UBeesize Selfie Ring Light Review: Brightness with Caveats
Few budget lighting setups earn over 4.4 stars from thousands of buyers while holding the title of "#1 best seller" — but the UBeesize Selfie Ring Light with Stand and Overhead Mount and Tripod has done exactly that. Across Amazon, Reddit, Trustpilot, and other marketplaces, it scores a solid 8.7/10 for its mix of brightness, adjustability, and portability, with caveats around durability and certain design quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent light quality and flexibility for content creators, but longevity and some hardware fit issues temper enthusiasm. Best suited for vloggers, educators, and makeup artists who value brightness control over industrial-grade build.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright, adjustable light with multiple color temperatures | Some units fail within a year |
| Sturdy, height-adjustable tripod | Phone holder design can be incompatible or flimsy |
| Portable and easy to set up | Tripod can be top-heavy with heavier gear |
| Works well for cooking, arts, beauty, and live streaming | USB power quirks — overheating or flicker if underpowered |
| Bluetooth remote included | Not truly tabletop-friendly for shorter setups |
| Versatile mounting angles | Directions could be clearer |
Claims vs Reality
One bold marketing claim is “all‑angle shooting” thanks to the adjustable metal arm and overhead mount. While this setup impressed craft and cooking vloggers, its utility depends on device weight. A verified Amazon buyer noted: "I can adjust it to my dog's height and take a steady picture without having to hold it in my hand... lighting definitely helps." However, Reddit user experiences highlight that the tripod becomes "lightweight/top heavy" if a heavier camera is mounted.
Another claim — “professional photography light” with 3–5 color temperatures and 10 brightness levels — generally holds true in practice. For beauty and portrait work, users praised the CRI of 95 for accurate colors. One Twitter user enthused, "The light is so bright... exactly what I needed for nail pictures or videos." Yet, Trustpilot entries show this is not a softbox substitute; "bright on one side but not as bright as the soft box on the other side," especially when used farther from the subject.
Finally, portability is pitched as a key feature: folding the 62-inch tripod down to 16 inches. Here, enthusiasm matches reality. Teachers, travelers, and home creators all report stowing it in luggage or cloth bags. "Just as advertised, lightweight and easy to put in my suitcase when I travel," shared one Amazon reviewer — though some wish a single bag could hold both ring light and tripod together.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Brightness control emerges as the star feature. For makeup artists, the adjustable temperatures from warm to cold light mean precise skin tone rendering on camera. One PMU artist on Amazon said: "It’s sturdy, very bright and easy to install." Educators and streamers likewise applauded the ability to fine-tune from 10 to 100% luminance, making webinars and Zoom teaching sessions more polished without extra lamps.
Portability consistently wins points. Community posts mention quick setup in under five minutes, two separate storage bags, and compatibility with carry-on luggage. "Way better decision going portable and smaller ring... fits in my carry on!", reported a content creator on Reddit. For traveling livestreamers, bagged portability enables on-location setups without sacrificing adjustability.
The Bluetooth remote is another cross‑platform favorite. Amazon buyers used it for hands‑free selfies, while TikTok creators valued remote recording without touching their phone mid‑shoot. "Guest can use the remote to take pictures and the light makes it perfect!" said one enthusiastic reviewer. This aids solo shooting, a recurring need among YouTubers and small business marketers.
Common Complaints
Durability is a recurring sore spot. Trustpilot records several units dying just after a year, with “worked as advertised until it stopped working” cropping up multiple times. Some Amazon reviewers encountered manufacturing defects like poorly threaded tripod screws. "The first tripod screw was not completely threaded..." lamented one buyer who had to request a replacement.
Phone holder compatibility can frustrate larger device owners. "The included clip... is completely square so devices slip right off," warns a Reddit post, leading some users to fabricate their own grips. Additionally, not all setups work for tabletop filming; "Unless you are at least 6 ft... this is not table top," complained one would-be makeup vlogger.
USB power and heat issues surface sporadically. Underpowering with a low‑amp wall adapter or PC port can cause flickering or overheating. One Amazon customer recounted unplugging a “super hot, almost melted” charger base after extended use. Compliance with the recommended 5V, 2A power spec is critical to avoid these hazards.
Divisive Features
The tripod’s lightweight construction splits opinion. Travelers and casual phone‑only shooters love it: "Extremely sturdy for how light weight and compact it is," notes a satisfied buyer. But more serious photographers distrust its stability with higher‑end cameras, echoing Reddit’s "not robust enough for heavier equipment."
Size preference is also divided. Some adore the larger 12-inch ring for full-body and beauty shots, others prefer smaller portability. "The 10" looks so small lol," joked one shopper who upgraded, while another insisted "way better going portable and smaller ring."
Trust & Reliability
Digging deeper into long-term reports, durability emerges as the biggest driver of mixed ratings. Trustpilot has multiple "lasted just over a year" stories, often after warranty or return windows expired. This pattern means buyers looking for multi-year reliability might need to temper expectations or invest in sturdier alternatives.
That said, when functioning correctly, many retain high satisfaction over months. Reddit’s "best ring light I’ve had" comment came attached to a six‑month usage story with no degradation in brightness or mechanical stability. Reliability complaints mostly target early-usage defects or limited lifespan, not performance drop-off.
Alternatives
Within the same brand, the UBeesize 10’’ model is a lower‑cost option at the expense of ring size and output power. Trustpilot and Reddit describe it as "not as bright as a soft box" but sufficient for casual conference lighting. For those prioritizing small footprint and quick apartment setups, it’s cheaper but less impactful for beauty close‑ups.
Competitively, socialite ring lights get mentions, but buyers note fewer lighting adjustments compared to UBeesize’s temperature controls. "I didn't get as many features with the light color adjustments," a Reddit reviewer explained, making the comparison more about control vs. simplicity.
Price & Value
Current pricing from Amazon shows the 12-inch kit at $44.99 (sale) versus $49.99 list. eBay resale pricing for smaller models ranges around $17–$20, indicating moderate resale potential but not strong value retention — suggesting purchasing new during markdowns is smarter than buying used.
Community buying tips emphasize grabbing bundles with both ring and tripod included, ensuring cold shoe mounts are part of the kit. Many see it as “worth the price” for the feature set, especially with extra accessories like dual phone clips and remotes.
FAQ
Q: Can the tripod hold heavier cameras?
A: It’s optimized for phones, webcams, and lightweight cameras. Heavier gear may cause stability issues; several users reported top-heavy wobble when using DSLRs.
Q: Is it suitable for tabletop filming?
A: Not directly — at its lowest, it still sits tall. Unless you’re over 6 ft or adjust your filming station, shorter setups might require a second, smaller tripod.
Q: How important is the recommended power adapter?
A: Vital. Using less than 5V, 2A can cause flicker or overheating. Users have reported charger bases becoming hot when underpowered.
Q: Does the Bluetooth remote work with all phones?
A: Most smartphones with Bluetooth support will pair easily, but pairing reliability can vary. Amazon reviewers note occasional remote glitches.
Q: Can it be used outdoors?
A: Yes, many travel creators report outdoor setups, though wind can affect stability due to tripod weight.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a content creator, teacher, or beauty professional needing portable, adjustable lighting with decent build quality for phones or light cameras. Avoid if you require guaranteed multi‑year durability or plan to mount heavy gear. Pro tip from the community: pair it with a high‑amp adapter and always test your phone holder before live shoots.
