A ring light with phone holder is a circular LED light designed to evenly illuminate a subject (you, in most cases), often used for makeup tutorials, selfies, live streaming, or vlogging. The phone holder mounts in the center (or close to center) of the ring so your phone camera gets more uniform, flattering light with fewer harsh shadows.
Such lights often offer:
Multiple color temperature modes (warm, cool, neutral)
Brightness/dimming control
Adjustable tripod or stand
A phone mount (rotatable or flexible)
USB (or AC) power
Even, flattering lighting: Because the phone (or camera lens) sits in the center of the ring, the light is cast evenly around the face, reducing shadows. This is ideal for makeup, face-focused videos, or live streaming.
Adjustable brightness & color temperature: The ability to switch between warm and cool light and alter brightness helps you match ambient lighting or skin tone and create different moods.
Compact and easy to set up: Most ring lights are lightweight, user-friendly, with quick assembly. You don’t usually need complex mounts or extra reflectors.
Built-in phone holder convenience: Having the phone holder incorporated means you don’t need to rig something else or guess placement—you can align it right in the circle.
Versatility: You can use them for more than just face/videos: product shots, small object photography, live streaming, makeup, tutorials, etc.
Brightness limits: Budget ring lights may not be bright enough in well-lit or outdoor settings. They can struggle to overpower strong sunlight or ambient room lighting.
Power dependency / tethering: Many ring lights require continuous power (USB or plug-in). If you’re in a place without reliable power, it becomes a limitation.
Phone holder restrictions: The holder may not accommodate very large phones or those in bulky protective cases. It can also be tight or stiff in some units.
Hotspot / glare issues: Especially with glasses, the ring’s reflection might appear in the lenses. Also, if the LEDs are not diffused well, you might see hotspots (bright spots) instead of smooth light.
Stability: The tripod or stand must be sturdy. Cheap legs may wobble, especially with heavier phones or in uneven environments.
Color temperature range: Some ring lights only offer 2–3 fixed tones instead of a smooth gradient. That limits your control over fine lighting adjustments.