For a streamer, lighting is one of the most critical elements determining the craft’s success. At the most basic level, it’s obvious why you need lighting – to be visible to your audience. At face value and by most definitions, streaming is an art. Still, there is a science to it, and it’s very precise. 

This is what separates elite streamers and those just getting by. They go beyond and use lighting to create dazzling shows that fans would drop anything to tune in. In many ways, photography, at least in cinema or videography, is some sort of illusion. It’s all about stirring certain emotions in your audience.

To get to such a level, you need to understand the best lighting for streaming down to the different types. Dive in and discover what it takes to create those spectacular shows your audience deserves.

6 Best Lights for Streaming to Check Out in 2023

	Best for	Connectivity	Color	Brightness
Elgato Key Light Air	Key lighting	Wireless	2900 to 7000 K	1400 lumens
Razer King Light	Key lighting	USB	3000 to 6500K	500 lumens
Neewer RGB Light Panel	Fill lighting	Wireless	2500 to 8500K	N/S (5000 lux)
Govee Smart LED Light Bars	Backlighting	Wireless	2200 to 6500K	400 lumens
Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit	Key lighting	N/A	3200 to 5600K	1500 lumens
Logitech Litra Glow	Key lighting	USB	2700 to 6500K	250 lumens

1. Elgato Key Air – Best Key Light

Features:

• Brightness: 1400 Lumens
• Colors: 2900-7000K
• Connection: wireless
• Light panel size: 8.07 x 8.07 x 1.37 inches

Other features: 35 inches max. height; works with Elgato Stream Decks

Elgato Key Air is a must-have for streamers after low-effort, spectacular results on their next stream. With 1400 lumens, this fantastic light serves best as key light but can also be deployed in other lighting arrangements.

Thanks to its variable color temperature ranging between 2900 and 7000k, streamers can easily adjust the settings via the control panel to achieve the desired visual effects. Switching from sunset amber to arctic blue is as simple as tapping a button on your smartphone or computer.

This remote operation is what makes Elgato Key Air perfect for streamers. No need to toggle manual switches on the light when you have far more important things to focus on on your screen.

While it may come off as costly, the convenience, professional results, and well-thought-out features will make it seem like a bargain. It’s also an economical streaming light, given it uses LED, which also means it runs cool.

It’s perfect for users at all experience levels, and the setup is pretty straightforward, but you can always reach out to support for assistance if you need any help.

Pros:

Cons:

Unmatched build quality; Economic power consumption; Adjustable light brightness and color temperature; It comes with a table clamp that makes it work even in the tightest of spaces; It emits an unbelievably soft light, perfect for streaming; Value for money, considering the professional-level visuals you can create; Wireless control center to device connectivity; Portable and versatile enough to suit any of your streaming needs.

A bit pricy given the cost of alternatives; The device control center app is a bit clunky; Unstable app-to-light connection, which disconnects frequently; Controls are limited to the app, which isn’t perfectly reliable; Built for the North-American market, and buyers from other countries may require aftermarket charging adapters.

2. Razer Ring Light – Best Ring Light for Streaming

Features:

• Brightness: 500 Lumens
• Colors: 3000K, 4500K, 6500K
• Connection: USB
• Light ring diameter: 12 inches 

Other features: physical buttons on in-cable controller for brightness and color control

Razer Ring Light has been designed to make your images look their best. The flexible mounting for mobile devices, Macs, and PCs lets you use it in any situation, and the tripod stand makes it easy to set up and take down. Razer’s tripod stand is highly flexible, which is great if you have to try out different lighting positions for the best results.

The ring light comes with a wide range of light settings, including warm white (3000K), balanced white (4500K), and cool white (6500K). With these variable light temperature options, you can find the perfect balance between ambient, dramatic, or whichever effect you’re trying to pull off on your live stream.

That aside, it’s a 12” ring light with an inbuilt white diffuser designed to give you professional visual effects without spending money on additional equipment.

Pros:	Cons:
Portable and easy to set up on the go; It provides sufficient light for live streaming, and you can always adjust the light’s brightness; It can be powered easily via USB drawing from a PC or power bank.	The tripod isn’t sturdy enough and may break if used to prop heavier devices; Aftermarket adapters are required for buyers outside North America.

