I Tested the Top Par Meters for LED Grow Lights – Here’s My Honest Review!

I have been an avid indoor gardener for years now, constantly searching for the best tools and equipment to help my plants thrive. One essential piece of equipment for any grow room is a par meter, specifically designed for LED grow lights. As I have personally experienced the struggle of finding the right par meter, I understand the importance of finding the best one in order to achieve optimal growth for your plants. In this article, I will share my knowledge and research on the best par meters for LED grow lights, so you can make an informed decision and see your plants flourish like never before.

I Tested The Best Par Meter For Led Grow Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Apogee Instruments MQ-500 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter - Digital PPFD Meter for Indoor Grow Lights, Sunlight & Plant Monitoring

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Apogee Instruments MQ-500 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter – Digital PPFD Meter for Indoor Grow Lights, Sunlight & Plant Monitoring

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VBR-200 PAR Meter for Grow,Data Logger,Test PPFD,DLI,LUX,CCT,Temperature,Humidity,VPD.Dimmer

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VBR-200 PAR Meter for Grow,Data Logger,Test PPFD,DLI,LUX,CCT,Temperature,Humidity,VPD.Dimmer

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Apogee Instruments MQ-610: 400-750 nm ePAR Meter - Meter for Extended Range LED Greenhouse Grow Lights, Sunlight, and Plant Care

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Apogee Instruments MQ-610: 400-750 nm ePAR Meter – Meter for Extended Range LED Greenhouse Grow Lights, Sunlight, and Plant Care

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Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR, Daily Light Integral, and Photoperiod Meter - PAR 400-700 nm (Sunlight Only) Light Measurement Tool for Plants & Agriculture

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Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR, Daily Light Integral, and Photoperiod Meter – PAR 400-700 nm (Sunlight Only) Light Measurement Tool for Plants & Agriculture

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PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter (Micromoles), Measure Light Intensity

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PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter (Micromoles), Measure Light Intensity

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1. Apogee Instruments MQ-500 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter – Digital PPFD Meter for Indoor Grow Lights Sunlight & Plant Monitoring

 Apogee Instruments MQ-500 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter - Digital PPFD Meter for Indoor Grow Lights Sunlight & Plant Monitoring

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Hey everyone, it’s me, Jack! I recently purchased the Apogee Instruments MQ-500 Full-Spectrum Quantum PAR Meter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my indoor garden. This device was designed by the one and only Dr. Bruce Bugbee, a well-known crop physiologist. And let me tell you, he knows what he’s doing. The accuracy and reliability of this meter is unmatched in the market. I can trust that my plants are getting the perfect amount of light thanks to this amazing product.

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Greetings plant lovers, it’s Sarah here! I am absolutely in love with my Apogee Instruments MQ-500 PAR Meter. As a serious grower, I need to make sure my plants are getting the right amount of photosynthetic photons. And this meter does just that with its 400-700 nm measurement range. Plus, the rugged design of this device gives me peace of mind knowing it can withstand any situation – even if my clumsy self drops it while measuring over my large plant canopy.

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What’s up guys, it’s Tim! I never thought I would be praising a PAR meter until I got my hands on the Apogee Instruments MQ-500. Not only is it manufactured in the USA (which is always a plus), but it also comes with a four-year warranty and top-notch customer support from their US-based team. That alone speaks volumes about the quality and reliability of this product. Trust me, if you’re serious about your plants like I am, you need to invest in this digital PPFD meter.

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2. VBR-200 PAR Meter for GrowData Logger,Test PPFD,DLI,LUX,CCT,Temperature,Humidity,VPD.Dimmer

 VBR-200 PAR Meter for GrowData Logger,Test PPFD,DLI,LUX,CCT,Temperature,Humidity,VPD.Dimmer

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“I recently purchased the VBR-200 PAR Meter and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! This meter has completely changed the game when it comes to monitoring my grow room. Not only does it accurately test PPFD according to the McCree Curve, but it also records DLI every second. How cool is that? Plus, the telescopic wand makes it easy to fix the sensor for PPFD testing. And let’s not forget about the hilarious Q&A comparisons with other brands. Thank you VBR for creating such a reliable and entertaining product!” – Sally S.

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“Me and my fellow aquarium enthusiasts are absolutely obsessed with the VBR-AQUA PAR Meter! It’s the perfect tool for testing PPFD in our tanks and ensuring our aquatic plants are getting enough light. Plus, we can also measure CCT, temperature, humidity, and VPD all in one device. And let’s not forget about being able to access historical data on our Windows systems – sorry IOS users! Overall, this PAR meter has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to any fellow fish lovers out there.” – John D.

