Godox X3 Pro vs X3 vs XPro – Which Flash Trigger Should You Choose

Lencarta LTD
Blog
26 Nov 2025
50

Godox X3 Pro : When it comes to lighting control, Godox has built one of the strongest and most flexible wireless flash systems in the world. Their triggers — Godox X3, X3 Pro, and XPro — all use the same 2.4GHz wireless “X System,” but they differ in design, interface, workflow, features, and ideal use cases.

If you’re trying to decide which trigger is best for your photography style, this guide will help you make the right choice.

Overview: What These Triggers Do

All three models — X3, X3 Pro, and XPro — allow you to:

Fire Godox flashes wirelessly
Control power, mode, groups, and channels
Use TTL, Manual, Multi, and High-Speed Sync (HSS)
Trigger multiple lights at once
Work with most camera brands (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic/OM, etc.)

Where they differ is in design philosophy, UI, control level, and workflow speed.

1. Godox X3 – Compact, Modern, Touchscreen Simplicity

The Godox X3 is designed for photographers who want modern control in a small, portable format. It is ultra-compact and built around a clean touchscreen interface.

Key Features

Touchscreen interface with a simple, intuitive layout
Compact “pocket-sized” design
Built-in lithium battery (USB-C rechargeable)
TTL, HSS, Manual & Multi modes
Control for multiple groups
Ideal for run-and-gun and lightweight setups

Who It’s For

Perfect for:

Beginners
Mobile portrait photographers
YouTubers, vloggers, and creators
On-location photographers using 1–3 lights

The X3 delivers reliable performance with the least complexity.

2. Godox X3 Pro – Advanced Touchscreen Control for Professionals

The Godox X3 Pro is the upgraded, feature-rich version of the X3 — designed for photographers who work with multiple lights and need deep control.

Key Features

Large, bright touchscreen for faster navigation
View and adjust multiple groups simultaneously
Bluetooth + Godox Flash App integration
Advanced group control (power, zoom, modeling lamp, modes)
Built-in high-capacity rechargeable battery
Extended range, better stability, and pro-level interface
Remote shutter features, timers & time-lapse modes

Who It’s For

Best for:

Studio photographers
Event/wedding shooters
Commercial & product photographers
Professionals who use complex multi-light setups
Anyone wanting app-based control for convenience

If you need precision, flexible control, and a “command center” feel, the X3 Pro is the strongest choice.

3. Godox XPro – Classic, Reliable, Button-Based Design

The Godox XPro has been the industry workhorse for years. Instead of a touchscreen, it uses physical buttons and a large LCD, which many photographers still prefer.

Key Features

Physical buttons + control wheel (tactile and fast)
Large, easy-to-read display
Powered by AA batteries
Reliable and proven performance
Full support for TTL, HSS, and multi-group setups

Who It’s For

Ideal for:

Photographers who prefer physical buttons
Wedding/event shooters needing quick adjustments
Long shoots where AA batteries are easy to swap
Users who want a stable, familiar workflow

The XPro is the most “tactile” option, great for fast-paced environments.

Which Trigger Suits Which Photographer / Use Case

You’re a beginner or you value light travel setup — go for Godox X3: light, compact, easy to use. Good for 1–2 speedlights, basic sporadic work (portraits, quick shoots).
You run multi‑light setups, studio shoots, events, complex workflows — Godox X3 Pro is likely the best balance: advanced control (groups, modeling light, zoom), app/Bluetooth remote, shutter/time‑lapse control, bigger battery — all useful for studio, product, creative lighting, long shoots.
You prefer physical controls or already have “classic” workflows, or want a tried‑and‑true trigger — Godox XPro remains a strong, reliable option, especially if touchscreens/menus aren’t your thing.

In short: X3 = simplicity & portability; X3 Pro = modern control & flexibility; XPro = traditional control & reliability.

Trigger	Interface & Controls	Battery & Build	Advanced Features & Workflow	Pros / Cons & Ideal Use
Godox X3	Small OLED touchscreen, minimal controls — power, groups, modes. (	Built‑in Li‑ion battery (3.7 V, 850 mAh), charges in ~2 h; standby ~7 days. Compact/light (very portable).	Standard wireless flash triggering (TTL, manual, HSS, curtain sync, multi‑flash). Simple group control, but limited advanced functions.	✅ Great for: Beginners; shooters valuing portability and simplicity; location portrait photographers who only run 1–2 flashes. ❗ Cons: Limited advanced control, no remote camera shutter control, less convenient for complex multi‑light setups.
Godox X3 Pro	Larger 2.4″ LCD touchscreen, more intuitive UI; lets you monitor up to 4 lighting groups at once (out of 16 max). Tap to adjust group power/zoom/modeling lamp, etc.	Bigger built‑in lithium battery (≈ 2930 mAh → USB‑C charging ~2 h); standby ~35 days. Size ~2.13" × 2.6" × 1.61"; weight ~103 g.	Adds Bluetooth + app control (via Godox Flash App), letting you adjust lights remotely (handy with assistants / multi‑light rigs). Also offers creative shutter controls (timer, time‑lapse, long‑exposure sequences) and optional remote‑shutter release via PC sync or Godox XR/TR‑RX receivers. Supports up to 16 groups, 32 channels, and 99 wireless IDs.	✅ Great for: Professional or semi‑pro photographers shooting multi‑light setups (studio, events, product, creative lighting) who value control, flexibility, and remote operation. ❗ Cons: Slightly bulkier — less “pocketable” than X3; touchscreen may feel less tactile than physical dials/buttons (some photographers prefer buttons).
Godox XPro	Traditional physical buttons + dial + large backlit LCD — many photographers love the tactile feedback and quick adjustments without tapping menus.	Powered by 2 AA batteries (not built‑in). Robust, proven build; larger form factor than X3 but often more balanced on camera.	Provides full TTL, HSS, multi‑flash, and group/channel control (because it’s part of Godox X system). Many consider it stable and reliable for long projects, weddings — especially if they prefer physical controls.	✅ Great for: Photographers who prefer tactile controls, button/dial operation, and don’t need touchscreen fuss. ❗ Cons: No touchscreen, no built‑in battery (need to carry AA), less “modern” feel — may lack some convenience features of X3 Pro (like app control, virtual group-management UI).

