LED vs HPS Grow Lights: Which is Right for Your Indoor Garden?

When it comes to indoor gardening or hydroponics, choosing the right growing light is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. LED (Light Emitting Diode) and HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) grow lights are the two most popular choices among growers, but which is best for your plants, your budget, and your grow light setup?

In this expert guide, we’ll break down the key differences, advantages, and drawbacks of LED and HPS grow lights so you can make an informed choice for your indoor plants and houseplants.

Why Grow Lights Matter

Plants grown indoors rely on growing lights to fuel photosynthesis, the process that converts light into the energy needed for growth and development. The right indoor grow lights can mean the difference between lush, healthy plants and disappointing yields. Supplemental lighting is crucial for maintaining proper grow light height and ensuring optimal plant care, especially for low-light plants.

LED Grow Lights: The Modern Solution

What are LED Grow Lights?

LED grow lights use small semiconductor chips that emit light when an electrical current passes through them. They can be designed to provide specific light spectrums tailored to plant growth, making them versatile for various stages from germination to mature plants.

 Advantages of LED Grow Lights

• Energy efficiency – LED grow lights use significantly less power than HPS lights, making them more energy efficient and cutting down on your electricity bills.
• Lower heat output – They produce less heat, reducing the need for extra cooling or ventilation.
• Customisable light spectrum – Many LED models offer adjustable spectrums to match different plant growth stages (seedling, vegetative, flowering). This includes the ability to provide both blue light for vegetative growth and red grow light for flowering.
• Long lifespan – Quality LEDs can last 50,000+ hours, providing value over time.

 Drawbacks of LED Grow Lights

• Upfront cost – LED grow light setups typically cost more initially than HPS systems.
• Light spread – Some lower-end LEDs have limited coverage, requiring careful positioning or multiple units.

HPS Grow Lights: The Traditional Choice

 What are HPS Grow Lights?

High-pressure sodium lights are gas-discharge lamps that produce intense light, especially in the red-orange part of the spectrum, ideal for flowering plants.

Advantages of HPS Grow Lights

• Proven results – HPS lights have been a staple in indoor growing for decades, known for high yields.
• Cost-effective to purchase – HPS fixtures are often cheaper upfront than LED systems.
• Strong flowering performance – Their spectrum promotes fruiting and flowering, making them excellent for flowering plants.

 Drawbacks of HPS Grow Lights

• High energy consumption – HPS systems draw significantly more power, making them less energy efficient.
• Heat production – They generate a lot of heat, increasing the need for ventilation or air conditioning.
• Bulb replacement – HPS grow light bulbs degrade over time and typically need replacement every 10,000 hours.

LED vs HPS: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	LED Grow Lights	HPS Grow Lights
Energy use	Low (efficient)	High
Heat output	Low	High
Upfront cost	Higher	Lower
Lifespan	50,000+ hours	~10,000 hours
Light spectrum	Customisable (full spectrum)	Fixed, mainly red/orange
Best for	All stages (seedling to flowering)	Flowering stage
Maintenance	Minimal	Bulb replacements needed

Which is Right for You?

Choose LED grow lights if:

• You want lower long-term energy costs and an energy-efficient option.
• You have limited space and want to minimise heat.
• You’re after a full-spectrum light for all growth stages, including light for seedlings and germination.
• You’re okay with a higher initial investment for the best grow lights.

Choose HPS grow lights if:

• You’re focused mainly on flowering and fruiting crops.
• You want to minimise upfront equipment costs.
• You have good ventilation or air conditioning to handle heat.

Final Thoughts

Both LED and HPS grow lights can produce excellent results for your indoor plants, but your budget, grow space, and plant types will determine which is best. Many advanced growers now combine both in hybrid setups, using LED grow lights for vegetative growth and HPS for flowering to maximise yields.

When selecting the best grow light for your needs, consider factors like grow light height, daily light integral, and the specific requirements of your plants. Remember that proper plant care involves more than just lighting – factors like watering, nutrients, and temperature also play crucial roles in your plants’ health.

Some growers prefer small grow lights like the SANSI grow light or GE grow light for compact setups, while others opt for larger systems with hanging grow lights. Spectrum LED lights offer flexibility for different growth stages, and some even come with adjustable arms, hanging hardware, and dimmer settings for precise control.

It’s worth noting that while LED and HPS are the most popular options, other types of grow lights exist, including fluorescent lights and incandescent bulbs. However, these are generally less efficient for most indoor growing applications.

At Pacific Northwest Garden Supply, we stock a wide range of LED and HPS grow lights from trusted brands, along with expert advice to help you design your perfect indoor garden. Whether you’re growing houseplants that need bright indirect light, low-light plants, or flowering plants, we have the right grow light setup for you. Visit our online shop or drop into one of our British Columbia stores today.