Comparing grow lights suitable for a 5 x 5 grow area
I have tested 25 of the best grow lights for a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m grow tent and compare them for PAR output, efficiency and value for money.
The 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m grow area is one of the most popular grow tent sizes and also a common modular size for commercial grow setups. There are a large number of grow lights on the market for 5 x 5 grow areas including a lot of commercial grade fixtures so there is a lot of competition and great value for money.
Not your size? try here:
12 best grow lights for a 2 x 2 grow space (0.6m x 0.6m)
7 best grow lights for a 3 x 3 grow space (1m x 1m)
10 best grow lights for a 4 x 2 grow space (1.2m x .6m)
16 best grow lights for a 4 x 4 grow space (1.2m x 1.2m)
How many grow light watts for a 5 x 5?
To maximise the potential yield from the space you need LED grow light wattage of about 700 to 800 watts of high efficiency LED lighting to achieve an average of 750 to 850 µmols PAR intensity. Some fixtures are in the 1,000 watt range and designed to delivery very high average PAR intensity of about 1,200 µmols which would require CO2 supplementation to make use of the high light intensity.
Ideally the light fixture will be suitably sized to cover the area evenly i.e. the fixture is square and close to the physical size of the grow tent. The PAR chart is shown below for each model so you can judge the best solution for your grow space.
Comparison of grow light Spectrum
All of the lights have a mixture of mid temperature white LEDs with 660nm reds to improve their electrical and photosynthetic efficiency. Therefore all of the grow lights tested are full spectrum and suitable for growing from seed to harvest.
Grow light comparison method
The comparison chart uses the results from Shanes PAR output and efficiency tests to calculate and compare the total cost of each fixture to deliver an average PAR of 800µmols/m²/second over a 5ft x 5ft grow area over a 3 year period. The 3 year costing includes the cost of the fixture and adds the electricity costs at 16.8c/KW hour over 12 hours per day average.
Best value LED grow light 20245x5 grow space | 600 - 1,000 watts |
||||||||
| Make | Model | Grow area | Watts | USD $ Price |
Usable PPF*/ Watt |
Usable PPF* output | 3 year** elect. cost |
Total cost 3 years |
| Spider Farmer | G8600 | 5x5 | 867 | $659.00 | 2.57 | 2228 | $1,546.12 | $2,078.48 |
| Grow Light Science | Progrow 1800 | 5x5 | 672 | $420.00 | 2.4 | 1613 | $1,655.64 | $2,124.39 |
| MIGRO | ARAY 5X5 | 5x5 | 747 | $649.00 | 2.52 | 1882 | $1,576.80 | $2,197.38 |
| GML | Tarantula vulcan magma | 5x5 | 707 | $1,100.00 | 3.06 | 2163 | $1,298.54 | $2,213.76 |
| GML | Tarantula tent ultimate | 5x5 | 1025 | $1,200.00 | 2.72 | 2788 | $1,460.86 | $2,235.61 |
| HLG | Tomahawk 720W | 5x5 | 727 | $999.00 | 2.79 | 2028 | $1,424.21 | $2,310.75 |
| Photonican | Aurora 2000 | 5x5 | 684 | $599.00 | 2.4 | 1642 | $1,655.64 | $2,312.44 |
| Volt Grow | FL 1 | 5x5 | 625 | $449.00 | 2.23 | 1394 | $1,781.85 | $2,361.73 |
| Medicgrow | Smart 8 | 5x5 | 774 | $629.00 | 2.28 | 1765 | $1,742.78 | $2,384.35 |
| GML | Vulcan Nitro | 5x5 | 736 | $1,100.00 | 2.78 | 2046 | $1,429.33 | $2,397.03 |
| MARS Hydro | FC6500 | 5x5 | 744 | $700.00 | 2.36 | 1756 | $1,683.70 | $2,401.31 |
