The 12 Best Travel Tripods for Your Next Adventure

No matter where your wanderlust takes you, you’ll capture the moment better with this essential piece of gear.

best travel tripods

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However, that premise goes out the window as soon as the shooting conditions change. If you want to shoot with a long exposure time, shoot in low-light or nighttime conditions, shoot video , or just want to take nice solo photos when you're traveling alone, you'll want a travel tripod.

While tripods are useful, they also tend to be bulky and heavy, so having a specific tripod for travel makes a big difference. Compared to standard tripods, travel tripods are usually smaller when collapsed, weigh less, and have smaller secondary parts like hinges, feet, and handles.

Not all travel tripods are created equal, though. Some are better suited to large DSLR cameras , while others may only work with smartphones. Here are the best travel tripods to consider for your upcoming vacation to suit all budgets, camera types, and experience levels.

Best Travel Tripods

Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Best Overall

Peak design carbon fiber travel tripod.

Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Geekoto Tripod, Camera Tripod for DSLR AT24EVO

Osmo Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal

Best Travel Tripod for Professionals

Dji osmo mobile se intelligent gimbal.

Selfie Stick Tripod

Best for Smartphones

Atumtek selfie stick tripod.

AM124 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Best Travel Tripod for Heavy Cameras

Sirui am124 carbon fiber tripod.

Element Traveller 5-Section Tripod Kit

Best Ball Head

Manfrotto element traveller 5-section tripod kit.

Max Grip + Tripod

Best for Action Cameras

Gopro max grip + tripod.

Flexible Camera Tripod

Best Flexible

Fotopro flexible camera tripod.

Selfie Stick

Most Compact

Bze selfie stick.

Travel Video Tripod

Best for Video

Manfrotto travel video tripod.

The Expert: I'm a freelance travel writer and editor who focuses primarily on adventure travel, which means I often take photos for stories in challenging conditions. While landscape photos may seem easy, I often shoot scenes with moving water, night sky, and time-lapse shots, which all require a tripod. I've used many tripods while traveling and am very conscious of weight and size as I often come close to airline weight limits with my bags, especially if I'm already carrying a heavy camera and lenses.

What to Look for in a Travel Tripod

Not every travel tripod will be marketed as a travel tripod, so when selecting one to use during travel, there are a few specific factors to consider.

One of the two most important considerations is weight. Every pound counts when you're working against airline baggage weight limitations, especially on smaller planes or airlines with lower-than-normal weight limits. Sturdy studio tripods can easily weigh into the 15-plus-pound range, but for a travel tripod, you'll likely want to keep it somewhere around 4 pounds or less—roughly the weight of a pair of boots. Plastic travel tripods will probably be the lightest but potentially the least durable. Carbon fiber is extremely strong and lightweight, but much pricier.

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The second most important factor is size. Traditionally, tripods have (as the name belies) three telescoping legs. Travel tripods still have that feature, though many have uniquely shaped legs or modified center columns and handles to make them thinner and shorter when compressed, at least compared to a tripod not designed for travel.

Next, consider the weight capacity/limit: If you find an inexpensive tripod with small measurements, look at the weight rating before you buy it, especially if you have an SLR camera with heavy lenses. Every travel tripod should say the maximum weight it can hold. Keep in mind there are risks to exceeding the weight rating. Either the tripod will break or, more likely, the weight of your camera and lenses will cause it to tip forward, potentially damaging your camera.

Finally, look at the device that attaches your camera to the tripod (called a mount, or mounting plate) and make sure the mount will work with your camera. If you're buying a smartphone travel tripod, get one with a smartphone mount (usually a spring-loaded hook that grips across the back of your phone). If you're looking for a travel tripod for a DSLR, make sure your camera has a threaded hole on the bottom.

Look for a tripod with a quick-release plate to make mounting and removing your camera much. Quick release plates stay screwed into the bottom of your camera and snap onto your tripod, so you don't have to thread your camera in each time.

Note: You can buy tripod mount adapters, but you'll still have to deal with weight limitations—so you can usually mount lighter cameras to smaller tripods, not the other way around.

How We Selected These Travel Tripods

multiple travel tripods

To choose the best travel tripods, I relied on my personal experience using travel tripods and talking with other photographers on their preferred brands and tripod features. From there, I narrowed down my potential picks, then researched user reviews, materials, and features for each.

Once I had a roundup of the top travel tripod options, I finalized my selections based on the best for each superlative below, intentionally choosing from a variety of brands, price points, and photography experience levels.

Peak Design doesn't make dozens of products within each category, but the ones it does make are incredibly well designed and engineered, and very intentional—there’s a reason behind every material and feature selection.

That seems true of the brand’s highly awarded travel tripod, which packs features like a hidden phone mount, a ball head with a twistable lock, extra clips for straps and attachments, and legs that can lower into an almost-flat position into a very lightweight package.

It may look like a standard tripod from the outside, but what makes Peak Design Travel Tripod so great for travel is its compact circumference. When packed, the tripod’s legs, ballhead, and adjustable central column fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing it to be much thinner than most travel tripods. Peak Design is also a B-Corp, is a member of 1% for the Planet, is climate neutral, and has a gear resale program to keep used gear out of landfills.

If you’re not hung up on name brands or particularly care about having a tripod that’ll be able to handle extremely tough conditions, consider the Geekoto AT24Evo. It may not be made with ultralight, ultra-durable materials like higher-end travel tripods, but you get features of much more expensive options in a relatively inexpensive package. That includes a ballhead for a full range of angles, a tall maximum height, a detachable monopod (akin to a selfie stick), and a quick-release plate.

This is an ideal budget tripod for tall shooters as it has an impressive maximum height of 77 inches, though that does come with a relatively long (19 inch) packed length.

Tripods with gimbals—weight-balanced devices that allow cameras to smoothly pan and rotate even while moving—were once solely the provenance of big-time Hollywood videographers. But now, with so many travelers making their living as professional content creators, travel tripods with gimbals have become much more common—and much more affordable.

This unit moves on three axes and the DJI app has built-in templates for easy shooting and editing. Features include motion stabilizing, single-finger controls, snap-on phone connectivity, and gesture control so you can stay in charge even when you’re in front of the camera.

The only downside is that the actual tripod part is fairly short, but that’s a fair trade-off considering it’s a travel tripod, camera gimbal, and selfie stick in one package small enough to fit in a jacket pocket.

For those who mostly take pictures on their smartphone, this unit has a convenient 2-in-1 design that’s ideal for traveling. It weighs less than 1 pound and folds down into a compact 12 inches, yet as a tripod, it reaches 51 inches tall. It can also be held as a selfie stick for those times you want a group photo.

This tripod is compatible with most popular smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and more. It comes with a rechargeable Bluetooth remote—a big bonus—that you can use for self-portraits while traveling solo.

It’s possible to find travel tripods that hold more than 26 pounds—but unless you’re a Hollywood cinematographer shooting on a massive video camera, they’re likely going to be overkill. The weight rating on the SIRUI AM124 Carbon Fiber Tripod is more than enough for heavy cameras with massive lenses, and I love that it has extra stability-focused features like retractable spikes on the feet and a central hook to add extra weight for counterbalancing the camera.

Aside from the price, the biggest downside is that photographers will have to make due with just a til-and-pan mount, or pay nearly $100 extra for the ball-head version .

The aluminum ball head on this travel tripod allows you to easily adjust your camera’s angle to capture any shot, with an independent 360-degree pan. It weighs less than 1 pound and extends to more than 56 inches, thanks to its five-section telescopic legs, which can also be positioned independently to accommodate any terrain.

The travel tripod has a maximum weight capacity of 8.8 pounds, making it best suited for small DSLR cameras, and a spring-loaded hook at the bottom of the center column to add weight for extra stability. It also comes with a carrying case for easy transport.

One of the reasons action cameras are great for travel is they can be mounted on almost anything—helmets, chest straps, underwater handles, and even the tips of skis and snowboards. But having multiple mounting options is useless if what you really need is a way to hold it still for time lapses or on-camera video recording.

Fortunately, the GoPro Max Grip + Tripod is both an extendable selfie stick and a tripod in one, and its compact size is one of the smallest I’ve seen. I keep my action cam mounted to it throughout my travels as the twist-locks are easy to deploy and the magnetic legs keep the tripod secure when I’m using it as a selfie stick.

The slim design is ideal for keeping the tripod mostly out of the frame on 360-degree action cameras, but it’ll work with any type of action camera that uses a similar mount.

This tripod doesn’t offer the height of a standard model, but its unique flexible (and waterproof!) legs can be wrapped around any surface—including trees, fences, poles, and more—allowing you to capture unique angles. The tripod comes with attachments for a standard camera, smartphone, and GoPro, and it has a ball head that easily rotates 360 degrees.

This travel tripod weighs just a few ounces, plus there's a Bluetooth remote control included for selfies. With a reasonable price point, the package is great value for all you get.

This selfie stick is as lightweight and compact as they come, allowing you to easily take photographs of yourself and your travel companions. It’s designed to hold smartphones, including popular iPhone, Android, and Samsung models, and it extends to 40 inches for good wide-angle shots. It also comes with a small tripod base and Bluetooth remote.

Keep in mind that this selfie stick is designed for smartphones only, not a heavy DSLR camera.

Capture stunning video footage while traveling with this tripod, which extends to nearly 5 feet and offers 360-degree panning for incredibly smooth images, thanks to its fluid video head. It also supports cameras up to 8.8 pounds.

Other top features include lever-style leg locks for fast setup, as well as a leveling ball joint to ensure perfect horizontal alignment on uneven ground. It has a removable pan bar and two camera adapters, and there's a carrying case included.

K&F Concept Concept Camera Tripod

Concept Camera Tripod

Most tripods have a maximum height around 60 inches (5 feet), but this one extends to 69 inches, allowing you to capture those high-angle shots. The tripod weighs just over 3 pounds, and it has a high, 22-pound maximum weight capacity.

The aluminum-alloy tripod features a 360-degree ball head for panoramic shooting, and one of its legs can be removed to convert it to a monopod. Its inverted central axis allows for low-angle shooting, as well.

National Geographic Travel Tripod Kit

Travel Tripod Kit

This travel tripod is your best bet for backroad adventures. Constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, it weights less than 3 pounds and easily converts to a monopod for nature photography. Plus, it comes with a durable carrying case.

Other highlights include five-section legs with twist locks, a 360-degree ball head, and three leg-angle stops for better stability on uneven terrain. Its 90-degree column mechanism allows you to shoot from ground level or directly overhead, and there's a spring-loaded hook on the tripod's bottom to hang it.

Travel Tripods that Go the Distance. Expert Suzie Dundas Offers These Buying Tips!

peak design travel tripod

PM : What is the biggest difference between a budget travel tripod and an expensive one?

SD: The difference can vary quite a bit. Think of travel tripods as having three main points to evaluate: weight, size, and strength. You can generally have two of those without paying a lot. If you want it to be lightweight and small, it may not be very sturdy. If you want it to be sturdy and lightweight, it may not be that small.

If you want it to be small, sturdy, and lightweight, you’ll probably have to buy a more expensive one. So the biggest difference between an inexpensive travel tripod and a pricey one generally comes down to which of those qualities you’re going to sacrifice (or not).

PM : How important is thickness of a tripod?

SD : Thickness doesn't matter at all—what matters is the sturdiness. In general, it’s fair to say that thicker tripods will be more stable, but that’s not to say that there can’t be thin, stable tripods, especially if they’re made with strong materials like carbon alloys. The actual thickness of the materials is secondary.

The only exception to this may be if you choose a travel tripod with plastic legs (which will likely be an inexpensive option). You may want to go with something a bit thicker to reduce the chances of it breaking or getting bent if it accidentally gets sat on or smashed in your suitcase.

PM: Twist or flip?

SD : With telescoping legs, you’ll find two methods of locking the legs when extended: twist locks or flip locks. Twist locks are easy to use: twist the locks in one direction to lock them, twist them in the other direction to unlock (and collapse) them; It’s essentially a wringing motion.

Tripods with twist locks are generally less bulky, setup is quick, and the lack of extra levers means they’re less likely to get snagged or caught on straps and bags. However, it can be easier to think they’re locked when they’re not, and they can trap abrasive materials like dirt and sand in the mechanisms if not cleaned occasionally.

Flip-style locks have some kind of lever or tab you’ll flip to switch between locked and unlocked. These levers may add a bit of extra width or bulk to your tripod, and they’re a bit slower to set up as most tripods will have at least six of these levels on the legs.

However, buyers who are new to using travel tripods will likely benefit more from flip-style locks, as it’s much easier to tell with a glance if they’re locked or not, eliminating accidental falls. Twist locks also tend to be a feature of higher-end (i.e. more expensive) travel tripods.

PM : How much is too much to pay for one of these?

SD : How much is too much to pay for a travel tripod is an impossible question to answer, except in very broad strokes: plan to pay somewhere between $30 and $1,000.

Travel tripods designed for phones and action cameras will generally be cheaper than travel tripods for professional-level cameras. You can get a high-end, durable travel tripod for a phone for less than $100, and likely less than that.

However, if you’re shooting on a more expensive camera, you don’t want the device holding that camera to be too inexpensive or poorly made. You also want to ensure your travel tripod for a DSLR can maintain its integrity and strength even when knocked over on rough ground or airplane storage bins, banged around in your luggage, or handled roughly in transit. Cameras are expensive and you want to be able to trust your tripod to protect them.

That’s not to say you need to go much beyond the $300 range, but it does mean DSLR shooters won’t want to consider price as the most important factor. And if you’re shooting professional-level content with extremely long or heavy lenses, you’re probably looking more at the $500 range, especially if you add a DSLR gimbal attachment.

PM : What are some extra features to be on the lookout for?

SD : Travel tripods are certainly not as complicated as the cameras themselves, but there are a few features you need to consider. If you plan on shooting video, you’ll likely want a pan handle. It’s just what it sounds like—a grippy handle you can use to smoothly pan the camera.

Another feature on many, but not all, travel tripods is an adjustable center column. They allow you to adjust the camera height without adjusting the legs. They’re especially useful on travel tripods with flip-style locks that take longer to adjust or for taller photographers.

You’ll also want to look at the tripod head: the apparatus that allows you to move and swing the camera while still attached to the tripod. Many higher-end and professional travel tripods will have ballheads, which can rotate your camera at virtually any angle between 0 and 180 degrees.

The other most frequent travel tripod head is referred to as a “tilt-and-pan.” These generally allow you to move the camera to the left and right, plus forward and backward, but only at 90-degree angles. Travel tripods with ball heads offer a much wider range of flexibility for shooting and are quicker to adjust.

Originally from the East Coast, Suzie Dundas is a Lake Tahoe-based freelance writer and editor who now splits her time between enjoying the outdoors and writing about them—she's the senior outdoor editor at Matador Network and a regular adventure and travel contributor at TripSavvy.com . She has written feature stories for publications like Outside Magazine , SkyLife Magazine , Playboy , Frommers, INSIDER, and more, and contributes couples travel and honeymoon content for TheKnot.com . Suzie co-authored Lonely Planet Sustainable Travel Guide and is the author of 2021's "Hiking Lake Tahoe." She has undergraduate degrees from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in media and political communication from George Washington University. Follow her on Instagram at @HikeUpYourSkirt or find more of her work at suziedundas.com . 

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Best iPhone tripods in 2024

The best iPhone tripods will help you steady your smartphone and let you take better photos

best iPhone tripods

The best iPhone tripods have a dual purpose: not only will they help you take great photos, but they can also make it easier to use your phone as a webcam for video calls. 

That's a pretty useful second skill these days, with so many people working from home and using the likes of Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams for meetings. Pair your phone with one of the best iPhone tripods and you'll be free to concentrate on the call with both hands free to type (or gesticulate wildly). 

The best iPhone tripods also help you easily take long-exposure photos on your phone. Want to capture shots of dreamy waterfalls and rivers, night landscapes or starry skies? They'll be ideal. They're also great for snapping a wide-angle group shot that you're actually in, too.   

Many of the iPhone tripods below work with multiple iPhone models, right up to the largest Pro Max versions and the most recent iPhone 15 range. Some can also be used with the best Android phones if you switch platform.

Choosing the best iPhone tripod isn't easy, though, because there are many options on the market. To help you out, we've done the hard work and narrowed them down to this list of the best iPhone tripods based on specs, design, features, price and in many cases, first-hand experience.

The best iPhone tripods you can buy today

An photo of the Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2 holding an iPhone 15 Pro with a Rode Wireless microphone attached, all set against a vibrant orange background.

Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2 is the best iPhone tripod if you’re serious about vlogging and already have your own accessories. A little further down this list is the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit, which is the best product to buy if you’re new to vlogging as it includes some awesome accessories.

However, if you already have your own mic and one of the best ring lights , you needn’t spend the extra money on a vlogging kit. The Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2 features a cold shoe mount, which allows you to mount one accessory on top, but there’s also a ¼” threaded channel just below the bracket that lets you mount another two accessories with ease. This tripod is essentially your all-in-one tabletop vlogging tripod.

Additionally, the adjustable mount supports both vertical and horizontal orientation and can support extra large phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max . The mounting bracket sides are also bevelled so that even when the mount is secured tightly, it won’t push down on any side buttons — a nice touch. The downsides? At $89 this isn’t exactly a cheap tripod, but we think its features and quality justify the price.

Best iPhone tripods — Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit

2. Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit

If you're new to vlogging and don't already have your own accessories, the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit is the best buy for you, as it includes a GorillaPod tripod, an LED light and a mic! It's quite pricey, at around $200 MSRP, but you get a decent amount for that. 

The tripod itself is a typically flexible GorillaPod, with limbs that you can wrap around railings and the like to shoot in unusual situations, or just stand upright on a table. The light is a 1000-lumen LED that, according to Joby,  will "produce flawless skin tones." Plus, it's controllable by Bluetooth for ease-of-use. The Wavo Mobile microphone, meanwhile, is compact and well built. The package comes with a clamp for your iPhone, but that can be removed if you want to attach a camera instead, and there's even a Lightning cable and audio leads in the box. 

best iPhone tripods: Ravelli minitripod

3. Ravelli APTL3 53-inch tripod

The standard extending-leg tripod is a go-to gadget for photographers for a reason: it's damn useful. So, don't rule out a small, compact standard tripod as an accessory for your iPhone. This Ravelli model is fairly cheap, folds down into a compact package and includes the mount that holds your iPhone in place.

Unlike most of the other best iPhone tripods, the Ravelli Mini also includes a pan arm, which lets you smoothly pan and tilt the phone on the rotating ball head. That's a feature you will see on bigger, more professional tripods for a reason: it looks much better when you can pan around on a tripod and get smooth, steady video rather than turn your whole body and get jerky, bouncy footage while holding the phone in your hand. 

This tripod can also hold your phone much higher than its miniature cousins can, up to 53 inches off the ground. Again, that makes for more natural-looking videos. Of course, the price you pay for this flexibility is the size. This tripod folds down to be 18 inches long. It does come with a handy carrying case, though, and weighs less than 2 pounds. So, it might be a good pick for a trip on which taking better quality videos is a priority. 

A photo of the Joby HandyPod Mobile Plus holding an iPhone 15 Pro against an orange background

4. Joby HandyPod Mobile Plus

The Joby HandyPod Mobile Plus is a small tripod with an ace up its sleeve — its Bluetooth shutter remote. This remote makes the tripod super useful when you need to place your iPhone further away: full-body videos, group photos or environmental selfies, for example. Simply place the tripod where you need it, step back and hit the remote button when you’re ready to shoot. The remote clips neatly into a tripod leg, which allows you to tap it with your finger while using the tripod as a mobile grip.

It’s a short tripod, with a maximum height of 7.5 inches, so if you need extra reach, look at a GorillaPod or an extended tripod like the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod and Ravelli APTL3 tripods. However, its small size makes it highly lightweight and portable, fitting easily in a large pocket.

The HandyPod Mobile Plus features grippy rubber on its legs and mount to keep your phone secure. Plus there’s a lockable ball joint and adjustable/reversible bracket to allow for flexibility when choosing your camera angles. Unfortunately, there are no accessory mounting points on this tripod, which may be a big concern if you want to produce higher quality content down the line. At $54, it’s also rather pricey.

best iPhone tripods: Joby GripTight One Mount

5. Joby GripTight One GP Stand & Mount

The Joby GripTight One GP Stand & Mount weighs very little and folds down to fit into the same small bag or pocket where you keep your phone. The GripTight can hold even large phones tightly, while the flexible legs are equally at home sitting on a flat surface or wrapping around a tree branch. That makes this stand more flexible for taking interesting shots at home and abroad without weighing you down.

When extended, the tripod can hold your phone just over 6 inches high, and the legs are rigid enough that you can hold onto them and use the tripod as a hand-held camera mount. Its flexibility and features make this tripod well worth the reasonable price. 

This is the one to choose if you want something slightly smaller than the Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2 without sacrificing the flexibility of the bendy legs. There are no accessories mounting points on this tripod, though, so it's not one to choose if you use a mic or light.

best iPhone tripods: Joby GripTight Pro TelePod

6. Joby GripTight Pro TelePod

The $75 Joby GripTight Pro Telepod is a more conventional mini tripod when compared with Joby's GorillaPod products. It features three rigid legs with features that more-serious photographers will appreciate. It can extend to hold the phone up to just under 14 inches high, so you get more control over how you frame your shot.

The GripTight Pro TelePod folds down into a compact package that is just over 7 inches tall, though, and can double as a hand-held camera mount. Extend the column of the tripod while it is folded up, and it holds the phone farther away, for more-flattering video. Combine this with the Bluetooth remote on one of the legs, and you've got a fully actualized selfie stick. 

In addition to holding the phone itself, the TelePod has a small shoe mount, which is great for night shots when combined with a miniature light like a Lume Cube. Alternatively, this can hold a directional microphone for better audio.  

best iPhone tripods: Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod

7. Manfrotto Pixi Mini tripod with universal phone clamp

Manfrotto is known for its expensive professional tripods, but the Pixi brings many of the features from those tripods to your smartphone. It has the same stainless-steel construction and matte-black finish as its higher-end cousins, while a soft rubber grip in the clamp holds your phone in place without scratching it. 

The low, wide orientation of the Pixi keeps the phone from tipping over and you can tilt the phone forward and back — though bear in mind that the phone can be held only in landscape mode. We also like the fact that the Pixi Mini Tripod folds down into a relatively small package — and when the three legs are folded together, they can also be used as a hand grip for those travelogue shots. 

Fugetek 51″ Professional Selfie Stick & Tripod on a background of out-of-focus sunflowers

8. Fugetek 51″ Professional Selfie Stick & Tripod

If you're looking for an alternative to the Ravelli APTL3 at no.2 in this list, the Fugetek 51-inch Professional Selfie Stick & Tripod could be the answer. Like that model, it goes high — 51 inches, or just above 4 feet, in this case. It also doubles as a selfie stick and comes with a Bluetooth remote for easy operation. Plus, it's almost half the weight of the Ravelli, at just over 1 pound. 

However, while the including phone mount does tilt, it can't pan, so it doesn't offer quite as much control. Still, it's well priced and offers plenty for the money.

best iPhone tripods: Xenvo SquidGrip tripod

9. Xenvo SquidGrip tripod

The Xenvo SquidGrip looks like an ordinary miniature tripod until you grab one of the legs and bend it. Covered with smooth plastic, the thin legs look like those of any of hundreds of minitripods, but they're made of a flexible plastic that can be bent and reshaped with ease. The phone mount also includes a ball head that you can use to rotate and tilt the phone to find just the right angle. You do have to be careful to make sure that the phone mount is tight enough to hold onto the phone, though. 

The combination costs around $29.99, and you get a lot for the money; the neo-plastic coating of the legs and the metal phone mount are far more robust than what you find on many cheaper models. 

best iPhone tripods: Moment S2 Shoulderpod

10. Shoulderpod S2

The Shoulderpod S2 takes a rather different approach than most tripods and mounts. For one thing, it isn't really a tripod: Moment describes the S2 as a handle grip. With its one leg, you can use it in much the same way that you would use a minitripod, though, holding it in your hand, sitting it on a flat surface or attaching it to a tripod for more-flexible mounting.

The wooden handle makes for a more comfortable and steady grip on the phone, and the included strap means your phone won't go flying off if you run headfirst into a tree. The counterweight of this grip makes it sit evenly on a flat surface, so you can plonk it down and narrate your latest adventure in either landscape or portrait orientation. 

If you unscrew the wooden handle, you'll find a standard tripod socket that can screw onto most any tripod, including flexible ones such as the Joby GorillaPod. This accessory is a bit expensive, but those who prefer hand-held shots to static ones may like the different approach to holding the phone. 

best iPhone tripods: Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip mount & Jelly Long Legs

11. Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip mount & Jelly Long Legs

The name may sound a bit silly, but this combination of tripod and mount is all business. The Jelly Grip is a small, compact mount that uses springs to hold your phone tightly and that can be rotated to either portrait or landscape mode. The Jelly Long Legs is, well, a tripod with long legs. Despite the wibbly, wobbly name, the legs are solid metal, with wide spacing that makes for a solid, stable mount, even with a heavy phone placed on rough surfaces.

Some tripods may tip over with a large, heavy phone on them, but the wide, low legs of the Jelly Long Legs keep it from falling and getting your expensive phone scratched. This combination is well priced and provides a simple, stable base for selfies or Instagram videos.

best iPhone tripods: Bluehorn 40-inch selfie-stick tripod

12. Bluehorn 40-inch selfie-stick tripod

As the name suggests, this iPhone tripod is a combination of selfie stick and tripod. When you unfold the legs, you get a pretty standard miniature tripod with three wide legs that keep the phone well balanced. When you extend the column of the tripod and fold the legs back, you get the selfie-stick mode.

The phone grip at the top of the column has a ball head that you can use to tilt and rotate the phone, so you can point the camera in pretty much any direction, then use the clamp to hold it in place. It is possible to use it as a taller tripod by folding the legs out with the column extended, but be careful; it's top-heavy and rather prone to tipping over. With 40 inches of extension, that's a long way for your iPhone to fall. Also included is a small Bluetooth remote that attaches to one of the legs. This allows you to take photos or stop and start video recording without touching the phone itself. 

How to choose the best iPhone tripods for you

When shopping for one of the best iPhone tripods — really, any smartphone tripod — think about how you're going to use it. If you're looking for something that'll let you take nice vacation photos, you'll want a small, compact tripod that you can stash easily in a bag, and that won't take up much space.

If you're one of those people, and insist on inserting yourself into every shot, then we suggest an iPhone tripod that can also convert and extend into a selfie stick. Just be cool about it, alright?

If you want to take photos from unusual angles, or from uneven surfaces, then it's probably best to get an iPhone tripod with flexible legs. These will allow you to wrap it around a tree, or rest it on a rock, or hang it upside down from somewhere. You'll only be limited by your imagination.

One thing to also consider is that if you have a bulkier case on your iPhone, then some of the grips that come with even the best iPhone tripods may not hold your phone as securely as you like. In this situation, you may have to remove the case on your phone.

Now that you've sorted yourself a fantastic iPhone tripod, you should also consider investing in some of the best iPhone lenses to match. Use one of the best photo editing apps to ensure all the images you take are edited perfectly, and store them off your device using one of the best photo storage sites , to make sure you don't fill up your precious physical storage.

Fancy making the leap from your smartphone to one of the best cameras ? First you may need to figure out where you stand in the DSLR vs. mirrorless debate. Then you can look into either the best DSLR cameras or best mirrorless cameras accordingly. If you'd prefer something more casual, then check out some of the best point-and-shoot cameras  or best instant cameras . And you're on a budget, you'll want to read about what we consider to be the best cheap cameras . For any action enthusiasts or adrenalin junkies, we've got guides to the best action cameras  and best GoPro cameras .

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Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.

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The best iPhone tripods and smartphone supports in 2024: for night shots & more

The best iPhone tripods and smartphone supports are small, quick and simple, opening up new shooting opportunities

best iPhone tripods and supports

The best iPhone tripods allow you to take your smartphone shooting to a whole new level. They’re small enough to carry everywhere, slipping easily into a bag or pocket, but they allow for exploring loads of new shooting techniques, especially when used in conjunction with the best photo apps , which allow you to take control of your smartphone’s camera settings. 

• Best camera phones all round • Best budget camera phones • Best iPhone for photography • Best burner phone • Best 5G phone • Best selfie sticks • Best iPhone microphones • Best gimbals for iPhones • Best add-on lenses for phones • Best iPhone power banks • Best wireless chargers • Best phone cases

Sure, the best camera phones are always getting better, and can do things that the owners of the first iPhone could only have dreamed of. There are some things, however, that are simply limited by hardware. We’ve listed a few things here that a good iPhone tripod will allow you to do:

• Capture night shots. Even if an app lets you open up the shutter on your smartphone camera for a long time, without a good source of support, all you’ll get is a blurry image. Mounting your phone on a tripod means you can shoot long exposures, without worrying about image blur caused by camera-shake. 

• Get vlogging. If you want to vlog with your smartphone, you'll need a good support so you can set your camera up without having to hold it.

• Get a selfie without the arm-stretch. In a similar vein, phone tripods make it easy to get selfies and group selfies without having to stretch out your arm. 

• Try a timelapse. Again, locking your phone in a fixed position opens up all sorts of creative possibilities, one of which is time-lapse shooting. 

• Shoot panoramas. There are apps that will stitch together a rudimentary panorama. But the results you get will dramatically improve if you use a tripod, especially one with a dedicated panoramic head.

Regular tripods and even travel tripods are too big and bulky for a smartphone shooter; they’ll negate the main advantage of a smartphone, which is that it lets you travel light.

Smartphones don’t have a standard tripod socket. This means you need another way to mount the phone to the tripod, even a mini one. The solution is a phone clamp; these are sometimes sold separately, and sometimes come in bundles with mini tripods. In our guide, we’ve included both complete bundles and standalone clamps, so you can decide how best to construct your setup.

We’ve got options for every budget here, from a range of reputable manufacturers including Manfrotto , Joby and more. Let's get started!

Also read: The best gimbals for your smartphone or camera

The best iPhone tripods and supports 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.

Benro KoalaPod

1. Benro KoalaPod

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy.

Last year Benro launched two tabletop tripods, the KoalaPod as listed above, and the Benro TablePod Flex Kit . If you're just after something simple, and compact but still versatile the KoalaPod is the better choice - it's considerably cheaper too! Its flexible legs enable you to wrap it around other objects such as a metal fence or a pole so you can be more creative about the angles you shoot from. If you're a vlogger, influencer or content creator, the handy accessory arms mean you can attach a light and a mic to the tripod and be able to record well-lit videos with good audio. Included are a carry pouch, the phone mount, an auxiliary ring that can be used to stop the legs from slipping and a quick-lock clamp so you can attach 2 legs together when you need a bit of extra strength. 

best iPhone tripods: Manfrotto PIXI with Universal Smartphone Clamp

2. Manfrotto PIXI with Universal Smartphone Clamp

Reasons to avoid.

Manfrotto markets its PIXI mini tripod and universal smartphone clamp as separate items, but it generally works out cheaper to buy these two items as a complete kit. With this, you get the tripod itself, which comes with an integral ball head and is suitable for use with cameras, plus the smartphone clamp, which attaches via a standard 1/4-inch socket, and can accommodate phones of up to 83mm in width. It’s a good solution, though the limited range of movement for the ball head means you can only shoot with the camera phone in landscape orientation. You need the more advanced Manfrotto Pixi Evo 2 and its more advanced ball head if you need to shoot portrait shots (most camera phone tripods are designed for horizontal shooting).

See Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod review 

The best iPhone tripods: Joby GorillaPod Mobile Mini

3. Joby GorillaPod Mobile Mini

With suitably small and phone-friendly dimensions, the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Mini weighs in at just 32 grams. It’s also Joby’s cheapest ‘tripod’, yet features the company’s trademark flexible legs, constructed from a series of movable joints. As such, you can stand it up like a mini tabletop tripod, or wrap its legs around other objects to cling onto them. It comes complete with a phone mount so it’s an all-in-one solution. The only real drawback is that each leg is only 60mm long, so you can only attach this relatively small GorillaPod to fairly thin objects.

Best iPhone tripods: SmallRig Tabletop Mini Tripod

4. SmallRig Tabletop Mini Tripod

With a standard 1/4" screw mount, the SmallRig Tabletop Mini Tripod is a versatile tool for all sorts of setups (though you'll need to pick up a smartphone clamp separately). It's equipped with a 360° ballhead that provides a great deal of shooting flexibility, thanks to its 90°/+45° front tilt, and -50°/+50° lateral tilt. The head even has accurate calibration and an independent panning knob for panoramic shooting, which you may not have even considered with a smartphone! The plate is an Arca-Swiss type, so you can quickly mount and dismount your setup, and the rubber feet ensure a non-slip support on practically any surface.

The best iPhone tripods: Manfrotto TwistGrip universal smartphone clamp

5. Manfrotto TwistGrip universal smartphone clamp

This isn't a tripod, but the cleverly designed Manfrotto TwistGrip universal smartphone clamp does let you attach your camera phone to any regular tripod, including the Manfrotto Pixi above. It also folds virtually flat for stowing away in a pocket. You simply twist each end to pivot the clamping jaws around, so they can attach to any phone of up to 82mm in width. The clamping action itself is nice and solid, thanks to a locking screw at the rear. Immaculately engineered from high-grade aluminum and colored dark grey, the TwistGrip looks and feels a quality item. It can mount on any tripod via its 1/4-inch screw socket, and has a cold shoe at the top for attaching accessories, like the Manfrotto Lumimuse LED light.

• Read Manfrotto TwistGrip universal clamp review

best iphone tripods

6. Joby StandPoint phone case

This is a tripod that you can carry around permanently with your smartphone – as it doubles as a protective phone case . However, as well as its photographic uses, the StandPoint is perfect for perching your phone on a surface – a train or airline tray-table being the obvious candidates – for hands-free video as well as video calls and photo reviewing. We like the case’s protective nature, and the fact that it works with wireless charging pads. The only drawbacks are that the StandPoint’s tiny tripod legs do require a flat surface, and don’t allow many angles. 

The best iPhone tripods: Joby GripTight ONE Micro

7. Joby GripTight ONE Micro

Unlike Joby GorillaPods, the Joby GripTight ONE Micro is a tabletop tripod with rigid, non-flexible legs that swivel around. This makes the whole tripod very small and slim when folded away, while enabling a secure base when the legs are fanned out for the standing position. It’s a neat and very streamlined design, the only catch being that the operating height to the bottom of the phone is only about 30mm. Although there’s no height adjustment, the main clamp does enable you to pivot the phone forward and backward and from side to side, albeit with a fairly limited range of adjustment. You therefore can’t use the phone in upright, portrait orientation.

