10 Best Softboxes for Product Photography in 2025

The best softboxes for product photography are the ones that produce soft, even, and constant light during product photoshoots, offer optimal usability, are easy to set up,  are portable, such as Fovitec 2-Light 2000W Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit, EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16″X16″ Soft Box, and RALENO Softbox Lighting Kit, 20X28-Inch Softbox, among others.

A softbox modifier is an essential equipment in a professional photography setup. Along with creating diffused light, softboxes control shadow harshness and minimize glare. There are 6 prominent types of photography softboxes used during taking shots of products, such as octa boxes, studio softboxes, tubular softboxes, boom softboxes, parabolic softboxes, and foldable/portable softboxes.

Softboxes come in individual pieces and with a lighting kit set. To choose the right softbox for product photography, consider size & shape, quality, light bulbs, portability, height adjustments, additional diffusion, and price.

10 Softboxes for Product Photography in 2025

The best 10 softboxes for product photography have been chosen based on LED-based, energy efficiency, material, weight, portability, and pros and cons, along with our in-house lighting experience during product shooting, which are as follows.

1. Fovitec 2-Light 2000W Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit
2. EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16″X16″ Soft Box
3. RALENO Softbox Lighting Kit, 20X28-Inch Softbox
4. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2×19.7″x27.5″
5. Neewer 700W Professional Softbox Lighting Kit
6. LimoStudio 700W Photography Softbox Light Lighting Kit
7. GVM Lighting Soft Boxes Bowens Mount with Honeycomb Grid
8. GVM 80W Photo Studio Lighting Kit
9. Aputure 6090 Square Softbox, 60cm x 90cm
10. AMBITFUL AL-50 Continuous Photography Lighting Kit

1. Fovitec 2-Light 2000W Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit

CPS Rating: 4.8 out of 5

The Fovitec 2-Light 2000W Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit offers a reliable and budget-friendly solution for product photographers. It offers consistent, daylight-balanced lighting. The 20″ x 28″ softboxes included in the kit reduce harsh shadow and create even and soft lighting. Its E27 polycarbonate sockets are compatible with 45W, 65W, and 85W lamps. If you want a straightforward lighting setup, the Fivotec 2-light is a perfect choice.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 30 x 10 x 10 inches
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 16.3 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: Fluorescent Bulbs
• Color Temperature: 5500K Daylight

Pros	Cons
Easy to assemble	Doesn’t have dimming controls
Maximum versatility and light quality
Sturdy build, functional, and portable

2. EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16″X16″ Soft Box

CPS Rating: 4.8 out of 5

The EMART 16″ x 16″ Softbox Lighting Kit is a compact softbox lighting solution, effective for small-scale and tabletop product photography and product videography. The kit includes an 85W LED bulb with a color temperature range of 3000K to 6000K, so you get versatile lighting adjustments, complementing any shooting conditions. A 65″ tripod stand ensures stable support. It also includes a remote control and is beneficial for photographers seeking a portable lighting solution.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 17.48″D x 8.11″W x 5.79″H
• Material: Rubber
• Weight: 4.88 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: LED Bulb
• Color Temperature: 3000K–6000K Adjustable

Pros	Cons
Up to 210-degree adjustment of	No outside shade
Lightweight, and sleep
portable, and extends well

3. RALENO Softbox Lighting Kit, 20X28-Inch Softbox

CPS Rating: 4.6 out of 5

This softbox is made of high-quality alloy steel. And the RALENO Softbox Lighting Kit (20″ x 28″) is a practical and affordable solution for product photography, videography, and live-streaming. This kit includes two 50W daylight-balanced LED bulbs with a color temperature of 5500K, so you get constant natural illumination for accurate color reproduction. Due to the silver reflective interior, the light distribution is even with reduced harsh shadows. Its sturdy locking system ensures your items are safe from any swing during use.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 8.27″D x 8.66″W x 27.5″H
• Material: Iron Softbox Stand, Nylon, Silver Reflective Coating
• Weight: 9.58 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: LED Bulbs (50W, equivalent to 800W incandescent)
• Color Temperature: 5500K Daylight

Pros	Cons
Professional bulbs	Lacks some accessories
Dual technology
Long cable

4. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2×19.7″x27.5″

CPS Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit (2×19.7″x27.5″) is a versatile and budget-friendly lighting solution for product photography that contains more energy-saving LED bulbs compared to others. It offers soft, even, and balanced white lighting ideal for small to medium-sized subject product shooting. The lamp holder of this softbox lighting kit can be adjusted by 210 degrees, which is well-suited for capturing shots from any angle.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 2″D x 19.7″W x 27.5″H
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 9.03 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: LED (E27 Socket, 85W)
• Color Temperature: 5400K–5700K

Pros	Cons
Adjustable lamp holder	No weights for light stands
Embossed nylon material
Range of light stand heights

