The Best (and Worst) Tripods for Content Creators: What’s Actually Worth It?
This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.
Listen, if you’re creating content regularly, you already know the struggle—propping your phone up on a stack of books, balancing it against a anything heavy, and praying it doesn’t slide mid-shot. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. A good tripod can be the difference between effortless filming and a full-blown disaster (like your phone toppling over mid-recipe or mid-dance break). But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are actually worth it?
I tested out a range of tripods—from budget-friendly finds to premium setups—to see which ones actually make your life easier and which ones will just collect dust in the corner. Whether you need something compact for quick shoots, a sturdy setup for outdoor filming, or a hands-free option that tracks your movement, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s the breakdown:
Auto Tracking Tripod - ($29)
Design: It’s not super compact but it will fit in your bag with no problem and won’t take up much space, it’s also lightweight so it won’t feel like you’re carrying a brick. It’s great for travel but I would also use this if I was walking around a room talking about different things because it’s easy to grab, set down, and adjust quickly without fuss. The design feels sleek and practical, making it a great option for both on-the-go filming and casual at-home content creation.
Functionality: The best part? It automatically tracks your movement which I think is so fun, —no camera operator required! This is a game-changer if you don’t have someone to film you. The tracking does lag slightly, but for $29, it’s an impressive feature.
Durability: Feels sturdy enough for indoor use and outdoor use. I could see this holding its weight even if it’s windy out.
Overall Impressions: A fun and surprisingly effective tripod for solo content creators. If you don’t have anyone who can film you, this is a solid budget option.
Ubeezie Standing Tripod - ($19)
Design: A typical standard tripod. It extends from ground level to tabletop, which I love for versatility.
Functionality: Easy to adjust, perfect for filming overhead shots, and smoothly swivels into landscape mode. The included remote is a great bonus if you need to capture some images while you’re filming.
Durability: Well-built for the price. It’s not the most premium material, but it holds up well for daily use.
Overall Impressions: If you need an affordable, no-fuss tripod that does its job well, this is it.
Double-Sided Octobuddy - ($20)
Design: Comes in a variety of colors to match your aesthetic. Super compact since it sticks right to your phone.
Functionality: It suctions onto mirrors, windows, kitchen backsplashes, and even your fridge. I love that it’s always with me—great for impromptu content or even FaceTime calls. Just clean your surfaces first, or you’ll be left with suction marks!
Durability: The suction holds up well, but over time, I imagine it will need to be cleaned to maintain its grip.
Overall Impressions: If you want something ultra-portable that encourages you to create more content, this is a must-have.
Joby GorillaPod ($34) + Ulanzi Phone Tripod Mount ($27)
Design: The flexible legs make this one stand out. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s practical.
Functionality: If you film on the go, this is perfect. The legs grip onto anything—trees, railings, odd-shaped objects—so you can shoot from anywhere.
Durability: Solid construction. The bendable legs hold their shape even after repeated use.
Overall Impressions: Ideal for outdoor creators or anyone who needs a tripod that can attach to unconventional surfaces.
LumeCube - ($279)
Design: Large but sleek. It’s definitely a professional-grade piece of equipment.
Functionality: The adjustable lighting is a standout feature. It’s bigger than other options, but the ability to control your lighting makes it worth it.
Durability: Feels extremely well-made and durable. This is an investment piece.
Overall Impressions: If lighting is a priority for you, this is worth every penny. It’s an all-in-one powerhouse.
Atumtek Selfie Stick Tripod - ($23)
Design: Wins for aesthetics, I’m obsessed with the color. It’s compact, extends smoothly, and fits in your bag.
Functionality: Swivels for overhead shots, and you can position your phone however you want. It’s small but mighty.
Durability: Feels solid and well-constructed. No complaints here.
Overall Impressions: My personal favorite. It checks all the boxes—compact, stylish, and highly functional.
MagSafe Tripod - ($30)
Design: Compact and minimalist, with a MagSafe attachment at the top.
Functionality: The MagSafe feature is the best part—just pop your phone on, no clips needed. Opening the tripod could be smoother, but the magnet is a game-changer.
Durability: Feels sturdy, but I wouldn’t drop it. The MagSafe connection is strong enough for most filming needs.
Overall Impressions: If you have a MagSafe-compatible phone, this is a fantastic, easy-to-use option.
MagSafe Mount w/ Sound - ($27)
MagSafe Mount No Sound - ($17)
Design: Small and portable. It suctions to any surface—mirrors, windows, kitchen backsplashes, etc.
Functionality: There are two versions:
#1 Mount w/ Sound: Works well, but it makes a sound like a pencil sharpener, which isn’t my favorite.
#2 Mount No Sound: This one is my pick. It’s quiet, extends well, and allows for multiple angles. Plus, it fits in your bag.
Durability: The suction is strong, but make sure your surface is clean for the best grip.
Overall Impressions: A great portable option for MagSafe users. I’d go for the silent version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to invest in the best lighting setup, the LumeCube is incredible—but it’s definitely a bigger commitment. That said, the tripod I keep reaching for day after day is the Atumtek Selfie Stick Tripod. It’s compact, stylish, and super functional, making it perfect for just about any content creator and it’s very user friendly making setup a no brainer.
No matter what kind of content you’re making, having the right setup makes all the difference. Happy filming!
