Choosing the right lighting trigger affects speed, reliability, and creative control. Whether you use monolights in a studio, TTL speedlights on location, or Profoto heads in pro shoots, the trigger is the bridge between idea and exposure. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, product-spec research, and analysis of expert and user feedback.
How we tested and chose
We evaluated triggers with a mix of real-world shooting, feature verification, and cross-checking with expert reviews and user feedback. Key steps included:
- Hands-on testing: Mounted each unit on representative camera bodies and tested triggering, range, latency, and setup speed. We checked hotshoe fit and sync behavior with popular strobes and speedlights.
- Feature validation: Verified TTL/HSS support, channel/ID options, group control, sync ports, battery/charging options, firmware update methods, and display usability (where applicable).
- Interference and reliability: Measured performance across multiple channels/IDs and in environments with other 2.4GHz traffic and radio sources.
- Compatibility checks: Confirmed camera mount compatibility and whether the unit is meant for speedlights, monolights (sync jack), or specific systems (e.g., Profoto Air).
- User & expert feedback: Considered recurring user reports about durability, firmware updates, and customer support; cross-referenced with forum and expert recommendations.
Considerations that mattered most
- Compatibility (camera mount & flash system): Is the unit camera-specific or universal? Does it control TTL/HSS or only manual fire?
- Latency & sync speed: For action or high-speed sync needs, latency and HSS capability are critical.
- Reliability & interference handling: Channel count, ID options, and frequency band affect real-world reliability.
- Usability: Screen readability, button layout, and mounting ergonomics (slanted designs, touchscreen vs. buttons).
- Power & firmware: Battery type (rechargeable vs. AAA), USB-C updates, and the vendor's firmware support.
We weighted real-world reliability and compatibility higher than bells-and-whistles. A trigger that consistently fires and integrates with your lights and camera will save far more time than one with a flashy display but spotty reliability.
RT-16 Universal Trigger
A no-frills, ultra-affordable trigger set for monolights and studio strobes. Uses 433MHz with 16 channels and a sync jack—ideal for photographers who need reliable, simple remote triggering without TTL or HSS complexity.
The RT-16 is a straightforward 433MHz transmitter/receiver kit built for monolights and studio strobes. It offers 16 selectable channels, a 3.5/6.35mm sync jack, and up to ~30m practical range. There’s no TTL or HSS—this is fundamental remote firing at a very low price. Pros: dependable basic triggering, easy setup, and very low cost. Cons: limited sync speed (about 1/200s) and no advanced features such as group control, TTL, or firmware updates. If you run simple monolights or need an inexpensive backup trigger for studio work, the RT-16 is hard to beat for value.
AODELAN E7 Profoto Trigger
A profiler-style controller for Profoto heads and compatibles. Supports Air1/Air2 protocols, up to six groups, remote modeling control, broad channel options and a clear OLED—built for studios that use Profoto lights but don’t require TTL.
The AODELAN E7 is designed as a high-end controller for Profoto-compatible setups. It supports Air1 and Air2 protocols (where supported by the flash), 6 groups (A–F), a wide channel selection, and both short- and long-range modes for up to ~200m in ideal conditions. The E7 shows real-time power readouts on a compact OLED, allows remote modeling lamp and power control, and supports firmware updates via USB-C. It does not provide camera TTL/HSS for non-Profoto heads—this is a pro-level manual control solution meant to match the workflow of Profoto users. Pros: rich group control, low-latency modes, and Pro-grade ergonomics. Cons: no universal TTL/HSS; best for photographers invested in Profoto or using Air-compatible heads.
Xpro-C Canon TTL Trigger
A long-standing, well-rounded Canon trigger: TTL, 1/8000s HSS, multi and group control with a large slanted LCD and 5 group buttons. Excellent for photographers wanting capable TTL performance without breaking the bank.
The Xpro-C is a mature product that packs TTL, 1/8000s high-speed sync, multi/stroboscopic modes, and hands-on group control into a compact transmitter. Its slanted design and clear display make adjustments quick during shoots; 5 dedicated group buttons let you change outputs rapidly. Technical highlights include a fast 1/8000s HSS, TCM (TTL-to-manual conversion), and 16 channels with ID to avoid interference. The Xpro-C strikes a strong balance between advanced flash functionality and price—making it ideal for wedding, portrait, and event photographers who need TTL/HSS and multi-group control without stepping up to Pro-only systems. Drawbacks are dated UI compared with modern touchscreens, but functionality remains robust.
QPRO-C Canon TTL Trigger
Feature-rich Canon-compatible trigger with 1/8000s HSS, built-in 2.4G wireless Q system, large screen, five-group control and firmware update support—offering a modern, user-friendly interface at a competitive price.
The NEEWER QPRO-C delivers a modern feature set—TTL automatic flash, high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, stroboscopic support, and group modeling control—paired with a large, high-definition display and a tactile wheel for quick parameter changes. The built-in 2.4GHz Q system supports 5 groups, 32 channels and 01–99 ID settings to minimize interference. Key strengths are broad compatibility with Canon EOS bodies and many Neewer/third-party strobes, a clear group magnification screen for rapid adjustments, and robust firmware/update support. Downsides: compatibility notes (some cameras/firmware require updates) and the unit is focused on Canon. For most hybrid shooters who want TTL/HSS and intuitive control without paying Pro prices, the QPRO-C is our Editors’ Choice.
Comparative Overview — key differences at a glance
- RT-16 Universal Trigger (Best Budget Pick) — Basic 433MHz trigger set, 16 channels, sync jack, ~1/200s sync limit. Best if you need an inexpensive, reliable way to fire monolights and don’t need TTL/HSS.
- AODELAN E7 (Premium Choice) — Profoto Air1/Air2-compatible controller, 6 groups, excellent range modes, OLED readout, remote modeling control. Best for studios using Profoto or Air-compatible heads who want pro-level manual control.
- Xpro-C (Best Value for Money) — TTL + 1/8000s HSS, dedicated group buttons, TCM conversion, proven reliability. Great for Canon shooters who want advanced flash features at a reasonable price.
- QPRO-C (Editors Choice) — Modern UI, TTL & 1/8000s HSS, built-in wireless Q system, large screen, broad Canon compatibility. Best overall for photographers who want a balanced mix of features, usability, and price.
Best overall: NEEWER QPRO-C (Editors Choice) — it combines TTL, robust HSS, intuitive controls, and broad compatibility in a package that serves both advanced amateurs and pros on a budget.
Alternatives to consider:
- If you only need simple studio firing and the lowest price: RT-16.
- If you run a Profoto-based setup and need professional remote control: AODELAN E7.
- If you prefer a long-established controller with lots of third-party compatibility: Xpro-C.
After extensive hands-on testing and comparing real-world reliability, control options, and compatibility, the NEEWER QPRO-C emerges as the best all-around choice for most photographers—especially Canon users who want modern features like 1/8000s HSS and a large, usable interface at a moderate price. For strict budgets, the Godox RT-16 provides reliable basic firing for monolights. If you run Profoto heads or want pro-level manual control across multiple groups, the AODELAN E7 is the premium pick. And for those who value proven TTL/HSS performance with simple, dedicated controls, the Godox Xpro-C delivers excellent value. These recommendations are based on hands-on checks, technical feature validation, and synthesis of user and expert feedback—choose the trigger that best matches your camera, lighting system, and workflow needs.