Best lights for Zoom calls in 2024: look smart on camera with desktop lighting

Razer Ring Light
(Image credit: James Artaius)

With the best lights for Zoom calls, you can make a real difference to the quality of your video conferencing. Particularly useful for those who frequently conduct external calls with clients, a good light is an expensive way to make your home or office call setup look more professional – and make yourself look nicer into the bargain.

If you’ve already spent money on the best 4K webcam, it makes sense to invest in lighting too. The best lights for Zoom calls that we've picked for this list are powered by LEDs, due to their longevity, reliability, and low energy consumption.

Below, we've listed the best Zoom lights you can buy right now. And we've included all the information to help you make the right choice for your needs, including links to our full reviews where our team have put the lights through their paces.

Gareth Bevan headshot
Gareth Bevan

Gareth is the Reviews Editor at Digital Camera World, and the person in charge of approving all the latest camera-related tech, which means he spends a lot of his time in Zoom meetings, and as a photographer, he understands the difference good lighting can make.

The Quick List

Best lights for Zoom calls in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best overall light for Zoom calls

(Image credit: James Artaius)
The best ring light for Zoom calls

Specifications

Color temperature: 3,000K / 4,500K / 6,500K
Power source: USB
Dimensions: 300mm outer diameter, 241mm inner diameter
Weight: 260g

Reasons to buy

+
Superior light quality
+
Sturdy and robust
+
Excellent tripod 

Reasons to avoid

-
USB power only
Buy it:

✅ If you want exceptional light quality and softly diffused light to cast your face in the most attractive manner possible.
✅ The included tripod and remote are incredibly convenient for use during Zoom calls or while streaming.

Don't buy it:

❌ The Razer 12-inch ring light, while offering great features, may be on the pricier side compared to other ring lights available in the market.
❌ The 12-inch size may not be suitable for everyone's needs if you require a larger or smaller ring light.

Looking to ensure you always look your best in videos or virtual meetings? Content creators such as YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and TikTokers often rely on a ring light to achieve a consistent, flattering lighting setup. 

The 12-inch model from Razer is a top choice for achieving this effect. The ring light offers exceptional light quality, softly diffusing to cast your face in the most attractive manner possible. The included tripod is not only sturdy and substantial but also provides the stability needed for your lighting setup. 

Moreover, the wired remote feature allows you to effortlessly adjust the brightness and switch between three color temperatures with just one hand. This means that you can discreetly make adjustments during your Zoom calls or while streaming without drawing attention to yourself, allowing you to always put your best face forward. 

Overall, this ring light is designed to be user-friendly, and well-crafted, and offers superior performance for its price, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking to elevate their content creation or video call experience.

Read our Razer Ring Light review for more details

Best premium ring light for Zoom calls

(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
The best ring light for Zoom calls if money's no object

Specifications

Color temperature: 3200-5600K
Power source: Li-Ion batteries, mains
Dimensions: 53.3 x 43.2 x 61cm
Weight: 99g

Reasons to buy

+
High quality output
+
Mains or battery
+
6.5-foot light stand included

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than rivals
Buy it:

✅ If you need exceptional brightness and color temperature range for perfect lighting conditions.
✅ If you are looking for a bright light with a long battery life for extended zoom sessions.

Don't buy it:

❌ The Lume Cube Wireless ring light may not be the best choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly option.
❌ If you do not require the advanced features offered by this top-of-the-line ring light consider less feature-packed products.

Considering stretching your budget for a top-of-the-line ring light? Enter the Lume Cube Wireless ring light – a powerhouse packed with premium features designed to elevate your lighting game. Compared to the Razer Ring Light, which holds the number one spot on our list, the Lume Cube Wireless ring light boasts a larger diameter of 18 inches, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a more substantial lighting setup.

The brightness of the Lume Cube Wireless ring light is remarkable, and its two included batteries offer an impressive run time of up to 1.5 hours at full brightness, ensuring that your lighting needs are met for extended periods. Alternatively, if you prefer a continuous power source, the option to run it off the mains is also available.

One standout feature of the Lume Cube Wireless ring light is its built-in 3200-5600K color temperature range, which allows for seamless adjustments to achieve the perfect lighting conditions for any situation. The high brightness levels also play a crucial role in minimizing shadows and reducing facial imperfections, ultimately resulting in a more flattering and professional look. The LED readout for settings further adds to the ease of use and versatility.

Additionally, the package includes a convenient carry case, a 6.5-foot stand, and versatile mounts suitable for iPhones, other smartphones, digital cameras, and action cameras weighing up to 10 lbs. 

In truth, the Lume Cube Wireless ring light may be considered overkill for casual Zoom calls, but its capabilities truly shine, and it could be considered an investment for a wide range of lighting purposes.

