8 Best Background Lights for Streaming (Buyer’s Guide)

Video producers often take background lighting for granted in shoot setups. Still, it is crucial to produce a consistent and professional quality stream. Without proper lighting, whatever you record can take on a weird color tinge because your camera has to use the available light. With a profusion of selections in the market, you may wonder: what’s the best model to buy? 

The best background lights for streaming are those with the most features: illumination manipulation, flexibility, programmable modes, control via software or app, multiple settings, power sources, and color temperature options. The top brands that streamers use include Elgato, MountDog, and Neewer. 

We have compiled a listing of the most popular background lights for streaming, so you don’t have to wade through the masses of options out there. Read on to see our favorites. 

Why Is Lighting Vital in Streaming and Video Broadcasting?

The importance of adequate lighting cannot be overemphasized. Streams taken with a basic webcam and professional lighting easily trumps those shot with a quality camera and poor lighting. 

Invest in a professional high-quality light setup from the start. You don’t have to waste time experimenting with ones that don’t illuminate your video stream correctly. 

What Is a Background Light?

A background light illuminates specific areas for a stellar live broadcast. Some streamers use RGB band lighting to create interesting backgrounds. 

You should use a background light to illuminate subjects from behind. Position it above them. 

Hustlr suggests using backlights with your key (main) light if you want the audience to notice the background. An example is if you have trophies, valuable collections, or notable artwork to show off. 

Best Background Lights for Streaming and Video Broadcasting

Whether you produce or direct indoor or outdoor shoots, the superior lighting setups below offer the best-controlled lighting for excellent streams. 

We chose these models (all available on Amazon) because they consistently crop up across various aggregator lists and professional photography sites as some of the best background lighting for streaming: 

Elgato Key Light 2800 Lumens

This model is created specifically for streaming as a key light, but you can also illuminate backgrounds with it. Its metal frame supports a robust 2,800 lumens of light. You can place it on a desk or connect it to a screen as it comes with a handle and stands. 

Its level of customization and flexibility make it a top contender in various applications like: 

• General shoots 
• Photography 
• Video creation 
• Media streaming 

You can fully customize your setup using the Elgato app. You can also adjust the color temperature and brightness settings without interrupting your streaming.

A cheaper alternative is Elgato’s Key Light Air, which has a lower output, smaller console, and adjustable table stand.

Pros

• Durable light structure and composition 
• Effortless in-app configuration and feature/color switch 
• Adjustable, versatile range of color temperature (from the warmest at 2,900K to the whitest at 7,000K) to fit different scenarios, including background focus 

*K stands for Kelvin, the SI (French Système International) base unit of thermodynamic temperature. Its measurement intervals are identical to those of the Celsius degree scale. 

Cons 

• This is the priciest model on this list. 

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Viltrox L116T LED Light

This two-item kit’s lighting setup is similar to Elgato’s but costs five times less. You can buy individual lights separately if preferred. This model has adopted the latest LED honeycomb design. The Viltrox VL-200T is one level up and costs more, but it has a larger panel and remote control. 

Pros 

• Dimmable LED lights.
• Excellent brightness and color temperature accuracy. 
• Digital control of luminescence and color temperature values 

Cons 

• Its mini tripods are not extendable.  

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

MountDog Softbox Lighting Kit

This softbox kit is fab because it offers the optimal lighting option for video streaming. Plus, its aluminized fabric has multiple functions: 

• It produces soft, balanced, diffused light. 
• It reflects light effectively. 
• It prevents shadows. 
• It reduces light loss. 
• It disperses light throughout a large area. 

Pros 

• A breeze to install. 
• Foldable, with a carrier case 
• Energy-saving 
• Lightweight 
• Affordable 
• Suitable for beginners and general photography. 
• Each bulb is 1,350 watts, and there’s a replacement bulb in the package. 
• One-year warranty 

Cons 

• You need space for it. 
• Some parts don’t last as long as you’d like. 

For more information, check out which is better for streaming between ring light and key light.

Craphy Photo Studio Kit 

This umbrella lighting kit is an affordable complete photography lighting solution. Its photo bulbs offer a 5,500K color temperature. Daylight-balanced fluorescent floodlights give off cool, white constant lighting. Its umbrellas reflect and spread light uniformly and prevent glare.

A unique feature of Craphy is its background support system with three chromakey muslin background variants: black, white, and green—all collapsible. The backdrop is a cinch to set up for any kind of photography and video streaming. 

Pros 

• Each bulb has a lifespan of 10,000 hours. 
• It’s 80% energy-efficient. 
• All accessories are robust and durable. 

Cons 

• The set occupies a lot of space. 

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Neewer Advanced 480-LED Video Light

This product is a budget alternative to Elgato. Though approximately ten times cheaper, it does a stellar job. This bi-color, dimmable LED video light combines the features of Elgato, and Godox SL-60 LED Video Light. Its color temperature ranges from 3,200K to 5,600K, surpassing Godox’s capacity. 

