From virtual wallets to having a smartphone with great camera quality only goes so far. If you want to give your photos, videos, TikToks, or even video conference calls a more professional look, a phone ring or clip-on light is a more compact solution than a full-on tripod ring light.
Also: The best ring lights
Our top pick for the best phone ring light is the Newmowa 60 LED Clip Light, but that is not the only model to consider. The following phone ring and panel lights can provide that extra pop to make your two-dimensional appearance a little more dynamic.
The best phone ring lights of 2023
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Three brightness modes garner sharp, but natural-looking images
- 10 brightness levels
- Portable
- Intuitive to use
Cons
- Pricey for such a small light
- Only comes with a Micro-USB charging cable
More Details
Newmowa 60 LED features: Front and back clip | Micro USB and USB-C rechargeable interfaces | Three light modes | Adjustable brightness modes | Power indicator light | 12 months warranty
Thanks to TikTok influencer Alix Earle, the Newmowa light has been sold out on and off for the past few months. After finally getting my hands on the light and testing it for selfies, videos, and Zoom calls, I can confidently say that it is in fact worth the viral hype. Using three light modes (bright white, warm yellow, and a mix of the two) and 10 brightness levels, the Newmowa replaced the otherwise grainy overlay of my raw iPhone photo with a clear, bright, natural-looking photo. And rather than amplifying my pores, the light made my skin look (almost) as glowy as Alix Earle.
Review:I tried the TikTok-viral 'Alix Earle phone light.' Does it live up to the hype?
Perfect for hybrid work or a mobile lifestyle, the 6.7-ounce "Alix Earle light" comfortably slips into my favorite purse, backpack, or work tote. Additionally, you can easily clip the light onto your computer to look extra professional during work meetings, webinars, interviews, or even class presentations. Equipped with a power indicator light and Micro USBC and USB-C charging interfaces, I don't have to worry about the light unexpectedly dying when I need it most -- especially since I found it to charge relatively quickly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual filters
- Excellent compatibility
- Durable and stable
Cons
- Setup required
- Flimsy structure
- Pricey
More Details
Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit features:Angle: 180 degrees | Color temperature: 5500K | Power: 55 watts | Warranty: 1 year | Return period: 30 days
The Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit incorporates LED lighting within dual reflective layers for better, brighter lighting with 240 pieces. It uses soft tubing for its construction, allowing you to bend and twist as needed until you can get that perfect shot. Brightness varies from 0% to 100% for easier adjustment, thanks to the dimming knob. A reverse folding leg stand comes included, plus two additional filters: one white and one orange. These filters make it easy to achieve a variety of lighting temperatures with just one light and very little hassle.
While the professional features are sure to give a photo shoot feel, there's a bit of setup required as the light stand is packed in a separate box and the legs need to be folded down for easy transportability. And at 9.83 pounds, it's definitely not as heavy as studio lighting equipment, but it's certainly not an ideal travel companion for those with an on-the-go content capture lifestyle.
With a 4.7/5 star Amazon customer review rating, Neewer ring light buyers echo that for excellent lighting and performance, you may find yourself compromising for an intricate -- and even faulty -- setup. Other users spoke highly of its brightness levels -- able to lighten the entire room without casting dark shadows but warning that the small legs "topple over easily."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Integrated phone clip
- Varying brightness
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Could be brighter
- Only lights up a small area
More Details
Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light features:Color render index: ≥95% | Color temperature: 5500K | LED Quantity: 36 PCS | Maximum output: 3 watts
The Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light is small enough to carry with you on the go, but not at the expense of power. It includes three brightness levels with 36 LED lights, offering soft illumination instead of the usual harsh hospital-like lighting that washes you out. It also boasts a focal length ranging from 1 to 100mm for greater flexibility. Note, however, that the most satisfied consumers used the light for selfies or Zoom calls, whereas those who wanted to capture more outside the small light's perimeters weren't as pleased with the brightness results.
Ideal for travel, the light is scratch-resistant and is rechargeable via USB port. While you won't have to carry batteries around, Amazon Customer reviews express room for improvement in the light's inconsistent battery life. But overall, customers seemed satisfied with the three brightness settings and the ability to clip onto even a thicker tablet screen, such as the Microsoft Surface Book.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Portable and compact
- Powerful, but natural lighting
- 14 hour battery life
Cons
- Need the clip converter to use for your phone
- Pricey for a small light
More Details
Lume Cube Panel Mini features: Adjustable LED brightness from 1 to 100% | CRI > 96 | 60 Bicolor LEDs | Credit-card sized | 14-hour battery life
High-power lighting isn't synonymous with a grandiose setup, and the Lume Cube Panel Mini is the perfect, compact piece of evidence. With fully adjustable brightness, 14 hours of battery life, and 60 Bicolor LEDs, this light is great for creators and photographers with a highly nomadic lifestyle. On its own, the light is compatible with DSLR cameras, but to use it with your phone, you'll need to purchase Lume Cube's $20 smartphone clip for lighting.
