REVIEW: the Best HPS Grow Lights

Last Updated on May 8, 2022 by Gary Stephen

Given the wide range of choices for grow lights, it can quite be intimidating to choose which one is the best. Incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, CMH, HID, or LED? Isn’t it confusing enough?But, one thing you can be sure of though, HPS is one of your best options! And now, you are wondering which one is the best HPS Grow Lights! Ironically!!!

HPS or High-Pressure Sodium can hands-down outperform other types of grow lights. With respect to efficiency, HPS reigns with its 40% rated efficiency. It is also capable of delivering 85 up to 150 lumens per watt. 

Now, that’s what you call intense power!

To further you help out with your woes, we have collated in this article the best HPS products in the market. Moreover, we have also included herein a quick guideline when buying HPS grow lights.

So, let’s dig in!

Top Pick for The Best HPS Grow Lights

Wait up! If you are in a hurry, please feel free to click directly on our top picks.

Our top pick:

iPower HPS Grow Light Bulb

First Runner-up:

Powerplant Super HPS Lamp

Second Runner-up:

Digilux Digital HPS Lamp

Best HPS Grow Lights for Grow Rooms

1. iPower HPS Grow Light Bulb

iPower is an easy favorite among many growers. The brand carries various products intended for your grow room. And, one of its best selling items is its HPS grow lights.

This HPS is specifically designed for professional plant cultivation. This single-ended light bulb has a correlated color temperature of 2,100K. Thus, giving it a prominent red and orange light spectrum. This CCT along with high PAR enhances its ability to stimulate flowering and fruiting.

iPower HPS is available in different wattages to give your space the right amount of light it needs. It has a larger screw-type E39 base that would fit most common light sockets. Furthermore, it is also compatible to use with either electronic or magnetic ballasts. These components are accessible off the shelves so you sure won’t have a hard time finding it. 

Moreover, the outer envelope of the bulb is being made from borosilicate glass. This type of material is well-known for its very low thermal expansion coefficient. This makes the light bulb more resistant to thermal stress. It is also more likely to withstand higher temperatures compared to other types of glass.

The light bulb has a rated lifespan of 32,000 hours. But, a great advantage of using this HPS is its extra-low lumen depreciation. This means that the bulb has the capacity to maintain 90% of its initial lumen output even after 6,500 hours of usage. Thus, enabling you to optimize its high luminous flux for a longer period of time.

Things to concern:

Several customers complained of faulty light bulbs upon delivery. Thus, it is best to inspect and test the item immediately upon receipt. Should there be abnormalities noted, contact your seller for replacement or refund. 

Magic Lines:

Reliable and has a longer lifespan.

Features:

• 400 watts = 55,000 lumen output
• CCT 2,100K
• Low lumen depreciation
• Compatible with electronic and magnetic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Made from borosilicate glass
• Lifespan: 32,000 hours
• Available in 400 watts, 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• 1-year warranty

 

2. Powerplant Super HPS Lamp

The Powerplant Super HPS lamp series are high-intensity discharge grow lights. It is available in various wattages from 250 up to 1,000 watts. So, there will always be the right size for different grow spaces.

This bulb is being designed to cater to the lighting needs of plants during the flowering stage. It consists more of the red light spectrum. Thus, ensuring faster growth and higher yields.

Powerplant showcases their HPS grow lights as “super” high-pressure sodium lamps. And so, it promises to deliver more usable light for your cultivars as compared to what a regular HPS can give. 

Another great feature of Powerplant grow lights is its flexible retrofit. That means that both the brand’s HPS and MH lamps can run in the same type of control gear. This is helpful when you are switching bulbs between growth stages. You, see HPS is excellent for flowering but MH is more apt for the vegetative phase.

This super HPS lamp has an average lifespan of 24,000 hours. During the first 12 to 18 months, you can expect to make use of its full high-lumen output. Thereafter, lumen depreciation will start to occur.

Things to concern:

There are no significant complaints with the Powerplant Super HPS grow light. Customers seem to be quite pleased with the performance of this product. 

Magic Line:

Versatile with a good price-performance ratio.

Features:

• CCT 2,100K
• Lumen output: 32,000 up to 130,000
• Operates on electronic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 24,000 hours
• Available in 250 watts, 400 watts, 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Universal burning position
• Unclear warranty period 

 

3. Digilux Digital HPS Lamp

Digilux HPS is one of the grow lights manufactured by a popular brand Hydrofarm. This light is well suited for use in horticulture, aquaponics, and indoor greenhouses.

The HPS lamp is a favorite among many growers because of its wide color spectrum and efficiency. This bulb features augmented red and orange spectral outputs. Thus, it is perfect for encouraging the plant’s production of flowers and fruits. 

Moreover, this lamp also has a good balance of blue lights. So, it is not only for the blooming stage, but it is good for the vegetative growth phase too.

Digilux bulbs are compatible with digital ballasts. Although it is not as cheap as the regular magnetic ballasts, the digital ones are cheaper to operate. Furthermore, it is also lighter, cooler, quieter, and produces consistent high light output. Digital ballasts also enable you to dim the light based on your preferred intensity. 

