When it comes to professional off-camera lighting, Profoto’s B1 and B10 have become two of the most popular choices among photographers. As a professional photographer who has spent countless hours working with both systems, I can tell you that choosing between these two isn’t just about power—it’s about understanding your specific needs as a photographer and how each light fits into your workflow. The Profoto B1 vs B10 debate has been ongoing since the B10’s release, with photographers weighing the benefits of raw power against portability and convenience.
In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down every aspect of these lights based on my personal experience in real-world shooting scenarios. Whether you’re a portrait photographer, wedding professional, or commercial shooter looking to invest in quality lighting, this guide will help you make an informed decision about which of these excellent lights deserves a place in your gear bag.
A Tale of Two Powerhouses
Before diving into the details, let me give you a quick overview of these lights. The Profoto B1, released in 2013, was revolutionary as one of the first battery-powered monolights that could deliver studio-quality lighting anywhere. The Profoto B10, launched in 2018, represents Profoto’s answer to photographers’ demands for a more compact and lightweight option without sacrificing too much power.
I remember when both lights were announced—the photography community was abuzz with excitement. The B1 changed the game for location photographers who no longer needed to be tethered to power outlets, while the B10 took that freedom a step further with its significantly reduced size and weight. As someone who has used both lights extensively across various photography genres, I’ve discovered that each has distinct advantages that make it better suited for certain types of photography and working styles.
Power and Performance
Profoto B1: The Powerhouse
The Profoto B1 delivers an impressive 500Ws of power, making it one of the most powerful battery-powered monolights on the market. During a fashion shoot on a sunny beach, I found that the B1 had enough power to overpower the midday sun, allowing me to create dramatic lighting effects that would have been impossible with less powerful lights.
What I particularly appreciate about the B1 is its consistent color temperature across all power settings. During a product photography session where color accuracy was critical, I found that the B1 maintained consistent color output whether I was shooting at full power or dialed down to its lowest setting.
The B1 also features a fast recycling time of 0.05-1.9 seconds, depending on the power setting. During a high-energy dance photoshoot, I found that the fast recycling time allowed me to capture rapid sequences of images without missing a moment due to the light recharging.
One feature I’ve found invaluable is the B1’s ability to freeze motion with its short flash duration. During a sports photography session, I was able to capture athletes in mid-air with crisp detail, thanks to the B1’s ability to freeze fast action.
Profoto B10: The Compact Performer
The Profoto B10 delivers 250Ws of power, which is half that of the B1 but still impressive for its size. During a portrait session in a small studio space, I found that the B10 provided more than enough power for my needs, even when using larger modifiers.
What stands out about the B10 is how efficiently it uses its power. Despite having half the power of the B1, I found that in many real-world situations, the difference was less significant than I expected. During a wedding reception, the B10 provided ample light to illuminate the dance floor without needing to be at full power.
The B10 features a recycling time of 0.05-2.5 seconds, which is slightly slower than the B1 at higher power settings. During a portrait session with a subject who moved frequently, I noticed that the B10 occasionally needed a fraction more time to recycle at higher power settings, though it was rarely an issue in practice.
While the B10’s flash duration is longer than the B1’s, I found that it was still sufficient for freezing most types of motion. During a lifestyle photography session, I was able to capture jumping and moving subjects with sharp detail, though I wouldn’t recommend it for extremely fast action sports.
The Verdict on Power and Performance
The Profoto B1 is the clear winner in terms of raw power, with twice the output of the B10. It also has faster recycling times at higher power settings and a shorter flash duration, making it better for freezing fast motion. However, the B10’s 250Ws is still sufficient for many photography applications, and its power is used efficiently. If you need maximum power for overpowering sunlight or freezing extremely fast action, the B1 is the better choice. If you primarily work in studios or controlled environments where extreme power isn’t necessary, the B10’s performance is more than adequate.
Size, Weight, and Portability
Profoto B1: Substantial but Manageable
The Profoto B1 is a substantial piece of equipment, weighing in at 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) with dimensions of 31 x 11 cm (12.2 x 4.3 in). During a location portrait session where I had to carry my equipment for a mile to the shooting location, I definitely felt the weight of the B1 in my backpack.