| Volt Grow | Storm 8 | 5x5 | 746 | $999.00 | 2.65 | 1977 | $1,499.45 | $2,409.05 |
| Mammoth | Mint Evo | 5x5 | 680 | $799.00 | 2.52 | 1714 | $1,576.80 | $2,416.09 |
| Hydrofarm | Photobio MX | 5x5 | 684 | $680.00 | 2.32 | 1587 | $1,712.73 | $2,484.06 |
| Parfactworks | ZE700 | 5x5 | 695 | $665.00 | 2.29 | 1592 | $1,735.17 | $2,487.27 |
| Groplanner | 640W LED | 5x5 | 627 | $549.00 | 2.22 | 1392 | $1,789.88 | $2,499.83 |
| HLG | Diablo X | 5x5 | 717 | $1,299.00 | 2.89 | 2072 | $1,374.93 | $2,503.33 |
| Tubu Lightmyleaf | 800W | 5x5 | 702 | $659.00 | 2.24 | 1572 | $1,773.90 | $2,528.25 |
| Spider Farmer | SE1000 | 5x5 | 995 | $1,029.00 | 2.3 | 2289 | $1,727.62 | $2,536.98 |
| Floraflex | 650 8bar | 5x5 | 675 | $804.00 | 2.37 | 1600 | $1,676.60 | $2,581.24 |
| HPS 1,000W | DE 400V | 5X5 | 1080 | $200.00 | 1.58 | 1706 | $2,514.90 | $2,725.87 |
| Hortibloom | Solux 650 | 5x5 | 633 | $699.00 | 2.15 | 1361 | $1,848.16 | $2,772.66 |
| HLG | 650 Scorpion Diablo | 5x5 | 660 | $1,299.00 | 2.7 | 1782 | $1,471.68 | $2,783.80 |
| Hortibloom | Mega Eco 720 | 5x5 | 714 | $799.00 | 2.11 | 1507 | $1,883.19 | $2,837.83 |
| Lumatek/Photontek | XT1000 | 5x5 | 1014 | $1,700.00 | 2.45 | 2484 | $1,621.85 | $2,853.59 |
| Lumatek/Photontek | 600W Pro (US ) | 5x5 | 626 | $1,000.00 | 2.33 | 1459 | $1,705.38 | $2,939.46 |
| Sanlight | EVO 5 x 2 | 5x5 | 664 | $1,290.00 | 2.43 | 1614 | $1,635.20 | $3,074.29 |
| * Usable PPF is the amount of PAR light reaching the plant canopy in a system test with reflective walls | ||||||||
| ** 3 year electricity cost to deliver average 800 µmols/m²/sec usable PPF for 12 hours per day at US national average of 16.8c per Kw hour | ||||||||
| *** 3 year electricity cost + fixture cost to deliver average 800 µmols/m²/sec | ||||||||
List of the best grow lights for a 5x5 grow tent
MIGRO ARAY 5X5
The MIGRO ARAY 5X5 is 750 watts and a foldable LED grow light with remote LED driver as standard which can be located outside of the grow tent.
The ARAY 5X5 is designed for a 5ft x 5ft (1.5m x 1.5m) grow area with the following features:
- Full spectrum - grow from seed to harvest
- High Efficiency 2.7 - high PAR - low power
- 4290 LEDs - intelligent spacing - uniform spread
- Supersized heatsinks - LEDs run cool for longer life
- Power supply remote mounted - reduce heat for longer life
- Dimming - on board - daisy chain - external controller compatible
The MIGRO ARAY 5X5 750W LED grow light delivers high PAR and incredibly uniform intensity over a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m grow space.
Beautifully designed and built to last. The new ARAY design is a culmination of innovation in LED grow lights and at a great price too.
Spider Farmer G8600
This light is from the G Series by Spider Farmer badged as the 'Cost Effective' range of lights. I had low expectations but was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of this light and especially the performance.
I tested it in a 5x5 or 1.5m x 1.5m at a relatively low hanging height of 12" or 30cm and recorded an average PAR of 989 µmols and a system efficiency of 2.57 usable PPFD/watt. This is a very high average PAR and just on the limit of requiring elevated CO2 to utilise the high PAR intensity. You could argue it would be better to hang a little higher for more even PAR distribution and a slightly lower average PAR.
