Best Budget Universal Flashes Under $50

TL;DR: The Photoolex FK300 delivers a solid 33 m guide number, 8‑step manual power and wireless S1/S2 triggering for $40.99, making it a reliable, compact flash for product and portrait work.

The FK300’s standout spec is its guide number of 33 m (ISO 100, 35 mm) paired with a flash duration range from 1/200 s to 1/20 000 s, giving you enough punch and flexibility for tight‑rope lighting control. Its insulated‑gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) circuit and metal hot shoe add durability, while the built‑in continuous blue light helps you focus without firing a full flash.

At 0.6724 lb, the FK300 is heavier than the Viltrox Retro Flash (0.2557 lb) but still lighter than the Godox TT520 II (315 g). Its recycle time of 2.8 s beats the Powerextra DF‑400’s 3 s, though the Godox GN33 recycles a bit faster at 1.8 s. The guide number matches the Godox TT520 II, and the flash offers 8 output steps—more than the single‑step options available on many ultra‑budget units.

Users consistently praise the intuitive plus/minus button for quick power tweaks and the included magnetic filters, stand and pouch for immediate use. Professional reviewers note the clear control layout and the handy blue‑light mode as strong points for both beginners and seasoned shooters. The main complaints revolve around limited low‑light performance and a loss of edge sharpness when you angle the flash sharply, matching the “not ideal for primary flash in very dark environments” warning.

Best for: Product and portrait photographers who need precise manual control and reliable wireless triggering.

Avoid if: You rely on a flash as the primary light source in very dark environments or need the lightest possible unit for travel.

TL;DR: The Godox GN33 offers a 33 m guide number, 433 MHz wireless on 16 channels, and a fast 1.8 s recycle, all in a compact 7.5‑in tall unit for under $50.

The standout spec is its 33 m guide number at ISO 100 paired with a 1.8‑second recycle time, letting you fire rapid bursts without noticeable lag. It runs on a 433 MHz wireless receiver, supports 16 channels, and gives eight power‑level steps from 1/128 to full power.

Compared with the other nine flashes, the GN33 is taller than the Altura Photo Flash (2.9 in height) and the Godox iM30 (75.96 mm height), while its width of 2.95 in matches the Photoolex FK300. Its guide number equals the Godox TT520 II (33 m) but far exceeds the Viltrox Retro Flash’s 12 m and the Ulanzi SL01 Mini’s modest output. Only the Godox TT520 II shares the same 433 MHz frequency, giving the GN33 a reliable wireless edge over models that don’t list a frequency.

User reviews frequently mention the dependable 433 MHz trigger and the quick 1.8‑second recycle as major conveniences for on‑the‑go shooters. Reviewers also appreciate the compact transmitter (31 g) and the ability to run on four AA NiMH or alkaline cells, though a few note that the $48.60 price exceeds many sub‑$40 alternatives.

Technical details include 400 full‑power flashes per charge, eight manual power levels, and three flash modes (M, S1, S2). The head swivels horizontally from 0° to 330° and vertically from –7° to 120°, giving you flexible positioning without extra accessories.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $48.60

TL;DR: The Powerextra DF-400 offers a GN 33, 8 power levels and full head swivel for $35.99, making it a solid, budget‑friendly manual flash for beginners, though its plastic build and 3‑second full‑power recycle limit fast‑action shooting.

The DF‑400’s standout spec is its guide number of 33 m (ISO 100/1 m) paired with an 18–180 mm zoom range and eight selectable power levels, letting you shape light for portraits or small events. Its recycle time is listed as 3 seconds at full power, and the flash can fire from 1/200 s down to 1/20 000 s, covering most indoor lighting needs.

Weighing 315 g, it is heavier than the Viltrox Retro Flash (116 g) and the Godox iM30 (78 g), but it matches the weight of the Godox TT520 II and Godox GN33, both at 315 g. It’s slightly lighter than the Meike FC‑100 (330 g) and heavier than the Altura Photo flash (280 g), placing it in the mid‑range of the ten‑product set.

Reviewers consistently praise the low price, the long battery life of 110–1500 flashes on four AA alkaline cells, and the inclusion of S1/S2 wireless slave modes that enable off‑camera lighting without extra transmitters. Professional notes highlight the solid GN 33 and full head swivel as good value for newcomers, while the same sources criticize the all‑plastic construction and the 3‑second full‑power recycle as too slow for action photography. The flash also offers useful features like auto power‑off, an 8‑LED power indicator, and a tilt range of 0°–90° with a horizontal rotation of 0°–270°.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Viltrox Retro Flash packs a 1100 mAh battery, 7 manual power levels and a 12 m guide number into a 116 g, pocket‑sized unit for under $40, making it a solid travel‑ready fill flash.

