Comparing the Best Under Canopy LED Grow Lights: Pricing, Features & Specifications
Under-canopy LED grow lights are game-changers for indoor cultivation. These specialized under canopy LED lights are installed beneath the plant canopy to illuminate lower leaves and buds that traditional overhead lights can’t reach. By adding under canopy LED lighting to your grow, you can increase yields, improve bud density, and turn those small “B-buds” into top-quality flowers. In this blog, we compare the best under canopy LED grow lights from leading brands – examining their pricing, features, and key specifications – to help you make an informed purchase decision. Whether you’re looking for high-efficiency bars or full under-canopy systems, read on to see how GroPros, Grower’s Choice, FloraFlex, California Lightworks, Iluminar, Faven, and Craft Farmer stack up.
Comparison Table: Under Canopy LED Grow Lights
To kick off, here’s a side-by-side summary of each under-canopy LED grow light’s core specs, features, and approximate pricing:
| Product | Power & Output | Spectrum & Efficacy | Notable Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GroPros UCL 4ft (2 × 4’ bars) | 125W/bar (250W total); PPF ~350 µmol/s per bar | Full-spectrum + deep/far-red (5% IR); ~2.8 µmol/J efficacy | Slim 4’ bars; built-in driver; daisy-chain up to 8 (120V); IP65 rated | ~$250 per 2-bar kit (≈$125/bar) |
| GroPros UCL 8ft (1 × 8’ bar) | 250W; PPF ~700 µmol/s | Full-spectrum + deep/far-red; ~2.8 µmol/J efficacy | Single 8’ bar covers larger area; daisy-chain up to 4 (120V); IP65; optional dual-channel models | ~$250 each (single bar) |
| Grower’s Choice UCL (46” bar) | 120W; PPF ~? (heavy red spectrum) | "GC 3.0 Red" flowering spectrum; ~2.5–2.8 µmol/J | IP66 waterproof; 8’ power+data chaining cord; improves bud density | $200 MSRP (~$120 retail) |
| FloraFlex UCL 3-Bar (3 × 4’ bars) | 360W (3×120W); PPF 1188 µmol/s | Full-spectrum + Osram deep-red; 3.3 µmol/J ultra-high PPE | Covers 4’×4’ area; dimmable 100–360W; passive cooling; IP65; 10-year warranty | ~$493 – $500 (3-bar kit) |
| FloraFlex UCL 6-Bar (6 × 4’ bars) | 720W; PPF 2376 µmol/s | Full-spectrum + far-red; 3.3 µmol/J efficiency | Covers 4’×8’ area; dimmable 100–720W; IP65; 10-year warranty | ~$886–$900 (6-bar kit) |
| California Lightworks MegaDrive | 120W/bar; PPF ~350 µmol/s/bar | Red-rich flowering; ~2.6 µmol/J | Central driver system; 100,000 hr LED life; 5-year warranty | Quote-based (rebate $79/fixture) |
| Iluminar Under Canopy 160W | 160W (two 4’ bars); PPF 448–480 µmol/s | Red-rich or Full-spectrum; 2.8–3.0 µmol/J | 0–10V dimming; daisy-chain up to 28 units; IP65; 5-year warranty | ~$309 per 160W kit |
| Faven Under Canopy Bar | 120W; PPF 340 µmol/s | Full-spectrum (veg/bloom); deep-red; up to 2.9 µmol/J | 46” bar; daisy-chain 20 units; IP66; TrolMaster compatible (25–100% dimming) | ~$189 per bar |
| Craft Farmer UC Light (V3) | 120W; PPF 336 µmol/s | Full-spectrum + Osram deep/far-red; 2.8 µmol/J | Designed by growers; daisy-chain up to 8 (120V); IP66; 7-year warranty | ~$229/bar (2-pack ~$460) |
Table Key: UCL: Under Canopy Light. PPE: Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (μmol/J). PPF: Photosynthetic Photon Flux (μmol/s). Pricing is approximate retail. Coverage areas are for the flowering phase.