Grow Light Science Progrow 1800
The ProGrow 1800 by Grow Light Science is the best value light for sale in the US I have ever tested.
At $420 for a 680 watt fixture it is incredible value. A well built 8 bar folding bar light with Samsung Whites, Ledestar 660nm reds and a high efficiency LED driver. The fixture is suitable for commercial setups, ETL listed and DLC certified and eligible for energy rebates.
However I was concerned that the fixture runs hot. After warming up the LED bars are almost too hot to touch indicating that long term reliability of the fixture may not be very good. This is of particular concern because the LEDs are housed behind acrylic covers and the LED drivers are built into the hot running frame.
I tested it in a 5x5 area at 18" hanging height and it delivers 716 µmols average to the plant canopy with a uniform spread and a system efficiency of 2.4 usable PPF/watt. An excellent result for a light at this price point.
Grand Master LEDs Tarantula Vulcan Magma
Congratulations to Grand Master LEDs on a new efficiency record with their new Tarantula Vulcan Magma LED grow light.
Tested in a 5ft x 5ft space at 16" and taking 100 ePAR measurements the fixture delivers an average PAR of 960 µmols/m²/second and consumes 707 watts at the wall. The total PAR delivered divided by the consumed power is 3.06 usable PPF per watt. A new record for lights tested on this channel.
The fixture is a foldable light with 8 LED panels. The LEDs used are cool white Samsung LM301H and Osram 660nm reds. The LEDs are silicone coated to protect them from dirt and moisture and the fixture is IP66 rated. The power supply is a high efficiency LED driver by Inventronics with on board dimming from 10 to 100% and RJ11 connectors for daisy chain and external controller compatibility.
Grand Master LEDs Tarantula tent ultimate
The Tarantula Tent sets itself apart by offering what must me the most uniform 5x5 light distribution possible.
Unique Cutting-Edge Diode Configuration: Equipped with an impressive 5000 diodes. This unique diode configuration was personally designed by Grand Master Level. Features Evo Mint White Diodes with IP66 Silicone coat on diodes.
The Tarantula Tent's Spectrum has a dual blue wavelength 437nm & 450nm. The Tent light also has 730nm on the same channel.
The light has a plug and play driver box that has RJ ports and a manual potentiometer. You can get an extension for the driver to be mounted outside the tent.
Fixture size is 56" by 56" designed specifically for a 5 by 5 tent. Offering a solution in the far corners to have better uniformity. The fixture was tested in a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5 space at 12" or 30cm hanging height.
The performance is excellent but the build quality is not very good. The LED bars had to be forced onto the end beams with an assembly system which is over engineered and the construction tolerances are not good.
HLG Tomahawk 720W
Congratulations to HLG for their new Tomahawk 720W LED grow light for a 5f x 5ft grow space.
The new Tomahawk power is 720 watts and is a new LED bar grow light design with folded white reflectors to better direct the light onto the plant canopy delivering very uniform light distribution. The LEDs are Samsung cool whites and Osram 660nm reds The light delivers 2.79 usable PPF per watt. A great result for a fixture at this price point.
Photonician Aurora 2000
The Photonican Aurora 2000 LED grow light is designed for a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m grow area.
It is a full spectrum LED grow light which is a mid colour temperature white (3600K) with added 660nm red diodes for increased system and photosynthetic efficiency. The LEDs are coated with silicone to protect them from dirt and moisture.
The fixture has a high quality Inventronics LED driver which fits neatly onto the top of the led bar light. The driver has onboard dimming control and ports for daisy chain dimming of multiple units simultaneously.
It is an 8 bar 680 watt fixture which delivers an average PAR of 730 µmols/m²/second over the 5 x 5 grow space. The total PAR output divides by it's consumed power results in a system efficiency of 2.4 µmols/watt or usable PPF per watt.
This is a good quality fixture, shipped in discrete packaging, comes with a 5 year warranty and 30 days free return for US customers. The light will also be available in Europe soon. Photonican also provides lighting controller, UV/IR bars and other lighting accessories.
