The best photo box is an integral part of a photographer’s toolkit, allowing them to snap product photos with crisp backgrounds and shadow-free illumination. Our scoring criteria focused on color rendering index rating (CRI), ease of assembly, light distribution, and portability. We also explored auxiliary features such as built-in LED lighting, which works wonders for uniform lighting and shadow-less shots.
After more than 30 hours of research and testing, our top pick goes to the AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box with LED Light. It offers one of the highest color rendering indexes on our list, lightning-fast assembly, fits several sized products, and uses built-in LED lighting for color consistency when using a camera or smartphone.
Top 7 Best Photo Boxes Compared
#1 AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box with LED Light
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box features built-in LED lights, a daylight-replicating 5600K color temperature, extra light to optimize contrasts, and takes less than 30 seconds to set up. This makes it ideal for low and highly detailed products from simple clocks to diamonds where capturing the depths of angles, clarity, and brilliance using directional lighting to soften shadows is important.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Less than 30 seconds to assembly
- Doubles as a portable carrying case
- Versatile for products of many sizes
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Hard crease in backdrop problematic for some users
- No on/off switch or dimmer for LEDs
- Additional backdrops not included
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This studio box also offered 3 openings to help optimize light bouncing and image angles, including a front flap with 3 doors. This helps with image brightness and consistency. Its zero-texture, bright white-coated backdrops can also be switched out using its built-in background hangar, so you do not always have to rely on stock white backgrounds for the contrast you are looking for. The best digital camera combined with this box makes a great team.
It also measures 25” x 30” x 25” so it can shoot items as small as pebbles and as large as laptops and desktop monitors. Portability is also solid, with dimensions of 25” x 30” x 2.6” when closed. All in all, AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box with LED Light blows away the rest of the picks on this list with its solid combination of size, image angle-supporting setup, color temperature, and built-in LED/directional lighting combination offering a deep set of contrasts we loved, making it one of the best photo light boxes on the market.
#2 ESDDI Photo Studio Light Box
We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: The ESDDI Photo Studio Light Box features 120 overhead LED lamps for adjustable brightness, multiple openings for different shooting angles, and a 60-second setup. All of this makes the ideal option versatile for small product shoots in different locations.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best brightness; 120x 5500k LED lamps w/ adjustable brightness
- Fold to set up in 60-seconds
- Multiple openings for different shooting angles
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Some users reported wobbly light boxes
- No assembly instructions
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
One plus over the AmazonBasics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box are 4 included non-white PVC backdrops and a dimmer knob for even greater control of brightness and product contrast. Portability is also solid, including a carrying case, and easily foldable with no mounts or tubes taking 2 minutes to assemble with a higher risk of collapsing.
Related: Have a look at the best selfie lights you can try today!
Another factor that makes it high on the best photo light box list is its fabulous color rendering index (CRI) rating of >90, really drawing out an object’s true color in photos. Its silver reflective fabric and 5500K color temperature really make jewelry and gaming consoles pop for your next used sale listing. Read about the best mirrorless camera and take some great pics.
#3 Travor Photo Light Box Kit
Award: Best for Large Items
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Travor Photo Light Box Kit is one of the most well-rounded studio boxes on our list. It is the largest (32” x32”), one of the brightest, offers 4 shooting angles, includes a moveable lightbar, and 4 backdrops along with dimmable lighting to capture larger items like architectural renderings and larger electronics such as desktop monitors and studio cameras.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Largest dimensions on our list (32” x 32”)
- Adjustable/moveable lightbar
- One of the brightest on our list; 13,000 lumens
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Cumbersome process to install the frame
- Zippers may be hard to maneuver around corners
- Not easy to carry around
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Unlike the AmazonBasics and ESDDI, this studio box takes a bit longer to set up using frame joints with a zipped tent body, making it more of a standalone option for small studios that receive tons of inventory to take photos for. Make sure you pick up the leading Canon DSLR to get those photos for this box.
However, brightness and depth/contrasts of items are captured well, with 180-degree directional light rotation and multiple color temperatures ranging from softer warm light to brighter, white light that are ideal based on the product and desired tone, making it one of the most desirable in the category of photo light boxes on the market. Also, read about the best 3D cameras.
#4 SAMTIAN Photo Light Box
Award: Great for High Contrast Shots
WHY WE LIKE IT: This SAMTIAN Photo Light Box is a versatile option, with a high CRI of 95, 6 colored background papers, and a brightness dimmer. It’s ideal for capturing a wide range of smaller items with higher levels of contrast and detail, especially with exquisite pieces of jewelry.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Includes 6 background papers
- Brightness dimmer captures from 10 to 100 percent
- CRI of 95
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Larger, portable boxes are more competitively pricedTakes 2-3 minutes to fully setup
- Materials are a bit iffy with exposed threads and sloppy sewing
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Multi-angle shooting is supported thanks to a top hole, which enables 90-degree vertical shooting and a front window to snap horizontal items. However, it’s also less portable than our top 2 picks, taking 2-3 minutes to set up using the provided cords and accessories, although, despite that shortcoming, it does fold flat.