Detailed Product Reviews
GroPros Under Canopy Light – 4ft Model
GroPros Solutions offers their Under Canopy Light (UCL) in a 4-foot model aimed at boosting growth in the lower canopy. The 4ft UCL comes as a set of two 4’ LED bars, each rated at 125 watts. Together, the pair covers roughly a 4’ x 4’ area under the canopy. These bars output a full-spectrum light enhanced with deep red and 5% infrared, tailoring the spectrum for both vegetative support and flowering boost. Each 125W bar delivers about 350 µmol/s of photons (PPF) for an efficacy around 2.8 µmol/J– on par with high-end top lights.
GroPros 4ft UCL features an integrated driver in a slim, lightweight form factor, making it easy to hang or mount beneath plants. The design is daisy-chainable, allowing multiple bars to link power and data in series with a single cord (no extra controllers needed). At 120V, you can chain up to 8 bars on one circuit, with even higher counts at commercial voltages. The bars are IP65 rated for water resistance (safe from misting and humidity), and are DLC-listed for energy rebates. Growers report 25–40% yield improvements in lower buds when using these under-canopy lights.
Pricing: The GroPros 4ft UCL is sold in multi-bar packs rather than single units. A typical two-bar (125W ×2) kit costs around $250 (~$125 per bar). This makes it an affordable entry into under-canopy lighting, with a strong value given its output and build quality.
GroPros Under Canopy Light – 8ft Model
For larger coverage, GroPros also offers an 8-foot Under Canopy Light. The 8ft UCL is a single extended LED bar spanning 8 feet (96”), effectively covering a 4’ x 8’ area under your canopy with one fixture. It draws 250 watts and pushes out roughly 700 µmol/s PPF, double the output of the 4ft model. Spectrum-wise, the 8ft version also provides a red-heavy full spectrum (deep red + IR) optimized for bloom, with similar high efficacy (~2.8 µmol/J) as the 4ft. This ensures even the lowest flower sites get ample photons for growth and resin production.
The 8ft UCL shares the durable construction and IP65 rating of its smaller sibling, and likewise can be daisy-chained (up to 4 units on 120V, or 8 on 277V) for larger installations. Despite its length, the bar has a slim profile and built-in driver, so it can be hung vertically or horizontally in tight spaces without big external ballasts. GroPros also produces variant models of the 8ft UCL with adjustable spectrum channels – for example, a dual-channel model that combines UVA/Blue with Red/IR control – to fine-tune light for different stages. These advanced models come at a premium but add versatility for master growers.
Pricing: The standard single-channel 8ft UCL from GroPros costs about $250 per fixture (without stands), with slight variations if you opt for extras like support stands or the dual-channel spectrum upgrade. Given one 8ft bar replaces two 4ft bars, the cost scales reasonably. Commercial growers appreciate that these lights are DLC certified, making them eligible for energy rebates to offset the price.
Watch the GroPros Under Canopy LED in action:
Grower’s Choice Under Canopy Light
Grower’s Choice has developed a popular under-canopy LED known simply as the Grower’s Choice “Under Canopy Light.” This is a 46-inch (about 4ft) bar drawing 120 watts, designed specifically to eliminate shaded lower growth and “B-buds” in dense canopies. It emits the company’s proprietary GC-3.0 Red Spectrum, which is a bloom-enhancing light recipe heavy in red wavelengths (around 3000K white with extra red). Grower’s Choice chose this spectrum because deep red light is proven to improve flower quality, density, and yield in lower canopy sites.
A standout feature of the Grower’s Choice UCL is its rugged build – it’s rated IP66, so it’s highly water-resistant for easy cleaning and can handle spray environments. Installation is straightforward: the unit comes with an 8-foot combined power+data cord that makes it plug-and-play and allows daisy-chaining multiple bars via RJ12 cables. No separate drivers or bulky power boxes are needed, and you won’t clutter your grow space with extra wires. Each bar has a broad 120° light spread to evenly blanket the underside of your canopy.