5. Neewer 700W Professional Softbox Lighting Kit

CPS Rating: 4.3 out of 5

The Neewer 700W Professional Softbox Kit is an effective set for product photographs due to its affordability, user-friendly design, and professional quality results. This lighting equipment offers soft, low-temperature, and natural-looking bulbs, eliminating heat during product photoshoots. You can use a wide range of light bulbs due to their E27 sockets. Made of aluminum alloy, this lighting set is sturdy yet lightweight; perfect for portable performance with convenience.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 9″D x 12″W x 32″H
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 11.16 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: LED / Fluorescent / Slave Flash (E26 socket)
• Color Temperature: 5700K

Pros	Cons
Variety of lamp options	No battery power, just cords to plug into outlets
Softbox flexible height adjustment
Impressive light stand height
Kitbox includes an umbrella, softbox, and reflector

6. LimoStudio 700W Photography Softbox Light Lighting Kit

CPS Rating: 4.2 out of 5

The Limo Studio softbox lighting kit is a popular and budget-friendly softbox lighting kit that effectively shows versatile features and characteristics. The 24″ x 24″ softboxes are equipped with an 85W CFL bulb that emits daylight-balanced light at 6500k, so you get accurate color reproduction. The kits deliver reliable performance, diffuse light, minimize harsh shadows, and provide even illumination. Due to its lightweight and foldability, LimoStudio softbox kits are excellent gear for outdoor product photography.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: ‎30.48 x 16.51 x 76.2 cm
• Material: Nylon
• Weight: 4.72 kg
• Light Source Compatibility: Fluorescent Bulb / E26 Socket
• Color Temperature: 5500K

Pros	Cons
Affordable price	Needs a good power outlet to work properly
Quite bright
Adjustable tripod
Fabric carrying case with handles
Sturdy tripod for the light

7. GVM Lighting Soft Boxes Bowens Mount with Honeycomb Grid

CPS Rating: 4.1 out of 5

The GVM Lighting Softbox is designed to offer flexibility during both studio and on-location product shooting. It is versatile, portable, lightweight, and compact. The Bowens mount allows compatibility with different LED and flash units. Photographers get to maintain the accurate color of products and even lighting due to the Oxford cloth and high-grade reflective materials. It is suitable for various applications when photographers need mobility without compromising lighting quality.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 10 x 7 x 2 inches
• Material: Oxford cloth
• Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: Bowens mount LED, COB, flash, and video lights
• Color Temperature: Maintains original color temperature & CRI

Pros	Cons
Performs well in confined spaces	Small size
Offers quality diffusion
Softens the light
Well-functioning

8. GVM 80W Photo Studio Lighting Kit

CPS Rating: 4.1 out of 5

The GVM 80W Photo Studio Lighting Kit is a polished piece of lighting kit for product photography. Its daylight-balanced COB LED delivers soft and consistent light. The 23.6-inch softbox highlights the product details in a balanced way. One of the positive aspects of this softbox is that you can adjust brightness and colors via a smooth dial. The Bowens mounting offers versatility with modifiers, is easy to rotate, and produces commercial-standard images.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 25.14 x 12 x 6.4 inches
• Material: High-quality PET
• Weight: 8.88 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: COB LED, Bowens mount
• Color Temperature: 5600K (daylight)

Pros	Cons
Works well in low light	Fixed Color Temperature
Adjustable to dim very low
Sturdy build quality

9. Aputure 6090 Square Softbox, 60cm x 90cm

CPS Rating: 4 out of 5

The Aputure 60×90 cm Light Box (Bowens mount) is a powerful lighting tool that transforms harsh LED light into beautifully soft and even illumination. Its long rectangular shape highlights the product surface and perfectly produces a clean and linear reflection. I must admit, it illuminates cosmetics and gadget-like products really well. Also, you can shoot outdoors, as it is portable and easy to set up, and it is the best lighting equipment to have for professional-quality product images.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: 20.87″D x 23.62″W x 118.11″H
• Material: Aluminum Alloy, Polyester, Polypropylene, or Polyvinyl Chloride
• Weight: 4.04 pounds
• Light Source Compatibility: Bowens Mount LEDs
• Color Temperature: (Not mentioned) Typically 5600K (daylight) or adjustable if the LED light supports bi-color

Pros	Cons
Bowens mount ensures wide compatibility	Requires manual assembly
Lightweight and compact in size
Linear surface delivers clean coverage

10. AMBITFUL AL-50 Continuous Photography Lighting Kit

CPS Rating: 4 out of 5

The AMBITFUL AL-50 65 cm Softbox Lighting Kit is a flexible and effective tool for shooting small products. While using it, I found that its 50 W bi-color LED produces adjustable light and perfectly displays the product colors. Being compact in design and size and producing soft and even illumination, this softbox lighting kit set is popular. You can highlight the texture of products, minimize glare, and even control during remote shooting.

