A ring light is a ring of LEDs on a tripod or other mount. Some have an attachment in the center that holds a smartphone or DSLR, while others are mounted directly around a camera lens. They distribute balanced light that evenly illuminates objects and creates flattering portraits without unwanted shadows. Whether you’re creating shareable photo and video content or simply putting your best foot forward over Zoom, we’ve done the research to find the best ring lights for your needs. The 18-inch size makes this a large ring light, and it may take up too much space on your desk if you only want something to use for video calls. But if you’re taking product photos or creating content for social media, the adjustable tripod and two different mounts make this a super versatile option. The light is dimmable, and the two filters let you choose between cooler and warmer light, from 3200K to 5500K. The included phone holder rotates 360 degrees and has a clamp design that’s easily adjusted for different phone sizes. The standard quarter-inch thread ball head fits any camera with a standard tripod mount, so you can easily switch from recording social media posts to taking professional-quality product photos. If you have an especially heavy camera, the tripod might not be sturdy enough to support it securely, especially when extended to its full length. Diameter: 18 inches | Color Temperature: 3200K to 5500K | Total Power: 55W | Connectivity: Bluetooth The portability makes this an excellent option for content creators who need to take photographs and videos from different locations. The smaller size also makes this a more desk-friendly choice for the working-from-home crowd. This light has 36W of power compared to the 55W of the larger model, but that’s still plenty of brightness for most people’s needs. Like the 18-inch version, this ring light is dimmable and comes with both white and orange filters that allow you to adjust the light temperature. The added benefit is the ability to break this ring light down into a bag whenever you want to take it on the go or store it away. Diameter: 14 inches | Color Temperature: 5500K | Total Power: 36W | Connectivity: Bluetooth This ring light has 36 LEDs adjustable to three levels of brightness. You can easily recharge it with the included USB cable when the battery dies. You can also use it with either the back or front-facing camera, but note that the 3W of power means it doesn’t throw light very far and is optimal for close-up photos. The low-profile design makes it super portable but also means that it won’t fit over super bulky phone cases. Diameter: 3 inches | Color Temperature: 5600K | Total Power: 3W | Connectivity: N/A You can control the two halves of the ring light separately using the LCD screen on the back. On compatible Canons, these settings are accessible through the camera’s menu. Use both sides of the ring for direct light, or set them at different strengths to create a directional flash. The AA battery-powered YN-14EX has a few other features that one would typically expect from a more expensive ring flash, including support for standard PC Sync, which helps trigger the flash when you press the shutter. You also get an external power socket for a shorter recycling time (how long it takes for the flash to power up again). Diameter: Fits 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 72mm Canon lenses | Color Temperature: 5600K | Total Power: N/A | Connectivity: PC synchronous line The kit includes the 18-inch ring light, a diffusion cloth, a six-foot stand, and both a gooseneck and tripod bracket connection. That allows you to connect it to the included stand or attach it to your own tripod. Because this ring light is quite large and designed to accommodate a camera, it’s best suited to studio setups. The LED lights are dimmable down to 20 percent of their full brightness. They also have a color temperature that mimics daylight, meaning your looks have true-to-life colors and won’t be tinted by unnaturally cool or warm lighting. The included diffusion cloth further reduces shadows for soft, flattering light in close-up photos and video. It’s pricier than many of the smaller models on this list, but if you want a reliable and high-quality ring light to make your beauty content pop, we think the Diva Super Nova kit is the way to go. Diameter: 18 inches | Color Temperature: 5400K | Total Power: Not specified | Connectivity: N/A A convenient LCD readout on the back lets you read and manage the settings at a glance, and you can also change the settings using the included remote control. This feature is especially helpful if you’re filming or photographing yourself. This light doesn’t come with its own stand, so you need to purchase a tripod separately. Diameter: 17.5 inches | Color Temperature: 3200K to 5500K | Total Power: 96W | Connectivity: Remote control
Durability
While most ring lights are durable, some models use cheaper construction than others. Before purchasing, note the ring light’s materials, as well as the warranty. You want to make sure you purchase one that can withstand frequent use and comes backed by a decent warranty.
Color Temperature
Each ring light has a color temperature. You can see it noted with a number, followed by a K. The K stands for Kelvin and is a measure of temperature. When it comes to light, temperatures above 5000K tend to be cooler whites or blues, while 5000K and under tend to be warmer. For reference, daylight tends to fall between 5000K and 6200K. Most ring lights are around the 3000K to 5000K mark, but you can often adjust the lighting to suit your needs.
About Our Trusted Experts
Emmeline Kaser is a former editor of Lifewire’s product roundups and she has several years of experience researching and writing about the best consumer products out there. She specializes in consumer tech. Katie Dundas is a freelance tech writer and journalist. She frequently covers photography, cameras, and drones. She’s also an avid landscape photographer.
