[UPDATED] The V300 VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED grow light has been the number one best seller among indoor grow lights, so we reviewed it to find out why it is so popular. We’re always on the lookout for good LED grow lighting to recommend.
Since this review was originally published it’s become the top seller among our readers too—just one reason why we selected it among our Top 10 Recommendations for 2018 on the home page. Accordingly, we decided to update and republish the original review.
Read on to find out what makes this full spectrum LED grow light such a popular choice…
Table of Contents
- 1 VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED Grow Light: 420 Beginner Review
- 1.1 Why are LEDs a good idea for growing plants indoors?
- 1.2 What HID light does the Viparspectra V300 replace?
- 1.3 LED chips from quality manufacturers
- 1.4 Light intensity: PAR, lumens, etc.
- 1.5 How many plants can I grow with the Viparspectra 300W LED grow light?
- 1.6 Some other useful details about the VIPARSPECTRA 300-watt LED grow light:
- 2 Our verdict:
- 3 Further reading:
VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED Grow Light: 420 Beginner Review
First off, this is a basic LED grow panel that’s good for beginning growers who are starting out small. Its light covers 2 feet by 2 feet for optimal growth, and it really does penetrate down into the canopy. The panel contains a mix of 5-watt LEDs that put out a full spectrum of light, from infrared to ultraviolet. Let’s take a closer look at all of this.
Spectrum for the Viparspectra V300 full spectrum LED grow light.
The far ends of the spectrum are invisible to the human eye, so that’s why some of the LEDs don’t look like they are lit. That doesn’t mean it’s safe to look at the panel when it’s turned on. Use protection like the Method Seven Grow Room Glasses. That way you don’t damage your eyes, and you can inspect your plants without turning off your panel or needing a different light.
Why are LEDs a good idea for growing plants indoors?
For one, they use less electricity to put out a lot of light. They create less heat so you don’t need extra fans to cool down your grow tent. Both of these factors mean you save money on your power bill and (hopefully) don’t draw the unwanted attention of authorities.
Growers in the past used HPS/MH HID lights. Those abbreviations mean “high pressure sodium/metal halide high intensity discharge.” That kind of lamp needed an additional component called ballast to keep their light output from flickering too much. They put out a lot of heat, suck up a lot of electricity and the bulbs need replacing regularly.
What HID light does the Viparspectra V300 replace?
VIPARSPECTRA created the V300 to replace a 250 Watt HPS/HID light. Their LED panel doesn’t run hot or burn your plants. The heat it does generate is controlled by large fans and heat sinks built into it already, and it doesn’t need a ballast.
While it’s rated for 300-watts output, it only consumes 136 watts of energy. That’s less than running three 60-watt incandescent bulbs (not like you can find those for sale anymore).
LED chips from quality manufacturers
The 5-watt LED bulbs that VIPARSPECTRA uses come from well-known companies like Bridgelux and Epiled, manufacturers that both have good reputations. VIPARSPECTRA has the LEDs mounted at a 90-degree angle pointing straight down at your plants.
Light intensity: PAR, lumens, etc.
When they mention lumens and PAR, they’re talking about the intensity of the light emitted by the V300 panel. Lumens are for humans, so don’t try to measure the quality of your light by how bright it would be to your eyes. What matters is PAR, which is a measurement of the intensity and coverage of the light.
(Check out our beginners’ guide to marijuana grow lights if you want a refresher on PAR, lumens and how plants respond to different light wavelengths.)
The PAR of the V300 was mapped out with the panel hung two feet above the canopy of the plants. The best coverage for vegetation and flowering is limited to just 2 by 2 feet although the light does reach out to 3 by 3 feet. Since flowering needs a lot of light, don’t try to crowd in too many plants.
PAR values at 24″ for VIPARSPECTRA V300 full spectrum LED grow light.
VIPARSPECTRA offers a 3-year warranty and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee so you can try it out to see how your plants grow. On the upside, if you love the V300, you’ll be glad to know that LEDs can last between 50,000 and 100,000 hours before they burn out. Since 100,000 hours is about 11 years, you’ll probably upgrade this light before you need a new one.
How many plants can I grow with the Viparspectra 300W LED grow light?
