7 Best Grow Lights for 4×4 Tents (In 2024 and Beyond)
Our number one recommendation is HLG’s cutting-edge Tomahawk 650 LED light to light up your 4×4 grow tent.
How we picked
Below are our top 7 picks each catering to distinct needs:
1. Horticulture Lighting Group Tomahawk 650
Best overall
Horticulture Lighting Group Tomahawk 650
Powerful 650W full-spectrum LED light bar perfectly tailored for 4×4 grow tents. Commercial-grade performance drives intense flowering results.
As one of the most powerful single LED units tailored for small spaces, the Tomahawk 650 provides intense, full-spectrum illumination for flowering a 16 sq ft area.
It packs a punch with 650W of power distributed efficiently across focused LED bars for penetrative canopy coverage.
It serves as a plug-and-play lighting solution as a standalone unit, with no assembly required.
With the latest Samsung diodes and Meanwell driver pairing, HLG fits exceptional intensity, spectrum efficiency, and reliability into a compact, dimmable/controllable package.
It achieves over 1000 PPFD at the recommended 18-inch hanging height above the canopy, making it ideal for productive cannabis flowering or general gardening.
This suits a 16-square-foot tent footprint perfectly.
The Tomahawk 650 utilizes full-spectrum white LEDs with added 660 nm deep red diodes. This sunlight-like balance optimizes photosynthesis, growth rates, and plant quality.
As part of the ReliableTM Series, the Tomahawk 650 is constructed from durable aluminum with glass lenses encasing the LEDs.
It’s also UL/CSA listed for electrical and fire safety.
Weighing in at a trim 20 lbs with multiple integrated mounting options, the Tomahawk allows for both fixed and adjustable hanging heights.
| Power/Wattage | 0-650 Watts |
| Recommended mounting height | 8–24 inches |
| Spectrum | Full Spectrum (white with deep red) |
| PPF efficacy | 2.94 μmol/J |
| Total output (PPF) | 1920 μmol/s |
| Weight | 20 pounds (9.07 kgs) |
| Warranty | 5 years |
TIP: You can click on any specific image to view it in full screen.
2. Spider Farmer SF4000
Best affordable option
Spider Farmer SF4000
Highly efficient 450W Samsung LED fixture optimized to flower 4×4 spaces. Quiet cooling and daisy chain expandability.
The Spider Farmer SF4000 is a 450W full spectrum LED grow light designed for 4×4 grow tents.
It uses efficient Samsung LM301B diodes for intense canopy light penetration and coverage across the recommended 4′ x 4′ flowering footprint.
The SF4000 LED grow light offers full spectrum output spanning 3000K (warm white), 5000K (cool white), 660 nm red, and 760 nm infrared.
This covers all the spectral wavelengths plants need for vegetative growth and flowering stages.
It has daisy chain ports to connect multiple units and a dimmable Meanwell driver that allows adjusting light intensity from 50-100%.
Testing shows the SF4000 provides a very high PAR output of over 1000 μmol/m2/s at the optimum hanging height of 18 inches (45.72 cm) above the canopy, making it suitable for flowering plants.
The durable weatherproof aluminum body, glass-coated LEDs, and quiet heat dissipation fans promote long-term reliable performance.
| Power/Wattage | 450W |
| Recommended mounting height | 18–24 inches (45-60 cm) |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum (white, blue, red, and infrared) |
| PPF efficacy | 2.7 umol/J |
| Total output (PPF) | 1090-1217 μmol/s |
| Weight | 19.3 pounds (8.75 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 years* |
*NOTE ON WARRANTY: SF4000 grow light has a 30-day free return policy, a 5-year limited warranty, and free repair/replacement service within the first 2 years. Customers need to provide proof of purchase and contact Spider Farmer to initiate warranty claims.
3. Mars Hydro FC-E4800
BEST INTENSITY
Mars Hydro FC-E4800
Commercial-grade 480W quantum board packs extreme PAR output across a 16 sq ft canopy. Top-tier intensity from Bridgelux diodes.
The Mars Hydro FC-E4800 is a commercial-grade 480W LED grow light tailored to excel within 4×4 spaces needing intense, full-cycle illumination.
With a tested power draw of 471W, it suits flowering footprints up to 16 square feet (1.49 m2) perfectly.
At the 13-inch hanging height, it provides a very strong photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) output, averaging 1081.8 μmol/m2/s across a 4×4 area.
The FC-E4800 utilizes Bridgelux diodes for exceptional intensity, efficiency, and reliability. The balanced full spectrum closely mimics natural sunlight.
Removable modular bars distribute photons evenly across the canopy for uniform growth.
Aluminum heat sinks paired with quiet fans effectively dissipate heat. Separating the driver and IP65 rating allows safe operation in humid tents.
