You must have seen it when scrolling through TikTok or admiring someone’s fantastic Instagram selfie—a distinctive ring of light in the subject’s pupils. The halo in the eye is the reflection of a ring light. It’s the preferred lighting method since it lets you strategically position a recording device, typically a smartphone, amid a light that diffuses over your face or anything you’re shooting or filming. It removes shadows with consistent light.
LED panels (also known as light panels) are another sort of lighting that may be more suitable for some people, particularly those working from home. These are camera-fill lights that are directed at you for meetings or streaming, and they are designed to be used on or near the desk where you work or perform. They come in various forms and sizes, with some having steep price tags. A light panel may be a better option, depending on your video presence.
In today’s blog, we have listed the 5 best ring lights and video LED panels for perfect lighting in 2024. Our list is based on the opinions and reviews of over 20 professional content creators. So, whether you are a newbie content creator or a professional, you will surely find the right option from the list below.
Best Ring Lights and LED Panels in 2024
| Feature | Neewer 18-inch Ring Light | Lume Cube Ring Light Pro | UBeesize Ring Light | Aputure Amaran AL-MX | Nanlite Forza 60 |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Size | 18 inches | 18 inches | 14 inches | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Color Temperature | 3200K-5600K | 3200K-5600K | 3200K-5500K | 2800K-6500K | 2700K-6500K |
| Brightness | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Stand | Included | No | Included | No | No |
| Phone Holder | Included | Included | Included | No | No |
| Remote | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Battery | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Mounting Options | Stand | Phone holder, tripod adapter, cold shoe mount | Stand | Variety of mounts | Bowens mount |
Neewer 18-inch Ring Light
The Neewer 18-inch Ring Light presents a feature-rich package at a budget-friendly price. Its versatility, adjustability, and CRI accuracy make it suitable for various applications. However, potential quality concerns and limited mounting options require careful consideration. If you prioritize value and basic functionality, this ring light could be a good choice. But for heavy-duty use or professional needs, exploring sturdier and more adaptable options might be wise.
The Neewer 18-inch Ring Light offers a compelling package for various lighting needs, especially at its price point. Let’s delve into its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right pick for you.
Pros:
- Versatility: This ring light caters to diverse uses, from professional makeup artistry to content creation and live streaming. The included stand, phone holder, and remote broaden its functionality.
- Upgraded Design: The sleek white aesthetic and separate knobs for color temperature and brightness control enhance usability and appeal.
- CRI Accuracy: With 240 high CRI LEDs, it promises natural and accurate color reproduction for various skin tones and environments.
- Easy Assembly: Customers appreciate the straightforward setup process, saving valuable time.
- Brightness and Adjustability: The 42W LED output offers ample brightness, and separate controls allow for fine-tuning.
Cons:
- Mixed Quality Reports: While some laud the build quality, others express concerns about durability, particularly regarding the remote and stand sturdiness.
- No Carrying Bag: The lack of a carrying bag for storage and transport might be inconvenient for frequent users.
- Limited Mounting Options: The 1/4″ screw thread caters to basic setups, but additional mounts might be necessary for advanced use.
Lume Cube Ring Light Pro
The Lume Cube LED Ring Light offers excellent light quality, portability, and versatility. However, the short battery life, slow charging, and lack of dual battery charging significantly impact its practicality for cordless use. If portability is paramount and you can manage the battery quirks, this ring light is a good choice. However, consider budget-friendly alternatives with better battery solutions if that’s a priority.
The Lume Cube LED Ring Light boasts an impressive 18-inch diameter, adjustable color temperature and brightness, and a portable design that makes it perfect for content creators on the go. However, it’s not without its flaws. Here’s an expert breakdown:
Pros:
- Large size and adjustable settings: The 18-inch ring creates even, flattering lighting, while the adjustable brightness (1-100%) and color temperature (3200K-5600K) allow you to achieve the perfect look for any situation.
- Versatile usage: This ring light works well for YouTube videos, vlogging, TikToks, selfies, portraits, streaming, and more, making it a valuable tool for various content creation needs.
- Flicker-free lighting: Say goodbye to distracting video flickering with the Lume Cube’s high-quality LEDs.