A mature cannabis plant generally takes up about 1 square foot. So with this light’s maximum coverage of 4 square feet, you’re looking at growing up to 4 marijuana plants. However, with a coverage of 2.25 square feet for flowering, we’d recommend it for a 2-plant grow, unless you’re going to add supplemental lighting for flowering—extra red LED panels or bulbs, for instance.
Some other useful details about the VIPARSPECTRA 300-watt LED grow light:
- Can be daisy chained for larger grow spaces
- Weighs 5.6 pounds, measures 12.6 inches long by 7.9 inches wide by 3 inches thick
- Comes with hanging kit and 6-foot power cord
- Accepts 50-60Hz, 100-240V AC
- 60 LEDs total
- VIPARSPECTRA is a trademark of the Shenzen Bailuo Technology Company, Ltd.
Our verdict:
An excellent, highly affordable full spectrum LED grow light for home growers and hobbyists.
Buy the VIPARSPECTRA V300 (click to check latest prices) if you want to grow 2–4 plants. Or daisy chain multiple units together to light larger grow spaces without breaking the bank.
Also comes in a dimmable model, the VIPARSPECTRA DS300. For only marginally more money, you’ll get a little extra control of the spectrum and the option of dimming the light instead of adjusting the hanging height.
Also consider the VIPARSPECTRA PAR600 for larger grows.
Further reading:
Looking for something different? Check out our home page for our top recommendations. You’ll find a wide range of LED grow lights selected to suit a variety of budgets and grow space sizes.
Is this your first grow? Check out our Beginners’ Guide for more practical tips and information on growing with LED lights.
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Devin says
Is this light capable of running 24 hours a day without problems???
VegasGrower says
Absolutely! Just finished my Veg cycle (I always do 24 not 18) & ran it throughout with no problems. And my girls are loving the full spectrum.
JClax says
How do these compare to a brand like MarsHydro?
J says
They are better imho.
D says
How did you flower cycle go with this light? I’m having issues and curious if bloom light was needed to add with this to aide in this cycle?
Jeff says
This light has insufficient red spectrum to be used as a primary light during flower cycle. Flower can be achieved but yield will be low. I use these lights in combination with HPS for an outcome that is better than HPS alone. Also work well in a small place combined with 2700k CFL’S
Jackle says
I just ordered 2 300w lights and I was wondering the distance I should keep the light from my plants throughout the growth cycle. For example: from seedling to veg to flower.
jake says
roughly 20 inches away, no closer then 18 inches. It WILL burn your plants. They will look off colored like they are bleached.
Chino says
Do you think dwarf plants need less light … I’m doing short Ryders now…. those are my starter plants first time out…… and I have dark devil and massive midget coming…… for stealth grow…. do the smaller plants need less light?
Mary Jane Farmer says
That’s a great question and worthy of an entire article. But in general, many growers advise using more hours of light during the grow sstage (up to 18 hours per day) and cutting that down to 12 hours per day during the budding stage.
Good karma and good growing
MaryJane Farmer
Big One says
It’s in the instructions – about 40-50 inches for seedlings. If you followed Jake’s advice you either got a mega crop of seedlings or fried them fast.
reza heydari says
Hi I would like to plant bushes 10, to a number of 300-watt LED panel I need or that you think of what model I use a few watts LED panel. Thank you
Lawntoolslist says
Hi Reza,
For ten plants, we’d say at least 3 x 300W panels, depending on how you arrange the pots. These VIPARSPECTRA panels would work, or you could go with a Advanced Platinum Series P900.
https://lawntoolslist.com/
D says
I have switched my light cycle to 12/12.. Made sure all my light leaks were sealed up.. I have my lights turn on during the night and the lights off during the day.. However, I am NOT seeing any flower growth and stretching seems to be slowing.. It has been 3½weeks.. Do I need to add a red bloom light with the full spectrum led? The 300w full spectrum has a white light output.. I have a couple other small light socket model led lights that put out straight purple and had no issues in growing with that. This is 1st attempt with 300w led fukk spectrum and goin crazy, any help is greatly appreciated.. Tia!! #desperate..
420Beginner says
Hi D,
How did it work out?
joe blogs says
Hi I have now bought 3 VIPERSPECTRA 450 Led.
I have 2 White Widow xBig Bud Autos under it with extraction and both are doing great.
The switches veg n bloom ! At the beginning from seed just use the veg light for about 1 week then you can include both lights!