The best iPhone tripods: Joby GripTight ONE GP Magnetic Impulse

8. Joby GripTight ONE GP Magnetic Impulse

The relatively long legs of this GripTight GorillaPod have nine flexible joints. That’s a significant step up from the GorillaPod Mobile Mini, and enables greater height when using the stand as a tabletop tripod, as well as allowing you to wrap the legs around larger objects, such as tree branches and fence posts. On top of that, the ‘Magnetic’ edition also incorporates magnetic feet, so you can easily attach the GorillaPod to anything metallic. The phone clamp is the same one that’s featured in the GripTight ONE Micro Tripod.

The best iPhone tripods: Joby GripTight Gorillapod Stand PRO

9. Joby GripTight Gorillapod Stand PRO

This chunky GripTight GorillaPod Stand PRO gives very stable and solid support for smartphones and comes complete with an up-market phone clamp. It features a locking screw for adjusting the clamp to the exact size of the phone, and this screw also enables rotation for portrait and landscape orientation while shooting. However, a little care is needed to ensure the clamp doesn’t loosen its grip on the phone during rotation. It’s rather bigger, heavier and stronger than smaller GorillaPod siblings, but is still good value at the price. If you unscrew the phone clamp, the legs are also suitable for use with a compact camera or small DSLR.

Best iphone tripod and smartphone support

10. Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit

Here’s an all-in-one vlogging rig for anyone after versatile, well-lit visuals, and superior sound. It’s all built around the brand’s world-famous GorillaPod – a flexible, strong tripod – which is here joined by two additional, flexible arms to create a GorillaPod Mobile Rig. On one arm goes Joby’s Beamo Mini LED light that goes up to 1,000 lumens and last 40 minutes, and which comes complete with diffuser. Wavo Mobile – Joby’s compact and toughly-made microphone – attaches to the other, or sits on a cold shoe atop this kit’s GripTight PRO 2 smartphone clamp, which supports phones in either landscape or vertical orientation. Although it’s designed for smartphones, remove the clamp and it can work just as well with action cameras, mirrorless cameras and bridge cameras. 

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

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Home » Blog » Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

Best Travel Tripods for Phone and Cameras

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is “ what tripod do you use “ ? I often share travel couple photos that have been taken on a tripod, and occasionally I capture selfies on my own, also using a tripod. There are so many travel tripod options out there and I know it’s confusing to choose the best one… so let me help you!

In this guide, I am sharing the best lightweight travel tripod options, including phone tripods and camera tripods. I am featuring tripods for both everyday travelers and for professionals.

Disclaimer : This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

BEST TRAVEL TRIPODS of 2023

Why use a tripod? There’s nothing wrong with regular selfies where you hold up the phone or camera and snap a close-up photo. These are so fun and make great memories. But they also cut off a lot of the view and only really show your upper body or head.

Using a tripod will allow you to take full body travel selfies as well as regular photos that require stabilization (e.g. long exposures, astrophotography). And when I say travel selfies, I am referring to taking photos solo, as a couple, with friends, with family, with your pets, etc.

In this guide, I am only recommending lightweight travel tripods. The reason being is tripods can get quite heavy and if you plan to travel with one, you really need it to be as lightweight and packable as possible. I also like to hike and backpack with a tripod, so having something small and lightweight is VERY important.

Best Phone Tripods

Best Phone Tripods for Travel

I often take photos and videos on my phone ( iPhone 13 Pro ) and find this to be such a quick and easy way to create travel memories. Below are my top options for phone travel tripods.

Cheapest Phone Tripod

The most affordable (yet still highly rated) phone travel tripod on the market is the UBeesize Phone Tripod . Coming in at $16 USD you can get a tripod that allows for capturing both vertical and horizontal photos/videos. It’s also flexible and can be wrapped around things like fences, poles, tree branches, etc.

best travel tripod with iphone

Smallest Phone Tripod

There are numerous really small phone tripods on the market, but the issue is that a lot of them won’t allow you to shoot both horizontally AND vertically. If you don’t mind only having the option to shoot horizontally, then I recommend the Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand or the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Mini .

best travel tripod with iphone

If you want the ability to shoot vertically as well, I think the smallest option available is the JOBY Handypod Mobile Mini Tripod with GripTight One Mount . Remember that these types of mini-phone tripods will need to be rested on something, e.g. a table, fence, car, rock, etc.

best travel tripod with iphone

Extendable Phone Tripod

If you want to take full-body images then you should probably invest in an extendable phone tripod. This will allow you to have your phone at hip or face height. My top recommendation is the Aureday 62 inch Selfie Stick Tripod . This tripod can be extended to 62 inches / 5’1 ft, comes with a universal head mount, remote shutter release, and can also be used as a selfie stick. It can also be used with a GoPro or DSLR camera. Note that you may not be able to extend it all the way or use it vertically with a heavy camera.

best travel tripod with iphone

Most Professional Phone Tripod

Now hear me out… the Peak Design Travel Tripod is expensive but it’s amazing for creating professional content on both mobile and camera! It’s sturdy enough that you can create long exposures and timelapse videos without the tripod shaking or risking falling over. It also extends to be 60 inches, can hold phones/cameras both vertically and horizontally, and can house up to 20 lbs of weight, including large DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses.

best travel tripod with iphone

Already own a tripod for your DSLR or mirrorless camera? You can very likely buy a mobile attachment and use it with your existing tripod head/ball head. Just be sure to read up on the dimensions and requirements before purchasing. Some attachments to look into are the Peak Design Travel Tripod Phone Mount and the Ruittos Phone Tripod Mount .

How To Take Beautiful Travel Photos - Photography Mini Guide - Renee Roaming

Best Lightweight Travel Tripods for Cameras

There is a wide range of tripods on the market for DSLR and mirrorless cameras . I personally believe that if a tripod is lightweight and packable then you are much more likely to actually use it. So these recommendations are best suited for photographers who are on the go and need a travel-friendly tripod (including for activities like hiking and backpacking).

best Overall Travel Tripod

My most used travel tripod is the Peak Design Travel Tripod carbon fiber version. It’s super lightweight for a sturdy tripod that extends to 60 inches and can hold both a camera body & a large lens (e.g. telephoto). It packs down really small and can easily be stored in your luggage or in the side section of your backpack (a total length of 15.4”). The weight of the carbon fiber version is 1.29 kg (2.81 lbs), and the aluminum version is 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs).

The Peak Design Travel Tripod also comes with a built-in ball head and camera mount, so you won’t need to buy that separately. Like to shoot with an L Bracket? Read this article before buying .

Another perk of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is that it comes with a mobile phone clip, making it the perfect hybrid for creators who like to shoot with both their camera and their phone.

Should you choose the aluminum or carbon fiber version? If you don’t need a super lightweight tripod, then I recommend you buy the aluminum version. If you plan to hike or backpack with it then I would consider investing in the carbon fiber version.

Travel Tripod Most Loved By Professionals

If you’ve followed me for the while then you’ve probably seen me use the Gitzo Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod paired with a Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head , and an L Bracket camera attachment. I bought this setup before the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod was released because it used to be the best lightweight professional setup available. I still love this option for the fine-tuning you can do with the Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head and the ability to quickly change between vertical and horizontal compositions when using an L Bracket camera attachment. You can also pair the Peak Design Travel Tripod Phone Mount with this setup, making it functional for both mobile and camera.

The downsides of this setup are that it’s not as packable or as lightweight as the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod . When folded, the tripod packs down to be 17.5 inches and the ball head is a height of 2.9 inches, making it a total of 20.4 inches. This is short compared to a lot of tripod and ball head configurations, but for me as a petite woman, it’s quite tall to fit in the side of a backpack. In saying that, my 6’1 husband has no complaints. This setup comes in at a weight of ~3.71 lbs, which is 0.9 lbs heavier than the Peak Design. It’s also ~$315 more expensive than the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod .

So why would you choose the Gitzo Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod + Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ball Head over the Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod ? Right now Peak Design is still working on compatibility issues between the Really Right Stuff Plates and L-Brackets and their Travel Tripod. For example, the L Bracket I am currently using for my Sony a1 is not compatible with the Peak Design Travel Tripod head. And sometimes having that ability to switch between vertical and horizontal quickly is very important to me. So for now I am holding onto my Gitzo and RRS setup until Peak Design has fixed that issue ( which they appear to be working on ).

best travel tripod with iphone

Best Budget Travel Tripod

I know the last two options are expensive and not everyone has that kind of money to spend. There are definitely more budget-friendly travel tripod options on the market but keep in mind that they are cheaper for a reason. Usually , the more budget-friendly tripod options are heavier, less packable, and/or less sturdy.

The Magnus TR-13 Travel Tripod is a great choice for those looking to invest in a lightweight travel tripod but may not have the budget for something super fancy. The Magnus TR-13 can be extended up to 62.5″, folds down to 18.2″, and weighs only 2.9lbs! But it doesn’t hold as much weight as some of the more expensive options (max of 13.2 lb). So you’re going to find this tripod is less steady and possibly not as conducive to holding bulkier equipment like telephoto lenses.

best travel tripod with iphone

Some other budget travel tripods to consider:

  • Mefoto Roadtrip S Lightweight Aluminum Travel Tripod
  • SIRUI T-0S Series Travel Tripod  
  • Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod
  • Oben AT-3565 Aluminum Travel Tripod

How To Take Travel Selfies with a Tripod

How To Take Travel Selfies With a Tripod

There are a few different methods to taking selfies with a tripod. And these apply to any type of selfie, including couple photos, solo photoshoots, family snaps, capturing moments with your friends, or maybe even with your pets. These methods apply to both phone photography and DSLR + mirrorless cameras.

Different methods of taking selfies

  • Using the self timer function
  • Using a remote control
  • Utilizing interval shooting / intervalometer

1. Using the Self Timer Function

This is probably the easiest option and works for both mobile and camera. It’s super simple, you just turn on the self timer function (all phones and cameras have this) and run into the frame! For iPhones, you can set the self timer to be 3 or 10 seconds. I recommend 10 seconds because then you will have more time to run into the frame. I often use this method for very quick selfies when I know I can be close to the phone/camera and will only want 1 or 2 takes.

  • Pros : free and easy to use
  • Cons : you have to stay relatively close to your phone/camera and can only take 1 photo at a time

2. Using a Remote control

Using a remote that connects to your phone is a popular choice for taking selfies. This means you can click a button on the remote and it takes a photo on your phone. This method can also be used with DSLR and mirrorless cameras when the brand has a compatible app (e.g. you download the app on your phone and then use it as a remote to click your camera’s shutter from afar). I have used this method in the past but I find it annoying to have to hide the remote / my phone each time.

  • Pros : affordable and easy to use, you can be further away from the camera, you can take multiple images per shoot
  • Cons : it’s annoying to hide the remote each time, they often have fairly short ranges so you still can’t go too far away

3. Utilizing Interval Shooting

This is my preferred method for taking selfies on both my phone and camera. When using a phone, you will need to download an Interval Shooting app (e.g. Lens Buddy or Lightning Lens ). If using your camera, you will need to use the inbuilt interval shooting function (or if you camera doesn’t have this you can purchase an external intervalometer).

Choose the speed, how many photos you want it to take, and whether or not you want a delay/timer at the start (so you can get into position). For example, you may choose for it to take a photo every 2 seconds, with 20 photos total, and a 15 second timer at the beginning. I love this method because I can move around freely and pose in all different ways. It’s also great for a group setting because you’re bound to get an option with everyone’s eyes open if you have 20 takes!

I have an Instagram Reel that shows me using this feature on my Sony a1. Click here to watch

  • Pros : you can easily take many photos in one go, don’t need to worry about hiding a remote, can get as far away from the camera/phone as you want
  • Cons : not an option for all cameras and doing this on the phone requires an additional app

The Best Lightweight Travel Tripods

Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Tripods

I want to finish off this guide by saying that you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or worried about using a tripod in front of others. Who cares what they think?! Some of my favorite photos have been taken with a tripod and they make such amazing memories. For example, I wouldn’t have nearly as many photos with my husband and or with my friends if we didn’t travel with a tripod. So put those worries aside and just give it a try 🙂

PIN for Later!

These are the BEST lightweight travel tripods for both phone and camera! Including budget-friendly and professional options. These tripods will help you take your travel selfies to the next level!

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Incredible photos and pack of usefull info. Thanks, guys! Still in search of 1.5m height lightweight tripod for artwork process shooting.

Thanks for sharing the informative article.

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The 10 BEST Travel Tripods – Ultimate Photo Guide [2024]

Alesha and Jarryd

  • Last Updated: February 2, 2024

If you’re in the market to buy the best travel tripod then we’ve got you covered! Working as professional travel photographers we have personally tried and tested countless products on the market, and now are ready to share our expert guide to the best tripods for travel in 2024!

Having spent almost a decade travelling the world on various photography assignments, from Antarctica to the Arctic and everywhere in between, it’s safe to say when it comes to gear, we know what works and what doesn’t.

While some accessories are a bit more generic than others, what we’ve found over the years is that selecting something as important as tripods is not so straightforward as one would think.

We’ve bought, tested, and eventually ditched, dozens of travel tripods since we first got into photography, and are always on the hunt for the best deals.

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Editors Choice: Peak Design Travel Tripod

We’ve tested everything and officially declared this Peak Design product as our top selection for best travel tripods. It’s lightweight, reaches eye level, durable and packs down to the size of a water bottle. You can save a few bucks with the aluminium version or choose carbon fiber for the best in travel photography technology.

Table of Contents

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Punks travis system  , manfrotto befree, vanguard veo 2 go, joby gorillapod 3k pro, zomei iphone tripod, benro systemgo, gitzo traveler series 1, sirui t-005x, mefoto backpacker s , portability , best professional tripod: gitzo traveler series 1, most portable tripod: joby gorillapod 3k.

These days we have finally narrowed it down to our favourite few products, based on features, durability, portability and price, and after thousands of questions from friends and readers we have finally sat down to share our top recommendations from our experience.

But do you really need a tripod for travel photography?

You might think it’s a bit unnecessary, but truth is the travel photography you can create is going to be so much higher quality thanks to one of these essential tools.

Even the steadiest hands give off some shake, and the second you start diving into the world of long exposures, you’re going to need to keep your camera perfectly still.

Speaking of cameras, make sure you check out legendary guide to travel cameras here !

A lightweight travel tripod will provide crystal clear shots, time-lapse video, panoramas, and long-exposure looks at the night sky.

Besides helping create beautiful images, a tripod also comes in handy if you want to setup the camera to take a photo of yourself when no one else is around.

So why talk about the best travel tripods specifically, rather than just camera tripods in general?

Before you can set up your tripod and start shooting, you’ll have to haul your gear to the location.

Any traditional camera tripod may be capable of capturing the shot, but might be too heavy to carry with you.

Remember, you’ll have to carry every piece of gear you take on your hike and back every step of the way.

Photography equipment built for travel has one primary objective: be light weight.

Great travel tripods are small enough to slip into a daypack and strong enough to withstand a grouchy luggage handler to bring a quick and easy setup on the move. 

Even a professional travel tripod will compromise some operating features to be more portable.

Jarryd Sunrise Best Travel Tripod

Whether it’s a lower peak height or wobbly legs, a tripod built for travel won’t have the same comfort levels as a traditional tripod, but packability is priceless. 

The good news is, there are plenty of travel tripods that provide enough creature comforts and extra features that allow them to serve your needs beautifully, and we’re here to show you what the best options have to offer. 

This epic buying guide will cover everything you need to know to feel confident in your purchase.

READ MORE: Keen to become a better creator? Check out our expert guide to our best travel photography tips !

Whether your valuable equipment needs a strong max load, your far-reaching panorama requires great maximum height or your extreme adventures require durable carbon fiber construction, we’ve got the sturdy travel tripod for your next adventure.

There are loads of different components that make up a tripod kit, and no one secret formula to success. Tripod manufacturers and models all have different strengths and weaknesses that allow them to function in different scenarios.

In addition to showcasing the best-in-class tripods, we’ll examine some key points to consider when choosing the best travel tripods for you. So take a look, get your batteries charged, and start shooting with the best tripod for your needs.

The Best Travel Tripods 

We’re on our way to the mountaintop just before sunrise to grab an epic shot. And we’re not going to take just any old tripod with us.

To qualify for this buying guide, the tripods on our list offer the best overall value and utility.

Starting at the pinkies of the interchangeable rubber feet up to maximum height with a ball head attached, we expanded and compacted the leading lightweight travel tripods.

Whether you’re looking for something petite for a compact camera or a full-sized unit, read on to find the best travel tripod for your trip.

Long Exposure Sunrise Pool Photo

Peak Design isn’t just a company name – it’s a brand legacy. After revolutionising the industry with their Capture Clips and backpacks, their award-winning travel tripod was crowdfunded thanks to its smattering of unique design features that make it fit uniquely in every camera bag.

Peak Design spent four years working on this aluminium and carbon fiber travel tripod. An included ball head design that works with unique leg locks to reduce the mini tripod to the diameter of a can of tomato sauce and extend out to a maximum height at eye level. 

The ball-head of such a compact tripod may look funky, but the potential is there, and the ARCA -compatible camera plate works with most DSLRs.

You may feel a bit awkward swinging your camera around the first few shots, but this center ball-head is also one of the biggest reasons this tripod is so packable. Once you get the hang of operation, you may never switch back.  

It’s not the most affordable tripod out there, but any passionate photographer will tell you not to skimp on key camera accessories .

Don’t trust a cheap plastic base to protect your DSLR camera; trust in this sturdy aluminium version (or pay extra for the carbon fiber tripod, which we did ) backed up by a lifetime guarantee. 

  • Packs down to the size of a water bottle
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Light, durable and versatile

Peak Design Travel Tripod

If it wasn’t for the incredible product design at Peak Design, this Travis system would be the clear-cut champ of the travel tripod market – despite not even being created for travel first. 

At $100 less than their rival and with loads of valuable features, this three-legged thing is an excellent addition to any camera kit. 

While it doesn’t pack down to the same compact folded length as our editor’s choice tripod above, Travis has its own strengths. It’s not just trying to be the best travel tripod, it wants to be the only tripod you own. Whether you’re into standard travel photos, astrophotography or waterfall photography , this unit has you covered.

It’s tough to argue with some of its specs. With a great maximum heigh, durability, and strong tripod legs, there aren’t many shots you can’t capture with this tool. 

What we love most about this tripod is the number of professional features the photography-focused 3 Legged Thing brand brought to the little guy.

This system features extra foot options, a quick-release plate, and extension accessories normally reserved for professional tripods that cost hundreds more than this affordable option. You can build out your tripod any way you see fit.  

  • Loads of customization options
  • 11:1 load to weight ratio
  • Ships with its own carrying bag
  • Not a travel tripod first

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Manfrotto’s BeFree line of travel tripods can be hard to navigate. The Befree tripods come at a variety of costs supporting loads of different features. 

While any model will give you a sturdy camera stand, our favourite BeFree tripod is the 2N1 model , which comes with monopod options.

Detach the center leg, and you’ve got the perfect selfie stick!

You won’t have to lug the entire tripod around when a monopod will do the trick. Put it all back together and you’ll have 4 different leg sections that help you get the shot at all levels.

That’s a great feature, and this robust travel tripod is way more than a one-trick pony. Twist locks clamp across the ball head and each leg allows plenty of height adjustment up to eye level. We love the simple brilliance of a good twist and lock tripod. 

No need to reinvent the wheel; Manfrotto instead took quality features and built them into a lightweight travel tripod affordable to photographers of all levels. 

They also have other models that are worth a look, such as the Manfrotto Befree Advanced.

  • Can also be used as a monopod
  • Wide selection of tripod models for various features
  • Click or twist-lock options
  • Doesn’t pack down as low as other models
  • No carbon fibre models

Elinjaa Falls Carbon Fibre Tripod

Right away, we couldn’t believe that this affordably priced travel tripod comes with carbon fibre construction.

The ultralight and durable material carbon fiber is usually reserved for the most expensive travel tripod options, but Vanguard has made carbon fiber available at a fraction of the cost. 

If materials are the number one concern on your list, but price is a close second, this tripod makes the decision easy.

Set up requires five flip locks that allow the tool to reduce to a tiny size and expand up to eye level, all at less than three pounds. 

Shop around to find a VEO 2 Go package that includes a bubble level, cell phone mount and Bluetooth remote or whatever customisation options you want to bring along with you. One thing for sure, this bad boy is all about traveling light. 

  • Packs down very small
  • Carbon fibre at an affordable price
  • Reversible centre column
  • No carbon fibre option

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There’s light, and then there’s this. A vlogger and amateur camera-man special, the slingy arms of the Joby GorillaPod 3k is always a go-to for travel photographers where space and flexibility are of the utmost importance.

This is not a full size tripod, as it won’t extend much higher than one foot, but it can be used just about anywhere and the 3k version is perfect for point-and-shoot or mid-sized mirrorless camera setup.

They’re so good, we have two!

The GorillaPod travel tripod can be wrapped around trees, poles or mounted easily to ledges, walls, and car hoods for quick and beautiful shots.

The larger 5K tripod has a larger max load that can support DSLR cameras, but this slim 3K tool supports smartphones and go pros and fits into any daypack. 

The legs of this Joby tripod are flexible, allowing you to find stability and center the horizon on all sorts of uneven surfaces. Above all else, this aluminum tripod is one of the more affordable options on our list. 

If you’re not shopping for a full size best travel tripod, look towards this GorillaPod to fit into every luggage and balance on every surface. 

  • Super flexible legs
  • Works in places where full-size tripods are banned
  • Only extends 16 inches
  • Won’t support a larger camera

Waterfall Photography Tasmania

For the travel photographer that prefers to leave their big DSLR or mirrorless cameras at home and stick to their favourite smartphone, the ZOMEi iPhone Tripod is the one for you.

For less than 20 bucks, you can secure your phone for stable action shots and easy selfies.

If you just want a few memories to send to the folks at home, you can casually throw this ZOMEi lighter tripod in your day pack and start exploring. 

It’s so light you won’t even notice it in your luggage, and once it’s time to shoot, you can take advantage of the three-legged tripod and remote control to capture yourself in motion just as easily as others. 

You can easily sling this tripod to whatever angle you need, making it a perfect option for capturing backyard skateparks and backflips. It’s also a great choice for budding vloggers who haven’t started raking in the ad revenue.

Remote shutter features allow you to stop and start live streams without walking up to the camera.

The affordability, remote start, and iPhone functionality make this a great first tripod, so you can see what a great set of three legs can do for your photography. 

  • Most affordable tripod on our list
  • Comes with a remote shutter
  • Built to work with iPhones
  • Can’t support a dSLR
  • Five leg sections to clip through

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The SystemGo gets a huge boost by Benro’s additional range of accessories.

It’s a tabletop tripod that can double as a mobile work or photo editing station with the GoPlatform that allows you to mount your laptop with the same protection and versatility as your camera.

Even without this fancy feature, this tripod would be worth a second look .

Benro’s center column helps expand your field of view, although unfortunately, you’ll have to supply your own ball head. 

Its affordability takes a hit because of all these additional purchases, but camera operators who want more choice will love this system.

The built-in monopod attachment grants you further control over your kit. You can detach the center leg and use the travel tripod as an arm-extending monopod if you don’t feel like lugging the entire arsenal. 

Look past all these extra features, and you’ll see a great, folding, sturdy tripod with a heavy operating capacity at a modest weight. 

  • Doubles as a mobile workstation
  • Can be used as a monopo d
  • Includes a padded soft case
  • Ball head sold separately
  • Larger than other options on our list

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Trust this piece of gear to be ready to roll before sunrise. Carbon fibre can sometimes sacrifice durability in the name of lightweight, but not this Gitzo .

Gitzo tripods are no less than three pounds of the best tripod functionality whittled down to travel size. 

This series is the closest thing to a professional-grade carbon fiber travel tripod on our list, and it still fits in overhead flight storage.

A Swiss Arca quick release ball head and reverse folding leg design allow you to stow this carbon fiber tripod and quickly expand the leg sections when it’s time to shoot. 

Five twist-lock sections are user-friendly and easy to activate to make getting the perfect height even easier. I feel further responsibility to nitpick ultra-expensive options, and we do wish the legs would extend to a bit higher than 58 inches, but overall this series is well worth the high price. 

Gitzo is arguably the number one name in tripods, and with their Traveler series, you can expect nothing less but the best stability and user-friendly features from this model. 

However, for most amateur and even professional photographers, we feel that other tripods can perform the same functions at a fraction of the cost.

The major exception to this is any travel photographers planning to shoot in extreme weather. You won’t find anything more storm-ready than this Gitzo.  

  • Respected tripod brand
  • Very durable
  • High max load weight
  • Quite expensive

Milky Way Gitzo Tripod

Sirui’s aluminum travel tripod cemented its place on our list thanks to its incredibly low price point and high quality build.

If you’re not shopping for a cheap plastic iPhone only tripod, this is the most affordable travel tripod you can find that still offers the stability and performance to be worth bringing along. 

Don’t expect this tripod to rock a heavy load capacity; it’s simply a cheaper aluminum version of the best models on the market.

We love how lightweight it is, and the number of leg sections fold up nicely to stow the tripod in about a foot of space. 

We didn’t love the fact that twist locks split into five different leg sections even though the tripod head won’t reach near 5 feet high.

Oh well, they are what they are, the best budget travel tripods on our list. If you’re looking for no more than three legs and a high build quality ball head, look no further. 

  • Very affordable
  • Really lightweight
  • Carbon fibre and aluminium hybrid
  • Centre column doesn’t compact

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To round out our best travel tripod list, we present another sturdy option that saves you a bit of money.

The Backpacker S doesn’t pump out eye-popping specs, but it does stay incredibly affordable and lightweight.

And most of us won’t need anything more than this sturdy tripod with Swiss Arca ball plates – no need for a hex key!

The ball-head allows complete 180-degree rotations of your camera, perfect for panoramas. You can have your choice of several bright colors, all with great functionality at an affordable price. 

It’s another high-quality aluminum tripod that isn’t trying to reinvent the industry.

Instead, Mefoto has presented affordable and lightweight travel tripods that prove you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to shoot with stability. 

  • Can be converted into a monopod
  • Additional mount available for phones and cameras
  • Affordable and customisable
  • Not built for all-weather
  • Decent across the board but doesn’t have any exceptional features

How to Choose the Best Tripods for Travel

As you can see, there’s a lot of great options when it comes to selecting the best travel tripod!

By definition, tripods often look pretty similar – Three legs with varying degrees of leg locks come together at a ball-head camera mount, maybe with a quick release plate.

With so much standardisation in construction, how can one tripod be considered better than the rest?

While loads of budget tripods can provide a capable camera stand, there are only a few products that seriously consider each of the following factors.

To choose the best travel tripod for your next adventures, take a look at these factors and decide which ones are most important for your needs. 

Ask yourself how you’ll be travelling to your photoshoots. If you’re travelling with an entire car full of room, you won’t have to worry as much about tripod weight as you will if you’re looking for a compact travel tripod that is also a hiking companion. 

Long-term travellers living out of a backpack may not feel the difference in a pound or two, but should emphasise buying a tripod that compacts to a small size.

And, of course, we have to be able to afford the dang thing! 

READ MORE: Make sure you have a good way to carry your tripod by diving deep into our ultimate guide to the best camera backpacks !

Without portability, your travel tripod is just a tripod. Your tripod’s portability will be a combination of its weight and folding size. 

Weight is a straightforward factor to consider – less is more! However, a lightweight tripod may sacrifice a bit of durability to weigh next to nothing, and lightweight tripods are generally more expensive, such. asthe

Ask yourself how many miles you plan on walking with your entire load capacity on your back, and let that answer define how lightweight your travel tripod will be. The lightest options on our list weigh between 2-4 pounds.

The folded length is just as important as weight. The Peak Design Travel Tripod ’s ability to condense down to the size of a water bottle is what earned its title of the best travel tripod.  

We want the number of leg sections to fold down and fit inside our travel bag, but some ultra-folding travel tripods may sacrifice maximum load capacity and durability to bend further.

Visualise how you will be transporting your tripod weight and decide how important folded length is to keep everything inside your backpack.

Portable Travel Tripod

Aha! The reason why tripods aren’t more portable across the board. I like my tripods to reach as close to eye level as possible, about 5 feet at maximum height. Anything more is a bonus, but anything less will start to lose value. 

Don’t forget to check out minimum folded height as well! You might want a tripod that can function with a leg angle selector at only a few inches off the ground for close-up shots, which can be handy for some types of landscape photography .

Not all 6-foot tripods are built the same, a lot depends on the number of leg sections it takes to get there.

Look at how the tallest travel tripod reaches its height and make sure it doesn’t sacrifice too much max load – we still need a sturdy tripod!

The more sections your tripod has, the smaller its folded height may be, but the more leg locks you’ll have to turn loose before your tripod is ready to shoot. 

I find that tripods with more than four leg sections start to be less sturdy and more annoying to lock up. 

Some of the tripods on our list are not cheap, especially if it’s a carbon fiber tripod. If you’re making a significant investment in your travel tripod though, you should expect it to last.

We’ve already touched on a few factors that impact durability; lightweight status, tripod weight, and leg sections. But the biggest indicator of your tripod’s durability is the build materials. 

Most of the tripods on our list use aluminum and carbon fiber. We do not recommend investing in a travel tripod made of plastic if you plan on taking it through the wringer.

Even if you don’t plan on bumps and bruises, the cheapest travel tripod won’t last more than a year or two, it will be flimsy and you wouldn’t even want to trust compact cameras on it.

Aluminum is a great middle ground. It’s not so expensive, and it’s not very fragile.

Travellers taking photos in normal weather conditions and exposing their gear to an average amount of wear and tear will be OK with the lightweight metal, and it still supports great maximum height.

Going near the ocean though, or want the best travel tripod on the market? You’ll need to look at carbon fiber tripods.

Carbon fiber is the strongest, lightest, and most weather-resistant material used in tripod construction, but also the most expensive. Invest in a carbon fiber tripod if you plan on shooting rain or shine. 

Some other tripods are made up of a combination of the two materials to strike up a middle ground. 

There’s a large amount of range in tripod pricing, and you can expect to get what you pay for. As you can see, you can find a good tripod for anywhere from $100- $400. Even higher if you’re looking at the Peak Design Travel Tripod (it’s worth the price tag though).

I strongly believe in investing in your gear, but you shouldn’t buy a travel tripod that costs more than your camera!

Some gearheads will swear by the most expensive options, but the truth is, casual travellers won’t need the features included on a $400 tripod. 

That’s a Wrap!

We broke out the zoom lens and examined the landscape of the best travel tripods on the market with everything we got. Hopefully, the image is starting to get a bit more clear.

While best travel tripod won’t affect your picture quality as much as your camera will, a sturdy, steady, and lightweight tripod will go a long way towards sharp images and safe camera use. 

Whether you’re trying to play with long exposures, vlogging, or working in low-light, our editor’s choice Peak Design Travel Tripod will help you perform to your fullest no matter where you’re shooting. 

Looking for other ideas? Here is our runner up in 2 different categories:

This special carbon fiber tripod won’t come cheap, but it’s the best we’ve tested, and you can always write it off as a business expense if you’re a pro.

The three-pound unit offers excellent stability, durability, and portability that will pay for itself during your first long hike or voyage.

Get the best deal for it here .

Incredibly small, flexible, and portable, this tripod can go anywhere you can. Add in the surprisingly sturdy ball heads at a reasonable price, and you’ve got a simple option focused on portability.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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11 Best iPhone Tripods (in 2023)

A Post By: Simon Ringsmuth

the best iPhone tripods

What is the best iPhone tripod ? What tripod should you choose for iPhone group portraits, long exposures, landscapes, and more?

If you’re struggling to choose the perfect iPhone tripod, you’re not alone. There are so many options to evaluate, including models designed to fit just about every photography style and budget – which is where this article comes in handy.

Below, I reveal my favorite tripods for iPhone photography ; by the time you finish reading, you’ll know which tripod to buy, no matter your style, methods, and budget. Note that, since it’s almost impossible to find one tripod that meets the needs of every photographer, options on this list are not ordered from best to worst. Every one of these iPhone tripods are great in their own ways.

The tripods featured below run the gamut in terms of price, and it’s important to realize that the old you get what you pay for adage doesn’t hold a lot of weight when choosing an iPhone tripod. Some of these products are very inexpensive and still do a great job – but that doesn’t mean the more costly options are a waste of money. It’s all about finding the right gear to suit your style and photographic preferences!

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 scenic lake vista

1. JOBY GripTight ONE GorillaPod Stand

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 JOBY GripTight ONE GorillaPod Stand

If I had to recommend a single iPhone tripod that’s great for nearly everyone , it’d be the GripTight ONE GorillaPod . It’s small, flexible, versatile, and able to handle a variety of different shooting conditions.

It’s also very inexpensive, so it’s a great option if you aren’t yet sure what you’re hoping to shoot and are looking to grab an all-around solid model. The GorillaPod isn’t very tall and doesn’t hold up under a lot of weight, but for many smartphone photographers, that won’t matter.

JOBY has been making flexible, inexpensive tripods for years, and all that expertise is put to good use here. This tripod has JOBY’s signature GorillaPod legs, which can twist and bend into almost any configuration. You can attach the tripod to nearly anything: tree limbs, fence posts, you name it. Or you can set it on top of a table or other flat surface. It comes with a mount that fits most smartphones and a ball head that can be twisted in every direction.

  • Small size makes it great for travelers
  • Adjustable legs can be contorted into almost any position
  • Built-in ball head makes it easy to adjust your phone angle
  • Small size is a disadvantage if you need to shoot pictures from eye level
  • Leg joints can deteriorate over time and wear out with constant use

2. Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod

In many ways, the Manfrotto Compact Action is the opposite of the JOBY GripTight. It’s large, tall, and not suited to a huge variety of conditions – but it boasts greater reach and more stability than smaller options can offer. It has all the features of a truly professional tripod at a price that won’t break the bank, and it’s a solid option for iPhone photographers who don’t mind a little extra bulk in their camera bag.

Despite the name, this tripod is anything but compact. However, it is lightweight and travels easily. The pistol-grip ball head is super simple to adjust, which means you can quickly position your iPhone to get the shot you want.

Manfrotto sells this tripod with and without their red-and-black Universal Smartphone Mount, though if you are getting it to shoot with your iPhone, I recommend grabbing the bundle that includes the Mount.

