The Best Ring Lights for Zoom Calls, Vlogging, and More
Nothing beats the radiance of natural light. Okay, maybe the best ring light could do it. Those fully immersed in the work-from-home culture or creating content for the Internet are probably familiar with this handy device. The name is mostly self-explanatory: a ring light is a circular tool whose shape creates a balanced light distribution and halo shadow on and around its subject. They’re also more affordable than a multi-piece lighting system but capable of creating a look that’s equally professional.
Ring lights are also available in a variety of sizes, prices, bulb types, and more, so finding one you like could take some time. In addition to just finding one with great ratings or positive word-of-mouth, it also needs to align with your needs. We don’t have all the answers, but according to countless reviews, these options are standout performers in some of the most common scenarios. From working in a small space to navigating Zoom calls to filming tutorials, here are ring lights that promise to enhance your POV.
For YouTube Tutorials: ESDDI Ring Light
This 18-inch, dimmable light (with easy-to-use controls) is part of a kit that includes a light stand, phone holder, storage bag, soft tube, and charger.
Standout Review: “The light is amazing!!! Easy to operate -literally 2 controls – one for brightness and one for warmth. This is perfect for indoor photography and the tone of the picture in looking for! The head is adjustable – so I can have light directly over the product instead of coming from the side. This means no ugly shadows. The height is adjustable too and can get way higher than needed. Folds down to be pretty compact for storage, but I may also use this as a light for working too, making it double purpose.”
$79.99 at Amazon
For Zoom Calls: Lume Cube
If you spend the majority of your workday on Zoom calls or recording content from your laptop, the Lume Cube has an adjustable color temperature, a built-in frost lens and diffuser for creating soft light, and the ability to plug into your computer’s USB port for longer battery life.
Standout Review: “I had 9-hours of Zoom meetings today. I am delighted with how it performed. It is well-made, provided excellent illumination, and has easy-to-use, intuitively simple controls. It mounts securely to my laptop using a suction mount that disengages engages easily. I ordered a second for my desktop today. This item is a game-changer!”
$69.95 at Amazon
For Your Phone: Digipower #LIKEME Vlogging Kit
If you’re filming from your phone at home or on location, this affordable kit includes a cube light, shotgun microphone, and snug phone holder so you can pull off a professional shoot without extra hands.
Standout Review: “If you want to create a video from anywhere, this is the perfect kit to do so. You get a light, microphone and hand held tripod. For the price you pay, this could not be anymore perfect. I absolutely love it and it helps me shoot like a pro.”
$40 at Urban Outfitters
For Your Desk or Small Space: Sunpak Bi-Color Tabletop or Handheld Vlogging Kit
Personally, my biggest obstacle is not only having space for an at-home shoot, but a place to store my equipment after. This compact set is lightweight, handheld, and able to hold both a phone and small camera. It also comes with a blue tooth remote and tripod.
Standout Review: “Love that you can control the color of the light from the remote. And you don’t even have to have the light you can just have your camera on the tripod for easy carrying.”
$49.99 at Best Buy
For Selfies: Newatch Clip-On Ring Light
If you only need a ring light for selfies in and out of the house, this is Amazon’s top-rated option, complete with a USB charger you can plug into the wall or your computer.
Standout Review: “Very happy with the quality of the cartridges, especially for the price. Will definitely be buying again.”
$15.99 at Amazon
For On-the-Go Content: TYCKA Portable Ring Light
Okay, so selfie sticks aren’t the coolest looking too but they’re still incredibly handy when you’re commuting. This one can actually transform into a tripod if you want a steady shot.
Standout Review: “The perfect portable glowing selfie stick, tripod and lamp! Multipurpose—I bought this device in order to take professional looking photos with friends, family, etc. And I really like it because it fulfills many functions such as a tripod, selfie stick, and taking high quality well lit photos because of the variety of light settings (it has like 8 different light modes). This ring of light is really powerful! Brightens up your face and creates a crisp, well-lit image. It took me 30 seconds to assemble it out of the box and the quality is really good!”
$18.99 at Amazon
For a Tight Budget: E-Mart Selfie Ring Light
For those who want a traditional standing ring light but don’t have the cash to splurge on a pricey and popular option, consider this kit. In addition to the 10-inch ring light (with three light modes and 11 brightness levels), you get a tripod stand, phone holder, and Bluetooth remote control.
Standout Review: “I was looking for a simple, affordable ring light, tripod and phone holder and this checks all the boxes. I deliver professional development workshops online and, like many people these days, I host or join lots of Zoom video meetings. This rig handles them all. I’m especially impressed with the range of colour hues and brightness settings that I can control with a simple inline switch. No need to spend more unless you’re looking to create a full bells and whistles studio setup.”
$31.99 at Amazon
For Splurging: Diva Ring Light
But if you’re treating yourself, the Diva Light is probably the most buzzworthy brand out there. Its fluorescent lights are said to keep cool longer than most and doesn’t flicker after hours of use.
Standout Review: “HOW DID I LIVE MY LIFE WITHOUT THIS????? I film videos on YouTube and hated dragging out the lighting to film. But this has changed it all up. Easy to put together, easy to use and the lighting is just perfect for my videos.”
$199 at Amazon
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