The flash’s 1100 mAh Li‑ion cell delivers up to 400 full‑power bursts and recharges via USB‑C in roughly 50 minutes, so you can shoot all day without swapping batteries. Seven manual power steps (1/1 to 1/64) give you precise 1‑stop control, while the fixed 28 mm Fresnel head spreads light evenly at a 6500 K color temperature. At 177.8 mm tall, 76.2 mm long and 63.5 mm wide, it weighs just 116 g, easily slipping into a camera pocket.

Compared with the other nine flashes, the Viltrox is lighter than the Powerextra DF‑400 (315 g) and the Godox TT520 II (315 g), but heavier than the Godox iM30 (78 g) and the ultra‑light Ulanzi SL01 Mini (33 g). Its height of 177.8 mm is a touch shorter than the Powerextra’s 190 mm yet taller than the iM30’s 75.96 mm, and its width of 63.5 mm is narrower than both the Powerextra (75 mm) and the iM30 (71.5 mm). The 12 m guide number trails the Godox iM30’s ≈15 m and the TT520 II’s 33 m, placing it in the lower‑reach tier of the group. Recycle time can reach 3.5 seconds, which is comparable to the Powerextra’s 3‑second cycle and a bit faster than the iM30’s ~3.6 seconds, though slower than the Photoolex FK300’s 2.8 seconds.

User feedback repeatedly praises the flash’s feather‑light build and the included white diffuser that softens harsh light without extra gear. Reviewers note the battery can fire up to 400 full‑power flashes and the quick USB‑C recharge as real conveniences for street and travel shooting. The most common criticism centers on the modest GN 12, which limits effective reach to close‑up subjects, and the lack of TTL or bounce head for more advanced lighting control. Professionals also point out the manual‑only operation and the up‑to‑3.5‑second full‑power recycle as drawbacks for fast‑action work.

The Viltrox offers a flash duration ranging from 1/5000 s to 1/50000 s, giving you crisp freeze‑motion capability. Its hot‑shoe sync plus optical slave (S1/S2) ensures compatibility with most Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon and Olympus bodies, while the built‑in sleep mode after 15 minutes helps conserve power on long shoots.

Best for: Street, travel and casual photographers who need a discreet, lightweight fill flash.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $38.24

TL;DR: The Neewer GN15 offers a 15 m guide number, 20 W output and a 1200 mAh rechargeable battery in a feather‑light 0.23‑lb body for under $20, making it a solid fill‑light for beginners and travelers.

The flash’s most eye‑catching spec is its GN15 (15 m at ISO 100) combined with a 20 W output, driven by a built‑in 1200 mAh lithium‑ion cell that can fire up to 640 full‑power flashes before needing a recharge. At just 0.23 lb (103 g) it’s one of the lightest speedlights on the market, and the USB‑A to USB‑C charging port tops off the battery in about 1.5 hours.

At $19.99 the GN15 sits at the low‑end of the price range, undercutting most of the other nine entries. It’s heavier than the ultra‑compact Ulanzi SL01 Mini (≈0.07 lb) but considerably lighter than the Meike FC‑100 (≈0.73 lb) and the Godox iM30 (≈0.17 lb). Its 15 m guide number matches the Godox iM30’s ≈15 m rating, while the Powerextra DF‑400’s 3‑second recycle is a shade faster than the GN15’s 3.1 s. Battery capacity also outstrips the Ulanzi’s 250 mAh cell, giving the Neewer a clear endurance edge.

Users consistently praise the flash’s “feather‑light feel” and the long battery life that lets them shoot dozens of events without swapping batteries. Reviewers highlight the built‑in optical slave (S1 and S2) as reliable for multi‑flash setups on the street. On the downside, reviewers note the coarse 1 EV power steps make fine‑tuned exposure tricky, and the modest GN15 output limits the flash to close‑range or fill lighting. Reviewers also note the 3.1‑second recycle time is slower than some rivals, which can be noticeable in fast‑action shooting.

Additional technical notes: the flash delivers a stable 6000±200 K color temperature, a fixed 35 mm focal length, and a 2.5 mm sync port. Triggering options include manual, S1/S2 optical slave and a sync trigger, all mounted on a lockable hot‑shoe with a single‑contact pin. The 1/64‑to‑1/1 output range provides 1 EV steps, and the included snap‑on diffuser helps soften harsh light.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Godox iM30's a 78 g pocket‑sized flash with a 15 m guide number, 7 manual power steps and optical S1/S2 triggering, delivering solid performance for travel and street shooters at under $35.