  • Inexpensive compared to other options
  • Fairly lightweight; easy for travelers to carry around
  • Unique pistol-grip ball head is easy to use
  • Build quality isn’t as great as some of its peers
  • Requires a smartphone adapter, though it is often sold in a bundle that includes it
  • Not as rock solid as other options when fully extended

3. Benro Tabletop Tripod & Selfie Stick for Smartphones

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 Benro Tabletop Tripod & Selfie Stick for Smartphones

Love ’em or hate ’em, selfie sticks are here to stay. While some people think they look a little odd, they do serve a practical purpose and satisfy a need for many people. This Benro tripod combines the features of a selfie stick with a traditional mobile phone tripod, and the result is an inexpensive, jack-of-all-trades device that’s perfect for iPhone shooters looking for versatility and who don’t want to purchase many individual pieces of gear.

At first glance, this tripod doesn’t seem like anything special. Its small size and unassuming appearance make it somewhat indistinguishable from other iPhone tripods, and it certainly won’t win any design awards. But what makes this Benro an ideal option for many photographers is the extending middle column and the shutter button built into the tripod legs. In other words, you can use it as a tripod and a selfie stick, effectively eliminating one piece of gear from your camera kit.

It’s the perfect choice for photographers who like to travel with other people and who enjoy taking selfies or group photos along with smartphone landscapes and time-lapse images.

  • Inexpensive, which puts it within easy reach of many casual photographers
  • Selfie-stick functionality makes this tripod highly versatile
  • The tripod is small, but the extending center column increases its overall versatility
  • Build quality is decent but not extremely impressive
  • Overall stability is somewhat lackluster with the center column fully extended
  • A bit larger than standard selfie sticks

4. Peak Design Mobile Smartphone Tripod

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 Peak Design Mobile Smartphone Tripod

On one hand, the Peak Design Mobile Smartphone tripod doesn’t really do anything that other options don’t already accomplish; many would argue that it’s not especially versatile or flexible, and it costs twice as much as the JOBY and Benro options on this list. However, the genius of this tripod is that it’s always attached to your phone – and as a result, it’s by far the most portable option we can recommend. And that can make all the difference for iPhone photographers.

While other tripods are big and bulky, the Peak Design tripod folds up smaller than a deck of cards. And once you attach it to your smartphone case with the Peak Design Universal Adapter (or with a Peak Design Smartphone Case, which has the adapter built in) you can slip the setup into your pocket and forget you even have it with you.

The three diminutive legs fold out to hold your iPhone in either portrait or landscape orientation, and the tripod has a tiny (even cute ) ball head that lets you position your mobile phone just how you want it. Despite this tripod’s limitations, it deserves serious consideration by every iPhone photographer.

  • Incredibly small; you can easily forget you have it attached to your mobile phone.
  • Great for people who use their phones for video calls as much as photography and videography
  • Excellent build quality
  • Surprisingly expensive
  • Requires a Peak Design case or adapter, which is sold separately
  • Not nearly as versatile as most other tripods

5. SmallRig Tabletop

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 SmallRig Tabletop

Why recommend the SmallRig Tabletop , a tripod that’s similar in size to the JOBY or Benro but not as flexible? This tripod is different than the rest; instead of trying to do many things, it does one thing really well: It sits on a flat surface and holds your phone steady. That’s it. And for many photographers, that’s enough.

Not only is this pint-sized tripod sturdy and well made, it includes a locking ball head that is suitable for a lot more than mobile phones. It can even perform double duty as a tripod for your DSLR or mirrorless camera, something the Peak Design Mobile Smartphone tripod is simply incapable of doing.

Like the Manfrotto Compact Tripod, the SmallRig Tabletop can be found with and without a mobile phone adapter, so if you want to use it with your iPhone, make sure you grab that essential piece of hardware.

  • Great build quality; designed to stand up to lots of wear and tear
  • Ball head is fully adjustable and lockable to ensure stability
  • Mounting plate makes it easy to attach and remove a mobile phone or camera
  • Small size is not well suited for some types of photography
  • Requires an adapter to hold a mobile phone
  • More expensive than some of its similarly sized counterparts

6. UBeesize Tripod S

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 UBeesize Tripod S

In some ways, the UBeesize Tripod S is eerily similar to the JOBY, but while the two do share some characteristics, there are important differences to consider. This tripod’s legs are able to bend and contort in almost any direction you can think of, which means it can be mounted on fence posts and tree limbs, JOBY style. However, the UBeesize has a more versatile ball head that offers a bit more freedom, which can be a big benefit for particularly picky photographers.

The legs on the UBeesize Tripod S are fully enclosed, which means you’re less likely to get dust and dirt in the joints. This might not seem like a huge deal, but I own several JOBY tripods, and over time this buildup can cause problems with functionality and overall durability. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is an area in which the UBeesize has a leg up. This small, inexpensive tripod is easy to toss in a bag or backpack, and it can help you get the shot in situations when other tripods fail.

  • Legs can be contorted and repositioned for maximum flexibility
  • Sealed joints in the legs make the UBeesize more weather resistant than some other options
  • Included wireless remote makes this great for selfies
  • Mobile phone clamp is not as durable as other options
  • While you can use the tripod with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, the legs can’t support the weight of heavy cameras and lenses

7. JOBY GripTight PRO TelePod

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 JOBY GripTight PRO TelePod

This inauspicious little tripod from JOBY may seem quite unremarkable: Its legs don’t twist and bend like some of its siblings, and it doesn’t have much visual flair. But take a second look, and you’ll notice several tricks hidden up the JOBY GripTight Pro’s sleeve that firmly cement its place on this list of best iPhone tripods.

For one, unlike most other options, this tripod has a middle column that extends to nearly three feet, giving you a level of versatility that shorter tripods simply can’t match. Then there’s the remarkably flexible mounting head, capable of holding your phone at nearly any angle or orientation you can possibly think of. And the GripTight Pro includes a button to let you take selfies or even activate recording on an action camera. The price of this tripod puts it out of reach for lots of casual iPhone photographers, but for more serious snappers and vloggers, it may be the perfect option.

Finally, the legs are sturdy, but they’re not strong enough to keep your iPhone steady in windy conditions (when the middle column is extended). To my mind, that’s not really a dealbreaker – just something to keep in mind to help you manage expectations.

  • Very compact when folded up
  • Center column extends high, increasing its overall versatility
  • Durable construction stands up to use and wear over time
  • Similar features to other tripods, but much more expensive
  • Not exceptionally stable with center column raised

8. MeFOTO BackPacker Travel Tripod

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 MeFOTO BackPacker Travel Tripod

Some might take issue with the MeFOTO BackPacker because it’s not specifically geared toward mobile phones, but that actually gives it several key advantages over its more compact brethren, plus it still maintains important elements that make it ideal for iPhone photography. With all the legs folded, it’s relatively small – not diminutive like the Peak Design tripod listed above, but much smaller than most normal tripods. It’s easy to stow in a backpack or a travel bag, especially if you aren’t carrying along a heavy DSLR or mirrorless camera and several accompanying lenses.

The MeFOTO BackPacker includes a sturdy, versatile ball head and legs that can be locked in several different positions. When fully extended, it towers over every other option on this list and lets you shoot iPhone photos at nearly the same height as most people’s eye level. You will need to purchase a separate mobile-phone adapter, which is a bit of a downside, but they’re relatively inexpensive. If you want a tripod that can accommodate nearly every possible iPhone photography situation and also stand up to weather and dust, this is the one to buy.

  • Very durable metal construction can handle years of daily use
  • Legs can be locked in many different positions
  • Very tall with legs and center column fully extended
  • Quite expensive; not a great option for casual iPhone photographers
  • Requires separate adapter for use with mobile phones
  • Not as small as others on this list

9. K&M 3-Section Tripod Smartphone Stand

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 K&M 3-Section Tripod Smartphone Stand

The K&M 3-section tripod combines the height of the MeFOTO BackPacker with the lightweight quality of smaller tripods, and the result is a great option for iPhone photographers who want a simple, relatively portable solution that doesn’t cost too much money. And it’s specifically designed for mobile phones, so you don’t have to get a separate adapter. While the K&M tripod doesn’t have a traditional ball head, the swivel mount is quite flexible and allows you to put your iPhone in almost any position you can imagine.

K&M has a history of creating quality gear for musicians such as music stands and mic stands, and this mobile tripod builds on that expertise. The wide leg base offers incredible stability, and it’s light enough to take on a trip or nature excursion. The tripod doesn’t win points for overall compactness, and some photographers will prefer an actual ball head that can be locked in place or easily rotated or swiveled – but despite those limitations, it’s a great choice for photographers who value build quality and stability, and who also want the flexibility to shoot photos high off the ground.

  • Strikes a great balance between height, weight, and price
  • Wide leg base makes it far more stable than some of its peers
  • Some might prefer a more traditional ball head
  • Legs fold out instead of extending
  • Not as small as other tripods when folded up

10. Zhiyun-Tech Smooth 5 Smartphone Gimbal Combo Kit

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 Zhiyun-Tech Smooth-5 Smartphone Gimbal Combo Kit

The Zhiyun-Tech Smooth 5 might seem like an odd choice to include on a list of the best iPhone tripods, but there’s a good reason to feature it alongside its peers. You see, this tripod is a two-in-one product that offers great solutions for both photos and videos in a single device. It’s primarily a handheld gimbal for ultra-smooth video, but – in a bit of a twist reminiscent of the Transformers toys – three little legs fold out to give you a stable surface when you need to take videos or photos without holding your phone in your hand.

It’s important to set expectations with this device. When viewing it purely as a tripod, its shortcomings quickly become apparent, as it contains virtually none of the features or flexibility offered by the Benro, JOBY, Peak Design, etc. But treating this product as a single-purpose tool kind of misses the point. The benefit of this Zhiyun-Tech option is that it’s much more than just a tripod. Having the ability to use a single device to take photos and record stabilized video is amazing, and it certainly deserves serious consideration by anyone who is into iPhone photography.

  • Excellent solution for people who shoot videos and photos
  • Video stabilization is very good, especially for the price
  • Variety of built-in buttons offer many options for manual controls
  • Legs are quite small, which limits the overall usefulness as a tripod
  • Not suitable for people who only shoot photos

11. Oben ASPTA-20 Smartphone Tripod Adapter

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 Oben ASPTA-20 Smartphone Tripod Adapter

This humble little item is a tripod adapter, not a tripod, but it does deserve its place on this list. In essence, the Oben APSTA-20 Smartphone Tripod Adapter answers the question of “Which is the best tripod for iPhone photography” with a rather practical reply: “The one you already own.” Many photographers already possess a perfectly good tripod, and – once you have this adapter – you don’t need to buy another one just to take photos with your iPhone.

Online sellers are flooded with adapters like this one, but the Oben has features that set it apart from the rest and that justify its $25 price tag. The Oben’s solid metal construction, durable rotating mobile phone clamp, and Arca-style mounting plate give it a durability and versatility that are entirely missing on most other iPhone tripods. I have spent less money on similar adapters only to have them break at the most inopportune times, so the build quality of this one makes it well worth the price.

  • Can be attached to almost any standard tripod
  • Swiveling feature makes repositioning your iPhone simple and intuitive
  • More expensive than other mobile phone mounts
  • Useless on its own without a tripod

11 Best iPhone Tripods in 2022 rural road

The best iPhone tripods: final words

With so many great options available, it’s difficult to identify one best iPhone tripod. Each of these options could be described as the best at what it does, which means it just might be perfect for you. Whether you want something small and portable, large and sturdy, or anywhere in between, there is a tripod out there that is right for your needs. The difficult part is separating the wheat from the chaff, and hopefully this list helps point you in the right direction.

Of course, the most important factor in this equation is you . Before you pick a tripod, think about your own sense of creativity and your photographic vision. Once you know the kind of photos you want to take, come back to this list and find the iPhone tripod that will help you get the shots you want.

There are many circumstances in which you do not need a tripod to take pictures with your iPhone or other mobile phone. But sometimes there’s no other way to get the shot you want. Tripods aren’t a necessity for iPhone photos, but they can be hugely helpful depending on the pictures you have in mind.

While you can get a better-quality tripod by spending more money, inexpensive options often work just as well. If you are shooting in extreme conditions or need a tripod that stands up to endless abuse, you may want to pay more for a tripod that will last longer and be better suited to your needs. Cheap options are often fine for most photographers, however, and if you break or lose it, it’s not a big deal.

Absolutely! Each of these tripods works great no matter what kind of phone you have, though some – like the Peak Design tripod – might require an adapter.

That depends on your goals for your iPhone photos. If you value photographic versatility above all else, then look for a tripod that extends to at least 32″ tall. However, many iPhone tripods are 12″ tall or less. That might seem like a big limitation, but if portability is important to you, such a tripod is probably the way to go.

11 Best iPhone Tripods (in 2023)

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Simon Ringsmuth

is an educational technology specialist at Oklahoma State University and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for photography on his website and podcast at Weekly Fifty. He and his brother host a monthly podcast called Camera Dads where they discuss photography and fatherhood, and Simon also posts regularly to Instagram where you can follow him as @sringsmuth.

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7 Strong & Lightweight Travel Tripods for Your Next Trip

Traveling with a tripod may not be convenient, but it can open the doors for creative photography or video. Here are 7 great options that won't weigh you down.

Camera Gear Guides | Tripod & Monopod Guides | By Mark Condon | Last Updated: March 27, 2024

To find the best travel tripods of the year, I tested over 50 different models from various brands at different price points

From the latest lightweight carbon fiber tripod to budget aluminium models, this guide will help you choose the best way to stabilise your camera while not sacrificing weight and space.

travel tripod by peak design being held in hand

Great stability, useful features and compact design takes up less space in your travel bag. Available in carbon fiber or aluminium with life-time warranty.

A good camera tripod will let you blur flowing water or star trails for beautiful long-exposure photography, create an engaging time-lapse video, capture panoramic landscapes, or even take a self-portrait.

Tripods allow you to get sharper and clearer photos than shooting handheld, especially in low-light environments.

A great tripod for travel should be strong, compact, and lightweight to carry mirrorless and DSLR cameras with long lenses attached with minimal vibrations.

The top models should also offer unique features to make your shooting experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Based on my testing and independent research, here are the tripods you should consider for your next trip.

(I’ll update this list as new models are released, so keep checking back.)

Table of Contents

I’ve been a professional photographer for over 10 years, having traveled all over the world to shoot weddings.

Whenever I fly, I like to pack the lightest tripod available with a height and sturdiness that suits my needs for the event.

Over the years, I’ve used many different tripods, from budget to high-end.

For this guide, I reviewed a mixture of tripods I own alongside those supplied by various brands.

This is a summary of what I consider to be the best tripods for traveling the world, based on various essential factors outlined below.

Stick to the travel tripods on this list to narrow your choices to the top options for the average traveling photographer/filmmaker, and remember the following factors when choosing:

  • Size (when folded) – The smaller, the better for packability.
  • Height – closest to the user’s eye level is best if sturdiness/strength is maintained. Min height allows macro/close-up work.
  • Weight – the lighter, the better if sturdiness/strength is preserved. Between 1 and 1.5 kg offers good strength to weight.
  • Build – a carbon fiber travel tripod is lighter and stronger than the aluminium equivalent, but also more expensive.
  • Sturdiness is measured by rigidity under load vs. maximum weight capacity and the number of leg sections (less is better).
  • Value for money – the price is justified based on overall quality. It is within the budget of the average travel photographer or backpacker.
  • Additional Tripod Features – anything unique that adds value.

The best portable tripod will be different for each person reading this article – only you will know which of the factors above are most important to your needs.

What is the Best Travel Tripod in 2024?

1. peak design | best travel tripod for mirrorless or dslr cameras.

A person's hand holding a compact tripod with a camera mounted on it against a gray background.

Material:  Carbon fiber or aluminum alloy | Maximum height: 153cm / 60.2″ | Minimum height: 14cm / 5.5″| Folded length: 39cm / 15.3″ | Weight: (Alu) 1.56kg / 3.4 lb (CF) 1.27kg / 2.79lb | Feet: Pads (spikes optional extra) | Number of leg sections:  5 |  Max load: 9kg / 19.8lb | Further Testing: Peak Design Travel Tripod Review

  • Ultra-compact storage
  • Well-built and durable
  • Quick to deploy
  • Unique & innovative features
  • Feels great to use
  • Good maximum extended height
  • Often out of stock
  • Carrying case is tight
  • Size: 10/10

The standout feature of this highly portable tripod is its unique ability to collapse into a tubular unit, similar in diameter to a can of beans.

When folded, there’s none of the ‘dead space’ which is typical of other tripods – it’s svelte enough to slide into the water bottle holder of the Peak Design travel backpack , with no protruding ball head and ultra-compact quick-release plate. Folded height is impressive, at only 39cm.

Users of travel tripods are sensitive to the packed volume of the tripod – this is where the Peak Design tripod excels.

  • Max Height: 9/10

At full extension (153cm), it’s among the taller tripods for cameras tested – tall enough for comfortable usage while still retaining good rigidity. It’s best to avoid extending center columns if possible, particularly on windy days, but this is the case with all lightweight tripods.

  • Weight: 8/10

Both the aluminum and carbon fiber travel tripods are relatively lightweight – there are certainly lighter products, but they often sacrifice strength and rigidity. The 29g weight saving for the carbon fiber tripod for camera use may not be worth the extra price

  • Build: 10/10

As with all Peak Design products, the Travel Tripod is very well-designed and built. There’s also a lifetime guarantee – perfect peace of mind for backpackers and frequent travelers. Also great as a tripod for spotting scope use.

  • Sturdiness: 9/10

Despite having 5 leg sections, the stiffness and damping of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is impressive.

With a maximum load capacity of 9kg, you can safely support any camera + zoom lens. In high winds, there’s a hook beneath the center column to hang a weight, like your backpack.

It’s the best tripod for mirrorless camera users based on average mirrorless body sizes and lenses. Some flagship DSLR cameras combined with heavy telephoto lenses may unbalance it, but these are minority cases.

  • Features: 10/10

Four images showcasing various features and accessories of a collapsible tripod: one image displays the tripod folded, another focuses on a hand holding a mounting plate, a third shows a close-up of the tripod's.

Innovative features that don’t exist on other travel tripods. (Bottom left: smartphone holder concealed in centre column.)

In testing, I found that the Peak Design tripod still has the most unique and useful features of any other lightweight tripod.

It’s undoubtedly the best camera tripod for anyone who values original design quirks, despite the fact that other DSLR tripod brands have frequently mimicked it since its release.

The stem of the ball head nestles between the tops of the tripod legs when collapsed, ensuring no protrusions and compact storage.

Lever locks can be controlled with one hand while you adjust the camera angle with the other, making adjustment of locking angles fast and efficient.

Legs slide in and out smoothly, and leg locks are strong yet easy to open – full deployment of all 5 sections is very fast.

The Center column hook conceals a mobile phone holder  neatly tucked away.

Rubber feet are replaceable for spikes, and the column can be inverted for macro photography camera setups. Even the protective case is well-designed, with all-over padding and not an inch of superfluous material.

The unique rounded design with legs that tuck away neatly makes this my pick of the best backpacking tripod.

Sliding it in and out of a side pocket is so much easier than even the most compact travel tripod – since nothing is ‘sticking out’, it’s almost like you’re stowing a smooth waterbottle.

  • Value: 8/10

An online discussion where users are sharing their opinions and experiences regarding customer service and product quality of a specific company. one user expresses satisfaction despite high prices, while another user concurs, highlighting the company's.

Reddit users agree that the Peak Design Tripod is worth it despite the high price.

This is by no means a budget tripod – you’re paying for a unique design and innovative features that don’t exist on other models.

A lifetime warranty is a huge benefit, making the price tag more justifiable.

The aluminium model is the best bang for your buck, although carbon fiber feels/looks better and has a slight weight advantage (I own the carbon fiber tripod).

Final Score: 64/70

Truly one of a kind, beating all other travel tripods with a unique space-saving body / ball-head design, fast leg deployment, impressive strength-to-weight ratio, and overall good looks, giving it that desirable x-factor. Lifetime warranty is a huge benefit. Highly recommended as the best lightweight tripod for backpacking.

Check the latest price >>

2. HEIPI 3-in-1 | Best Travel Tripod for Stability

A person is holding a collapsed black tripod against a wooden plank background.

Material: Carbon fiber (aluminium sub tripod) | Maximum height: 149cm / 59″ | Minimum height: 14.5cm / 5.7″| Folded length: 44.5cm / 17.5″ | Weight: 1.35kg / 2.97lb | Feet: Pads and spikes | Number of leg sections:  5 |  Max load: 25g / 55lb | Further Testing: HEIPI tripod review

  • Stable and solid construction
  • Useful and unique sub tripod
  • Efficient locking ring
  • Impressive maximum load
  • Hidden mobile mount
  • 2 tripods for price of one
  • Currently available on Indiegogo only
  • Slightly larger/heavier than Peak Design’s

With a similar tubular design to the Peak Design travel tripod, the HEIPI saves space in your backpack by eliminating any gaps between folded legs and retracted ball head.

Everything tucks in perfectly, allowing it to slide into its carrying case easily (much better than Peak’s overly tight one).

150cm is decent as a maximum height, but as with the other options, it still means tall photographers will need to stoop a little.

With a carbon fiber body and aluminium subtripod, the HEIPI is light at 1.35kgs (1.2kgs without the sub tripod).

This is a sweet spot for lightweight travel without sacrificing on stability in higher winds or grassy/unlevel ground.

However, for truly lightweight travel, there are lighter options.

The HEIPI feels very well built, with the legs sliding in and out smoothly and leg locks securing everything in place with confidence.

The ball head is robust and durable and looks like it can stand consistent outdoor use and the rigours of travel.

A promotional image featuring an innovative 3-in-1 design for a camera support system, showcasing its different configurations: the main tripod, sub tripod, and ball head.

All 3 component pieces work with 3rd party accessories (3/8″) – slider, ball heads, tripods, etc.

  • Sturdiness: 10/10

Here’s where the HEIPI excels and is unique among the tripods I tested.

A separate aluminium ‘subtripod’ is set inside the main tripod, adding to its rigidity when retracted.

When extended, since there are 3 legs in place of a regular singular centre column, it’s 3x as stable as other travel tripods.

Due to the increased stability, I consider it to be the best tripod for astrophotography at this price.

It’s also the best travel tripod for DSLR users who need something strong while remaining portable.

A collage of four images displaying different components of a black tripod, including the ball head, quick release plate, folded legs, and leg adjusters.

The subtripod is extended and deployed by a centre column lock ring, easily rotatable with a couple of hand twists.

Opening it completely releases the subtripod, which can be used for low-angle, macro photography, or even as a mini tripod for use on a table.

When used in conjunction with the main tripod, the subtripod adds rigidity far superior to using a single centre column. This is currently the only travel tripod with this feature.

Rubber feet can be screwed open to reveal spiked feet for use on sand, ice, grass or snow. You also get 3x hex keys, a water-repellent soft case, and a quick-release plate.

The detachable ball head is like an extra accessory that can be used on either tripod—the main one or the sub one.

There’s a handy bubble level and even a counterweight hook which allows you to add some extra stability by hanging your bag under the tripod.

By no means a budget tripod, the HEIPI is a high-quality product and is priced accordingly. It’s great value for a carbon fiber tripod with this many features.

Remember that you’re essentially getting two tripods for the price of one (the mini tripod is useful and unique, fitting snugly into the main one).

It’s currently only available on the HEIPI site, but it’s still a good deal cheaper than the equivalent carbon fiber Peak Design Travel Tripod.

Final Score: 65/70

Innovative one-of-a-kind concealed subtripod design provides stability when extended and retracted and offers two-for-one functionality. Excellent maximum payload means you can attach heavier cameras and telephoto lenses with no issues. Compact, space-saving design is perfect for backpacking.

3. 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey | Best Tripod for Backpacking

A dslr camera mounted on a tripod with a colorful graffiti wall in the background, alongside an image of a handheld massaging device.

Material: Magnesium alloy | Maximum height: 147.5cm / 58″ | Minimum height: 18.5cm7.2″  Folded length: 35cm / 13.67″ | Weight: 1.5kg / 3.4 lb | Feet: Pads (spikes optional extra) | Number of leg sections: 5 (+ 2 section column) | Max load: 14kg / 30lb | Further Testing: 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Review

  • Multiple attachment points
  • Stylish design
  • Strong legs
  • 14kg maximum load capacity
  • Bubble level
  • Colours not for every taste

Designed specifically for travel and lightweight backpacking, the Punks Corey packs down to an impressive 35cm / 13.67″, with the legs folding back 180 degrees over the center column, helping to create a slim overall packed diameter for your camera bag .

  • Max Height: 8/10

At (147.5cm / 58″) extended height, the 3 Legged Thing is tall enough for comfortable usage while still having good rigidity.

Legs can be positioned at multiple locking angles or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography .

At 1.5kg / 3.4 lb, the Punks Corey is a lightweight travel tripod for photographers who prefer to travel carry-on only. Its size/weight make it ideal as a backpacking tripod.

Aircraft-grade magnesium alloy construction is unique for travel tripods, offering excellent durability and one of the best strength:weight ratios. Excellent ball head design.

With 5 leg sections and a unique 2 section center column, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey maintains great rigidity. A unique detachable d-ring under the column allows you to hang extra weight for increased stability. Impressive maximum load capacity of 14 kg / 30 lb.

A collage of four images displaying various models of tripods and tripod heads used for mounting and stabilizing cameras.

Unique design and useful details make for a fun and functional tripod for backpacking.

Twist locks offer fast leg deployment. Double center column increases rigidity and allows efficient fine-tuning of overall height. Fast-adjusting AirHed Neo ball head with grippy knobs.

Precision-engineered leg lock system offers excellent stability and rigidity. 2 spirit levels (head/leg) for precise leveling. Ergonomic ‘bubble’ grip leg locks for all-weather use. Detachable monopod .

Invertible column for macro camera setups. 1/4″ screw foot with multiple accessory options. Tri-mount plate with hollowed spurs for clipping on accessories. Durable drawstring bag. ‘Toolz’ multi-tool, including hex key, coin key, key ring, carabiner, and bottle opener! Available in multiple attractive colours.

  • Value: 9/10

Good value to suit most budgets. 5-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Final Score: 63/70

Detachable monopod leg, the ability to splay the legs completely for low-angle work, unique detailing, friction control knob design, excellent strength:weight ratio and overall efficiency in use. Highly recommended lightweight travel tripod for backpacking.

4. Leofoto LS224C | Best Lightweight Travel Tripod for DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras

A camera tripod with extended legs on a textured gray background.

Material: Carbon Fiber |  Maximum height: 127cm / 50″ | Minimum height: 119cm / 47″ | Folded length: 47.5cm / 18.7″ | Weight: 1.42 kg (3.14 lbs) | Feet: Pads & Spikes | Number of leg sections: 4 | Max load: 6kg / 13.2 lb

  • Lightweight & compact
  • Sturdier than competitors
  • Great ball head
  • Unique removable centre-column
  • Spiked feet included
  • Lighter max load

At a folded length of only 47.5cm / 18.7″, the Leofoto tripod folds down nice and compact with everything fitting snugly into its included carry bag.

Since the centre column is removable and optional, there’s no negative space between all 3 legs, meaning that the folded tripod occupies much less volume when folded up.

The Lefoto tripod’s height is around 127cm / 50″, which is average among the tripods we tested. As with all travel tripods that focus on weight-saving and compactness, it’s not advisable to use the centre column for optimal stability unless the ground is completely even/stable and there’s zero wind.

  • Weight: 10/10

The Leofoto LS224C is the lightest travel tripod I tested and much lighter than most others at its price point. Available only in carbon fiber, it weighs in at an impressive 1.42 kg (3.14 lbs) with the ball head installed, making it perfect for all-day backpacking or tight airline carry-on luggage allowances while traveling.

If you need an ultralight tripod for backpacking or solo travel, this is the model to get – it’s the best lightweight tripod for traveling I’ve come across.

  • Build: 9/10

You may not have heard of Leofoto, but it’s a brand of Laitu Photographic, a manufacturer that has been making tripods and accessories since 2014. The LS224C is very well built and feels great when extending the legs. The leg hinge joints are nice and stiff, inspiring confidence when setting the Leofoto up.

Close-up view of a black tripod showing its three-legged structure and central pivot mechanism with a camera mounting plate, isolated against a white background.

Everything feels very stable on the Leofoto when the legs are fully deployed, and the centre column is unattached.

Obviously, this will reduce the tripod’s overall height, but it’s a small sacrifice for the greatly improved stability.

A comparison chart highlighting various tripod models with specifications and scores, with one model, leofoto ls-284c, distinctly selected with an orange border.

Source: The Center Column

As can be seen in the screenshot above, David from the Center Column rated the LeoFoto’s stiffness alongside much more expensive travel tripods.

  • Features: 9/10

The LS224C is one of the few travel tripods we’ve seen that haven’t been designed around a centre column.

This is a great space-saver when packing light since the tripod can have its legs folded closer together, reducing the overall volume it occupies.

The twist locks on the leg joints don’t need to be twisted more than 1/4 of a turn before the legs release, making the tripod deployment fast and simple.

Leg locks can be pulled out to unlock the legs for them to be splayed to 55, then 85 degrees for close-up photography.

The rubber feet can be replaced with the included steel spikes for use on grass or soft ground – a nice feature not commonly seen on travel tripods at this price point.

Overall, this lightweight camera tripod ticks a lot of boxes making it a great buy no matter what genre of photography you’re involved in.

  • Value: 10/10

With this kind of performance and features from such a light tripod for travel, it’s surprising to hear that the LS284C is available for under $200.

For such a compact tripod that weighs less and performs better than others twice its price, it’s incredible value for money.

Great build quality, impressively lightweight and stiffer than its competition. If you can get past the relatively unknown brand name, it’s an absolute bargain.

5. ZOMEI Z699C | Best Budget Travel Tripod for Beginners

A black tripod lies collapsed on a grassy surface.

Material: Carbon fiber |  Maximum height: 152cm / 60″ | Minimum height: 35cm / 3.7″ | Folded length: 35cm / 15″ | Weight: 1.3kg / 3.3lb | Feet: Pads and spikes | Number of leg sections:  5 | Max load: 15kg / 33lb | Further testing: Zomei Z699C Review 

  • Great value for money
  • Great for beginners
  • Folds up nice and small
  • Super light weight
  • Converts to monopod
  • Low quality protective bag
  • Not ideal for cold weather/gloved operation

Folded up, the Zomei Z699C is compact enough to suit any small camera backpack . Folded height (35cm / 15″) makes it the smallest travel tripod I tested. Having a small tripod is great for traveling carry-on only, which is my preferred way to fly.

At full extension (152cm / 60″), the Zomei tripod is tall enough for comfortable usage while still retaining good rigidity.

Legs can be locked at multiple angles, or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography.

  • Weight: 9/10

At just 1.3kg / 3.3 lb, the plastic tripod head helps keep weight down. Carbon fiber construction offers the best weight savings.

Carbon fiber tripods are stiffer, lighter, more weather/corrosion/scratch-resistant, and in general, stronger than aluminium. They also look and feel nicer.

  • Build: 7/10

Legs slide smoothly, and locks on each leg can be deployed all at once with one hand.

Grips could be larger/grippier for cold-weather / gloved operation. Leg grips are a nice addition and provides padding when in transit.

The plastic ball head is basic but includes bubble level. The protective bag feels low-quality but does its job.

Good rigidity and center column hook for additional stability.

Surprisingly sturdy considering its lightness – max load of 15kg / 33lb can support any camera/lens combination.

  • Features: 7/10

Photography equipment including a camera lens, tripod, and tripod head displayed on a wooden surface.

The Zomei features everything most traveling photographers need.

Reverse folding design. Monopod conversion. Multiple leg angles, including inverted macro. Contoured rubber feet for flat and metal ‘spikes’ for outdoor/uneven surfaces.

Twist locks are great for fast deployment.

The Zomei Z699C is a great-value compact carbon fiber tripod . You won’t find carbon fiber at this build quality for less. It’s the best cheap travel tripod when you still need high quality and the best budget tripod for travel I’ve come across so far this year.

Final Score: 61/70

If you’re looking for great bang your buck this is the best affordable travel tripod. Details aren’t as impressive as higher priced rivals, but operation is decent and size/weight/strength are competitive. Easy and enjoyable to use for beginners.

6. Manfrotto Befree Live | Best Travel Tripod for Video

Black tripod with red accents standing on a textured surface, with one leg extended outwards.

Material: Aluminum / Carbon Fiber |  Maximum height: 150cm / 59.06″ | Minimum height: 40cm / 15.75″ | Folded length: 40cm / 15.75″ | Weight: (Alu) 1.76kg / 3.9lb (CF) 1.36kg / 3lb | Feet: Pads | Number of leg sections:  5 | Max load: 3.9kg / 8.8lb

  • M-Lock twist-lock system quick and convenient
  • Fluid head tripod for smooth video panning
  • Included carry bag
  • Levelling ball joint for accurate alignment
  • Hook for attaching accessories
  • Fluid arm position can be adjusted
  • No convertible feet
  • No friction adjustment for panning

When folded down, the BeFree Live is a relatively compact tripod, especially considering it has that all-important fluid head and lever for smooth video panning movements.

However, the legs and head do not rest snuggly against the central core, making the entire volume of the unit larger than the other travel tripods we tested,

You could remove the tripod head completely to allow the legs to sit closer together if you want to pack it even tighter.

At 150cm / 59.06″, the maximum height is comparable to other travel tripods at this price point.

With its compact folded length of only 40cm / 15.75″, the height should be good enough for most travel photography.

The head itself weighs only 380g (0.84 lbs) which is really light for a fluid head and can hold up to 3.9kg / 8.8lb. As for the total weight of (Alu) 1.76kg / 3.9lb (CF) 1.36kg / 3lb, these are respectable for travel tripods for video.

There’s no need to opt for the carbon fiber model unless owning the most lightweight tripod is a top priority to you.

  • Build: 8/10

Being a Manfrotto tripod, the BeFree Live is well-made and feels good in the hand when deploying the twist-lock leg sections.

The inverse foldable leg design is easy to operate, and everything sits nicely in the included carry bag.

  • Sturdiness: 8/10

We tested the Manfrotto BeFree Live with a Sony a7IV and 24-70mm f/2.8 lens in average winds, and it performed well.

Unless you’re using a camera/lens setup that exceeds the max load, you shouldn’t have any issues with how sturdy it is.