3. Neewer RGB LED Video Light Panel – Best RGB Light

Features:

• Illuminance: 5000 lux at 0.5m
• Colors: 2500K~8500K; RGB
• Connection: wireless
• Light panel size: 17.05 x 11.7 x 0.96 inches 

Other features: 17 special light effects; comes with a carrying bag; app control

Nothing says fun RGB like Neewer RGB LED Video Light Panel. It’s an excellent addition to any home studio and even professional setup. With its 60W ultra high power and large 144 RGBWW LEDs, this light panel effortlessly achieves what it would take costly and more sophisticated light panels, complete with a professional crew.

Neewer RGB LED video light panel also comes with a tripod stand for easy assembly and positioning. There’s also a handy storage case for all the gear that comes with the purchase, making it extremely portable and cool too.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s the option to control the RGB light via a mobile app. Support is limited to android devices, version 4.3, and iOS 11.1 or higher. In the unlikely event that the app malfunctions, you can always fall back to the manual control knobs located and labeled conveniently on the back of the light panel.

No matter your experience level, this is the best RGB light you can get at such a low-entry price. Depending on what you’re used to, this might come off as overkill; but it does get the job done perfectly. 

Pros:	Cons:
Great value for money; Endless light customization options via the mobile app; Easy to set up and work with on a live stream. It’s extremely versatile, and the visual quality is nothing short of breathtaking	A bit pricy for some buyers; It lacks an inbuilt battery which may be inconvenient for some people.

4. Govee Smart LED Light Bars – Best Back Light

Features:

• Brightness: 400 Lumens
• Colors: 2200K~6500K; RGBICWW
• Connection: wireless
• Bar size: 10.5 inches long 

Other features: music mode; voice and app control

Know how back lights can be vital to your live stream, but it’s almost impossible to focus on the screen while adjusting the back light settings? Well, with Govee Smart LED light bars, you won’t have to. Focus on your live stream and adjust your back light settings seamlessly via mobile apps or voice commands.

The best way to describe it is that it’s the best RGB back light, with an additional smart app control functionality to sweeten the deal. Supported voice commands include Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and, surprisingly, Siri; although this isn’t stated in the manual, Govee Smart LED light bars work perfectly with Siri.

The endless light effects you can choose from are also worth mentioning, plus variable brightness settings and audio sync capability.

Pros:	Cons:
Easy to set up and work with; Produces sufficient lighting for live streaming; Numerous remote-control options.	Limited customization range; Requires an Amazon hub for Alexa voice control functionality to work.

5. Lume Cube Broadcast Lighting Kit – Best Desktop Light

Features:

• Brightness: 400 Lumens
• Colors: 3200K~5600K
• Connection: N/A
• Light panel diagonal: 3.75 inches

Other features: comes with a desktop stand; suction cup mount; 6-foot USB cable

Lume Cube broadcast lighting kit does one thing and excels in it greatly, illumination. Whether you’re just starting or an experienced live streamer, this impressive kit will wow you with its simplicity and straight-up functionality.

Courtesy of the standard desktop telescoping stand and suction cup mount, setup is as simple as fixing it anywhere that would have the best lighting effect and beginning your live stream. Brightness and color temperature are adjustable on the kit, as is the rotating ball head on the tripod, which revolves a full 360 degrees.

Also, the standard diffuser should take care of excessive glare or extra brightness that may hurt your eyes or compromise the live stream’s visual quality.  

Pros:	Cons:
The best customer support, prompt response, and in many ways, keen on customer satisfaction; Very simple design, making for easy setup on the fly; Portable making it ideal for carrying around anywhere you need to live stream from.	It can be quite costly for some; Extended use can cause it to overheat.

6. Logitech Litra Glow – Best Cheap Light

Features:

• Brightness: 250 Lumens
• Colors: 2700K~6500K
• Connection: USB
• Light panel size: 3.56 x 3.56 x 1.08 inches

Other features: software for On/Off, brightness, color temperature, presets and G Key assignments

The tag best cheap light doesn’t do Logitech Litra Glow any justice. At the very least, it’s a steal considering the value you’ll be getting from it. Price-wise, it’s between knockoff ring lights and pricier, better-performing professional lighting kits.