The iM30’s most distinctive spec is its ultra‑compact size: it measures just 75.96 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide and 205.99 mm long, and weighs only 78 g (about 0.17 lb). That tiny footprint lets it sit comfortably in a pocket or a small camera bag, a feature repeatedly praised by reviewers who call it “the most compact flash we have ever reviewed.” Its manual control offers seven power levels from 1/64 to full output, and a guide number of approximately 15 m at ISO 100 provides enough illumination for typical on‑camera fill.

When you line it up against the other nine flashes in this budget roundup, the iM30 is notably lighter than the Powerextra DF‑400 (315 g) and the Godox TT520 II (315 g), yet heavier than the ultra‑light Ulanzi SL01 Mini (33 g). Its length of 205.99 mm is longer than the Ulanzi’s 28 mm body but still shorter than the Meike FC‑100’s 120 mm depth, keeping it firmly in the pocket‑size category. The recycle time of about 3.6 seconds sits between the faster 3‑second full‑power recycle of the Powerextra DF‑400 and the slower 3.1‑second recycle of the Neewer GN15, offering a reasonable cadence for most handheld shooting.

User sentiment highlights how the iM30 “slips into pockets” and adds “just enough light” for street and travel photography. Professional reviewers also note the retro aesthetic and durable build, while pointing out that the fixed front‑facing head limits creative bounce or diffusion. The optical trigger modes—S1, which fires on any burst, and S2, which ignores pre‑flashes—let you sync without needing a radio trigger; many consumer comments echo this convenience.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Altura Photo Camera Flash packs a 68 m guide number, 4‑second recycle and a 6.5‑inch extended head for Nikon, Canon and Sony shooters willing to spend just under $50.

The headline spec is the 68 m (≈118 ft) guide number at ISO 100, which outshines the 33 m GN of the Godox GN33 and the 12 m GN of the Viltrox Retro Flash. Its bounce‑swivel head tilts 0‑90° vertically and swivels 0‑270° horizontally, letting you bounce light off ceilings or walls without a separate modifier. The flash measures 2.9 in tall, 5 in long and 3.2 in wide, with an extended length of 6.5 in when the head is pulled out, giving you a compact yet powerful unit.

Compared with the nine other flashes in this budget roundup, the Altura sits in the mid‑weight range at 280 g—lighter than the Godox TT520 II (315 g) and Powerextra DF‑400 (315 g) but heavier than the Viltrox Retro (116 g) and Ulanzi SL01 Mini (33 g). Its 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver differs from the 433 MHz systems used by the Godox GN33 and TT520 II, which can affect compatibility with older triggers. While the price tag of $49.98 is higher than sub‑$40 options like the Viltrox or Ulanzi, it still undercuts the $69.99 list price and offers more power than many lower‑priced peers.

Users consistently praise the flash’s bright output and the large backlit LCD that mirrors camera settings for quick adjustments. Professional reviewers note its reliable i‑TTL exposure and the convenience of built‑in AF‑assist illumination. The downsides that appear in consumer feedback are the 4‑second recycle when running on AA alkaline cells and occasional overheating warnings that pause shooting during long bursts. Mirrorless users also report that manual operation limits flash exposure compensation and some high‑speed sync features.

Beyond raw power, the Altura includes front/rear curtain sync, high‑speed sync up to 1/8000 s, a power‑ratio range from 1/1 to 1/128, and a memory function that saves custom settings. Four AA batteries (alkaline or Ni‑MH recommended) supply power, and the unit automatically enters a sleep mode to conserve energy when idle.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $49.98

TL;DR: The Ulanzi SL01 Mini is a 33 g, USB‑C‑rechargeable flash with GN 8 output, CRI 96 colour accuracy and four manual power levels, offering ultra‑compact portability at a $19.99 price point.

The standout spec is its tiny footprint: at just 43 × 35 × 28 mm and 33 g (0.072 lb), it’s the smallest flash in the roundup, easily slipping into a pocket or small camera bag. It delivers a guide number of GN 8 (ISO 100) and a high colour‑rendering index of 96, while the built‑in 250 mAh battery charges via USB‑C in roughly one hour.

