13 Ring Lights to Level Up Your TikTok Game (2024)

If you’re looking to up your TikTok game, purchasing one of the best ring lights is the place to start. Beyond millions of followers and major brand deals, a great ring light could be the main difference between true TikTok influencers and more casual users. Of course, not everyone on the app is hoping to reach Hype House levels of fame, but if you’re looking to up your TikTok game from the comfort of your home, purchasing a high-quality ring light is the perfect place to start.

For those not in the know, a ring light is a relatively simple tool that delivers professional lighting conditions in photos and videos. The device is generally composed of a circle of small LED bulbs or one uninterrupted ring of light (hence the name) that provides an evenly diffused light source for photos and videos, regardless of your location’s natural light.

First popularized by YouTubers and DSLR photographers, ring lights are now available in a wide variety of sizes and models, each of which fulfills a unique set of needs, from dimmable rings on tall mounts to smaller options tailor-made for phone cameras. Though ring lights can be purchased from traditional tech retailers like Best Buy, they’re also available via Amazon, Best Buy, and Urban Outfitters, with prices starting as low as $11.

What should you look for in a ring light?

According to Louisiana Gelpi, Teen Vogue's very own Visual Editor, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying a ring light. Of course, the first thing to consider is why you're purchasing a ring light in the first place since your needs will vary. Generally speaking though, the most important thing to look for is brightness! Most ring lights have different lighting settings, which means you simply adjust how bright or dim you’d like the light to be. “A dimmer light might be nice if you have some natural light but want it a bit brighter or want to fill some shadow while a brighter light might be nice if you have no light at all (e.g. night time) and need something to be clear and visible," Lousiana shares. If your right light doesn’t have an adjustable brightness setting, don't worry too much. Louisiana's tip is that you can always move the light further away from you to create something dimmer, or closer to you to create a light that is brighter.

Whether you’re in the market for top-grade gear or a simple selfie lighting solution, keep reading for Teen Vogue’s picks for the best ring lights out there.

The Budget-Friendly TikTok Companion

Hangdayi's handheld ring light clips onto your phone. However, this one is particularly specialized for videography, with three levels of light settings and ultra-wide range that will create stellar TikTok content, even in the dark.

The Carryall Kit

It’s among the pricier models on the list, but Sunpack’s 12-inch Bicolor Ring Light Kit contains everything you need to brighten up your photos and videos. It includes an expandable tripod, an adjustable phone and camera mount, a built-in USB remote, and, of course, an easy-to-use carry bag.

The Best Seller

The Neewer Ring Light Kit has over 5,000 five-star reviews for good reason. In addition to the 18-inch dimmable ring light, the fully-equipped kit features an adjustable light stand, white and orange color filter sets, a smartphone holder, a hot shoe adapter for DSLR cameras, a remote control, and a carrying case to store it all.

The Affordable, Portable Ring Light

This AIXPI ring light is one of the most affordable 10-inch ring lights out there, and it’s super well-reviewed. With 10 brightness settings and three light modes of varying warmth levels, Amazon shoppers note that it’s both effective and easy to assemble. Plus, its tripod and USB power system mean it can double as a chic desk lamp.

The Smartphone Holder

Forget the fancy camera: This ring light can bring your vlogging dreams to life using only your phone. The UBeesize 10.2-inch ring light features an expandable tripod stand with a smartphone holder attachment directly below the light, meaning your content will always turn out well-lit and totally level.

The Rainbow Light

This 10-inch ring light gives ROY G BIV a whole new meaning. The boldest of the bunch, it boasts three filters that can be adjusted to achieve seven unique colors. The icing on the cake? It comes with a tripod, extension stick, phone holder, Bluetooth remote, and even a mirror attachment to keep you from staring at your phone while shooting.

The Simple but Effective Ring Light

Clip this little gadget to your desk or side table and you have a simple but effective ring light ready to turn on and off whenever you need to create #content. With three light modes and its flexible smartphone holder, your videos and photos will turn out great thanks to this battery-operated device.

The Amazon Fave

This LED ring light delivers perfect lighting every time. Amazon reviewers can't say enough good things about it: "This is 5-star all the way. You can adjust the color temperature via the knob or remote, down to the tiniest detail without using color filters. There are 416 pcs LED beads, which offer more light for your camera, and offer longer service life. And there are vents on the back for proper heat dissipation so the ring light stays cool... If you're live streaming and your phone or tablet dies, no worries… there's a USB Port on the back, you can charge your devices and keep going! And if you don't think a 21" light makes a difference, wait until you see it. INKELTECH'S ring light has a larger and brighter aperture so it gives you a much more professional environment for indoor shooting."

The Cutest Ring Light

This butterfly-shaped beauty is the cutest ring light we ever did see. It's not just pretty, though: this USB-powered ring light has three adjustable color temperatures and 10 brightness levels. It will give you that good-good lighting every time.

The Low-Profile Computer Companion

This low-profile lighting solution is small and sleek and is super simple to set up behind your laptop for your next Zoom sesh. It also has a built-in phone holder and remote control for your next Instagram Live. It comes in white, black, and pink, and is available in floor-standing options or desktop options, like the one seen here.

The Next-Level Setup

This heavy-duty lighting equipment was designed with professional photographers and videographers in mind. The starburst-like lighting bars work like a traditional LED ring light, but you can also detach the individual bars to create any lighting solution you need, such as hair lights or sidelights.

Vlogging Must-Have

Still overwhelmed with the options? If all you need is a good ring light for your vlogs, then look no further. With 4.6 out of 5 stars, this is a must-buy product that will brighten all your videos. Considering its affordable price, this device will get you more bang for your buck. Not only does it have three color modes (cool white, warm yellow, and daylight), but it also has 10 brightness levels to meet your needs.

DSLR-Friendly Tripod

If you're looking to shoot content with your DSLR camera instead of your phone and still want a good ring light and tripod that won't break the bank, this is the one for you. Under $50, it's sturdy and easy to transport.

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