# Mars Hydro FC-E6500 vs ViparSpectra KS5000: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Mars Hydro FC-E6500 (Mars Hydro) and ViparSpectra KS5000 (ViparSpectra) among grow lights. Mars Hydro FC-E6500 is the cheaper of the two at $489.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Mars Hydro FC-E6500 | ViparSpectra KS5000 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $489.99 | $599.99 |
| Brand | Mars Hydro | ViparSpectra |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Actual power (W) | 730 | 500 |
| Ppf umol s | 2026 | 1200 |
| Efficacy umol j | 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Flower footprint (ft) | 4x4 | 4x4 |
| Spectrum type | white-plus-red | white-plus-red |
| Diode count | 3546 | 1260 |
| Dimmable | Yes | Yes |
| Input voltage range | 120-277 | — |
| Form factor | bar-array | foldable-bar |
| IP rating | IP65 | — |
| Warranty years | 5 | 3 |
| Weight (kg) | 10.72 | — |

## Key differences

- Actual power (W): Mars Hydro FC-E6500 730 vs ViparSpectra KS5000 500
- Ppf umol s: Mars Hydro FC-E6500 2026 vs ViparSpectra KS5000 1200
- Efficacy umol j: Mars Hydro FC-E6500 2.8 vs ViparSpectra KS5000 2.4
- Diode count: Mars Hydro FC-E6500 3546 vs ViparSpectra KS5000 1260
- Form factor: Mars Hydro FC-E6500 bar-array vs ViparSpectra KS5000 foldable-bar
- Warranty years: Mars Hydro FC-E6500 5 vs ViparSpectra KS5000 3

## Sources

- Mars Hydro FC-E6500: https://wholesale.mars-hydro.com/products/fc-e6500-led/ (wholesale.mars-hydro.com, verified 2026-07-11)
- ViparSpectra KS5000: https://www.viparspectra.com/blogs/home-grower/ks5000-the-best-grow-light-available-for-your-4-x-4-grow-tent (viparspectra.com, verified 2026-07-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/grow-lights/mars-hydro-fc-e6500-vs-viparspectra-ks5000/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Mars Hydro FC-E6500 ($489.99) vs ViparSpectra KS5000 ($599.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/grow-lights/mars-hydro-fc-e6500-vs-viparspectra-ks5000/
License: CC BY 4.0.