Best Pocket Tripods in 2024: The Ultimate Review

Tripods are an essential tool for photographers and videographers looking to capture stable, shake-free shots. While full-sized tripods reign supreme for professional use, they can be bulky and inconvenient to carry around. That’s where pocket tripods come in – they fold up small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, making them ideal for travel and casual use. In this review, we’ll be looking at some of the best pocket tripods currently available. We’ll cover tripods with flexible legs that can wrap around objects as well as more traditional designs. Key factors we’ll consider are portability, maximum height, weight capacity, and ease of use. Prices range from budget-friendly to premium options.

1. Ubeesize Phone Tripod

The Ubeesize Phone Tripod is a highly portable and flexible tripod that weighs just 150g yet provides stable shooting for smartphones and small cameras. Its adjustable alloy legs wrap around objects and fold down small, while the rubber feet and foam grip maintain stability on any surface. The ball head tilts 90° for portrait or landscape shots, operated by the wireless remote up to 30 ft away.

Over 7,000 customers rate it 4+ stars for smooth panning and ease of use on the go. Whether you’re a casual user or avid content creator, this lightweight tripod enables clear, hands-free smartphone photography and videography during your travels.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

Compact and lightweight at just 150g
Flexible legs wrap around objects
Ball head tilts 90° for portrait/landscape
Wireless remote works up to 30 ft away
Holds phones up to 3.54 inches wide

Cons:

Maximum height of 10 inches is a bit short

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2. Anozer Small Tripod

The Anozer Mini Tripod is a lightweight and portable tripod that packs full-sized performance into a compact 6.3-inch frame weighing just 82g. With adjustable steel legs and rubber pads, it provides stable shooting on any terrain while the ball head offers 180° tilt and 360° pan for capturing shots from any angle.

The universal phone mount expands 56-90mm to fit phones up to 6.7 inches and features a cold shoe mount for attaching accessories. Used by over 5,000 customers, this little tripod punches above its weight for travel photography and video calls.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

Lightweight at just 82g for easy portability
Adjustable legs provide stability on uneven surfaces
Phone clip fits devices up to 6.7 inches
Cold shoe mount for attaching accessories
Ball head allows 180° tilt and 360° rotation

Cons:

Short maximum height of 6.3 inches

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3. Davis & Sanford Pocket Portable Tripod

The Davis & Sanford Pocket Portable Tripod is an ultra-compact 4.1 oz tripod that folds down small enough to fit in any bag, yet offers impressive stability for phones and compact cameras up to 2.2 lbs. The included phone mount securely holds phones up to 3.5 inches wide in portrait or landscape orientation, making it easy to capture sharp, blur-free photos and videos during mobile shoots.

Used by over 2,000 customers, this miniature tripod delivers big on performance thanks to its sturdy aluminum construction and non-slip rubber feet. Setup takes seconds with instant flip locks and ball head for positioning your device at any angle.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

Ultra-compact and lightweight at 4.1 oz
Holds phones/cameras up to 2.2 lbs
Adjustable ball head for angled shots
Flip locks allow fast setup
Phone mount holds devices up to 3.5″ wide

Cons:

Limited compatibility with larger cameras

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4. MAXCAM Magnetic Tripod Mount

The MAXCAM Magnetic Tripod Mount provides a convenient hands-free way to attach your iPhone to any tripod. Using a powerful magnet, it adheres securely to the back of iPhone 15 to 12 models and allows 360 degree rotation for capturing shots from any angle. The mount features an adjustable ball head that can be fixed in place, along with a standard 1/4” tripod screw for attachment to any tripod or stand.

Weighing just 108g, it adds minimal bulk while providing flexibility for vloggers, photographers, and videographers. With over 1000 positive reviews, users love the strong magnetic connection and ease of attaching their phone in either portrait or landscape orientations.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

Strong magnet adheres iPhone models securely
360 degree rotation for flexible positioning
Adjustable ball head can be fixed in place
Weighs only 108g for portability
Standard 1/4″ tripod screw mount

Cons:

Adhesive can leave residue if removed

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5. Zeadio Mini Smartphone Tripod

The Zeadio Wireless Mini Tripod provides stable, flexible camera angles for smartphone videography. Weighing just 130g with foldable legs, it’s highly portable for travel and on-the-go live streaming. The adjustable mount holds phones up to 3.5” wide and allows 360° rotation and 46° tilt for capturing any shot. Its wireless remote shutter allows hands-free operation up to 30ft away.

Over 500 customers rate it 4+ stars for smooth panning thanks to the fluid ball head and all-metal construction. Whether you’re a social media influencer, vlogger, or casual user, this mini tripod elevates your smartphone footage and photos with versatile positioning options.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

Lightweight at 130g for portability
Holds phones up to 3.5 inches wide
360° mount rotation and 46° tilt range
Wireless remote for hands-free use
Fluid ball head for smooth panning

Cons:

Maximum height of 5.5 inches is quite short

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What are pocket tripods?