  • Features: 8/10

The arm of the fluid head can be fully adjusted, so it’s in the right position when you’re positioning the tripod.

When using the tilt control, there’s a tightening knob to open it up fully for a nice and smooth tilting movement.

The fluid head fits onto other travel tripods, so if you need to swap it for whatever reason, it’s simple to do so. There’s also a bubble level for precise setups.

It also features a feature called ‘Easy Link’ (standard 3/8” attachment) for optional accessories and a hook to attach a weight for stabilization.

At around $270, the BeFree Video is excellent value for money if you’re looking for travel tripods with fluid heads for shooting video.

Sure, you may be able to find cheaper, but it won’t be from such a reputable brand as Manfrotto. It’s the best video tripod at this price, and highly recommended.

Final Score: 57/70

The BeFree line of travel tripods is enormously popular, and this is the version intended for video shooters. Manfrotto is synonymous with making high-quality tripods, and the BeFree Live is no exception, available for a great price for backpackers who need a decent travel tripod for video.

7. Joby GripTight One GorillaPod | Best Phone Tripod for Hiking

A flexible, black tripod with a smartphone mount attached is hanging on a textured gray wall.

Material: Plastic/Aluminum | Dimension: 1.34 x 1.57 x 6.50 in  Weight: 71 g (0.16 lbs) |  Max load: 325 g (0.72 lbs)

  • Flexible legs
  • Fits all smartphones
  • Durable build
  • Works as hand grip for vlogging
  • Only 1-year warranty

As a mini (aka tabletop) tripod kit, the Gorillapod GripTight One is a lot smaller than other travel tripods and takes up little room in your travel bag – it’s so small, in fact, that it can fit easily into your pocket.

This makes it my top pick as best hiking tripod, when you don’t want to burden your backpack with a full sized light weight tripod.

  • Height: 5/10

A small camera tripod such as a Gorillapod doesn’t have a fully extended height since it’s intended to be used with the legs partially splayed or bent to wrap around thin objects. It’s also an ‘attached’ ball head tripod, meaning that you can’t change the ball head for another.

Either way, you’ll usually be either crouching down or trying to find something higher to secure it to or balance it on.

It’s the best compact tripod if you’re really limited in space in your backpack or just need something to carry in a jacket pocket.

Weighing in at a tiny 71 g (0.16 lbs), this flexible tripod can be taken on every travel adventure without a second thought. It’s the best hiking tripod, so long as you don’t mind the lack of extension.

Made from ABS Plastic, Stainless Steel and TPE, the Gorillapod is the best tripod for travel when camera bag space is at a minimum. Obviously, it’s not as robustly built as some of the heavy-duty tripods , but it doesn’t need to be.

  • Sturdiness: 7/10

The GripTight is designed for any smartphone, with or without a case (56mm – 91mm), such as all the modern iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. Leg joints are stable and strong, but you’ll need to find thin tubular objects to wrap them around or flat surfaces for optimum stability (since all leg lengths are identical).

The base of the mount features a 1/4″-20 standard tripod mount meaning that you can attach it to other travel tripods if you need some extra height.

Other than that, the key feature is the ability to wrap the legs around thin objects or use them all together as a handy grip while filming.

If you’re after the most portable camera tripod, nothing beats a Gorillapod, which can fit in a jacket pocket.

If you’re looking for the best tripod for hiking that is able to stand up taller like a traditional tripod, you’ll need look elsewhere on this list.

At less than $25, the GripTight One is amazing value for money, and the 1-year warranty is adequate for regular travel. This makes it the best mini tripod for anyone on a tight budget.

Final Score: 59/70

Gorillapods allow you to secure your camera to objects for a variety of shooting angles and added convenience when traveling alone. Rubberized ball joints provide grippy finger placement for one-handed selfies and vlogging.

FAQs about Travel Tripods

Do I need a tripod for travel photography?

Yes, a tripod will help you take better photos in low light when traveling by stabilizing your camera and reducing movement. This will allow you to use a slower shutter speed to capture more light without having to rely on a higher ISO which can introduce noise into your images.

A tripod can also be useful when taking timed shots or self-portraits, allowing you to include yourself in your travel photos.

That said, you can use any nearby object as a camera stand – rocks, walls, even the ground – as long as you don’t need adjustable elevation or optimal stability, you can use pretty much anything as a make-shift tripod.

How heavy should a travel tripod be?

It’s important to have a lightweight tripod for travel, so the usual trade-off between having a stiffer/more stable tripod that is heavier isn’t so relevant. As long as the tripod is strong enough to hold your camera and lens without swaying, try and find the lightest tripod you can – this will make your traveling experience more enjoyable.

How do travel tripods differ from regular tripods?

They are typically lighter, have more compact dimensions when folded, and are designed for easy transportation. Regular tripods might offer more stability and height but are usually heavier and bulkier.

Can travel tripods support DSLR cameras?

Yes, many are sturdy enough to support DSLR cameras and lenses, but it’s important to check the tripod’s weight capacity to ensure it meets your gear’s needs.

How do you stabilize a tripod?

You should set up the tripod on stable ground and only extend the number of leg sections that are absolutely required – try and avoid the centre column at all costs. If your tripod has a hook, hang something relatively heavy from it, such as your camera bag – just don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity.

Also, you obviously already know how many legs a tripod has , but do you know why they have 3 legs? It’s for optimum stability.

Are travel tripods stable in windy conditions?

While they are designed for portability and may not be as stable as heavier studio models, many come with features like hook weights for added stability in windy conditions.

Can travel tripods be taken on airplanes?

Yes, they are designed to fit into luggage or attach to backpacks, making them suitable for air travel. However, always check with your airline for specific carry-on restrictions.

How do I maintain my travel tripod?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the legs and joints, checking for loose parts, and, if necessary, lubricating the moving parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always ensure it’s dry before folding it away to prevent rust or corrosion.

You'll Also Like These:

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Mark Condon is a British wedding photographer and editor of Shotkit. When he’s not taking photos or reviewing the latest camera gear and software, Mark can be found cycling around the northern rivers.

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ABOUT YOUR EXPERT

Mark Condon has been a professional photographer for 10+ years and has used and reviewed hundreds of tripods for backpacking around Australia and overseas travel. He prefers to fly without checked luggage (carry-on only), so a lightweight tripod is essential.

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A tripod being used in a grass area to hold an iPhone that is taking photos.

The Best iPhone Tripods of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Product image of Bluehorn Selfie Stick iPhone Tripod

Bluehorn Selfie Stick iPhone Tripod

Compacts for easy carry

Rotates 270 degrees

May not last for long

Product image of Joby GripTight Flexible iPhone Tripod

Joby GripTight Flexible iPhone Tripod

Provides a tight grip

Easy to use

Limited vertical tilt

Product image of UBeesize 60-Inch Extendable iPhone Tripod

UBeesize 60-Inch Extendable iPhone Tripod

No-slip rubber feet

Lightweight and compact

Product image of AmazonBasics 60-Inch iPhone Tripod

AmazonBasics 60-Inch iPhone Tripod

Comes with a carry case

Lightweight

Adjustable height

Not sturdy in wind

Product image of Aureday 62-Inch iPhone Tripod

Aureday 62-Inch iPhone Tripod

Very versatile

Good quality

Wireless remote may not work well

Lily Hartman

Updated March 27, 2023

From recording workouts to time lapses of sunsets, there are endless ways to get use out of a phone tripod. Smartphones can be mounted to tripod stands easily, and the best-quality tripods tend to be sturdy, compact for travel, and rotatable in various directions. We did some digging to find out what the best smartphone tripods are, and compiled a list.

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Product image of Bluehorn Selfie Stick iPhone Tripod

Buyers love to use this versatile, selfie-stick tripod for taking photos on family vacations. This foldable, compact tripod is sturdy, making it easy to capture high-quality, memorable moments with loved ones. Utilize the remote shutter option for hands-free photos up to 10 meters away or extend the selfie stick, that’s built with durable legs, to grab a selfie with a view. You can also stand this tripod up to make video calls or record YouTube videos without holding your phone. This handy smartphone stand is compatible with phones with a width from 5.2 to 10.5 centimeters.

Product image of Joby GripTight Flexible iPhone Tripod

The Joby Griptight tripod has a high-quality, phone-mount head grip that provides stability for clearer shots. The rubber-grip feet make it easy to use this as a tabletop tripod, or attach it to things like railings and tree branches. Some reviewers wish this tripod could move vertically for different angles, but it can be rotated 360 degrees for all-around shots. This tripod is universal smartphone compatible.

Product image of UBeesize 60-Inch Extendable iPhone Tripod

What’s cool about this tripod is all the different ways customers use it: live streaming on social media, going on vacation, and doing photo shoots downtown. You can use the wireless remote shutter to capture photos and videos up to 30 feet away. What’s even better is all of the different adjustments this tripod has: 360 head and 180 neck rotations, a height adjustment from 17 to 60 inches, and a wide phone fit adjustment of 5.7 inches that locks in well for wobble-free captures. According to buyers, this tripod may break quickly, but low durability is often expected with low-price products. This tripod is universally smartphone compatible.

Product image of AmazonBasics 60-Inch iPhone Tripod

This is the perfect mini tripod to bring with you for travel-based projects because it is lightweight, portable, and folds up nicely. Based on what buyers say, this seems to be the pick for a tripod that does the job. It is affordable, easy to use, and can hold most smartphones with an adapter, as well as different cameras and GoPros. Although it may shake in the wind, this tripod is fairly sturdy and is even made with rubber feet to prevent slip. What’s better: you can shoot in either portrait or landscape mode. This tripod is compatible with a smartphone adapter.

Product image of Aureday 62-Inch iPhone Tripod

Whether you want to take selfies with your significant other or grab videos of your view, you’ll enjoy this tripod’s good quality and affordability. This may not be the right tripod for a professional content creator, but it’s definitely great for someone who just wants to capture a few memories. It is lightweight, beginner friendly, and can extend long, as well as rotate in different directions for a variety of angles. What’s better: it has good construction and comes with non-slip rubber feet for stability. This tripod is compatible with most smartphones, as well as different cameras and GoPros.

More Articles You Might Enjoy

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

Lily Hartman

Lily Hartman

Staff Writer, Search

Lily Hartman is a staff writer who also enjoys writing magazine articles about health and outdoor recreation. In her free time, she likes to hike, camp, run, and lift weights.

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Best travel tripods 2024: the top lightweight tripods to buy

These are the best travel tripods – compact and lightweight enough to squeeze into a backpack, suitcase or even a pocket

Jamie Carter

As any travel photographer will tell you, stability is everything. It may seem to be mostly about location, composition, and what kind of camera you take on the road with you, but once you’ve found your perfect shot, you need to keep steady. 

If you’re planning creative shots or any kind of long exposure or repeated photography – such as landscape photography around sunset, time-lapses, or astrophotography – then a tripod is absolutely essential. Cue the best travel tripod.

You're not off the hook even if you're just planning to go on holiday with a smartphone. Though increasingly capable, smartphones’ cameras are still rather limited if you handhold them. You’ll be seriously surprised how much extra quality and creativity you can achieve by using a small tripod and a phone clamp. 

So in our buying guide, we've included options for keeping smartphones steady as well as custom-made travel tripods for the best travel cameras , DSLR , mirrorless , and compact cameras .

The best travel tripods you can buy today:

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod

1. Vanguard VEO 235AB Tripod

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you're after a reasonably heavy duty tripod for a DSLR or mirrorless camera using large lenses, look no further than this relatively lightweight tripod from Vanguard. This is a brand that tends to use aluminium, or for even more money, carbon fibre, but it usually stops short of providing full-length tripods. This design, weighing about 1.5 kg, is just 38 cm when folded, but reaches only 147 cm when it’s fully extended. So it's probably not the best choice if you’re a six-footer, though for most photographers it will provide more than enough height. The twist-and-lock legs are easy to extend and pack-up while moving, and the ball-head offers plenty of movement.

Manfrotto MKBFRTA4BK-BH Befree Advanced Tripod

2. Manfrotto MKBFRTA4BK-BH Befree Advanced Tripod

This Italian-made tripod is clearly aimed at semi-pro landscape and astrophotographers who need to travel. With ‘M-lock’ lever legs rather than twist-legs and a ball head, this aluminium-crafted travel tripod has three four-section legs and a tough central column. Those legs unfurl easily enough, and lock into place, and each leg can pan through 180°. In fact, the legs actually go backwards on themselves, reducing the footprint for packing it in a suitcase. It weighs 1.5kg, and has a quick-release ball-head, though it takes some time getting to know it, so practice before you head outside in the dark. It’s a bit of a specialist tripod, but it’s worth its weight.

Manfrotto PIXI Evo Tripod

3. Manfrotto PIXI Evo Tripod

There are few travel tripods around that can support absolutely any kind of camera. The core tripod is small, pocket-sized, and weighs just 260g. It has a standard quarter-inch thread adapter, so can be used natively with any DSLR, mirrorless or compact camera. It also comes in two separately available configurations; one with a smartphone clamp fitted on the top, and one with a GoPro /action camera-compatible module. However you decide to use it, rest assured that it’s easily strong enough to cope with anything. It's also very easy to position. Pressing one button loosens the ball head, so you can find your exact position, while releasing the button locks it in place. Clever stuff, but although the camera can tilt to a full 90°, the angle of elevation is limited; you can’t shoot anything above you, for example.

Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod

4. Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod

The Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod is strong and sturdy, yet at the same time lightweight due to a carbon fibre leg construction. This premium-feel travel tripod has a further trick up its sleeve – one of its legs can be removed to transform it into a portable monopod. A carbon fibre construction, as opposed to the more affordable aluminium, inevitably means this premium look and feel tripod also comes with premium-ish price tag. It also needs a short period of familiarisation with its myriad features before becoming operationally competent.

  • Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod review

Peak Design Travel Tripod

5. Peak Design Travel Tripod

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is really expensive, but it's also the neatest travel tripod around, no doubt about that, and it’s also one of the lightest. The aluminium version has a high-end build, a very neat and compact design, and some excellent unexpected features – chief of which is that smartphone adapter – but it’s not immeasurably better, performance-wise, than a much more affordable travel tripod.  Still, though, if money is no object and you want the most premium travel tripod experience, then this is the travel tripod for you.

MeFoto RoadTrip Air Tripod

6. MeFoto RoadTrip Air Tripod

Reasonably large tripods are all about design, specifically how long the leg sections are when completely unfurled, and how small they are when packed up and ready to be put in a suitcase. The MeFoto RoadTrip Air is clever on all counts, reaching loftier heights than most travel tripods manage while being exceptionally small when packed away. It does all this by having an extra section in each leg, five parts rather than the standard four parts, though that doesn't add any instability. Weighing just over a kilo, the MeFoto RoadTrip Air attempts to go for another market altogether by suggesting that the central column and the included smartphone clamp (and Bluetooth remote) can be used as a selfie stick. Clever stuff, but that’s probably a different market.

MeFoto BackPacker Air Tripod

7. MeFoto BackPacker Air Tripod

Known for its brightly coloured travel tripods, MeFoto has here produced an excellent product for owners of action cameras, mirrorless cameras and smartphones who want a ‘proper’ tripod capable of significant height. At its core is HyperLock, three five-section legs and a central column (which also detaches to act as a separate selfie stick) that extend – by just a twist – from a compact 26.5cm to a whopping 151cm. However, it’s at its most stable at 110cm before its central column is extended, so photographers should look at this as an emergency tripod for travel rather than as a ‘main’ tripod. Also in the box is a adjusting ball head, a screw-on mount for a smartphone, and even a wireless Bluetooth remote for taking selfies and super-stable shots. 

Joby HandyPod

8. Joby HandyPod

Sometimes you just want a small, pocket-friendly, but steady and capable tripod for occasional shots. Cue the HandyPod, a simple aluminium tripod that will perform almost any task well. Any camera or smartphone mount can be attached thanks to a standard tripod thread, and once attached that device can swing through 360° on the HandyPod’s ball head. That ball head can be locked in position using a simple push-button mechanism, and while the legs’ rubber pads add stability, the HandyPod has a dedicated handgrip so can be used off the ground for panning video shots. Also available is the HandyPod Mobile package, which adds Joby’s GripTight One GorillaPod universal mount for smartphones. 

XSories Deluxe Tripod

9. XSories Deluxe Tripod

Here’s a great example of the kind of commodity tripod that dominates the market, and yet this particular one is exceptionally good at what he does. Firstly, it weighs almost nothing, clocking in at just 65g. It's also very slim, so can easily fit into a trouser pocket or jacket pocket. On top is a small ball head for flexibility, and a standard quarter-inch tripod thread that attaches to any compact camera, or any cheap smartphone clamp that can be had for a few quid. In practice, it's halfway between a bendy, Joby-style tripod and a rigid design. Although it can be used as a standard straight-legged tripod, there is easily enough give in the legs to wrap round something, such as a fence post or a tree branch. Don't bet on putting too much weight on the XSories Deluxe, but if you have a small camera, or phone ( and a separate screw-on clamp ), it does the job very nicely.

How to choose the best travel tripod

The travel tripod market is split to serve the kind of device you’re using, of course. For phones, it's largely a commodity market, because the tripod and the clamp that keeps your phone in place don't have to bear much weight. Consequently, these types of tripods can cost just a few quid and are easy to travel with.

Lightweight designs are what the rest of the market aims for, with tripods designed for DSLR and mirrorless cameras much larger, but often manufactured from very lightweight materials. Consequently, they can be expensive. In fact, at the top end of the market, just shaving a few grams of the weight usually explains the high price. 

Happily, in-between cheap smartphone designs and expensive top-end configurations for expensive cameras, there are a fleet of smaller, tougher travel tripods that are good for all kinds of equipment and scenarios. Amazon is usually the best place to head for travel tripods, as you can get hold of highly-rated products for sometimes a fraction of the high street price. 

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Jamie is a freelance journalist, copywriter and author with 20 years' experience. He's written journalism for over 50 publications and websites and, when he's not writing, spending most of his time travelling – putting the latest travel tech through its paces.

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The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones

2 smartphones mounted on tripods; the tripod on the left standing rigidly and the one on the right showing more flexibility.

If you’ve ever compared who has the longest arms to take a group selfie or struggled to keep your smartphone stable while shooting video, a tripod and mount made specifically for phones might make your life easier. We recommend using the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit and the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount together as the best smartphone tripod and mount, after testing dozens of options along the trails of the Pacific Northwest, in the urban forests of Minnesota, and on the streets of Seattle and New York City.

best travel tripod with iphone

Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit

Best smartphone tripod.

This is light enough to take anywhere but strong enough for the heaviest smartphone and even some cameras.

Buying Options

best travel tripod with iphone

Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount

Best smartphone tripod mount.

This rotating mount holds any size phone comfortably and can serve as a stand on its own.

If you use your smartphone for low-light photography, time-lapses, selfies, or slow-motion video—or if you just like putting your phone in places that you can’t easily reach by hand—the GorillaPod and Square Jellyfish combo holds any smartphone steady at any angle, yet this pair is still small enough to toss into your shoulder bag.

Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit is stronger and more flexible than anything else out there for the price. The ball-head mount moves smoothly and the long, articulated legs wrap around most anything, such as a tree branch or street signpost. At 10.24 inches from mount to foot, it’s about 4 inches longer than most of the no-name, cheaper options; this gives it more reach for selfies and helps it wrap around thicker branches and posts. Additionally, its 2.2-pound weight limit is enough to support most compact cameras and even some mirrorless setups.

Unlike other models we looked at, the Square Jellyfish mount can hold a large smartphone stable in portrait or landscape orientation even without a stand. As small as a set of keys, the Square Jellyfish mount easily holds an iPhone 11 Pro Max and is stable enough to stand on its own in both vertical and horizontal orientations, even without a tripod. Just make sure you get the metal mount version—there are user reports of the threads, which let you attach the mount to any standard tripod screw, wearing out over time on the cheaper plastic one. We chose to pair the Square Jellyfish with the GorillaPod 1K Kit because it is more secure than the mount that Joby pairs with its other kits.

best travel tripod with iphone

Yoozon Selfie Stick

A selfie stick/tripod combo.

A telescoping selfie stick with a tripod and Bluetooth trigger built into its handle.

If you need both a selfie stick and a tripod, the Yoozon Selfie Stick is an affordable two-in-one that quickly transforms from a telescoping arm extender to a tabletop tripod. It can’t grip a tree branch or street sign like the GorillaPod 1K, but it does come with a stick-of-gum-sized Bluetooth trigger—pair it with your phone and press its button to grab shots from afar.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should use a smartphone mount and tripod, how we picked and tested, our pick for best smartphone tripod: joby gorillapod 1k kit, the best smartphone tripod mount: square jellyfish metal spring tripod mount, a great tripod/selfie-stick combo: yoozon selfie stick, other good tripods and mounts, the competition.

Updates writer Arriana Vasquez has been pursuing photography as both a professional and hobbyist for over 10 years. Before joining Wirecutter, she worked as a camera specialist at several camera stores in New York City. She has also contributed to Wirecutter’s guides to instant cameras , full-sized tripods , and portable document scanners .

Erin Lodi is a photojournalist, writer, and professional photographer with a wide range of experience researching, testing, and writing about photography trends, techniques, and tools, including her role as mobile-imaging editor at DPReview , the most popular camera site on the web.

Editor Signe Brewster is a photography enthusiast who wrote Wirecutter’s guides to photography drones and gimbals before moving on to edit some of our guides to computers. When she isn’t capturing videos from the sky, she likes to photograph Minnesota’s Victorian architecture.

Anyone who likes to use the timer function in their phone’s camera app, stabilize their video, or shoot videos hands-free can benefit from a smartphone mount.

Most tripods are made for cameras, with no way to securely attach a smartphone. A smartphone mount, which usually takes the form of a clamp that grabs onto the sides of a phone, is an adapter that changes that.

The pool of people who will benefit from a smartphone-specific tripod is smaller. A regular tripod, which we cover in our guides to tripods , will work for a phone in most situations. However, the tripods we cover in this guide are uniquely built to function as selfie sticks or grab onto structures like signposts or trees. They’re also smaller than traditional tripods, which means you can casually throw one into a backpack instead of lugging around a gadget the size of a baseball bat. But they aren’t nearly as long as traditional tripods, which means you must attach them to another tall object to grab an eye-height shot; you’re out of luck in an open field. As a result, you should treat a smartphone tripod as a portable alternative, but understand that a traditional tripod is useful in more scenarios.

(From left to right) The Yoozon Selfie Stick + Remote, the Square Jellyfish mount, and Joby’s GorillaPod 1K Kit.

We spent 30 hours researching more than 80 smartphone-stabilization systems before testing 22 sets of legs and 18 tripod mounts to determine what you really need to keep your smartphone snaps and videos steady. We filmed waterfalls while hiking in the Pacific Northwest and snapped images of the Space Needle in Seattle in an initial round of testing. In a second round of testing in 2019, we went on a photo walk in the woods of St. Paul, Minnesota, and filmed hands-free videos indoors. In 2022, we brought them to New York City street festivals and concerts to test stability and ease of use.

As with standard-size tripods , we considered legs and mounts separately (in this case, looking at phone mounts rather than the ball heads intended for full-size cameras). We tested legs to confirm that they were sturdy enough to support the weight of the smartphone and mount, and we tested the grippiness of their feet on a variety of surfaces.

A tripod with a smartphone hanging from a tree.

We examined mounts to make sure they could securely hold smartphones as large as a cased iPhone 11 Pro Max, and as small as a Samsung Galaxy S7 without a case. We tested how easily we could make positional adjustments, giving extra credit to smartphone mounts that were able to serve on their own as makeshift stands. We also considered several all-in-one units, those with legs and an integrated mount. Ultimately, we realized we wanted a mount that could slip into a pocket easily, securely mount a smartphone to most tripod legs, and work alone to keep the phone upright in landscape or portrait position.

Portability was a primary consideration for both, because the best accessories for your most portable camera should also slip into a pocket or small bag.

The Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit standing with its legs slightly bent.

If you find yourself taking tons of time-lapses, videos, and low-light photos, we recommend investing in the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit flexible tripod legs paired with a mount, like our Square Jellyfish pick, for your smartphone. You can find many copycat versions of these legs online (Joby itself offers variants, including mini and magnetic models), but after comparing them with the real thing, we think the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit will hold up better over time and be more practical in a wider variety of conditions, because it’s sturdier and designed with more useful features.

The GorillaPod 1K’s signature flexible, jointed legs can bend into just about any position, and once you place them, they stay put. In our tests, cheaper models slipped a bit when nudged lightly. You can even wrap the Joby’s legs around a pole or branch so that you can get in the shot by using a timer or a remote. And because they’re so long (about 8 inches), they can grip a wider variety of poles and branches compared with smaller tripods with legs less than 5 inches long.

Most important, the sturdy GorillaPod 1K’s 2.2-pound weight capacity has no problem keeping larger smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro Max steady—something a number of other tested stands, such as the wobbly MonoShot, couldn’t do. It’s even strong enough to hold up a compact or mirrorless camera.

Beyond nailing the basics, the GorillaPod 1K Kit also features a removable ball-head mount. The rotating ball head lets you make small, incremental camera-position changes without moving the legs, a feature that came in handy when we switched between portrait and landscape orientation. Rubbery material on the oversize feet provided a better grip on slippery surfaces compared with the smaller feet found on the cheaper legs we tested.

Paired, the Joby legs and the Square Jellyfish mount collapse to the size of a small water bottle and weigh about as much as a navel orange. The resulting combo is easy to tote along in your bag or a larger coat pocket.

As a bonus, the Joby model is strong enough to serve as an especially small tripod for a large point-and-shoot, superzoom, or small mirrorless camera, whereas cheaper competitors struggle to deal with even a large tablet.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Joby’s multi-jointed GorillaPod 1K legs are a little unwieldy at times, making you feel as if you’re playing with a toy rather than using a tripod—but then again, you can’t wrap your normal tripod around a tree branch. The GorillaPod 1K is also bigger than some of Joby’s other leg systems, but we think the extra stability is worth the trade-off.

Like all of the multi-jointed tripod legs we tested, the GorillaPod 1K has its limits. Heavy jostling or hits cause it to slide down slick surfaces such as poles; don’t attach it to the handles of your four-wheeler and expect it to stay secure.

The Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount.

Whether you want a great mount to pair with our top smartphone tripod pick or you already have a tripod you’d like to use with your smartphone, we recommend the Square Jellyfish Metal Spring Tripod Mount . Roughly the size and weight of a set of keys, this spring-loaded, universal-screw mount is small enough to slip into a pocket but sturdy enough to hold your phone tightly. It was the most secure of the mounts we tested, including those from Joby.

The Square Jellyfish on the ground, with its clamp holding an iPhone.

When attached to a tripod, the mount lets you easily rotate your phone 360 degrees; alternatively, for those spur-of-the-moment times when you need to take a photo or video hands-free, use the mount on its own to keep your smartphone standing upright in either portrait or landscape position. It even works if you’re using a weighty smartphone lens attachment . We’ve seen a few other products that serve a similar function, but of the models we tested, the Square Jellyfish mount holds phones the most securely, is the easiest to attach, and allows for a quick flip from landscape to portrait orientation. Other models we looked at, like the DaVoice Cell Phone Tripod Adapter , can support a phone only propped up at an angle when used without legs—not perpendicular to whatever surface you have them on—making them hard to use on their own.

The Square Jellyfish mount holds phones from 2.25 to 3.625 inches wide, a range that covers the majority of currently available phones but doesn’t account for some notably large tablets. A Samsung Galaxy S21 or iPhone 11 Pro Max will be fine, but you will run into problems with anything that has a screen size of 6.5 inches or larger.

Although Amazon reviews are for the most part very positive, a small number of owners have run into quality problems—primarily stripped threads from overtightening—but these seem to have cropped up with the basic black-plastic version. We recommend you get the silver-colored metal version of the mount.

The Yoozon selfie stick standing on its three foldable legs.

The Yoozon Selfie Stick impressed us with its ability to quickly transform from a 2-foot-tall tripod to a selfie stick, with the bonus of a Bluetooth trigger button that slides out of the handle to become a remote. If you’re more likely to take selfies or tabletop pictures than attach a tripod to a tree branch, a selfie stick could be a better option than the GorillaPod 1K.

In its collapsed form, the Yoozon Selfie Stick is about the size of a banana—small enough to be at home in a purse or sticking out of a back pocket. Grabbing and pulling on its top extends it to just over 2 feet, which makes it possible to fit a group of people into a selfie picture. Three legs pop out from its handle if you choose to place the tripod on a table for an eye-level shot.

The Yoozon selfie stick laying on the floor, folded up.

The selfie stick’s mount felt the third-most secure of any of the mounts we tested; only the Square Jellyfish mount and Vastar Smartphone Mount held smartphones tighter. It held a large iPhone XS Max without issue. We also like that you can take photos by pressing the Bluetooth button on its handle. If you’d like to take photos from up to 33 feet away, you can slide the button out to make it a remote.

It’s worth noting that the selfie stick, like almost all selfie sticks, does wobble slightly in the wind. If you’re planning on using it for video stabilization, you’ll have better luck on days without high wind.

If you want a slightly more portable version of the Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit: Consider the Joby Podzilla . It’s nearly identical to our pick in height and weight, but thanks to skinny flexible aluminum legs (instead of the bulkier ball joints on our pick), the Podzilla can bend in half more easily, making it easier to stash in a small bag (along with a small mount ). The ball head is less versatile than our pick, though—there’s only one cutout for vertical positioning and the legs are firmly attached, as opposed to our pick, which offers two ways to achieve vertical positions and lets you spin the camera 365 degrees independently of the legs. We also found that, while the ball head is very, very secure when locked, the push-button locking mechanism needed considerable single-hand strength to press in order to release the ball head.

For simpler mounting of a MagSafe-compatible smartphone: The Moment Tripod Mount for MagSafe has a lightning-fast setup time, is extremely portable, and provides a secure hold. The Moment mount is essentially a strong magnet wrapped in a textured circle attached to a slender stick, with a tripod screw hole at the bottom. It can’t stand on its own, but when paired with our pick for tripod legs it held any phone we put on it firmly in place. Moment offers the mount with or without a cold shoe mount. To test this mount, we used an iPhone 13 without a case and an iPhone 11 Pro Max with a Magsafe-compatible case and in both instances, the Moment mount gripped the MagSafe ring securely. While you save a few seconds mounting and unmounting the phone (since you don’t have to mess with the tension arms of our pick), it’s typically three times the price of the Square Jellyfish, and works only with iPhone 12, 13, and 14 phones directly . We did test it with a third-party case on the 11 Pro Max and it worked just fine, but we can’t speak to other off-brand cases.

That said, we plan to do further testing to see if the Moment mount could be helpful for people who experience dexterity issues, or those with limited use of their hands. We’ll update this recommendation depending on the results of those tests.

The MOFT Phone Tripod Stand is a slim stand that uses Apple’s MagSafe system to stick to the back of any compatible phone (including Android phones with MagSafe-compatible cases). But while it looks good and feels solidly built, it consistently slipped off our phones in testing, making it unreliable for its main purpose and therefore hard to recommend. If you’re looking to add accessories like a stand or wallet to the back of your phone, we recommend this case instead .

The Pocket Tripod is more of a phone stand than a tripod. With a few quick, origami-like folds, it can go from the size and shape of a credit card to a phone support, with the phone sitting inside two small, c-shaped cutouts. We really liked this phone stand for its extreme portability, but we’re concerned about the somewhat high number of negative Amazon reviews . We plan to continue testing it to see how well it holds up over time.

The Benro MeVIDEO Sidekick Pocket is a sturdy mount that’s adaptable to a variety of needs. There are ¼″-20 and ⅜″-16 threaded mounting holes throughout, plus a built-in cold shoe mount so you can mount an extra light and/or a mic; the base plate is Arca-Style and RC2-compatible for quick-release tripod heads ; and it folds down to be nearly as small as our pick. However, we can’t recommend it because the arms that hold the phone allowed for more slip along the length of the device than all the mounts we tested (in 2022), and the tension screw that holds the phone requires extreme tightening or the mount can still move around with minimal pressure.

A former runner-up pick, the Joby GripTight One Mount , comes standard on many Joby smartphone tripods. The simple spring-release design folds to the size of a large car key and is fast to use. But we found it didn’t hold phones as securely as the Square Jellyfish mount; we had to be careful about installing the phone or risk it twisting out and falling.

The Vastar One mount tied the Square Jellyfish mount for stability and security. It’s also cheaper, so it’s a great option if you’re trying to spend as little as possible. However, it’s much larger and clunkier, and it takes longer to attach it to a phone.

We found that the RetiCam mount offered the functionality we wanted but was much bulkier than the Square Jellyfish model we picked.

The newest version of the Glif is far better than the first, but we still can’t justify this nifty mount’s price.

The Apexel Gorillas Tripod is a nifty alternative to the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Rig , but the features that set it apart also keep it from being a possible pick. It’s designed so that each leg can unscrew from the phone base. While the bendable legs are stiff enough that they don’t unbend on their own, they also sometimes unscrew from the base as you position them. Also, the joints where the legs connect to the base have limited range and there’s no way to adjust the tension, so you can’t open it far enough to lay it flat or lock the legs in place.

The Joby HandyPod Mobile pairs a short tripod with a Joby GripTight One Mount . Its legs fold together to form a smooth handle that’s more comfortable to use as a selfie stick than the jointed legs of a GorillaPod, but its lack of flexible legs also means it can’t grip tree branches or sign poles. We decided to dismiss it because the Square Jellyfish mount is more secure than the GripTight One Mount. We dismissed the Manfrotto Pixi Mini for similar reasons.

Joby makes many tripods with bendy legs, but their mounts aren’t as secure or easy to use as the Square Jellyfish mount. As a result, we think it’s a better idea to buy the GorillaPod 1K and pair it with the Square Jellyfish mount. The Joby GripTight GorillaPod Pro 2 is large and strong like the GorillaPod 1K and has the added feature of a cold shoe adapter for accessories like mics or lights, but it lacks a ball mount. The Joby GripTight One Magnetic Impulse , the Joby GripTight Action Kit , and Joby’s GorillaPod 325 have shorter legs, which means they aren’t as strong and can’t grip as many objects.

The ChargerCity MegaGrab2 Selfie Kit , which used to be our budget pick, provides plenty of support, collapses easily into a small carrying bag, and costs less than half the price of the Joby legs and Square Jellyfish mount combined. But it’s less supportive and not as well built. It also squeaks horribly during adjustment.

