The original Godox AD100Pro made waves by packing studio-level features into a body no larger than a soda can. It quickly became the go-to hair light or portable fill flash for location photographers. However, even with its success, users pointed out a few bottlenecks, specifically thermal management and battery capacity.
Also read: The Godox AD100Pro II: Big Upgrades for the Ultimate Pocket Strobe
Godox AD100Pro vs. AD100Pro II
With the release of the Godox AD100Pro II, the brand has focused on these exact pain points, refining the pocket strobe formula into a more reliable professional tool. In this post, we break down how the two versions stack up and whether the new features justify the upgrade for your kit.
| Feature |
Godox AD100Pro |
Godox AD100Pro II |
| Cooling |
Passive (No fan) |
Active (Internal Fan) |
| Battery |
2600mAh (WB100) |
3300mAh (WB100B) |
| Full Power Flashes |
360 |
490 |
| Charging |
External Cradle |
Direct USB-C on Battery |
| Modeling Lamp |
1.8W LED |
5W LED (Adjustable) |
| Display |
Monochrome LCD |
Full-Color TFT |
| Group ID |
5 Groups (A-E) |
16 Color-Coded Groups |
| Weight |
524g |
564g |
Godox AD100Pro vs. AD100Pro II
Godox AD100Pro II vs AD100Pro: The Pros and Cons
The Pros
- Thermal Endurance: The standout feature is the internal cooling fan. While the original model was known to overheat during fast bursts, the II version can handle up to 100 consecutive full-power flashes, making it much more reliable for event and wedding photography.
- Extended Battery Life: The jump to a 3300mAh battery adds approximately 130 more full-power flashes per charge. This extra headroom is essential for long days where you don't want to stop and swap batteries.
- Convenient Charging: You can now charge the battery directly via USB-C. This eliminates the need to carry a dedicated charging cradle, allowing you to top off your power using a laptop or power bank.
- Visual Workflow: The 16 color-coded group indicators are a huge quality-of-life improvement. In a multi-light setup, you can instantly see which unit is in which group just by looking at the color of the light ring.
The Cons
- Weight Gain: The added cooling system and larger battery make the unit slightly heavier (564g vs 524g). While it is still extremely portable, it moves slightly further away from the featherweight feel of the original.
- Price Point: At $299, it sits very close in price to the more powerful AD200Pro II. Photographers who prioritize raw power over the smallest possible size might find the value proposition tricky.
- No Power Increase: Despite the II moniker, the flash remains at 100Ws. If you were hoping for a boost in brightness to help overpower the midday sun, you won't find it here.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Upgrade?
If you already own the original AD100Pro and it never overheats for your style of shooting, you may not need to rush out and buy the new version. However, if you are buying your first pocket strobe or find yourself frustrated by thermal shutdowns and battery swaps, the AD100Pro II is a much more pro-ready device.
Godox AD100Pro II
Price and Availability
The Godox AD100Pro II is currently available for preorder for $299. Shipping is expected to begin on January 27, 2026. The original AD100Pro remains on the market for approximately $249, making it a solid budget-friendly alternative if you don't require heavy-duty cooling.