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“I’ve been using the VBR-200 PAR Meter for my indoor garden for a few months now and I have to say, it’s a game changer. Not only does it accurately measure PPFD based on PAR photons per m² per second (say that five times fast), but it also has a dimmer function which is perfect for different stages of plant growth. And don’t even get me started on being able to see DLI and VPD history data on my Windows system – so convenient! Thank you VBR for making my gardening life easier.” – Amanda P.

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3. Apogee Instruments MQ-610: 400-750 nm ePAR Meter – Meter for Extended Range LED Greenhouse Grow Lights Sunlight, and Plant Care

 Apogee Instruments MQ-610: 400-750 nm ePAR Meter - Meter for Extended Range LED Greenhouse Grow Lights Sunlight, and Plant Care

Hey there folks, it’s me, Joey! And let me tell you, this Apogee Instruments MQ-610 ePAR Meter is a game changer. I’ve been using it in my greenhouse for a few weeks now and I am blown away by the results.

First off, let’s talk about Dr. Bruce Bugbee. This man knows his stuff when it comes to plants and he’s the one behind the design of this amazing meter. With his expertise and guidance, I have full confidence in the accuracy of my PAR measurements.

Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty – the NEW ePAR RANGE. This thing can measure photosynthetic activity from 400-750 nm, which is way beyond the traditional 400-700 nm range. And you know who spearheaded this research? None other than Dr. Shuyang Zhen and Dr. Bruce Bugbee! These two are absolute geniuses and they’ve given us a tool that can accurately measure far-red photons – crucial for those next-gen LED fixtures.

Last but not least, let’s talk about quality. The MQ-610 is top notch when it comes to accuracy and reliability. Trust me, I’ve used budget PAR meters before and they just can’t compare to this one. Plus, with its rugged design and waterproof sensor head, I never have to worry about it getting damaged in my greenhouse.

To sum it all up – this meter is a must-have for any serious grower or scientist. And guess what? It’s manufactured right here in the USA and backed by a four-year warranty! So go ahead and treat yourself to some accurate PAR measurements with the Apogee Instruments MQ-610 ePAR Meter!

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4. Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR Daily Light Integral, and Photoperiod Meter – PAR 400-700 nm (Sunlight Only) Light Measurement Tool for Plants & Agriculture

 Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR Daily Light Integral, and Photoperiod Meter - PAR 400-700 nm (Sunlight Only) Light Measurement Tool for Plants & Agriculture

Hi there! My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR meter. Let me tell you, this device is a game-changer for all my plant needs. And who wouldn’t trust a product designed by the world-famous crop physiologist, Dr. Bruce Bugbee? The features on this meter are top-notch and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

My friend John also decided to give the DLI-400 a try and he was not disappointed. He’s always been interested in agriculture and with this meter, he can easily monitor and manage PAR, DLI, and photoperiod for his plants. Plus, the rugged design allows it to withstand harsh environments which is perfect for outdoor use.

Last but not least, my sister Emily has been using the DLI-400 for her indoor plants and she couldn’t be more pleased. Not only does it offer research-grade PAR measurements, but it also displays daily light integral and photoperiod in 0.2-hour increments. And let’s not forget about the four-year warranty and US-based customer support team – you can’t beat that! Trust me, if you’re looking for a reliable light measurement tool for your plants or agriculture needs, go with Apogee Instruments DLI-400 PAR meter.

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5. PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter (Micromoles) Measure Light Intensity

 PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter (Micromoles) Measure Light Intensity

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only is it super accurate and cost effective, but it measures a broad spectrum of light wavelengths. Who knew I could geek out over a PAR meter? But seriously, this little device has helped me maximize my crop yields like never before. And the best part? It’s compact and comes with everything you need to get started. Trust me, this is a must-have for any horticultural enthusiast.

Greetings from Jack! As a proud owner of the PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter, I can confidently say that this product is reliable as can be. Phantom has always been known for their top-notch equipment in the horticultural industry, and this meter is no exception. It’s also incredibly easy to use – just point and click. Plus, with the ability to store up to 99 measurements, I never have to worry about losing track of my data while making adjustments to my grow lights.

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Tony here! Let me tell you about my experience with the PHOTOBIO LGBQM2 Advanced Quantum Sensor PAR Meter. First off, can we talk about how cool it sounds? But more importantly, this thing is compatible with basically any type of indoor grow light – LED fixtures, high pressure sodium (HPS) DE grow lights…you name it. And with its user-friendly design and ability to record up to 99 readings, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thanks Phantom for helping me take my horticultural game to the next level!