The MonoShot (the brand-name model we tested, though many nearly identical versions are available on Amazon) extends to nearly 6 feet but sways in the slightest wind at that height—just what you don’t want for your time-lapse.

Kenu’s Stance smartphone tripods are the only kind we’ve seen that use either your iPhone’s Lightning port or the Micro-USB or USB-C port of your Android or Windows phone as a mount. Though interestingly designed, the Stance models are less stable and work in fewer positions than our main picks.

The UBeesize tripod and mount combo is an Amazon best seller and even cheaper than our budget pick, but it’s far flimsier.

This article was edited by Phil Ryan and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guides

best travel tripod with iphone

Arriana Vasquez

Arriana Vasquez is a senior updates writer for powering, home office, cameras, and hobbies at Wirecutter. Her hobbies include reading and photography. Her photos have won several awards in various online competitions, and she is the producer and co-host of Old Books Podcast .

best travel tripod with iphone

Erin Roberts

Erin Roberts is a freelance writer reporting on cameras and camera accessories at Wirecutter. She started her career as a photojournalist working in newspapers—shooting film—and was the mobile-imaging editor at DPReview. She is also a professional photographer who has made her living photographing everything from rock stars to humpback whales.

best travel tripod with iphone

Signe Brewster

Signe Brewster is an editor on Wirecutter's PC team. She also writes about virtual reality. She previously reported on emerging technology and science for publications like Wirecutter, MIT Technology Review, Wired, Science, and Symmetry Magazine. She spends her free time quilting and pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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6 Best Travel Tripods for iPhones That You Can Buy

Over the last couple of years, camera tech in iPhones has seen plenty of innovation. From studio-like portraits to the new wide-angle feature, there are plenty of things to try. But if you ask me, all these features go for a toss if your hands shake a lot. And that’s when a small and flexible tripod comes into the picture.

6 Best Travel Tripods For I Phones That You Can Buy

This nifty camera accessory not only helps you capture stable images if you travel alone. Also, you can click the entire vista behind you. After all, you wouldn’t want to shoot half of the Eiffel Tower in your selfies, right?

Apart from stable pictures, you also get to experiment with long-exposure photography thanks to manual camera apps . Plus, you can also adjust the height accordingly.

So, here we are with the best travel tripods for your iPhone that you can consider buying.

1. UBeesize Tripod Stand

best travel tripod with iphone

UBeesize Tripod Stand

If you’re more comfortable with the traditional tripods, you should try the ones from UBeesize. This one packs all the good features that you’d need in a tripod such as a rotating head, adjustable heights, leg locks, and non-slip rubber feet. Furthermore, this tripod is light and weighs around 1.65 pounds.

If we talk numbers, the UBeesize Phone Tripod’s height can be extended up to 50-inches. And the story doesn’t end there. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote which you can pair with your iPhone.

So far, the reviews regarding this product have been pretty great. Users mostly speak highly about its sturdy build and flexibility.

Plus, the Bluetooth connectivity works perfectly, and if we were to trust the users’ views, it works flawlessly.

When it comes to fitting your phone, you needn’t worry about it. It packs a spring-loaded mount to hold your iPhone securely.

2. Joby GorillaPod 1K

best travel tripod with iphone

Joby GorillaPod 1K

The Joby GorillaPod 1K is the perfect option for you if you love traveling with your digital camera and your iPhone. As you may rightfully figured, it can handle the weight of cameras up to 1Kg and phones like iPhones which weigh way less.

The primary feature of these tripods is their flexible legs which you can bend anyway you want. Be it branches or railings, all you need to do is wrap its legs tightly around it, and you will be sorted.

Other than that, the GorillaPod comes with a nifty ball head that can bend and rotate 360 ° and tilt 90° to give you photos in both portrait and landscape mode.

3. Kamisafe Selfie Stick Tripod

best travel tripod with iphone

Kamisafe Selfie Stick Tripod

The Kamisafe Selfie Stick Tripod is the perfect camera accessory to own, especially if you often go on solo trips. It’s a cleverly designed accessory where the feet open up to form a tripod. Plus, you can always extend the upper portion as you’d do in a selfie stick. Made of aluminum, it’s both light and sturdy. The feet and the handles are rubberized to lend stability to the unit. Plus, the camera mount is lined with foam and rubber to prevent scratches on your phone.

The best part is that you can extend it to around 1.3 meters to transform it into an unusually-looking tripod. That works exceptionally well if we were to go by the user reviews. And the flip locks add to the experience.

Users seem to love the premium look of this tripod, as well as its build. Plus, the Bluetooth pairing of the selfie remote works as expected, and so far users haven’t had any pairing issues with it. You just have to keep in charge, and you’ll be sorted.

Though this iPhone tripod can extend up to 1.3 meters, it tends to become a bit unstable and shaky when fully extended. Other than that, it packs a spring mount that can be screwed in two directions to take photos in both landscape and portrait mode.

4. Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod

best travel tripod with iphone

Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod

Another travel-friendly tripod is the Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod. If you are in the market for a tripod which can fit just about anywhere, the Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod is the one for you. Not only does it comes with flexible legs that can wrap around trees and railing, but it’s also dustproof and waterproof.

It packs a flexible ball head that lets you adjust the phone vertically and horizontally. Furthermore, you can also pan the head for panoramas and wide-angle videos.

The remote connects to your iPhone without the need to install any additional apps and tools.

The Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod is can double up both as a tripod for iPhones and as well as for action cameras like GoPro as well. What’s more, it also packs a microphone accessory as well.

5. UBeesize Flexible Tripod

best travel tripod with iphone

UBeesize Flexible Tripod

Another versatile tripod that you can give a shot is the UBeesize Flexible Tripod. At 10.6 inch, it gives you a good height to play with. And well, its legs can bend at any position you want it to. Similar to the device above, this one also comes with a metal ball joint. That helps rotate your iPhone to any position.

Apart from that, it comes with a neat Selfie Mode. All you need to do is pair the phone with the Bluetooth remote, and that’s about it.

For its price, the UBeesize Flexible Tripod is sturdy and gets your job done. Also, the non-slip feet ensure that your precious is kept out of harm’s way.

The reviews have been pretty amazing for this product so far, with users commending the build and the overall functionality of the tripod.

6. Syosin Mini Phone Tripod

best travel tripod with iphone

Syosin Mini Phone Tripod

Last but not least, we have the Syosin Mini Phone Tripod. This one doesn’t have all the fancy features like flexible legs or adjustable ball-sockets. Instead, it’s just a simple table-top mini phone tripod that can be used to film landscapes or to take stable group photos.

It comes with an adjustable phone mount that is capable of holding your phone securely. Plus, at 7-inches, it’s likely to fit the pockets of your trousers.

Similar to its counterparts above, it also packs a nifty Bluetooth-enabled remote, which so far has no known connectivity or performance issues. And well, reviews of this product have been praiseworthy so far.

If you want a pocketable hassle-free and compact iPhone tripod, this is the one you should certainly pick.

Say Cheese!

Whether it’s a family portrait for your holiday card or a full portrait for your first solo trip, a tripod makes sure that you capture these memories to the full. So that by the end of the day, you do not have to regret a blurred photo.

So, which of these tripods will you buy?

Last updated on 02 February, 2022

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Best Travel Tripods Under $100

DID YOU KNOW

best travel tripod with iphone

Namrata Gogoi

Namrata Gogoi is an author covering Buying Guides and device-related tips and tricks. She loves learning and writing about gadgets and accessories that are functional, innovative, and has a positive impact on one's life. Since 2016, she has covered smartphones, computer accessories, household electric appliances - basically any product that helps bring convenience to one's life -- at Guiding Tech. Previously, she worked as an IT Analyst in TCS but found her calling elsewhere. In her free time, you can find her engrossed in a murder mystery.

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The best iPhone tripods for 2023

Jackie Dove

Apple's iPhone — responsible for untold millions of photos and videos — has long touted a high-quality camera among its best and most popular features. For some, it's a camera that also makes phone calls and sends texts — an outstanding photography and videography tool that needs almost no third-party assistance. That said, from night shots to self-portraits, an iPhone tripod is an essential accessory that comes in handy to help get your perfect shot or video. For hobbyists and pros alike, we gathered some of the best iPhone tripods — with plenty of options.

What if you have an iPad? No worries, we've got you covered there too with the best iPad tripods .

Pocket Tripod Wallet-Size iPhone Tripod.

Pocket Tripod Wallet-Size Tripod

  • Case-friendly
  • Includes seven adapters
  • Folds flat into your wallet
  • Durability issues reported

The Pocket Tripod folds flat into the size of a credit card and is great for selfies, time-lapse, long exposure photography, low-light imaging, vlogs, travel videos, video calls, and more. It works with any phone of 0.5 inches or thinner — with or without a case. Its universal kit package comes with seven of the most common sizes and includes adapters. Its carbon fiber legs provide stability and adjustable angles topped with a TPU grip that holds your phone securely.

Joby GripTight One GorillaPod Stand

  • Flexible legs
  • Rubber foot grips
  • Light and compact
  • Cup/ball connections reported unstable

The flexible legs are the main reason why the Joby GorillaPod — featuring universal smartphone compatibility — is one of the premier choices for iPhone tripods. Its rubber foot grips provide stability on any surface, even wrapped around a tree trunk, for shooting expertly-focused photos and videos. Its wide jaw clamps securely hold your iPhone in a stable grip. When you’re done with your shoot, the tripod is light and compact for easy transport.

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UBeesize Phone Tripod

  • Compact and portable
  • Includes wireless remote
  • Stability issues reported

Solid and sturdy, the UBeesize iPhone tripod is both compact and portable with flexible legs that wrap around bicycles, poles, and branches. Weighing 150 grams and standing 10 inches high, the tripod legs are made of thick premium metal and a full metal connector with a rubber coating and sturdy foam. The rubber feet keep the tripod stable wherever you place it. By rotating the side knob, you can tilt the ball head 90 degrees and shoot photos or videos with a wireless remote control from up to 30 feet. It comes with a wireless remote that’s compatible with all cell phones and a universal phone holder for phones up to 3.54 inches wide. It comes with matte black or pink legs.

Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod Kit

  • Features universal smartphone clamp
  • Small and portable
  • Adjustable length legs

Manfrotto is a famous brand in the photography realm, so it’s no surprise it’s also in on the smartphone act. The Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod Kit comes with a universal smartphone clamp, designed to be unobtrusive for shoots where a full-size tripod isn’t needed or wanted. This mini-tripod provides a stable base for the camera to frame your subject and create clean, smooth images. Its tiny size lets you tote it wherever you’re headed without getting loaded down. It has adjustable legs and rubber-padded feet to protect the most delicate surfaces and maintain a steady grip.

Xenvo SquidGrip Flexible Cell Phone Tripod

  • Textured, grippy legs
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Fits nearly all smartphones

This supple little tripod lets you secure and mount your phone in any position for any camera angle as you wrap the textured, grippy rubber legs around a lamp, chair, tree, or any object with rock-solid holding power. Its lightweight and compact design offers strength, stability, and portability, so you can take it anywhere. The included phone mount, with its solid metal Ball-Head 360, adjusts to hold smartphones of any size.

SYJX Mini Tripod

  • Versatile height and angle adjustment
  • Made of lightweight aluminum alloy
  • 360-degree metal ball head

If you seek an extremely light, multifunctional tool that facilitates shooting video as well as selfies, consider the Mini Tripod Stand with a phone holder. Lightweight but sturdy, the aluminum alloy tripod is an ultra-portable featherweight at 90 grams. You can adjust the height and angles, and the latter can be moved by rotating the second pan. The tripod features three-stage stretching and flexible extension, with an adjustable height from 6 to 11.6 inches for low-angle shooting. With a 360-degree metal ball head adjusted just so, you can capture the perfect shot.

Joby GripTight One Micro Stand

  • Attaches to a key ring or camera bag
  • Unstable cup/ball connection reported

Joby is back at it again, this time with the Micro stand, specially designed for smaller phones. It supports any standard phone, both with or without a case. The portable design is specifically made for folks on the go to give you a lightweight and pocket-sized tool that can attach to a key ring or camera bag. A reliable grip on your phone with rubber pads secures the phone in place, even when it’s turned sideways. A machined aluminum mini ball head allows for precise control for photo or video composition. Rubber foot grips stabilize your iPhone for video and photo viewing.

Fugetek 51-inch Professional Selfie Stick & Tripod

  • Expends to 4 feet in height
  • Made of lightweight aluminum
  • Simple one-button remote operation
  • Durability and stability issues reported

Soaring up to more than 4 feet above the ground, this pro-level tripod and selfie stick is a great iPhone stand for viewing and shooting photos, engaging in FaceTime chats, or viewing Instagram and TikTok feeds. With lightweight aluminum, easy-click locks, and a grippy rubber handle, the Fugetek sets up quickly so you never miss your shot. You can take photos and videos up to 100 feet away with a simple one-button operation. Or, you can extend the feet to use the tripod as a standalone selfie stick.

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Jackie Dove

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The Samsung Galaxy S24 is Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone. It’s a great phone to shop if you’re looking for the newest tech and software you can get in a smartphone, but it’s also a great phone to shop if you’re looking for some of the best phone deals currently taking place. You might not expect to find substantial savings on such a new phone, but there’s a lot of ways out there to save big on a new Samsung Galaxy S24. Today's best Galaxy S24 deals When it comes to landing the best Samsung Galaxy S24 deals, purchasing from your favorite carrier may be your best option. Massive discounts are available if you’re willing to sign a new contract or add a new line. Most carriers are currently offering major discounts with an eligible trade-in device as well, but you can also save on an unlocked version of the Galaxy S24 by purchasing directly from Samsung.

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Best iPhone Tripods of 2024

Whether you want better video stabilization or the ability to film hands-free, a tripod for your iPhone is worth buying. Tripods allow you to film smoothly and film yourself more easily, which helps ensure that your video content looks as good as it can. A good iPhone tripod securely holds your device, even in unique positions and rough terrain. Some are larger and can lift an iPhone 5 feet into the air, while others are aimed at allowing users to mount their phone on a table.

To identify the best iPhone tripods, we consulted with a few experts on iPhone content creation and conducted extensive research. We're sure you'll find one here that's best for you.

Table of Contents

  • Best iPhone Tripods
  • Things To Consider When Buying
  • How We Chose

Joby GripTight Pro TelePod  »

Joby GripTight Pro TelePod Amazon

Telescoping arm

Very versatile

Relatively compact

Not the strongest in the extended position

The Joby GripTight Pro TelePod is a versatile and well-designed iPhone tripod that should suit the majority of iPhone content creators. The tripod starts in a compact position that has a telescoping arm, meaning you can extend it to be up to 31 inches. That can help film from the group, or for using the tripod like a selfie stick. Additionally, the mount comes with several accessories, including a GoPro mount, and a Bluetooth impulse remote shutter that lets you trigger your phone’s recording function remotely.

As mentioned, the tripod will work just as easily with a GoPro as it will with an iPhone, and it’ll also work with a traditional camera. The telescoping arm may be more useful for selfie-stick functionality than for adding to the height of the tripod itself, considering that it’s not quite as sturdy on a surface when extended that much. However, despite the slightly higher price, the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod is the best iPhone tripod for the vast majority of content creators who want to add a little more versatility to their setup.

Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip WX Lightweight  »

Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip WX Lightweight Amazon

Compact design

Inexpensive

Lightweight

Limited height

Cheap build

If you want a solid budget tripod that can keep an iPhone upright during filming, go with the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip WX Lightweight. This tripod doesn't have as many features as some of the others on this list, and it’s limited to tabletop use. However, it comes at a low price and is compact enough to easily fit in a backpack or bag.

For many creators, tabletop use will be all that’s needed from an iPhone tripod. This lets you create talking head content or film products and other things. Additionally, the lighter weight build may make this tripod a better choice if you want something to take on the go, without adding too much weight to your existing setup. That lighter weight could be attributed to a cheaper plastic build, but the overall build quality probably won’t matter much if you don’t plan on using your tripod in situations where it could be broken. The low price makes the trade-offs associated with a cheap build easily worth it.

Manfrotto Mini Tripod  »

Manfrotto Mini Tripod

Strong build

Sleek design

A little pricey

The Manfrotto Mini Tripod is the best choice if you want something more compact that can be used on a tabletop. This tripod has the sturdy and strong build characteristic of Manfrotto’s products, plus it has a versatile ball-joint head that allows you to easily position your phone for filming. The tripod is sleek and stylish, and it should easily fit in most backpacks or bags for on-the-go content creation. It fits any iPhone model and should fit the vast majority of cases.

Like any tabletop tripod, it has very limited height adjustments. This particular tabletop tripod is also a little pricey. However, for most who want something compact and lightweight, the Manfrotto Mini Tripod is easily the best option.

Peak Design Mobile Tripod  »

Peak Design Mobile Tripod

Compact build

Easy to attach and detach

Limited range of motion

If you want something ultra-compact that could easily fit in a pocket, the Peak Design Mobile Tripod is your best choice. This tripod folds into a tiny case while still offering a generally strong build, especially for something this small. It's a little expensive and doesn’t offer a huge range of motion compared to some others on this list, but it’s still relatively versatile and very easy to use.

Unlike most of the other tripods we reviewed, the Peak Design Mobile Tripod attaches to your phone via MagSafe. That means it will connect to an iPhone 12 or newer, or any iPhone with a case that adds MagSafe magnets. Through MagSafe, you’ll be able to easily attach and detach your phone from the tripod quickly and easily, ensuring you can capture content in a pinch. Additionally, the mount has a ball head, so you can swivel and rotate your phone as needed while filming.

Joby GripTight Pro 3 Mount  »

Joby GripTight Pro 3 Mount

Works with any tripod

Securely holds phone

Highly adjustable

Not a complete tripod solution

If you already have a tripod of some type, the Joby GripTight Pro 3 Mount can clamp your iPhone to it. That means you can buy or use a highly adjustable tripod that supports better movement than most tripods built specifically for phones. The GripTight Pro 3 is highly adjustable, with a ball clamp that supports a large range of motion.

While the price is relatively high, for many it will be easily worth the cost. That’s especially true given the fact that the mount supports a quick latch system that makes it easy to open and close the clamp as needed. It's not a complete tripod solution, but the fact that it works with other (perhaps more advanced) tripods likely makes it a much better choice for many buyers than a dedicated iPhone tripod.

Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro  »

Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro

Flexible legs for versatility

A little expensive

Legs can be finicky

Phone mount sold separately

Tripods with flexible legs can help make it easier to mount phones to a variety of objects, and the best tripod with flexible legs is the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro. It's a little expensive, but it has legs that can be flexed into the perfect position no matter the situation; you can wrap them around objects for mounting off the ground, for example. The Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro is well-built and well-designed, and it should be able to withstand most day-to-day abuse that you might put it through.

This tripod doesn’t come with a phone mount, so you’ll need to buy one separately. But the ability to perfectly place your phone regardless of terrain or obstacles may be enough of a reason to purchase the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro, especially considering how compact and portable it is.

The Bottom Line

The best iPhone tripod for most users is the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod, thanks to its versatile use, strong build, and sleek design. However, other tripods will serve other purposes. Perhaps you’re looking for something to mount to different objects, in which case you should buy the Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro. If you already have a tripod you want to use with your iPhone, get the Joby GripTight Pro 3 Mount. Regardless, there should be one on this list that meets your needs.

Things To Consider When Buying iPhone Tripods

Stability and construction quality: You want a tripod that’s well-built and able to hold your iPhone without it falling over or breaking. Of course, you also want a tripod that’s sturdy and well-constructed just so it lasts a long time. To find a well-constructed tripod, look for something that’s made out of metal, or at least high-end plastic – and not cheap plastic that could more easily break.

Flexibility and adjustability of tripod legs and mount: A tripod that has a high level of adjustability is more versatile and can be placed on more surfaces, ensuring that you can film in more locations. Adjustability can also enhance portability, allowing you to fold the legs up into a more compact position. Tripods with flexible legs can be even more adjustable, especially considering that those legs can often be wrapped around other objects for even more versatile placement. Flexible legs aren’t for everyone though because they’re usually not telescoping, so they can’t fold into each other. “A great phone tripod should be light and compact, and able to serve as a tripod, monopod, or selfie stick,” says Myriam Joire host and founder of the Mobile Tech Podcast.

Maximum height: If you want to film yourself standing up, you’ll need a larger tripod that can reach human height. If you simply plan on filming products on a desk, or yourself seated at a desk, a tripod with much shorter legs and a much lower maximum height will easily do the job. Of course, tripods with a higher maximum height are also usually much less portable, while smaller tripods will usually easily fit in a backpack or bag.

Portability and weight: Portability can be hugely important with a tripod, depending on how you plan on using it. Portable tripods allow you to more easily film on the go, especially if you can fit the tripod in your backpack or bag. Smaller tripods are often lighter, too. In addition, some tripods are made from more lightweight materials, while others are sturdier and heavier. You’ll want to strike a balance between all of these things in looking for the perfect tripod for your needs.

Ease of use and setup time: Depending on what you plan on filming, you may want a tripod that can be set up in a matter of seconds so you don’t miss any of the action. Some modern tripods leverage the iPhone’s MagSafe connectivity to allow you to attach or detach your phone quickly and easily. Others have clamps that snap closed. Setting up the legs takes the most time, and that will vary depending on how long and adjustable they are.

How We Chose The Best iPhone Tripods

Our contributor Christian de Looper consulted a number of professionals in writing this buyer's guide, including M. Brandon Lee, content creator for This Is Tech Today ; and Myriam Joire, host and founder of the Mobile Tech Podcast . Both of these individuals have professional experience using iPhone tripods to create their content. Next, Christian considered the maximum height and the types of adjustability each tripod offers. He also considered specs like weight and portability, which can be so important for content creators who want to film on the go.

Why Should You Trust Us?

Christian de Looper is a consumer technology expert who has reviewed hundreds of phones and phone accessories over the last decade-plus of being in the industry. Christian is a content creator himself with his own TikTok channel, and he has tried many of the different tripod and content creation accessories. Christian has a deep understanding of what makes a high-end iPhone tripod – and the kinds of features that content creators find to be most important.

When looking for a tripod for an iPhone, consider how and where you’ll be using the tripod. If you’re going to be using it mostly at home, then portability may not be all that important. If you plan to take the tripod on the road, you want something portable and lightweight. Additionally, you may want a tripod that comes with a phone mount if you don’t already have one – though you can buy a mount that connects to a tripod separately.

Generally speaking, iPhones offer among the best video stabilization tech – but with a tripod, you can capture even smoother video that looks even more professional. Additionally, an iPhone tripod will allow you to more easily film or take photos of yourself, and could come in handy even for situations as basic as taking group photos with you in them.

The vast majority of iPhone tripods aren’t actually iPhone tripods – they’re simply tripods that would work with a camera, but include a phone mount. These can usually be used with a variety of phone models, as well as cameras. The only exception to this rule would be models that work with MagSafe, which is Apple’s magnetic connectivity system for recent iPhone models. Other phones will likely soon work with MagSafe accessories, but for now, it’s best to buy MagSafe accessories for the iPhone only.

The biggest benefit to using a tripod is achieving more stability in filming, ensuring that videos look professional and well produced. The other big benefit is the fact that when using a tripod, you don’t have to be holding the phone at all – meaning that you can more easily film yourself if you want to.

First, make sure that the legs are extended and fastened in place and not placed on unsecured ground. Then make sure that the phone mount connected to the iPhone is secured properly and screwed into place. Usually, you’ll be able to test that the mount is secured by applying some pressure to it and trying to move it.

Finally, when you clamp your iPhone to the mount, make sure that it’s clamped squarely (not at an angle), and that the mount is tightened enough to keep the phone from moving. Avoid over-tightening, as this could damage the phone. A tripod “should be strong enough to hold any phone, and then the phone mount should have some kind of lock or screw mechanism instead of just springs, in order to hold the phone securely in place,” Joire says.

About Our Team

Christian de looper.

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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Home » Gear » best travel tripods

The 10 BEST Travel Tripods (Up Your PhotographGame in 2024)

So you just bought your new pride and joy: a travel camera worthy of capturing your epic adventures. But now you’re out shooting and the moment comes when you can’t seem to get a good image. Perhaps there isn’t enough light or maybe it’s too windy; regardless, all of your pictures just look blurry, dark and just don’t seem to capture the epic scene laid out before you.

Other times, you may see some photographers’ work and think: “Wow! How did they get the milky way in their pictures” or wonder “how did they make those waterfalls look so smooth and dreamy?” Well, my friends, the secret is out: A good travel tripod is the reason. 

Admit it, you’ve seen photographers carrying around a tripod or pitching up at a viewpoint and wondered what on earth they need them for. Well, now you know and now you’re taking your travel photography seriously you’re ready to join the pros. When it comes to taking high-quality images, a lightweight travel tripod can be just as important as the camera itself. A great travel tripod might just be the thing that takes your photos to the next level.

Now you’ve decided to take the leap, get ready for a sea of confusing terms, endless options and various different price ranges. When it comes to the best travel tripods, it’s easier said than done to pick the right one for your trip and photography style. Which is why we’ve put together this guide so you can find the perfect travel tripod that fits your style.

Let’s jump into it!

Quick Answers: Best Travel Tripods of 2024

The best travel tripods of 2024, #1 vanguard alta pro, best overall travel tripod, #2 mefoto roadtrip, best travel tripod runner-up, #3 manfrotto befree, best travel tripod for backpacking, #4 zomei z818, best budget travel tripod, #5 gitzo traveler series 1, professional travel tripod, #6 mefoto globetrotter, best professional tripod runner-up, #7 joby gorillapod 5k, best tripod for under $100, #8 benro aero 4 travel angel, best travel tripod for video, #9 3 legged thing punks corey, best budget travel tripod for dslrs, #10 manfrotto 290 carbon fiber monopod, best travel monopod, what to consider when buying the best travel tripod, how we tested the best travel tripods, faq about the best travel tripods, final thoughts.

  • Overall Best Tripod –  Vanguard Alta Pro
  • Best Budget Travel Tripod –  Zomei Z818
  • Best Professional Travel Tripod –  Gitzo Traveler Series 1
  • Best Tripod for Under $100  –  Joby Gorillapod 5k
  • Best Tripod for Video –  Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel
  • Jump to ->   The List of 10 Best Tripods of 2024

vanguard alta pro

Vanguard Alta Pro

  • > 15.4 lbs capacity

zomei-z818

Gitzo Traveler Series 1

  • > 22 lbs capacity

gorillapod-5k

Joby Gorillapod 5K

  • > 11 lbs capacity

benro-aero-4

Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel

  • > 8.8 lbs capacity

best travel tripod with iphone

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vanguard alta pro

  • Load Capacity:15.4 lb
  • Maximum Height: 68.1?
  • Minimum Height: 56? but this is a misleading number
  • Folded Length: 28.1?
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 3 – Flip Locks

Though the Vanguard Alta Pro is almost 6 years old by now, it’s still one of the best tripods on the market today! Since the release of an updated version – the less than stellar Alta Pro 2 – the price of the Alta Pro has dropped even further as well, making this already budget-friendly travel tripod even more affordable.

The Vanguard Alta Pro uses an innovative system – referred to as MACC (Multi-Angle Central Column) – where the center column can be rotated on its axis up to 180 degrees, allowing for a horizontal and upside down compositions.

With such flexibility, you can position your camera in ways that would normally be awkward, like near to the ground and poking out to the side. The system is fairly intuitive and setting-up should take no longer than any other tripod.

  • Innovative design that is still useful today
  • Excellent price these days
  • Well equipped to handle most cameras
  • 15.4 lb load capacity may be a liberal number
  • Will need maintenance
  • Fidgety quick release plate

The legs of the Alta Pro are constructed of 3 sections and can be laid out nearly flat. Combined with the MACC, this ensures that you’ll be able to achieve some pretty crazy and unique angles. The legs use flips locks, which are convenient but will require periodic tightening as they are used.

The Vanguard Alta Pro is a little heavy because it’s made from aluminum. It’s rated to a hold up to 15.4 lbs but many users have commented that this number may be skewed as wobble can still be a problem with oversized DSLRs. Avoid using this tripod at its full extension.

The Vanguard Alta comes equipped with an SBH-100 ball head that is fairly sturdy. The quick release plate is not as smooth as other tripods – like the Manfrotto – but this is a minor gripe. Below the ball head, there is a bubble leveler as well.

Is the Vanguard Alta Pro For You?

Do you want one of the most innovative and praised tripods in recent memory? Want to take advantage of its recent price cuts? Then there is no better time to invest in the Vanguard Alta Pro! This tripod is very capable and has become well-loved over the years; in many people’s minds, it still one of the best tripods for backpacking.

The team are massive fans of this tripod and just love its versatility when it comes to positioning, in particular, the ability to adjust the centre column is priceless when you need to get down low. They also felt it was pretty light and its weight was a good compromise between being light and also being stable in windy conditions.

mefoto-globetrotter

  • Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs
  • Maximum Height: 61.6”
  • Minimum Height: 15.4”
  • Folded Length: 15.4”
  • Weight: 3.6 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 5 – Screw Lock

For those who want a slightly lighter tripod than the Vanguard Alta Pro, the MeFOTO Roadtrip is an excellent alternative. This lightweight travel tripod is very adept and can still handle most photographic situations. It may not be as nifty as the Vanguard but the MeFOTO Roadtrip still has the cuts to get the job done.

Like most tripods, the MeFOTO Roadtrip’s legs can be set to three different positions: wide, standard, and free, the third of which is usually used for folding the legs up for packing.

I find that the second option is usually the most useful as it creates a base that most photographers will find optimal. The first is mostly used for getting the tripod low – though not so low as the Vanguard Alta Pro – to the ground. Changing the position of the legs is simply a matter of pushing and retracting a button.

  • Quite light and packable.
  • Can still hold larger DSLRs
  • Can be converted into a monopod
  • Can still suffer from wobble at times
  • Legs are not as durable as others

Of note is the MeFOTO’s ability to be converted into a monopod, which is an increasingly popular feature in modern tripods.

By removing one of the legs, detaching the central column, and then connecting the two together (BOOM!) you have a monopod. This arrangement is great when you want to run and gun and don’t want to worry about carrying around a cumbersome three legged monster.

At 3.6 lbs, the MeFOTO is quite light. It’s rated to hold over 17 lbs of equipment though many photographers do complain that the MeFOTO still suffers from wobble especially when fully extended.

This is most likely a consequence of the tripod’s light weight in addition to the fact that the legs are broken into five sections, which is not ideal.

Is the MeFOTO Roadtrip For You?

Do you want a lightweight tripod that can handle a heavier DSLR a bit better? Do you like the idea of using a monopod? Then the MeFOTO Roadtrip may be the travel tripod for you! This sturdy tripod will give you that extra rigidity for your camera that, even though it’s not quite professional yet, should handle most situations.

The team loved how quick and easy this tripod was to deploy and adjust with the screw-able leg locks rather than clips, these are also a lot more durable too. The weight of this tripod though was the real selling point for the team and it made them feel like they were much more likely to want to take it with them on their trips.

manfrotto-befree

  • Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
  • Maximum Height: 56.7?
  • Minimum Height: 13.4?
  • Folded Length: 15.75?
  • Weight: 3 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 4 – Flip Lock

If you’re looking for a conventional tripod that is very light and doesn’t sacrifice too much durability, then I suggest the Manfrotto BeFree. This reliable and lightweight tripod is great for wilderness backpacking in addition to demanding professional shoots. It has the usual bells and whistles that a good travel tripod should have and all at a great price.

The Manfrotto BeFree is very straightforward travel tripod that is not overly complex to use.

The legs can be arranged into the usual positions (wide, normal, and free) though the Manfrotto uses a slightly novel latching system to achieve this; it’s unique though in no way inhibitive.

The legs are composed of 4 sections and are locked via flip mechanisms. Like the Alta Pro, you’ll have to periodically tighten these locks. The feet of the tripod are made of rubber, which is good for gripping most surfaces. In my personal experiences, I find the feet like to fall off quite often, which easily fixed via replaced parts though still a little irritating.

  • One of the lightest (aluminum) tripods available
  • Very quick and easy to use
  • Probably not suitable for larger DSLRs
  • Can be unstable when fully extended – lack of a hook doesn’t help
  • Feet like to fall off

The BeFree is remarkably light given that’s made of aluminum – ultralight photographers can upgrade to a carbon fiber version , which cuts about a half pound as well. The BeFree is rated to hold nearly 9 lbs, which makes it most ideal for mirrorless shooters.

Full frame DSLR shooters who use this travel tripod notice some wobbling in the frame especially and complain further that the lack of a hook on the central column, which is used to weight the tripod, leaves much to be desired.

For videographers, the Manfrotto BeFree can also be converted into a great travel video tripod via special video head sold separately. This accessory, the Manfrotto 502 Video Head , is very effective and does a great job panning.

Is the Manfrotto BeFree For You?

Do you want a lightweight travel tripod without sacrificing too much stability? Are you still looking for something affordable? Then check out the Manfrotto BeFree Travel Tripod! This tripod is easy-to-use, very packable, and won’t break your back or the bank at all. It has been my go-to for many years and I have no problem saying that it’s one of the best backpacking tripods out there!

Personally, this has been my go-to tripod of choice for the past few years and I’ve been super happy with its versatility, durability and weight. It easily fits inside my big backpack and honestly still keeps the weight down to a reasonable level for backpacking or short trips. I use this with my Sony A7III and 24-105 f4 lens and I have always found it super stable even in windy conditions.

zomei-z818

  • Load Capacity: ?
  • Maximum Height: 65?
  • Minimum Height: 22?
  • Folded Length: 18?
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 4 – Twist Locks

At around $100, the Zomei Z818 is a screaming deal. With a solid build quality, useful features, and the ability to convert into a monopod, this baby can compete with every comparable tripod out there.

I’m going to cut to chase here and say that the Zomei Z818 is very similar to the MeFOTO Roadtrip – shockingly so actually.

Many of the features found in the MeFOTO are also found in the Zomei like the screws locks, the hook in the center column, and the ability to be converted into a monopod. Even the locking mechanism for the Zomei’s legs is eerily similar in mechanics to the MeFOTO.

The Zomei Z818 is a slightly larger travel tripod than the MeFOTO Roadtrip. The Zomei’s maximum height is about 4 inches greater than the MeFOTO and the minimum height is about 7 inches difference. The Zomei is consequently heavier than the MeFOTO but only just barely.

The team felt this was their best backpacking tripod for a DSLR on a budget. They loved that for the price it was all made from high-quality aluminium rather than cheap plastic which made it feel much more durable. The fact that it can be turned into a monopod too really impressed them for such a well priced tripod.

