From my experience setting up my first home studio, I can tell you that picking a ring light feels overwhelming at first.
There are so many options, and it’s easy to buy the wrong one.
What I’ve learned is that it’s less about the technology (nearly all are LED now) and more about how you plan to use it.
Let’s break down the different types in a simple way so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Ring Light Types by Size and Use
The most practical way to think about ring lights is by their size, which usually determines their best use.
1. Desktop and Clip-On Ring Lights
These are the smallest and most portable options.
Clip-on models attach directly to your phone or laptop screen, while desktop versions come with a small stand.
From my experience, they are fantastic for improving your look on video calls, online meetings, or for taking quick, well-lit selfies.
They are typically powered by a USB cable, making them easy to use with a laptop or a power bank.
A common mistake I see is people expecting these to light up a whole room; they are designed for close-up, personal lighting only.
2. Standard Tripod Ring Lights
This is the most popular and versatile category, and likely the type you see most content creators using.
These lights usually range from 10 to 18 inches in diameter and come with a tall, adjustable tripod stand.
I use an 18-inch one for my videos, and it provides plenty of soft, even light.
They are perfect for filming YouTube videos, streaming, or creating TikToks where you need to light your face and upper body.
They almost always include a phone holder in the center of the ring.
3. Large Professional Ring Lights
These are the heavy-hitters of the ring light world, often 19 inches or larger.
They are built for professional photo shoots, high-end video production, or for use by makeup artists and estheticians who need flawless, shadow-free illumination.
What I’ve found is that their main advantage is the sheer power and softness of the light they produce, which can easily light a larger area or subject.
These are typically more expensive and less portable, requiring a dedicated space in a studio.
Ring Light Types by Special Features
Beyond size, ring lights are separated by the lighting features they offer.
1. Bi-Color Ring Lights
“Bi-color” is just a simple way of saying you can change the color temperature of the light.
You can adjust the light from a warm, cozy yellow tone to a cool, crisp white-blue tone.
This is incredibly useful because it allows you to match the light in your room or create a specific mood.
My advice is to always go for a bi-color model if your budget allows; the flexibility is worth it.
2. RGB Ring Lights
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue.
An RGB ring light can produce millions of different colors. You can set it to pink, purple, green, or any color you can imagine.
These are built for creative effects.
If you are a gamer who wants to match your background lighting while streaming, or a creator who wants to add a colorful pop to your videos, an RGB ring light is the perfect tool for the job.
Core Features to Consider
When you are looking at product descriptions, these are the key features to pay attention to.
Thinking about these will help you make the right choice.
- Size
- Power Source
- Brightness Control
- Color Temperature Control
- Included Mounts and Accessories
Final Verdict
To make it simple, here is my final guidance.
For someone who just needs better lighting for Zoom calls and selfies, a Desktop or Clip-On Ring Light is the perfect starting point. It is affordable, portable, and gets the job done without any fuss.
For an aspiring or active content creator filming for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, a 12 to 18-inch Bi-Color Tripod Ring Light is your best investment.
It offers the size, power, and color flexibility you need to produce high-quality content.
For the creative streamer, musician, or artist who wants to stand out with unique visuals, an RGB Ring Light provides an endless palette of colorful lighting effects to match your style.
Finally, for the professional photographer, makeup artist, or videographer, a Large Professional Ring Light (19 inches or more) will deliver the powerful, soft, and reliable illumination that professional work demands.