Key Features

• Product Dimension: ‎82.5 x 17 x 16 centimetres
• Material: Fabric
• Weight: ‎3 Kilograms
• Light Source Compatibility: 2×50W LED bulbs
• Color Temperature: 3000–6500K (warm, white, cool)

Pros	Cons
Adjustable color temperature (3,000–6,500 K)	Limited size
Compact design
Remote control operation
Soft, even lighting

What is a Softbox Lighting Modifier?

A softbox lighting modifier in photography studio equipment that produces soft, muted, and diffused light. It is attached to a flash or continuous light and evenly illuminates lights, softening shadows and minimizing glare. Using a softbox allows photographers to capture natural-looking images, enhanced detail, and professional consistency.

Softboxes enhance texture, details, and colors of the subject and are most used in controlled environment shooting, such as in e-commerce shoots, product photography, portraits, and studio setups.

What is a Softbox Used for in Product Photography?

A softbox is used for controlling and diffusing light, producing even and soft lighting, and reducing harsh shadows in product photography. As it contains a central lighting bulb in the middle and an enclosure around it, it provides the correct depth of lighting.

Softboxes are also used for removing glare in product photography by providing extra clarity and balancing the lighting. As a result, products appear realistic and natural, which makes using a softbox a worthwhile piece of equipment in product photoshoots.

What is the Difference Between a Grid and a Softbox?

The difference between a grid and a softbox is the way they modify lighting during a photoshoot. Softbox diffuses light, creating a soft and natural ambiance, whereas a grid controls that light for accurate illumination during the photography session.

Softboxes create soft shadows, reduce harshness in shadows and highlights, and wrap the light around the subject; they are suitable for product photography, studio photography, and portrait photography. Grids are an accessory attached to the light source. It shrinks the light beams and guides them. Grids create controlled and directional lights.

What Are the Different Types of Softboxes for Product Photography?

The different types of softboxes for product photography lighting are categorized into 6 based on their use cases and demand: octa boxes, rectangles, squares, strips, umbrellas, and more.

1. Octa Boxes

Octa boxes are octagonal. Large, round in shape, softboxes that can enhance the lighting quality in any situation. They produce wraparound and even lighting with natural falloff, especially when used outside in bright sunlight. Octaboxes are best for producing smooth and soft light and are used for lifestyle product photography or shooting products with curved edges.

2. Studio Softbox

Studio softboxes are rectangular or square-shaped softboxes mainly used for complicated setups in a studio environment. They are designed to be used as studio stones and are effective for getting the best camera settings for product photography. It benefits from consistent and diffused lighting and is used for professional-grade lighting setups such as product photography, catalog shoots, etc.

3. Tubular Softboxes

Tubular softboxes are long, cylindrical softboxes that are best for shooting glass, vases, or tall and reflective products. It uses a reflective interior surface that bounces the light inside the box. Tubular softboxes assist in shooting from different angles by creating gradient highlights for creative product photography.

4. Boom Softbox

Boom softboxes are large softboxes that are made from reflective material on one side. They come in square or rectangular sizes and are used for overhead or angled lighting. They are also attached to an extendable stand that will help you move them closer or farther away from the product object. This softbox also lets you control how much light hits the subject and adjust it according to your needs, for example, for flat-lay photography.

5. Parabolic Softbox

Parabolic softboxes are deep and reflective interior softboxes that produce a focused, slightly directional soft light. They allow photographers to control shadow and highlight, which is great for taking shots of premium products such as electronic gadgets and luxury accessories.

6. Foldable/Portable Softbox

Portable or foldable softboxes are compact in size, easy to handle and set up, and best for on-location shooting, due to their lightweight. It comes in square and rectangular sizes and produces soft and diffused light, which is perfect for shooting tabletop product photography.

Is an Umbrella or a Softbox Better for An Outdoor Product Photoshoot?

A softbox is better for an outdoor product photoshoot because of its offering of control, saving flash power. Also, due to the directional and diffused lighting, the softbox keeps the products in focus and reduces glare. During natural light photography, glassy or reflective products produce glare, which you can eliminate or mitigate by using a softbox.

Are Ring Lights Better than a Softbox for Product Photography?

Ring lights aren’t better than softboxes for product photography. Commercial-standard product photos need a controlled, soft, and evenly lit environment that highlights products, features, and design benefits, which a softbox offers. Ringlight offers shadow-free illumination, creating circular catchlights, making it more effective to shoot creative product photos.

How to Choose a Softbox for Product Photography?

To choose a softbox for product photography, consider its size & shape, quality, light bulbs, portability, height adjustment, and additional diffuser for a smooth product photography experience both indoor and outdoor. As softbox comes in different formats, you can buy a single one or a set of lighting kits; make sure to consider the price with it.