  • Cheaper than the competition
  • Very similar to the MeFOTO Roadtrip
  • No official load capacity?
  • Suffers from some wobble with heavier loads
  • Can’t be commended for being very original (I guess)

Oddly enough, I couldn’t find any official numbers for the Zomei’s load capacity anywhere on the web. Since it is so similar to the Roadtrip though, I imagine that the load capacity for the Zomei would be around 17 lbs.

I would also guess that it suffers from the same wobble as the MeFOTO does when using a heavier camera but this part I’ve yet to actually test.

Long story short, the Zomei Z818 is a great travel tripod, one that is comparable to the already impressive MeFOTO Roadtrip. The fact that it is $50 cheaper than the MeFOTO is the most alurring factor though. Those in the market for the best budget travel tripod will have to consider the Zomei Z818.

Is the Zomei Z818 For You?

Do you want a great tripod for an amazing price? Did you like what you saw with MeFOTO Roadtrip? Then give the Zomei Z818 a chance! Considering its functionality and low price, this guy takes the award for best budget travel tripod currently on the market.

gitzo-traveler-1

  • Load Capacity: 22 lb
  • Maximum Height: 60.2?
  • Minimum Height: 8.6?
  • Folded Length: 16.7?
  • Weight: 2.3 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 4 – G Lock System

If money isn’t an issue for you, then the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the best tripod, period. It’s one of the lightest, sturdiest, most intuitive, and most attractive photographic accessories that you can own.

There is no special, groundbreaking technology involved with the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 – it will not blow you away with new or futuristic features. No, the Gitzo does so well because of the quality of its parts and manufacturing. Like the best Italian food that you ever had, it’s all about the ingredients.

The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is made from high-grade carbon fiber materials, the quality of which the company insists is cut above the competition. Unlike many other tripods in this guide, the Gitzo Traveler is actually quite good-looking, fashionable even, thanks to the stylish finish on the carbon fiber.

  • The best that money can buy
  • Very light and very sturdy
  • Just all around easy-to-use
  • Very, very expensive

The legs are made from 4 sections and are locked in place by the company’s own patented “G Lock System.” This system is very efficient and quite inconspicuous, which only adds to the tripod’s already gorgeous appearance.

The Gitzo weighs a paltry 2.3 lbs and is rated to hold 22 lbs. It’s minimum height of 8.6” is one of the lowest on this list not including the GorillaPod.

I’d go further into the Gitzo’s construction but it’d be futile. I can only say that this is simply one the best tripods that one can buy. You will pay (a lot) for it but, in time, you’ll probably forget about the price. Note that the standard version of this Gitzo doesn’t include a ballhead – if you’re willing to spend the extra cash, you can buy a full set here .

Is the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 For You?

Do you want the absolute best possible travel tripod? Is money no issue? Then go buy the Gitzo Traveler Series 1. With near-perfect engineering and materials, this tripod is, in many photographer’s eyes, not just great for travelling, but everything.

I mean, the team were of course, very impressed by this tripod. But did they feel it was worth almost 500 quid, well, some of them did! The members of the crew who were photography aficionados felt that if your budget stretches this far, then you won’t be disappointed. The carbon fibre construction, twist lock extendable legs, and versatile positioning just make it feel like a real premium product and on top of that, it’s light AF and super compact… what’s not to like. Oohh, yeah, the price!

best travel tripod with iphone

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  • Load Capacity: 26.4 lb
  • Maximum Height: 64.2?
  • Minimum Height: 16.1?
  • Folded Length: 16.5?
  • Weight: 3.7 lb
  • Leg Sections: 5 – Twist Locks

The MeFOTO Globetrotter is the larger, more capable version of the MeFOTO Roadtrip and is meant for professional photographers with heavier equipment. Made of carbon fiber and rated to hold a staggering 26.4 lbs, the MeFOTO Globetrotter can handle just about anything you or mother nature can throw at it.

When considering the MeFOTO Roadtrip vs the Globetrotter, the two function in many similar ways. Both have twist locks on the legs, three different orientations, and use the same button-like mechanism to set the legs.

Due to its carbon fiber construction, the MeFOTO Globetrotter suffers less from the wobble that the Roadtrip reportedly does while still remaining light. The MeFOTO Globetrotter retains the ability to turn into a monopod and, thanks to sturdier build, may even be used as trekking pole if you’re so inclined.

  • Light for how sturdy it is
  • Very cheap compared to the competition
  • Can handle heavier loads and more adverse conditions
  • Still $300+
  • Little heavy for a carbon fiber tripod

The MeFOTO Globetrotter still uses the twist lock system as the Roadtrip. Again, whether or not you like twist locks or not – as opposed to flip – is a matter of preference. Granted, the Globetrotter’s weather sealing seems to be very effective and its joints do not appear to loosen as quickly as the Roadtrip. This travel tripod is built to last.

The most impressive part about the Globetrotter is the price though – at nearly half the cost of several of its competitors, the Globetrotter performs near equally as well.

At 3.7 lbs too it’s still reasonably light but this is where it falls short compared to the competition. Many carbon fiber tripods will come in at less than 3 lbs, which is why you buy the premium material in the first place and, thus, kinda defeats the purpose.

Is the MeFOTO Globetrotter For You?

Do you want a professional-grade tripod for a good price? Mind if it’s a little heavier than other carbon fiber ones? Then head come on down and get yourself a MeFOTO Globetrotter! This upgraded version of the Roadtrip will stand up to whatever you throw at it and won’t cost too much.

The team were pretty happy with this tripod for the price, it had that feel of a premium product without the extortionate costs in all honesty. The price vs weight vs stability made this tripod feel like it has really hit the sweet spot. The team also felt the red accents the tripod is available in was also a nice touch that made it stand out against the rest.

gorillapod-5k

  • Load Capacity: 11 lb
  • Maximum Height: 15.2?
  • Minimum Height: N/A
  • Folded Length: N/A
  • Weight: 17 oz
  • Leg Sections: N/A

The Gorillapod 5K is Joby’s newest addition to its lineup and maybe its best yet! The 5K is a streamlined version of their previous Focus edition and expands upon its predecessor’s prowess.

With a very sturdy build, unbeatable lightness, the ability to get into otherwise hard-to-reach places, and great price, the Joby GorillaPod 5k is not only the best tripod for under $100 but also the best ultralight tripod.

Gorillapods have been around for a while. I’m sure that you’ve seen them wrapped around a railing or clinging to some tree at least once in your travels. Over the years, they’ve had a bit of a mixed reputation – though novel in their design, they just couldn’t hold up under harsh conditions or heavier loads; neither could they excel in composition because of their short stature.

  • Remarkably sturdy
  • Eminently light
  • Very flexible
  • Maximum sturdiness requires just the right leg setup, which can be tedious
  • Limited to low angle shots
  • Expensive if you’re buying the Joby ballhead too

The Gorillapod Focus and its current iteration, the Gorillapod 5K, have changed that. Built with high end plastics, rubber, machined aluminum, and stainless steel, the Gorillapod 5K is not the cute little tripod that you saw before. This thing can hold a serious amount of weight for its size – 11 lbs – and can support many high-end travel cameras.

The legs of the Gorillapod 5K are their usual flexible selves – being able to wrap many objects for stabilization – though these feel very rigid, perhaps too rigid much for some. You may find it a little tedious to adjust the legs, a process that was already frustrating enough in past models. Tediousness aside, this rigidity is a good thing though as that’s how the Gorillapod is able to hold more weight.

I’ve used the Gorillapod 5K several times while backpacking and feel very happy with it. I was still able to get good shots with my Fujifilm XT2 and certainly didn’t mind the lack of weightiness.

Is the Joby Gorillapod 5k For You?

Do you want the lightest possible tripod that can still handle your heavy equipment? Are you okay with using a tripod that’s only a little over a foot tall? Well then maybe it’s time to give Gorillapods a chance. The Gorillapod 5K is one of the best models ever produced by Joby and is devoid of many of the inherent flaws that has plagued its precursors.

Despite being Scottish slang for poop, the Joby was a roaring success across the team. The tiny, light and compact design meant it was suitable across the board for those using their phone to others using mirrorless cameras. What is also a massive selling point is of course how it can grip on pretty much anything, which the team felt in practice actually worked well, especially on lighter cameras.

benro-aero-4

  • Maximum Height: 65.2?
  • Minimum Height: 21.9?
  • Folded Length: 21.7?
  • Weight: 5.8 lbs
  • Leg Sections: 3 – Flip Lock

Dedicated travel vloggers will need a specialized tripod to create the highest quality videos. One of the most useful tripods specifically for video right now is the Benro Aero 4. With a well designed video head and a sturdy set of legs underneath it, the Benro Aero 4 is more than capable of helping to create gorgeous videos.

The body of the Benro Aero 4 is designed very similarly to many other tripods in this guide. The legs and central column are made of tough aluminum.

The tripod is quite steady and doesn’t have much jitter too so long as your camera is no more than 9lbs. At almost 6 lbs, the Benro Aero 4 is a bit on the heavy side though not as heavy as some other professional grade cinematography tripods.

  • Well-performing tripod head
  • Still has the functions of a normal tripod
  • Easy to set up and pack away
  • Videographers are probably limited to shooting Micro Four Thirds and APS-C
  • Some users report that the screws of the quick release plate are a little wonky
  • Quite heavy

The legs are made from 3 sections and can be locked into fixed positions via a flipping mechanism. The legs can be arranged into the usual angular distances. Note that the widest angle that the Benro Aero 4’s legs can be set-up to is not as wide as other tripods though, thus the relatively high minimum height.

Like many other tripods these days, the Benro can be converted into a monopod as well. Simply remove one of the legs and attach it to the central shaft; easy as that!

The most important part of a good travel video tripod is the head though. The Aero 4’s flat video head is excellently designed and very efficient. Using the built-in handle, which is essential to capturing good video, the head pans very smoothly. There are several other knobs to control resistance further. There’s a quick release plate as well so you can mount your camera and start shooting in a single quick motion.

Is the Benro Aero 4 Travel Angel For You?

Are you a videographer who needs a specialized tripod? Do you use a smaller camera for video? If these sound right to you, then check out the Benro Aero 4! This is one of the best travel video tripods right now thanks to its compact design and superb flat video head.

The team felt this camera was a little niche but for those wanting to produce good-quality videos on their trip, this is the perfect solution. Often video tripods can be pretty heavy and sure, this one is compared to others on our list, but at the same time, compared to other video tripods, it’s not! The larger than normal ball head also neatly tucks away which the team were pretty impressed by.

3-legged-thing-punks-corey

  • Load Capacity: 30 lbs
  • Maximum Height: 58?
  • Minimum Height: 4?
  • Folded Length:13.7?
  • Weight: 3.4 lb

The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey is a brawler of a tripod that swings way above its weight class. At 3.4 lbs this travel tripod is rated to hold up to 30 lbs, which is a huge number. With a robust design and atypical central column that can be converted into a monopod, the 3 Legged Punks Corey is a real contender.

The Punks Corey is made from rubber, aluminum, and titanium materials. The legs are composed of 5 sections and are locked via a twisting mechanism. The rubber grip for the twists feel good in your hands and looks pretty cool too with a gator-skin like pattern. The legs can be locked into three positions: 23 degrees, 55 degrees, and 80 degrees.

  • Very strong
  • Unique central column design
  • Some may really like cosmetics of this tripod
  • Tripod must still be set up properly to hold 30 lbs
  • Removing central column can take some time
  • Some may really not like cosmetics of this tripod

At its greatest extension, the Punks Corey is 58” high. Note that a tripod will always be more subject to shake as maximum extension is reached.

The Punks Corey’s central column can be removed, which can then be converted into a monopod – in conjunction with one of the legs – or to allow the tripod itself to get as low to the ground as possible. Without the central column, the ball head is rescrewed directly onto the tripod and the minimum height becomes 4”.

To be able to hold such a great weight, the ball head must be strong. The Punks Corey is AirHed Neo ballhead is just that.

Is the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey For You?

Do you want a beast of a tripod that can handle heavy loads? Want something that is functional as well as convertible? Then look no further than the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey! It’s better equipped to handle heavy DSLRs and is still able to perform all the usual duties that befit a great travel tripod.

The team felt this was a winner for their best budget travel tripod award (DSLR category of course!). The rubberised twist lock system was particularly appreciated especially when it came to shooting in inclement weather. The ability also to switch the central column to shoot underneath the tripod without any real fuss was also a huge selling point.

manfrotto-290-monopod

  • Maximum Height: 59.4?
  • Minimum Height: 19.3?
  • Weight:1.1 lb

To be honest, this one kinda feels like cheating because this isn’t a tripod at all; it’s purely a monopod – a tool that only uses one leg instead of three. Don’t think that it’s inferior though; in the right hands, the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod can compete with any tripod. Trekkers can pack it away easily or even use it as a trekking pole, making it one of the best tools for wilderness photographers.

A few tripods already mentioned in this guide have had the ability to convert into monopods – let’s look at now why monopods are just as convenient as their three-legged compatriots.

With three legs, tripods offer near complete stabilization across two planes – a monopod only covers one. For many photographers, that single plane of stabilization is all that is required for getting good pictures. For those who are more active shooters, like hikers, sports photographers, and wedding photographer, a monopod is perfect.

  • The lightest tripod/monopod in this guide
  • Very, very sturdy
  • Very packable
  • Not as much stabilization as a conventional tripod
  • May or may not save your hide
  • Long exposures will be very difficult

The Manfrotto 290 is an exceptional monopod. Built from high-end carbon fiber, it would take a lot to break this thing. Its 4 sections are locked by flipping latches that are equally as reliable.

So strong is the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Tripod that some photographers may even use it as a trekking pole – there’s even a loop for your wrist.

Note that while the frame is secure, there’s always a chance that it may break should you take a nasty fall. It is, at the end of the day, meant to steady your camera and not save your life. Whether or not you choose to use it as a walking stick or hide it in your bag, the Manfrotto 290 Monopod will integrate seamlessly into your backpacking and camera kit.

Is the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod For You?

Do you hate the idea of lugging around a tripod? Think you have the steady hand to manage with just one leg? Then give the Manfrotto 290 Carbon Fiber Monopod a shot. It’s a very well-made piece of equipment that monopod enthusiasts will approve of and it’s a great deal.

The team acknowledged how a monopod is maybe a little more niche and of course, has different uses, but they felt this was an awesome option for those wanting to go super light. They did however feel that it was light, stable and quick to adjust on the fly.

best travel tripod with iphone

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Why Invest in a Travel Tripod?

To me it’s a no-brainer: why buy an expensive travel camera if you can’t get the most out of it? With a tripod, you can do just this – unlock the full potential of your camera and get the best pictures possible.

With a tripod, you can shoot photos in conditions that would be near impossible if you were simply holding the camera in your hand. Selfies, light trails, long exposures; all of these and more are possible while using a tripod.

A good tripod will create maximum stability for your camera. Granted, some photographers get away with using features like image stabilization and lens stabilization – but these will only get you so far. At a minimum, you should at least have a small, lightweight travel tripod that will allow some sort of rigidity in certain circumstances.

With maximum stabilization comes maximum image quality. Where some novices may struggle in the wind, the dark or when trying to get that artistic composition, you will succeed. With the best possible travel tripod, you will take some of the best photos of your life.

As you dive further into the photographic world, you may even discover whole new ways of taking photos thanks to your travel tripod. Advanced techniques like HDR, focus stacking, and nightscapes will all be available to you thanks to your new travel tripod.

With this guide, you’ll receive lots of tips on what to look for in a great tripod and what constitutes a good investment. This guide has a ton of options, but I’ve made it easy to navigate so you’ll easily be able to identify a tripod that best fits your style.

So, first thing is first… what is your style?

What are you looking for in a travel tripod?

Are you looking for something small and easy? Maybe you are in need of something a little taller and sturdy?

Let’s dive deeper…

best travel tripods photographer in field

There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for the right tripod.

But the good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

A good tripod will be sturdy, reliable, flexible, and not weigh too much or be too big at the same time.

Sounds easy, right?

Ha, not always.

Most tripods will only be able to do a few of these things well; to have the perfect tripod would mean spending a lot of money, which many of us broke backpackers don’t have.

You obviously can’t have everything when choosing a tripod so you’ll have to be picky. Maybe you need something light or maybe you need something rock solid. Perhaps you’ll want a tripod that can bend in unheard of ways or perhaps you just want something simple.

Take into consideration the following points when looking for a tripod. Pick and choose which features are most important for you and then go for it!

wadi rum stars best travel tripod

Size and Weight

These are perhaps the most important aspects to consider when choosing a tripod for traveling as both have far-reaching repercussions. How you pack your tripod and how much of a burden it is are dependent on its size and weight.

Generally speaking, a larger tripod will be more able to handle heavier loads and adverse conditions. With size comes weight though and carrying around those extras pounds will fatigue you after a while.

If you want to cut weight, a smaller tripod will have the benefit of being lighter in addition to being less expensive. With a smaller tripod comes other compromises though: you will not have as much freedom when it comes to composing your shot and stability can sometimes be an issue.

You can have your cake and eat it too but it’ll cost quite a bit of cash. There are several professional-grade travel tripods that are physically large enough to be effective yet still weigh very little at the same time. These will be much more expensive though as they are almost always made of premium materials.

I personally think about these issues all the time and it’s a constant battle between preparedness and minimal weight. I have actually invested in two tripods – a Manfrotto BeFree and Gorillapod 4K – and alternate between the two depending on the shoot.

camera-on-tripod

Material and Durability

As previously mentioned, material will play an important part in weight and price as well as overall durability. To put it simply: more expensive materials will be lighter, stronger, and more expensive while cheaper ones will be heavier, weaker, and less expensive. So unfortunately a cheap travel tripod might just weigh you down significantly!

Aluminum is the most common alloy used in the construction of tripods. It is a cheap, ubiquitous material that handles the elements well. Even though it’s technically weaker than carbon fiber, it’s still very durable. Most of the best budget travel tripods will be made of aluminum.

Carbon fiber is a stronger composite that is lighter and stronger than aluminum. It is a very reliable material that is used to manufacture all sorts of products that require the utmost durability like cars, safety vests, and even spaceships. Because it is hard to produce though, carbon fiber is markedly more expensive than aluminum.

Unless you are very adamant about cutting weight and are willing to pay the price, aluminum is a perfectly fine material . When used properly – as is the case with all of the tripods on this list – it’s very reliable. I’ve personally taken aluminum tripods into some very hairy situations and they’ve never failed me.

best travel tripod with iphone

Load Capacity

Certain travel tripods can hold certain amounts of weight depending on their size, build, and overall quality. Lighter tripods may be less able to hold heavier weights but, then again, heavier tripods will be a burden on your back.

It is important to have a travel tripod that can properly hold your camera as it will ensure maximum image quality. A tripod that is struggling under the weight of a heavy camera will start to shake and sharpness will be affected. The tripod may even fall over, in which case you have a serious problem – fallen tripods can mean broken cameras.

Most travel tripods can handle a standard DSLR. Only in extreme situations do you need to worry about load capacity i.e. if you’re using a really bulky DSLR with a hefty lens or if you know you’ll be shooting in very windy conditions. In these cases, it would be wise to a travel tripod that is rated to carry more.

But especially if you’re looking for the best budget tripod for a DSLR, the weight of your equipment has to be a consideration.

photographers with huge lenses

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

Tripod technology really has come a long way. I remember using my parent’s old video camera tripod and thinking how rudimentary it was – the range of the leg’s motion was barely 45 degrees, the ball head was fitted with quark, and the metal construction felt like a bleacher seat.

How shocked was I when I bought a modern travel tripod and found out that it could do things like fold up and even be turned upside for extremely low perspective shots!

A good modern tripod will be malleable and have the ability to be set up in numerous configurations. Thanks to a system of adjustable legs and flexible hinges, travel tripod can do just this.

A tripod must be easy to use as well. All of those tricky motions and creative setups will mean nothing if it takes too long to get ready. Thankfully, most travel tripods do not suffer from such shortcomings. Only in special circumstances can a tripod be forgiven for being unwieldy.

Another important point: a tripod needs to be able to packed down to fit in your bag. If it’s too large or too cumbersome, you’re going to have problems traveling with. Thankfully most camera bags have special loop that can accommodate most tripods. Check out our guide on the best camera bags for good examples!

photographer-in-city

Tripod Head

Finding the best tripod head is just as important as finding a great travel tripod. A tripod head will enable even more customizable compositions and contribute to aspects such as weight, ergonomics, and load capacity.

A good tripod head will have a full 360-degree range of motion. Most modern-day ball heads allow for this. Ball heads will be free floating until locked into place by several clamps. Clamps come in the form of nobs or larger winged screws. Some photographers will prefer one of the other but I find this distinction to be negligible.

Other signs of a good travel tripod head will be features like a quick release plate, panoramic markings, and bubble leveler. Quick release places allow for optimal mounting of a camera and I always prefer having one. Panoramic marking will help guide you and maintain even composition while making panoramas. Finally, a bubble leveler will help make sure that an image is level to the ground.

manfrotto tripod head

Legs play an important part in tripod stability. Generally speaking, the more sections that a tripod leg has, the lesser the sturdiness. Try to find a tripod with as few leg sections as possible – around 3-4. Should you find that the legs are often shaking – for whatever reason – try investing in a stone bag , which will weigh down the tripod and limit shakiness.

The length of a tripod leg can be adjusted via a series of locking mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms come in two styles: screw and flip locks. Screws locks require a twisting motion to adjust while flip locks require, as the name implies, a flipping action.

In terms of usability, the difference between screw locks and flip locks is a matter of preference; some photographers find twisting to be a natural motion while others prefer flipping. Really, it’s up to you.

There a couple of disadvantages to take into consideration when choosing between locks. Flip locks will loosen over time and so will require periodic tightening. Twist locks will need to be used appropriately; if you twist the leg too loose, it may fall apart.

tripod-G226 low angle

In the end, cash rules everything around us. How much are you willing to spend on a tripod? You get what you pay for, as they say, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get what you need and for a good price. Weigh all of the aspects highlighting in this section and then figure out what it’ll take to get the best possible travel tripod for you.

best travel tripods

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out the best travel gear. But when it comes to finding a good travel tripod for your next trip, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ve got a team of folks with various different experiences that have tested these 3 legged beasts out all over the world!

So each member of the team took each tripod out for a proper test drive over the course of a few weeks and on various trips across the entire bloody globe yo! They paid attention to things like how heavy each one was, durability, packability, size (both when fully extended and also when packed away).

We also looked at how it fulfilled its primary purpose, which is, of course, holding your camera! So that includes stability, manoeuvrability, ease of deployments and things like how many positions it can put your camera in … get your mind out of the gutter guys!

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – It’s alright wanting to find the best cheap travel tripod, but we’ve got to still way up whether it offers good value for money! The more expensive gear was scrutinised to a higher level given its price tag.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best packable travel tripod?

While you can simply strap all travel tripods to the side of your backpack, the MeFOTO Roadtrip is the lightest and easiest to pack.

What makes a good travel tripod?

That depends on your personal need. These are the key features you need to think about: 1. Size and weight 2. Material and durability 3. Load capacity, ergonomics and easy use 4. Cost

What is the overall best travel tripod?

We’re very impressed with the quality and value of the Vanguard Alta Pro . It’s one of the most affordable tripods and ticks off all of the important key features.

Which travel tripod should professionals buy?

A professional tripod needs to be a bit higher in quality and offer great value. That’s why the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is the ideal tripod for pros.

best travel tripod with iphone

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A tripod should be the first piece of equipment that you buy after purchasing a camera (then a camera backpack – check out the WANDRD PRVKE 31 ). They are perhaps the most useful tool in a photographer’s arsenal. As such, you must think wisely about what kind of tripod you buy for your travels.

Each travel tripod will appeal to a certain type of photographer. Mirrorless shooters who want something portable and inexpensive may want to invest in a Manfrotto BeFree. Perhaps you want something a little more suitable for a DSLR? In that case, maybe the MeFOTO Globetrotter is best. There really is a travel tripod for everyone out there.

Hopefully, we’ve covered all aspects so you can make an informed decision, whether that’s to pick one of the best cheap travel tripods or one of the more expensive numbers.

Figure out your needs and choose a travel tripod accordingly. With this guide, you’ll gain the necessary info to understanding what is best for you. Study it well and then waste no time in finding the best tripod for your travel needs! This is the beginning of your illustrious photographic adventures.

photographer-and-spectators-at-afrika-burn

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ralph Cope

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best travel tripod with iphone

If you have one of these cameras or have decided you’re you get one, there’s not really a need for a tripod. Pipe clamps for fitting and aligning stainless-steel pipe and fittings are just about every one of the same. Camera bags appear in lot of different size and shapes, so finding one ideal for you guessed it-your camera isn’t a struggle to accomplish, and receiving a good video tripod can be a breeze to perform, so anybody who desires to shoot professional videos just like the professionals do, they’re able to get a tripod that will assist them do it.

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Best iPhone tripods in 2023

Want to take your iPhone photography to the next level? Here are some cool tripods to consider

If you own an iPhone today , you already have one of the best smartphones for shooting photos and videos . The latest iPhone 15 series has taken the camera features a notch higher with the iPhone 15 Pro Max offering 5x optical zoom. Many iPhones come with some form of image stabilization, but the drawbacks of handheld shooting become apparent when you are snapping a photo on a vacation, or vlogging your experiences.

Investing in a tripod is the best solution to take your photography and videography to the next level. Shooting with a tripod offers immense benefits over handheld shots, with better action images, great nighttime long-exposure pics, and more. A majority of smartphone tripods also double as a selfie stick while keeping weight under 2 pounds. If you're looking for a place to start, check out some of my favorite picks below.

Toneof 60-inch Selfie Stick Tripod

Fugetek 51" professional selfie stick, joby gorillapod mobile rig, manfrotto pixi, elitehood flexible tripod stand, jesban facetracking tripod, fueymoent selfie stick with detachable light, uskeyvision v-master professional vlog kit, movo vxr10+ smartphone vlogging kit, ulanzi mt-11 camera tripod, lusweimi 63-inch selfie stick, ubeesize magnetic selfie stick phone tripod.

The Toneof 60-inch Selfie Stick Tripod has it all. It’s height adjustable, comes with a remote shutter, easily switches between vertical and horizontal orientations, and is quite portable. The telescopic pole is made of aluminum alloy, offering a sturdy build and enough center-of-gravity to prevent tipping over when it’s extended to max height. It’ll accommodate phones from 4 to 7 inches with regular cases (not thick wallet styles).

If you are on an extreme budget, this Fugetek tripod has you covered. It has a lightweight and sturdy aluminum build and easy-click locks to hold the extensions in place. There’s even a remote trigger and rubberized handles that provide an easy grip for selfies. The phone mount can't support multiple accessories, but it does include a carry bag for your next photo-worthy adventure.

This kit is ideal for those who want an all-in-one mobile work rig. The tripod is sturdy but flexible enough to wrap around objects from unconventional angles. It comes bundled with a Bluetooth-controlled Beamo Mini-LED light and a mobile microphone to create great video content. Joby tripods are super customizable, and that continues to be the case here.

If you just want a tripod for work trips to easily take video calls on your iPhone, look no further than the Manfrotto Pixi Mini. You’ll get good build quality, and the ergonomic grip lets you carry your setup on the go. It has a push button to mount and lock your iPhone conveniently. Despite the tripod’s durability and user-friendly design, it isn’t height-adjustable and is less versatile than others in this collection.

Are you someone who loves documenting crafting or cooking as a time-lapse? Then consider the Elitehood Flexible Tripod Stand. It has a 17-inch goose-neck extension to give you that added creative flexibility for the ideal angle no matter the activity. The strong build quality, pan-friendly 360-degree swivel ball head, and stable flip-lock extension system provide full-service multimedia results. You get a carry bag too, but the setup weighs around 3.3 pounds, so it's a bit heavy.

This isn’t a tripod in the traditional sense; it’s a tripod and camera in one. It has a 360-degree face-tracking feature, thanks to the built-in camera, so we just had to include it. This feature makes self video shooting really easy. Though it’s a smart device, you don’t have to download any app or connect its built-in camera to any network to make it function. It also has a 2,200mAh rechargeable battery that offers 6–8 hours of operational time.

The Feuymoent Selfie Stick offers a detachable 16-band LED light with three color temperatures and three brightness levels for well-lit night shots. The LED light is rated at 600mAh and can be charged via a USB Type-C port. It works for 60 minutes on a full charge. The base design offers good stability, and it collapses to be extremely portable. This device is height adjustable but maxes out at 44 inches, which may not be ideal for everyone.

If you’re a content creator who likes the compactness of the Manfrotto Pixi, but wants more versatility, then consider the Uskeyvision V-Master Professional vlog kit. It includes a microphone kit, an LED fill light, and an adjustable tripod. The tripod has a 360-degree rotatable ball head for the iPhone mount and the LED light extension arm is flexible to ease your light adjustment needs. This set also gets extra points for the neat box it can all be packed in.

If you don’t have the budget for the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit, the Movo VXR10+ offers an excellent alternative at a third of the price. You get a sturdy tripod stand, a microphone (with shock mount and windscreen), and the smartphone rig comes with a bubble level controller (that can also be used independently). There’s also a detachable extension shaft that can only rise up to 16 inches, which isn’t too high if you’re shooting outdoors.

The Ulanzi MT-11 Camera Tripod is like a budget version of the Joby GripTight tripod but without the gorilla feet. The tripod feet, made from aluminum and covered with an elastic adhesive, are flexible. This ensures the Ulanzi MT-11 tripod can be employed not just for tabletop use but can also wrap around surfaces to give you the creative freedom to shoot. It comes with a dedicated phone grip. The detachable ball head is completely rotatable. On this ball head, you also get a quarter-inch universal extension port to snap on an additional microphone or fill light.

The Lusweimi 63-inch Professional Phone Tripod functions as a selfie stick, and a tripod. It's made from sturdy material with a patterned design. It can go from 12.6 inches to 63 inches and has a fixed phone holder with a cold shoe to add in an extra microphone or light. Thanks to the 180-degree neck and 360-degree clamp rotation it is convenient to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations. The tripod bundles a Bluetooth remote to wirelessly trigger photos and videos.

The UBeesize Magnetic Selfie Stick Phone Tripod is ideal for iPhones with MagSafe’s magnetic technology. That means iPhone 12 series and up. It can go from 14 inches to 62 inches and is made from sturdy plastic with a rubberized grip. The UBeesize tripod supports 180-degree neck rotation and 360-degree head rotation that even lets you shoot overhead shots with ease. You also get a Bluetooth remote to wirelessly trigger the camera on your iPhone.

Recapping the best iPhone tripods

The Toneof 60-inch Selfie Stick Tripod makes it to the top of the list for good reason. It ticks off most of the aforementioned boxes and comes at a reasonable price. The strong build quality, good looks, remote shutter, button-locking mechanism for the tripod, and portability, solidify its superior status.

If you are on a strict budget and have limited expectations, the Fugetek Professional Selfie Stick Tripod gets the work done. It offers a light but sturdy tripod with easy-click locks for extensions and a rubberized grip. But if money is no barrier, the Joby GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging kit offers not just a wonderfully built tripod but also extensions for enhanced sound and light.

Apart from these top picks, the other selfie stick tripods are catered specifically for multiple use cases, which include taking video calls with a compact tripod, opting for vlogging kits, or shape-shifting tripods for more versatility. Just like MagSafe accessories for your iPhone, investing in a selfie-stick tripod is a good addition to your iPhone accessories that will only enhance your photos and videos as you get a lot more stability and framing options. If you own the latest iPhone 15 series, don’t forget to also consider these great accessories.

Best phone tripods: top mobile picks for photography, vlogging and more

For steady shots and smooth video, the best phone tripods are a must

Best phone tripods

The best phone tripods can help you take your smartphone photography to the next level. 

For a start, they can give even the best cameraphones new abilities in low light, allowing them to get the sharpest shot in murky conditions. They can also give your smartphone photos a new perspective, allowing them to shoot from right down on the ground, or in some cases from awkward angles. And they're also useful for arty compositions, such as giving water a dreamy appearance by slowing the shutter speed right down, and for time-lapses too.

But there's more. The best phone tripods are also essential for vloggers and YouTubers, and can be helpful for anyone who wants to hands free on a video call. And of course they can allow you to take a great group shot that you're actually in, rather than lurking behind the screen.  

There are hundreds of tripods for phones on the market, in all different shapes and sizes. Many are small and designed for phones, while some are regular tripods with smartphone-specific attachment. Some are even built into a phone case.

Most of the tripods in this guide work with any brand (and size) of smartphone, but before you hit the buy button, check the grip's maximum width. That's even more important if you're carrying around one of the best big phones around. 

Although we are recommending the products in this guide below, not all of them have been through our test labs. Based on our experts’ opinion and knowledge of the most reputable brands around, we think these are worth considering. The selection takes into account online reviews, brand reputation, product capability or unique features, which should help you wade through the vast selection of products out there.

Best phone tripods 2022

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best phone tripods

1. Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand for Smartphones

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

If you’re looking for something small, light and extremely handy, then you can’t go far wrong with the Joby GripTight ONE Micro stand. With a foldable design you can slip it into your pocket or bag ready for exactly when you need it. 

The holder part expands to fit a variety of smartphones, though it’s not ideal for very large or particularly heavy devices, which may cause it to overbalance. You can use the stand on its own for balancing on other surfaces, but it also has a tripod mount so if you need extra height, you can attach to it a standard tripod too. 

Useful for group shots, low light and even presenting to camera, this is a stand which is ideal for a wide variety of content creators.  

Best phone tripods

2. Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod + MClamp

The Manfrotto Pixi is an excellent little tabletop tripod. It’s chunkily built, feeling sturdy and steady, but also folds down for easy transportation. It can’t quite fit in your pocket, but a small bag will do the trick. 

On its own, the Pixi can be used as a tripod for any device with a tripod mount, but for your phone, you’ll also need the MClamp, which you can buy with it as part of a bundle. 

The clamp uses silicone rubber pads and expands to fit any phone up to 8.4cm / 3.2inches wide. The clamp can also be used a stand on its own, which is useful for watching videos and the like without having to hold your phone. The clamp can also be used with other standard tripods if you need more height, too. 

Best phone tripods

3. Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminium Tripod with Ball Head and MClamp

This tripod kit uses the same MClamp as the listing above, but this time pairs it with a full-sized tripod for even greater flexibility. It gives you better scope for framing your shots - or videos - from a variety of different heights and positions. 