Grower’s Choice markets this light as a way to create a more uniform environment from top to bottom of your plants – more even VPD and light distribution – which ultimately leads to uniform buds. By delivering intense red light upward into the canopy, growers have reported elimination of popcorn buds and stronger development of lower flowers. While exact PPF isn’t listed publicly, the efficacy is estimated in the 2.5–2.8 µmol/J range given the 120W draw and high-output diodes.
Pricing: The Grower’s Choice Under Canopy LED has an MSRP of $200 USD per bar. It’s often available at lower street prices (around $120–$150) via grow shops, making it one of the more budget-friendly pro-grade options. Considering its robust construction and proven spectrum, this light offers great bang for the buck for growers looking to try under-canopy lighting without breaking the bank.
Grower's Choice Under Canopy Third Party Testing
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (400-700nm) Tested PPE submitted test report of worse case |
3.07 μmol/J |
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Flux (400-700nm) Tested PPF from submitted test report |
371 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Blue (400-500nm) Tested PF within 400-500nm range from submitted test report |
50 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Green (500-600nm) Tested PF within 500-600nm range from submitted test report |
95 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Red (600-700nm) Tested PF within 600-700nm range from submitted test report |
226 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Far Red (700-800nm) Tested PF within 700-800nm range submitted test report |
4 μmol/s |
| Tested Voltage for Minimum Efficacy Tested voltage from submitted test report for worse case efficacy |
120 |
Source: DLC (https://qpl.designlights.org/qpl/horticulture)
FloraFlex Under Canopy Lights (3-Bar and 6-Bar Systems)
FloraFlex, known for its irrigation products, has entered the lighting arena with high-performance under-canopy LED systems. FloraFlex Under Canopy Lights come in two configurations: a 3-bar system (360W total) for a 4’ x 4’ area, and a 6-bar system (720W total) for a 4’ x 8’ area. Each bar is 120W, so the setups are essentially arrays of three or six light bars mounted under the canopy. What sets FloraFlex apart is its exceptional output and efficiency – these lights are among the most powerful in this category.
The FloraFlex 3-Bar (360W) unit delivers an impressive PPF of 1,188 µmol/s with an efficacy of 3.3 µmol/J. Its big brother, the FloraFlex 6-Bar (720W), doubles that with 2,376 µmol/s total output at the same 3.3 µmol/J efficiency. These numbers are significantly higher than typical under-canopy lights, meaning FloraFlex can flood the lower canopy with light as intense as some primary top lights. The spectrum is a custom full-spectrum white combined with Osram deep-red diodes, including some far-red wavelengths. This blend is optimized to maximize photosynthesis under the canopy and enhance flowering and terpene production in those regions. Essentially, FloraFlex designed these to redefine under-canopy growth by ensuring no part of the plant misses out on light.
Each bar in the array is passively cooled (no fans) and IP65 rated for greenhouse environments. They are fully dimmable from 100% down to ~14% (100 W) output, which is useful for gradually introducing the light to plants or tailoring intensity. The coverage is also a bit expandable: FloraFlex notes the 6-bar can effectively cover up to a 4’ x 12’ area (though at lower intensity at the extremes). These lights come with long 24-inch link cables between bars for flexible positioning, and the slim bars can be set at different heights or angles if needed to sneak light into every nook of the canopy.
Another highlight is durability and support: FloraFlex offers a 10-year warranty on these under-canopy LED systems, reflecting confidence in their longevity (rated L90 > 50,000 hours). They are DLC listed and ETL certified, making them usable in commercial facilities that require certified fixtures. Growers using FloraFlex under-lighting have noted significant boosts in yield (reports of ~30% increases, similar to top-end systems) and better lower bud development, all while maintaining energy efficiency around 3.3 µmol/J – currently one of the highest PPE ratings in any grow light.
Pricing: FloraFlex under-canopy lights are premium products. The 3-bar 360W kit runs around $492 (approximately $500), while the 6-bar 720W kit costs about $886 at retail. This pricing is higher than simpler bar lights, but you’re getting multiple bars and top-tier performance. Considering the output (2,376 µmol/s from the 6-bar), the cost per photon is actually quite competitive. For serious growers who need maximum under-canopy illumination and are attracted by the efficiency and warranty, FloraFlex delivers a compelling high-end option.
