TL;DR: This 2-in-1 clip-on ring light with phone holder eliminates bad webcam lighting for under $18. Flexible gooseneck, adjustable brightness, and zero desk footprint.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Clip-on ring light + phone holder |
| Arm | Flexible gooseneck |
| Modes | 3 color temps, 10 brightness levels |
| Power | USB powered |
| Original Price | $37.60 |
| Sale Price | $17.67 (53% off) |
| Units Sold | 100+ |
| Rating | 97.6% positive |
| Store | AliExpress Store |
Clips onto your desk edge — no stand taking up space.
Why does lighting matter so much for video calls?
After two years of WFH, I realized my colleagues could barely see my face during Zoom calls. My room has one window behind me, so I was basically a silhouette on camera. A proper ring light fixes this instantly, but most desktop ring lights cost $25-50 and take up valuable desk space with their tripod stands. This AliExpress clip-on version for $17.67 caught my eye because it clamps to the desk and includes a phone holder — two problems solved with one gadget.
How's the light quality for video calls?
Three color temperature modes: warm (3000K), neutral (4500K), and cool (6500K). Each has 10 brightness levels, giving you 30 total combinations. For Zoom calls, I use the neutral setting at about 60% brightness — it gives a natural, flattering light without washing out skin tones. The difference on camera is dramatic. I went from "is your camera off?" to "wow, your lighting looks great" comments.
The LEDs are evenly distributed around the ring, so there's no harsh shadow from one direction.
Is the gooseneck arm flexible enough?
Very flexible. The gooseneck bends in any direction and holds its position firmly. I have it positioned just above my monitor, angled down at about 45 degrees toward my face. It stays exactly where I put it — no sagging over time. The arm is about 24 inches long, which gives you plenty of reach from the desk edge.
The phone holder is a nice bonus for TikTok or Instagram content creation, though I mainly use it for the ring light alone.
How does the price compare to alternatives?
| Source | Price |
|---|---|
| AliExpress (sale) | $17.67 |
| AliExpress (regular) | $37.60 |
| Amazon (similar clip-on) | $20~40 |
| Amazon (tripod ring light) | $25~50 |
At 53% off, this undercuts comparable Amazon clip-on lights. And you're not paying for a bulky tripod you don't need.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Under $18 for ring light + phone holder
- 3 color temps x 10 brightness levels
- Clip-on design saves desk space
- Flexible gooseneck holds position
- USB powered — plug into laptop or adapter
- 97.6% positive rating
Cons
- Not bright enough for professional photography
- Phone holder clamp is tight for larger phones with cases
- Gooseneck can be stiff to adjust initially
- No remote control — buttons on the ring only
- USB cable is short (~1 meter)
Who should buy this ring light?
- Remote workers who look dark on Zoom/Teams calls
- Content creators doing TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram on a budget
- Streamers who need front-facing light without a tripod
- Students in online classes with poor room lighting
- Anyone who wants better selfie lighting at their desk
Does it work with webcams or just phones?
It works as a general desk light, so it illuminates your face regardless of what camera you're using. Position it near your webcam (built-in or external) and it lights you from the front. The phone holder is optional — you can clip just the ring light to your desk without using the phone mount.
Is this ring light worth buying overall?
For $17.67, it's the simplest way to look 10x better on video calls. The clip-on design means no desk clutter, and the adjustable gooseneck makes positioning effortless. If bad lighting is making you look like a witness protection interview on Zoom, this fixes it instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this ring light without the phone holder attachment?
Yes, the phone holder is removable. You can use just the ring light clipped to your desk for webcam illumination without the phone mount.
Q: Does it get hot after extended use?
LED ring lights generate minimal heat. After 3+ hours of continuous use, the ring gets barely warm to the touch — nowhere near uncomfortable or dangerous.
Q: Will it work with a monitor arm or shelf edge?
The clamp fits surfaces up to about 2 inches (5cm) thick. Monitor arms, shelves, and desk edges all work as long as there's a flat clamping surface.
What are some similar alternatives?
- USB-C Hub Docking Station — 11-Port Hub for Desk Setup
- Headphone Stand Holder — 360° Rotating Desk Clamp
- Laptop Stand Adjustable — Aluminum Foldable Stand
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