It’s never too late for a glow up. If you’re like a lot of people, then the last year has found you spending more time in front of a computer screen, smartphone, or tablet device. Attending one Zoom meeting after another can feel draining at times, but adding a light to your device is an easy way to brighten or soften your appearance on screen. Another benefit to ring lighting: Affordability. You can usually find a decent, clip-on lighting option for $20-$70. To get you started, we’ve listed a handful of the best lighting add-ons to use with your laptop, smartphone, or PC computer (depending on the depth of the monitor). For more shopping recommendations be sure to read the best webcams, and budget-friendly lighting kits for vlogging and photography.
Selfila Video Conference Lighting
The Selfila Video Conferencing Light measures 4.6” in diameter, and features 3200k-6500k color temperature, with five lighting and brightness levels to give you the perfect lighting for video calls, studying, or relaxing. Clip this multi-purpose light to your laptop or desktop computer and you’re good to go. Related Making a Movie? These 6 Laptops Are Perfect for Student Filmmakers 10 Affordable Speakers for Your Laptop or Desktop Computer Related Oscars 2023: Best Visual Effects Predictions 24 Famously Queer and Homoerotic Horror Movies, from ‘Psycho’ to ‘Hellraiser’
Zumy Laptop Video Light
If you’re not as interested in the circular design, check out the Zumy Laptop Video Light. The 8.39” x 6.06” padded light clip attaches directly to your laptop without the need for a full-on lighting kit. The Zumy Laptop Video Light USB is powered with four lighting modes, and an extra USB port.
Lume Cube Video Conference Lighting Kit
Lume Cube has an array of lighting options like the video conferencing lighting kit pictured above. The mini-LED light is about the size of a credit card (3.58” x 2.18”), and has a frosted lens for built-in diffusion. If fully charged, the light will work for over an hour at full brightness, and up to 14 hours on 1% brightness. Besides lighting and a laptop/monitor mount, the kit comes with a charging cable, USB-C adapter cable, and a white silicone softening diffuser.
Whellen Clip-On Ring Light
According to multiple user reviews, this 6.3” LED ring light works exceptionally well for the price. Although it’s more suitable for a laptop than a monitor, the video conferencing light has an adjustable color temperature of 3200k-6800k, 48 LED lamp beads, 10W brightness, five brightness adjustment levels, and three color temperatures: white light, natural light, and warm light.
Bower Clip-On LED Ring Light
In the event that you take a video call from your phone (or may you just want to take better selfies?), this clip-on LED ring light from Bower ensures convenient travel and setup, while the 36 LEDs and ultra-wide range allow for perfect shots — even at night, or in dark rooms. The LED ring light features three light level settings making it ideal for photos, photography, make-up, or vlogging.
Evershop Desktop Ring Light
If you’re not keen on attaching the light directly to your computer, a tabletop ring light works just as well. This 8” desktop ring light rotates 360-degrees, and is perfect for live streaming, recording content, and video chatting. It has 10 adjustable brightness levels, and 64 blue light reduction LED Bulbs. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.