- Portable design: The included travel case and tripod stand make it easy to take this light anywhere.
- Durable construction: Unlike some glass-blown ring lights, this one is built to last, even for accident-prone creators.
Cons:
- Battery life and charging: The biggest complaint concerns the short battery life (around an hour) and slow charging time. Additionally, only one battery charger is included, causing inconvenience when both batteries need charging.
- Sudden battery death: Users report the light unexpectedly dying when the battery runs low, potentially disrupting recordings.
- Price: Compared to some competitors, the Lume Cube Ring Light might seem expensive, especially considering the battery limitations.
UBeesize Ring Light
The UBeesize Ring Light offers a convenient foldable design and several useful features, especially for its price point. However, concerns about build quality and reported technical issues raise questions about its durability and reliability. Consider these potential drawbacks and user experiences before making a purchase.
The UBeesize Ring Light boasts several appealing features, including a foldable design, a sturdy tripod, and touchscreen controls. However, user reviews reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Foldable design: The 14-inch ring light folds down for easy storage and transport, making it ideal for on-the-go creators.
- Sturdy tripod: The 62-inch tripod features an inverted design for compactness and reinforced legs for stability.
- Touch screen control: The touch screen offers precise control over 5 color temperatures and 10 brightness levels.
- Universal compatibility: The phone clamp fits various devices, and the tripod head accommodates cameras, projectors, and other equipment.
- Remote control: The Bluetooth remote simplifies operation for both iOS and Android devices.
Cons:
- Flimsy build quality: Some users report that the light is made of cheap plastic and feels fragile.
- Awkward assembly: Screwing and unscrewing parts can be tedious when adjusting the light.
- Technical issues: Some users experienced malfunctions and short lifespans with the light and remote.
Aputure Amaran AL-MX
The Aputure Amaran AL-MX is a powerful and versatile mini LED light that packs a punch. Its impressive brightness, expanded color temperature, and durable build make it a valuable tool for filmmakers seeking professional-grade lighting in a compact and portable package. However, the higher price tag and limited mounting options might require careful consideration before investing. For those prioritizing portability, brightness, and color flexibility, the AL-MX is a strong contender in the mini LED light market.
The Aputure Amaran AL-MX is a pocket-sized LED light designed to impress even the most demanding filmmakers. Building upon the legacy of the popular AL-M9, the AL-MX boasts increased power, versatility, and durability, making it a compelling option for various shooting scenarios.
Pros:
- Unmatched Brightness: Packing 128 SMD LED bulbs, the AL-MX delivers an impressive 3200 lux at 0.3 meters, making it the brightest light in its size category. This opens up creative possibilities for low-light situations and dynamic lighting effects.
- Expanded Color Temperature: While most bi-color lights offer 3200-5600K range, the AL-MX extends this to 2800-6500K, providing even more options for matching different environments or achieving specific moods.
- Durable Metal Build: Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, the AL-MX is built to withstand demanding use and travel. The efficient heat management system ensures reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
- Portable and Compact: Despite its increased power, the AL-MX maintains a credit card-sized design, weighing only 278g. This makes it ideal for travel and situations where space is limited.
- Built-in Battery and USB Charging: The AL-MX offers an average of 1 hour at full power and 4 hours at minimum with its built-in battery. USB Type-C charging ensures convenient power top-ups on the go.
- Boost Mode: For those extra bursts of brightness, the Boost mode provides 30% extra output for 60 seconds, giving you that extra edge when needed.
- Constant Light Output: Aputure’s new technology ensures consistent light output regardless of battery life, environment, or temperature, delivering reliable performance for your recordings.
Cons:
- Price: Compared to its predecessor, the AL-MX is significantly more expensive, which might deter budget-conscious users.
- Limited Mounting Options: While the AL-MX comes with a universal cold shoe mount and 1/4″ screw, additional mounting accessories might be needed for specific setups.
- Boost Mode Limitations: The 60-second limit on Boost mode might be restrictive for certain shooting situations requiring extended bursts of high brightness.
