The best under canopy lighting can make a world of difference in your grow space. Lighting the top of your plants is only half the battle. Without the right lighting underneath, your lower canopy can end up shaded, stunted, and full of larfy buds. That’s where under-canopy lighting comes in. Under canopy LED lighting provides your lower growth with the energy it needs to produce larger, higher-quality flowers.
Whether you're running a small indoor garden or a large-scale commercial grow operation, adding under canopy LED grow lights can help you get the most out of every plant. In this guide, we’ll cover the best under canopy lightning for 2025 and share tips on how to choose the right ones for your setup.
Table of Contents
- Why Use Under Canopy Lighting?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Under Canopy LED Grow Light
- The Best Under Canopy LED Grow Lights for 2025
- Comparing the Top Under Canopy LED Grow Lights 2025
- Tips for Optimizing Under Canopy Lighting Performance
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions About Under Canopy LED Grow Lights
Why Use Under Canopy Lighting?
For indoor gardens and commercial and industrial spaces, under-canopy lighting is a must-have lighting solution that complements your existing lighting system. Adding under-canopy lighting brings a host of benefits to your grow space:
Improved Canopy Penetration
Direct targeted illumination to the lower canopy and ensure light penetration beneath plants.
Enhanced Lower Growth
Promote the development of lower leaves and lower buds, reducing popcorn buds and increasing uniformity.
Better Light Distribution
Achieve glare-free light distribution and ensuring even light distribution across the entire canopy.
Higher Yields
Supplement top lights to maximize plant productivity and bud density.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Under Canopy LED Grow Light
Choosing the best under-canopy lighting depends on understanding a few critical factors:
Spectrum
Look for full spectrum LEDs for balanced growth across all stages, or red spectrum lighting to boost flowering performance.
Intensity & Output
Key specs to compare:
- PPF output (μmol/s)
- Efficiency (μmol/J)
Strong, efficient output ensures the lower canopy receives enough light without overheating.
Form Factor & Mounting
-
Grow light bars and LED bars are ideal for slim profiles.
- Ensure compatibility with 4′ and 8′ under canopy configurations
Build Quality
- Choose IP65+ rated fixtures for durability
- Look for daisy chain support and simple installation
- Sturdy power cord connections are essential
The Best Under Canopy LED Grow Lights for 2025
Here are our expert picks for the best LED canopy lights you can buy this year:
1. Iluminar 160W
The Iluminar 160W Under Canopy Light is a high-performance option built for serious commercial grow operations. Featuring a full spectrum LED with optimized red spectrum, it delivers excellent canopy penetration and enhances lower canopy development. Its robust build includes an IP65 rating and daisy chain capability, making installation seamless. If you're looking for a reliable and powerful solution, this light is perfect for your growing needs.
Highlights:
- Up to 3.0 μmol/J photon efficacy for maximum efficiency
- IP65-rated for durability in humid grow environments
- Compatible with 0-10V dimming and daisy chaining for large setups
2. GrowPros
The GrowPros Under Canopy Light is a versatile choice available in both Grow Pros Solutions 8′ and 4′ bar formats. It offers targeted illumination to the lower canopy, helping you achieve balanced light distribution throughout your plants. With a high PPF output, IP65-rated fixture, and efficient cooling, it’s a great value option for growers seeking both performance and flexibility.
Highlights:
- Full-spectrum output with deep red and far red for robust growth
- Precision lens for uniform light coverage
- Multiple length options to fit any grow space
3. FloraFlex
FloraFlex Under Canopy Light solutions are designed for growers who demand modularity and precision. With its slim LED bar design, this light provides excellent light penetration for lower buds and inner canopy areas. Its stackable and adaptable lighting system allows you to customize your setup, ensuring optimal light output and balanced spectrum coverage.
Highlights:
- Slim, stackable design for flexible installation
- Delivers targeted light to inner and lower canopy zones
- Easy integration with various lighting setups
4. CraftFarmer Gen 3
The CraftFarmer Gen 3 Intercanopy Light is a market favorite, even though it's not currently available at Trimleaf. Known for its adjustable light spectrum and versatile form factor, it’s popular among both hobbyists and professional growers. It enhances lower canopy development and allows growers to fine-tune their lighting strategy for optimal results.
Highlights:
- Adjustable spectrum to suit any growth stage
- High output with low heat signature
- Flexible mounting options for custom layouts
5. ION LED
The ION LED 135W illuminates the typically neglected lower regions of plants, ensuring comprehensive growth from top to bottom. With a powerful 370 μmol/sec output and 2.7 μmol/J efficiency, it activates lower bud sites that traditional overhead lighting cannot reach. Its IP66 water-resistant construction and 0-10V protocol dimming offer durability and precise environmental control integration.