What sets Logitech Litra Glow apart is its ability to pull off natural, almost cinematic, and flattering visual effects at half the cost of professional kits. With variable light brightness and temperature controls, you can achieve any effect you’re aiming for on your live stream.

Power connectivity is via USB, which can be plugged into a direct power source or free USB port on your computer. It’s not dirt cheap or expensive either, but the value packed in this lighting kit makes it cheap relative to other alternatives.

Pros:	Cons:
Value for money; Safe for streaming in all conditions (Clears all UL testing guidelines); Provides adequate illumination for any live streaming needs; Compatible with other manufacturers’ kits.	Requires an additional charger adapter if it’s to be used elsewhere apart from North America; The lowest light brightness level can be too much for some users.

The 3 Different Purposes of Lighting

The most common lighting setup is three-point lighting. It’s easy to set up even with the most basic equipment, and if done right can have the most stunning effect on your viewers.

A three-point lighting setup utilizes three main lights: key, fill and back light. Find more below:

Key Light

The key light is one of the essential types of lighting for streaming, as it is the primary illumination source for your scene. It’s typically placed above or in front of the video’s main subject, aiming down at them and providing a flattering angle. This type of light is often used to create dramatic lighting, so it should be positioned carefully to capture the best effects.

The key light should be adjusted according to the scene and the desired effect. Depending on the type of streaming you’re doing, it might need to be dimmed or brightened to fit the environment.

Fill Light

In a three-point lighting setup, a fill light is a secondary light source, usually placed at the same angle as the key light but on the opposite side. In most cases, the main purpose of fill light is to counteract the shadow-effect key light causes on you or the subject you’re trying to stream.

Naturally, all objects cast shadows regardless of the lighting used. A fill light can also be used to create contrast, making a subject look more three-dimensional and bringing out details in the shadowed areas.

In cinematography, there’s a universally understood ratio concerning how key and fill lights are used. You can vary this ratio depending on the type of effect you’re trying to create for your audience.

This ratio is usually depicted as key light: fill light. Ratio 2:1 is the most common and what it means is the key light emits twice as much brightness as the fill light.

Back Light

A backlight is a type of light that separates the subject from the background.

It’s also another secondary light that can be used to create a rim light effect or illuminate hair and other details on your subject. A backlight allows you to illustrate the background and main subject at once; this is useful if you want to highlight detail in one area without washing out any details elsewhere in an image.

Backlights are often associated with portraits because they give faces a flattering glow while still keeping them separate from their surroundings by illuminating only one side

Other Types of Lighting You Should Know

Aside from the lights mentioned above used often in three-point lighting, other types function similarly or sometimes usurp multiple roles.

Ring Light

A ring light is a device that projects uniform light on a subject. It is often used to highlight the subject in front of it, but it can also be used to create an atmospheric glow or add depth to an image.

The benefits of using this type of lighting are obvious: it creates an interesting shape that’s easy to use with any camera angle without any additional equipment. Plus, since you don’t need as much light as other types, you won’t have any problems getting your shot to look just right.

Softbox

A softbox is a type of light modifier used in photography and video production. It creates soft, even lighting by diffusing the light passing through it with a reflective fabric cover.

The soft, even light comes from the internal baffle and diffuser.

Softboxes come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from small tabletop units to large rectangular boxes.

Light Panel

Versatile is the only way to describe it. Light panels are typically portable and can be used in various ways, including as backgrounds or diffusers. Additionally, they can accentuate certain objects in the shot by adding highlights or reflections.

Overall, light panels offer a convenient and reliable solution for streaming videos and taking photos with an even, flattering light. Light panels might be just what you need if you’re looking for an easy way to get professional-looking results without breaking the bank.

LED Tube Light

LED tube lights are a very bright form of lighting. They can be used for lighting up a room, person, or product.

The tube shape of LED Tube lights also means they can be placed directly above the subject, creating a natural look with soft, even shadows.

Overall, LED Tube lights are an ideal choice for anyone who needs a bright, adjustable light source with a consistent and adjustable intensity. Whether you’re setting up a shoot in a studio or on location, these lights can help create the perfect lighting for your project.

LED Strips

LED strips are often used as backlights for DSLR cameras, but they can also be used as key lights or fill lights on stage sets and other locations where you want to illuminate an area with light.