Flowering started just a few days after week 4 and the other 2 450s I’ve bought are for 9 plants
They work well with. Anna is so far and I have flowering so it’s going well
Mike says
What is the distence of the light at the first week
Michael Hopson says
During flower did you have both lights on? Or just the flower? Just got my 900 vipar spectra for 3 x 4 grow cabinet.
ruvi says
can a 450 handel 2 plants
Aedifex says
You don’t size your lights to the plant but to your Grow area.
A 450 is solid for 2×2 area.
I run three 300’s in a 2×3. Two for Veg then add a third for flower. I average 3 ounces/plant.
Jeff says
What do you think for seedlings t-5
Or would a viparspectra 300
For about 4 plants
Mary Jane Farmer says
Our other siteBigBudsGuide says the Vipar300W is the top pick for new growers. I recommend only LED lights for better grow and fewer problems.
Good karma
MaryJane Farmer
Andrew Kerr says
I grow 2 plants will one 300 watt in a 3ft room be good enough
Aedifex says
No. Get a 600 for that area or at least two 300’s
Nc. Noob says
So, euh, saying its the PAR that matters, what is the outcome ?
What did the measurements say, in figures ?
Diana says
Hi. I got a modelv300 and I want to use it but the cord is too short. Help me please because I don’t want to send it back.
DANIEL says
EVER HURD OF EXTENTION CORDS LOL
JOJO says
so I just bought 300w like got everything setup and currently germinating 2 but the one i planted already its first to leaves didnt live long the fell out im trying to revive it but so far no good im a new grower contact me with any help or even better i can send a picture of my setup and we can discuss on the issues. really means alot.
dave says
My 300w has fake CE & RoHS label spelt RoSH.
Viparspectra have refused to provide the certificates to confirm there compliance.
They are not compliant lights.
Resale of these lights in the EU or UK are illegal without valid certification.
Its the resellers responsibility to make sure that they are certified.
Baller says
Boo hoo
Big Mike says
Was thinking of getting a 900 for a 3×4 foot print, thoughts?
Robert says
I would use a 400w hps with the 300w led
Randy says
I got 9 in a 12×12 bd..they work great..on my 4th grow
Thehobbistgrower says
How would this light help out a strong CFL grow?
Kuro says
Hello,
Would this light be enough for a 3ft x 3ft x 6ft tent holding 3 to 4 plants? Or do you think the 450W version would do bettter? Thanks!
Aedifex says
At least a 600 for that space
Mike says
Hello everyone.
First time planter. I want to grow 2 hydroponic plants for my wife who has a medical Marijuana card. I am thinking of getting:
VIPARSPECTRA 300
2*2 tent.
Air pump w/ 2 air stones
Nutritions
Do i need anything else?
How far should i keep the light from plants throughout each stage?
Do I need to change light during different stages?
REAL NOOB IN PLANTING
Thanks in advance.
Aedifex says
Get a 600 for that space. Keep it 24″ away.
Only one plant in that space.
Big Mike says
Got the 900 for my 3×4 footprint! Wifey through out my directions! Veg light for veg… both for flower? Or do I flip it to just flower? Wish the directions were online
Aedifex says
Veg for Veg. Both for flower.
hiren says
hi i got a 1.5m by 1.5m 2m high tent,,,what would you reccomend plz,,,
Caesar420 says
Hello, I’m definitely a noob, this is my first grow. I have (2) 32x32x63 tents and currently I have 4 small plants in one tent under a Sun System 125 CFL. the other tent is not really being used right now except for my seeds that are in for germination.
What I want to know is, first of all is that tent to small for (4) plants and should I get the 600 or the 900 or will that be too much for the area or just right.
I’m eventually going to get a bigger tent but just got those small ones for now to get me started. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Ken says
OMG! How smart the vender is.
“While it’s rated for 300-watts output, it only consumes 136 watts of energy” actually it means the power draw is only 136 watt! how it can replace a 250W HPS? LMAO
The light is pretty blue/purple. The red light, for me, is not enough, not a good light for bloom and tight bud
420 Beginner says
LED Lights are usuallyh advertised with the wattage output as if they were the same as HID lights. However, the LED lights may produce an equivalent amount of light as the HID, the power draw is actually less. This is generally true for all LED lights. The better way to compare the light production of an LED light to other lights is to look at the spectrum (pretty blue and purple as you noticed) and the PAR values of the light, which you can read about on our companion site BidBudsGuide.com. Check it out and thanks for your comment.