When you line it up against the other nine flashes, the SL01 Mini is dramatically lighter than the Neewer GN15 (103 g) and the Godox iM30 (78 g), and far smaller than the Viltrox Retro Flash (177.8 mm tall) or the Powerextra DF‑400 (190 mm tall). Its guide number of GN 8 is lower than the GN 15 of the Neewer, the ≈15 m of the Godox iM30, and the 12 m of the Viltrox, meaning it won’t reach as far as those models. Battery capacity (250 mAh) also modestly compares with the Neewer’s 1200 mAh and the Viltrox’s 1100 mAh, though the one‑hour USB‑C charge recharges faster than the Neewer’s 1.5‑hour cycle.

Reviewers consistently praise the flash’s pocket‑size convenience and the clean colour its CRI 96 rating produces. Beginners and travel shooters appreciate the straightforward manual trigger and the fast 2‑second recycle at 1/4 power. Professionals note the absence of TTL and the 5‑second full‑power recycle as limiting factors for fast‑action or fully automated lighting setups.

Technically, the SL01 Mini offers four manual power steps (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8) and can fire up to 375 flashes at full power before needing a recharge. The manufacturer lists its colour temperature as 6500 K ± 8 %, and the flash count and guide number clearly define a transparent performance baseline.

Best for: Beginners, travel photographers and mobile content creators who need the most for their money

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Godox TT520 II delivers a solid 33 m guide number, 16‑channel 433 MHz wireless control and a lightweight 315 g body for under $47, making it a strong manual‑flash starter.

What really stands out is the 33 m guide number (ISO 100) paired with a 433 MHz wireless frequency that reaches roughly 15 m. The unit offers 16 selectable channels and power output control from 1/1 down to 1/128 in 1/3‑stop steps, giving you fine‑tuned manual exposure without needing a separate transmitter.

Compared with the other nine flashes, the TT520 II is heavier than the Viltrox Retro Flash’s 116 g body but matches the Powerextra DF‑400 at 315 g. Its guide number ties with the Godox GN33, which also uses a 433 MHz signal, while many peers either lack a listed guide‑number or list lower values. The included pull‑out reflector, soft‑box, mini stand and 2.4 GHz wireless trigger give it more bundled accessories than the Altura Photo Camera Flash or the Meike FC‑100, which only note a diffuser or rings. Price‑wise, it sits above the Ulanzi SL01 Mini and the Viltrox model, so it’s a pricier option within the sub‑$50 bracket.

User feedback highlights the flash’s compact size and AA‑battery convenience, with reviewers appreciating the 30‑minute auto‑standby in manual mode (60 minutes in S1/S2) and the over‑heat protection that stops firing after 20 full‑power bursts. The downside that keeps popping up is the lack of TTL and high‑speed sync, forcing fully manual control, and a slower recycle time that some users find limiting for fast‑action shoots.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $46.99

TL;DR: The Meike FC‑100 delivers a 15 GN, 32‑LED ring flash with continuous and flash modes for $29.19, but its modest output limits true 1:1 macro work.

The standout spec is its 15 GN guide number paired with 32 high‑intensity LEDs, letting you switch between full‑light continuous mode and flash bursts. It measures 80 × 60 × 120 mm and tips the scales at about 0.73 lb (≈330 g), with the kit weighing roughly 230 g without batteries.

Compared with the other nine flashes in this roundup, the FC‑100 is heavier than the ultra‑light Godox iM30, Ulanzi SL01 Mini, Neewer GN15 and Viltrox Retro Flash, but lighter than the Powerextra DF‑400, Photoolex FK300 and Godox TT520 II, which all sit around 315 g or more. Its 15 GN matches the Godox iM30 and Neewer GN15, yet falls short of the Godox TT520 II’s 33 m guide number. The 5500 K color temperature is a few hundred kelvins cooler than the 5600–6500 K range most peers advertise.

Reviewers consistently praise the low $29.19 price and the inclusion of seven adapter rings (52–77 mm) that make it truly universal for Canon and Nikon DSLR hot shoes. Users also like the ability to toggle between continuous illumination and flash, which is rare among budget ring lights. However, many note that the light output feels weak for true 1:1 macro, especially when trying to freeze fast‑moving insects, and the fully manual control can lead to over‑exposure if you’re used to TTL.

Additional context: the flash covers 5–150 cm, offers seven luminance levels from –1.5 to +1.5 EV, and syncs at 1/100 s. Power comes from four AA batteries (alkaline or Ni‑MH), keeping the system simple and portable.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget who need a lightweight, versatile ring flash for basic close‑up work or video.

Avoid if: You require high‑power output for true 1:1 macro of moving subjects or insects.