COB LED grow lights are regularly outperforming normal LED grow lights of similar wattage. The best COB LED Grow lights can compete with normal LED grow lights with 10% higher wattage output.
The lights I review in this article are the best COB LED grow lights currently available. I also reviewed the strongest COB LED grow lights here if you’re curious about more high end COB LED models.
What’s a COB LED?
COB stands for Chips On Board – that doesn’t do a good job implying the benefits or differences of a COB light.
The only difference between a COB LED and regular LED is the design. COB LEDs fit more LEDs onto a single chip, allowing for higher intensity and lower power consumption.
A more technical explanation of a COB LED is a “technique of electronic packaging where multiple chips will be bonded together on a single substrate surface to produce intense light.”
Advantages of COB LED Grow Lights
They provide much denser and intense light compared to other standard “SMD” LED Grow lights. It’s due to the packaging of multiple LEDs on a single large-sized chip.
Because the source of light is centralized in COB technology, it generates less heat compared to traditional LEDs.
Lower electricity consumption compared to standard LEDs.
More efficient grow light designs are used.
Better lifespan.
Higher light intensity seen on COBs is better for growing flowering plants like cannabis.
Disadvantages of COB LED Grow Lights:
The only downside to COB LED grow lights is the somewhat higher cost compared to standard LED grow lights.
Factors to Consider When Buying a COB LED Grow Light
Stay away from the lowest price lights – they’re often the weakest intensity of light.
Look for real quality and capability of a panel, mainly via PPFD reading.
Consider light intensity, not HPS replacement numbers.
ECO Farm 450W CREE CXB3590 COB LED Grow Light
Pros:
It has a wider spectrum range.
Effective cooling system because of the fans and aluminum base.
High light-gathering capabilities.
Higher PAR value and lower input voltage.
A unique design.
Cons:
It is not waterproof.
It can only be used for indoor purposes.
SunStream 600W COB LED Grow Light
Pros:
It doesn’t require additional cooling facilities as it emits lower heat.
It is energy efficient and reaches desired photons using less voltage.
It is simple to handle and is lightweight, making it easy to hang.
Cons:
It has a smaller coverage area.
It is not waterproof.
VIVOSUN 1200W COB LED Grow Light
Pros:
It covers a large area.
Its unique design helps connect multiple lights with fewer outlets using an input voltage of AC85-265V.
It has a high PAR value due to its higher CREE COB and double chip LEDs.
The efficient cooling system enables it to have a lifespan greater than 100 000 hours.
Cons:
It is not water-proof.
The fans might create a little noise.
Phlizon 1000/2000/3000W LED Grow Light CREE COB
Pros:
It provides a much higher PAR value and a wide spectrum covering all colors.
It has a powerful cooling system.
It is a high-intensity light that is super easy to set up and has good heat dissipation.
It has a long lifespan.
Cons:
The cooling system might create some noise.
It is not waterproof.
AGLEX 600W/1200W/2000W/3000W COB LED Grow Light
Pros:
It has an excellent full spectrum that includes UV and IR.
The COB LED Grow Light has a higher PAR value.
It uses the daisy chain technique.
It is very user-friendly.
It covers large portions of the area.
Cons:
It is not waterproof.
It is very bright hence protective glasses are required when working under it.
How To Choose The Best Cob Led Grow Lights?
COB stands for Chip-on-Board, which is a technology that is used to mount multiple LEDs onto a single module. This helps blend all the lights from IR light to UV light, mimicking the natural sunlight for maximizing the plant development.
COB led grow lights usually have the full spectrum, some from 410 - 740nm, some even from 380-800nm. The wider this spectrum is, the more it is like natural sunlight.
PPFD Value is another important spec. PPFD or Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density shows how good the light is to the plant growth. The higher this value, the better the photosynthesis.
Other things you may want to pay attention to when choosing a COB led grow light are Lighting angle, Lighting field, Timer function, Cooling system, and Safety features.