Video calls have come to stay, and Zoom calls, in particular, have grown in popularity over the years.
Thanks to technological advancements, you can turn on the camera, use the built-in microphone in your smartphone or laptop, and proceed with your call.
However, there is one major challenge, and that’s visibility. Sadly, the illumination from your room lights may not be enough, and this is where ring lights come in handy.
I can safely assume you’re looking for the best ring lights for Zoom calls, which is why you’re reading this product review in the first place. The good news is, I’m here to help guide your buying decision!
I came across many models during my research, and I picked 10 of the very best.
Let’s go!
Best Ring Lights For Zoom Calls
Here is the list of the best ring light for Zoom calls:
1. Rotolight LED Ring Light
From my research, I discovered that Rotolight makes a lot of large-sized ring lights for laptops. However, this brand built the Rotolight with smartphone users in mind
In the package, you will find a mini tripod, a mounting bar to hold the phone and the light together, and of course, the light itself. These accessories make it easy to brighten up your Zoom calls with your iPhone or Android device.
One of the remarkable features I love most is the kit’s lightweight. At just five ounces, you will have no trouble putting it together. Plus, If you’re not interested in using the mounting bar, you can slide the light onto your shotgun microphone or mount it on the camera’s hot shoe.
The bulb itself is 80 watts, and it can run for several hours on a single charge. Three AA batteries power the light which propels the soft beam over your face that brightens your image perfectly.
I also found that the package contains a four-piece filter that allows you to set the color to direct or indirect daylight. You can also take advantage of the diverse and tungsten settings according to your preferences.
Plus, you can easily store these filters behind the ring light housing when you’re not using them. Thanks to this feature, it will be almost impossible to lose them.
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2. ESDDI 18-inch Ring Light
Going by looks and performance, you would agree that the ESDDI 18 inch ring light is a Neewer 18-inch model look alike. Also, both models have the same size and light stands with phone mounts making their similarity more obvious.
The major difference between both models is that the ESDDI comes with 432 LEDs. As a result, the ESDDI 18- inch is a lot brighter than the Neewer model.
This model also has a color temperature range of 3200k to 5600k. Plus, it gives you the option of dimming the lights from the maximum of 100% to as low as 10%.
Even though this model doesn’t come with a remote, it has two easy-to-use control knobs that help to regulate brightness and color temperature. Located at the base of the ring, are the knobs. So, to access the control knobs, you’ll have to get close to the ring light.
Because the ESDDI ring light doesn’t have a remote, the manufacturer designed the ring light to function effectively without color or a neutral density filter. So, all you require is to dial in your preferred setting.
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3. Whellen Selfie Ring Light
![Whellen Selfie Ring Light with 36 LED for Phone/Tablet/iPad Camera [UL Certified] Portable Clip-on Fill Round Shape Light-White](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hv3RNoAnL._SL500_.jpg "Whellen Selfie Ring Light with 36 LED for Phone/Tablet/iPad Camera [UL Certified] Portable Clip-on Fill Round Shape Light-White")
This ring is an option to consider if you use your smartphones for zoom calls. The ring itself spans 3.5 diameters, which makes it very portable. The Whellen Selfie Ring light can also support your iPad and tablets.
This model is one of the most compact and portable options on this list. Thanks to its half-inch thickness, it’s possible to fit this ring light into almost any bag.
This model ticks the box for brightness and clarity when making your Zoom calls, thanks to its 36 LED lights.
But that’s not all.
This Whellen Selfie Ring Light has one control button for three separate lighting modes (warm, cool, and a combination). You can also use the button to adjust the brightness.
As for the battery, you’ll only need about an hour to give it a full charge. After that, you can use it for as long as 90 minutes before it would need another round of charging.
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4. Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit
I love ring lights that fall within the 18 to 20-inch range.
Why?
They are highly versatile and can produce a smooth illumination whether you’re five feet or 20 inches away from it.
My favorite feature of the Neewer 18-inch ring light kit is its silver layer that sits nicely behind the 240 LED bulbs. They produce a much brighter glow than the average ring light, and it diffuses evenly so it doesn’t hurt your eyes.
In addition, these lights are also dimmable, that is, within the 100% range down to as low as 1%. Neewer caught my attention more with its handy remote that lets you adjust the brightness from a distance.
The content of the kit includes a filter set, a light stand, and a phone adapter. All these allow for multi-angle placement during your Zoom calls.
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5. Rotolight NEO 2 LED Camera Light
The Rotolight Neo 2 model is one of the unique-looking ring lights on this list. This model has a ring-like shape that gives it an ergonomic design. So, you’ll get the best possible illumination a ring light of this grade can offer.
Another aspect you’ll enjoy is its portability and compactness. The Rotolight Neo 2 is very light, so moving it from one room to the other will be hassle-free.
As many as six AA batteries power the Neo 2, and it can last for as long as two hours. You can also adjust the color temperature within the range of 6300k to 3150k.
