Ring lights are far from the only style of light on the market. Indeed you’ll find plenty of alternative light panels and softbox options available. Where ring lights have an edge, though, is the quality and coverage of light they can produce relative to their price and size. An LED panel or softbox capable of producing a similarly sized diffuse light is likely to be significantly bulkier, pricier – or both. Does ring light size matter? Ring lights can illuminate a subject from multiple sides, which results in a pleasing, well-lit appearance, free of harsh shadows – a look that is generally flattering on faces. Ring lights are also well known for the iconic, attention-grabbing, halo-shaped catchlights they reflect in the eyes. Some of the best ring lights for phones will offer advanced features, such as the ability to adjust the light’s color temperature or RGB output. Some are also powered by an AC adapter, whereas others use batteries — or have both options. Consider your needs. Small, lightweight and with a range of mounting options, Rotolight’s LED Ring Light Kit is a great option for vloggers and content creators on the move. Using the included stand, it can be attached to any smartphone or camera or used standalone on its tripod. Alternatively, if you use an external microphone like the Rode Videomic Pro, the light can simply slide right over the top of it. This 18in Ring Light from EOTO is the ideal choice for photographers, videographers and makeup artists who want a large, flattering ring light at a reasonable price point.

Besides that, most lights are flexible and let you switch between different color temperatures. Read our recommendations for the best phone tripod with a ring light. But before that, The ring light has a phone holder in the middle. It’s also detachable so you can fix it on the tripod leg. You can also rotate the phone holder to portrait and landscape modes. It’s a universal holder and should fit most phones. As for the iPhone Pro Max models, some users have had issues fitting it in with a case. Key specs – Ring diameter: 13cm; Brightness: 1000 lumens; Dimmable: No; Colour temperature: 3200, 4100, 5600K; Advertised CRI: 91; Internal mount: None; Power source: 3xAA

Conclusion

The Raya Bendie-Brite Folding USB Bi-Color LED Ring Light is the best ring light if you’re on the road a lot and want a ring light that can travel with you. It’s lightweight (weighing less than a pound) and can fold in half, so you can take it with you to shoot your vlogs or video chats or capture some casual selfies. However, although it’s small, it has some more advanced features, such as the ability to adjust the color temperature and brightness for your project via touch-sensitive controls. Videographers love ring lights not just because of their soft and flattering lighting but because they provide a continuous light – regular camera flash is obviously no good at all for video. Many of the best ring lights enable you to adjust the color temperature to suit different skin tones (making them great for makeup tutorials, too) and to match the ambient lighting conditions. Whether you're using them in the sun, the shade or yellow-tinged indoor light, you can make your lighting look natural.

As you’d expect from a larger light, the Elgato provides a soft, shadow-free look along with bright halo catchlights. However, unlike a lot of large lights, it features a solid desk-mounting stand, rather than a traditional tripod, which means it’s easier to position and takes up no floor space. For casual video calls with friends, the Rotolight Conference Kit is arguably overkill. However, if you’re on the hunt for a smart-looking, premium quality light to use within a professional or a serious piece of kit for your photo and video work, the Rotolight should be on your shortlist.There are two dials on the front, one for cool light, and the other for warm, rated for a color temp range of 3,200 to 5,600 K, but you can't tell what the setting is because this unit is all analog. The hot shoe mount in the center of the light is easy to work with, but was tight even on my iPhone XS, so larger phones will be a problem. There's a bright red, Bluetooth-based smartphone camera shutter remote in the box you can use to start or stop a video, or shoot a still with your phone mounted. The light is powered by a set of three AA batteries. This makes finding spares while on the move a cinch, though you may want to opt for rechargeables to save some cash. Key specs – Ring diameter: 46cm; Brightness: 2000 lumens; Dimmable: Percentage increments; Colour temperature: 2900, 5500k, 6500k; Advertised CRI: 90; Internal mount: Phone or camera; Power source: Mains adapter The build is decent for the price. It’s sturdy, and the holder can hold phones well without dropping. On the downside, the holder can’t fit the iPhone Pro Max models. The UBeesize phone tripod is one of the most popular choices out there. The highlight of this tripod is that the phone holder is located in the middle of the ring light. This ensures that your phone’s camera can access as much light as possible. At the same time, the tripod head is highly flexible and allows for tilt and swivel motion.

These simple rings of light usually use LEDs to produce a soft, continuous glow, producing flattering shadows and giving you a ring-shaped glow in your eyes. By using one, you’ll always look your best on screen and in photos. The best ring lights work with both cameras and smartphones (we’ve actually got a specific list of the best ring lights for phones). So if you’ve just bought a new phone with an incredible camera or have invested in a new vlogging camera to take your TikTok videos to the next level, you’ll want to invest in a suitable ring light to give your content that professional edge. While there are controls built into the rear of the light, the Elgato can be paired with a companion app, allowing you to adjust the brightness and colour temperature without having to leave your seat. This feature will certainly be appreciated by both streamers and YouTubers. Do you need a ring that lets you adjust the light’s color temperature or brightness? Or do you need the option of powering the ring light either by an AC adapter or using batteries? Key specs – Ring diameter: 16cm; Brightness: n/a; Dimmable: 10 levels; Colour temperature: 2700, 4400, 5500K; Advertised CRI: n/a; Internal mount: None; Power source: USB

The Cutest Ring Light 

user-selectable brightness increments let you set a comfortable level of illumination, and there’s a trio of colour temperature options so you can best match your ambient lighting. The second Inkeltech entry in our list of the best ring lights for phones is another good low-value option if you're prioritizing portability. Like several other options here, it folds in the middle so you can easily carry it around with you, and at just 10 inches in diameter it won't take up too much space on your desk, either. It comes with a tripod and carrying case, too. This ring light earns its "Pro" designation with distinction. At 17 inches in diameter, it's an inch smaller than the Lume Cube Wireless Ring Light (below), but it gives you a half hour more battery life, and the new light stand is a half-foot higher.The new remote control is a godsend for lighting yourself without having to keep getting up and down, and the improved diffusion is a dream for lighting portrait subjects. The quality of light is also absolutely spot-on, which is particularly important for creators shooting content such as makeup tutorials. Good lighting is the key to creating quality videos and photos. If you are looking to create short but quality videos, investing in lights is the first step forward. If you are creating videos on your phone, a handy tripod with a ring light and a phone holder is all you need. This two-in-one mechanism holds your phone and provides adequate lighting for your shoots.