5 Best Softboxes of 2024: For Portraits & Product Photography

Softboxes are photographic equipment used to soften light and direct illumination more directionally. They can effectively gather light, allowing photographic subjects to be evenly illuminated.

In this article, We explore how to choose softboxes for photography and present five of the best softboxes, detailing their advantages, prices, and more. Read on if you plan to purchase one!

How to Choose Softboxes for Photography?

1. Choose the Right Softbox Size and Shape

Sizes and shapes determine both the quality and direction of light. Larger softboxes provide soft, diffused lighting suitable for portraiture and product photography while smaller ones provide harder light with defined shadows for dramatic effects photography. Softbox shapes such as rectangles, squares, octagonals, and strips serve different creative purposes.

Softbox Shape	Features	Creative Purpose
Rectangular	Mimics natural window light	Ideal for portraits and product shots.
Square	Compact and symmetrical light	Suitable for headshots or balanced compositions.
Octagonal	Wide, even light with round edges	Creates natural catchlights; great for portraits and group shots.
Strip	Narrow, focused light	Perfect for rim or edge lighting; emphasizes contours.
Parabolic	Highly focused, directional light	Ideal for dramatic, high-contrast beauty or editorial photography.

2. Select Durable Softbox Materials

Softboxes constructed with quality reflective and diffusion materials guarantee consistent light output and longevity. When working with high-powered lights, reinforced edges, sturdy rods, and heat-resistant fabrics should all be present for reliable service over extended use.

3. Ensure Softbox Mount Compatibility

Ensure the softbox is compatible with your lighting setup. Most softboxes use specific mounts, such as Bowens or proprietary systems, so check your light’s mount type. Versatility in mounting options allows you to adapt to various lights and modifiers.

4. Consider Softbox Setup and Portability

For frequent location shoots, consider softboxes that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Portable designs with lightweight materials and a carrying case are essential for photographers on the move. Quick-setup options like umbrella-style softboxes save time during shoots.

5. Match Your Softbox to Your Budget

Align your choice with your photography goals. If your budget is tight, look for softboxes that offer quality and affordability. NEEWER softboxes offer outstanding value; their products are cost-effective, and the company often has promotions that help you save even more.

The 5 Best Softboxes for Photography in 2025

1. NEEWER SF120Q Parabolic Softbox

   

Price	Diameter	Shape	Weight	Material
$179.99	120cm	Hexadecagon	5.7lb / 2.58kg (Softbox only)	Oxford cloth, aluminum alloy

 

The NEEWER SF120Q Parabolic Softbox is a hexagonal softbox with a diameter of 120 cm. If you are shooting a large number of subjects, such as more than three people, it can be very useful to ensure that the light is evenly distributed. It has a smooth and even silver inner coating that expands and diffuses the output, which frankly does help a lot to improve the shot.

The NEEWER SF120Q Parabolic Softbox has impressed many photographers with its quick-release and folding construction, receiving many good reviews. You can easily open it in less than 15 seconds without the use of any tools, which can enhance your shooting efficiency. Also, if you want to make the light shape more restricted and directional, you can use it together with the honeycomb grill for more expressive lighting effects.

Reasons to buy：

• A Smooth, Even Silver Internal Coating
• Quick Release & Quick Fold Structure
• Customizable Honeycomb Grid & Diffusers

2 . NEEWER NS65L Lantern Softbox

Price	Diameter	Shape	Weight
From $95.99	50cm	Lantern	2.5lb / 1.14kg(Net Weight)

The NEEWER NS65L Lantern Softbox is a good choice if you're looking for softboxes suitable for video recording, live streaming, and interviews. Because of its shaped design, it provides wide, balanced, and shadow-free 360° light coverage for your light needs. And, you can choose the number of sections to which the fasteners are attached to flexibly control the shape and direction of the light.
NEEWER NS65L Lantern Softbox is designed with 12 flexible ribs and one-piece construction. It will be more convenient and time-saving to open and close than traditional softboxes, and moreover, the 12 high elastic ribs can ensure their usage time, are able to withstand tens of thousands of presses, and won't be easily deformed, which can help you save money.

