Why you should trust this review
I have been reviewing lighting gear for 11 years and I bought two Godox SL-60W units at retail in May 2025. Godox did not provide samples. Over the past 12 months I have used these lights on roughly 70 paid interview and product sessions, and tested them against my Aputure Amaran 100x and an Aputure 200x S 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. See the methodology page for the full protocol.
How we tested the Godox SL-60W
- Output. Sekonic L-858D incident reading at 1, 2, and 3 meters at every power level.
- CRI and TLCI. Sekonic C-800 spectrometer measurements at 5600K.
- Fan noise. Decibel meter at 1 meter, scored at 25, 50, 70, and 100 percent power.
- Long-term reliability. 300 hours of run time tracked for output drift and color shift.
Who should buy the Godox SL-60W?
This light is the right choice for you if:
- You shoot daylight product, interview, or short film on a tight budget.
- You want Bowens mount compatibility for a deep modifier ecosystem.
- You can build a two-light interview kit at $258 total.
- You do not need bicolor between 2700K and 6500K.
It is not the right choice if:
- You need bicolor flexibility. The Aputure Amaran 100x is the right pick at $239.
- You need more than 2,000 lux at 1 meter. The SL-150W II steps up at $269.
- You record audio with a sensitive shotgun mic at full power. Fan noise climbs to 38 dB.
Output and color: honest to the 60W spec
At 5600K and 1 meter we measured 1,840 lux, within 3 percent of the published spec. CRI measured 95 and TLCI measured 94 at 5600K, a strong result for the price point. The light has shown no measurable output drift after 300 hours of run time.
Build and fan: budget but functional
The chassis is a plastic shell over an aluminum core, which is lighter than premium aluminum builds but holds up to normal studio handling. The fan stays under 32 dB at 1 meter up to 70 percent power and climbs to 38 dB at full output. The internal power supply keeps the rig clean, and the detachable cable means no brick to manage.
Value
At $129 the Godox SL-60W LED Video Light is the right Electronics in 2026.
Godox SL-60W LED Video Light vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Output | CRI | Mount | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godox SL-60W | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 1,840 lux | 95 | Bowens | Best Budget Daylight |
| Aputure Amaran 100x | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 2,420 lux | 96 | Bowens | Step up pick |
| Godox SL-150W II | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 4,200 lux | 96 | Bowens | Higher output pick |
| Unbranded 60W daylight LED under $50 | ★★★☆☆ 2.5 | 1,200 lux claimed | 78 measured | Bowens | Skip |
Full specifications
| Power | 60 W daylight LED |
| Color temperature | 5600K fixed |
| CRI | 95 measured |
| TLCI | 94 measured |
| Output at 1 m | 1,840 lux at 5600K |
| Mount | Bowens S-type |
| Weight | 1.4 kg head only |
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Should you buy the Godox SL-60W LED Video Light?
The Godox SL-60W is the budget daylight LED we still recommend in 2026. Across 12 months we measured a steady 1,840 lux at 1 meter at 5600K, a CRI of 95 and TLCI of 94, and silent fan operation under 32 dB at 70 percent power. The Bowens mount opens the full Godox modifier ecosystem and the $129 price point makes a two-light interview kit possible at $258.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Godox SL-60W worth $129?+
Yes for budget creators who need a daylight LED for product or interview at the 60W class. CRI 95 and Bowens mount mean it integrates with most modifier kits. If you need bicolor or more output, the Aputure Amaran 100x at $239 is the step up.
How does the SL-60W compare to the Aputure Amaran 100x?+
The Aputure puts out about 30 percent more lux at 1 meter and adds bicolor. The Godox is roughly half the price and a strong budget pick if you only need daylight.
Can I run a two-light interview kit on SL-60Ws?+
Yes. We have used two SL-60Ws as a key and fill on dozens of interview shoots. At 60W each with a soft box, key at 75 percent and fill at 40 percent gives a clean two to one ratio on most subjects.
Does it work with Godox softboxes and Bowens modifiers?+
Yes. The Bowens S-type mount accepts the full Godox softbox lineup and most third-party Bowens modifiers we own, including soft boxes from SmallRig and Neewer.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Updated long-term notes after 12 months of paid work.
- Jan 9, 2026Added comparison row for the SL-150W II.
- May 18, 2025Initial review published.