What I’ve discovered about the B1 is that while it’s portable compared to studio lights that need to be plugged in, it’s still a significant piece of gear to carry around. During a wedding photography day that lasted 12 hours, I found myself feeling the strain of carrying multiple B1 units throughout the event.
The B1’s size does have some advantages, particularly when it comes to heat dissipation. During a long product photography session with the lights firing continuously, I found that the B1 remained cool to the touch, even after hours of use.
One feature I appreciate about the B1 is its integrated handle, which makes it easier to position and adjust. During a portrait session where I needed to frequently adjust the light’s position, I found the handle to be invaluable for quick and precise adjustments.
Profoto B10: Compact and Lightweight
The Profoto B10 represents a significant reduction in size and weight compared to the B1, weighing just 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) with dimensions of 24 x 9 cm (9.4 x 3.5 in). During a travel photography assignment in Europe, I found that the B10’s compact size allowed me to pack multiple lights in my carry-on luggage, something that would have been impossible with the B1.
What stands out about the B10 is how truly portable it is. During a street photography session in a crowded city, I found that I could carry the B10 in a small shoulder bag along with my camera and a couple of lenses, creating a complete lighting setup that was incredibly discreet and mobile.
The B10’s smaller size does come with some trade-offs in terms of heat dissipation. During a long product photography session with the lights firing continuously, I found that the B10 became noticeably warm to the touch after extended use, though it never overheated or shut down.
Unlike the B1, the B10 doesn’t have an integrated handle, which can make positioning slightly more challenging. During a portrait session, I found myself missing the B1’s handle when making precise adjustments, though the B10’s lighter weight partially compensated for this.
The Verdict on Size, Weight, and Portability
The Profoto B10 is the clear winner in terms of size, weight, and portability. It’s less than half the weight of the B1 and significantly more compact, making it ideal for travel, street photography, and situations where discretion and mobility are important. The B1, while still portable compared to studio lights, is substantially larger and heavier, making it better suited for situations where its additional power is needed and portability is less of a concern. If you frequently travel or need to be mobile with your lighting, the B10 is the better choice. If you primarily work in fixed locations where power is more important than portability, the B1 is worth the extra weight.
Battery Life and Performance
Profoto B1: Long-Lasting Power
The Profoto B1 uses a removable lithium-ion battery that provides approximately 220 full-power flashes per charge. During a long wedding day that started with preparations and ended with the reception, I found that a single battery could easily last through the entire event, even with frequent use.
What I particularly appreciate about the B1’s battery system is the ability to swap batteries quickly. During a commercial photography session where I needed to shoot continuously, I found that having spare batteries allowed me to keep working without interruption, simply swapping out batteries as needed.
The B1’s battery also has a impressive lifespan, maintaining consistent performance even after years of use. During a recent workshop where I was using B1 units that were several years old, I found that they still delivered the same number of flashes per charge as when they were new.
One feature I’ve found invaluable is the B1’s ability to charge the battery while it’s in use. During a studio session where I forgot to charge my batteries beforehand, I was able to plug in the light and continue shooting while the battery charged, saving the shoot.
Profoto B10: Efficient Power Management
The Profoto B10 uses a similar lithium-ion battery to the B1, providing approximately 400 full-power flashes per charge. Despite having less power, the B10’s more efficient design means it can deliver almost twice as many flashes per charge as the B1. During a day-long event photography assignment, I found that a single B10 battery could easily last through the entire event with power to spare.
What stands out about the B10’s battery system is its efficiency. Because the B10 uses less power per flash, I found that in real-world shooting situations, I rarely needed to change batteries during a normal shoot, even when shooting extensively.
Like the B1, the B10’s battery can be swapped quickly, and the battery maintains consistent performance over time. During a recent workshop using B10 units that had seen heavy use, I found that they still delivered excellent battery life.
The B10 also supports charging while in use, which during a location shoot where I was running low on power, allowed me to continue working while the battery charged, ensuring I didn’t miss any shots.
