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The best ring lights for phones in 2022

By Terry Sullivan Contributions from Peter Wolinski published 4 October 2022 The best ring lights for phones will help you launch your vlogging career in style - or just improve your selfies Included in this guide:1NanliteHalo 16C Bicolor and Tunable RGB 16-Inch LED Ring LightCheck Price (opens in new tab)2Neewer18-inch 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light KitCheck Price (opens in new tab)3Inkeltech 21-inch Ring Light with TripodCheck Price (opens in new tab)4RotolightUltimate Vlogging KitCheck Price (opens in new tab)5RayaBendie-Brite Folding USB Bi-Color LED Ring Light View (opens in new tab)6UBeesize10-inch Selfie Ring Light + TripodCheck Price (opens in new tab)7XinbaohongClip-On Selfie LightCheck Price (opens in new tab)8Inkeltech10 inch Selfie Ring Light Dimmable LED Light Ring with TripodView (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Shutterstock) Owning one of the best ring lights for phones is super important for online content creators wanting to produce professional looking video. But it isn't just TikTokers, YouTubers and Twitch streamers who can really benefit from one, but anyone who uses their phone for video calls and selfies too. Ring lights, whether sold as selfie or vlogging lights, all do the same thing. They produce a soft light to evenly illuminate subjects. They'll work great for selfies, beauty shots and vlogging, providing flattering shadows and a ring-shaped reflection in the eye, but also for product and close up photography too. Lots of ring lights are designed to work on multiple devices, including cameras (we've covered these in our best ring lights guide). This guide, however, focuses solely on the best ring lights for phones. Whatever handset you're on, iPhone or Android, our list of the best ring lights for phones will give you the information you need to buy the perfect lighting solution for you and take your smartphone content up a gear.

What are the best ring lights for phones

Nanlite's Halo 16C Bicolor and Tunable RGB 16-Inch LED Ring Light is the best ring light for phones overall, as it gives you lots of versatility for the money, while also being solidly built. This clever device lets you change the color and brightness of the light, and gives you multiple ways to do so: you can tweak both the temperature of the light and the RGB value. This gives it a flexibility that not every ring light for phones can match. It's pricey, but it's also well-built and will last. But there are other models to consider, particularly if you're looking to spend less or want something more compact and lightweight. If so, consider Rotolight's Ultimate Vlogging Kit, which is itself a versatile accessory for your phone that acts as both a mini tripod or an extended camera grip for your phone and the included ring light. It comes with several light filters, so you can also adjust the color of the ring light to match the ambient light you're working in. At the very low end, price-wise, is the Xinbaohong Rechargeable Portable Clip-on Selfie Ring Light, which you can buy for as little as $10.99 but which will still have a positive effect on your photos and video, albeit a less dramatic one than the top choices here. Check out all of our picks for the best ring lights for phones below.

The best ring lights for phones you can buy today

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

1 Nanlite Halo 16C Bicolor and Tunable RGB 16-Inch LED Ring Light

A versatile ring light with touch controls and Wi-Fi capabilities

Specifications

Color temperature: 2700-6500KPower: 15v DCDimensions: 406mm outer / 304mm innerWeight: 5 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Adorama (opens in new tab)View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Adjustable color temperature and brightness+Versatile+Includes both CCT and RGB color modes

Reasons to avoid

-Touch control pads not as precise as knobs-Lacks a stand The Nanlite Halo 16C is the best ring light for phones, on account of its versatility and build quality. You get a huge number of settings at your fingertips, since you're able to adjust the light's color temperature, hue and brightness all independently. We were particularly impressed by its ability to produce many different types of light, including vibrantly colored light, via the RGB settings, which you won't find on every ring light. What's more, you can adjust these options via two touch pads, dragging your finger over the pad to select the desired output. It's an intuitive way to change the color of the light in a very subtle - or dramatic - fashion. That said, to get a really precise setting you might want to invest in the optional remote, available for $12.99. The Nanlite Halo 16C is well kitted out, with a smartphone bracket, mirror and carrying case all included - though not a stand. There's also a USB pass-through feature, so you can charge the phone while it's in mounted in the center of the ring, plus built-in Wi-Fi so you can control it from other devices. Oh, and build quality is excellent - this is a ring light that will last you. It's pricey, yes, but well worth the outlay if you'll be using it regularly. (Image credit: Neewer)

2 Neewer 18-inch 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light Kit

A reasonably priced ring light with a fixed 5500K color temperature

Specifications

Color temperature: 5500K (fixed) or 3200K with filterPower: 55WDimensions: 20.1 x 4.3 x 24 inchesWeight: 11 pounds.Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stepless dimming from 1-100 percent+Kit includes a 61-inch light stand+Includes Bluetooth for remotely controlling the ring light

