Here at the Strategist UK, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
And while we’ve written about all sorts of lighting before — including the most flattering lighting for video calls and small but mighty reading lights — here we’ve rounded up the very best selection of ring lights, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
Best-rated overall ring light
This LED ring light is exceedingly popular, averaging a 4.2 star rating from over 19,900 reviews. Many customers originally bought the light to illuminate their video calls — 17 reviewers loved how useful the product had been for Zoom — but found themselves “pleasantly surprised” by the other features the light had to offer. With a CRI of 92, the light measures close to the “perfect” CRI level that is found in natural daylight (100). The light also has three colour settings, which were highlighted in a swathe of the reviews, with one reviewer suggesting that these variations were what made it really worth the money. Beyond just lighting, the model comes equipped with a centrally positioned holder for your phone, which (according to 46 reviewers) allows you to get the perfect portrait shot. Sixty-seven reviewers remarked on how exceptionally easy-to-assemble the tool was, with one reviewer certifying that the illustrated instructions included were “foolproof.” Another reviewer loved the convenient size of the light, saying that it sat on her desk, beside her mirror, with ease. With customers recommending the light for everything from quality selfies to board meetings, the AIXPI is a real all-rounder.
Best-rated large ring light
AIXPI also offers a larger version of the ring light which also has a 4.2 star rating (from over 3,000 reviews). This model offers everything reviewers loved about the smaller version plus an extendable height option — it can go from 15” to 56”. According to customers this made the product infinitely more versatile, the smallest height suitable for applying makeup, the largest height handy for accepting Facetimes whilst cooking a roast (for example). Parents reported that the light had gone down a treat with their kids (who are now getting far ‘more hits’ on their TikToks and Minecraft streams, respectively). Another favourite feature is the bluetooth remote that allows users to take pictures handsfree.
Best-rated ring light for phones
For a petite option, the Difiye selfie ring light has a 4.3 star rating amongst its 5,012 reviews. With three light settings, 70 reviewers said the lighting was perfect for selfies – though one customer said they actually bought it to take pictures of their cakes, too. Another customer, a manicurist, commented that the light has made an astounding difference to her client pictures, leaving a professional finish. This super-portable option is lightweight and slips on to a great range of phone models — from iPhone to Samsung — unlike other models that are made for only one type of phone. Whilst the battery light for general use is ok, many reviewers agreed it wasn’t really suitable for longer jobs such as live-streaming. But if you’re in the market simply to enable a loved one’s ‘selfie addiction’, reviewers agreed that the Difiye light is the way to go.
Best-rated rainbow ring light
Where other models simply offer a variation of white or warm lights, 22 customers of the GerTong model were taken with the sheer choice of colour variations the light offers (there are up to 150 to try). One dressmaker loved how the soft glow of the pastel pink had made her evenings by the sewing machine infinitely more aesthetically pleasing. The light’s ‘vibe’ was also popular with a photographer, labelling it ‘infinitely cool’. Reviewers enjoyed how the ring light offered not only a range of colours but light settings, one parent loving how the strobe light setting had entertained her kids on many nights at home, transforming the kitchen into a disco.
Best-rated for desktop
If a clippable model is what you’re after, this model from Elegiant comes with an aluminium clamp. Thirty reviewers are pleased with how the light can be fastened anywhere on their desks and with the “real difference” it has made to the quality of their weekly video calls. “Finally my face can be seen,” one customer commented, with another suggesting that the light gave her a glow for her fortnightly quiz that the Scottish sunshine just couldn’t offer. One reviewer said that after weeks of being “bamboozled” by the sheer range of ring lights on the market, she was pleased to have finally found the one that met all of her needs (and earned her a few compliments on Microsoft Teams, too).
Best-rated double ring light
The Zhouland double ring light offers two lights — equipped with three colour mode variations — on sturdy yet flexible arms. Whilst it has fewer reviews than other lights on this list — 110 — 90 percent of these are 4 star or over, giving it a very encouraging 4.5 star rating overall. One reviewer claimed that the dual light positioning “banished shadows” with an efficiency that other lights he used just couldn’t quite match. A further 11 reviewers were impressed with the flexibility that the dual lighting, in tandem with the clamp base, offered. Another talking point was the light’s brightness, according to 13 reviewers, with one even suggesting that at its highest setting, sunglasses were necessary.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.