Volt Grow FL1
This is a new grow light from Volt Lighting called the Volt Grow FL-1 The light is of solid construction and has onboard dimming and multiple units can be controlled simultaneously.
The system efficiency is impressive at 2.24 µmols/watt at 18" or 45cm hanging height in a 5ftx 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m grow space with reflective walls, a very good result for a fixture so competitively priced.
GML Vulcan Nitro
This fixture has more diodes than any other fixture in the world with equal wattage.
The Nitro uses LM301H, LM301H EVO, LM301H EVO MINT. Osram 450nm, 660nm, 730nm. Of the 5400 diodes the fixture itself is 70% Evo Diodes. All the absolute highest bins Both.
The second channel has Far Red. Dual blue wavelength 437nm & 450nm.
All LEDs are IP66 with silicone coated diodes .
Drivers are Inventronics which are a high quality and efficiency LED driver. The driver box is plug and play with RJ ports for connecting to a controller. The Driver Box has built in Timers for the White channel and far red so you can control them independently without a controller. There is an extension for the driver if you do not want to mount it on the fixture.
This model changed from the previous black because there was a difference of 4.9% in usable light having it white.
MARS Hydro FC6500
Mars Hydro FC6500 Smart LED Grow Light comes equipped with advanced features for remote control and data transfer, enabling easy mobile access to your grow light via the Mars Hydro app on your phone or tablet.
This convenient feature allows for effortless control of the grow light and scheduling of grow plans, all at your fingertips, from wherever you may be. All data and settings are stored and transferred using OTA (Over The Air) technology, ensuring seamless and efficient data transfer between devices.
MARS HYDRO FC6500 features:
-Samsung LM301B diodes
-Wifi/Bluetooth Remote Control On The Cellphone (by Mars Hydro APP)
-Dimmable and dimming daisy chain
The fixture delivers high and uniform PAR intensity over a 5ft x 5ft space and a system efficiency of 2.51 usable PPF per watt.
Volt Grow Storm 8
The Voltgrow Storm 8 is a 750 Watt LED Grow Light designed for a 5 x 5 area delivering a high efficiency and PAR intensity.
Easily assembled and high quality construction with a range of Volt Grow controller options for commercial and home setup. It is a full spectrum grow light with a high proportion of red in the spectrum for high photosynthetic efficiency.
The Storm 8 was tested in its specified 5ft x 5ft area at the recommended hanging height or 18" or 45cm and delivers an excellent system efficiency.
This fixture has a relatively high price but is highly efficient and is therefore cheaper to run over time.
Mammoth Mint Evo
The new Mammoth Lighting Mint White series 6 bar 680 watt LED grow light for a 5x5 grow space.
Mammoth have combined cool and warm white Samsung LM301Bs with 660nm deep reds, 730nm far reds and the new Samsung LM301H Mint Evo LEDs. The Mint Evos shift the blue peak from 450m to 437nm which Samsung report delivers higher photosynthetic efficiency, stimulates production of secondary metabolites and the spectrum inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
This is not a cheap fixture but it is high efficiency. The fixture was tested in a 5ft x 5ft space at its recommended hanging height of 18" or 45cm and delivers an excellent system efficiency of 2.52 usable PPF per watt
Hydrofarm Photobio MX
Hydrofarm is a big player in indoor growing equipment in the US and their LED lighting brand Photobio has released a flagship LED grow light, the 680W Phantom MX.
It is a commercial grade fixture which is DLC listed and IP 65 rated for a wet area. The driver has long 10ft or 3.5m power cable, can be hung remotely and is fully controllable with iLOC Integrated Light Output Control and also has an onboard manual dimmer.
The light output is full spectrum and the system efficiency result in our test was 2.32 µmols/watt (usable PPF/watt) when hung at 20" or 50cm over a 5x5 (1.5m x 1.5m) test area with silver mylar walls.
Parfactworks ZE700
The PARFACTWORKS ZE700 is a large grow light for a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m space.