This current Neewer model has: 

• An LED Panel 
• LCD screen 
• Lighted metal U-mount bracket 
• Barn door

Unlike older models, the Advanced 2.4G has a wireless remote, which allows you to adjust its 11 channels, brightness, and color temperature from a distance of 66 feet (20 meters). Also, unlike its predecessors, it comes with an AC power adapter. 

Pros 

• It offers an adjustable white balance from tungsten (3,200K) to daylight (5,600K). 
• Two individual knobs behind the panel allow you to adjust the brightness and color temperature. 
• The LCD screen lets you view the status of the color temperature, brightness, and the light’s power level. 

Cons 

• While you can also power this Neewer model with a Sony NP-F550 or a Sony NP-F970 lithium-ion battery, both are not included. 

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fovitec 3-Light Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit

This studio softbox continuous lighting kit with a boom arm has three socket heads and three softbox lights. The triple setup eliminates shadows and encompasses the left, right, and top zones of a scene. 

This kit has: 

• Multiple adjustment options 
• 1000-watt bulbs 
• Fluorescent lights 
• A carry bag 

Pros 

• Adjustable 
• Energy-saving 
• Creates bright highlights. 
• Individually-controlled bulbs via the control panel 
• You can use it in both small and medium venues. 

Cons 

• Hard to configure. 
• Priced higher than most lighting kits. 
• Perplexing instructions 

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For more information, check out how many lumens is needed for video lighting.

Falcon Eyes SO-28TD and SO-68TDX II

These models sport two types of high-caliber “flapjack” panels: the SO-28TD and SO-68TDX II. (Flapjacks got their moniker from their round, flat structure, which resembles a vanity mirror.) 

The SO-68TDX II is the newer version of the SO-68TD. It boasts no-step dimming, 2.4G mutual control, and a new dual-color control system you can manage with the RC-5B remote. Its on/off button has two options: one for the AC adapter and the other for the V-mount battery. 

These bi-color LED edge lights are more expensive than Viltrox lights, but they span a larger surface and last longer. 

The Falcon Eyes brand’s superior standard and ultra-bright light output are why it’s the preferred choice of many live and video broadcasters, YouTubers, and movie directors.

Pros 

• You can manipulate multiple lights at the same time. 
• You can adjust the color temperature from 3,000K to 5,600K using the touch screen. 
• You can power the unit with either an AC adapter or battery. 
• You can adjust the U-bracket to 360 degrees. 
• Dual-color temperature 

Cons 

• The kit does not contain the battery nor the remote control. 

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Aputure 120D Mark 2

The 120D is a new video light model more durable than its predecessors. Rated at 5,500K, it can be used in numerous devices. It has a universal Bowens mount, wireless remote control, temperature control, and transport case. Its flexible cable system is color-coded.

Its all-in-one power box means minimal cabling and power elements and an easier, faster setup. 

High-standard studios appreciate it for its 1,000-watt tungsten bulb, making it more powerful than older models. It has a wide array of applications and shooting settings. You can program it to produce lighting effects like pyrotechnics. 

The 120D’s built-in power supply and remote control can switch the video light from 1% to 100%. Its structure allows the light to be angled up to 330 degrees and pointed in your desired direction. 

Pros 

• Easy to install 
• Its aluminum composition makes it lightweight and portable. 
• Its smart fans have advanced internal thermometers that change speed according to system temperature. 
• This new model has a locking mechanism that makes it safer than previous ones. 

Cons 

• Pricey

Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Your choice of streaming lights for vlogging platforms depends on the type of video shoot you specialize in and your spending power. We hope that this list will help you choose the appropriate lighting setup for your purposes. 

Check out whether ring lights are suitable for Zoom video calls.

Sources

• YouTube: Wild4Games: BETTER, BRIGHTER, CHEAPER – Best RGB LED Lighting For Streamers & YouTube!
• Streamer Builds: The Best Lighting for Twitch Streaming
• Dot Esports: Best ring lights for streaming
• ecamm: Lighting for Live Streaming
• 42 West: The Best Ring Lights for YouTube Videos
• Hustlr: Best Lighting For Streaming in 2021
• Tech Jury: 8 Best Lights for Streaming for 2021
• Stream Scheme: Best Lighting for Streaming
• Setup Gamers: The Best Lighting for Twitch Streaming
• Streamsentials: Best Lighting for Streaming
• Streamer Facts: Best Lighting For Twitch Streaming (Cheap Elgato Alternatives)
• Eurogamer: Best mics, lights and cameras for streaming on Twitch 2021
• Best Miracast Dongle: Best Lights for Streaming—Choose the Right Light for YouTube Videos
• Florida State University: Chemistry for Liberal Studies—Forensic Academy: SI Units and Metric Prefixes
• Elgato: Key Light Air