Smart features like dimmability from 10-100% plus daisy chain connectivity permit expandable automation. The Mars Hydro app enables wireless lighting control.
| Power/Wattage | 480W |
| Recommended mounting height | 12–18 inches |
| PPF efficacy | 2.8 μmol/J |
| Total output (PPF) | 1081.8 μmol/s |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum (380-410nm, 660-665nm, 730-740nm, 2800-3000K, and 4800-5000K) |
| Weight | 20 lbs (9.07 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 years* |
*NOTE ON WARRANTY: The Mars Hydro FC-E4800 LED grow light has a 5-year limited warranty that covers free replacement parts for 5 years. Repair service and shipping costs are covered for the first year, but the buyer would be responsible for those costs in years 2-5 if needed. This standard 5-year LED grow light warranty applies when purchased through authorized sellers.
4. AC Infinity IONFRAME EVO8
CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
AC Infinity IONFRAME EVO8
Cutting-edge 730W white + red LED bar from top-bin Samsung diodes. The slim form factor drives excellent canopy penetration.
The EVO8 LED grow light packs a powerful punch in a slim bar form factor optimized for coverage across 4×4 and 5×5 ft areas.
With a balanced full spectrum spanning 3000K, 5000K, 395 nm UV, 660 nm red, and 730 nm deep red wavelengths, it meets plants’ light needs for healthy growth.
It uses top-bin Samsung LM301H EVO white LEDs combined with Osram 660 nm supplemental diodes for intensity and efficiency.
At just 3.38 inches (8.59 cm) thick and under 40 pounds, the EVO8 provides versatile installation.
EVO8 has excellent intensity and efficiency, meeting commercial benchmarks.
Electrical safety is verified through ETL certification to give buyers peace of mind. The thick aluminum housing and LED lenses allow these bars to withstand humid tent environments.
The intensity and efficiency levels combined with daisy chain connectivity (up to 80 lights) provide long-term value for controlled commercial growing.
It deserves strong consideration alongside the SF4000 and other top LED recommendations if the budget permits.
| Power/Wattage | 730W |
| Recommended mounting height | 12–18 inches |
| PPF efficacy | 3.14 μmol/J |
| Total output (PPF) | 2013 μmol/s |
| Spectrum | Broad full spectrum (white, UV, and red) |
| Weight | 38.4 pounds (17.42 kg) |
| Warranty | 2 years* |
*NOTE ON WARRANTY: The AC Infinity IONFRAME EVO8 grow light has a 2-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If an issue arises within 2 years of purchase, AC Infinity will repair or replace the product.
5. Migro ARAY 4×4 500W
BEST UNIFORMITY
Migro ARAY 4×4 500W
500W passive-cooled commercial fixture with elite Samsung white LED and Osram red pairings. Dimming and automation readiness.
The Migro ARAY 4×4 is a 500-watt full spectrum LED grow light designed to cover a 4ft x 4ft (1.2m x 1.2m) flowering area.
It uses a balanced ratio of Samsung LM301B white LEDs and Osram 660nm red supplemental diodes to achieve a sunlight-like spectrum supporting all growth stages.
With an actual power draw of 490W from the wall, the efficiency comes in at a very respectable 2.47 micromoles per joule.
This puts it well above older HID lighting.
At the optimum mounting height of 18 inches, the ARAY 4×4 performs excellently – providing uniform intensity averaging 815 μMol/m2/s across a near-perfect square.
This easily satisfies a 16 sq ft tent footprint.
The tried and tested passive heat sinks avoid relying on failure-prone fans for cooling. Daisy chaining further units and external dimming improves automation capacity down the track.
Overall, the ARAY squares up incredibly well versus the spider farmer and other 4×4 recommendations in terms of uniformity, value, and dimming capabilities right out of the box.
| Power/Wattage | 500W |
| Recommended mounting height | 12 to 48 inches (30cm to 122cm) |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum |
| PPF efficacy | 2.7 μmol/J |
| Total output (PPFD) | 871 µmols/m2/sec |
| Weight | 11.4 pounds (5.2 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
6. HLG 600 Rspec
LEGENDARY RELIABILITY
HLG 600 Rspec
Legendary 600W full-cycle quantum board from HLG packing custom white and deep red 660nm diodes. Passive cooling for reliability.
The HLG 600 Rspec from Horticulture Lighting Group is an efficient 600W commercial grade full spectrum LED grow light designed for a 16-square-foot flowering footprint.
With custom white LEDs and added 660nm red diodes, it achieves a high photosynthetic photon efficacy of 2.60 μmol/J.
This top-tier quantum board LED light draws 600W of power to produce intense illumination comparable to a traditional 1000W high-pressure sodium (HPS) setup.
At the optimum height of 30 inches, the HLG 600 Rspec delivers a 4×4 average PPFD over 900 μmol/m2/s with excellent canopy uniformity.
The full spectrum color temperature rated from 3000K to 4000K works well from seedling to harvest. The balanced wavelengths stimulate robust growth and dense, resinous buds.
The rugged aluminum alloy body manages thermal load effectively thanks to passive cooling. Glass-coated LEDs increase durability.
| Power/Wattage | 600W |
| Recommended mounting height | 28-36 inches |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum (white + 660nm deep red) |
| PPF Efficacy | 2.60 μmol/J |
| Total Output (PPF) | 1529 μmol/s |
| Weight | 25.4 pounds (11.52 kgs) |
| Warranty | 3 years* |
*NOTE ON WARRANTY: A new HLG 600 Rspec purchased from an authorized dealer comes with a 3-year warranty from HLG that covers manufacturing defects. Refurbished models have a 1-year warranty.