1. Size & Shape

Choose a softbox based on the product size. A small softbox for small products like jewelry items, and a large softbox for average and large products. Even so, follow the rule of thumb: always choose a softbox larger than the product. As the shape of the softbox also modifies the lighting, a round softbox spreads out illumination.

2. Quality

The built-quality and materials matter for long-term and effective photoshoots. Check out the fabrics of the softbox. Those qualities will ensure soft and consistent illumination and obliterate harsh shadows. Look at the expandable rods to see if they can alter the size of the softbox, because it will become challenging to use the light diffuser if they are not strong and sturdy.

3. Light Bulbs

Check the light bulb of the softbox; they come with a variety of light bulbs. Go for the LED lights as they offer reliable solutions and save 75% of energy as being environmentally friendly.

4. Portability

Choose softboxes that are lightweight to shoot at different locations and even move anywhere for an indoor shoot. Also, consider the adjustable parts, whether they are easy to assemble, set, and disassemble.

5. Height Adjustment

Look for the height adjustment feature of the softbox to create the best light effect for product photography. Choosing a softbox that contains a one-tap lock on the stand allows you to create a swift and smooth height adjustment.

6. Additional Diffuser

The additional diffuser is considered a must-have element for a softbox lighting kit. You should choose a white light diffuser box for product photography. It will help you soften the shadow and make a nice and smooth transition between the light and shadow.

7. Price

When you are tight on budget, choose budget-friendly softboxes or buy pre-owned ones. If not, go for premium quality lighting kits, such as equipment that is sturdy built and allows plenty of features to aid photographers.

What Size Softbox is Best for Product Photography?

A softbox size 24 to 36 inches or bigger is best for product photography as it generates diffused and soft lighting. The rule of thumb is to choose a softbox 2 times bigger than the product. Choosing a large softbox produces smooth highlights, soft shadows, and wide coverage. Use a 16-24-inch softbox if you want controlled lighting situations.

Is a Big or Small Softbox Better?

A big softbox is better for shooting small and medium-sized products as it creates soft and even light. A small softbox is better for producing directional light when you want to emphasize texture, apply creative effects, and lighting in product photographs.

Where to Place a Softbox?

Place a softbox at about a 45-degree angle and slightly above the subject during product photography. The position of the softbox impacts light, shadows, photography ambiance, and product appearance. Positioning the keylight at a 45° angle creates soft and natural shadows that accurately present the product’s original shape.

There are some ways to place a softbox that professional photographers recommend, as follows.

1. Directly Above: Place the product directly above the product when shooting products on a tabletop/flat lay photography, which will create a diffused and evenly lit surface.
2. Opposite to the Keylight: Use the softbox as a fill light to reflect or cover the gap between the primary light source and the product, softening the shadow and balancing exposure.
3. Distance from the Product: Put the softbox 12–36 inches away from the product to achieve soft, even light in photos.
4. In Angle Position: Put the softbox in an angled position when shooting reflective and metallic products, which will reduce glare.

How to Make a Product Photography Softbox at Home?

To make a product photography softbox at home, you’ll need a cardboard box/white tracing paper/thin white fabric, scissors, aluminum foil, a lamp, and tape or glue. Making a DIY softbox is convenient and easy, considering the materials are mostly around the house, and the photography results are quite good.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to DIY a product photography softbox at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Box Frame
Take the cardboard and cut the top flaps off; it will create a large window on three sides, leaving a 1–2 inch border. This is your softbox frame.

Step 2: Add Diffusion and Reflection

To make light soft and diffused, cover the windows with fabric, parchment, or tracing paper. In the interior part, use aluminum foil so that it can reflect light.

Step 3: Insert the Light Source

Once the box is set, place any lighting source, such as a lamp, an LED, or a speedlight, inside or behind the box. It should aim toward the diffusion panels. Monitor the lighting and adjust the distance for uniform coverage.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

Test it with your product, set it at a 45° angle. Feather the light for reflective items, and add a reflector if needed. Take a few shots and adjust distance and angle. When you find the shadows are soft and highlights are natural, your softbox is ready.

How to Use Softbox Lighting Modifiers for Product Photography?

To use softbox lighting modifiers for product photography, attach the gear to a continuous light at a 45-degree angle. Place it close to the product. Take test shots and iterate for capturing the right angle, even and soft illumination, and consistent product images.

Use the right softbox depending on your product photography, such as a larger softbox, which produces soft wraparound light, a stripbox, which is ideal for shooting bottles/glass, and an octabox, which is ideal for producing natural ambiance in lifestyle or outdoor photography. Position your key softbox at 45° side / 30–45° above the product. Place it overhead for top-down/flat-lay photography.