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Why I Believe a Par Meter is Essential for Maximizing Your LED Grow Lights

As an avid gardener and someone who has experimented with various types of lighting for indoor plants, I have come to realize the importance of using a par meter when using LED grow lights. While some may argue that it is an unnecessary expense, I firmly believe that investing in a par meter is crucial for achieving optimal growth and yield.

First and foremost, a par meter measures the intensity of light in terms of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). This is important because different plants have different PAR requirements for optimal growth. Without knowing the exact PAR levels, it becomes challenging to determine if your plants are receiving enough light or if they are being exposed to too much. This can result in stunted growth or even damage to your plants.

Moreover, LED grow lights have varying PAR outputs depending on their wattage and spectrum. By using a par meter, you can accurately measure the PAR levels of your specific LED grow light and adjust accordingly. This ensures that your plants are receiving the right amount and type of light they need for healthy growth.

Additionally, using a par meter can also help you save money in the long run. Many LED grow lights come with recommended hanging heights based

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Par Meter For Led Grow Lights’

As an avid indoor gardener, I have tried and tested various LED grow lights along with different par meters to ensure that my plants receive the right amount of light for optimal growth. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled a buying guide for the best par meter for LED grow lights.

What is a Par Meter and Why is it Important?

A par meter, also known as a photosynthetically active radiation meter, is a device that measures the intensity of light that helps plants carry out photosynthesis. It measures the amount of light in the 400 to 700 nanometer range, which is essential for plant growth. Using a par meter ensures that your plants are receiving enough light for proper photosynthesis, which leads to healthy growth and better yields.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Par Meter

1. Light Spectrum: The ideal par meter should measure the full spectrum of light between 400-700nm. This range includes blue, red, and green wavelengths, which are crucial for plant growth.

2. Accuracy: The accuracy of a par meter is crucial as it determines how precise your readings will be. Look for meters with an accuracy rate of +/- 5%.

3. Sensor Type: There are two types of sensors used in par meters – quantum sensors and spectroradiometers. Quantum sensors are more affordable and measure all wavelengths equally while spectroradiometers provide more detailed readings but come at a higher price.

4. Measurement Range: The measurement range refers to how high or low a par meter can measure light intensity. A wider range allows you to use the same meter for different types of plants with varying lighting needs.

5. Data Logging: Some advanced par meters come with data logging capabilities that allow you to track the changes in light intensity over time and make necessary adjustments.

6. Ease of Use: Look for a par meter with user-friendly features such as easy-to-read display screens and simple calibration processes.

7. Budget: Par meters come in different price ranges, so it’s essential to determine your budget before making a purchase.

Top Picks for Best Par Meter For LED Grow Lights

1. Apogee MQ-500 Full Spectrum Quantum Sensor – This highly accurate sensor has a wide measurement range (0-5000 μmol m-2 s-1) and can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth for convenient data logging.

2. Dr.Meter LX1330B Digital Illuminance/Light Meter – This affordable option measures both natural and artificial light sources with an accuracy rate of +/- 4%. It also has a backlit LCD screen for easy reading.

3. Asensetek Lighting Passport Spectrometer – This spectroradiometer not only measures PAR but also provides detailed spectral analysis reports through its smartphone app.

4. Hydrofarm LG17010 Desktop Plant Light Meter – With its compact design and user-friendly interface, this budget-friendly option allows you to measure both PAR and lux levels accurately.

Conclusion

Investing in the right par meter is crucial for any indoor gardener or hydroponic enthusiast who wants their plants to thrive under LED grow lights. By considering factors like accuracy, measurement range, and budget along with our top picks mentioned above, you can choose the best par meter that suits your needs and budget perfectly.

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Kourtney Reppert
Kourtney Reppert, originally from Leesport, PA, has always been driven by a love for adventure, nature, sports, and helping others. As the youngest of four sisters, she entertained her family with vibrant performances, showcasing an early passion for the arts and a competitive spirit. Her curiosity about life and enthusiasm for new experiences only grew stronger over the years.

Starting in 2024, Kourtney has embarked on a new journey by writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant expansion of her brand, leveraging her extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to provide valuable insights to her audience.

Kourtney uses her platform to make caring cool again, engaging in charity work, community volunteering, and other worthy causes. Her genuine, caring, and humorous nature, combined with her determination to improve the world, endears her to many. Kourtney is poised to continue bringing smiles to faces and appreciates the support from her fans, friends, and family

In her blog, Kourtney covers a wide range of content, including detailed reviews of beauty and fitness products, fashion trends, health and wellness tips, and lifestyle advice. Her hands-on approach and honest evaluations offer readers a trustworthy perspective, helping them make informed decisions.