photo light box—otherwise known as a light tent or shooting tent—can make product photography a much faster and simpler process. These little boxes are essentially small studios with built-in backgrounds and light diffusion that creates even, hot-spot-free illumination on just about any object you can fit inside. They provide a professional look that’s easy to replicate. It makes a big difference if you’re trying to get into selling things on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or any other online exchange. There are plenty of options on the market and some of them perform much better than others. We’ve curated this list of the best photo light boxes for simple, efficient still-life shooting.

Before we get to the specific picks, here are some terms and features you should understand before you head out into the market. Understanding these variables will help you choose the right model for your workflow.

Size
Choosing the right size photo light box can be tricky. You want enough room for the biggest items you want to shoot, but you don’t want to take up an entire room in your house with the setup. We recommend going bigger than you think you might need because extra space can save you a lot of time that you might otherwise spend photoshopping your backdrop later on. 

If you’re worried about space, a collapsible model that breaks down easily can help you save a ton of room when not in use.

Lighting
Some models will come with built-in lights that integrate into the structure of the lightbox. Others simply provide walls made of diffusion material and background. You’ll have to decide which works better for you. 

Those with integrated lights typically make setup simpler and easier. You don’t have to worry about experimenting with light placement or intensity because that’s pre-determined by the gear. There are downsides, however, You get less control over your lighting and if one of the integrated lights breaks, it may be hard to replace.

Stand-alone boxes give you the most creative freedom, but they’re also better for more advanced users.

Backgrounds
Your object needs something to sit on. Some photo light boxes allow for interchangeable backgrounds made of plastic, paper or fabric. Others rely on built-in white backgrounds that don’t come out. If you never plan on using creative backgrounds, simple may be better for you. It’s also possible to cut paper backdrops or even poster boards (in a pinch) to make creative backgrounds for yourself.

Shooting positions
Most product photography happens from a relatively straight-on angle, which works thanks to an opening in the front of the box. Some more advanced boxes will allow for different shooting angles through holes in the top or the sides of the enclosure. If you only ever plan on shooting basic product shots, a hole in the front should be fine. If you want more creative freedom, look for extra openings.

Portability
Portable light boxes often fold up on metal frames like collapsible reflectors. Other portable models don’t break down as easily, but all of the components fit nicely into a convenient carrying case. The most elaborate setups take time and effort to break down and set u so you’ll want to leave them where they are once you have everything dialed in. The permanent setups typically offer more room and flexibility, which is great if you have room to keep it set up. Portable models typically offer sparse features to facilitate easy transport.