Is a ring light worth it for streaming?

Yes—ring lights provide the most flattering, even facial lighting available. They eliminate harsh shadows and create the signature catchlight in eyes that viewers associate with professional content.

Neewer vs Elgato Ring Light—which is better?

The Neewer produces more lumens (brightness) at half the price. The Elgato has better software integration and sleeker design. For pure value, Neewer wins.

What size ring light do I need?

18" is ideal for most creators. It provides full-face illumination from typical desk distances. Smaller 10-12" lights work for tight spaces but create smaller catchlights.

Can I use a ring light for Zoom calls?

Absolutely. Ring lights dramatically improve video call appearance. You'll look more professional than 95% of meeting participants.

Neewer 18" Ring Light Review (2026): Pro-Level Lighting on a Budget

Item: Neewer 18" LED Ring Light Kit
Rating: 4.6
Author: Ben Arp

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Your Zoom calls look like hostage videos. Overhead lighting creates shadows under your eyes. Natural light is inconsistent. You look tired even when you’re not.

What if you could look professionally lit for under $100?

Our verdict: The Neewer 18" Ring Light is the best value lighting solution for streamers, content creators, and anyone who wants to look better on camera.

Our Pick: Neewer 18" LED Ring Light Kit

Neewer 18 Inch Ring Light

Quick take: 240 LED bulbs producing 2065 lumens—brighter than most competitors. Adjustable 3200K-5600K color temperature, included stand, phone holder, and remote. Amazon’s #1 bestseller for a reason.

Best for:

Streamers and YouTubers
Anyone doing video calls regularly
Makeup artists and beauty creators
Portrait photographers

Skip if:

You need portable lighting (get a smaller model)
You want smart home integration (Elgato)
Space is extremely limited

Check Price on Amazon

Why the Neewer Ring Light Stands Out

Maximum Brightness at This Price

2065 lumens from 240 LEDs provides more light output than most competitors, including some priced at 2x. You can light a full face from 3-4 feet easily.

Adjustable Color Temperature

Dial in 3200K (warm) to 5600K (daylight) in 100K increments. Match your ambient lighting or create specific moods. The ability to adjust is crucial for video work.

Complete Kit

Stand, phone holder, remote control, and carrying bag included. You’re ready to shoot immediately without buying accessories.

Superior Remote

The included remote actually works reliably—unlike software-based controls on “smart” competitors that frequently disconnect.

The Honest Downsides

Build Quality Is Budget-Tier

The stand is functional but not premium. Tighten all connections fully, or the light may droop over time with heavier cameras mounted.

Large Footprint

An 18" ring plus stand takes significant floor space. Measure your setup area before buying.

No Software Integration

Unlike Elgato, there’s no app control or scene integration. You adjust settings manually via the included remote.

The Bottom Line

The Neewer 18" Ring Light delivers professional-looking results at a fraction of premium prices. If you’re starting a streaming setup, creating content, or just tired of looking bad on Zoom, this is the best value in lighting.