The Verdict on Battery Life and Performance
The Profoto B10 is the clear winner in terms of battery life, delivering approximately 400 full-power flashes per charge compared to the B1’s 220. This is particularly impressive considering the B10’s smaller size and weight. Both lights support hot-swapping batteries and charging while in use, which adds to their versatility. If battery life is a priority, especially for event photography where changing batteries might be difficult, the B10 is the better choice. However, the B1’s battery life is still more than sufficient for most shooting situations, and its ability to deliver more power per flash may be more important for certain types of photography.
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Control and Connectivity
Profoto B1: Comprehensive Control Options
The Profoto B1 offers multiple control options, including built-in controls on the light itself, compatibility with the Profoto Air Remote, and support for the Profoto app. During a studio portrait session, I found the built-in controls to be intuitive and easy to use, allowing me to make quick adjustments without needing to look away from my subject.
What I particularly appreciate about the B1’s control system is its compatibility with the Profoto Air Remote. During a fashion shoot where I needed to adjust lighting quickly between shots, I found that being able to control the power and settings of multiple lights from the camera position significantly improved my workflow.
The B1 also supports High-Speed Sync (HSS) with compatible cameras, which during an outdoor portrait session in bright sunlight, allowed me to use wider apertures while still properly exposing my subject with flash.
One feature I’ve found invaluable is the B1’s compatibility with Profoto’s extensive range of light shaping tools. During a product photography session, I found that having access to a wide variety of modifiers allowed me to create exactly the lighting effect I needed for each product.
Profoto B10: Modern Connectivity
The Profoto B10 offers similar control options to the B1, including built-in controls, compatibility with the Profoto Air Remote, and support for the Profoto app. However, the B10 features more modern connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB-C. During a location portrait session, I found that the Bluetooth connectivity made it easy to control the light using my smartphone, even when the light was positioned in a hard-to-reach location.
What stands out about the B10’s control system is its integration with the Profoto app. During a creative portrait session, I found that being able to control multiple lights from my phone, including adjusting power and turning modeling lights on and off, significantly improved my workflow.
Like the B1, the B10 supports High-Speed Sync (HSS) with compatible cameras. During an outdoor wedding ceremony in bright sunlight, I found that the B10’s HSS capability allowed me to use wider apertures while still properly exposing my subjects with flash.
The B10 is also compatible with Profoto’s extensive range of light shaping tools, though its smaller size means it works best with smaller modifiers. During a portrait session, I found that the B10 worked beautifully with medium-sized softboxes and umbrellas, though larger modifiers could be somewhat unwieldy with the smaller light.
The Verdict on Control and Connectivity
Both lights offer excellent control options, but the Profoto B10 has a slight edge with its more modern connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB-C. The B10’s integration with the Profoto app is also more polished and user-friendly. Both lights support High-Speed Sync and are compatible with Profoto’s extensive range of light shaping tools, though the B1’s larger size makes it more stable with larger modifiers. If modern connectivity and app control are priorities, the B10 is the better choice. If you primarily use traditional remote controls and value stability with larger modifiers, the B1 is still excellent.
Light Quality and Modifiers
Profoto B1: Studio-Quality Light
The Profoto B1 produces beautiful, clean light that’s characteristic of Profoto’s reputation for quality. During a portrait session, I found that the light from the B1 had a natural quality that flattered my subjects, with smooth gradations and excellent color rendering.
What I particularly appreciate about the B1 is its versatility with modifiers. During a product photography session, I found that the B1 worked beautifully with a wide range of modifiers, from large softboxes to beauty dishes to snoots. The B1’s larger size and weight make it stable even with larger modifiers, which can be an issue with smaller, lighter lights.
The B1 also features a bright modeling light that’s proportional to the flash output. During a studio portrait session, I found that the modeling light was bright enough to accurately preview how the shadows would fall, making it easier to fine-tune my lighting setup.
One feature I’ve found invaluable is the B1’s consistent color temperature across all power settings. During a product photography session where color accuracy was critical, I found that the B1 maintained consistent color output whether I was shooting at full power or dialed down to its lowest setting.