Included are 6 background papers, and an 84-piece LED light with a high CRI of greater than 95 for a truer image. The inner wall of the photo studio box is reflective fabric. The lights can be distributed at every corner of the shooting tent to produce softer and more uniform light. And if needed, there is a built-in dimmer to reduce the light output to as little as 10%. Of note, there is an included 12-month warranty on this product. If you are concerned with the size, we suggest Samtian 24x24x24 Inches Photo Light Box. If you are new to photography, it might be helpful to read about the best DSLR camera as well.
#5 Depthlan Folding Photo Studio Kit Box with LED Light
Award: Best on a Budget
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Depthlan Folding Photo Studio Kit Box with LED Light is the smallest box on our list, measuring 9 by 9 by 9.5 inches. 20 built-in LED lights and 2 included black and white backdrops. It’s perfect for shooting smaller items for those on a limited budget.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- 2 included black and white backdrops
- Excellent for shooting smaller items
- Super low price
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No directional lighting or dimmer
- No multiple openings
- Cannot shoot larger items such as shoes or keyboards
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The Depthlan Folding Photo Studio Kit Box’s built in-LED lights really make products pop by softening shadows and keeping light uniform throughout.
It also comes in a carrying case-design style, that minimizes to the size of a standard-sized sheet of paper when carrying. As the Depthlan Folding Photo Studio Kit Box does not feature the AmazonBasic and Travor’s bell-and-whistle multiple openings, dimmers, and directional lighting, we recommend it for solid objects lacking detail, such as simple high-heel shoes or one-color jewelry items. Keep in mind that the best device for shooting stills is not the same as the best cheap vlogging camera for YouTube.
#6 EMART 14″ x 16″ Photography Table Top Light Box
Award: Best Portable
WHY WE LIKE IT: The EMART 14″ x 16″ Photography Table Top Light Box is a solid choice, measuring 14 by 16 inches with 5500K color-temperature LED light strips, top/front openings, and wrinkle-free material. Highly recommended for photographers that looking to replicate natural daylight for smaller items like watches and cell phones.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Replicates natural daylight with 5500K color temperature
- Top/front openings + included tripod
- Snap-style construction for quick assembly
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Strong daylight duplication may not be suitable for some shoots
- Some users reported flimsy, easy-to-break light connectors and tripod
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
This studio box is also easy to use with a snap button design that “snaps” it into place in less than 20 seconds, making it the fastest to assemble and disassemble on our list.
Top and front openings also allow items to ‘jut out’ of the box, maximizing space. It beats the SAMTIAN Photo Light Box and the Travor Photo Light Box Kit’s mounting frames and zippered bodies, which can take much longer to set up.
#7 PULUZ Mini Photo Studio Box
Award: Best Value
WHY WE LIKE IT: The PULUZ Mini Photo Studio Box offers basic functionality for simple product shoots, with 20 LED beads, a front shooting window, a 90-degree vertical window, and 6 colored backdrops. This allows photographers to capture taller or longer objects with different contrasts than the standard white using a camera or a smartphone.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- 6 colored backdrops
- Front/90-degree vertical shooting window
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- No directional lighting or dimmer
- Background fabric is not smooth
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
The PULUZ also comes with an easy-to-use manual dimmer knob, 5500K color temperature, and silver reflective walls to really make products stand out. It is recommended for quick and dirty jobs with small objects, which could benefit from Photoshopping on occasion to “iron out” its flimsy cloth backdrop, where its texture could be visible in some shots.
If you are looking for basic functionality without adjustable dimmers, 90+ CRI, and directional lighting offered by our top 2 picks, the PULUZ is more than capable.
How We Decided
Choosing the wrong studio box could mean the difference between clearing out your old product inventory and allowing it to collect dust. Our evaluation looked into size, portability, color rendering index, and assembly/disassembly speed. We did not include studio boxes with CRIs of under 80, poor usability materials (needing 3+ minutes to set up, non-smooth background fabric visible in pictures), and missing windows for horizontal and vertical shooting.
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Size – Studio boxes come in a variety of sizes. For small products, our recommendation is to opt for minimums of 25” x 30” x 25″, which is more than enough for small to medium-sized items such as headphones, laptops, and desktop monitors.
- Portability and Set UP – Points go to quick disassembly and portability. Our top picks, the AmazonBasics and ESDDI Photo Studio Light Box, take less than 60 seconds to assemble and disassemble with their collapsible design. This makes it easy to transport if you frequently travel to client shoots instead of owning a studio that houses all of your items.
- CRI – CRI, an acronym for Color Rendering Index, is a measurement of a studio box’s light source’s ability to render color compared to natural sunlight. The index rates from 0 to 100. Our evaluation looked at CRI scores of 80 plus, which are highly sought after by professional photographers for most applications.
- Color Temperature – Color temperature is the intensity of light emitted from a bulb. The best studio boxes allow for ranges from 2900K to 6,250K to cover the warm light to cooler light spectrum to best capture your item’s details and tone.
Alternatively, you can check out our other articles covering the best medium format digital cameras, the finest digital camera accessories, and the greatest digital camera bag to cover all your digital photography needs.
