The 9 Best Ring Lights
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Typical pictures on social media and dating apps suffer from pesky shadows obscuring parts of the face. Vloggers and influencers combat this problem by using ring lights, which highlight facial features. Our selections here cover a range of sizes, styles, and budgets. Whether you're a professional photographer or just trying to look nice on video chats, there's sure to be something for you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Neewer LED
2. Zomei Photographic
3. Samtian RGB
Editor's Notes
February 02, 2021:
Replaced the previous versions of the Mactrem Video and Qiaya Selfie with newer models and removed some options due to availability concerns. Aside from budget, two of the biggest things to keep in mind when choosing a ring light are size and settings. If you just want to make yourself visible during a video chat, then a small and simple model can be a good choice. Those looking to make setup as easy as possible should consider a clip-on option like the Auxiwa Clip or Qiaya Selfie, which can be attached to a device directly, instead of being mounted on a tripod. On the other hand, if you're going for professional-quality lighting, you'll want a bigger model with more customizable settings. The Kshioe Continuous stays at a consistent color temperature of 5600K but comes with white and orange filters. Other models, like the Neewer LED and Zomei Photographic, have a knob that can be used to adjust the color temperature, making it easier to switch between warm and cool lighting, as well as a dimmer knob. New to the list, the Samtian RGB provides even more options, as it can be set to any color, from horror movie red to underwater blue, so if you're a filmmaker looking to get creative, it can be a good choice. In addition to on-unit settings and an included remote, it also has a smart phone app that can be used to adjust the settings.
February 27, 2019:
The biggest thing that sets the Neewer LED apart is the variety of options available. Most units on this list are offered in one size, maybe two, but the Neewer is available not just in different sizes, but different colors, and with different types of stands. That's for users who are serious about getting everything perfect, but the Zomei Photographic is inexpensive enough that even those just starting out in makeup or cooking tutorials can use it. Overall, these units offer a lot of the same features, so it really comes down to how much of a perfectionist you are when it comes to your selfies.
4. Kshioe Continuous
5. UBeesize Flexible
6. Esddi Outer
7. Auxiwa Clip
8. Mactrem Video
9. Qiaya Selfie
Sheila is a writer and editor living in sunny Southern California. She studied writing and film at State University of New York at Purchase, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree. After graduating, she worked as an assistant video editor at a small film company, then spent a few years doing freelance work, both as a writer and a video editor. During that time, she wrote screenplays and articles, and edited everything from short films to infomercials. An ardent lover of the English language, she can often be found listening to podcasts about etymology and correcting her friends’ grammar.