I’m pretty sure you’ll find this ring light easy to use. Mounting it on your desktop is easy as well if you’re patient enough to read the instructions in the manual.
Also, you can use this ring light alongside a DSLR or mirrorless camera if you need continuous lighting and a sync flash up to 1/8000 per second.
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6. Neewer 10-inch LED Ring Light
If you place simplicity and functionality over fancy looks, then the Neewer 10-inch LED ring is a model to consider.
The Neewer 10-Inch LED Ring light is pretty small and portable like the Whellen Selfie Ring light. It’s also a handy choice for your smartphone. Apart from making brighter-looking Zoom calls, you can use this ring light for self-taping, vlogging, and other video functions.
This ring light connects to your smartphone via USB, which is impressive. Plus, it comes with a 54-inch tripod stand that gives you the option to adjust the working height. Its 3-way pan head makes it super easy to tilt to your desired angle.
Setting up is pretty easy too. You can start by pulling out the ring light from the box, mounting it on the stand, and plugging it in. I guess you’ll appreciate its simplicity when compared to other models.
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7. IVISII 19-inch Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder
This hunk of a 19-inch ring light delivers 60W of power from its 480 pieces of LED. Thanks to its size, it can function conveniently as a key light while producing soft illumination and regular circular catchlights.
This ring light also comes with a dual power supply, which includes a 14 to 18-volt DC power adapter and a set of Sony NP-F series batteries, making it excellent for outdoor use.
Whether you’re making videos, recording your vlogs, or making a Zoom call, this model provides a valuable key or fill that tenders to the shadows and balances the lighting when on camera.
But that’s not all.
If you’re not making Zoom calls, this IVISII 19-inch Ring Light can be resourceful for your beauty or makeup jobs.
So, in the kit, you will find practically everything you need to get started. The model contains a 6 foot light stand and a padded travel case. It also comes packed with dials, which you can use to set the temperature and brightness to your specifications.
Another remarkable feature is the rotating lights. Yes, it can complete 180° twists so, it’s ideal for macro work or shooting flat lays.
This model also comes with a dimmable brightness function that features three light models, which include:
- White
- Warm white
- Warm yellow
With its 20 percent increment feature, you can increase or reduce brightness to fit your surroundings.
In terms of compatibility, this model comes with a C-type phone holder that enables you to place your smartphone on the tripod stand while you make your Zoom calls. Plus, the model is compatible with most iPhones, iPads, Samsung phones, and tabs.
Also Read: Best Headphones For Zoom Calls
8. AIXPI LED Ring Light 10-inch With Tripod Stand & Phone Holder
This model is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget, as it competes among the most fairly priced ring lights in the market. Furthermore, this model is very easy to set up. Plus, it makes a great addition if you love simple gadgets.
Also, the AIXPI LED Ring light is compact and comes with a tripod. You shouldn’t have any problems combining it together for your Zoom calls.
This model has a small size also that makes it portable to carry from one room to the other easily.
9. Dracast LED100 Bi-Color
Are you a vlogger, selfie lover, or Zoom caller looking for a portable ring light? Then, you might want to take a quick look at the Dracast LED 100 Bi-Color ring light before making a buying decision.
It has a 10.23-inch diameter, and it can fold into a 5-inch semi-circle. In other words, you can fit this model into your jacket pocket or bag.
Cool right?
This model has a variable color temperature that ranges between 2700k to 5600k and a CRI of 96. If you’re particular about accurate color rendition, then you can consider this ring light.
With this model, you can move from 100% to 10% to suit your ideal tone.
Even though this model doesn’t have knobs, regardless, you can still make adjustments in light intensity. As for color, you can use a touch-sensitive control slider which is super convenient, in my opinion.
The LED 100 is USB powered, and you can find the cable in the package. You can plug one part of the USB into your phone or laptop, while the other side can go into the light itself. You can also run it from your phone’s charger, laptop, or desktop computer.
10. UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light
If you want a portable selfie ring that has a smartphone holder alongside a tripod, the UBeesize ring light is one to consider. The kit includes the 10-inch LED ring with three lighting modes (warm, white, natural, white) which gives you the opportunity to explore different tones.
Interestingly each lighting mode has 10 brightness levels. Plus, it has a stand you can use on the floor or table with a height range of 16.5 to 50 inches tall. That said, it has a Bluetooth remote that boosts convenience.
In addition, you can only operate this model with a USB port. Its sturdiness is another remarkable feature and you can tilt the light by 360 degrees when you position the tripod handle.
Other Worthy Mentions
In reality, there are too many great ring lights out there to count, which is why I’d like to point out other models outside my top 10 that are worth considering.
Check these out.
11. Neewer 16-inch LED Ring Light
If you like big and bold ring lights, then you should consider the Neewer 16-inch LED ring light. It has an impressive 38W of dimmable output, shooting out from its 240 LEDs.
But that’s not all.
The Neewer 16-inch has attractive lighting that works perfectly for Zoom calls.
The Neewer 16-inch model offers battery-powered and main options. Plus, it’s compatible with the NP F550/F970.
