Is the super-cheap Five Below Ring Light a hidden gem for aspiring content creators, or is it just another gadget destined for the junk drawer? For just a few dollars, it promises to give your selfies, videos, and streams that polished, professional glow. As a lighting professional with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen everything from high-end studio setups to budget-friendly finds. I was skeptical, but for a price that’s less than a cup of coffee, I had to see for myself if this viral gadget could actually deliver. Let’s plug it in and find out if this is the ultimate lighting bargain or simply too good to be true.
What Exactly Is the Five Below Ring Light?
At its core, the Five Below ring light is a compact, USB-powered lighting tool designed for beginners, social media enthusiasts, and anyone needing a quick lighting boost. While specific models may vary slightly, they generally share a common set of features aimed at improving the quality of your front-facing camera shots.
Key Features and Specifications
Most Five Below ring lights come as part of a kit. Here’s what you can typically expect to find in the box:
- A Compact LED Ring: The light itself is usually around 8 to 10 inches in diameter, which is a standard entry-level size. It’s big enough to cast a soft light on your face from a short distance.
- An Adjustable Tripod Stand: The included tripod is often a tabletop model, designed to sit on your desk. It’s typically lightweight and can be adjusted in height, though its range is limited.
- A Universal Phone Holder: A spring-loaded clamp is situated in the middle of the ring to hold your smartphone securely. It’s generally flexible, allowing you to position your phone for both vertical and horizontal shots.
- Multiple Light Modes: Expect to find three standard color temperature settings: warm light, cool white, and a natural daylight mix. Most models also feature adjustable brightness levels, usually around 10, controlled by an in-line remote on the USB cable.
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Our Picks for the Best Ring Light in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STALLY 10.2\" Ring Light with Stand, 75\" Tall Ring Light with Phone Holder and Wireless Remote, 12 Dimming Levels, 32 Color Modes Selfie Light Tripod for iPhone, Live Stream, Makeup, YouTube, TikTok |
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| 2 | Upgraded Ring Light for Laptop, Monitor, Desk & Phone – Eye-Caring LED Webcam Light with Screen-Safe Clip, Adjustable Monitor Mount, 50 Lighting Modes, Computer Light for Zoom, Streaming, Video Calls |
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| 3 | EMART 10\" Ring Light with 55\" Extendable Tripod Stands and Phone Holder, Dimmable LED Circle Round Light for Selfie Camera Photography/Makeup/YouTube Video/Vlogging/Live Streaming |
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| 4 | Aureday 14\'\' Selfie Ring Light with 62\'\' Tripod Stand and Phone Holder, Dimmable LED Phone Ringlight for Makeup/Video Recording/Photography, Circle Lighting for All Cell Phones&Lightweight Cameras |
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| 5 | NEEWER Basics 10\" Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand/3 Phone Holders Compatible with iPhone/3 Cold Shoes/Remote, LED Ringlight Lighting for YouTube TikTok Vlog Video Recording Makeup Streaming, R11 |
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| 6 | Sensyne 10\'\' Ring Light with 50\'\' Extendable Tripod Stand, LED Circle Lights with Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup/YouTube Video/TikTok, Compatible with All Phones |
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| 7 | UBeesize 12\'\' Selfie Ring Light with 62’’ Tripod Stand for Video Recording, Live Streaming(YouTube, Instagram, TIK Tok), Compatible with Phones, Cameras and Webcams |
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| 8 | 10\" Selfie Ring Light with 73\" Tripod Stand & 1 Phone Holder, LED Camera Ringlight with 48 RGB Colors Modes & Musical Rhythm Mode and 12 Brightness Dimmable for TikTok/Makeup/Photography/Vlog |
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| 9 | Weilisi 12\'\' Ring Light with Stand 72\'\' Tall & 2 Phone Holders,38 Color Modes Selfie Light with Tripod Stand, Big LED Ring Light for iPhone/Android/Camera,YouTube,Makeup |
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| 10 | Weilisi 10\" Ring Light with Stand 72\'\' Tall & Phone Holder,38 Color Modes Selfie Light with Tripod Stand,Stepless Dimmable/Speed LED Ring Light for iPhone & Android,YouTube, Makeup,TIK Tok |
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Putting It to the Test: A Hands-On Review
Unboxing and setting up the Five Below ring light is incredibly straightforward. The tripod screws into the base of the ring, and the phone mount clips in easily. It’s powered by a standard USB-A cable, so you can plug it into a laptop, a power bank, or a wall adapter. No complex instructions needed—it’s a true plug-and-play device.