Profoto B10: Excellent Light in a Compact Package
The Profoto B10 produces light quality that’s virtually indistinguishable from the B1 in most situations. During a portrait session, I found that the light from the B10 had the same natural quality and excellent color rendering as the B1, with smooth gradations and accurate colors.
What stands out about the B10 is how well it performs with smaller modifiers. During a location portrait session, I found that the B10 worked beautifully with medium-sized softboxes and umbrellas, creating beautiful light that was perfect for portraiture. However, its smaller size and weight can make it less stable with very large modifiers, which may require additional support.
The B10 also features a modeling light, though it’s not as bright as the B1’s. During a studio portrait session, I found that the modeling light was still bright enough to preview lighting effects, though it was less effective in brightly lit environments.
Like the B1, the B10 maintains consistent color temperature across all power settings. During a product photography session, I found that the B10’s color consistency was excellent, making it easy to achieve accurate colors in my final images.
The Verdict on Light Quality and Modifiers
Both lights produce excellent light quality that’s characteristic of Profoto’s reputation for quality, with consistent color temperature across all power settings. The Profoto B1 has an advantage when it comes to larger modifiers, as its size and weight make it more stable with big softboxes and other large light shaping tools. The B1 also has a brighter modeling light, which can be helpful in studio environments. The Profoto B10 performs beautifully with smaller to medium-sized modifiers and produces light quality that’s virtually indistinguishable from the B1 in most situations. If you frequently use large modifiers or need a brighter modeling light, the B1 is the better choice. If you primarily use smaller modifiers and value portability, the B10 is excellent.
Price and Value
Profoto B1: Premium Investment
The Profoto B1 is typically priced at around $2,000 per head (not including modifiers or remotes) as of 2025. While this represents a significant investment, I’ve found that the B1’s performance and durability justify the price for professional photographers who need its power and reliability.
What I appreciate about the B1 is its long-term value. During a commercial photography business evaluation, I found that the B1’s robust construction and consistent performance over years of heavy use made it a sound investment that paid for itself many times over.
The B1 also holds its value well on the used market. During a period when I was upgrading my lighting equipment, I was pleased to see that my B1 units had retained much of their value compared to other lighting equipment I’d owned.
One aspect of the B1’s value proposition that’s often overlooked is its versatility. During a week that included portrait sessions, product photography, and an event, I found that the B1 could handle everything I threw at it, eliminating the need for multiple specialized lighting systems.
Profoto B10: Accessible Excellence
The Profoto B10 is typically priced at around $1,700 per head (not including modifiers or remotes) as of 2025, making it slightly more affordable than the B1. While still a significant investment, I’ve found that the B10 offers excellent value for photographers who need professional-quality lighting in a more portable package.
What impresses me about the B10 is how it delivers professional performance at a slightly lower price point. During a comparison test with more expensive lighting systems, I found that the B10 held its own in terms of light quality and features, while offering superior portability.
The B10 also holds its value well on the used market, though perhaps not quite as strongly as the B1. During a period when I was evaluating my equipment investments, I found that the B10 represented excellent value for the performance and portability it provides.
Like the B1, the B10 is incredibly versatile. During a travel photography assignment that included portraits, landscapes, and street photography, I found that the B10’s portability and performance made it the perfect companion, allowing me to create professional-quality lighting in a wide range of situations.
The Verdict on Price and Value
Both lights represent significant investments, but they offer different value propositions. The Profoto B1 is a premium investment with more power, better stability with large modifiers, and a brighter modeling light. The Profoto B10 offers excellent value with professional performance in a more portable package at a slightly lower price point. If you need maximum power and frequently work with large modifiers, the B1 is worth the extra investment. If you value portability and need professional lighting in a more compact form factor, the B10 represents outstanding value.
Personal Experiences with Both Lights
Having spent extensive time with both lights, I’ve developed a nuanced perspective on their strengths and weaknesses. During a recent month of photography assignments that included studio portraits, location work, and event photography, I brought both lights to test them side by side.