]Good Growing and Good Karma
MaryJane Farmer
Jason O brien says
Just bought the 300w model with built in reflectors i was either gonna use it in a plastic keter cabinet roughly 2x1x6ft .3 plants or make a grow cabinet 2x2x5.5 ft@4PLANTS which would be a better fit for this light cheers j
420 Beginner says
the larger cabinet would be better—less heat generated
random says
Hey, I am a first time grower and about to get my lights, my room Is 2.5M by 2M by 2M or
8.2ft by 6.6ft by 6.6ft, I was thinking of 3 LED light
Viparspectra 600W
Meizhi 450w
and another 600W no name brand just to be safe. what do you think?
420 Beginner says
Well you have about 36 square feet so you can handle up to about 36 full grown plants if you pack them in. That many plants is going to take lights that can cover the entire area at a lower height of 18 inches when flowering begins. So check the specs on each light and make sure that the coverage area is enough at 18 inches for the number of plants you are blooming. You wont need that much light until you get to flowering so you can save some money by buying just enough light for a 24-30 inch height for vegetation stage, then buy another when you get to flowering. As far as which one to buy, that’s a pretty individual decision based on your budget and how many bells and whistles you want on each light. But I would not recommend buying a lot of lights at once and I would recommend starting with fewer plants until you feel comfortable with your growing method. You probably should sign up for our free Ebook on the main page of our website–and you might also want to look at our other site http://www.bigbudsguide.com for some information on PAR values vs. lumens.
Good Karma and Good Growing
MaryJane Farmer
Wed says
1st time grower,
4x2x5 tent with two v300 around 2ft above 2 week old plants, everything seems to be OK apart from I’ve had to steak the plants leaves seem very healthy, temps are stable at 21 to 22 degrees, does this all seem OK.
Mary Jane Farmer says
Wow you are really paying attention. You should get a great harvest.
Good Karma to You
MaryJane Farmer
Edo says
How many lux have 450w viparspectra at 50cm?
Mary Jane Farmer says
The company claims that it has a PAR value of 398 in the center of an 18″ square plot at 24″ height. That does not directly translate well into lumens. You should take a look at our article “Lumens are for Humans” in our sister site BigBudsGuide.com
MaryJane Farmer
Edo says
I wont to buy this led but i have to know how many lux have at 50 cm. Anyone?
Alehausen says
One 350W viparspectra dimmable for 3 plants (60cm*60cm*140cm) is that enough?
Mary Jane Farmer says
yep
Matias says
I have 3x600w viparspectra led.
It’s in my 100x100x200 cm tent, getting bigger one soon.
However, great lights but red spectrum is insufficient, what can I do to help that? I do NOT want to buy new lights when I just bought 3 of these haha, what can be helped to improve the red spectrum, will it help if so buy, say, 5-10 7w red spectrum lights, or what would be most efficient?
Mary Jane Farmer says
There are a number of special purpose limited-spectrum lamps on the market. Although we have not reviewed this type of light in the past, they are relatively cheap and generally available as a standalone lamp. For instance, take a look at this lamp. Another choice with more power and somewhat more expensive is this one. But remember, a lot of the red spectrum in any LED Grow Light is in the infrared band, which is invisible to you but still needed for your plants. So you need to ask yourself if you are really sure you don’t have enough red in your lights.
Good Karma and Good Growing to you
MaryJane Farmer
Matias says
Maybe you’re right 🙂
Rob says
Hi – I have a 1,5m x1.5.m x 2m tent that I want to use to take 16 plants from seed through vegging, until they are ready to move into my 2.4m x 2.4m tent autopot system for flowering. Which LEDs would you recommend for the nursery/vegging tent?
Thanks in advance
Mary Jane Farmer says
You need between 30-50 watts per plant. One of the larger Advanced LED lights will be a good choice but our customers really also like the ViparSpectra lamps. Check out our home page for a table that gives the basics on all the lights we review.
Greens says
Keep the 300 at around 30 inches away on young veg plants. The intensity is insane despite very little heat it will fry them while young if you try to put the light too close. Experiance speaks.