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 theNewmowa 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

Newmowa 60 LED Clip Light

Best phone light overall

Christina Darby/ 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. 

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Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit

Best phone ring light for photographers

Neewer/ 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." 

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Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light

Best pocket-sized phone ring light

Auxiwa/ 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: