If you are interested in indoor gardening, then you might have read the best grow light review or even come across different grow lamp brands in the market. You might even come across a COB LED light when searching for your next grow light.
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So what is a COB grow lamp or grow light and what are the best COB grow lights out there? Does it perform better than the most common best LED grow light in the market? Let us find out in this article.
Though COB grow lights may not currently be as popular as other LED lights on the market, this may simply be because a lot of people don’t realize the advantages of using COB LED grow lights over traditional grow lamps for growing indoor plants. In this article, let us explore some of the best COB LED grow lights for your indoor plants.
But why? Why choose a COB LED grow light over the more traditional models like SMD LEDs? And if you do decide to invest in one, which is the best COB LED grow light for your type of indoor grow room?
We’ll help you answer these questions and more as we take a closer look at COB LED grow lights and give you our pick for the best ones on the market today.
Before we get to the reviews, let’s take a look at why COB LED chips are better. I’ll keep this brief, since you’ve probably already done the research on this, or you would not have found yourself on this page. This article has more info.
The advantages of chip-on-board LEDs are:
Compactness: far more LEDs fit into a much smaller space, meaning more output from a smaller area
High-Intensity: since more LEDs are packed into a smaller space, the light is more intense, meaning deeper canopy penetration
Design simplicity: only use 1 circuit with 2 contacts to energize all the chips on the COB array, reducing the number of components needed
Lower failure rate: due to lower heat generation and better heat dissipation and fewer welding points (since each chip is mounted directly on the substrate, instead of soldered in place), quality COBs have a lower failure rate
ECO Farm 450W CREE CXB COB LED Grow Light
Features:
ECO Farm COB LED grow lights provide plants in all stages from vegetables to flowers in natural light. This produces larger shoots and higher yields while saving energy costs. The structure is sturdy and durable, with a refractory iron shell. Suitable for every growth stage. Upgraded aluminum heat sinks and advanced high-speed silent fans are perfect for cooling. Fits 5*3 feet. For at least 4–6 plants! Spend more on product quality, safety factors and environmental impact. Compared to traditional HPS grow lights, this LED grow light can help you save more energy and money. 380nm-850nm advanced full spectrum including UV and IR.
SunStream 600W COB LED Grow Light
Features:
This COB grow light features a balanced blue, red, and white spectrum emitted by an upgraded 10-watt dual-chip LED, making it more energy efficient and producing higher yields. 60 optical lens LEDs ensure the concentration and dispersion of light, reducing light loss by 50%, and the 90–120 degree mixing position further amplifies PAR and increases the penetration rate of the canopy by up to 200%. Extensively tested full-spectrum design, which includes universal blue, red-infrared, ultraviolet, and white light, provides nearly all the energy plants need in natural sunlight. Multiple air vents, large aluminum radiator and low-noise high-speed cooling fan.
Optic 4 Gen4 Dimmable COB LED Grow Light 370W (UV/IR) K & K
Features:
The LEDs in the Optic 4 fixture are equivalent to a 600-watt HPS bulb in terms of their output. Both the COBs and the supplemental diodes have the power to penetrate deep below the canopy. Secondary lenses focus the light even further and increase the PAR output by up to 200%. The recommended hanging height during flowering is 18–30 inches. During vegging, it is 30 to 36 inches. For seedlings, hang the light at 36 inches. This gives you a 3.3 by 3.3 coverage area during flowering and a 4 by 4 area during vegging. The COBs and the Samsung diodes deliver a full-spectrum white light that is great for all stages of growth, The CREE supplemental LEDs add red and blue to give plants even more of the wavelengths they need the most.
SMD (Surface Mounted Device) LEDs are the most common LED grow light you can find on the market.
Though both SMDs and COBs share similar characteristics such as wide light spectral spectrum, long lifespan, and efficient light output, here are some of the key winning points of COBs over SMDs.
Improved Lumen Density
Since COBs can be packed with more LED chips on the same substrate than SMD, it has a stronger light intensity and higher uniformity.
More Focused Light
Because more led chips are contained within an area and with the support of a reflector, the light produced is denser. With the use of a reflector, you can have a stronger and more vibrant light intensity for flowering plants.
