The 5 Best Ring Lights for Selfies and Videos

If you plan on becoming a professional YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or if you just want to take fantastic selfies, you’ll need a ring light. All of the high-quality videos you watch likely utilize a ring light behind the scenes.

You won’t have to pay a fortune for these lights. With a small investment, you can achieve the same bright environment for your photos and videos.

What Is a Ring Light?

When you watch YouTube videos (especially makeup tutorials), do you notice that the person on camera has a halo shape reflected in their eyes? That’s how you can tell that they’re using a ring light.

There’s a reason that so many YouTubers add this type of light to their videos—this simple light results in a vast improvement in quality. Not only do these lights allow for detailed film footage and photographs, but they let you adjust the color and temperature of the light with ease.

Quite a few variations of ring lights exist, but its concept remains the same. Ring lights are designed to fit outside of the camera. The camera sits in the center of the ring, providing the perfect balance of light for videos or pictures.

Using the following ring lights in your videos or photos will instantly boost the look and feel of your content.

Best Ring Light Kit Overall:
Neweer Ring Light Kit

Place your camera inside Neweer’s Ring Light Kit, and experience 55 watts of power from the 18-inch light. You can choose to use a camera or your smartphone with this light, as it comes with an adapter that fits both. Adjust the light to suit your needs by experimenting with the dimness and brightness of the light.

This ring light kit also comes with several accessories to complement the light. A carrying case, charger, tripod, and light stand give you everything you need during a shoot. The kit also contains a white and orange filter, depending on whether you want to warm or cool vibe in your content.

Best Smartphone Ring Light:
Auxiwa Clip On Selfie Ring Light

The flash on your phone is way too harsh—it shows every single detail on your face, and doesn’t make for a flattering selfie. If you want to take better pictures of yourself, the Auxiwa Clip On Selfie Ring Light is the way to go. This light isn’t ideal for professional videos, but it’s still a great way to take selfies.

Clip the ring light around the front or rear camera, and you won’t even have to worry about it creating scratches. The light is built with a sponge that prevents any nicks to your device. Plus, if you’re in a particularly dark area, you can lighten up your photo using its three brightness settings.

Unlike some other smartphone ring lights, the Auxiwa Clip-On Light doesn’t require batteries. You can recharge your light with the included USB cord.

Best Affordable Ring Light:
UBeesize Selfie Ring Light

You might hesitate to invest in a ring light when you’re on a budget, but you can still afford a decent light without paying over the odds. This UBeesize Selfie Ring Light is small, but it’s still powerful and comes with plenty of accessories. Choose from three different temperatures (white, warm yellow, and warm white), and try out each color’s 11 brightness settings.

The 8-inch light attaches to a tripod that you can adjust from 17.5 inches tall all the way to 51 inches. Better yet, you can even use the tripod as a selfie stick. Easily attach your phone to the tripod using the kit’s smartphone holder. This rotatable holder fits most smartphones, including the latest iPhone, Samsung, HTC, and LG models.

Since the UBeesize light is USB powered, you can start it up by attaching it to any USB port. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote control, making it easy to take photos from a distance.

Best Professional Ring Light Kit:
Pixel Ring Light With Wireless Remote

Although the Pixel Ring Light Kit may have a higher (but not unaffordable) price tag, it’s worth it if you want to film high-quality videos. This light is larger than the others on this list, providing a 19-inch diameter of light.

You don’t have to fiddle with temperature filters when using the Pixel Light—it adjusts from warm to cool with the touch of a button. The convenient Bluetooth remote turns your camera on and off, and allows you to adjust the brightness and temperature of the light.

The kit also comes with a light stand, and can hold smartphones, iPods, or a professional camera. While the light stand can fit most models of smartphones and DSLR cameras, the tablet holder is only compatible with any iPad that’s seven to nine inches long. Such versatility makes the Pixel Ring Light the best choice for professional use.

Best Ring Light Kit for Beauty Vloggers:
Trumagine Dimmable Ring Light

The Trumagine Ring Light has everything a beauty vlogger needs. Its diameter is only six inches long, but it still has powerful features that you can use in makeup or hair videos.

Like the Pixel Ring Light, you don’t need to use physical filters to change the light’s temperature. You can easily switch between white light, natural light, and warm light modes—each setting allows you to adjust the brightness from zero to 100 percent.

If you’re filming makeup tutorials, you might struggle to find the perfect placement for your mirror. The Trumagine Ring Light has you covered, as it comes with a double-sided mirror attached to the light. With the included tripod, you can tilt the light downwards, upwards, or sideways to shine light at any angle.

Brighten Up Your Videos With a Ring Light

If you don’t have the proper lighting, viewers won’t want to watch your videos, or interact with your photos. Darkness and improper lighting is a distraction and takes away from your quality content. Making the small investment into a ring light can make your videos that much better.

Aren’t ready to spend the cash on a ring light yet? Learn how to make your own LED ring light for YouTube videos.

Read the full article: The 5 Best Ring Lights for Selfies and Videos