Brightness and Lighting Quality
So, how well does it actually light you up? For its size and price, the brightness is surprisingly decent. When placed about two feet away—a typical distance for vlogging or video calls—it effectively fills in shadows on your face and creates that signature circular catchlight in your eyes.
However, its power is limited. This is not the kind of light that will illuminate a whole room or compete with significant daylight. It’s a personal light source. For a Zoom call in a dim room or a quick TikTok video, it does the job. For professional photography or streaming where high-quality lighting is crucial, it falls short. The light can feel a bit harsh at the highest setting, but for casual use, it’s a massive step up from no lighting at all.
As lighting specialist Olivia Chen puts it, “A budget ring light is the single most effective upgrade for any beginner. It teaches the fundamentals of how direct, soft light can instantly elevate video quality without a major investment.”
Build Quality and Stability
Here is where the low price point becomes most apparent. The entire kit is made of lightweight plastic. The tripod, while functional, feels flimsy. If you have a larger, heavier smartphone, you might find the stand struggles to stay balanced, especially if you extend it to its maximum height. You need to be careful not to knock it over, as a fall could easily damage the plastic components. The phone holder grips reasonably well, but you wouldn’t want to trust it in a busy environment.
Who is the Five Below Ring Light Actually For?
Understanding the target audience is key to appreciating what this product offers. It’s not designed to compete with professional-grade equipment, and that’s perfectly fine.
This ring light is an excellent choice for:
- Young Creators and Kids: It’s an affordable, fun tool for kids and teens wanting to make their first TikTok or YouTube videos.
- Casual Social Media Users: If you just want to improve your selfies or Instagram stories without spending much, this is a great entry point.
- Improving Video Calls: For students and remote workers who need better lighting for Zoom or Teams meetings, this is a simple and effective solution.
- A Backup or Travel Light: Its small size and USB power make it a handy, portable option for when you need a little extra light on the go.
However, this light is not suitable for:
- Professional Photographers or Videographers: The light output and build quality are not sufficient for professional work.
- Serious Streamers or YouTubers: If you stream for hours, you’ll need a more powerful, durable, and versatile lighting setup.
- Makeup Artists: While it can help, a dedicated makeup ring light will offer better color accuracy and brightness.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your $5?
So, should you buy the Five Below ring light? For the right person, absolutely. If you view it as a starter tool or a fun gadget, its value is undeniable. It provides a significant improvement over no lighting and successfully introduces the core benefits of a ring light. It makes your videos look better, plain and simple.
Think of it as the perfect “first step” into the world of content creation. It helps you understand how lighting works without the financial commitment of a more expensive setup. But if you are serious about your craft and demand durability and high performance, you will quickly outgrow it.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable price point
- Easy to set up and use
- Decent brightness for close-up, personal use
- Multiple color and brightness modes
- USB-powered for portability
Cons:
- Flimsy, all-plastic construction
- Tripod can be unstable with heavier phones
- Not bright enough for professional applications
- Limited durability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Five Below ring light good for TikTok videos?
Yes, it’s a great starting tool for TikTok. It provides enough light to make your face clear and bright for typical short-form videos shot in a bedroom or office.
How do you assemble the Five Below ring light?
Assembly is simple. Just screw the tripod base onto the bottom of the ring light, attach the phone holder in the center, and plug in the USB cable.
Is it bright enough for applying makeup?
It can provide some helpful light for makeup application, but it may not be bright or color-accurate enough for detailed or professional work. A dedicated makeup mirror with lights is often a better choice.
Can I use the Five Below ring light with any smartphone?
The adjustable phone holder is designed to fit most standard-sized smartphones, including recent iPhone and Android models. Very large or bulky cases might be a tight fit.
Does it get hot after being on for a long time?
Since it uses LED technology, the ring light produces very little heat and is safe to use for extended periods, like during a long video call or streaming session.