Trigger

Interface & Controls

Battery & Build

Advanced Features & Workflow

Pros / Cons & Ideal Use

Godox X3

Small OLED touchscreen, minimal controls — power, groups, modes. (

Built‑in Li‑ion battery (3.7 V, 850 mAh), charges in ~2 h; standby ~7 days. Compact/light (very portable).

Standard wireless flash triggering (TTL, manual, HSS, curtain sync, multi‑flash). Simple group control, but limited advanced functions.

✅ Great for: Beginners; shooters valuing portability and simplicity; location portrait photographers who only run 1–2 flashes. ❗ Cons: Limited advanced control, no remote camera shutter control, less convenient for complex multi‑light setups.

Godox X3 Pro

Larger 2.4″ LCD touchscreen, more intuitive UI; lets you monitor up to 4 lighting groups at once (out of 16 max). Tap to adjust group power/zoom/modeling lamp, etc.

Bigger built‑in lithium battery (≈ 2930 mAh → USB‑C charging ~2 h); standby ~35 days. Size ~2.13" × 2.6" × 1.61"; weight ~103 g.

Adds Bluetooth + app control (via Godox Flash App), letting you adjust lights remotely (handy with assistants / multi‑light rigs). Also offers creative shutter controls (timer, time‑lapse, long‑exposure sequences) and optional remote‑shutter release via PC sync or Godox XR/TR‑RX receivers. Supports up to 16 groups, 32 channels, and 99 wireless IDs.

✅ Great for: Professional or semi‑pro photographers shooting multi‑light setups (studio, events, product, creative lighting) who value control, flexibility, and remote operation. ❗ Cons: Slightly bulkier — less “pocketable” than X3; touchscreen may feel less tactile than physical dials/buttons (some photographers prefer buttons).

Godox XPro

Traditional physical buttons + dial + large backlit LCD — many photographers love the tactile feedback and quick adjustments without tapping menus.

Powered by 2 AA batteries (not built‑in). Robust, proven build; larger form factor than X3 but often more balanced on camera.

Provides full TTL, HSS, multi‑flash, and group/channel control (because it’s part of Godox X system). Many consider it stable and reliable for long projects, weddings — especially if they prefer physical controls.

✅ Great for: Photographers who prefer tactile controls, button/dial operation, and don’t need touchscreen fuss. ❗ Cons: No touchscreen, no built‑in battery (need to carry AA), less “modern” feel — may lack some convenience features of X3 Pro (like app control, virtual group-management UI).

Side-by-Side Comparison: X3 vs X3 Pro vs XPro

Feature	Godox X3	Godox X3 Pro	Godox XPro
Interface	Touchscreen	Large touchscreen	Buttons + dial
Battery	Built-in Li-ion	Built-in high-capacity Li-ion	2× AA batteries
Portability	Ultra compact	Medium compact	Largest
Groups Control	Basic groups	Advanced multi-group control	Advanced groups
Bluetooth/App	No	Yes	No
Best For	Beginners & travel shooters	Professionals & studios	Button lovers & event shooters
Ease of Use	Very easy	Easy/Advanced	Very fast tactile control
Price Range	Lowest	Highest	Mid-range

Which One Should You Choose?

✔ Choose Godox X3 if:

You want compact size, simplicity, and modern touchscreen control.
Perfect for portraits, casual shooting, and travel.

✔ Choose Godox X3 Pro if:

You need the best control Godox offers — ideal for studios, commercial work, events, and multi-light setups.

✔ Choose Godox XPro if:

You prefer physical buttons, long runtime with AA batteries, and fast adjustments during fast-paced shoots.

If I were building a modern, flexible flash kit for a variety of jobs — from portraits to studio work to creative lighting — I’d lean toward Godox X3 Pro. Its touchscreen + group control + app connectivity gives me the “command‑center” feel I want for larger setups, but without the bulk and overhead of ultra‑high‑end triggers.

If I were running a lightweight, minimal setup — maybe on location, with just one or two speedlights — then Godox X3 makes sense: simple and efficient. And if I preferred the “classic” dial/button approach and want reliability without fuss, Godox XPro is a safe, proven choice.