"The Lume Cube Smartphone Clip and Mini Panel is the exact duo I've been searching for," says Charlotte Maracina, an associate writer for CNET.
"The clip doesn't require a lot of setup and is easily portable. Plus, the light wasn't too harsh or dim, making it the perfect fit for selfie-taking and all my Zoom meetings. Essentially, if you're looking for top-of-the-line lighting and sturdy clip quality, the Lume Cube gets the job done," Maracina adds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expandable tripod
- Solid construction
- Wireless remote for taking photos at a distance
Cons
- Tripod legs can get stuck
- Limited connectivity
More Details
UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light + Tripod features: Connectivity: Bluetooth | Filters: Three| Filter type: Warm, cool white, daylight | Brightness levels: 10
The UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light + Tripod gives you three filters to get you started: Warm white, cool white, and daylight. A touch panel conveniently controls 10 different levels of brightness. The tripod is sturdy, working with a variety of devices in addition to your phone, and there is also a phone clip that extends up to 4.5 inches.
What I particularly like about this light is that it allows for taking well-lit photos and videos from up to 30 feet away via a wireless remote control -- I've noticed this comes in handy for my eyebrow technician when she films my brows going from gnarly to clean. It also features a handle that makes switching from landscape to vertical orientations relatively hassle-free.
With 4.5/5 stars on Amazon, customers seem to agree that the light does its job, taking quality lit photos, is easy to set up, and especially given the price, is surprisingly solid.
What is the best phone ring or panel light?
After testing the viral "Alix Earle light," aka the Newmowa 60 LED Clip Fill light, I can confidently say it's worth the hype. Not only does it deliver on brightness and quality, but it's highly compact and portable. That said, there are other ring lights and panel lights with different features, builds, and of course, prices. Look at this table to see how the top picks compare across those aspects.
Best phone ring light | Cost | Build |
Newmowa 60 LED Clip Light | $28.50 | Clip-on |
Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit | $71 | Tripod |
Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light | $14 | Clip-on |
Lume Cube Panel Mini with the Lume Cube smartphone clip for lighting | $70 | Clip-on with converter needed |
UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light + Tripod | $25.50 | Tripod |
Which is the right phone ring or panel light for you?
Ring and panel lights undoubtedly make for better lighting in photos, but lights vary in price, size, and build. In deciding which best ring or panel light is right for you, it's important to consider these factors along with your lifestyle habits and photography or videography needs. This table further breaks it down.
Choose this phone ring or panel light… | If you want… |
Newmowa 60 LED Clip Fill light | A clip-on panel light that is proven to elevate selfies and videos. Due to its popularity from TikTok "it girl" Alix Earle, it's often sold out, so be sure to grab it while you can. |
Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit | A tripod ring light with a professional feel and two filters that make for easy light temperature control. |
Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light | To take flattering selfies on the go. The Auxiwa ring light easily clips on your phone and slips into any pocket. |
Lume Cube Panel Mini with the Lume Cube smartphone clip for lighting | A two-piece lighting set that'll apply DSLR-level brightness to your phone's camera roll. |
UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light + Tripod | A tripod ring light with a wireless remote that allows for hands-free operation to capture a well-lit subject. |
How did we choose these best phone ring lights?
There are several factors we consider when choosing the best phone ring light.
- Lights: The number of bulbs in a phone ring light can help determine the brightness of the light. The more bulbs there are, the brighter your picture will be.
- Size: From portable options to tripod-mounted ring lights, there are a number of ways that you can use your phone ring light to take better photos.
- Construction: We look for phone ring lights that have a strong, reliable build to last a long time.
- Price: We consider budget when determining the best phone ring lights, so there is something available to match every budget.
How do I set up a phone ring or panel light?
It all depends on the model you choose. While some of the best phone ring lights clip right onto your phone, others may include a tripod option that involves some setup to connect different pieces. Others, on the other hand, can just clip right onto your phone.
Why do you need a phone ring or panel light?
An extra light may sound like an annoying expense, but if you want to level up visual content, lighting can make all the difference.
The term photo literally means "light"! It's the most important component of any photo and can completely change our perception of it," says Ann Douglas Lott, a freelance photographer and associate editor for Lonely Planet.
How much do phone ring and panel lights cost?
Phone ring and panellights can vary significantly in cost, depending on which one you choose. The best phone ring light varies from under $15 to more than $100 if you have a little more to spend.
What makes for 'good lighting' in a photo?
According to freelance photographer Ann Douglas Lott, "Good lighting in most cases isn't super harsh (i.e., direct sunlight) or super low (i.e., too much shade)."
Lott also explains that we're mostly drawn to natural light and soft light, "so that the viewer can clearly see the subject without losing any detail in overexposure or dark shadows -- keeping everything crisp and bright. But you can also play around with it if you want to change up the tone or mood of a photo. Lighting can have a fascinating effect on our emotions."
Adding a ring or panel light contributes to an ongoing lighting experience.
Are there alternative phone rings or panel lights worth considering?
In addition to the best phone ring and panel lights shown here, there are also a few others that almost made our list.
