Originally published May 2022. Last updated: May 2026.
Good lighting can take your photos and videos to the next level — but with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Two of the most popular choices for content creators are ring lights and softboxes. Both produce flattering, even light, but they work differently and suit different types of content. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right one for your setup.
For product recommendations, see our guide to the Best LED Lights for Video and Vlogging in 2026.
In this guide:
The Benefits of Softbox Lighting
Softbox lighting, as the name suggests, is a great way to achieve a softer light effect — ideal for still life photography, flattering portraits, and recording YouTube videos. A softbox works by diffusing light through a translucent fabric panel, producing a large, soft light source that wraps around your subject.
Here are some of the key benefits of softbox lighting:
- Produces a gentler, softer quality of light with an even spread throughout the frame
- Diffuses light effectively, reducing harsh shadows and hot spots
- Emulates the look of an open window — natural, flattering, and versatile
- Rectangular catchlights in the eyes look natural and are preferred by many portrait photographers
How to position your softbox: The closer the softbox is to your subject, the softer and more even the light will be. Moving it further away produces more defined shadows and light falloff. For a classic portrait look, position it at roughly 45 degrees to your subject at eye level or slightly above.
Our pick: Best Studio Softbox Lighting Kit 2x25W with Stands — a complete two-light softbox setup ideal for home studios.
The Benefits of Ring Lights
Ring lights use a circular arrangement of LEDs to illuminate the subject, with the camera typically mounted in the centre of the ring for perfectly even, shadow-free lighting. They're a popular and affordable choice for YouTube videos, TikTok content, beauty tutorials, and selfies.
Some of the key benefits of ring lighting include:
- Produces a very even spread of light with minimal shadows
- The circular catchlight in the eyes is distinctive and flattering — a signature look for beauty and lifestyle content
- Great for exploring fine details in close-up subjects
- Usually height-adjustable and portable, making them ideal for different shooting locations
- Generally more affordable than softbox setups
How to position your ring light: Ring lights work best for subjects that aren't too distant. Position the ring directly in front of your subject with the camera mounted through the centre for the most even result. Most modern ring lights have adjustable colour temperature and brightness for creative flexibility.
Our pick: Godox LR150 46cm LED Ring Light — a powerful 45W bi-colour ring light with stand, ideal for YouTube and beauty content.
Ring Light vs. Softbox: Which One Should You Use?
Both ring lights and softboxes produce flattering, even light and are widely used by photographers and videographers. The right choice depends on the type of content you create.
Studio and portrait photography — softboxes are the preferred choice. The natural, window-like quality of the light and the rectangular catchlights make them ideal for flattering portraits and professional studio work.
Product photography — softboxes generally produce the most pleasing results, giving you control over light direction and shadow to highlight texture and shape.
Food, macro, and beauty photography — ring lights excel here. The even, wrap-around illumination is perfect for close-up work, and the circular catchlight has become a signature look for beauty and lifestyle content.
YouTube and TikTok content creation — ring lights are a popular and affordable starting point for face-to-camera content. For a more versatile, studio-quality setup, a softbox or LED panel kit like the Joby Beamo Studio Deluxe Kit gives you more control over your look.
Whichever you choose, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a light source larger than your subject for softer, more flattering light
- Position your light above the subject and angle it slightly downward for the most natural result
- Consistency matters — use the same setup in every video to build a recognisable visual brand
Frequently Asked Questions: Ring Light vs. Softbox
Is a ring light or softbox better for YouTube?
Both work well for YouTube, but they suit different styles. Ring lights are affordable, easy to set up, and great for face-to-camera and beauty content. Softboxes produce a more natural, directional light that's better for studio-style setups and a wider range of content types. For a complete comparison, see our Essential Lighting for YouTube guide.
Can I use a ring light for product photography?
Yes, but softboxes generally produce better results for product photography. The directional, controllable light from a softbox lets you highlight texture and shape more effectively. Ring lights can cause unwanted circular reflections on shiny or reflective products.
Do I need both a ring light and a softbox?
Not necessarily — most creators start with one and add more lights as their setup grows. If you shoot a variety of content, a versatile LED panel like the Nanlite Compac 24B can serve as both a key light and a fill light, giving you more flexibility than either a ring light or softbox alone.
What is the best budget lighting option for beginners?
A ring light is generally the most affordable entry point and the easiest to set up. The Godox LR150 is our top pick for beginners. If you want a more versatile option, the Joby Beamo Mini is a compact on-camera LED light that works for both vlogging and desk setups.
What lighting tips should I know before I start?
See our 4 Essential Vlog Lighting Tips and Top 5 Creative Lighting Tips for Beginners for practical guidance on getting the most from your lighting setup.
Upgrade Your Lighting at Ted's
Whether you choose a ring light, softbox, or LED panel, Ted's Cameras has everything you need to light your content professionally. Browse our full range of LED video lights and softboxes online, or visit your nearest Ted's store for personalised advice.
For more lighting guides, explore our related articles: Best LED Lights for Video and Vlogging in 2026, Essential Lighting for YouTube, 4 Essential Vlog Lighting Tips, Top 5 Creative Lighting Tips for Beginners, Joby Beamo Studio Deluxe Review, and Flash vs. Constant Light: What's Best for Photography?