The lamp has a universal burning positioning. This allows you to install the lamp in both vertical or horizontal fixtures. Either way, it is still stable to use without compromising its efficiency.

Things to concern:

Digilux HPS lamps have quite an expensive price point. With its efficiency and reliability, though, you are sure to get a great value out of your investment. 

Magic Line:

Premium quality that is worthy of a premium price.

Features:

• CCT 2,000K
• Initial Lumen: 128,000
• Operates on digital ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 12,000 hours
• Available in 400 watts, 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Universal burning position
• 1-year warranty 

 

4. Apollo Horticulture Grow Light Bulb

The Apollo Horticulture HPS bulbs are the perfect light for cultivating plants indoors. This high-intensity grow light comes in various wattages from 400 up to 1,000. So, there will always be the right amount of light for every space. 

The Apollo HPS bulb comes with a 2000K color temperature. The red-orange light spectrum makes it ideal to use during the plant’s blooming stage. This CCT helps to encourage the growth of flowers and fruits. Thus, giving you healthier and heavier yield.

Apollo HPS is suitable to use with both magnetic and electronic ballast. Although, it would be more beneficial to opt for the electronic one instead. It eliminates the flickering of light and it is also more energy-efficient than conventional magnetic ballasts.

This grow light is a bit bigger than the standard E26 socket that you often see. Rather, this bulb has an E39 base socket size. It is still pretty common though. Just make sure to check your fixture first to ensure compatibility.

The HPS bulb has an expected lifespan of up to 24,000 hours. Its longevity is not as high as other brands, but it is still long enough to give you a good run for your money. Besides, this grow light is compliant with the USA federal standards. Thus, you can be sure of its quality and safety.

Things to concern:

There are several manufacturing issues reported by customers. Some reviewers said that they received a defective product right out of the box. 

Magic Line:

Bright light at an affordable price.

Features:

• 400 watts = 56,000 lumen output
• CCT 2,000K
• Compatible with electronic and magnetic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 24,000 hours
• Available in 400 watts, 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Regulated by USA Federal Standard 21 CFR 1040.30 
• Regulated by Canada Standard S OR/80-382
• Unclear warranty period

 

5. Plantmax HPS Grow Light Bulb

Plantmax HPS is an affordable type of grow light best for use in horticulture. The lamp features a color temperature of 2000 kelvins. This adjusted blue light spectrum is perfect for boosting the flowering plant’s yield.

This HPS has a high-lumen output of up to 140,000 lumens. That much brightness is enough to supplement light to cultivars in an indoor grow space. This initial rating of the lumen, though, may tend to taper down a bit after some time.

The Plantmax grow light is compatible to use with electronic ballasts. With such, it produces less heat and saves more power. They also deliver steadier lights that will tend to fade less over time.

This HPS bulb has a universal burning position. This makes it possible to place in an either vertical or horizontal orientation. Furthermore, it is also compatible to use in both open or enclosed fixtures. These features give you much flexibility when it comes to bulb placement. 

Like most HPS, this lamp also comes with an E39 mogul base. It has quite a larger diameter than other light sockets. But, this type is quite common so you won’t have a hard time fitting the bulb in most sockets.

Plantmax bulbs have a rated lifetime of up to 24,000 hours. That is equal to 1,000 days or 2.7 in years. Thus, you only get to replace your bulbs much less often considering its long length of lifespan.

Things to consider:

There are no significant drawbacks reported by customers. Most were quite pleased with its comparable performance to expensive HPS but at a cheaper price point.

Magic Line:

High-end performance at a fraction of a cost.

Features:

• CCT 2,000K
• Lumen output: 140,000
• Operates on electronic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 24,000 hours
• Available in 400 watts, 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Universal burning position
• 1-year warranty

 

6. Sunmaster Yellow Blossom HPS Grow Light Bulb

Sunmaster’s HPS is the ideal grow light for grow rooms that need artificial lighting. This lamp promises to deliver 10% to 20% more light than other horticultural HPS light bulbs. 

This Yellow Blossom lamp features strong levels of red and orange light spectrums. Its 2100K color temperature makes it very suitable for plants in the flowering stage. This type of spectral output promotes robust flowering and strengthens stem elongation. 

Sunmaster HPS bulbs are compatible to use along with electronic ballasts. These ballasts are more compact and lightweight. But, its most important advantage is energy-efficiency. Electronic ballasts tend to consume less power than conventional magnetic ones. In the end, it gives you better chances of saving on electricity costs.

To further add, Sunmaster HPS has an average lifetime of 24,000 hours. That is tantamount to a thousand days of continuous usage. It is long enough to consider the grow light as economical as it requires you to change bulbs less often.

Also, the electrodes in the Sunmaster lamps are being made from a special blend of 65% Nickel and 30% Copper. The combination of these materials makes the lamp’s electrodes more resistant to corrosion. In that sense, it helps to prolong the lifespan of your lamps.