California Lightworks MegaDrive UnderCanopy System
California Lightworks (CLW) takes a unique approach with its MegaDrive UnderCanopy LED system. Instead of individual plug-in bars with built-in drivers, CLW’s MegaDrive is a centralized power system: a large remote driver powers multiple low-profile LED strip fixtures (bars) in parallel. This innovation removes heavy drivers from the bars, making the fixtures lighter and reducing heat at canopy level. It also lowers installation cost per fixture, since one central “Power Hub” can run many bars. The MegaDrive UnderCanopy bars are each 4’+ in length (52” long) and consume ~120W, outputting about 350 µmol/s per bar. They are optimized with a fixed spectrum geared toward flowering (heavy in deep red) for boosting yields in the lower plant sections.
In terms of performance, each MegaDrive UnderCanopy bar achieves up to 2.6 µmol/J efficacy– slightly lower than some standalone bars, but the system makes up for it in scale. A single MegaDrive power unit can support a large number of under-canopy fixtures (exact counts vary by the specific driver capacity, often 10 kW units). CLW advertises that their system can increase yields by 25–30% in trials, with significantly more A-grade buds from formerly shaded areas. An added benefit noted by commercial growers is labor reduction – with better light penetration, there’s less need for extensive defoliation under the canopy. The thin bars are also easy to install under each row, and since power is centralized, there are fewer wall plugs and less heat among the plants.
Each bar is built to greenhouse-grade standards: fully waterproof for high humidity and easy hose-down cleaning, and rated for over 100,000 hours (L90) lifetime. The system supports 0-100% dimming and can integrate with light sensors or controllers for automated spectrum control in CLW’s larger MegaDrive ecosystem. Essentially, the MegaDrive UnderCanopy is tailored to large-scale growers who want a turnkey solution across big facilities. It’s less of a plug-and-play for hobbyists, and more an industrial approach to under-canopy lighting.
Pricing: California Lightworks does not list a simple MSRP per bar, since the MegaDrive UnderCanopy is sold as a solution (with drivers, connectors, etc., customized per project). However, CLW has hinted at competitive pricing; for example, they advertise an energy rebate of $79 per fixture as part of a launch promotion. This suggests the per-bar cost is on the order of a couple hundred dollars each (before rebate) when bought as a system. To get an exact price, interested growers should contact CLW or distributors for a quote. Despite the quote-based pricing, the MegaDrive’s value is evident for commercial operators looking at total cost of ownership – fewer drivers, easier install, and big yield gains can lead to quick ROI. In short, California Lightworks MegaDrive is a top contender for best under canopy LED lighting in large pro grows, whereas smaller-scale growers might lean toward the single-bar products above.
Iluminar 160W Under Canopy Light
Iluminar Lighting offers a robust under-canopy solution with its 160W Under Canopy Light. This fixture actually consists of two 4-foot LED light bars that together draw 160W (likely 80W per bar) and connect to a single power source. Iluminar’s design philosophy was to create a high-efficiency supplemental light that can integrate seamlessly into existing grows. They achieved an outstanding efficacy of 2.8–3.0 µmol/J with this fixture, putting it in the top tier for efficiency alongside Faven and FloraFlex. The total PPF output is about 448–480 µmol/s for the 160W set, which is plenty to stimulate lower growth.
One notable aspect is Iluminar offers two spectrum options for this under-canopy light: a Red-rich “R-Spectrum” model and a Full Spectrum model. The R-Spectrum version (enhanced in deep red and far-red) is tailored for flowering efficiency – blasting red light to maximize photosynthesis under thick canopies. The Full Spectrum version provides a balanced white light for those who may also use under-lighting in veg or want a more complete spectrum. Both versions are built on the same hardware platform and share the same output specs aside from spectrum. Growers can mix and match or choose based on whether they primarily want bloom enhancement (most choose the red-heavy for flower rooms).