It features three spectrum channel output:
Channel 1: VEG, 5000K cool white LEDs (330W) Samsung LM301H
Channel 2: Bloom, 3000K warm white LEDs Samsung LM301H, 660nm Reds and Far red diodes (330W)
Channel 3: UVA LEDs (30W)
With all channels on the average PAR intensity in a 5 x 5 (1.5m x 1.5m) of 708µmols/m²/sec at 18 inches (45cm) and a system efficiency of 2.29 µmols/watt which is excellent for this price point.
Groplanner 640W
The I series of LED grow lights by Groplanner are good quality and a very good efficiency LED grow light.
I suspected the acrylic cover over the LEDs would reduce PAR output. However this light delivers a very good system efficiency of 2.22 µmols/watt (usable PPF/watt) at 16" or 40cm hanging height in a 5 x 5 (1.5M x 1.5M) grow area and an average PAR intensity of 619 µmols/m²/sec which is a good performance level.
HLG Diablo X
The new Diablo X power is increased 10% to 720 watts and is a new design with folded white reflectors to better direct the light onto the plant canopy delivering very uniform light distribution.
The boards are the new QB548 Quantum board with the highest efficiency Samsung LM301BEvo or LM301H Evo depending on the model chosen.
The Spectrum has increased red output for higher electrical and photosynthetic efficiency using either Samsung V4 or Osram V5 660nm reds Overall spectrum output is 20% Blue, 32% Green and 48% Red
Congratulations to HLG for achieving the highest ever efficiency result in our PAR tests at 2.89 µmols per watt or usable PPF per watt and 717 watts consumed. The average PAR in a 5x5 at 16" hanging height ad reflective walls was 992 µmol/m²/second.
Tubu Lightmyleaf 800W
The Lightmyleaf 800W LED grow light by TUBU is a foldable LED bar type light which will cover an area up to 6ft x 6ft for flowering.
It requires a small amount of assembly but also comes in very compact packaging for such a big fixture. The Light output is full spectrum and suitable for growing from seed to harvest.
The LED driver is dimmable and can be daisy chained so that multiple fixtures can be controlled together.
I tested in a 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m area and the average PAR reaching the plant canopy at 35cm hanging height was 832 µmols/m/second. A very high performance level which will maximise the yield from that size grow area. The power consumed was 833 watts and the system efficiency is 2.24 µmols/watt, an excellent result for a fixture at this price point.
Spider Farmer SE1000
Spider Farmer SE1000W is a powerful light, really a high-quality fixture designed for experienced growers who demand high-performance and high yield.
The SE1000 includes the following features:
-High-end Samsung LM301B diodes, delivers a balanced full spectrum and uniform PPFD over 1,000 µmols/m²/sec.
-Detachable bars and driver, simple installation and flexible use.
-Dimmable from 10% to 100% brightness, designed for full cycle growing from seedling to harvest.
-Dimming daisy chain function allows multiple lights to be controlled together by a master light.
-DLC,CE,UL certified.
The fixture was tested in a 5ft x 5ft area at 16" hanging height and delivered a good system efficiency of 2.3 usable PPF per watt
Floraflex 650W 8 bar
This is a high performance and high quality LED grow light from Floraflex, a new entrant to the LED grow light market.
System efficiency performance of 2.42 Usable PPF per watt is right up there and it delivers an average PAR of 726µmols/m²sec across a 5x 5 grow space. . Full spectrum output for growing from seed to flower, easy to assemble, on board dimming with connectivity to control multiple units and with extra long 10ft power cable, this light ticks all the boxes.
Hortibloom Solux 650
The Solux 650 from Hortibloom is a replacement fixture for a 1,000W HPS. It is a compact fixture with a small footprint which is ideal for its commercial application.
The build quality is heavy duty and the fixture is IP65 rated so it is suitable for a damp and humid environment.
The two LED panels can tilt 30 degrees from horizontal to adjust the overall spread of the fixture in its targeted 5ft x 5ft or 1.5m x 1.5m coverage area.
The light output is full spectrum with 14% Blue, 30% green and 46% red, ideal for growing from seed to harvest.
