Vivosun VS series grow light review for cannabis
The Vivosun VS series is a budget friendly line of full spectrum LED grow lights that covers most home tent sizes, from small seedling setups to 4×4 tents. Most models use a flat board with a built in dimming knob, and newer versions list Samsung diodes, waterproofing and a daisy chain option. The compact VS1000E is the exception, with no dimmer and no daisy chain. For a beginner or a grower on a budget, the VS series is a sensible choice, as long as you match the model to your tent and do not expect commercial output. A budget light pairs well with budget friendly genetics from our cheap seeds collection. This guide is for adults 21 and older growing where home cultivation is legal.
This is a spec based review. We compared Vivosun’s published manuals and specs to what home growers need. We did not run our own test grow. Kind Seed Co is not affiliated with Vivosun.
The Vivosun VS series lineup
Vivosun lists several VS models. Numbers below come from the user manuals we found. Specs can differ by version and production run, so check the manual that comes with your light.
| Model | Listed power | Board size | Typical tent fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS1000 | about 100W | about 12 x 12 in | 2×2 |
| VS1000E | about 100W class | compact | 2×2, seedlings |
| VS1500 | about 150W | mid size | 2×2 to 2×3 |
| VS2000 | about 200W | about 23.5 x 12 in | 2×4 |
| VS3000 | about 300W | larger | 3×3 |
| VS4000 | about 400W | about 23.5 x 23.5 in | 4×4 |
Tent fit is a general guide. Vivosun lists veg and flower coverage separately, and flower coverage is usually smaller than veg coverage.
Key features
Full spectrum light
Vivosun lists a full spectrum range of roughly 380 to 780 nm. In plain terms, the light looks close to white and covers the colors plants use in both veg and flower. A white light also makes it easier to spot problems on leaves than older purple LEDs.
Diodes
Newer VS manuals list Samsung LM301D diodes. Some VS4000 versions list LM301H, and the compact VS1000E lists LM281B+ diodes. That variation is normal for a product line that has been updated over time, but it means two lights with the same model name may not be identical. Check the box or manual for your exact version.
Dimming knob
The VS series uses a knob on the driver with steps at 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent power, plus off and an external control setting. That makes it easy to run seedlings gently and turn up the light in flower. The compact VS1000E is the exception: it has no dimmer and runs at a fixed output. See LED light distance for cannabis for how intensity and height work together.
Daisy chain
Vivosun lists an RJ11 connection that lets you link several lights, up to 20 according to the manual, and control them together. Most home growers will never need more than one or two lights, but it is handy if you light a 2×4 with two smaller boards. The VS1000E does not support daisy chaining.
Water resistance and safety listing
Vivosun lists the VS series as IP65 rated, which means it resists dust and water spray, and ETL listed. Humid tents are hard on electronics, so this is a useful feature at this price point.
Warranty
Older manuals list a three year warranty and newer ones list five years. Check the warranty that comes with your light before you buy.
Recommended hanging heights
Vivosun’s manual suggests roughly these heights:
| Stage | Suggested height from canopy |
|---|---|
| Seedlings | about 24 to 30 in |
| Veg | about 18 to 24 in |
| Flower | about 12 to 18 in |
If your model has a dimmer, combine height with it. Start high and dim, then lower the light or turn up the power gradually. Watch for bleached or curling tops. Our guide to light bleaching in cannabis shows the signs, and our post on seedling light schedules covers early growth.
Setting up a VS light in your tent
Hang the board from the tent’s top bars with adjustable rope hangers so you can raise it as plants grow. Keep the driver where air can move around it, and route the power cord so water cannot run down it toward the outlet. Plug the light into a timer. Many growers run autoflowers on a long daily schedule through the whole grow, while photoperiod plants need a shorter schedule to flower. Our guide to the cannabis light cycle explains the options. Before plants go in, run the light for a day with the tent closed and check temperature and humidity at canopy height. If the tent runs warm, raise the fan speed or run the light during the cooler part of the day. Recheck the light height every few days in veg, because plants can grow fast under a good LED.
What we like
- Budget friendly. The VS series is priced for home growers.
- Simple controls. On most models, a dimming knob is easy to use, with no app needed.
- Wide size range. There is a model for most home tent sizes.
- Quiet. Passive cooling means no fan noise from the light.
- Water resistance. An IP65 listing helps in humid tents.
What to consider
- Output is moderate. Budget boards do not match premium bar lights for intensity or coverage.
- Versions vary. Diodes and specs can differ between production runs.
- Coverage claims. Flower coverage is smaller than veg coverage, so size up if you want strong flowering results.
- Heat in small spaces. Even efficient LEDs warm a closed tent.
How to choose the right VS model
Pick the model that matches your tent’s flowering footprint, not its veg footprint. If you are between sizes, go up one. In a 2×4 tent, one larger board or two smaller boards can both work. For a closet or a 2×2 tent with autoflowers, a small model is often enough. Our posts on grow lights for cannabis and choose the right LED lights for your cannabis grow explain the basics.
Getting the most from a budget LED
- Keep the canopy even with low stress training.
- Use reflective walls. See the best reflective materials for indoor growers.
- Keep airflow strong with an oscillating fan.
- Track total daily light with DLI.
- Clean dust off the board between grows.
Best strains for a budget light
Autoflowers and compact strains do well under moderate light. Budget friendly picks that were in stock when we wrote this:
Browse all cheap seeds for more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vivosun VS series good for cannabis?
For home growers on a budget, it is a reasonable choice. Match the model to your tent’s flowering footprint and, on models with a dimmer, use it to adjust by stage.
Which Vivosun VS light is best for a 2×4 tent?
Vivosun lists the VS2000 for that size, based on its rectangular board. Check the manual’s flower coverage for your version.
Can I dim a Vivosun VS light?
Yes, on most models. The VS1000E has no dimmer. On other models, the driver has a knob with steps at 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent, plus off and external control.
How high should I hang a Vivosun VS light?
The manual suggests about 24 to 30 inches for seedlings, 18 to 24 inches for veg and 12 to 18 inches for flower. Adjust based on how your plants respond.
Do all VS lights use the same diodes?
No. Diodes vary by model and version. Check your light’s manual.
Did you test these lights?
No. This review compares Vivosun’s published manuals and specs with what home growers need.
The bottom line
The Vivosun VS series is a simple, budget friendly LED line with a model for most tent sizes. Size up for flower, use the dimmer on models that have one and keep your canopy even. Then grow budget friendly genetics from our cheap seeds collection or browse the full Kind Seed Co shop. Kind Seed Co sells only to adults 21 and older. Always follow the home grow laws where you live.