Read our Lume Cube Wireless ring light review for more details

Best quick setup light for Zoom calls

(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
The best light for Zoom calls for easy setup

Specifications

Color temperature: 3200-5600K
Power Source: Built-in battery or USB
Weight: 85g (Panel Mini)
Dimensions: 90.9 x 55.3 x 11.4mm (Panel Mini)

Reasons to buy

+
Handy suction-cup mount
+
Can run off USB
+
Incredibly light and portable

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than other options
Buy it:

✅ The versatile mounting options allow for easy and creative placement.
✅ Outstanding light quality with customizable brightness and color temperature settings.

Don't buy it:

❌ If you need a large light for a lot of power.
❌ If you have nothing to suction the light to, and prefer a more traditional lighting setup on a tripod.

If you're not too fussed about the extra features of a ring light and simply want a reliable and affordable light for your Zoom calls that is also quick and hassle-free to set up, then the Lume Cube Video Conferencing Kit may just be the perfect solution for you. This kit includes the fantastic Panel Mini LED, along with a handy suction cup that gives you the flexibility to mount it onto almost any surface with ease.

Although it's an obvious choice to place the light at the top of your laptop or computer monitor, its versatility allows for a range of mounting options. You could get creative and affix it to a wall for a soft sidelight, or perhaps attach it to a tall piece of furniture to create a unique ambiance. The possibilities are indeed abundant.

The quality of the light is outstanding. The Lume Cube Video Conferencing Kit offers a wide range of brightness and color temperature settings, allowing you to effortlessly customize the lighting to your preference. 

Furthermore, the built-in battery means you won't be tied down by cords, but should the battery run low, the included USB-C to USB-A cable allows you to easily connect the panel to your computer for continuous power. This eliminates the worry of your light dying in the middle of an important video call.

Read our full Lume Cube Wireless ring light review for more details

Best cheap light for zoom calls

Joby Beamo Studio LED light

(Image credit: George Cairns / Digital Camera World)
A budget-friendly studio lighting kit that's perfect for calls

Specifications

Color temperature: 3200K±10% ; 6500K±10% ; 5600K ±10%
Power Source: USB
Weight: 1800g (full kit)
Dimensions: 940 x 190 x 255 mm (box)

Reasons to buy

+
Soft and strong key light source
+
Color temperature adjustments
+
12-color background lighting
+
Tilt-able lights and flexible smartphone mount

Reasons to avoid

-
No internal battery so lights require tethering via USB cable
Buy it if:

✅ If you need an affordable, good-value kit for improving the light in your calls – it's a good option for presentations
✅ You might want to add extra accessories like a mic to improve audio quality, which is easy to do (though of course comes with costs)

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something with battery power that can be positioned independently – the Beamo needs USB power.
❌ You want the ring-light look – this is a flat panel, not a ring light.

A small, affordable lighting kit designed for content creators, the Joby Beamo Studio Deluxe Lighting Kit could also be the ideal solution for your Zoom calls and video conferences. It makes it easy to set up a basic ‘two-point’ key and fill ‘modeling’ light, giving your face a more three-dimensional look. The diffuse key light also provides a flattering light that removes harsh shadows, smoothing wrinkles.

This might sound like overkill for Zoom calls, and it may be for some people – but hey, you're here looking for Zoom call lighting, so we have to assume you're more bothered than the average person about what you look like on a video conference. If you do a lot of professional presentations, particularly ones to external stakeholders, the Joby Beamo Studio Deluxe Lighting Kit is a brilliantly inexpensive way to make your home or office setup look more slick and professional.

In testing, we were impressed by the kit. It's easy to set up, and in terms of production value for the money you've spent, it's pretty unbeatable. One thing to bear in mind is that the kit doesn't have a built-in battery – it needs to be hooked up to a USB power source in order to work. This isn't too much of a problem when you're likely going to be using it on your desk anyway, but it's something to be aware of.

Also, if you want to further upgrade your setup – adding an additional light, say, or a microphone to improve audio – there are cold shoe slots that make it easy to do so.

Read our full Joby Beamo Studio Deluxe Lighting Kit review

Best money no object light for Zoom calls

(Image credit: Rotolight)
The best light for Zoom calls if money's no object

Specifications

Color temperature: 3150-6300K
Power Source: AA batteries or Mains
Weight: 354g (Rotolight NEO 2)
Dimensions: 145 x 50mm (Rotolight NEO 2)

Reasons to buy

+
No flicker
+
Incredibly versatile
+
Great accessories

Reasons to avoid

-
Over-specced for just Zoom
Buy it:

✅ If you need very soft, flattering lighting for video calls with a professional look and minimal harsh shadows
✅ If you need a color temperature range from 3150K to 6500K to ensure accurate color representation.

Don't buy it:

❌ For typical video calls, the NEO 3 may seem like overkill due to its extensive features and capabilities.
❌ A hefty price tag is hard to swallow, and its predecessor, NEO 2, is more affordable.

The Rotolight NEO 3 is undeniably one of the most prestigious names in the realm of video lighting. While this lighting kit may come with a hefty price tag, its inclusion of the Rotolight NEO 3 is certainly a game-changer. This state-of-the-art lighting solution allows you to effortlessly set up professional-quality, soft, and flattering lighting for your video calls. The fully dimmable set of LEDs offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to white-balance from 3150K to 6500K, ensuring that your colors are accurately represented regardless of the lighting conditions.

