Mars Hydro
Mars Hydro FC-E6500
$489.99Cheaper
Best Grow Lights · head-to-head
Mars Hydro FC-E6500 vs ViparSpectra KS5000
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Mars Hydro FC-E6500 is cheaper at $489.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
ViparSpectra
ViparSpectra KS5000
$599.99
Released 2022
Which is better: the Mars Hydro FC-E6500 or ViparSpectra KS5000?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Mars Hydro FC-E6500 is the cheaper at $489.99.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 | — |
Sources — Mars Hydro FC-E6500: wholesale.mars-hydro.com (verified 2026-07-11). ViparSpectra KS5000: viparspectra.com (verified 2026-07-11).
What's the difference between the Mars Hydro FC-E6500 and ViparSpectra KS5000?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 12). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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