Smaller Size
A 200 lumen COB LED array can be much smaller than a 200 lumen SMD because COB makes better uses of the space.
Less Heat
Because fewer components are used to make these LEDs, and the thermal sink is pointed toward the circuit board, COBs tend to emit less heat than traditional LEDs. But the material of the COB substrate, the heat sink structure and the board circuit design play (Source) an important role in heat distribution. That’s why you should look for a quality COB LED.
However, you also must know the downsides.
COBs Have Less Versatility Than SMD LEDs.
Even though you cannot have as many as LED chips on each array, SMDs allow accommodating more than one contact. And a single chip can have up to 3 diodes — each diode also has a separate circuit. This permit the SMD chips to have multiple colors — blue, red, green diode. Also, you can mix these colors by changing the light output of each color.
Meanwhile, even though COB LEDs have many diodes, they only accommodate 2 contacts and 1 circuit. That means you often see that COB LEDs produce a single color wavelength from time to time, and you cannot adjust it like other SMD LED lights.
SMDs Generate More Widespread Light Output.
It gives more light distribution than COBs. In this sense, traditional SMDs have better light coverage and penetration for the plant canopy, which makes it more convenient to grow in an opener grow area.
Thanks for sticking with me in this lengthy multi-angle review. My goal is to group the best performing COBs currently available. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. These aren’t the cheapest COB LED grow lights, but they are the best.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the best LED grow light for your grow room. Even with in-depth knowledge, expert testing, and customer feedback, it's hard to figure out what makes the best LED's for you.
That's why we got to work and broke down everything you need to know about LED grow lights. From diodes to wavelengths and more, we've outline everything you should look for in an LED. But before we go further, let's talk about the top LED lights that exemplify everything you should look for to grow your plants:
$779.95 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (37 Reviews)
If high intensity and great coverage are a must for your grow room, this spread style LED grow light bar should be at the top of your list.
With a peak PPFD of 1,125, this is LED ideal for plants at all stages of growth for 4 to 5 plants. And thanks to its spread style design, you'll get maximum coverage at optimal levels across your canopy at all times, unlike other lights that have hot spots in the middle and weak coverage on the edges.
With an optimal blend of 60% k, 30% k, and 10% 660nm wavelengths for a dimmable, full spectrum of light for maximum light coverage. So if you're looking to for an LED grow light that'll outshine and outgrow its w HID counterparts (at nearly 50% of the electrical cost), this is the grow light you need.
✔ HID Equivalent: w
✔ PAR: µmol/s
✔ Vegging Footprint: 5x5ft
✔ Flowering Footprint: 4x4ft
✔ Covers Up to 4-5 Plants
$399.95 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (11 Reviews)
If you're growing in a closet or small corner and need maximum intensity, this is the light you need. The dual lens diodes and 3w chips in each one make the perfect light for 2-3 flowering plants.
Not only is it user-friendly — it’s also high-quality, providing you with plenty of PAR and even an added bit of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) to promote robust growth of resins and oils.
With a coverage area of 10.5sqft, this light is perfect if you’re restricted in terms of space, or you just want to start small with huge intensity. This LED grow light will get you the intensity and coverage you need for your compact grow.
✔ HID Equivalent: 250w
✔ PAR: 275 µmol/s
✔ Vegging Footprint: 3.5x2.5ft
✔ Flowering Footprint: 2x2ft
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Cob Led 600w. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
✔ Covers Up to 3 Plants
$649.00 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (39 Reviews)
Working with a 4x4 grow area? Realistically, any of the LED grow lights on this list could work for you, but this specific grow light is the perfect fit and best design for that size of grow tent thanks to its wide spread.
The diodes in this LED provide plants with even, strong blue, red, and UV light from each bar with a PPFD of 1,090. That’s the perfect amount of light for 3 to 4 plants in a 4x4 area.
Even better, it’s also highly efficient and dimmable! Though it only draws 420w of power, its output is equivalent to an 800w HPS grow light. You’ll be able to adjust as necessary based on your plants’ needs, all while keeping temperatures from reaching extreme highs but still providing great light intensity.