Highlights:
- 370 μmol/sec PPF and 2.7 μmol/J efficiency for strong canopy penetration
- IP66 water resistance for tough grow environments
- 0-10V dimming for precise intensity control
Comparing the Top Under Canopy LED Grow Lights 2025
| Product Name | Spectrum | Wattage | PPF Output | IP Rating | Daisy Chain | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iluminar 160W Under Canopy Light | Full Spectrum + Red | 160W | High | IP65 | Yes | $$$ |
| GrowPros Under Canopy Light | Full Spectrum | 120W-150W | High | IP65 | Yes | $$ |
| FloraFlex Under Canopy Light | Full Spectrum + Red | 120W | High | IP65 | Yes | $$ |
| CraftFarmer Gen 3 | Full Spectrum Adjustable | 120W | High | IP65 | Yes | $$$ |
| ION LED | Full Spectrum | 135W | High | IP66 | Yes | $$ |
Tips for Optimizing Under Canopy Lighting Performance
To get the best results from your under canopy LED grow lights, follow these pro tips:
- Maximize light penetration by using reflective floors or surfaces under your plants.
- Combine full spectrum LED with red spectrum lighting for optimal bud quality.
- Even though LEDs run cool, ensure your lighting system does not cause heat buildup near the lower canopy.
- Position lights to direct targeted illumination into the inner canopy, minimising energy waste.
- Clean light bars and lighting fixtures periodically to maintain maximum light output.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best under canopy lights can transform your grow space. The right lighting fixtures:
- Illuminate your inner canopy
- Promote strong lower canopy and lower bud development
- Complement your top lights for maximum plant growth
For perfect lighting solution, consider factors like light spectrum, light output, and form factor. Whether you opt for the powerful Iluminar 160W or the versatile CraftFarmer Gen 3, these high-performance options will give your plants the light it needs.
Ready to upgrade your grow? Explore our full selection of under canopy lighting
Frequently Asked Questions About Under Canopy LED Grow Lights
- ◄What is under canopy lighting and how is it different from traditional grow lighting?
- Under canopy lighting refers to LED fixtures placed beneath the plant canopy to illuminate lower leaves and buds—areas that traditional overhead lights often miss. It doesn’t replace top lighting but complements it for full-spectrum coverage from top to bottom.
- ◄How many under-canopy lights should I use in my grow space?
- It depends on your canopy size and plant density. Typically, growers install one under-canopy light bar per row of plants or every 2 to 3 feet along the inner canopy. For large commercial setups, spacing should be tested to optimize light distribution and avoid shading.
- ◄When should I turn on under-canopy lighting?
- Most growers activate under-canopy LEDs during the flowering stage when plants are tall and canopy penetration is critical. However, using them during the late vegetative stage can also enhance lower growth and bud site development.
- ◄Are under-canopy LED lights safe for plants?
- Yes. Quality under-canopy lights provide an optimized light spectrum and gentle illumination that complements top lights. Ensure proper spacing to prevent light burn and always follow manufacturer guidelines.
- ◄Will under-canopy lighting increase my electricity bill significantly?
- Not necessarily. Most modern under-canopy LED grow lights are highly efficient and use much less power than traditional lighting solutions. You can achieve better yields and quality with minimal increases in power consumption.
- ◄Can I daisy chain under-canopy lights together?
- Many top under-canopy LED models feature daisy chain capability, allowing you to connect multiple lights to a single power source for easy installation and streamlined cable management. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum numbers in a chain.
- ◄What spectrum is best for under-canopy lighting?
- A balanced full spectrum is best for overall plant health and bud development, but increased red and far red spectrum can boost flowering and promote better lower bud growth.
- ◄Do I need to adjust my feeding or watering schedule when using under-canopy lighting?
- Since plants will receive more light and may grow more vigorously, you may notice increased water or nutrient uptake. Monitor your plants and adjust your feeding or watering schedule as needed.
- ◄Can under-canopy lighting be used with any grow system?
- Yes. Under-canopy lights can be integrated with soil, coco, hydroponic, and aeroponic systems. Just ensure that fixtures are waterproof (IP65+ rated) if there’s a risk of splashing.
- ◄Is it worth using under-canopy lighting for small home grows?
- Absolutely! Even small home growers can see increased yields, better lower bud development, and more uniform plant health by adding a single under-canopy light bar.