Reasons to avoid

-Color temperature is fixed at 5500K The Neewer 18-inch ring light kit is considerably cheaper than the Nanlite above it and is a really great value choice. It comes with 61-inch aluminum stand, Bluetooth receiver and carrying bag, plus it has a 360-degree rotatable smartphone holder. In short, it gives you everything you need to get started. It's not quite as versatile as the Nanlite though, as the cheaper price might suggest. For instance, it has a fixed color temperature of 5500K - although it does come with two color filters (white and orange), which allow you to easily switch temperature from 5500K to 3200K. There's also a stepless dimming knob, which lets you adjust the brightness. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

3 Inkeltech 21-inch Ring Light with Tripod

A well-priced ring light with large diameter and tripod

Specifications

Color temperature: 3000K-6000KPower: 100V/240VDimensions: 530mm outer / 420mm innerWeight: 7.78 poundsToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Wireless remote control+Large diameter+Tripod included

Reasons to avoid

-Build of the light and tripod could be stronger This 21-inch model from Inkeltech is another great value option in our best ring lights for phones list, since it comes with a large tripod plus two remotes and a carrying case. The ring light's large diameter gives you plenty of room to position your phone, camera or other device and it also offers three hot shoe mounts, complete with metal inserts for screwing in the phone holder or other accessories. The dual remote controls are particularly useful, allowing you to adjust the brightness and color of the light, without needing to be right next to it. But on the downside, it lacks the wide range in color temperature or an RGB mode that you'll find on the Nanlite ring light above, and both the tripod and ring light itself could have a sturdier build. Still, at this price it's a fine choice of ring light for your phone. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

4 Rotolight Ultimate Vlogging Kit

A reasonably priced ring light with a fixed 5500K color temperature

Specifications

Color temperature: 5600K (fixed) or 4100K/3200K with filtersPower: 3x AA batteriesDimensions: 130mm outer / 38mm innerWeight: 11 pounds.Today's Best DealsView at Adorama (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at BHPhoto (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Stepless dimming from 1-100 percent+Comes with 61in light stand+Bluetooth control

Reasons to avoid

-Color temperature is fixed at 5600K unless you use filters As you might expect from its name, the Rotolight Ultimate Vlogging Kit is aimed squarely at content creators who spend their days making videos or streaming to YouTube and other platforms. And given the very reasonable price, it does an excellent job in that regard. One of the standout features of this powerful vlogging ring light kit is that it comes with a mini tripod that can turn into an extended camera grip. That's ideal for those who regularly switch between shooting in a studio setting and capturing footage out on the road. On the flipside, though you can change the light's color temperature to an extent with filters, there's no way to adjust the brightness level. But if you're looking for something small and portable, this could be the right ring light for your phone. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

5 Raya Bendie-Brite Folding USB Bi-Color LED Ring Light 10 Inches

A versatile, portable ring light with touch controls

Specifications

Color temperature: 2700K-5600KPower: Micro USB / 5V DCDimensions: 260mmWeight: 13.4 ounces.Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Lightweight, portable and folds for easy carrying+Touch controls

Reasons to avoid

-Build isn't as sturdy as pro-level models The 10-inch Raya Bendie-Brite is another good option for anyone who wants to get out and about with their ring light - it's small, lightweight and best of all, folds in the middle so you can easily carry it in a small bag. It's a pretty good performer, too, particularly given that you can find it for less than $50 online. It offers a decent amount of versatility, in that you can change both the brightness and the color temperature of the light, while mounting options include both a flexible phone holder that fits most smartphones and a ball head that screws onto a tripod - though you'll have to supply that separately. Like the Nanlite it has touch-sensitive control pads for changing the settings, but in our testing these weren't quite as precise as other models in its class. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

6 UBeesize 10 Selfie Ring Light and Tripod

A decent budget kit that comes with a tripod

Specifications

Color temperature: 3 settings: Warm, Cool White and DaylightPower: USBDimensions: 254mmWeight: 2.99 pounds (ring light only)Today's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Adjustable color temperature and brightness+Tripod included+Remote on USB cable

Reasons to avoid

-Tripod could be sturdier The UBeesize 10" Selfie Ring Light and Tripod is another ring light that - you guessed it - comes with a tripod, in this case a decent medium-sized one that extends from 16 to 50 inches. It's not the sturdiest you'll ever use, but it features a 3-way tripod head that gives you plenty of flexibility over how you angle it, plus a helpful level gauge and, of course, a smartphone mount. You also get a good amount of control over the light it emits, with the ability to change both the brightness and the color temperature; as a further plus point, each of these settings can be selected via a remote handily attached to the included USB cable. It lacks the finer control you get on our top picks, but it's certainly worth considering that you should be able to find it for less than $30. That's a lot of kit at that price. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