The ball head at the top of the tripod allows you to position your phone in whatever orientation you need as well. When you are using heavy devices such as cameras, you’ll want the sturdiest tripod possible. 

But, with smartphones which are much lighter, you can get away with a nicely light tripod such as Manfrotto Compact Light, making it ideal for travel and transportation, too.  

Best phone tripods

This device is particularly well-suited to video-content creators, especially those who want to create the smoothest footage possible. 

Lightweight and small, the OM4 is ideal for chucking in a bag when you know you’ll be heading somewhere exciting. Your phone is attached via the innovative magnetic quick release plate, so there’s minimal faffing around. 

To keep your phone footage as smooth as possible, you get a range of stabilization options - but you can also use it as a simple tabletop tripod too thanks to the small feet that can be screwed onto the bottom. 

Best phone tripods

5. Joby JB01533-BWW GorillaPod Mobile Rig

 Vloggers and content creators will love the flexibility that the GorillaPod Mobile Rig provides. With it, you can adjust your phone to a huge variety of different positions - so whether you’re filming for YouTube , TikTok or Instagram, you’ll be able to orient it correctly. 

You can also use the flexible Gorillapod legs to attach the tripod to a variety of different surfaces, or just place it somewhere flat. What makes the Mobile Rig particularly interesting however is the ability to add other useful accessories such as lights, microphones or even a second camera via the additional arms and connectors. 

Best phone tripods

6. Adonit PhotoGrip

You can use the Adonit to give a little extra bulk to your phone to make it more comfortable for taking pictures (you know, like a ‘real’ camera). With Bluetooth connectivity you can fire off the camera’s shutter using a button on the top of the grip (again, like a real camera). 

Aside from that, the grip can also be used as a stand, while a mini tripod attachment comes in the box too. 

A wireless charger also gives you a power boost, too. Overall, this is a little bit of a gimmicky product, but if you like the idea of making your phone feel a little more authentic when taking pictures it’s worth a look.

Best phone tripods

7. Joby Standpoint Phone Case

If you - understandably - don’t want the hassle of taking a phone tripod everywhere with you, then this could be the ideal solution for you. 

The Joby Standpoint integrates a miniature tripod within a phone case, so you’ll never be without it. The legs fold out from the back of the case to give you stability whenever you need it, and you can even attach accessories to it if need be too. T

he major downside here is that it’s only available for a limited number of smartphones, and it’ll also become redundant should you switch phones - so it’s probably not one for frequent upgraders. 

Best phone tripods

8. Peheshe Ring Selfie LED Light with Phone Holder

Another dream device for vloggers, you could also use this to simply up your FaceTime and Zoom call game too. The tripod can be used as a normal tripod, but its stand out feature is the integrated ring light which is designed to produce a flattering effect on your face. 

The ring light can be adjusted to produce different settings and tones, while the phone holder expands to fit a variety of different models. It also can be rotated, giving you options to stream in whichever orientation you desire. 

The tripod folds down relatively neatly, and you can also use it as a selfie stick - the ring light can be removed when not in use. 

  • Our ranking of the very best camera phones

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Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

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Best tripods 2024: For astrophotography, landscapes, travel, video and more

These are the best tripods currently on the market, no matter what type of photography you're shooting.

Best overall

Best for portability, best for multiple disciplines, best lightweight option, best affordable option, best for versatility, best for awkward positions, best for shooting low to the ground, best for studio photographers, best for flexibility, best for beginners.

  • How we test

Person holding the tripod rubber grip on the legs

1. The list in brief ↴ 2. Best overall 3. Best for portability 4. Best for multiple disciplines 5. Best lightweight option 6. Best affordable option 7. Best for versatility 8. Best for awkward positions 9. Best for shooting low to the ground 10. Best for studio photographers 11. Best for flexibility 12. Best for beginners 13. Tripod FAQs 14. How we test

Having one of the best tripods in your kit is very important if you take your photography seriously. Whether it's to steady your camera on those long exposures, or helping you reach new angles, tripods have a lot of uses — and if you're heading out into the world (or the studio) with your camera, you shouldn't hesitate to take a tripod along with you.

While most tripods all have the same aim — to keep your camera steady and secure while you're shooting — they aren't all made equally, and some will be better at a particular job than others. For example, if you shoot in particular terrains, you'll find that some tripods are better equipped for the job than others.

We've taken everything into account when rounding up our picks of the best tripods, and most of the tripods on this list have been tried and tested by our own experts. In each section below, you'll find the pros and cons of each one we've selected, and we've noted the areas they're strong (or weak) in. 

We've also rounded up the best travel tripods if you're primarily looking for an ultra-portable option. Some models also support additional accessories like interchangeable feet to handle different types of terrain when shooting outdoors. You'll want to make sure that any tripod you buy is suitable for the kit you intend to use, including your camera, lens and any other accessories. Combine with one of the best cameras or best mirrorless cameras and start snapping.

Kimberley Lane author image

Kimberley Lane is a landscape & seascape photographer living in South Wales. Originally using photography as a way to cope with health issues, she aims to portray a feeling of calm and peace through her images. Her work has been featured in a number of national photography magazines.

The quick list

Benro Mach3 TMA37C on a white background

A serious bit of kit for serious astrophotographers — it's not cheap, but you need to pay for exceptional quality.

Read more below

Peak Design Travel Tripod on a white background

Designed with travel in mind, this tripod folds down into a neat, sleek package that's perfect for fitting into a suitcase or backpack.

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod on a white background

For photographers who shoot multiple different photographic styles, it's an absolute joy, but it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum tripod on a white background

If weight is your concern, look no further, as this is the lightest aluminum tripod you're likely to find.

Manfrotto Element MII tripod on a white background

A decent tripod on the more affordable end of the spectrum, this tripod will do everything you need it to do.

Manfrotto 190 go! tripod on a white background

This tripod has many different configurations and accessories to choose from and can handle an impressive load capacity given its light weight.

Load the next 4 products ↴

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB on a white background

A solid, sturdy and versatile option that can handle almost any shooting position you require.

The Benro Tortoise 24C tripod against a white background

An incredibly versatile, lightweight yet capable tripod that's great in almost any situation — particularly shooting low to the ground.

Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 on a white background

For heavy setups in a professional environment, this tripod would be ideal — but it doesn't come cheap.

stock image of the JOBY GorillaPod 5K Pro kit on a white background

Different from most tripods, this flexible tiny tripod can elevate the way you capture footage. A great option for vloggers and mobile content creators.

Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod on a white background

A fantastic beginner tripod from a reputable brand, this tripod from Benro would be a fantastic addition to your growing kit.

  • Back to the top ⤴

Best tripods we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.

Benro Mach3 TMA37C

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

✅ You need durability:  If you use your tripod a lot and need something that's going to withstand tough terrain and adverse conditions, this will suit you well. ✅ You want something that will last:  The exceptional build quality means this tripod will last you for years.

❌ You don't have a big budget:  This is a serious bit of kit with a serious price tag, so if you don't have the budget for something as pro-grade as this, there are cheaper alternatives. ❌ You're a casual user:  This tripod could well be overkill if you only use your tripod every now and again or if you're a beginner.

🔎  Benro Mach3 TMA37C  An impressive tripod built to withstand anything you throw at it, it can cater to multiple shooting styles and is a fantastic choice for anyone who is serious about photography. As expected, for such a high-end tripod, there is a high end price tag to match. ★★★★½

The best of all the best tripods on the market has to be the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C: A professional bit of kit that is sure to be the envy of any photographers. It's not cheap, but it's well worth the cost if sturdiness and durability is what you're looking for.

This is a premium tripod that can be used on all types of terrain and in all types of weather thanks to its spiked feet. If you're typically an outdoor shooter, then, whether astrophotography or wildlife/landscape photography, the Benro Mach3 is an excellent choice. 

There are two versions of this tripod on the market: One made of carbon fiber and another made of aluminum. Unsurprisingly, the carbon fiber version is the more expensive of the two, but both are surprisingly lightweight and equally durable. If you're looking for something extra-portable, though, the carbon fiber model is the lighter of the two.

The short center column of the Benro Mach3 means you can shoot low to the ground without any issues, giving extra flexibility when setting up creative shots. The downside, though, is that you'll need to buy a tripod head separately, making it even more of an expense — but it at least means you can purchase a head that suits your shooting style.

If you have the budget for it, there are few better tripods on the market than the Benro Mach3 9X CF TMA37C. This is an excellent bit of kit for professionals and enthusiasts alike, which will last for years to come.

  • Check out the Best cameras for photos and videos

Peak Design Travel Tripod

✅ You want to travel with it:  More than just being lightweight, it's specifically designed with travel in mind, and it folds down neatly with no protruding parts, and fits effortlessly into a suitcase or backpack. ✅ You shoot with your smartphone:  It features a novel smartphone mount, so users who create content with their smartphone will be covered.

❌ You're on a budget:  This tripod is on the more expensive end of the market, so may be inaccessible to anyone on a budget. ❌ You want a tall tripod:  This isn't the tallest tripod we've tried, despite having 5 leg sections, which may be annoying for taller users.

🔎  Peak Design Travel Tripod  An impressively compact tripod that's built with travel in mind, folding down into a super sleek package that you can take anywhere. It's not the tallest, or the most affordable, but we think it's worth the money. ★★★★½

The Peak Design Travel Tripod topped our list of the best travel tripods and also stands as a worthy runner-up here. It has an elegant and well-thought-out design ideal for travel photographers or astrophotographers who need to journey to a remote location to escape light pollution.

Unlike other travel tripods we've tried, the Peak Design tripod folds down with no gaps between the legs, making it easy to pack in your luggage or camera bag. It measures only 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) in diameter when folded down, and the aluminum version is also relatively light at 3.4 lbs (1.6 kg). It's also available in a carbon fiber version, but at 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) you're not saving a lot of weight for the extra money, so we feel the aluminum model is better value.

In our Peak Design Travel Tripod review , we praised how small and compact the ball head design is, noting it's small than almost any other tripod on the market. There are no extra levers or knobs sticking out anywhere, which keeps things nice and tidy (and easy to transport!). The camera plate, on the other hand, isn't quite so good, as you'll need a hex tool in order to attach it — if you're shooting astro in the dark, it's a very fiddly task that you probably could do without. 

Once it's all set up, however, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is extremely secure, with its feet feeling very sturdy at the bottom of the legs. It's not quite as tall as some other tripods on this list, but we love the versatility of it — it's capable of shooting just 5.5 inches (14cm) from the ground. Oh, and if you want to shoot with your phone's camera, there's a handy smartphone mount in the center column, which is a nice touch. 

  • Read our Peak Design Travel Tripod review

3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed

✅ You often use your tripod:  For frequent use over multiple photography disciplines, this tripod will serve you well. 

❌ You don't want to spend loads: While we do think it's worth the higher price point given the quality, it might not be the best option if you don't want to spend a lot.

🔎  3 Legged Thing Punks Brian tripod with AirHed  A premium tripod with the price tag to match, but a fantastic option if you're looking for durability and quality. It can support heavy loads and folds down incredibly compact. ★★★★½

The Punks Brian tripod from 3 Legged Thing seems to have found the perfect balance between being one of the tallest tripods we've reviewed (nearly 74 inches when fully extended), while also being one of the most compact when folded up (at only 16 inches). This makes it remarkably versatile, appealing to taller people who still need something that is easy to carry around with them.

It has a very premium feel, with its eight layers of 100% pure pre-preg carbon fiber ensuring that it is light enough for everyday use, while also being incredibly sturdy. The five leg sections twist and untwist into place, and we particularly liked the textured rubber grips that you can find on all the knobs and leg twists. This makes it especially easy to use with cold hands or in damp weather conditions.

This tripod is also an excellent choice for anyone who plans to be shooting on a variety of different terrains since 3 Legged Thing offers a range of interchangeable foot accessories, including spikes, elevated spikes and claw grips. They've also made the center column detachable so that it can be used as a monopod, which can be handy for more awkward shots or selfies.  

If we're being picky, we found the hex-key-enabled connector plate a little inconvenient until we were used to using it, but the whole tripod is well constructed, and you also get a nylon drawstring bag for the tripod and microfiber bag for the AirHed. Although it falls into the higher price range, we think it's worth it for the quality feel and versatility that you get.

  • Read our full 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Brian tripod review

Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum

✅ You have heavy kit:  We found it to be very sturdy and can hold loads of up to 19.48 lbs / 8.84kg.

❌ You want a travel tripod:  Although it's an incredibly lightweight tripod, it is fairly large when collapsed so it wouldn't be the best option for traveling.

🔎  Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum  An incredibly lightweight tripod at a very reasonable price that ticks all the boxes, but it wouldn't be the best option for travel due to its larger size when collapsed. ★★★★½

When you're moving around with a tripod, being lightweight is super important. And for that reason we can't praise the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced aluminum tripod enough: It's one of the lightest aluminum tripods around, proving you don't always need to fork out for carbon fiber to get something super light. 

More impressively, though, is just how well built this tripod is. It has an excellent build quality, with its solid center column offering a lot of support thanks to its own fastening mechanism. While it doesn't hold the biggest load of all the tripods on this list (just under 20lbs), your camera alway feels reassuringly secure on top of the Manfrotto BeFree Advanced.

The build quality and security comes at a slight cost, though, as this isn't the most compact travel tripod out there. It's a small price to pay, and one we'd say is probably worth it, thanks to the high-end features like wraparound twist-lock rings on the leg choices, and an aluminum 200PL PRO base plate. So unless you absolutely need a really compact tripod for travel, it's a trade worth considering.

One of the best features of this tripod is its versatile ball head, which allows you to position your camera at any angle and has a firm locking mechanism to keep your camera safe and secure in whatever position you set it in. This, alongside the four-section legs offering three different angled positions, makes it a very flexible tripod for framing your perfect shot.

At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), it's barely heavier than most carbon fiber rivals, making it excellent value for money. Although, as is often the case with travel tripods, some compromise has been made on the height to keep the weight down, so it may not be best suited to taller people since it only reaches 59 inches (150 cm) when fully extended.

  • Read our Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod review

Manfrotto Element MII

✅ You're on a budget:  This is a decent option for anyone on a budget. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of the higher-priced models, but it'll do what you need it to do. ✅ You're a beginner:  It's easy to setup and take down, and there are no complicated bits to contend with, making it a good option to get started with. ✅ You want to shoot video or panoramas: The smooth 360-degree panning on this tripod is a standout feature that will appeal to videographers.

❌ You want to shoot at unusual angles:  This tripod doesn't shoot low to the ground, and the central column can't fold down to 90-degrees.

🔎  Manfrotto Element MII  For beginners, this would be a great option that won't break the bank. If you want something simple that does the job with no complications, it would suit you well. ★★★★

The Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic entry-level tripod that's ideal for hobbyists, beginners or anyone on a tighter budget. It's a lightweight aluminum build that is easy to set up and operate and has an attractive patterned design on two of the legs, with the third leg being encased in a rubber grip for easy carrying.

We think this tripod offers a perfect balance since it is both sturdy and lightweight. In our Manfrotto Element MII review , we found it light and compact to carry around, but it also withstood some very windy coastal conditions even with a relatively light camera setup on board. It also comes with a detachable hook that can be screwed into the bottom of the central column for added weight, should you need it.

There's no fiddly procedures involved in setting up the Manfrotto Element MII: Thanks to its twist locks and legs that open very quickly, it's a painless and stress-free process. We also like that the tripod's ball head has built-in spirit levels for shooting both landscape and portrait orientations — although a small downside is that the camera obscures them once it's in place. So you'll need to make sure you check you're level beforehand.

The main drawback of the Manfrotto Element MII is that the central column doesn't allow for any rotation, meaning you can't shoot at 90 degrees. Depending on your photography style it might not be an issue at all, but it's worth noting. On the other hand, the 360-degree panning function on the tripod is excellent: It's silky smooth and very useful for shooting videos, panoramas or tracking moving objects.

If you're looking to upgrade, the Manfrotto Element MII also comes in a carbon fiber version, which should be even more lightweight than the one we tested, and there's also a version with Bluetooth remote control if that appeals to you.

  • Read our full Manfrotto Element MII review

Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod

✅ You need portable and sturdy:  Despite being lightweight at only 4.1 lbs, it can handle an impressive maximum load of 14.3 lbs.

❌ You're on a tight budget:  This isn't the most expensive option on the market, but there are cheaper options available if you're on a tight budget.

🔎  Manfrotto 190 Go! Aluminum tripod  This tripod is lightweight, portable, easy to put up and down and has a whole load of different options to choose from in regards to build and construction. Though it may be too pricey for casual photographers. ★★★★½

Manfrotto's 190 Go! range of tripods are designed to be quick and easy to operate, with signature 'M-lock' twist locks that help you to set up your tripod in a matter of seconds. In our Manfrotto 190 Go! review we tested out the carbon fiber version, but the aluminum version, being both cheaper and lighter, is an appealing prospect for anyone who's looking for quality on a tighter budget. It weighs just 3.66 lbs (1.66kg), but you can still mount an impressive 33.1 lbs (15kg) of kit on it and we had no problem mounting a heavy-duty DSLR setup nice and securely.

This tripod offers great flexibility, since the leg positions can be adjusted to four different angles at 25, 46, 66 or 88 degrees. The center column can also swing out horizontally at 90 degrees, making it easy to take shots from close to the ground at a minimum height of 3.5 inches (9cm). This can be particularly useful for macro shooting or for landscape photographers looking to capture an alternative perspective.

One particularly neat feature of the Manfrotto 190 Go! tripod is its 'Easy Link' attachment. You'll find it hidden underneath a rubber cover in the top casing, and it allows you to attach a bunch of useful accessories, like an LED light reflector. Whether you shoot in the studio or outside, it's something that will come in handy for many photographers.

This is still a very pricey tripod, and so casual photographers might be put off, but if you do have the budget for it, it's an excellent piece of kit. Its lightweight build and versatile features make it a valuable competitor to more expensive carbon fiber models. 

  • Read our full Manfrotto 190 Go! review

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

✅ You want to shoot in different positions:  This tripod is capable of getting itself into many weird and wonderful positions, with the legs splaying out to almost 90º to the center column.  ✅ You're on a budget:  If you need a sturdy tripod that won't break the bank, this is a great option.

❌ You want something lightweight:  This tripod is heavier and bulkier than many others on the market, so it's best suited to backyard astrophotography or if you're not going to venture far from your car.

🔎  Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB  If you don't plan on walking too far with it, it's a great affordable option that provides a lot of versatility with the ability to shoot very low to the ground, is sturdy and reliable. ★★★★

If you like getting creative with your photography, shooting from a number of different angles and positions, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB is a great choice of tripod. Almost every part of this tripod adjusts, from its legs, which can go from 25 degrees to almost 90 degrees, and the central column itself can be retracted and angled at 90 degrees from the legs. Set it up in just the right way, and you can point your camera directly at the sky from just 10 inches above the ground.

If you're an astrophotographer, then, the Alta Pro is a fantastic choice, making it easy to create long-exposure shots of the night sky. Capturing something like a star trail will be made easier than ever without having to worry about judder coming from a sudden gust of wind, for example. It also helps that it's pretty easy to set up, with the leg adjustments being a simple case of pushing just one button.

While this tripod offers great versatility and stability, the downside is that it is quite heavy and bulky to carry around. Weighing in at over 5 lbs and still measuring 30 inches long even when fully folded down, this isn't a tripod that you want to be transporting very far on foot and it won't fit in any airline carry-on cases.

Another slight annoyance we encountered in our Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB review was that instead of the convenient D-ring we're used to, the connector plate on this tripod comes with a fiddly screw fitting that requires a coin or tool to tighten and untighten. Although they provide you with a tool to do this, it did feel like an unnecessary faff when better options are available.

Overall, this is a highly versatile tripod that makes getting a good astro shot easy, but it's probably best suited to people who like to engage in astrophotography from their backyard or who are able to drive most of the way toward their destination spot.

  • Read our full Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod review

Benro Tortoise 24C

✅ You want to shoot low to the ground:  Its lack of center column keeps this tripod light, and also helps it be much more flexible than most.

✅ You want something versatile: This is a great tripod for almost any type of terrain thanks to its interchangeable feet.

❌ You need a tall tripod:  The Benro Tortoise 24C is shorter than most, so if you need something tall, this isn't it.

🔎  Benro Tortoise 24C:  If you want something versatile, lightweight, and with an excellent build quality, you can't go wrong. It's not the tallest tripod but if you plan on shooting low, this is the tripod for you. ★★★★

While the Vanguard Alta Pro we mentioned above excels at shooting in weird and wonderful angles, the Benro Tortoise 24C tripod should be your go-to if you plan on getting low. Its legs can get very close to the ground, offering a sturdy and reliable base for shooting some interesting shots.

But that's not all this tripod is good for. In our Benro Tortoise 24C review , we praised the tripod for its versatility and also for its sturdiness and build quality. Sporting a carbon fiber body, the Tortoise is extremely light but still very reliable — it can hold up to 30.9lbs, so it's good to be used with most photography kit.

It's great for most terrains too, thanks to its interchangeable feet. It's equipped with rubber grips on the bottom as standard, or you can change them out for spikes, letting you sink into the ground for extra stability. 

However, the Benro Tortoise 24C doesn't have a center column — and that's one of the reasons its able to remain so light and compact. It does mean that it's shorter than other tripods, so it's not the best choice if you're going to need extra height when shooting. But staying close to the ground? This is the tripod for you.

  • Read our full Benro Tortoise 24C review

Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2

✅ You have a heavy setup:  The max load capacity of this tripod is 33 lbs/15kg, ideal for studio or professional photographers with extra accessories. ✅ You want precision: The leg angle selector, 90-degree center column mechanism and 360-degree rotation markings make it easy to frame your perfect shot. ✅ You will be shooting in cold weather: The Quick Power Lock levers on this tripod are very glove-friendly and it can be operated as low as 22°F/-30°C.

❌ You're a wildlife photographer: The setup on this tripod can be a bit noisy and may scare away potential subjects. ❌ You don't want to spend loads:  If affordability is a factor, this tripod is not the one for you.

🔎  Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2  A tripod best suited to studio photographers who utilize a number of different accessories. Although it makes a good tripod for astrophotographers, it's expensive and could be overkill for beginners. ★★★★

The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is a sturdy, well-built tripod that is designed to appeal to professionals and amateurs alike. It has an impressive maximum payload of 33 lbs and in our Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review, we encountered no camera creep when we left our Nikon D800 pointing up at the sky for several hours.

The tripod features an aluminum construction with convenient grips on two of its legs, making it easy to carry. Each leg is divided into three sections, and the Quick Power Lock levers make extending and locking the leg sections a breeze. They are user-friendly even when wearing gloves in cold weather, but they can be a bit noisy, which may not be ideal for wildlife photographers who need to maintain silence. Additionally, there's an Easy Link attachment on the top section that allows you to attach accessories such as a flash, LED reflector or microphone.

If you're a seasoned photographer, you'll love the level of precision you're able to achieve with this tripod. You can select the precise angle of each leg, for example, choosing between 25, 46, 66 and 88 degrees. There's a 90-degree center column mechanism too, and the ball head has 360-degree markings all the way around which make it easy to rotate your camera whether you're shooting video or tracking a moving object.

With something this sturdy and precise, however, there has to be a trade-off, and in this case it's the weight. The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 is pretty heavy, and that's why we recommend it most for studio use. You can travel around with it, of course — we carried it around for half an hour with no problems — but if you're looking for something that's primarily lightweight and travel-friendly, there are better tripods on the market. But for sheer resilience? They don't come much better than this.

  • Read our full Manfrotto MK055XPRO3 BHQ-2 review

Joby GorillaPod 5K

✅ You're a vlogger/videographer:  The GorillaPod would be ideal for daily vloggers and content creators because you can attach it to almost anything to capture your footage. ✅ You travel a lot:  It's incredibly lightweight and compact — very easy to take traveling.

❌ You need something sturdy:  The GorillaPod isn't designed to be super sturdy or rugged, so if you have heavy kit or you often shoot in adverse weather, there are more suitable options.

🔎  Joby GorillaPod 5K  The GorillaPod is quite a niche product, so it's not for everyone, but it's ideal for on-the-go shooting or for content creators who need novel ways to capture their footage ★★★½

The Joby GorillaPod 5K isn't your usual type of tripod. It's probably not going to appeal to traditional photographers, but if you like trying out funky innovations and tend to seek out creative photography opportunities, you might find a lot of use in the GorillaPod. Particularly considering how lightweight and travel-friendly it is.

Rather than having straight tripod legs, it has three legs made from articulated ball joints, each with rubber grips wrapped around them. The idea is that you wrap the GorillaPod around any object you want — like a fence pole, or a railing — in order to create a stable grip for your camera.

It's pretty effective at doing that, but you need to bear in mind that the GorillaPod 5K's maximum load weight is much less than that of other tripods: just 11lbs. That's plenty for a full-frame camera and kit lens, but we would be very wary about mounting our most expensive equipment on it.

The ball head is more traditional in style, with two knobs — one for setting the horizontal position and one for rotating the ball head. It also has an Arca-Swiss connector plate, allowing for easy camera mounting via a D-ring.

There are pros and cons to this unique design. The setup allows for great versatility of shot choice, and we noticed that the tripod's low profile makes it very resistant to any wobbles caused by the wind. However, it can be a bit tricky to level it for astro-style shooting, and you are reliant on finding something appropriate to mount it on in the location you wish to shoot from because it doesn't perform very well freestanding.

Newcomers to photography might enjoy the novel nature of this tripod, but for seasoned photographers, the Joby GorillaPod is unlikely to meet all of their stabilization needs. That said, it is the lightest tripod on our list at only 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg), so it might make a handy backup to carry around on days when you're not sure if you'll need your full kit.

  • Read our full Joby GorillaPod 5K Tripod review

Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod

✅ You're a beginner:  This tripod is a good option for beginners who don't want any of the complicated setups or bells and whistles that more advanced tripods have. ✅ You don't want to spend loads:  Benro aren't a cheap brand on the whole, but this option is very affordable for what you get. ✅ You don't always use a tripod:  This tripod is lightweight and compact enough to carry with you 'just in case' you might need it when you venture out.

❌ You use your tripod a lot:  While it's not a bad tripod, some aspects are cheaply finished and would wear out quickly with a lot of use. If you use your tripod a lot, we'd recommend investing in a more high-end option.

🔎  Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod  A decent option for a beginner or if you don't use your tripod a lot, it's compact and lightweight enough to carry with you 'just in case'. We rate Benro as a brand, and this is one of their more affordable options. ★★★½

For those nights when you're trudging between vantage points or when you might need a tripod but don't quite know what the day has in store, you can't beat the Benro Slim travel tripod. This compact, well-constructed tripod was designed with portability and movement in mind and has everything that a beginner landscape or astrophotographer needs to get started in nightscapes and long-exposure photography.

While initially intended for mirrorless systems, the Benro Slim pleasantly surprises by also supporting the weight of DSLRs and zoom lenses. As expected from this well-known manufacturer, it has remarkable build quality. It is available at a surprisingly reasonable price, even for the carbon fiber model. This tripod is a dependable companion that's compact enough to slip into your camera bag, and its lightweight design ensures you can keep it close whenever you need it.

It's available in carbon fiber and aluminum versions, which differ only in weight and price point. As you'd expect, the aluminum one is slightly weightier but also slightly cheaper. It's easy to put up and take down in the dark and features anodized aluminum leg twists that secure into place with half a twist. It uses a standard Arca-Swiss connector plate that slides in easily and is secure enough for a range of mirrorless and DSLR lenses.

  • Learn How to photograph the Milky Way

Frequently Asked Questions

We answer your most pressing questions on the best tripods in 2024 from what type of tripod is best to answering what a payload is and does. Take a look below.

What is the best tripod for cameras?

We think the Benro Mach3 TMA37C is the best camera tripod overall. It ships with a short center column attachment for more flexibilty when shooting and also spiked feet for use on softer terrains. It's intuitive to use and has sturdy leg locks which operate easily even when wearing gloves.

What is the best tripod for beginners?

What is the best budget tripod?

The Manfrotto Element MII is the best affordable tripod for beginners with a maximum height of 63-inches (160cm) and a folded height of just 16.9-inches (43cm). It comes in both aluminum and carbon fiber variants and is best suited to beginner camera gear which is typically slightly lighter than professional cameras.

How many legs does a tripod have?

Tripods have three legs. The term 'tri' comes from the Latin 'tres' or Greek 'trias' which means 'three.' However, tripod legs can have multiple sections. There is no defined limit to how many leg sections a tripod can have, but they typically vary between one and five, with three and four leg sections being the most common.

How to photograph the Milky Way Best cameras for astrophotography   Best lenses for astrophotography   Beginners guide to astrophotography Best mirrorless cameras Best cameras for low light photography Best travel tripods

The Joby GorillaPod 5K has one leg section because its legs are flexible and don't extend in the traditional sense. However, the Peak Design Travel Tripod has five leg sections.

Generally, the fewer leg sections a tripod has, the more stable it is. However, a tripod with fewer leg sections may not pack down as small as something with more leg sections. Note the size difference between the Benro Mach3 TMA37C (three leg sections, folded height: 24.6 inches) and the Peak Design Travel Tripod (five leg sections, folded height: 15.4 inches) to see how that works.

How does a tripod work?

A traditional camera tripod is used to stabilize a camera for photography or videography in order to keep compositions still. This is useful during longer exposures because camera movement during the exposure will blur an image. Often this is unwanted when taking stills photographs, however some photographers like to use Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) to deliberately blur an image in one direction for artistic affect. 

ICM is typically done through the use of a tripod head which can be locked off to move in one direction only, like a three-way head, rather than a ball-head which can move in 360-degrees.

What makes a good tripod?

Aluminum vs carbon fiber tripods: Which are best?

Most tripods are made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. The latter is much lighter and therefore easier to carry around, but typically more expensive. Aluminum tripods are generally cheaper but slightly heavier and can get colder, affecting handling and functioning on colder nights when taking astrophotographs.

There are a few things to consider before you grab one of the best tripods to ensure it meets your requirements. These are namely stability, portability, weight and price.

You'll have to weigh what you want to prioritize, especially if you're using one of the large and heavy best zoom lenses for your night sky images. 

Removable feet, in-built spirit levels, and tripod head compatibility are all things to consider when picking your tripod. You can also check out our guides for the best lenses for astrophotography , and the best camera backpacks .

As you can see from our selection above, there's a lot to consider when investing in a tripod. But they're essential if combined with any of the best cameras .

What does tripod payload mean?

The tripod payload is the maximum weight (in pounds or kilograms) that it can support. The payload would be the combined weight of the camera , lens and any camera accessories attached to the tripod. Add up the combined weight of all these items to see if a tripod will support the gear you're planning on using.

Bear in mind that a tripod may support payloads greater than its stated maximum payload, but its sturdiness and resistance to wind may be compromised. So if a big gust of wind blows through and you're over the payload, the tripod may fall over.

What height tripod do I need?

Some people argue that smaller travel tripods don't always offer enough height for easy camera operation but that depends entirely on how tall you are and it's not quite so important for astrophotography. 

Most of the models we've reviewed here have legs that can be splayed wider to allow the camera to be set up quite close to the ground. The lower center of gravity can increase stability for long-exposure night sky photos, but flexion in the legs must be noted when doing this.

Tripod legs: Twist or flip locks?

Tripod leg sections are extended and secured with either flip or twist locks. The twist lock design tends to be more secure but some manufacturers, notably Manfrotto, have bucked the trend and devised some particularly secure flip locks.

Should I change my tripod feet?

Tripod feet are generally made from a thick rubber that has good traction on an array of surfaces and many — but not all — are designed with the option to unscrew them and attach either spiked or clawed feet for better purchase on rougher ground and sand.

How we test the best tripods for astrophotography

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best tripods to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to put every tripod through a rigorous review to test each product fully. Each tripod is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions and performs in the field.

Each tripod is carefully tested by our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who thoroughly know their subject areas. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each tripod and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.

We look at how easy each tripod is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date stabilizing technology and look at its weight and portability. We'll also suggest if a particular tripod would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best photographing experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on tripods, whether you should purchase one or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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best travel tripod with iphone

The Best Magsafe Accessories to Get the Most Out of Your Apple iPhone

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The Apple iPhone is incredibly versatile, especially with the right gear to get the most out of the smartphone. And since 2020, Apple has made attaching accessories to the device easier, thanks to MagSafe technology.

What is MagSafe ? It's an Apple standard that wirelessly transfers power from the iPhone (iPhone 12 and up) to accessories (and vice versa) magnetically. This means accessories will stay in place more securely and line up perfectly with the back of the iPhone, which means no more trial and error to get the best fit and placement. It just attaches flawlessly with the power of magnets.

Shop Apple IpHone Magsafe Accessories on Amazon

Ahead, you'll find our picks for the best MagSafe accessories for the Apple iPhone to get more out of the mobile device. Whether you need something to turn your phone into a MacBook camera upgrade, or a multi-device charging station to simplify traveling, we've found something for every scenario.

BEST FOR TIKTOK AND INSTAGRAM

Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro

$180 at Belkin

The Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro is a very cool and useful way to make self-tracking videos for TikTok, Instagram, Zoom and other apps with your Apple iPhone.

It uses MagSafe and NFC (Near Field Communication), so all you have to do is attach your iPhone and Belkin's Auto-Tracking Stand Pro will track and follow your body and face.

BEST BATTERY PACK

Anker Magnetic Battery

Price: $59.39 (reg. $79.99)

You Save: $20.60 (26%)

Buy at Amazon

Looking to get more juice out of your iPhone? The Anker magnetic battery provides Apple mobile devices with nearly twice as much battery life for when you can't find a wall outlet. Just snap it onto the back of a MagSafe-equipped iPhone to get an instant charge when you're on the go.

It even doubles as a kickstand to prop up your phone when watching videos or taking a video call.

BEST 3-IN-1 CHARGING

Belkin BoostCharge Pro

$150 at belkin

Wouldn't it be great if you could charge your iPhone and its accessories simultaneously bin one place? The Belkin BoostCharge Pro is a three-in-one charging solution for the iPhone, Apple AirPods Pro and Apple Watch. It also looks elegant on a nightstand or office desk, thanks to its floating design.

BEST FOR TRAVELING

Anker MagSafe Charger Stand

$150 at Amazon

If you travel a lot, then you know carting round multiple devices can be a pain - especially when they each need to be charged. Instead of packing several chargers and wall outlets, just pack the Anker MagSafe charger stand to charge up to three devices when traveling domestically.

Its cube-shaped design makes it compact and packable, while its foldable design offers functionality.