The Iluminar 160W UCL features 0–10V dimming compatibility, allowing centralized control (it can hook into Iluminar’s own controllers or any generic 0-10V system). It’s designed to daisy-chain extensively – up to 12 fixtures on 120V, or 24 on 240V, and 28 fixtures on 277V circuits – which is excellent scalability for large grows. The construction is sturdy and rated IP65, suitable for wet conditions common under canopy (e.g., drip runoff, sprays). It also comes with optional stands or brackets to position the bars at the right height below the canopy. Each bar is about 45.3” long, 2.8” wide – a low-profile form that won’t get in the way of your plants or workflow.
Pricing: The Iluminar Under Canopy 160W light retails for around $300 – $320 for a kit (which includes two 4ft bars and the necessary power cords). For example, Iluminar’s site lists the Full Spectrum model at $309.00. This pricing is quite reasonable considering you’re effectively getting two bars and top-shelf efficiency diodes. Many growers see Iluminar as a direct alternative to the Grower’s Choice or Faven bars – offering similar or better performance with a slightly higher power draw but covering more area with the dual-bar setup. With its proven results in boosting lower canopy growth and daisy-chain ability up to 28 bars, Iluminar’s under-canopy light is a strong contender for anyone seeking reliable supplemental lighting under the canopy.
Watch the Iluminar Under Canopy LED in action:
Faven Lighting Under Canopy LED Bars
Faven Lighting might be a newer name on the block, but their under-canopy LED bars have quickly earned a reputation for performance. The Faven Under-Canopy LED Grow Light Bar is a 46-inch, 120W fixture that’s all about efficiency and flexibility. According to Hydrobuilder, it achieves a PPE (efficacy) of up to 2.9 µmol/J and outputs as much as 340 µmol/s of PPF. Those are impressive figures, making Faven one of the most efficient under canopy LED grow light options available (it edges very close to FloraFlex’s 3.3 µmol/J).
Faven focuses on balanced spectrum offerings. They provide spectrum options optimized for different growth stages – for instance, a vegetative-leaning bar and a flowering-leaning bar. Both variants include ample red (and possibly far-red) to ensure strong flowering response, but the idea is you can choose a spectrum to precisely supplement your main lights. This precise approach is highlighted by their compatibility with advanced controls: Faven bars can connect to systems like TrolMaster for 25–100% dimming control in sync with your other lights. That means you can dial the under-lights up or down or set schedules, giving you a lot of control over the under-canopy environment.
Build-wise, Faven bars are IP66 rated – highly waterproof and dustproof, ready for harsh grow conditions. They are also designed to daisy-chain up to 20 units together on one run, which simplifies wiring for multi-light setups. Each bar has a plug on each end for quick linking to the next. They have a slim form (roughly 1.5” height) that can slide between plant rows or hang from the bottom trellis without issue. Faven emphasizes durability (50,000+ hours lifespan, 5-year warranty standard) and even sustainability – the high efficiency means less heat and lower HVAC load, and long life means fewer replacements.
Growers who’ve tried Faven under-canopy lights often report yield boosts in the 20–25% range and better coloration in lower buds. In side-by-side comparisons, Faven’s light distribution and penetration have stood out, likely due to a combination of the lens angle and spectrum choice. Essentially, Faven lights ensure even plant color and development from top to bottom. They present a great middle-ground option: more affordable than the FloraFlex arrays, but offering similar pro-level performance for under canopy lighting.
Pricing: The Faven 120W under-canopy bar is priced around $189 per bar. This is an approximate retail price; some sellers might offer multi-pack discounts. Given the build and performance, ~$189 is quite competitive. Keep in mind you may need to purchase power cords or mounting hardware separately in some cases. Even so, outfitting a 4’ x 8’ area with Faven bars could cost roughly $750 (four bars), which is on par or slightly less than some competitors. With Faven, you’re paying for efficiency – the electricity savings over time can make them one of the best under canopy LED grow light investments, especially for growers who plan to run them continuously through many grow cycles.
