Getting your lighting right can feel like a secret art form, but it’s the single most important step to elevate your photos and videos from amateur to amazing. For anyone starting their journey in content creation, streaming, or even just wanting to look their best on video calls, the Heyday Ring Light from Target has become a popular and accessible option. But does its budget-friendly price tag mean you have to compromise on quality? As a lighting professional with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of gear, from high-end studio setups to portable kits. I’m here to give you the complete breakdown of this popular ring light, helping you decide if it’s the right tool to make your content shine.
First Impressions: What’s in the Box?
When you first get the heyday ring light, you’ll find a straightforward kit designed for quick setup. Inside the box, you’ll typically find:
- The 10-inch diameter ring light
- An extendable tripod stand
- A universal smartphone mount
- A small Bluetooth remote for hands-free shooting
The light itself feels reasonably well-made for its price point, and the design is clean and minimalistic. The tripod is constructed from aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to move around. It’s a no-fuss package that has everything a beginner needs to get started right away.
Digging into the Key Features
For a product in this price range, the heyday ring light packs a surprising number of useful features. It’s clear that it was designed with the modern creator in mind, focusing on simplicity and functionality.
Adjustable Brightness and Color Temperature
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Our Picks for the Best Ring Light in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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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| 2 | 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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| 3 | 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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| 4 | 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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| 5 | 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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| 6 | 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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| 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 | 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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| 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 | 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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One of the standout features is the ability to control both the brightness and the color temperature. The light offers multiple brightness levels, which you can easily adjust with the inline remote on the USB power cable. This allows you to dial in the perfect amount of light, whether you need a soft, subtle glow or a bright, powerful beam.
It also includes different color temperature modes. This is crucial for matching the ambient light in your room and achieving a natural look. You can switch between a warm, golden tone, a neutral white, and a cool, crisp blueish light. This versatility is fantastic for everything from makeup tutorials, which benefit from cool, accurate light, to cozy vlogs that feel more inviting with a warmer tone.
The Tripod and Phone Mount
The included tripod is impressively versatile. It can be used as a small desktop stand or extended up to 61 inches (about 5 feet) tall. This height is more than enough for most shooting scenarios, whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing. At the top of the tripod, a ball joint allows you to tilt and angle the ring light, giving you precise control over your lighting direction.
The phone mount is positioned in the center of the ring, which is the ideal placement for creating that classic, shadowless look with signature “catchlights” in your eyes. The mount is flexible and can hold most smartphones securely, both vertically and horizontally.
Bluetooth Remote for Easy Shooting
The small Bluetooth remote is a fantastic addition. It connects easily to your phone and allows you to start and stop recording or snap photos from a distance. For solo creators, this is a game-changer, eliminating the need to awkwardly press the record button and rush back into position. It has a reported range of up to 33 feet, giving you plenty of freedom to move around.
Setting Up and Using the Heyday Ring Light
Getting started with the heyday ring light is incredibly simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Assemble the Tripod: Unfold the tripod legs and use the adjustable locks to extend it to your desired height. For stability, especially when fully extended, make sure the legs are spread out as wide as possible.
- Attach the Ring Light: Screw the ring light onto the top of the tripod. If you want to be able to angle the light, make sure to attach the ball joint first.
- Position Your Phone: Place your smartphone into the spring-loaded holder in the center of the light.
- Power It Up: The ring light is powered by a USB-A cable. It’s important to note that it does not come with a power adapter, so you will need to plug it into a USB wall block, a laptop, or a portable power bank.
- Control Your Light: Use the inline remote on the power cord to turn the light on/off, cycle through the different color modes, and adjust the brightness up or down.
“A common mistake beginners make is using too much light,” notes our lead technician at Xmixi, Alex Chen. “With the heyday light, start with the brightness on a lower setting and gradually increase it until you get a soft, flattering look without harsh shadows or blowing out the highlights on your skin.”
Is the Heyday Ring Light the Right Choice for You?
This ring light is an excellent piece of equipment for a specific type of user. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Perfect For:
- Beginner Content Creators: If you’re just starting on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, this light provides a massive upgrade over ambient room lighting without a steep investment.
- Students and Professionals: For anyone who spends a lot of time on Zoom or video calls, this ring light ensures you always look clear and professionally lit.
- Casual Photographers: It’s a great tool for taking well-lit selfies, product photos for online stores, or food pictures.
- Makeup Artists and Enthusiasts: The adjustable color temperatures help in applying makeup with precision, ensuring your look is flawless in any environment.
Potential Limitations:
- Durability Concerns: The most common point of feedback from users is its build quality. While it’s perfectly functional for casual or stationary use, the tripod can feel a bit wobbly when fully extended. Several users have reported issues with stripped screws or broken parts after extended use or travel.
- Brightness for Professional Shoots: While the light is bright enough for most close-up and mid-range shots, it may not be powerful enough to light a larger scene or compete with bright daylight for more professional video shoots.
- Cord Length: The attached USB power cord isn’t exceptionally long, which might limit where you can place it relative to a power source.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I connect the Bluetooth remote to my phone?
A: Turn on the remote (there’s usually a small switch on the side). Then, go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings and look for a device named “heyday” or a similar variation. Select it to pair. The remote should then work with your phone’s native camera app.
Q: Does the heyday ring light work with a professional camera (DSLR)?
A: Yes, the tripod uses a standard 1/4-inch screw mount, which is compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, you would not be able to mount the camera in the center of the ring like a phone. You would have to position the light around the camera. Also, be mindful of the tripod’s stability with a heavier camera.
Q: Can I use the ring light with an iPad or tablet?
A: The included phone holder is not large enough to hold an iPad or tablet. It is specifically designed for smartphones.
Q: Does the ring light get hot after being on for a long time?
A: Since it uses LED lights, the heyday ring light produces very little heat. It is safe to use for extended periods without worrying about it becoming hot to the touch.
Q: Do I need to buy batteries for the light or the remote?
A: The ring light itself is USB-powered and does not require batteries. The Bluetooth remote comes with a small CR2032 coin battery, which is included and replaceable.
The Final Verdict
The heyday ring light is a fantastic entry-level lighting solution that offers incredible value for its price. It successfully democratizes good lighting, making it accessible to aspiring creators, students, and professionals on a budget. The adjustable brightness, multiple color temperatures, and the convenience of a tall tripod and Bluetooth remote are features often found in more expensive kits.
While its build quality may not withstand the rigors of professional, on-the-go use, it is more than adequate for anyone setting up a small home studio or a dedicated space for recording and calls. If you’re looking to take that first major step in improving your visual content, the heyday ring light is an affordable, effective, and highly recommended starting point.