Nanlite Forza 60
The Nanlite Forza 60 II is a significant upgrade to its predecessor, offering more power, longer battery life, improved control, and quieter operation in a compact package. While the price tag might seem steep for casual users, professionals and serious amateurs will appreciate its versatility, color accuracy, and wireless control options. If you prioritize portability, power, and precise lighting, the Forza 60 II is a worthwhile investment.
The Nanlite Forza 60 II takes its predecessor’s strengths – portability, power, and color accuracy – and elevates them, making it a compelling choice for photographers, videographers, and content creators alike.
Pros:
- Mighty Mini: Despite its palm-sized form, the Forza 60 II punches well above its weight, emitting an impressive 17620 Lux at 1 meter. This makes it ideal for tight spaces, run-and-gun situations, and situations where bulky lights are impractical.
- Accurate Colors: Trustworthiness is key in lighting, and the Forza 60 II delivers with a CRI of 95 and TLCI of 98, ensuring natural-looking colors that require minimal post-production correction.
- Wireless Control Freedom: Control freaks rejoice! You can manage the light’s settings via Bluetooth with the Nanlink app, leverage 2.4G wireless control, or tap into advanced DMX/RDM capabilities for professional setups.
- Next-Gen Enhancements: Nanlite listened to user feedback, resulting in a 10% output boost, 28.5% longer battery life with the handgrip, and a quieter, adjustable fan – all welcome improvements.
- Production-Ready Versatility: The Forza 60 II boasts a durable build, multiple control options, a protected COB LED, and the ability to run on AC power, V-Mount batteries, or NP-F batteries, making it adaptable to various scenarios.
Cons:
- Premium Price: Compared to budget-friendly ring lights, the Forza 60 II carries a premium price tag. However, its power, features, and build quality justify the cost for professional users.
- No Stand or Diffuser: While compact, the lack of a stand or diffuser in the base kit means additional purchases for basic setups.
- Learning Curve: For beginners, the advanced control options might require some learning to fully utilize the light’s potential.
How to Choose The Best Ring Light for Pictures and Videos
Size Matters, But Think Bigger:
Ring lights come in sizes ranging from 10 to 18 inches. While bigger options illuminate larger areas and create the classic ring effect, consider your needs:
- Multiple people? Go big! Ensure everyone is bathed in a flattering light.
- Solo shots or small objects? Compact is key. Portability and close-up focus shine here.
Color Control for the Perfect Mood:
Not all “white” light is the same. Look for adjustable color temperature to achieve diverse atmospheres:
- Warm it up: Mimic cozy incandescent bulbs with 3200K for an inviting feel.
- Go cool and crisp: Channel bright daylight with 5600K-6500K for a modern vibe.
- Adjustment methods: Knobs offer simplicity, while filters provide more control.
Mounting Magic: Finding Your Perfect Angle:
The best light needs a good mount to reach your subject. Explore your options:
- Built-in mounts: Center your camera seamlessly for effortless setup.
- Flexible goosenecks: Bend and twist for the perfect vantage point, ideal for dynamic shots.
Remember: While these are key factors, consider your budget, portability needs, and desired level of adjustability when making your final decision.
Also Visit : 7 Affordable Table Lamps Perfect for Study Areas
FAQs about the Best Ring Light
Q: What’s the most popular ring light design?
A. Circular rings reign supreme! They flatter your face and create captivating catchlights in your eyes. Non-standard shapes like hearts can be fun, but for everyday use, the round is your best bet.
Q: 10-inch or 12-inch ring light?
A. It depends on your needs! Larger rings (12-inch) offer more coverage for product photography or groups. Smaller rings (10-inch) are perfect for selfies, makeup tutorials, and close-up videos. For solo shots or small groups, 10-inch is the sweet spot.
Q: Ring light or LED panel?
A. Both are great for photography, but with different strengths:
- Ring Lights: Ideal for illuminating a single face with flattering catchlights. Great for selfies and TikTok.
- LED Panels: Offer directional light for more creative control, often preferred by experienced creators. However, not as beginner-friendly for flattering close-ups.
Ultimately, consider your usage: ring lights for casual content, and panels for more advanced work.
Q: How long will my ring light last?
A. The LED lifespan is very long, but the overall ring light longevity depends on build quality. For serious usage, invest in a well-made product for longer enjoyment.