The Godox X3 and X3 Pro are both touchscreen TTL wireless flash triggers built on the same Godox 2.4GHz X system. They share the same core flash modes, the same 32 channels and 16 groups, and both can convert TTL readings to manual power. On paper they look close, and that is where the confusion starts.
The differences are real, but specific. The X3 Pro adds a larger 2.4-inch colour screen, Bluetooth app control, shutter control, a focus assist light, a 2.5mm sync port, HSS delay, per-group zoom control, pro shooting modes, and a far bigger battery. The X3 keeps the essentials on a 1.7-inch OLED screen in a body less than half the weight. This post breaks it down so you can choose without second-guessing.
View the Godox X3 View the Godox X3 ProTL;DR
Both triggers do TTL, HSS, multi flash, front and rear curtain sync, and TCM, with 32 channels and 16 groups. The X3 is tiny (about 48g), shows three groups at a time, and suits one or two lights. The X3 Pro (about 103g) shows four groups, adds Bluetooth app control, shutter control, focus assist, a 2.5mm sync port, HSS delay, per-group zoom, and One-Shoot and All-Shoot modes for working alongside other photographers, plus about 35 days of standby against the X3's 7.
X3 vs X3 Pro: Feature by Feature
| Feature | Godox X3 | Godox X3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 1.7-inch OLED touchscreen | 2.4-inch colour LCD touchscreen |
| Size | 41 x 47 x 39mm | 54 x 66 x 41mm |
| Weight | About 48g | About 103g |
| TTL, manual, multi, HSS, front and rear curtain | Yes | Yes |
| TCM (TTL to manual) | Yes | Yes |
| Channels, groups, wireless IDs | 32, 16 (A to F, 0 to 9), 01 to 99 | 32, 16 (A to F, 0 to 9), 01 to 99 |
| Groups shown on screen | 3 | 4 |
| Per-group adjustment | TCM, modelling light | TCM, modelling light, zoom value |
| Bluetooth and app control | No | Yes, Godox Flash app |
| Shutter control | No | Yes |
| Focus assist light | No | Yes |
| HSS delay | No | Yes |
| Sync port | No | 2.5mm |
| Pro shooting modes | No | One-Shoot, All-Shoot, L-858 |
| Battery | 850mAh, about 7 days standby | 2930mAh, about 35 days standby |
| Charging | USB-C, about 2 hours | USB-C, about 2 hours |
As specified by the manufacturer, Godox.
The Short Version
The Godox X3 is a clean, compact TTL trigger that covers the essentials, including TCM, without added complexity. It is the right pick if you shoot with one or two lights and want your trigger to stay out of the way.
The Godox X3 Pro suits photographers managing several flash groups, wanting Bluetooth control from the Godox Flash app, shooting alongside other photographers, or needing extras like shutter control and a sync port.
Conrad's Take: the choice comes down to how you work. If you want something compact that stays out of your way, the X3 is it. If you are managing multiple groups or want to control your lights from your phone, the X3 Pro earns its keep fast.
Introducing Both Triggers
The Godox X3
Video: Introducing X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, GODOX Global.
The Godox X3 Pro
Video: Operation Tutorial, Godox X3Pro TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, GODOX Global.
What Separates Them
Display: OLED vs Colour LCD
The X3 uses a 1.7-inch OLED touchscreen, bright and sharp with adjustable brightness and a screen lock. The X3 Pro steps up to a 2.4-inch colour LCD, giving you more room to manage groups and settings at a glance. For basic use the OLED is more than enough; for multi-group work the bigger screen is noticeably faster to work with.
Groups: Same Count, Different View
Both triggers control up to 16 groups (A to F and 0 to 9) across 32 channels, with 99 wireless IDs and channel scanning to avoid interference. The difference is what you see: the X3 shows three groups on screen at once, the X3 Pro shows four, and the X3 Pro can also set zoom per group as well as TCM and the modelling light.
Bluetooth and the Godox Flash App
The X3 has no Bluetooth. The X3 Pro pairs with the Godox Flash app, so you can adjust power, groups, and modes from your phone or tablet, which is handy when the trigger is out of reach.
Pro Shooting Modes
The X3 Pro adds three modes. One-Shoot sends only the trigger signal. All-Shoot sends settings and the trigger signal, which suits group sessions and multi-photographer teams. L-858 mode works with the Sekonic L-858 light meter for meter-based flash control.
The Other Extras
- Shutter control: program single shots, long exposures, and time-lapse sequences, fired through the sync port or a Godox XR or TR-RX receiver. Godox notes the optional XR receiver is needed for wireless shutter control.
- Focus assist light: helps your camera lock focus in low light.
- 2.5mm sync port: connect by cable when you need to.
- HSS delay: extra control over high-speed sync timing.
- Battery: 2930mAh with about 35 days of standby, against the X3's 850mAh and about 7 days.
None of these are features every photographer needs, but each solves a real problem for the right shooter.
Which One Is Right for Your Kit?
For portrait sessions, content shoots, or simple commercial work with one or two lights, the X3 covers everything you need, TCM included, without adding complexity. For multi-group setups, phone-based control, or shoots with other photographers using the All-Shoot mode, the X3 Pro is the more capable tool.
Neither is the wrong choice. Know which problems the X3 Pro's extras solve for you, and the decision becomes easy.
Conrad's Take: whichever you go for, you are not compromising. Both are built to the same Godox standard. Pick the one that fits how you actually shoot, not the one with the longer spec list.
An Independent Look at Both Triggers
Jay Lublang compares the X3 and X3 Pro side by side, covering what they share, the physical differences, and the workflow upgrades that separate them.
Video: Godox X3 vs X3 Pro: What's the Difference?, Jay Lublang Photography.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Godox X3 |
|---|---|
| Camera versions | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, OM System/Panasonic, Leica (per Godox) |
| Screen | 1.7-inch OLED touchscreen, adjustable brightness, screen lock |
| Flash modes | TTL, manual, multi, HSS, front and rear curtain sync |
| Flash exposure compensation | Plus or minus 3EV in 1/3 steps |
| Zoom setting | Auto, or 24 to 200mm |
| TCM | Yes, two-way |
| Wireless | 2.4GHz Godox X, up to 100m, 32 channels, 16 groups, IDs 01 to 99 |
| Battery | 3.7V, 850mAh lithium, about 2 hour charge, about 7 days standby |
| Flash capacity | About 6,600 flashes at 1,200 per day; up to 10,000 at one every 3 seconds |
| Firmware | Upgradable via USB-C |
| Dimensions | 41 x 47 x 39mm |
| Weight | About 48g |
| Specification | Godox X3 Pro |
|---|---|
| Camera versions | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, OM System/Panasonic (per Godox) |
| Screen | 2.4-inch colour LCD touchscreen, 4 groups shown |
| Flash modes | TTL, manual, multi, HSS (plus HSS delay), front and rear curtain sync |
| Focus assist | Yes |
| Zoom setting | Auto, or 24 to 200mm, adjustable per group |
| TCM | Yes |
| Wireless | 2.4GHz Godox X plus Bluetooth, up to 100m, 32 channels, 16 groups, IDs 01 to 99 |
| Shooting modes | One-Shoot, All-Shoot, L-858 (Sekonic) |
| Shutter control | Single shot, long exposure, time-lapse, via sync port or a Godox XR/TR-RX receiver |
| Sync port | 2.5mm |
| Battery | 3.87V, 2930mAh lithium, about 2 hour charge, about 35 days standby |
| Dimensions | 54 x 66 x 41mm |
| Weight | About 103g |
As specified by the manufacturer, Godox. Both carry a 2-year Godox warranty at CameraStuff.
Related Guides
About Godox
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Godox is an integrated company combining R&D, manufacturing, and sales. It provides one-stop imaging lighting solutions with a comprehensive product ecosystem for photography, videography, cinematic production, broadcasting, and other sectors within the imaging industry.
Its portfolio covers professional flashes, studio and portable lighting, LED lighting, audio equipment, cameras, photo printers, wireless control systems, and lighting accessories, supporting a wide range of creative and production needs worldwide.
Guided by its core values of innovation, integrity, rigor, pragmatism, and inclusiveness, Godox is committed to providing outstanding imaging, cinematic lighting, and audio solutions. The company continuously pursues technological breakthroughs with the goal of becoming a leading force in the industry.
CameraStuff has been an authorised Godox distributor in South Africa since 2018, backed by an official Letter of Authorization from Godox Global.
See All GodoxGodox X3 vs X3 Pro FAQs
What is the main difference between the Godox X3 and X3 Pro?
The X3 Pro adds a larger 2.4-inch colour screen that shows four groups, Bluetooth app control, shutter control, a focus assist light, a 2.5mm sync port, HSS delay, per-group zoom, pro shooting modes, and a much bigger battery. Both share TTL, HSS, TCM, 32 channels, and 16 groups.
Does the Godox X3 have TCM?
Yes. Both triggers have TCM, which converts a TTL reading into a manual power setting so your exposures stay consistent. Godox describes the X3's TCM as two-way.
Does the Godox X3 support TTL and high-speed sync?
Yes. The X3 supports TTL, HSS, front and rear curtain sync, and multi flash, on the Godox 2.4GHz X system.
Can the X3 Pro fire my camera remotely?
Yes, with shutter control for single shots, long exposures, and time-lapse, triggered through the sync port or a Godox XR or TR-RX receiver. Godox notes the optional XR receiver is needed for wireless shutter control.
Which is better for beginners?
The X3. It covers TTL, HSS, and TCM in a small, simple package. The X3 Pro's extras are most useful once you run several flash groups or work alongside other photographers.
Where can I buy Godox triggers in South Africa?
CameraStuff stocks the X3 and X3 Pro online and in our Randburg showroom. We have been an authorised Godox distributor since 2018, with free delivery on orders over R1000 and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Conrad Knuist
Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist
Conrad Knuist is Head of Marketing and Photography Specialist at CameraStuff, South Africa's specialist camera and lighting retailer. With over 18 years of hands-on experience across portrait, event, and commercial photography, Conrad helps South African photographers choose the right flash gear for the way they work.
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