I tested the fixture in a 5 x 5 area at 2ft (60cm) hanging height. The fixture consumes 633 watts from the wall and delivers an average PAR of 607 µmols resulting in a system efficiency of 2.15 µmols/watt or usable PPF per watt. This is 50% more efficient than a double ended 1,000W HPS with a large, high quality, reflector.
HLG 650 Scorpion diablo
he Scorpion Diablo is the flagship grow light from the Horticultural Lighting Group. It includes 6 of their highest efficiency diablo quantum boards and a Meanwell driver combining to make an ultra efficient LED grow light. The spectrum is a cool white with a large % of blue in the spectrum to promote short and dense growth and suitable for growing from seed to harvest.
The 660W fixture is specified for a 5ft x 5ft grow area and we tested it at their recommended hanging height of 18 inches which we found to be perfectly optimised at that distance. The result was outstanding, a system efficiency of 2.7 µmols/watt or usable PPF/watt. This is the highest result of any grow light tested so far!! The spread of light is also very good and the average PAR intensity of 792 µmols/m2/second is a very high performance level.
Hortibloom Mega Eco 720
The Hortibloom Mega Eco 720 is a commercial grade LED bar light which is incredible value for money and has a dedicated far red output channel.
The Powerland driver is mounted on the back and has onboard dimming and connections for daisy chain dimming control also.
The light is hung on 2 x hanging points on the driver bracket or at each end of the fixture. The coverage is 5ft x 5ft and can be hung at 2ft above the plant canopy.
The LEDs are Samsung LM281B and warm and cool whites and additional 660nm Reds to increase electrical and photosynthetic efficiency. There is an acrylic cover over the LEDs sealing them from dirt and moisture ingress. There is also a separate 730nm Infra Red switch which diverts some power to turn on the 730nm diodes when switched on. The light output is full spectrum with an overall color temperature of 4000K, suitable for full cycle growing from seed to harvest.
I tested the light in a 5ft x 5ft space with reflective walls at 16inches or 40cm hanging height (a little lower than the recommended 2ft or 60cm).The power consumed was 714 watts and the average PAR was 669 µmols across the test area. The system efficiency of the fixture is 2.11 µmols/watt or usable PPF/watt. Overall a very well built fixture with good efficiency and high specifications suitable for commercial applications.
Photontek XT1000
The Photontek XT 1000W CO2 PRO LED grow light is a high quality fixture, exactly what we would expect from this long established grow light company (Their parent brand Lumatek has been producing high quality grow lighting equipment for almost two decades). It is easy to assemble and hang, the finish is excellent and has all the features you would expect from a commercial fixture including: High Efficiency High quality LEDs (Philips Lumiled and Osram) Control systems compatibility IP65 (we room rated) 5 year warrant.
The Photontek XT 1000 CO2 PRO was setup in our 5ft x 5ft test area and hung at 20". We took 100 measurements of PAR intensity (PPFD) on a 10 x 10 grid across the target area (simulating a plant canopy) with an Apogee SQ500 Quantum sensor. The target area was surrounded with highly reflective material to simulate real world performance in a grow tent environment. The result is extremely impressive. The power consumed at the wall was 1,014 watts and the average PAR of 1,104 µmols/m²/sec in a 5ft x 5ft grow area means the Photontek XT 1000 CO2 PRO has a real world system efficiency of 2.45 µmols/watt (usable PPF/watt).
Sanlight Evo 5 x 2
The EVO series of LED grow lights by Sanlight are a very high quality and performance fixture. Part of an extensive range of modular LED grow lights ranging in physical size and wattage, the EVO 5 is their largest and most powerful module.
This fixture has many great features including: Secondary lenses covering the LEDs to direct the light and protect the LEDs Dimming with option of bluetooth mesh control Full spectrum light output with added far red Modular system with unique hanging system and excellent light spread IP65 for use in wet areas
Not your size? try here:
12 best grow lights for a 2 x 2 grow space (0.6m x 0.6m)
7 best grow lights for a 3 x 3 grow space (1m x 1m)
10 best grow lights for a 4 x 2 grow space (1.2m x .6m)
16 best grow lights for a 4 x 4 grow space (1.2m x 1.2m)
