The 4 Best Tripod for iPhones of 2024

Weight: 12.7 oz | Min/Max Height: 15.5"/31"

The Joby GripTight Pro Telepod is one of our all-time favorite tripods. This is our go-to model for when we need a bit more height for our smartphone photoshoots. Though it doesn't quite reach standing height, it still towers over many of its competitors. It feels solidly built, and it's compact enough when folded up to easily fit in a purse. It doubles as a selfie stick and has a solid smartphone mount, as well as a GoPro adapter. We appreciate that it's one of the more intuitive tripods to operate — particularly given its extensive array of features and functions.

Unfortunately, we found that one of Joby's greatest assets — its height — can also be a significant weakness. At full extension, it's fairly wobbly, and we found that even the slightest bump was enough to send a phone tumbling to the ground. We're also not sold on the locking system. Despite these flaws, we still think this is a stellar option for anyone who wants a taller tripod that can also operate as a selfie stick — just don't expect it to hold a heavy DSLR. If you're looking for something more compact without sacrificing stability, check out the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Mount. It's an inexpensive option that stashes away easily and works great with smartphones.

Weight: 7.5 oz | Min/Max Height: 3.9"/7.8"
If you're looking for a top-tier tripod for your smartphone, we think the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Kit is the clear choice. This model is exceptionally portable, easy to use, and takes under a minute to set up before it's holding your phone securely in position. The PIXI has a standard ¼" threaded mount, which makes it directly compatible with most DSLRs, as well as an included smartphone clamp and a GoPro mount. Even better, the included smartphone holder can double as a phone stand when detached from the tripod. The tripod feels quite solid and packs down small enough to easily fit in a purse or backpack.

The PIXI, however, is a rather diminutive product, meaning that you will need to set it on a table or other object for the vast majority of your photos. This makes it considerably less versatile than a full-extension tripod model. Of course, if you mainly shoot indoors, this may be a non-issue. All in all, we think the user-friendly and highly portable PIXI is the best choice for most people hoping to take their smartphone photography to the next level. If you need a tripod with more mounting accessibility, an alternative is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit. The Joby is ideal for wrapping around objects and uneven surfaces, as well as being DSLR compatible.

Weight: 11.31 lbs | Min/Max Height: 29.5"/61"

For a deluxe option for your next smartphone photo or video shooting session, check out the Neewer Ring Light Kit. This tripod has just about all the bells and whistles you could hope for, including an 18" dimmable ring light with diffusers. It extends to 61 inches and feels decently durable, securely holding your phone even when it's extended to full height. It provides very even light, includes both white and orange color filters, and didn't induce any LED flicker in any of our test videos, making it a great choice for recording your next video or vlog.

The extra features, however, make the initial assembly process rather taxing. The subsequent setups and breakdowns are much easier, but it still takes a bit more work than any of the pocket tripods. The Neewer Ring Light Kit is also quite large and cumbersome when unfolded — enough to literally take over a small room. Although it packs down into its included carrying case, we don't think it's the best option for traveling. The ball head on the phone mount also seems like it is a little more flimsy compared to the rest of the tripod. It might be overkill if you're aspirations don't extend past casual use, but this is one of our favorite options to recommend to those who are more serious about shooting content with their smartphone. For more casual users, a more compact option such as the BZE 40-Inch Selfie Stick may be worth considering.

Weight: 6.4 oz | Min/Max Height: Fixed Flex (10.6" Max)

Our first recommendation for a convenient and versatile tripod on a budget is the UBeesize Tripod S. This inexpensive model uses three segmented legs to provide flexible support for your phone. You can wrap these legs around objects or bend them to any angle to achieve the position you need, making the UBeesize exceptionally versatile and a great travel option. Setup is quick and straightforward, and this model includes a Bluetooth remote for remote shutter functions and a threaded post for mounting to a DSLR or other camera.