In the package, you’ll find a 30.7-inch light stand, a horizontal/vertical phone holder, a ball head adapter, a cordless remote control, and a carrying case.
12. Sensyne LED 10-inch Ring Light
Are you looking for a ring light that’s compatible with all brands of smartphones? Then, consider getting the Sensyne LED 10-inch ring light.
If you’re a techie or passionate about modern technology, you’ll most likely love this model. So, the ring light comes with a sensitive touch panel system, which is more sturdy than the conventional mechanical buttons.
With this ring light, you’ll enjoy complete control to regulate its three color modes; daylight, cool white, and warm yellow. Plus, it’s pretty flexible as you can adjust its ten brightness levels to meet your videoing needs.
This model’s extendable tripod stand of 15.7 inches to 50 inches makes it possible for you to adjust its height with ease. In other words, you can reduce its height for it to stand on a tabletop and extend the tripod to fit your height.
The Sensyne LED also comes with a pocket-friendly wireless remote that enables you to adjust your brightness and take selfies from up to 30 ft.
13. ESDDI PLV-R120 10-inch Ring Light
It’s small, easy to carry from room to room, and is affordable. The ESDDI PLV R120 10-inch ring light is worth considering for smartphone vlogging, selfies, and Zoom calls.
You can call it the tabletop equivalent of the Rotolight Ultimate, but it’s not as powerful in terms of brightness. However, its 10W output still outshines the Neewer 10-inch model, which pushes out just 8W.
I had second thoughts when I discovered this model isn’t dimmable, but that disappointment eased off when I found out it had three levels of brightness.
I also admired the two-way grip that clamps your smartphone both vertically and horizontally. The Bluetooth remote control isn’t inadequate either.
Being that it is a USB-powered ring light, you can plug it into a power bank and use it pretty much anywhere.
14. UEGOGO 10.2 Ring Light
The UEGOGO 10.2 Ring Light is one option you might love if you’re particular about ring lights that come with LED dimmable lights. UEGOGO has eleven brightness levels and three color lighting modes that include; Cold (6000K), Warm (3000K), and Nature (4500K). In total, it comes with 33 light opinions to choose from.
If you aren’t impressed enough, you can consider the UEGOGO’s 360° mental rotatable tripod feature, allowing you to rotate the ring light 360 degrees.
Like the Sensyne LED 10-inch ring light, the UEGOGO comes with an extendable tripod stand, which you can adjust from 12 to 51 inches.
You’d love this product if you’re always on the road, thanks to its portable and lightweight feature that makes it easy to move around with it. Plus, it’s easy to set up and disassemble. So, you don’t have to be a techie to do that.
5 Factors To Consider When Buying Ring Lights For Zoom Calls
With so many ring light options available in the market, choosing the right one may be overwhelming. Nonetheless, you can make a better buying decision if you know what to consider.
Here’s a list of things you should have in mind before buying a ring light.
1. Space Where You’ll Make Your Calls
If the room where you’ll make your Zoom calls has some decent lighting, then you don’t need to buy the brightest ring light on the market.
You can pair your already existing room lighting with a small zoom light and achieve visual clarity.
2. Strength of The Lighting
Since the purpose of having a ring light for your Zoom calls is better visibility. It’s important to ensure that the ring light you’re buying is strong enough to meet your expectations.
Of course, not all ring lights have the same strength, which is why you have to buy one that is best suited for the space where you’ll make your calls.
3. Adjustability
I assume you prefer a ring light that is easy to adjust. So, it’s best to consider one that you can quickly move around until you get your ideal illumination.
4. The Set-Up
Ring light kits contain several components that you have to put together before making your Zoom calls. So, it isn’t fun if you have to spend the whole day setting up your ring lights.
Plus, complicated fixes can be frustrating. On that note, I suggest you opt for a ring light kit that you can set up quickly and conveniently.
Make sure the model you buy has an instruction manual that is easy to understand. The manual should have images describing the setup and is your best bet.
5. Size
Before you set up and use ring lights in a particular space, size is something you have to keep in mind.
Here are some of the questions that will help you get a good option in terms of size:
- Are you using the ring light with a laptop or your smartphone?
- Is it going to be mounted independently on the table or a tripod along with your device?
When you have answers to the questions, you may have an idea of the correct ring size you need.
Final Words
There you have it, my 10 best ring lights for Zoom calls. The Neewer Pro 18-inch ring light is the best overall for its power, functionality, and versatility. Plus, it’s compatible with smartphones that are up to 3.9 inches wide and laptops
Another model worth mentioning is the UBeesize 10-inch ring light considering its convenient Bluetooth remote, three lighting modes, and 10 brightness levels each. The other models in this list are worth considering based on your preferences.
On that note, the ball is in your court at this point. But if you’re still confused about the ideal model to pick, you should pay attention to the factors we listed to streamline your ring light options further.
While you’re at it, it’s vital to ensure that your ring light ticks the following boxes:
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Bright enough for your space
- Perfect for your budget
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