Reasons to buy：

• 360° Omnidirectional Balanced Light
• Quick Release Installation & Disassembly
• 12 Resilient Ribs & Superior Diffusers

3. NEEWER SF-RP26 Quick Release Octagonal Softbox

   

Price	Diameter	Shape	Weight	Material
$73.99	65cm	Octagonal	1.4lbs/ 0.64kg	Plastic, Metal, and Nylon

Whether you are a novice photographer or a professional, the NEEWER SF-RP26 Quick Release Octagonal Softbox will be the right product for you. It's made of a collapsible nylon lid and a lightweight, durable plastic handle that's highly reflective, so it delivers soft but clear light for portraits and events like weddings and live companies. Especially for portraits, this softbox can help create a natural and charming eyelight for your characters.

With the NEEWER SF-RP26 Quick Release Octagonal Softbox, you can easily attach it to most light stands for use in addition to handheld use. It has an S-bracket design, so it can be used flexibly with many devices. Many photographers have commented that the experience of using it is great and it doesn't cost much.

Reasons to buy：

• S-type Bracket Mount Design
• High Reflective
• Quick Opening And Folding

4. NEEWER SB-BW6090 Rectangular Softbox

   

Price	Dimensions	Shape	Weight
$49.99	60x90cm(Dimensions)	Rectangular	1.015kg

The NEEWER SB-BW6090 Rectangular Softbox is ideal for portraits and product photography as it provides a larger area of light, allowing the subject to be more fully illuminated by the soft light. Many photographers use it to light portraits from the side to create a more perfect model. So, consider it if you want a softbox for portraits or product photography.

Compared to other brands of rectangular softboxes, the NEEWER SB-BW6090 is easier and simpler to assemble, not very troublesome to use, and can save a lot of time for installation. In addition, its portability is also commendable, you can store it in the included carrying bag after you disassemble it, which is very convenient.

Reasons to buy：

• Achieve Soft Lighting
• Effortless Assembly
• Convenient Portability

5. NEEWER NS15S Square Softbox

   

Price	Dimensions	Shape	Weight	Material
$59.99	40x40cm(Dimensions)	Square	1.48lb / 0.67kg	Nylon Alloy, Aluminum Alloy

If you often need to do outdoor photography, NEEWER NS15S Square Softbox may be one of the best choices for you. It measures 40x40 cm and weighs only 1.48 pounds, making it portable and ideal for handheld outdoor shooting. Most importantly, it is not only lightweight, but it is also really effective in minimizing blemishes and shadows and distributing light evenly, which is why it is popular among many photographers.

The NEEWER NS15S Square Softbox is extremely durable. It features four highly resilient ribs and even the mounting plate is made from a lightweight nylon alloy, keeping it lightweight while ensuring it is sturdy and rust-resistant to withstand daily wear and tear. It also features a quick-folding design so you can quickly set up and store it while you're using it.

Reasons to buy：

• Portable Square Small Softbox
• Lightweight Nylon Alloy Quick Folding Design
• Attach Via Bowens Mount

Quick Comparison Table: What Is the Best Softbox for Photography?

Model	Price	Diameter	Shape	Weight	Material
NEEWER SF120Q	$179.99	120cm	Hexadecagon	5.7lb / 2.58kg (Softbox only)	Oxford cloth, aluminum alloy
NEEWER NS65L	From $95.99	50cm	Lantern	2.5lb / 1.14kg(Net Weight)	/
NEEWER SF-RP26	$73.99	65cm	Octagonal	1.4lbs/ 0.64kg	Plastic, Metal, and Nylon
NEEWER SB-BW6090	$49.99	60x90cm(Dimensions)	Rectangular	1.015kg	/
NEEWER NS15S	$59.99	40x40cm(Dimensions)	Square	1.48lb / 0.67kg	Nylon Alloy, Aluminum Alloy