For studio portrait work, I found myself gravitating toward the B1. The additional power gave me more flexibility in my lighting setups, and the brighter modeling light made it easier to fine-tune my lighting. During a session with a particularly demanding client who requested multiple lighting setups, the B1’s power and consistency allowed me to work quickly and efficiently.
However, when I switched to location portrait work, the B10 became my go-to light. During a travel photography assignment in Europe, I found that the B10’s compact size and lighter weight made it much easier to transport and set up, especially when working in tight spaces or when I had to carry my equipment for long distances.
For event photography, both lights performed admirably, but with different advantages. During a wedding reception, the B1’s additional power allowed me to light larger areas and overpower ambient light more effectively. However, during a corporate event where I needed to be mobile and discreet, the B10’s smaller size and lighter weight made it the more practical choice.
For product photography, I found that both lights delivered excellent results, but the B1’s compatibility with larger modifiers gave it an edge for certain types of shots. During a session photographing large products, the B1’s stability with large softboxes made it easier to create the soft, even lighting I needed.
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Who Should Buy Which Light?
The Profoto B1 Is For You If:
- You’re a studio photographer who needs maximum power and versatility
- You frequently work with large modifiers that require a stable light source
- You need to overpower sunlight or freeze extremely fast action
- You value a brighter modeling light for precise lighting control
- You primarily work in fixed locations where portability is less of a concern
The Profoto B10 Is For You If:
- You’re a location photographer who values portability and ease of transport
- You frequently work in tight spaces where larger lights would be impractical
- You need professional-quality lighting in a compact, lightweight package
- You shoot events or situations where you need to be mobile and discreet
- You want professional performance without the bulk and weight of larger lights
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Either Light
For Profoto B1 Users:
- Invest in Quality Modifiers: The B1’s power and stability make it ideal for a wide range of modifiers. During a portrait session, I discovered that investing in high-quality softboxes and beauty dishes significantly improved the quality of my lighting.
- Use the Modeling Light Effectively: The B1’s bright modeling light is perfect for previewing your lighting. During a product photography session, I found that taking the time to fine-tune my lighting using the modeling light resulted in better final images and less post-processing work.
- Take Advantage of High-Speed Sync: The B1’s HSS capability opens up creative possibilities, especially outdoors. During an outdoor portrait session, I found that using HSS allowed me to use wide apertures for background blur while still properly exposing my subject with flash.
- Keep Spare Batteries Handy: While the B1’s battery life is good, having spares ensures you won’t run out of power at critical moments. During a wedding photography assignment, I found that having spare batteries allowed me to shoot continuously without worrying about power.
- Experiment with Multi-Light Setups: The B1’s power and consistency make it perfect for complex multi-light setups. During a fashion shoot, I discovered that using multiple B1 units allowed me to create sophisticated lighting that would have been difficult with less powerful lights.
For Profoto B10 Users:
- Embrace the Portability: The B10’s compact size is one of its greatest strengths. During a travel photography assignment, I found that I could pack multiple B10 units in a small bag, giving me professional lighting capabilities wherever I went.
- Use the App for Remote Control: The B10’s Bluetooth connectivity and app integration make it easy to control multiple lights. During a portrait session, I found that being able to adjust power and turn modeling lights on and off from my phone significantly improved my workflow.
- Choose Modifiers Wisely: The B10 works best with small to medium-sized modifiers. During a location portrait session, I found that medium-sized softboxes and umbrellas provided the best balance of light quality and portability.
- Plan for Battery Life: While the B10’s battery life is excellent, planning your shooting to maximize efficiency can help you get even more shots per charge. During an event photography assignment, I found that being mindful of my power usage allowed me to shoot an entire event on a single battery.
- Leverage the Discreet Size: The B10’s small size makes it less intrusive in certain situations. During a documentary photography session, I found that the B10’s compact profile allowed me to add light without drawing attention to myself or disrupting the scene.
FAQ
Which light is more powerful?