Things to concern:

There is nothing major to complain about Sunmaster Yellow Bloom HPS bulbs. These grow lights seem to deliver high-quality performance despite being low-cost.

Magic Lines:

Durability and intense brightness at a low cost.

Features:

• CCT 2,100K
• Initial Lumens: 150,000
• PAR Watts: 358
• Operates on electronic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 24,000 hours
• Available in 600 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Universal burning position
• 1-year warranty 

 

7. Ushio Double-Ended Enhanced Performance HPS Lamp

Ushio is a Japanese specialty lighting manufacturer. It produces different types of light bulbs and systems for various uses in the industry. For horticultural, the company takes pride in its double-ended HPS grow lights. This bulb is perfect for supplemental lighting and growing of cultivars indoors.

The double-ended bulb uses high output lamp technology that outruns ordinary single-ended HPS lights. It is available in wattages of 600, 750, or 1,000. So, you have the option to choose which size works best for your space.

Ushio HPS lamps optimize the light spectrum to provide consistent performance. It has the perfect ratio of red spectral output to stimulate the growth of flowers. At the same time, it also has the right amount of spike of blue light to assist in the plant’s vegetative phase.

This double-ended HPS lamp is only suitable for horizontal positioning. Unlike other single-ended bulbs that have universal positioning. Moreover, it also comes with an average lifespan of 10,000 hours. Not too promising but enough to make the most out of what you paid for.

Things to concern:

Ushio double-ended HPS lamps tend to cost more than single-ended HPS bulbs. Although you can also expect it to deliver higher efficiency. Thus, it is still worthy of its extra price.

Magic Lines:

Competitive performance. 

Features:

• CCT 2,100K
• PAR : 2,000 micromol/s
• Operates on electronic ballasts
• E39 base socket
• Lifespan: 10,000 hours
• Horizontal burn positioning
• Available in 600 watts, 750 watts, and 1,000 watts
• Regulated by USA Federal Standard 21 CFR 1040.30 
• Regulated by Canada Standard SOR/80-381
• 1-year warranty 

 

Things To Consider When Buying the Best HPS Grow Lights

• Stage of Plant Growth

When buying HPS, know that this lamp is not an all-around kind of grow light. That is because HPS contains enhanced levels of red light spectrums. This specific spectral output supports the plant by stimulating its production of flowers. Thus, this is more apt to use during the blooming phase of the cultivars.

Since HPS has more red lights, it won’t be able to completely sustain the needs of plants in the vegetative stage. That is the reason why HPS is best paired with metal halide lamps. The MH grow lights contain more blue light spectral output that can well cater to its growth. By combining both HPS and MH, this gives your cultivars more balanced wavelengths of light.

• Coverage

HPS lamps most often come in 5 different sizes. Each size will have its own approximate coverage or light footprint. This is important to know because this will determine how much bulbs you will need for your space.

Too little light will render as useless for your plants. Meanwhile, too much light can also damage or even burn them. 

Here is a quick reference table for your guidance:

• Ballast

The ballast is as important as your grow light bulbs. That is simply because HPS lamps will not work without it.

There are two main types of ballasts. The conventional magnetic and the other one is the electronic or digital ballasts. Both kinds work well with most HPS bulbs. 

But, electronic ballasts are much favored by many due to its added benefits. Digital ballasts are up to 30% more energy-efficient. Moreover, it is lightweight, silent, produces more light intensity but emits less heat.

Digital ballast also comes with more excellent features. This includes dimming capabilities, bulb protection, and radio frequency shielding. Furthermore, this ballast also enables you to operate lamps in different wattages.

So when buying HPS, pair it with a digital ballast whenever possible. That way, you can make the most out of your HPS grow light.

• Single-Ended or Double-Ended

HPS lamps can either come as single-ended or double-ended. The single-ended are the common bulbs with screw-type base sockets. Meanwhile, the double-ended ones are those lamps that have two wires on both ends.

Growers tend to like the double-ended HPS lamps better because of its advantages. This type is well-known for being more efficient and long-lasting. Its major drawback though is the cost. Double-ended bulbs tend to be more expensive than single-ended HPS lamps.

• Reflectors

A reflector is a great add-on to your HPS grow light fixture. Not only will it help you get more light focus, but it will also help to improve your bulb’s lifespan.

There are two common types of reflectors used in grow rooms. The open type and the air-cooled reflectors. Each has its own highlights. The open type is great for maximizing as much light as possible. Meanwhile, the air-cooled reflectors have cooling features that help you manage radiated heat.

Wrapping Up:

HPS lamps are one of the perfect grow lights to choose for your blooming cultivars. The enhanced red spectrum output of this bulb provides plants its much needed support. This allows them to produce healthy flowers and higher yields. Thus, it is very important for every grower to find the right kind of HPS light for its grow space.

The top 7 HPS lamps we presented herein are some of the best selling grow lights in the market. They are already tested and proven by both novice and seasoned growers. So, you can assure they will give you good-quality performance and great value for money.