Under Canopy R6 Model Third Party Testing
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (400-700nm) Tested PPE submitted test report of worse case |
3.03 μmol/J |
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Flux (400-700nm) Tested PPF from submitted test report |
350 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Blue (400-500nm) Tested PF within 400-500nm range from submitted test report |
45 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Green (500-600nm) Tested PF within 500-600nm range from submitted test report |
92 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Red (600-700nm) Tested PF within 600-700nm range from submitted test report |
213 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Far Red (700-800nm) Tested PF within 700-800nm range submitted test report |
5 μmol/s |
| Tested Voltage for Minimum Efficacy Tested voltage from submitted test report for worse case efficacy |
208 |
Source: DLC (https://qpl.designlights.org/qpl/horticulture)
Under Canopy R8 Model Third Party Testing
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (400-700nm) Tested PPE submitted test report of worse case |
3.14 μmol/J |
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Flux (400-700nm) Tested PPF from submitted test report |
359 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Blue (400-500nm) Tested PF within 400-500nm range from submitted test report |
23 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Green (500-600nm) Tested PF within 500-600nm range from submitted test report |
46 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Red (600-700nm) Tested PF within 600-700nm range from submitted test report |
290 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Far Red (700-800nm) Tested PF within 700-800nm range submitted test report |
3 μmol/s |
| Tested Voltage for Minimum Efficacy Tested voltage from submitted test report for worse case efficacy |
208 |
Source: DLC (https://qpl.designlights.org/qpl/horticulture)
Watch the Faven Under Canopy LED in action:
Craft Farmer Under Canopy Lights (V3)
The Craft Farmer Under Canopy Lights have a bit of a cult following in the medicinal plant community. Developed by a grower known as “Craft Farmer,” these 4-foot, 120W LED bars are often hailed as a “game-changing” solution for maximizing yields down low. Now in a V3 iteration, the Craft Farmer under-canopy LED is built with high-quality components – including Osram and Samsung diodes – and a spectrum tuned through real-world testing by experienced cultivators. The spectrum is full-spectrum white augmented with deep red and far-red, which boosts flowering and even has some blue to keep lower growth healthy. Essentially, it’s designed to mimic natural sunlight penetration under the canopy, with extra oomph in the red/far-red to stimulate bud sites.
In terms of output, the Craft Farmer V3 is rated at 336 µmol/s PPF with an efficacy of 2.8 µmol/J. This puts it right in line with top competitors (and likely those numbers are measured at full power 120W). It’s also IP66 waterproof for worry-free use under irrigation lines. One of the biggest selling points is the durability and warranty: Craft Farmer lights are built with an aluminum body and a tempered glass top for protection, and they come with a 7-year warranty, one of the longest in the industry. That indicates these lights are meant to last for the long haul in commercial settings.
From a usability standpoint, each bar is auto-sensing for voltage (120–277V) and draws about 1 amp at 120V. You can daisy-chain up to 8 bars on standard 120V, or up to 18 bars on 277V, using separate daisy-chain cables. Craft Farmer also offers optional stands (“Make You a Believer” package includes stands) which allow the bars to free-stand under plants – useful if you don’t have a lower support to hang from. Growers who use these lights often place them on the floor or on short risers between plant rows, shining upward. Because of their slim profile and minimal heat, they can sit quite close to plant pots or floor without issues.
Perhaps the strongest endorsement comes from growers themselves: many say once they tried these under-canopy LEDs, they “will not grow without them ever again”. The difference in lower bud development and yield was that pronounced. These lights have been credited with boosting ROIs off the scale for some, essentially paying for themselves in one or two harvests due to the extra yield. Craft Farmer’s design was truly born out of practical necessity, and it shows in the thoughtful features like quick daisy-chain, easy installation, and spectrum balance for resin production.
Pricing: Craft Farmer under-canopy lights sell for around $229 per bar. They are commonly packaged two per case (approximately $460 per 2-pack). While a bit pricier per unit than some generic bars, you are investing in a field-tested product with a top-tier warranty and proven results. Many commercial growers buy them in bulk (and Craft Farmer accommodates bulk orders with custom quotes). Given their impact on yield and quality, most who adopt these lights find the cost well justified. For small-scale growers, the initial cost might be higher, but if you’re aiming for craft-quality buds top to bottom, the Craft Farmer LEDs live up to their name.