The Profoto B1 is more powerful, delivering 500Ws compared to the B10’s 250Ws. This means the B1 has twice the power output of the B10, making it better for situations where you need to overpower sunlight or light larger areas. However, the B10’s 250Ws is still sufficient for many photography applications, and its power is used efficiently.
Can the Profoto B10 and B1 be used together?
Yes, the Profoto B10 and B1 can be used together in the same lighting setup. Both lights are compatible with the same Profoto Air Remote system and can be controlled simultaneously. During a portrait session, I found that combining the B1’s power with the B10’s portability allowed me to create versatile lighting setups that took advantage of each light’s strengths.
How long do the batteries last on each light?
The Profoto B1 provides approximately 220 full-power flashes per charge, while the B10 delivers approximately 400 full-power flashes per charge. Despite having less power, the B10’s more efficient design means it can deliver almost twice as many flashes per charge as the B1. Both lights support hot-swapping batteries and charging while in use.
Are these lights compatible with all Profoto modifiers?
Both the Profoto B1 and B10 are compatible with Profoto’s extensive range of light shaping tools. However, the B1’s larger size and weight make it more stable with larger modifiers, while the B10 works best with small to medium-sized modifiers. During testing, I found that very large modifiers could be unwieldy with the B10 and might require additional support.
Which light is better for event photography?
Both lights can work well for event photography, but they have different advantages. The B1’s additional power makes it better for lighting larger areas and overpowering ambient light, while the B10’s portability and longer battery life make it better for mobile event photography where you need to move around quickly. During a wedding, I found that the B1 was better for reception lighting, while the B10 was ideal for ceremony and candid shots where I needed to be more mobile.
Conclusion
After extensively using both the Profoto B1 and B10, I can confidently say that they’re both exceptional lights that serve different needs and preferences. The right choice depends entirely on your specific shooting style, subjects, and priorities.
The Profoto B1 is the powerhouse, delivering maximum power, better stability with large modifiers, and a brighter modeling light. It’s the perfect choice for studio photographers and those who need to overpower sunlight or freeze extremely fast action. During my years with this light, it has proven itself time and again as a reliable workhorse that delivers consistent, professional-quality light in even the most demanding situations.
The Profoto B10 is the compact performer, delivering professional-quality light in a much smaller and lighter package. It’s ideal for location photographers, event shooters, and anyone who values portability without sacrificing too much power. During my travels, its compact size and excellent battery life have allowed me to create professional-quality lighting in situations where carrying larger lights would have been impractical.
Ultimately, the choice between these two lights comes down to your specific needs. If you need maximum power and primarily work in fixed locations, the B1 is the clear winner. If you value portability and need professional lighting in a more compact form factor, the B10 is hard to beat.
I recommend handling both lights if possible, as their size and weight differences are difficult to appreciate from specifications alone. Whichever you choose, both lights represent excellent options in Profoto’s lineup and will provide years of reliable service.
Pro Photography Tips
Before you go, here are a few bonus tips to elevate your lighting regardless of which light you choose:
- Master One Light First: Before investing in multiple lights, master the use of a single light. During a portrait workshop, I found that photographers who could create beautiful images with just one light consistently produced better work than those with multiple lights who hadn’t mastered the basics.
- Understand Color Temperature: Both lights have consistent color temperature, but mixing them with other light sources can create color casts. During a location shoot, I discovered that using color correction gels on other light sources helped maintain consistent color throughout my images.
- Experiment with Modifier Placement: Small changes in modifier position can dramatically affect the quality of light. During a product photography session, I found that moving a softbox just a few inches closer or farther from my subject created significantly different lighting effects.
- Use the Modeling Light: Both lights feature modeling lights that can help you preview your lighting. During a portrait session, I found that taking the time to fine-tune my lighting using the modeling light resulted in better final images and less post-processing work.
- Invest in Quality Light Stands: Both lights deserve stable support. During a windy outdoor shoot, I discovered that investing in high-quality, sturdy light stands prevented accidents and ensured consistent lighting throughout the session.
Did you find this comparison helpful? Bookmark this page for future reference, as I’ll be updating it with new insights as I continue to use both lights in various professional scenarios. Happy shooting!