupted dark period, usually around 12–14 hours, to trigger flowering and promote optimal yield.
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