However, we weren't overly enamored with this tripod's build quality. We found the components to be middle-of-the-road at best, and we aren't sure how well it would hold up to years of use. Depending on how you configure the legs, this tripod can be decently stable, but we wouldn't count on it to hold a heavier and more expensive DSLR. It's a great budget travel option that offers a ton of versatility, but it doesn't quite compare to some of the other models if you're seeking something for daily use. If durability is your main concern, another option that we like for its ultra portability and simple function is the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand.

Weight: 4 oz | Min/Max Height: Fixed Flex (6")

If you're seeking a simple, stable tabletop tripod that won't break the bank, the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Mount is a very viable option. This exceptionally compact and easy-to-use tripod sets up in seconds and is one of our favorite options for taking smartphone photos. It seems reasonably durable and can quickly be stowed away in a pocket or purse when not in use. You can even repurpose this product to serve as an adapter to make a traditional tripod compatible with a smartphone.

This tiny tripod needs to be set on a table or other solid item for most photos, so it's not quite as versatile as a flexible leg tripod that can be wrapped around poles or railings. Its plastic construction also doesn't feel as durable as comparable metal options. Despite these flaws, we think it's a great value option to elevate the quality of your smartphone photos, and we highly recommend it to anyone shopping on a budget. If you happen to already own a tripod and would prefer to buy a smartphone adapter, the DaVoice Cell Phone Tripod Adapter Mount is another budget-friendly option.

Weight: 13.7 oz | Min/Max Height: Fixed Flex (12")

The Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit is a solid smartphone tripod that is very versatile, though it can be somewhat difficult to use. The three flexible legs can wrap around objects and offer a wide range of adjustments to help you set up the perfect shot. It's also DSLR-compatible and seems built to last. It took almost no time to set up, and the built-in level is a huge help when adjusting the legs. Although it's portable enough to fit into a large backpack or purse, you'll definitely notice it while walking around.

We noticed, however, that the flexible legs are a little unwieldy and can take some practice to get set up stably and securely. This tripod is also so short that you will need to put it on a table or wrap it around a taller object if you want to take photos at eye level. It's a great option if you like tripods with flexible legs and want a burly one, but otherwise, you might be served better by some of the other options out there.

Weight: 1.6 oz | Min/Max Height: 3.3"

The Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand is an exceptionally compact and portable tripod that can easily fit in a purse, pocket, or even a keyring. It's a high-quality stand with an aluminum ball head that seems like it can take some abuse, and it's incredibly fast and easy to set up. Although it is one of the most portable options we've tried to date, it's also one of the most limited.

We feel that the GripTight ONE Micro Stand is just barely a step above a phone stand. It can't hold a typical DSLR, collapsing under the weight of anything more than a phone or a small point-and-shoot camera. Its short stature also limits your shooting, requiring you to place it on a table or other stand if you're trying to take photos close to eye level, though you can remove the adapter and add it to a traditional tripod. It's a good choice if you want a bare-bones ultralight tripod, but the lack of features limits its usefulness otherwise. For those looking for a more versatile option as well as more stability, take another look at our top pick Joby GripTight Pro Telepod.

Weight: N/A | Min/Max Height: N/A

The DaVoice Cell Phone Tripod Adapter Mount is a good option if you are attached to your current tripod and don't want to purchase a separate smartphone-specific model. Sporting a standard ¼" threaded adapter, the DaVoice easily connects to most tripods. Its spring clamp phone mount should be able to handle devices anywhere from 2.17" to 3.37", and it features rubberized padding to hold it securely in place and to reduce the chance of scratching your phone. This spring clamp system means it takes only seconds to install your phone, so it can be attached to most tripods in less than a minute.

Unfortunately, the DaVoice doesn't feel very durable to us, and its components don't inspire confidence. Both the spring clamp system and the rubber pull tab seem like they have the potential to wear out fairly quickly. It's an alright option if you're looking for an inexpensive way to make your existing tripods compatible with a smartphone, but otherwise, we would suggest a different tripod for most people.

Weight: 7 oz | Min/Max Height: 8"/40"

In theory, the BZE 40-Inch Selfie Stick seems like a good design, but we feel it has been executed somewhat poorly. This combination tripod/selfie stick is decently versatile. In tripod mode, it offers almost enough height for you to get away with setting it on the ground and passing as an acceptable selfie stick. It folds down into a reasonably compact package that isn't too bad to carry around and has a remote for triggering the shutter.