7 Xinbaohong Rechargeable Portable Clip-on Selfie Ring Light

A great value option that's super-easy to use

Specifications

Color temperature: 6000K (fixed)Power: Rechargeable batteryDimensions: 83mmWeight: 2.4 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Very easy to Use+Lightweight and compact design

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks versatility If budget, rather than quality, is your primary concern then look no further than the Xinbaohong Rechargeable Clip-on ring light - it's available for just $11. No, you won't get the wealth of options available on the best ring lights for phones - let alone the best ring lights overall - but it's cheap enough that if you just want something to improve your selfies, it's worth considering. Rather than having a separate mount for the phone, it simply clips on to the top of the device; you can also use it on tablets, or even a laptop's webcam. It's small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, comes with a micro USB cable and has three settings for brightness - though color temperature is fixed. Just be aware that if your phone has a multi-cam setup, the Xinbaohong's design may cover one or more of the lenses. (Image credit: Terry Sullivan/Tom's Guide)

8 Inkeltech Selfie Ring Light Dimmable LED Light Ring with Tripod

A portable ring light with tripod and remote

Specifications

Color temperature: 2700-6500KPower: USBDimensions: 250mm outer / 195mm innerWeight: 3.25 poundsToday's Best DealsCheck Amazon (opens in new tab)View on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Empty List

Reasons to avoid

-Empty List 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. You get a good amount of control over the light, with both color temperature and brightness adjustable either via buttons on the ring light or the included Bluetooth remote, but the buttons aren't as easy to use as the touch pads or knobs found on some options and in our testing we felt the tripod was a little flimsy.

How to choose the best ring light for your phone

With so many ring lights available at so many different price points, how do you choose which model is right for you, and your phone?Price
First, consider how much you're willing to spend. Our guide gives you a good idea of the price range of ring lights for phones, which can run as little as $6.99 or as much as $199.99. Also factor in that you might need to buy a tripod or stand separately, as not all ring lights come with one - although all in this list will include a mount for the phone itself.Use cases
If you're just capturing casual photos on your phone, then you won't need to spend a fortune here. But if you're regularly shooting for a YouTube channel or similar, you'll want to pay more for a ring light that offers better quality and will last longer.Features
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.Size
Additionally, consider the size of the light: some are quite small and portable, which means you can take them on the road with you; others are larger and heavier, which may weigh you down.Apps
When using a ring light, you may get frustrated when you adjust a setting on the light. Let's say you reduced the brightness by 25 per cent: what many phones will do is autocorrect the exposure. So, in effect, although you've adjusted the brightness level, your phone has "autocorrected" itself and made the image look like nothing's changed. So, you may want to consider downloading a pro-style photo or video app on your phone that will allow you to manually set exposure settings; this will allow you to then make adjustments to the ring light… and actually see the results.How to use your phone as a webcam The best camera phones How to use your camera as a webcam Best ring lights Best cameras for vloggingRound up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)Nanlite Halo 16C Bicolor and Tunable (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$189 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)Neewer 18-inch 55W 5500K Dimmable LED (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$112.99 (opens in new tab)$84.20 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesExpired (opens in new tab)Inkeltech 21-inch Ring Light with Tripod (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$112.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Rotolight Ultimate Vlogging Kit (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$89 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Raya Bendie-Brite Folding USB Bi-Color (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$49.95 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light + (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$35.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)Xinbaohong Clip-On Selfie Light (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$13.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Terry Sullivan Terry Sullivan is an experienced technology journalist who has covered consumer electronics including cameras, smartphones, audio tech and software among many other things. His work has appeared in the likes of Consumer Reports, PCMag, Lifehacker, and the New York Times and he is also a teacher, photographer, artist, and musician.With contributions fromPeter WolinskiEditor, How To & Cameras More about light The best ring lights in 2022 Alexa smart light colors: All 123, listedLatest Genesis GV60 review: Technical brilliance mixed with smart designSee more latest ► Topics Cameras Video See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Samsung's amazing The Frame TV is $500 off in early Black Friday deal2The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: Release date, pre-orders, trailer and more3Malicious Chrome extensions with 1 million downloads can hijack your browser - delete these now4Next Doctor Who seasons exclusive to Disney Plus in the U.S. and beyond5This fully waterproof speaker is just $69 in early Black Friday deal1Next Doctor Who seasons exclusive to Disney Plus in the U.S. and beyond2This fully waterproof speaker is just $69 in early Black Friday deal3The best cheap monthly VPN plans in 20224Is a firm or soft mattress better?5Amazon Fire TV Cube (2022) review