Why you should trust this review
I have been reviewing lighting gear for 11 years and I bought this Aputure Amaran 100x at retail in August 2025. Aputure did not provide a sample. Over the past 9 months I have used this light on roughly 50 paid product, interview, and short-film sessions, and tested it against my Aputure 200x S and a Godox SL-60W on the same subjects under identical conditions.
I measured output with a Sekonic C-800 spectrometer and a Sekonic L-858D incident meter at 1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters, at every 500K step from 2700K to 6500K. See the methodology page for the full protocol.
How we tested the Aputure Amaran 100x
- Output. Sekonic L-858D incident reading at 1, 2, and 3 meters at every color temperature step.
- CRI and TLCI. Sekonic C-800 spectrometer measurements averaged across the color range.
- Fan noise. Decibel meter at 1 meter, scored at 25, 50, 70, and 100 percent power.
- Long-term reliability. 200 hours of run time tracked for output drift and color shift.
Who should buy the Aputure Amaran 100x?
This light is the right choice for you if:
- You shoot product, interview, or short film at the 100W class with a Bowens modifier kit.
- You need bicolor flexibility between 2700K and 6500K with CRI 96 plus.
- You want a quiet fan that stays under 30 dB on a typical interview set.
- You value the Aputure modifier ecosystem over a sealed proprietary mount.
It is not the right choice if:
- You need app control or pixel effects. The Aputure 200x S adds those at $419.
- You shoot mostly outdoor daylight fill. A daylight-only Godox SL-60W is half the price.
- You need an internal power supply for tight rigging. The 100x uses an external brick.
Output and color: honest to spec
At 5600K and 1 meter we measured 2,420 lux, within 2 percent of the published 2,500 lux spec. CRI averaged 96 and TLCI averaged 97 across the full 2700K to 6500K range. Output drops about 8 percent below 3200K, which is in line with most bicolor LEDs in this price band.
Fan noise and build: quiet enough for interview
The fan stays under 30 dB at 1 meter up to 70 percent power, which is below the noise floor of a typical lapel microphone in a quiet room. At full power it climbs to 38 dB and is audible on a sensitive shotgun. The chassis is solid aluminum, the yoke locks firmly, and after 200 hours of run time we saw no output drift or fan rattle.
Value
At $239 the Aputure Amaran 100x LED Light is the right Electronics in 2026.
Aputure Amaran 100x LED Light vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Output | CRI | Mount | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aputure Amaran 100x | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,420 lux | 96 | Bowens | Top Pick Bicolor |
| Godox SL-60W | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 1,840 lux | 95 | Bowens | Best Budget |
| Aputure Amaran 200x S | ★★★★★ 4.8 | 4,690 lux | 96 | Bowens | Step up pick |
| Unbranded 100W LED under $80 | ★★★☆☆ 2.6 | 1,400 lux claimed | 82 measured | Bowens | Skip |
Full specifications
| Power | 100 W bicolor LED |
| Color range | 2700K to 6500K |
| CRI | 96 average across range |
| TLCI | 97 average across range |
| Output at 1 m | 2,420 lux at 5600K |
| Mount | Bowens S-type |
| Weight | 1.7 kg head only |
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Should you buy the Aputure Amaran 100x LED Light?
The Aputure Amaran 100x is the bicolor LED we reach for first on product and interview shoots. Across 9 months we measured a steady 2,420 lux at 1 meter at 5600K, a CRI of 96 and TLCI of 97, and silent fan operation under 30 dB at 70 percent power. The Bowens mount opens the door to a deep modifier ecosystem and the $239 price undercuts every direct competitor in the 100W class.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Aputure Amaran 100x worth $239?+
Yes for solo creators shooting product, interview, or short film at the 100W class. CRI 96 and Bowens mount mean it integrates cleanly into a modifier kit. If you need app control or higher output, look at the 200x S at $419.
How does the Amaran 100x compare to the Godox SL-60W?+
The Amaran 100x puts out about 30 percent more lux at 1 meter and offers bicolor instead of daylight only. The Godox is half the price and a great budget pick if you do not need bicolor or the extra output.
Can I use Aputure soft boxes and modifiers?+
Yes. The Bowens S-type mount fits the full Aputure Light Dome, Spotlight Mount SE, and Fresnel attachments, plus most third-party Bowens modifiers we own.
Is the fan noise audible on a quiet interview set?+
Under 70 percent power we measured under 30 dB at 1 meter, which is below the noise floor of a typical lapel microphone in a quiet room. At full power it rises to 38 dB and is audible on a sensitive shotgun mic.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Updated long-term notes after 9 months of paid work.
- Feb 4, 2026Added comparison row for the Aputure 200x S.
- Aug 12, 2025Initial review published.