Unfortunately, that's about all the nice things we can say about the BZE. We think the construction seems very shoddy, with the tripod seemingly fighting you whenever you try to extend or collapse it. We also saw plenty of other users complaining about the connection between the remote and the phone or the remote battery failing to charge. We also found that the telescoping portion collapses under the weight of a DSLR. All in all, we think this is a fairly mediocre product that might work if you're shopping for a combo product or on a tight budget, but that's about it. If you have the funds and are looking for a complete setup, we recommend the Neewer Ring Light Kit.

Why Trust GearLab

To settle on a selection of products, we first dove into the market, doing our due diligence in research to discover what was out there. After settling on the 9 products in this review, we created a test plan to compare and contrast them. To test these smartphone tripods, we took hundreds of photos, setting each tripod up and breaking them down dozens of times. We evaluated and timed how long the setup process took for each, as well as ranked and scored their convenience and ease of use. In addition to scoring their stability with various smartphones, we also tested the compatible models out with a DSLR, noting if we would trust each tripod with the much heavier and more expensive camera. Finally, we also assessed the durability of each product by looking at how well each tripod held up to our rigorous testing process and conducting a widespread audit of existing customer comments to see if there were any common complaints.

Laura Casner heads up our expert team when it comes to testing and reviewing tripods for iPhones and other smartphones. She has over a decade of professional photography experience and is always looking for creative ways to document her travels using all the available tools, from smartphones to high-end DSLRs. She is well-versed — and well-opinionated — when it comes to tripods and other camera gear and accessories, having used a wide variety on hundreds of shoots ranging from an epic 5-day cross-country trip documenting ultrarunners to the summit of Mt. Whitney to large-scale commercial endeavors for clients like Neutrogena or Patagonia.

Analysis and Test Results

Our photography experts split our side-by-side tests into four weighted rating metrics: ease of use, portability, stability, and durability. The top tripod performances in each metric are highlighted below.

Ease of Use

Our most significant round of tests focused on how convenient and easy to operate each tripod was. We timed how long it took to take each tripod from fully compacted to fully extended, noting any particularly troublesome spots. We also compared how versatile each tripod was, seeing if you can use them as a selfie stick or if they are tall enough for standalone use.

Immediately, both the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod and the Joby Flexible GorillaPod 3K Kit stood out to us as being exceptionally user-friendly. It usually took us less than a minute to set up these tripods, and they double as a selfie stick — albeit a short one.

However, we found that we usually had to place these tripods on a table or other object for most shots since neither can extend high enough to reach eye level when placed directly on the ground.

The flexible legs on the Joby Flexible GorillaPod also supply a ton of versatility, allowing you to attach it to all sorts of things. However, it can take some extra time to get them adjusted and stable when using it as a tripod — particularly with larger devices.

The Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Mount and the Manfrotto PIXI Mini are also exceptionally user-friendly and easy to use and usually only take seconds to set up. Keep in mind, however, that this pair needs to be placed on another object to get enough height in many cases, meaning they require a bit more planning and effort to compose your shot.

Although the Neewer Ring Light Kit takes a decent amount of time for the initial setup, we were pleasantly surprised by how quick it is to set up and break down after that. The dimmable light makes it much easier to dial in the perfect shot as well, saving you time during your photoshoots. However, it's a more complicated design, so it still takes longer than the miniature tripods.

The DaVoice Cell Phone Tripod Adapter is a quick and easy way to convert an existing tripod to smartphone use. It has a spring-loaded clamp that makes attaching and removing your phone a breeze.

The remaining tripods aren't overly difficult to set up, but we found that their latching and telescoping mechanisms operate much less smoothly than the top-tier tripods, making them a bit harder to use. In particular, we found the BZE Selfie Stick Tripod to be the most difficult, with its telescoping section causing a hassle seemingly every time we tried to adjust it.