Farmer Under Canopy Third Party Testing
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy (400-700nm) Tested PPE submitted test report of worse case |
2.5 μmol/J |
| Tested Photosynthetic Photon Flux (400-700nm) Tested PPF from submitted test report |
307 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Blue (400-500nm) Tested PF within 400-500nm range from submitted test report |
31 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Green (500-600nm) Tested PF within 500-600nm range from submitted test report |
46 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Red (600-700nm) Tested PF within 600-700nm range from submitted test report |
231 μmol/s |
| Tested Photon Flux Far Red (700-800nm) Tested PF within 700-800nm range submitted test report |
64 μmol/s |
Source: DLC (https://qpl.designlights.org/qpl/horticulture)
Conclusion – Choosing the Best Under Canopy LED Grow Light
Integrating LED under canopy lights into your grow can significantly enhance your harvest by ensuring no bud site is left in the dark. As we’ve seen, each brand’s offering has its own strengths:
- GroPros UCL (4ft & 8ft) – Great value, sturdy build, and proven yield boosts of 25–40%. Ideal for growers who want reliable under-canopy lighting at an affordable price point, with options to suit different canopy sizes.
- Grower’s Choice UCL – Easy to deploy and very budget-friendly for a commercial-grade light. Its 3.0 red spectrum and IP66 durability make it a strong choice for flowering-focused growers, especially those already using Grower’s Choice systems.
- FloraFlex Under Canopy – High-performance systems with exceptional PPE (3.3 µmol/J) and coverage. These are suited for growers who need maximum light output under the canopy – if you’re pushing for every last gram and have the budget, FloraFlex delivers industry-leading results with a long warranty to back it.
- California Lightworks MegaDrive – A scalable under canopy LED lighting solution for large operations. If you’re a commercial cultivator planning a big installation, the centralized driver approach can save on installation and maintenance while boosting yields by up to 30%. It’s the best choice when integration and efficiency at scale matter more than plug-and-play convenience.
- Iluminar 160W UCL – A flexible two-bar kit that offers high efficiency and spectrum choice. This is great for growers who want a turn-key package (just two bars to cover a decent area) and the ability to choose or even switch spectrums (e.g., use full-spectrum in veg, red spectrum in flower). Iluminar’s known reliability in commercial lighting carries into their under-canopy product.
- Faven Under-Canopy Bar – The efficiency leader alongside FloraFlex, with modular deployment. Faven lights are perfect for growers who value energy efficiency (lower power bills) and customization – you can start with a couple of bars and easily expand to more as needed. They integrate well with advanced controls for those who like fine-tuning.
- Craft Farmer UC Lights – Designed by a grower for growers, these lights combine high performance with real-world practicality. They are an excellent choice for quality-driven cultivators (especially medicinal plants) who want to ensure every cola on the plant gets ample light. With their robust build and 7-year warranty, they’re a safe long-term investment for serious hobbyists and professionals alike.
In deciding the best under canopy LED grow light for your needs, consider your grow size, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Smaller grows might do well with a couple of 4ft bars from GroPros, Grower’s Choice, or Craft Farmer to test the waters. Larger facilities could mix and match – for instance, using FloraFlex 3-bar units in small rooms, or installing a full CLW MegaDrive system in a large-scale flowering bay. Remember that under-canopy lighting is supplemental; it works in tandem with your overhead lights. The goal is synergy – by adding the right under-canopy LEDs, you ensure the lower half of your garden contributes just as much to your yield and quality as the top half.
Ultimately, all the lights compared here can effectively turn your undergrowth into productive canopy. By examining pricing, features, and specifications side by side, you can purchase with confidence, knowing which under-canopy LED best aligns with your growing style and goals. Here’s to brighter buds on every branch and maximizing your indoor harvests with the power of under-canopy LED lighting!