It's important to note that for typical Zoom calls, this kit may seem like overkill – and truthfully, it might be. The NEO 3 boasts a full-color range in both constant modes, complete with an expansive array of electronic color filters and special effects, all accessible through a user-friendly color touchscreen menu. While the maximum flash output may not quite measure up to that of a traditional flashgun, it still serves as an excellent solution for those seeking to enhance both their stills and video capture with some additional illumination.

Despite its compact size, the NEO 3 shines as a powerful and incredibly versatile constant LED light, marking a significant improvement from its predecessor, the NEO 2. However, for savvy consumers, it's worth noting that the introduction of the NEO 3 has led to the NEO 2 being available at a more budget-friendly price point, making it an appealing option for those who are cost-conscious.

Read our full Rotolight NEO 3 review for more details

Best portable panel for zoom calls

(Image credit: Future)
Great for Zoom calls and plenty more besides

Specifications

Color temperature: 2700-7500K
Power Source: Li-ion battery, USB-C
Weight: 209g
Dimensions: 15.1 x 8 x 1.1cm

Reasons to buy

+
Pocketable smartphone form factor
+
Lume Cube Control app works well
+
Suitably bright for most applications
+
Full-color spectrum & broad color temp
+
Packed with features
+
Dedicated on/off switch
+
Solidly built

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited effects customization
-
Lock button can be unintentionally triggered
-
Onboard controls can be a bit fiddly
Buy it:

✅ If you need a bright yet even beam of light ideal for video calls.
✅ If you want creative and customizable lighting, it offers a spectrum of colors.

Don't buy it:

❌ It may not be as budget-friendly as some other options on the market.
❌ Lots of similar products out there with the same features for less money.

The Lume Cube RGB Panel Pro 2.0 is truly a standout when it comes to portable LED lights. Whether you're using it for your regular Zoom calls or you need reliable lighting for photo or video tasks, this light has you covered. While it may not be as budget-friendly as some other options on the market, the durability and performance of Lume Cube products are top-notch, and the Panel Pro 2.0 is no exception.

One of the first things you'll notice about this light is its impressive brightness. The size of the panel allows it to emit a bright yet even beam of light, making it ideal for creating flattering lighting for your video calls. 

In addition to producing standard white light, this panel offers an endless spectrum of colors, opening up a world of creative possibilities for your lighting setups. And with its built-in battery, it is a truly portable lighting solution that can go anywhere and when it's out of juice, can be hooked up to a power bank to keep on shining.

Read our full Lume Cube RGB Panel Pro 2.0 review for more details

Best value light for zoom calls

(Image credit: George Cairns / Digital Camera World)
Best portable LED for camera-mounted illumination on YouTube shoots

Specifications

Color temperature: 2500-8500K
Weight: 7.02 ounces
Dimensions: 14 x 73 x 130 mm
Battery performance: 5 hours
Lighting effects: 12 presets
Output: 1580 Lux
CRI: 98+
TLCI: 98+

Reasons to buy

+
Solidly built 
+
Fast charging
+
Bright output

Reasons to avoid

-
There are cheaper, similar-looking panels
-
The special effects are not particularly useful on most Zoom calls
Buy it:

✅ Its sturdy metal construction gives it a substantial and durable feel.
✅ Its affordable price point offers comparable quality to higher-priced brands.

Don't buy it:

❌ If you need a bright panel then there are larger more powerful options.
❌ It doesn't have as soft of a diffusion as other larger or more expensive lighting solutions.

The RM120 stands out to me for a few reasons. Firstly, its construction really impressed me. Unlike many other lightweight and flimsy plastic LED panels, this one felt more substantial and sturdier due to its metal body. However, the build quality is not reflected in the price, with the panel being relatively affordable against some of the big-name brands like Lume Cube (see above).

The OLED display on the rear is also a very useful feature. This display makes it incredibly convenient to navigate through the various modes that this panel has to offer. Control is easy using the main dial at the side, and this dial also serves as a mode-changing button, for quickly jumping between the panel's white light and color hues.

A 1/4 threaded hole at the bottom of the panel allows for versatile mounting options, whether it's on a stand, tripod, or using the supplied cold shoe adapter to attach it above a DSLR or mirrorless camera for a professional zoom setup.

While this panel might be designed for content creators, positioned behind your monitor it is a simple, effective, and affordable way to add some additional lighting to your zoom setup.

Read our full SmallRig RM120 review for more details

How we test lights for Zoom calls

At Digital Camera World, we test a huge variety of photo and video equipment, including cameras, lenses, and accessories such as LED panels. 

Our process involves both real-world and lab testing – for LED panels, we measure brightness output and compare it to the manufacturer's claims to see how well the product stacks up. 

We also look at portability, color temperature range, lighting modes, and other factors to assess how useful the LED panel will be to working photographers and videographers. 

Learn more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World.

Gareth Bevan
Reviews Editor

Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.

With contributions from