Portability

Next, we focused on the portability of these products by examining their packed size, weight, and if they included any carrying cases or bags to make them easier to travel with. The Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip, the Manfrotto PIXI Mini, and the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand all took top marks in this metric for their exceptionally portable nature. The Joby GripTight ONE is the lightest of this trio, tipping the scales at just over 1.5 ounces, closely followed by the Square Jellyfish at 4 ounces, and the PIXI Mini at 7.5 ounces. These tripods could all easily fit in a purse or bag, and the Joby GripTight ONE could even fit in a larger pocket.

The Joby GripTight Pro TelePod weighs a bit more than the smallest tripods, but we're still impressed with how portable it is — especially given that it can telescope up considerably higher than the tabletop models.

The UBeesize Tripod S and the Joby Flexible GorillaPod are both fairly portable but more cumbersome to carry. Neither folds up that much, so they would only fit in a very large purse or backpack. They're also heavy enough that you'll probably notice the added weight.

The Neewer Ring Light Kit isn't super light or compact when folded up, but it wasn't bad to carry. It packs into a convenient travel case, but we wouldn't necessarily want to tote it on a long trek.

Stability

Our next series of evaluations ranked and compared the stability of each tripod at different heights, the amount of force required to knock them over, and if they're sturdy enough for a DSLR camera — or more importantly, if we would trust them to hold up an expensive DSLR. Both the Joby Flexible GorillaPod 3K Kit and the Manfrotto PIXI Mini impressed us in this regard.

The PIXI Mini is rock-solid and super stable on a level surface, requiring a surprising amount of force to topple it over. This tripod is also compatible with a DSLR — and it's one of the few that we would trust with one, with a rated capacity of 5.5 lbs. The Joby Flexible GorillaPod is also compatible and stable enough in our minds to use with a DSLR, provided you have adjusted the legs properly. This tripod can tip over if you don't have the legs set far enough apart, which is something you need to be careful about if you decide to use this with more expensive cameras.

The Neewer Ring Light Kit, the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod, and the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip all followed when it came to stability. Both the GripTight Pro TelePod and the Neewer Ring Light Kit are quite steady on their own but are top-heavy and easy to knock over, especially when they're at their full height.

The Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip is very similar to the PIXI Mini when it comes to stability, but its legs are more spindly due to its ultralight nature, making it just a bit easier to accidentally tip over. The same is true for the svelte GripTight ONE Micro Stand.

The other tripods all seem fairly shaky to use, giving us concerns about using them on anything but the most stable surfaces unless we were sure they wouldn't get bumped into while in use.

Durability

Our last group of assessments dealt with how durable we thought each tripod is, based on our opinions of their design and materials. We also combed through existing user reviews to see if there were any common complaints and deducted points from anything that broke during our testing process.

Most of the tripods fared quite well in this metric, with the Joby models and the Manfrotto PIXI Mini particularly impressing us. These tripods all seem like they are built to last, with a mix of metal and plastic construction. We didn't find any common issues in our research and we like that these tripods smartly use metal components in high-stress areas, like the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand's aluminum ball head.

We didn't have any issues with the Neewer Ring Light Kit or the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip but we noticed this pair of tripods rely more heavily on plastic components. They weren't showing any excessive wear and tear at the end of our tests, but we feel the metal components on the top tripods give them a slight edge.

The UBeesize Tripod S felt much cheaper to use and seemed to employ lower-quality components. It survived our tests, but we wouldn't be surprised if it wore out or broke significantly sooner than some of the other products.

Unfortunately, the BZE Selfie Stick Tripod doesn't feel particularly durable. Its plastic seems much more prone to breakage, and we're convinced that dropping or knocking it over might bring about its demise. Additionally, we found some user complaints saying that this model seems to be plagued with remote connectivity and charging issues.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this has been a helpful breakdown of the top tripods currently on the market, regardless of whether you are looking for a flexible travel model, one with an integrated light, or a DSLR-compatible model that can extend fully. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect product to fit both your needs and your budget.

If you want to move beyond smartphone photography, check out our other photo gear reviews like the best ring lights, the best sling camera bags, or even the best instant cameras for a fun contrast to digital photos.