7. Phlizon Pro 2000W LED Grow Light
pocket-friendly
Phlizon Pro 2000W LED Grow Light
Affordable beginner light with full spectrum SMD LEDs to cover 4×4 spaces. Dimmable with daisy chain connectivity.
The Phlizon Pro 2000W LED Grow Light is a full spectrum LED panel and a budget-friendly lighting option for small indoor gardens.
SIDENOTE: While marketed as a “2000W” LED grow light, the actual power draw of this Phlizon model is 240 watts. The light output and coverage are claimed to be equivalent to a 2000W high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH) traditional grow light.
The energy-efficient SMD LEDs and balanced light spectrum still allow it to cover up to a 4×4 ft flowering canopy under optimum conditions.
Phlizon Pro has 432 LEDs in a balanced full spectrum: Cool white 6000-6500K, warm white 3000K, red 620-630 nm, and blue 450-475 nm.
The recommended coverage area is 4×4 ft at 18-30 inch height.
It is dimmable between 20-100% brightness and has a daisy chain function to connect multiple lights. The efficiency rating is 2.8 μmol/J.
Constructed from aluminum and glass, it also runs fairly cool for an entry-level LED light.
| Power/Wattage | 240W |
| Recommended mounting height | 18-30 inches |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum (white, red, blue) |
| PPF Efficacy | 2.8 μmol/J |
| Total Output (PPFD) | About 880 μmol/m2s |
| Weight | 10.2 pounds (4.6 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Optimizing Lighting Setups Inside 4×4 Tents
Setting up the ideal lighting environment for your 4×4 grow tent or space takes some planning and consideration.
Here are my top expert tips for optimizing your lighting setup to maximize yields:
1. Select the Right Lighting Power
Choose a grow light with at least 400-750W of power for a 4×4 area. This ensures ample intensity to penetrate the canopy and reach all plants in your tent.
Popular LED models like the HLG Tomahawk 650, Spider Farmer SF4000, and Mars Hydro FC-E4800 have the ideal wattage range.
2. Get Full Spectrum LEDs
Look for full spectrum or “sunlike” LED grow lights that provide a balanced mix of red, blue, and white light. This mimics natural sunlight to optimize photosynthesis and growth.
3. Position Lights Properly
Hang lights 18-30 inches above the canopy, lowering as plants grow taller. Position them centered over the tent space for even coverage. A light grid pattern can also be effective.
FURTHER READING: How Far Should a Grow Light Be From Plants for Best Growth
4. Control Temperatures
LEDs run cooler than older lighting options, but can still generate excess heat in an enclosed tent. Proper ventilation with exhaust fans and ducting is a must. Keep ambient temperatures ideally around 75°F.
FURTHER READING: 3 Best Air Conditioners for Grow Tent and Grow Room (2024)
5. Consider Multiple Smaller Lights
For larger tents, two 240W LEDs often provide more uniform coverage than a single 600W unit. But this increases complexity.
6. Use Adjustable Hangers
Invest in ratchet hangers so you can easily raise or lower the lights as your plants grow taller and lighting needs change.
7. Add Supplementary Lighting
Consider supplemental LEDs like 660nm red or UV lights to boost flowering or vegetative growth as needed.
8. Monitor and Maintain DLI
Track daily light integral (DLI) and adjust the intensity to match growth stage targets for optimal plant health.
9. Maximize Light Utilization
Use reflective walls and accessories to redirect light back to the canopy, avoiding light leakage and hot spots.
10. Practice Proper Electrical Safety
LED lights are very safe, but exercise caution with electrical connections and monitoring heat levels.
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
After comparing the top LED grow lights for 4×4 tents, the Horticulture Lighting Group Tomahawk 650 stands out as our number one pick.
Of course, I know not everyone has $1000+ to spend on grow lighting right off the bat.
That’s why the Spider Farmer SF4000, among others, makes for an incredibly affordable 4×4 lighting option at under $500.
It still pumps out over 1000 μmol/m2/s of full spectrum intensity at 18 inches height. So your herbs and veggies will thrive under this LED grow light in a 4×4 tent.
Just remember, no matter which LED grow light you choose, proper setup is key.
I hope these LED grow light recommendations and tips help you decide on the perfect lighting solution.
Now, it’s your turn.
Which grow light are you going to use for your 4×4 setup?
Is it HLG’s Tomahawk, SF4000, or something else?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Meet your guide
Dhruvir Zala
I wonder if you tested par output actual or went by manufactures data?
Thanks
Hi Tom,
All the data, including PAR output, is taken from either the original sources (like manufacturer’s ecommerce website) or from reviewers with hands-on experience (mostly on YouTube).
You see, this site is a rigorous research-based project. So yes, while I do my best to provide the accurate data, I have not tested the products myself.