✔ HID Equivalent: 800w
✔ PAR: 1,090 µmol/s
✔ Vegging Footprint: 4x4ft
✔ Flowering Footprint: 3x3ft
✔ Covers Up to 4 Plant
$149.00 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (27 Reviews)
This LED grow light is perfect for beginners or anyone just looking for an easy experience. This is thanks to the fact that it’s super lightweight and simple in design. Not to mention it has a passive heat regulating system, so you won't have to stress over things getting too hot in your grow room.
Of course, ease of use doesn’t mean lower quality. This grow light is still strong with K, has a full spectrum of light, and can grow just as effectively as any grow light that’s twice as expensive. Not to mention, it has a dimming feature, so if and when you're ready to go hands-on with it, you can control the light intensity in your grow room.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use LED grow light that’s as effective as it is user-friendly, you really can’t go wrong with this option in your grow room or grow tent. It's as effective as w HID grow light and just as easy to set up and use!
✔ HID Equivalent: 200w
✔ PAR: 225 µmol/s
✔ Vegging Footprint: 3x3ft
✔ Flowering Footprint: 2x2ft
✔ Dimmable Feature
To choose the best LED grow light for your indoor garden, you should know exactly how those lights work, what they’re made of, and the role each component plays in providing light that will help your plants grow.
Diodes can also be broken down into two parts known as chips and lenses. Let’s talk about the role these parts play.
Together, all of these components (chips, lenses, and diodes) work together to produce the PAR output that your plants receive and use to give you the best yields.
Okay, now you know all of the factors that go into LED grow lights, what they all mean, and how they can affect your grow room. So how do you utilize all that information to choose the best LED light for your plants? Let’s review:
Light wavelengths and light spectrums (the combination of wavelengths) are vital components to consider when you’re choosing an LED grow light. Without the right wavelengths and light spectrums, your plants won't have the color, aroma, or flavors it should.
Luckily, LED lights are highly flexible and customizable in this area. You can find a light that you’ll be able to adjust to fit practically any light spectrum or light recipe your plants could need. This includes...
No matter what your grow room needs wavelength-wise, it's important to ensure the light you choose offers the wavelengths you need.
The next thing you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing LED grow lights for your grow room or grow tent is the light’s PAR output. PAR stands for photosynthetically active radiation — in simple terms, it’s the measurement of light that your plants are able to use in their photosynthesis process.
PAR is similar to lumens in that they both measure brightness. But while lumens measure brightness based on how the human eye perceives light, PAR measures all the light in the visible light spectrum that your plants can actually use. The higher the PAR of a grow light, the more intense and bright the light it provides your plants with will be.
All plants need varying levels of PAR — like anything else, the output you should look for will depend on the specific needs of your grow room and plants. While all plants need enough PAR to carry out photosynthesis and grow healthily, light that is too intense can be detrimental to their growth.
Here’s a general idea of how much your plants may need.
The next thing to look at is the coverage area your LED grow light will provide. It’s important to understand what this means, as well as how it relates to PAR.
Now that you know how LED's work, the first thing to consider when looking for a grow light is the type of grow light you want to use. The best type of LED will give you all the light your plants need to thrive, so choosing the right type of light is a vital first step.
There are different styles of LEDs that offer different advantages to your grow. Let’s take a look at the 3 main types of LED grow lights for your to choose from:
Traditional LED Grow Lights
Traditional LED grow lights are made up of small to medium wattage diodes, each including 1 to 2 lenses. Like the name suggests, these diodes are laid out over a simple panel.
✓ This style usually offers the most intense coverage of all, including IR & UV.
✓ Perfect for growers who need strong, deep penetrative coverage.
Spread Style LED Grow Lights
Spread style LED grow lights work by spreading hundreds of tiny diodes across an entire grow light. They utilize low-wattage diodes that are spread out over a large board.
✓ This style usually offers the largest coverage area.
✓ Perfect for growers who need lots of coverage over a large canopy.
COB LED Grow Lights (Chip On Board)
COB LEDs use large, super-powered diodes made of many tiny chips that combine to give you a lot of light per diode. As such, they require less diodes to give you the same results as a larger light.
✓ This style is generally the most compact of the three.
✓ Perfect for growers dealing with limited space in your grow room.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Smd Led Design.