10W vs 20W – Which One Belongs in Your Photography Kit?

RGB light wands are one of those tools that can either elevate your work… or just turn everything into a glowing mess of colour if you don’t know how to use them.

I’ve been testing both the Neewer RGB1 and Neewer RGB2, and while they look similar, they serve very different purposes once you actually start shooting with them.

This isn’t about which one is “better.”
It’s about which one fits how you shoot.

Key Specs (The Stuff That Actually Matters)

Neewer RBG1

Neewer RGB1

  • 10W output
  • CRI 98+
  • 3200K – 5600K colour temperature
  • Full RGB (HSI control)
  • ~90 mins runtime at 100%
  • 6400mAh battery (USB-C charging)
  • Metal Barn doors included
  • Magnetic mounting + dual 1/4” threads
  • App control (up to ~50m)
  • RGB touch bar + 17 scene effects
Neewer RGB2

Neewer RGB2

  • 20W output
  • CRI 98+ / TLCI 97+
  • 2500K – 10,000K colour temperature
  • RGBWW colour system (better colour blending)
  • ~100 mins runtime at 100%
  • Fast USB-C PD charging (~2.7 hrs)
  • Detachable metal barn doors
  • Magnetic mounting + handle + 1/4” mount
  • App + onboard + 2.4G control (~15m realistic)
  • 296 LEDs, ~1860 lux @ 0.5m
  • 18 scene effects + LCD display

Build & Handling

Both lights are lightweight and portable, but they feel quite different in use.

  • RGB1 is smaller, lighter, and easier to handhold for longer periods
  • RGB2 is larger, more robust, and feels more like a “set it and shape it” light

Both include barn doors, which is a big win. This lets you:

  • Control spill
  • Shape light direction
  • Avoid that “everything is glowing” look

And both have magnetic mounting, which is honestly one of my favourite features. Stick it to a shelf, a stand, a pole… done.

Real-World Use (This Is Where It Matters)

RGB1 – Close, Controlled, Intentional

At 10W, this light works best when it’s close to your subject.

Where I found it most useful:

  • Still life setups
  • Macro photography
  • Tight portrait lighting
  • Quick accent or rim lighting

It’s easy to position, easy to control, and doesn’t overpower your scene.

👉 This is your precision tool

RGB2 – Distance, Coverage, and Creative Flexibility

At 20W, the RGB2 gives you more breathing room.

Where it shines:

  • Full-body portraits
  • Lighting from further away
  • Background colour washes
  • Stronger rim or separation lighting

And the big one:
👉 2500K–10,000K range + RGBWW

This gives you far more flexibility to:

  • Warm things right down (almost candlelight tones)
  • Push into cooler, stylised looks
  • Match or contrast ambient light more accurately

👉 This is your coverage + control tool

Features That Actually Make a Difference

Mounting Options (Both Lights)

  • Handheld
  • Light stand (1/4”)
  • Magnetic mounting
  • Adhesive plates (RGB1)

👉 Great for small studios where space is tight

App Control

Both lights connect to the NEEWER app, allowing:

  • Brightness and colour adjustments
  • Scene selection
  • Presets and memory
  • Group control

👉 Especially useful in workshops or multi-light setups

Touch Bar Control

Both include a touch-sensitive RGB bar:

  • Quick colour selection
  • Lock feature to avoid accidental changes

👉 Sounds gimmicky, actually quite handy in practice

Pros and Cons

Neewer RGB1 (10W)

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Barn doors for shaping light
  • Magnetic mounting = super flexible
  • Great for close-up work
  • Reliable ~90 min runtime

Cons

  • Limited power
  • Narrower colour temperature range
  • Not suited for larger scenes
  • Can get warm to the touch during extended use

Neewer RGB2 (20W)

Pros

  • Double the output
  • Wide 2500–10,000K range
  • RGBWW = better colour quality
  • More versatile for larger setups
  • Slightly longer runtime (~100 mins)
  • Better for distance and coverage

Cons

  • Bulkier
  • Less comfortable handheld for long periods
  • Overkill for tight setups sometimes
  • Also can get warm with prolonged use

Sample Images from the studio

The following sample images were taken in the studio with a whole raft of Neewer LED Lights. The RGB1 was often hand-held or placed on the table in front of the model, while the RGB2 was on a light stand. I also used the TL60, TL90, GC21B, GC30C and CB300C with a softbox. It makes for an incredible line-up and some cool innovative lighting.

The Honest Take

Here’s where most people get it wrong.

They assume:

“I’ll just get the more powerful one”

But unless you’re consistently shooting:

  • Larger scenes
  • Full-body portraits
  • Or lighting from a distance

You don’t always need it.

In a smaller studio setup, the RGB1 is often easier, faster, and more controlled.

The RGB2 earns its place when you need:

  • More reach
  • More flexibility
  • More control over colour

One Thing Most People Overlook

Both of these lights are tools, not solutions.

They won’t fix bad lighting habits, but they will:

  • Help you experiment
  • Add depth and colour
  • Push your creativity further

Used well, they’re brilliant.

Used badly… well, we’ve all seen those neon disasters. But seriously pair them up with some other fabulous Neewer LED Lights and they are totally amazing

Check out the TGB1 and 2 in use in the studio, in my latest shoot over on YouTube.