They’re also flexible because they come in different lengths and widths, allowing you to create the shape of your choice.

Positions for Your Lighting When Live Streaming

When setting up lighting for live streaming, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you want to ensure that your face is well-lit, with the light coming from the front or slightly off-center. This will help create an even skin tone and avoid harsh shadows.

If you’re using a single light source, it’s best to position it directly above the camera and slightly angled down on your face. This will create a flattering light that emphasizes your features. You can also use multiple lights and position them at different angles around you to create an even softer look.

No matter what lighting setup you choose, always make sure to test out the positioning before you go live

How to Choose the Best Live Streaming Light: Things to Consider

With all the options in the market, it can be difficult to choose the best live streaming light. These five key pointers should make it easy:

Type and Purpose

Different types of lights can serve different functions, so it’s important to decide what your lighting needs are ahead of time.

Some popular lights used for streaming include LED lights, fluorescent lights, and tungsten lights. LED lights are often the most popular choice for streaming as they are bright, energy-efficient, and offer a wide range of color temperatures.

When considering the purpose of your light, ask yourself what you need the light to do. Do you need to light up the entire room or just a specific area? Will you need dimmable lights? Do you want an adjustable color temperature?

Answer these, and see how your options tally.

Brightness (and if it’s adjustable)

You want to choose a light that is bright enough for your space and streaming needs. Too little light can make your video look dull and unappealing, while too much light can create an uncomfortable and unflattering glare.

There are two ways to measure brightness in lighting – lumens, and lux. Lumens measure the total amount of light coming from a source emitted in all directions, while lux measures the amount of light falling on a certain area. Generally speaking, you’ll want to aim for a live streaming light with a minimum of 250 lumens.

Ultimately, the brightness of your live streaming light should be tailored to the size of your room and the type of stream you’re creating. Experiment with different brightness levels until you find the perfect balance for your live stream.

Colors/color temperature

The color temperature of a light is measured in Kelvin and ranges from 1,000K to 10,000 K. The higher the number, the whiter your light source will be. For instance, if you have a 3000K light source, it will appear more yellow than a 6,500K option. To get an idea of how different colors compare with each other when using different color temperatures:

• Warm White > 2200-2700K
• Neutral White > 2800-3000K
• Cool White > 3100-6500K

How do you want your image to look – do you want a warm and inviting tone or a cooler and more natural feel?

The best lights offer both options in the form of “warm” and “cool” lighting settings. This allows you to create different effects depending on what you’re looking for.

If you’re going for a cozy, intimate atmosphere, you may want to use warmer lighting. On the other hand, cooler lighting may be more appropriate if you’re looking for a professional look.

When looking for a live streaming light, pay attention to its color temperature settings. Check if it has adjustable settings to ensure you get the exact effect you’re after.

Stand

A good stand will help you adjust the light source’s height, angle, and distance to get the right lighting for your stream. It should be sturdy enough to hold the light in place and provide stability during movement or adjustments.

Also, if you plan to use the light in multiple locations, look for one with adjustable struts so that it can be used both on the floor and on a table or countertop. Finally, ensure the stand is compatible or, at the very least, can’t get in the way of your other live streaming equipment.

Price

Unless you’re sitting on a huge pile of cash, cost overrules most of the other considerations.

When it comes to this crucial factor, you’ll want to ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Generally speaking, more expensive lights offer more features and better build quality. You can also find budget-friendly options, so don’t be afraid to shop around.

When looking at the cost of live streaming lights, consider the long-term value they bring. Investing in a quality light could potentially save you money in the long run since you won’t have to replace or upgrade it as quickly.

It’s also important to remember that the most expensive live streaming light isn’t necessarily the best.

Ultimately, you’ll want to ensure you don’t exceed your budget and pick the best light for your needs. Consider what features are most important to you and make an educated decision based on that. 

Final Thoughts

Strategizing and creating unique and engaging content is only one step in live streaming. Since visuals matter the most, it’s important that you’re well-illuminated and that the lighting setup shows you in a “favorable light,” literally.

You must first understand the best lighting for streaming to pull off such a stunt. Once you do, you can easily captivate your audience by using lighting as a source of illumination and as an essential element to add drama and extra cinematic effects.

The right streaming software can also make all the difference and take on much of your workload while guaranteeing the best results.