What Size Ring Light Do I Need?

Ring lights are sold by outer diameter, usually 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, or 18 inches. Bigger rings light more of you with softer light, but they need more power and space. Here is how to pick.

Quick Guide

Size	Best For	Power	Typical Stand	Example
5 to 6 in	Video calls, travel	USB	Clip or short desk stand	Mionondi 5 in, NEEWER BR60
10 in	Phone video, selfies, calls	USB	Tripod to about 50 to 72 in	Weilisi 10 in
12 to 14 in	Phone video, makeup close-ups	USB	Tripod to about 62 in	UBeesize 12 in
18 in	Makeup, portraits, half-body video	Wall adapter	Light stand about 61 to 73 in	NEEWER RL-18

5 to 6 Inch: Calls and Travel

Small rings clip to a laptop or sit on a short stand. They light your face at arm’s length for Zoom and Teams and fit in a bag. They are too small for anything wider than head and shoulders. See best video conference lights.

10 Inch: The All-Rounder

A 10 inch ring on a tripod is the common choice for phone video and selfies. It runs on USB and lights the face and shoulders from a little beyond arm’s length. See best ring lights with stand.

12 to 14 Inch: A Little Wider

12 and 14 inch rings spread the light a bit wider at the same distance and are still USB powered. Some are large enough to put the phone inside the ring. Read our UBeesize 12 inch review.

18 Inch: Studio Size

18 inch rings plug into the wall and put out far more light. They cover the upper body for makeup, portraits, and barber work and need floor space for the stand. See best 18 inch ring lights and our NEEWER RL-18 review.

Other Things That Matter

• Stand height: for standing video, look for about 65 inches or more to the light.
• Power: USB rings may need a 5V/2A or 5V/3A adapter for full brightness.
• Color control: most offer warm, neutral, and cool; some 18 inch rings are fixed daylight with filters.
• Glasses: any ring can reflect in lenses; see how to avoid ring light glare on glasses.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want a natural look for streaming rather than the even ring look, a panel may suit you better. See ring light vs key light.

Example lights: Mionondi 5 Inch Desk Ring Light, Weilisi 10 Inch Ring Light, UBeesize 12 Inch Ring Light, and NEEWER RL-18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 10 inch ring light big enough?

For phone video, selfies, and calls at a desk, yes. For makeup or half-body video, an 18 inch ring covers more.

10 inch vs 18 inch ring light: what is the difference?

An 18 inch ring is larger, brighter, and plugs into the wall. A 10 inch ring is USB powered and portable.

What size ring light is best for makeup?

Many makeup artists use 18 inch rings for wide, even light. A 12 or 14 inch ring works for close-up selfies and tutorials at home.

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