LED vs. HPS: Welches Anbaulicht ist das richtige für Sie?
Choosing between LED and HPS is the single biggest hardware decision most indoor growers make. Both can produce excellent results — but the trade-offs in efficiency, heat, spectrum and cost are significant.
Efficiency (µmol/J)
Modern top-bin LEDs deliver 2.7–3.0 µmol/J, roughly double a 600W HPS. That means more light per unit of electricity — real savings once you factor cooling.
Spectrum & Quality
Full-spectrum white LEDs closely mimic sunlight, giving dense flower and terpene-rich growth. HPS has a strong yellow-orange bias that plants love in bloom but lacks blue-heavy vegetative wavelengths.
Heat & Climate
HPS runs hot — 60–70% of input energy becomes heat. LEDs run cool enough to reduce ventilation needs and stabilise VPD. In summer, that's often the deciding factor.
Upfront vs Lifetime Cost
A quality 300W LED costs 2–3× a 600W HPS setup but pays back within 12–18 months in electricity, bulb replacements and cooling gear.