BEST FOR CARS

iOttie Velox Pro

$75 at Amazon

Although using a docked iPhone for hands-free maps and GPS when driving is very useful, it can sometimes be clumsy if your Apple smartphone isn't secure. Enter the iOttie Velox Pro , a MagSafe dash and windshield car mount for iPhone.

It keeps your device safe and secure when driving, thanks to magnets, while also cool and usable with "CryoFlow" cooling technology. The car mount is also adjustable to give you an optimal at-a-glance view of your iPhone.

BEST PORTABLE TRIPOD

Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand Movas

$40 at Moft

The Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand Movas is a quick and easy iPhone stand that's foldable and compact. It attaches to the back of an iPhone via MagSafe, and it's designed to stay out of the way when you don't need it and keep it stable and secure when you do. The stand is also flexible and adjustable. It comes in four colors, including misty cove white, jet black, seafoam green and sapphire blue.

BEST FOR MACBOOKS

Belkin iPhone Mount

Price: $23.23 (reg. $29.99)

You Save: $6.76 (23%)

Over the years, Apple has made the iPhone work better with a MacBook, especially with the Continuity Camera feature, which lets you use the camera on the iPhone as the MacBook's webcam.

With MagSafe accessories like the Belkin iPhone Mount , you can securely place the iPhone at the top of a MacBook for better camera positions in landscape and portrait modes. It even doubles as a ring holder for a better grip or a kickstand to watch videos on a desk.

BEST FOR ONE-HANDED STABILITY

PopSockets Phone Grip

Price: $24.99 (reg. $29.99)

You Save: $5.00 (17%)

Speaking of grip, the PopSockets Phone Grip is an iconic iPhone accessory that comes in MagSafe now for security and stability. It goes on the back of your iPhone for a better one-handed grip. (Think of it as a handle for your smartphone.) And since it's MagSafe, it's easier to swap out for another color or design.

Shop More Apple IpHone Magsafe Accessories on Amazon

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The Best Magsafe Accessories to Get the Most Out of Your Apple iPhone

best travel tripod with iphone

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best travel tripod with iphone

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ANXRE 60" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Tripod, [All in 1] Travel Phone Tripod Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote for Cell Phone Compatible with 4''-7'' iPhone Android Phone Tripod Stand for Vlogging

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60" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Tripod, [All in 1] Travel Phone Tripod Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote for Cell Phone Compatible with 4''-7'' iPhone Android Phone Tripod Stand for Vlogging

A-[50"&Reinforced Stability]

B-[60"&Upgraded Aluminum Pole]

C-[60" with Lights&Upgraded Aluminum Pole]

Black

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

  • 【All in 1 Portable Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick】ANXRE 60" phone tripod selfie stick is made from heavy duty material that resists breakage but lighweight. The pole of selfie stick tripod with remote is made of aluminum that extend smoothly compared to stainless pole of phone tripod stand. ANXRE selfie stick tripod for cell phone is the ultimate fusion of a phone tripod and selfie stick with simply pull back-a perfect companion to capture selfies, group photos, or tiktok live streaming.
  • 【Upgraded Stable Tripod Base& Smooth Extendable Pole】ANXRE cell phone tripod is adopted advanced designed-wider legs with anti-slip rubber and 3 built-in stainless supports for ensuring shake-free shots. The high quality aluminum pole of selfie stick tripod with remote can be expanded from 11.8" to 60" smoothly and 360° rotation phone clip of portable tripod for cell phone allowing you to capture a wider field of view during photography-an travel essential for capturing memories.
  • 【Detachable Wireless Remote&Ergonomical Handle】The portable tripod selfie stick comes with a remote that compatible with iOS and Android. The remote of travel tripod for cell phone using the latest V5.2 chip,which is easy to pair,work range up to 10m(30 feet) and support 20,000+ selfies.Designed with frosted texture handle, the selfie stick tripod with remote is more safer to take pictures or vedios. →[How to detach the remote]-Simply pull up the pole and slide the remote upward.
  • 【Widely Compatible With 4"-7" Cell Phone,Gopro,DJI】The portable phone tripod for cell phone securely holds smartphones ranging from 4"-7" even though with bulky cases. Thanks to detachable phone holder of selfie stick for iphone android, the heavy duty selfie stick is compatible with Gopro and DJI. This phone tripod selfie stick is widely compatible with all iOS or Android smartphones, such as iPhone 15/14/13/12/11 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S/Z/A series, Huawei P40/P30/Mate 40/Mate 30/Mate 60 Pro, etc.
  • 【100% Satisfaction Warranty】Providing optimal sevice and high quality selfie stick tripod for cell phone is what ANXRE committed to.We offer 24 months worry-free warranty and each phone stick will be checked carefully before shipping.If you have any problem about compact tripod selfie stick or about compatible with iphone android ,please contact us and ANXRE service team will help you in 24H. Hope ANXRE cell phone selfie stick tripod could capture every beautiful moment.
  • 【What You Will Get】ANXRE phone tripod selfie stick, user manual, 2-year worry-free warranty, and friendly customer after-sales service.

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ANXRE 60" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Tripod, [All in 1] Travel Phone Tripod Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote for Cell Phone C

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Product description.

selfie stick for iphone 14 pro max iphone selfie stick phone stick

Capture Wider Beautiful Moments in Life

selfie stick for iphone 14 pro max iphone selfie stick phone stick

Live Streaming,Tiktok,Ins Vedio Recording

selfie stick for iphone 14 pro max iphone selfie stick phone stick

Group Shooting without Asking for Help

selfie stick for iphone 14 pro max iphone selfie stick phone stick

Compatible with 4”-7” phone,Small Camera

selfie stick

Travel Essential Selfie Tripod with Detachable Remote-Captures Fantastic Moments

Where is the Wireless Remote and How to Remove it of Selfie Stick Tripod for Cell Phone?

Step 1: Extend The Pole Of The Selfie Stick Upward

Step 2: Push Up The Remote By Thumb

How to Connect Bluetooth of Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote?

Step 1: Press Remote About 3s Making Sure The Remote On Blinking State

Step 2: Open Your Phone'S Bluetooth And Get Pairing

1.The Remote Can Be Connected To Bluethooth Not The Wi-Fi.

2. Press the remote about 3s until light out to turn off

How to sort out the remote only activates the volume with Android phones?

Step1: reset the phone "Camera settings"

Step2: find the volume key function, set the volume key function to shutter. (Do not select zoom or focus)

Is the selfie stick tripod with remote compatible with all types of smartphones?

ANXRE Phone Tripod & Selfie Sticks Compatible With Most Smartphones, Including 4"-7" Iphone, Samsung,Google Pixel And Etc.(Except: Samsung Zfold Series)

What's the Waranty of ANXRE Selfie Stick Tripod for Cellphone?

24 Months Waranty. For Any Quality Or Equipment Compatibility Issues, Please Reach Out To ANXRE Team

From the brand

selfie stick selfie stick tripod with remote selfie stick for iphone selfie stick tripod

  • Why Was ANXRE Built?

ANXRE is a team of photography enthusiasts who did extensive research on selfie sticks and 900,000+ buyers. We discovered that many selfie sticks have quality, stability and other issues. The ANXRE was born to focus on providing the best selfie experience.

  • What Makes ANXRE Unique?

Durable and versatile and adjustable length and angle. It's lightweight and portable, allowing you to capture beautiful moment.

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Music Stand & Selfie Stick

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60" Phone Tripod with Remote

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Reinforced Stability Tripod

say goodbye to shaky shoot

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Compact Extendable Stick

carry it anytime anywhere&wide range shoot

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Wireless Deatchable Remote

easy to pair and work range up to 33ft

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Auto Face Tracking Tripod

  • Upgraded 3 Buttons
  • Easy to Use without App
  • Detachable Remote

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Portable Versatile Music Stand

Travel,Home practice,Orchestras.School bands,Outdoor performances

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Advanced Integrated Design

easily setup collapsible music stand in 5s

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ANXRE 60" Selfie Stick Tripod for 4inch to 7inch Cell Phone

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ANXRE 60inch Phone Selfie Stick Tripod with Remote

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Product information, warranty & support, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the portability, appearance and ease of use of the camera tripod. For example, they mention it's easy to set up, looks good and has an amazing sharp expensive look. That said, opinions are mixed on the remote control and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the portability of the camera tripod. They mention that it packs very well in their backpack or pocket, it's easy to move around, and is super light weight. Some love the versatility of the product, as it can be used as a small tripod for setting up on a desk. The remote is small and easy to connect and use, and the 50" is perfectly fine.

"Greta quality does not feel cheap I love its versatility can be used as small tripod for setting up on a desk and making videos as well as a selfie..." Read more

"...But it is awesome and the remote is small and easy to connect and use." Read more

"...It’s bigger than I thought but still compact enough for taking on hikes like I wanted to...." Read more

Customers find the camera tripod easy to use. They mention it's easy to set up, convenient, and simple. They appreciate the clicker to connect it to their phone. They also say the remote control is awesome, easy to sync, and use. Customers also mention that the instructions are adequate.

"...But it is awesome and the remote is small and easy to connect and use ." Read more

"...It links super quick and easy to your phones Bluetooth . It worked right away and I was able to take several pictures...." Read more

"...on the stick works great as a selfie stick and as a tripod great features easy to use " Read more

" Super easy to use . Can be used in many ways, save me a lot of uncomfortable situations...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the camera tripod. They say it is a good buy for the cost, has great quality, and is able to provide a great height for the price. Some customers also mention that it is cheap so you get what you pay for.

"It is a great quality for the price ! It gets the job done! It’s a little top heavy once you put your phone on it...." Read more

"Just got it today, the price was great but I'm not sure this is will work. 1st, it's really tricky to open the tripod...." Read more

"...But it does work and worth the price ." Read more

"...I was pleased with the quality and functionality - a good value for the low price ...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the selfie stick. They mention that it looks good, has a clever design, and has an amazing sharp expensive look. They also appreciate the remote lock and lights, which are pretty nifty.

"... Very nicely designed remote lock so you don't have to worry about losing it, cause that thing is tiny...." Read more

"I think the overall look of it is pretty cool and simple. However I do think it sways a bit when standing at the max height, not very sturdy...." Read more

"...Tripod base is most stable in less than 12” extended. Attractive and easy to carry and store when not deployed.Good value...." Read more

"Pretty straightforward to use, it works, and the lights are pretty nifty . Careful with the brightness, though." Read more

Customers appreciate the versatility of the camera tripod. For example, they mention it's perfect for videos and selfies, and especially useful for group selfies or capturing stunning landscapes. Some say it'll be perfect for family photos and vacations. That said, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

" Perfect for videos and selfie " Read more

"it is a nice selfie stick . Wish it could my 13promax better, but works well" Read more

"...This is especially useful for group selfies or capturing stunning landscapes...." Read more

"I'm glad I got this. Its helped alpt with group photos especially st work...." Read more

Customers like the grip of the camera tripod. They say it holds their phone with no problems, the bottom seems to hold it quite well, and the clip holds the phone very securely. The grip for the phone is also pretty strong, so they're not worried about the phone falling out. The tripod works well for holding their phone, and it remains stable and doesn't wobble. The extra support this one has keeps it from falling. The remote stick is nice and light, and has grips on the legs so it won't slip.

"...how tall this actually goes amazes me and that the bottom seems to hold it quite well with the ground coverage...." Read more

"It holds my iPhone 15 Plus up really well ! At first I thought it wouldn’t hold it up vertically until I figured out I could rotate it...." Read more

"Came in timely manner. Steady and still standing " Read more

"...I feel confident placing my device on it, as it remains stable and doesn't wobble ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the camera tripod. Some mention that the stick's compactness and tripod are very good, while others say that the grip system leaves much to be desired. They are impressed with the apparent sturdiness and function, while still others say the stand is a little wobbly and made of thin plastic.

"...It’s a little top heavy once you put your phone on it.But it is awesome and the remote is small and easy to connect and use." Read more

"... Everything works immediately . It comes with a charging cord for your lights. You can only do one at a time. I don’t know how useful they are...." Read more

"...I'll be outside in wind & the 3 legs on the tripod are so short & flimsy & the whole contraption is so light I'm afraid a 5 mph wind will knock it..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the remote control. Some mention that it's a nice feature, while others say that it doesn't work. Some say that the remote only works for photos and not videos. Overall, the opinions are mixed, and it'd be best to read the reviews carefully before making a purchase.

"...up on a desk and making videos as well as a selfie stick love the Bluetooth remote , just be aware at full extension of the tripod 60” it is not very..." Read more

"Well made, works great. However remote only worked for photos not videos on my phone." Read more

"...No more bad angle photos. The Bluetooth remote connects so easily ...." Read more

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The Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Anker MagGo Qi2 Charging Pad connected to an iPhone

Best MagSafe Charger Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad (Qi2) Read more

Bedside nightstand with a black lamp coaster clock and magnetic phone charger on top. The charger is white and upright...

Best MagSafe Stand Nomad Stand (Qi2) Read more

Nomad Base

Best MagSafe Pad Nomad Base Read more

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2in1 charger

Best 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Read more

Keeping your iPhone topped up can be a challenge, but the clever magnetic MagSafe system means you don’t need to fumble with cables or worry about a wireless charging sweet spot. Apple’s MagSafe is an accessory system integrated into the iPhone 12 , iPhone 13 , iPhone 14 , and iPhone 15 range . A ring of magnets on the back of the phone (and in MagSafe-enabled cases) allows you to attach MagSafe chargers that can recharge your iPhone wirelessly.

Snag a MagSafe charger for your nightstand, work desk, and car, and you can easily top up throughout the day. These are the best MagSafe chargers we've tested. (And yes, if you have an Android phone with a MagSafe case , some of these chargers may be compatible and do the job.)

Check out our related iPhone guides, such as the Best iPhones , Best iPhone 15 Cases , Best iPhone 14 Cases , Best iPhone 13 Cases , Best MagSafe Accessories , Best MagSafe Power Banks , and Best Wireless Chargers .

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best MagSafe Charger

The new Qi2 wireless charging standard , developed with Apple’s input, brings MagSafe-style magnetic charging and a 15-watt charging rate. Sadly, most third-party MagSafe chargers with a puck-shaped design charge your iPhone at a slower rate (7.5 watts), but you won't have to worry about that with this 15-watt Anker charger. Few phones beyond Apple’s MagSafe lineup (iPhone 12 and later) work with the magnets today, but Qi2 is backward compatible. This pad from Anker stays put, has a durable aluminum casing that stays relatively cool, and has a 5-foot USB-C cable permanently attached, giving it the edge over Apple’s official MagSafe puck , which only has a 3-foot cable. It can also charge AirPods that have a magnetic charging case.

15-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger not included, two-year warranty.

Best MagSafe Stand

Striking the perfect balance between heft and magnetism is tricky, but Nomad nails it with its new stand. It's heavy enough that you won’t knock it over when you fumble for your iPhone, and you can peel it away from the charger one-handed. The stand comes in black or white and feels sturdy, featuring an aluminum and glass body with rubber padding. It is officially Qi2 certified , so it can charge any Qi2 phone (including all the MagSafe iPhones) at the maximum 15-watt rate. It can get a little warm when charging, but not unusually so. You get a high-quality braided cable in the box, but you will need a 20-watt wall charger. We like Nomad’s 20-watt charger ($20) , but I can’t help feeling it should have been included at this price.

15-watt charging, 6.6-foot cable, wall charger not included, two-year warranty.

Best MagSafe Pad

Folks who prefer a pad should consider Nomad’s Base One. Like the stand, it's sculpted from metal and glass with rubber padding and has enough weight that you can pick your MagSafe iPhone off of it with one hand. The Base One is also officially MagSafe certified to charge at the maximum 15-watt rate, and you get a lovely braided cable in the box, though you need to supply your own 20-watt charger. If you don’t care about the 15-watt charging rate, perhaps because you charge overnight, you can opt for the regular Nomad Base and save some cash. It has a similar design and is MagSafe compatible, but tops out at 7.5 watts for iPhones. Stock seems to be fluctuating for the Base One, but you can get a notification when it's available again.

Best 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger

Our favorite 2-in-1 MagSafe charger is perfect for charging your iPhone and AirPods (or any other wireless earbuds with wireless charging support). It has a wide, circular base with a shiny metallic post connecting the MagSafe charging pad. Ours is white, but there’s a black option too. Stick your iPhone on in landscape view, and you can enjoy StandBy mode , effectively turning your iPhone into an alarm clock. This charger can provide the top 15-watt rate and includes a power adapter with a 5-foot cable permanently attached.

15-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger included, two-year warranty.

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Best 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger

Folks with the holy trinity of Apple products will love Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging tree. It has a similar design to the 2-in-1 above, but the metal post is T-shaped, with a pad for your iPhone on one side and an Apple Watch spot on the other, plus a Qi-certified base for AirPods . It is fully certified to deliver 15 watts and can fast-charge capable Apple Watches . You can also pop your iPhone in landscape orientation if you want StandBy mode . There is a power adapter with an attached cable provided. Read our Best 3-in-1 Apple Chargers guide for more recommendations.

Anker MagGo Qi2 Travel 3in1 charger

Best for Travel

Space is at a premium when you travel, but Anker’s MagGo 3-in-1 folds away to an impressively compact form. It doesn’t scrimp on power, charging your iPhone or Qi2-certified phone at up to 15 watts on a magnetic pad that can adjust to your preferred angle. A second pad behind the main pad charges AirPods or other wireless earbuds, and there is a fold-out Apple Watch charger. You get a USB-C cable (around 5-foot) and a wall adapter in the box.

★ Alternative: Mophie's 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe ($150) is a nice option though it takes up a bit more space when it's unfolded. It folds neatly into a fabric case with a cable and charging adapter. It will fast-charge iPhones at 15 watts, and this updated model includes fast-charging support for the Apple Watch.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Wireless Car Charger

Best MagSafe Car Mount

This simple MagSafe mount slots into any vent in your car and has a powerful magnet array that keeps your iPhone securely in place, even on bumpy roads. There’s a ball joint so you can angle your iPhone slightly for a better view, and it’s easy to place it on the mount and remove it one-handed. You get a 12-volt car adapter and a USB-C cable in the box. Vent mounts are unobtrusive and may help your phone keep cool. If you prefer something different, read our Best Car Phone Mounts and Chargers guide for more recommendations.

15-watt charging, 3.9-foot cable, car charger included, two-year warranty.

Anker 622 MagGo MagSafe charging station

Best MagSafe Power Bank

Sling a MagSafe power bank in your bag, and you can attach it when you need to top up your iPhone battery. This power bank boosted my iPhone 14 Pro’s battery by 78 percent and took around three hours to charge (since wireless charging is not the most efficient method, you will never get the stated capacity of a MagSafe power bank). You can continue using your iPhone while it’s charged because it doesn’t add much bulk, and there’s a small fold-out kickstand for propping your iPhone in portrait or landscape orientation. Just ensure you get the newer (A1614) version, as it has the USB-C port on the side and can turn off if you just want to use it as a stand. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more recommendations.

7.5-watt charging, 3.9-foot cable, car charger included, two-year warranty.

Headphones and iPhone charging on Satechi 2in1 wireless charger

A Headphone Stand and Wireless Charger

Combining functionality is a great way to save desk space, and this headphone stand cleverly doubles as a MagSafe charger. There’s a stainless steel arm with a rubber section to lay your cans on and a MagSafe charging spot on the base. There’s also a USB-C port that you can use to top up your headphones or other devices. While you get a USB-C cable in the box, you'll need to use your own 20-watt wall charger.

7.5-watt charging, 3.3-foot cable, wall charger not included, one-year warranty.

View looking down at a bedside nightstand with a black magnetic wireless charger holding a phone watch remote and small...

Having a place to dump your keys, jewelry, and watch, and charge your phone and earbuds, can help you get out faster in the morning. This classy and roomy tray from Courant has a MagSafe spot for your iPhone, a secondary charging spot for your earbuds, and space for all your other daily essentials. I tried the black linen version, but you can opt for lighter shades or a leather finish (though it’s more expensive). The wireless charging is slow, but there is a spare USB-C port. There's also a bright, unnecessary LED on the back of this charger that I had to cover when using this on my nightstand.

It looks classy and neat, but the linen version picks up dust easily. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has the Leather-Saddle model—he says it doesn't show dust easily and looks great after months of use.

7.5- and 5-watt charging, 5-foot cable, wall charger included, one-year warranty.

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3:30 a.m. alarms, coffee and a quest to find the greatest sunrise spots in Joshua Tree

best travel tripod with iphone

Photos by Jon Norris

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We plodded through an obsidian darkness, one deliberate step at a time, our headlamp beams illuminating the way. The steep trail seemed to stretch into eternity. My 8-year-old griped, “We’ve been hiking for years,” and I wondered why I’d ever concocted this ridiculous quest.

It all started in June 2023. My kid was out of school and so was my husband, a teacher. Long, lazy days of summer stretched ahead. With no travel plans on the horizon, I still longed to infuse our time with adventure and a sense of wonder.

The author and her family.

Exploring our own backyard seemed like the obvious answer. But we live just outside Joshua Tree National Park, where summer days are scorching. Even modest outdoor activity can be dangerous.

A travel writer I admire once said that the most meaningful travel stories are built upon quests, no matter if that’s summiting a mountain or finding the perfect Hello Kitty backpack at a night market stall. The pursuit of a goal is what makes for memorable moments. And that sounded exactly like what my family needed. I simply needed to work within our constraints.

So I came up with a quest that sounded simple enough: Find the very best sunrise spot in Joshua Tree.

Before we started chasing sunrises, I made a list of potential sites, then mapped out their locations and the amount of time it would take to reach each one. At 1,242.4 square miles, the park is slightly larger than Rhode Island. Some of the locations were fairly close to our home while others were more than an hour’s drive away. A handful of spots were accessible only by trekking, which also had to be factored into our wake-up time.

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We kicked things off with one of the most well-known vistas in the park: Keys View (33° 55’ 35.20” N, 116° 11’ 14.78” W), a drive-up overlook with a paved, wheelchair-accessible trail.

We arrived by 5 a.m., and I was surprised to see other families already there with folding chairs and Thermoses, as if waiting for a parade to begin. A few looked like rock formations themselves, hunkered under blankets in the cool early morning air. Over time, the sky warmed with color, painting hills in the distance. A nearby group of 20-somethings fervently applauded the sun, like Taylor Swift had just taken the stage.

When I hatched this plan, I assumed we’d experience each location in solitude, because I didn’t know anyone else who willingly woke up that early. (When I told a friend I’d be chasing sunrises, she said, “Love that for you, but I’m never coming along.”) So sharing this with strangers was a pleasant surprise. I like the moments when people collectively pause to appreciate nature.

For the next couple months, my family fell into a routine of 3:30 a.m. alarms, pots of coffee and backpacks stuffed full of water and snacks. My husband drove, I navigated and our son snored in the backseat. Each day we set out with hope, unsure of what the sky would bring.

Beyond Keys View, we rarely crossed paths with others. The wee morning hours were blissfully tranquil, even though Joshua Tree saw a record-breaking number of visitors in 2023, with more than 3.2 million people passing through the gates. Our schedule meant we could engage with popular sights before the crowds descended.

This was especially noticeable at Hidden Valley (34° 00′ 59.14″ N, 116° 09′ 41.17″ W), a scenic, 1-mile loop that showcases the park’s beauty, from dramatic Joshua trees to massive boulders that blush scarlet at first light. As sunrise chasers, we were already leaving as a line of cars vied for spots in the parking lot.

Joshua trees at sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park.

Over time, as my eyes calibrated to the darkness, I began to recognize rock formations by how they blacked out the constellations. It was another unexpected bonus of this quest: the rarity of witnessing truly dark skies. According to light pollution researchers , a natural dark night sky is inaccessible to 99% of people in the United States. The good news is that Joshua Tree is a designated Dark Sky Park , and for those living in the Greater Los Angeles area, it’s the most convenient place to experience a dark sky.

Against the star-studded quilt of night, we set off for Arch Rock (33°59’24.6″N 116°01’20.9″W), a mostly flat out-and-back trail. Shortly before sunrise, the conditions were just right to display the Belt of Venus, a phenomenon in which a swath of pastel pink runs along the opposite horizon from the sun. My family was playing an epic game of “the floor is lava,” hopping from boulder to boulder, when the sun burst through the 30-foot natural granite arch. We stopped and watched, wonder struck.

Sunrise in the Cholla Cactus Garden.

Another location that knocked us out was Cholla Cactus Garden (33°55’30.86″N 115°55’43.50″W), my pick for Joshua Tree first-timers. It’s accessible, with jaw-dropping views mere steps from the parking lot, and sunrise propels this iconic scene to another level. As the light catches the cholla needles, the cactus glows like a neon sign in Vegas.

Through these excursions, we came to know the park and its inhabitants in an intimate way. Each morning, I knew when to scan the trails for cottontails just starting their days. A few times we came across a three-legged coyote, affectionately known by locals as Tripod, loping along the empty road. My son spotted pockets of wildflowers that thrived despite the heat. Some ravens began to look familiar.

The author's son on a sunrise chasing excursion.

Early morning adventures. (Maggie Downs)

Early morning adventures.

Somehow our quest to find the ultimate spot became more expansive, unspooling into awe for this place in its entirety. And we weren’t alone in that feeling. When I reached out to a former Joshua Tree park ranger about the best sunrise location, the response was … well, everything.

“I asked some rangers what their thoughts were and the answers all boiled down to essentially, it’s all amazing,” said Perrin Pring.

There’s no one perfect sunrise spot, she said. It’s more personal than that.

Illustration of a camera on a tripod overlaid on a photo of the night sky milky way and a tent.

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“Having been in national parks for as long as I have, I find people having the most meaningful experiences when they are somewhere that resonates with them,” Pring said. “Truly, the beauty of the parks is when people discover something new to them and revel in it. And for them, the sunset or sunrise they watch from a place I don’t even stop at becomes a lifelong memory.”

For me, that moment came after trudging up Ryan Mountain (34°00′09.25″N, 116°08′09.38″W), a 2.9-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,069 feet.

The trek was challenging to navigate in the predawn hours, but once we reached the top, the 360-degree view felt earned. To the west, the clouds unfurled like a strawberry pink candy floss. To the east, bold streaks of orange and red.

My family embarked upon this quest in an effort to have a little fun during a quiet summer. We ended up sharing the most colorful season of our lives together. Our sunrise chasing fostered a deeper connection with nature, but perhaps more important, it taught us to be comfortable within the darkness and turned our faces skyward with anticipation.

At the top of Ryan Mountain, my son spun in joyful circles, arms extended, delighted by the vibrant show happening above. Right there I had my answer. That was exactly why we did this.

A silhouette of the author's son at sunrise.

Catching a Joshua Tree sunrise? Here’s how to photograph it

Landscape photographer Jon Norris of Lake Forest fell in love with Joshua Tree a decade ago. He leads frequent landscape photography workshops there on a private basis and through Desert Institute, the educational branch of the Joshua Tree National Park Assn.

Here are his tips for catching a sunrise on camera.

Scout your location in advance. “When you go out for sunrise, you’re going to be setting up in the dark. If you don’t know where you want to set up your tripod, where you want to point the camera, it’s difficult to get a satisfying image, because you’ll be like a headless chicken running around. If you’re not careful, you’ll miss it.”

Get there early. “Make the most of the light. Very often, the best light actually happens before sunrise, when the sun is still below the horizon.”

Don’t always shoot into the sun. “A lot of people don’t realize that at sunrise, often the best light is not toward the sun. If the atmospheric conditions are right, you can have the most amazing colors in the opposite direction of the sun.”

Sunrise in Quail Springs at Joshua Tree National Park.

Check out Norris’ favorite spot, Quail Springs ( about 8 miles inside the western entrance). “It’s an open plain with quite a few Joshua trees. But unlike a lot of areas in the park, they’re quite spread out and well spaced. So you can isolate one, two or three trees and take a portrait of them with the sunrise in the background, rather than this huge mass of trees where you don’t have a fixed subject.”

Work with what you have. “Regardless of what kind of equipment you’re using, no camera can replace taking a picture in really good light and composing a strong image. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got an iPhone or the most expensive new camera, none of them will replace those two important skills.”

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best travel tripod with iphone

Maggie Downs is the author of “ 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five ,” a guide to gentle family adventures, and a travel memoir “ Braver Than You Think .” With a focus on outdoor adventure and meaningful travel experiences, her work has appeared in Afar, Travel + Leisure, Outside, McSweeney’s and many other publications. You can find her at maggiedowns.com .

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IMAGES

  1. The 10 Best iPhone Tripods in 2021

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  2. The Best iPhone Tripods

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VIDEO

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  4. Top 10 Best iPhone Tripods in 2023

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  6. YOU NEED THIS! Best Tripod for both Smartphones & Cameras

COMMENTS

  1. 12 Best Tripods for Traveling in 2023

    Best Travel Tripods. Best Overall Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod. $600 at Amazon. ... It's designed to hold smartphones, including popular iPhone, Android, and Samsung models, and it ...

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    5-section legs - setup time. -. Small pan axis knob. The Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 is the smallest of Benro's four new Rhino travel tripods, but we found that it's remarkably stiff for such a compact tripod - and Benro's new VX ball heads and their secondary pan axis just under the camera plate are a triumph.

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    The Wavo Mobile microphone, meanwhile, is compact and well built. The package comes with a clamp for your iPhone, but that can be removed if you want to attach a camera instead, and there's even a ...

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    Use the links to jump to our full write-ups for more in-depth coverage. Best overall. 1. 3 Legged Thing Punks Brian 2.0. View at Amazon. View at Walmart. View at BHPhoto. The best travel tripod ...

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    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.

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    It's all built around the brand's world-famous GorillaPod - a flexible, strong tripod - which is here joined by two additional, flexible arms to create a GorillaPod Mobile Rig. On one arm goes Joby's Beamo Mini LED light that goes up to 1,000 lumens and last 40 minutes, and which comes complete with diffuser.

  7. Best Travel Tripods of 2023: For Both Phone and Camera

    The most affordable (yet still highly rated) phone travel tripod on the market is the UBeesize Phone Tripod. Coming in at $16 USD you can get a tripod that allows for capturing both vertical and horizontal photos/videos. It's also flexible and can be wrapped around things like fences, poles, tree branches, etc.

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    Table of Contents. Editors Choice: Peak Design Travel Tripod. The Best Travel Tripods. Peak Design Travel Tripod. Punks Travis System. Manfrotto BeFree. Vanguard VEO 2 Go. Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro. ZOMEi iPhone Tripod.

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    Legs fold out instead of extending. Not as small as other tripods when folded up. 10. Zhiyun-Tech Smooth 5 Smartphone Gimbal Combo Kit. The Zhiyun-Tech Smooth 5 might seem like an odd choice to include on a list of the best iPhone tripods, but there's a good reason to feature it alongside its peers.

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    This stable, easy-to-use, and versatile tripod has an angling center column. It gets taller and has more leg-angle positions than the other models we tested. $250 from Amazon. $250 from Adorama ...

  11. 7 Strong & Lightweight Travel Tripods for Your Next Trip

    Legs can be positioned at multiple locking angles or splayed close to the ground for low-angle or close-up travel photography. Weight: 8/10. At 1.5kg / 3.4 lb, the Punks Corey is a lightweight travel tripod for photographers who prefer to travel carry-on only. Its size/weight make it ideal as a backpacking tripod.

  12. 5 Best iPhone Tripods of 2024

    Joby GripTight Flexible iPhone Tripod. The Joby Griptight tripod has a high-quality, phone-mount head grip that provides stability for clearer shots. The rubber-grip feet make it easy to use this as a tabletop tripod, or attach it to things like railings and tree branches. Some reviewers wish this tripod could move vertically for different ...

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    Best Versatile Travel Tripod: 3-Legged Thing Leo 2.0 AirHead Pro Lever Kit. Best Travel Tripod For Full Frame: Manfrotto Befree Advanced Tripod. Best Travel Tripod For Selfies: BZE 40-Inch ...

  14. Best travel tripods 2024: the top lightweight tripods to buy

    Needs a short period of familiarisation. The Benro Rhino FRHN05CVX20 travel tripod is strong and sturdy, yet at the same time lightweight due to a carbon fibre leg construction. This premium-feel ...

  15. The Best Tripod for iPhones and Other Smartphones

    Who should use a smartphone mount and tripod. How we picked and tested. Our pick for best smartphone tripod: Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit. The best smartphone tripod mount: Square Jellyfish Metal Spring ...

  16. 6 Best Travel Tripods for iPhones That You Can Buy

    The Ktupa Flexible Phone Tripod is can double up both as a tripod for iPhones and as well as for action cameras like GoPro as well. What's more, it also packs a microphone accessory as well. 5 ...

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    Folds flat into your wallet. Cons. Durability issues reported. $35 Pocket Tripod. The Pocket Tripod folds flat into the size of a credit card and is great for selfies, time-lapse, long exposure ...

  18. Best iPhone Tripods of 2024: Expert Picked

    The best iPhone tripod for most users is the Joby GripTight Pro TelePod, thanks to its versatile use, strong build, and sleek design. However, other tripods will serve other purposes. Perhaps you ...

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    Quick Answers: Best Travel Tripods of 2024. The Best Travel Tripods of 2024. #1 Vanguard Alta Pro. Best Overall Travel Tripod. #2 MeFOTO Roadtrip. Best Travel Tripod Runner-Up. #3 Manfrotto BeFree. Best Travel Tripod for Backpacking. #4 Zomei Z818.

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    Useful for group shots, low light and even presenting to camera, this is a stand which is ideal for a wide variety of content creators. (Image credit: Manfrotto) 2. Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod ...

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    Best tripods 2024: For astrophotography, landscapes, travel, video and more. These are the best tripods currently on the market, no matter what type of photography you're shooting. 1.The list in ...

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    Best iPhone Tripod For Vlogging: GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit. Best iPhone Tripod/Stand For Social Media Influencers: Pivo Pod Red. Best iPhone Universal Tripod Mount: ULANZI ST-14 Smartphone ...

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    From compact travel tripods for taking long exposure shots and selfies, to high-quality lenses that attach directly to your phone's lens, these accessories can boost your smartphone travel ...

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    Check out our related iPhone guides, such as the Best iPhones, Best iPhone 15 Cases, Best iPhone 14 Cases, ... Best for Travel. Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station (Qi2)

  28. An epic quest led us to the best sunrise views in Joshua Tree

    Another location that knocked us out was Cholla Cactus Garden (33°55'30.86″N 115°55'43.50″W), my pick for Joshua Tree first-timers. It's accessible, with jaw-dropping views mere steps ...