Pocket tripods, as the name suggests, are miniature, portable tripods designed to fit conveniently in your pocket. Unlike full-size tripods, they are lightweight and highly compact, folding down to just 5-7 inches in length. The compact size makes them ideal for traveling, hiking, or any situation where you want the stability of a tripod but don’t have room to pack a large one.

Pocket tripods have flexible, wrappable legs that can conform to fit on uneven surfaces. The legs usually have rubber tips for grip. They can extend out and lock at different angles to provide a stable base for your camera or phone. Most pocket tripods have a ball head mount on top to allow tilting and rotating your device to get the desired angle.

While pocket tripods don’t offer the maximum height and stability of larger tripods, they provide enough elevation and support for basic everyday use. They are handy for taking clearer low light or long exposure photos by reducing camera shake. The adjustable legs allow you to steady your phone or camera at different heights as needed.

Overall, pocket tripods provide an ultra portable and convenient way to stabilize your camera or phone to capture sharper, clearer shots on the go when you don’t want to carry a full-sized tripod. Their compact size makes them a useful everyday accessory for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike.

How to choose the best pocket tripod?

Pocket tripods are a convenient way to stabilize your camera or phone on the go. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a pocket tripod. Follow these tips to find the perfect mini tripod for your needs and capture clearer, sharper images anywhere.

1. Prioritize Portability

The major benefit of a pocket tripod is having a highly portable way to stabilize your shots. So first and foremost, look for a lightweight, compact tripod that folds down small. It should easily fit into your pocket, bag or purse without much bulk. Consider materials like carbon fiber or aluminum rather than plastic, which shaves off weight. The more conveniently sized your tripod is, the more use you’ll get out of it for travel, hiking and everyday use.

2. Look for Flexible Adjustability

One of the advantages of pocket tripods are their versatile adjustments. Look for models with legs that can independently extend, pivot and lock at different angles. This allows you to position your camera or phone at the ideal height and orientation. Multiple leg segments that adjust separately provide even more flexibility to set up securely on uneven surfaces.

Ideally, look for around 10-12 inches of maximum height but with a compact fold-down size. This gives you a decent elevated camera position while still being highly portable.

3. Consider the Head Design

The tripod head determines how easily you can reposition the angle of your camera or phone. Ball head mounts allow you to smoothly pan, tilt and rotate for framing shots. If budget allows, a combo ball head and separate tilt motion enables precise vertical adjustments too.

Make sure the head has an Arca-Swiss style quick-release plate or clamp that securely holds your device in position. The last thing you want is a drooping phone!

4. Evaluate Stability

Stability should be a priority, even for pocket tripods. Before buying, carefully inspect how sturdy and vibration-resistant the tripod feels when fully extended. Cheaper lightweight models can sometimes compromise on stability. Look for solid construction with no flimsy plastic parts.

Consider tripods with pivoting feet or flexible legs that adapt better to uneven ground. And rubberized feet provide extra grip. Take the tripod for a test drive before purchasing to assess stability.

5. Additional Handy Features

Carrying case: Look for a sturdy protective case to avoid damage during transport.
Mobile phone mount: Tripods with integrated phone clamps provide quick mounting and vertical/horizontal positioning.
Remote shutter: This enables clicking selfies without touching the camera so you avoid shake. Very handy!
Bubble level: Built-in level lets you ensure the tripod is evenly positioned.

6. Find the Best Balance for Your Needs

Consider when and how you plan to use your pocket tripod. If you’ll use it for dedicated photography sessions, something taller and higher quality could be worthwhile. For casual everyday use, favor more compact and budget-friendly models.

By balancing portability, maximum height, stability and features, you can find the pocket tripod that suits your needs. With the right mini tripod by your side, you’ll wonder how you lived without it!

What are the benefits of using a pocket tripod?

The biggest benefit of pocket tripods is their portability. Their small size lets you carry them anywhere easily. You can fit them in a jacket pocket, purse, or backpack without adding much bulk. This makes them ideal for travel when you want the stability of a tripod but don’t have room for a large one.

Pocket tripods are extremely handy for capturing sharper photos and videos in low light conditions. By stabilizing your camera or phone on a tripod, you eliminate shake and blur from handholding. This allows you to use slower shutter speeds and lower ISOs for cleaner images. Tripods enable capturing sharp long exposures and night scenes.

The adjustable legs on pocket tripods allow you to position your camera or phone at different heights and angles as needed. You can set them low to the ground for macro shots or extend the legs higher for overhead shots. The ball head gives you flexibility to tilt and swivel your device.

Pocket tripods can provide stability for selfies, group shots, and video calls by mounting your phone securely. The remote shutter feature on many tripods allows clicking self-portraits without touching the camera. This results in crisper selfies without shake.

Compact tripods are extremely useful for vlogging on the go. You can quickly set them up on any surface to get stable hands-free shots. The flexibility helps frame different angled videos. They make it easy to record smoother, more professional-looking vlogs.

In summary, pocket tripods deliver convenient camera/phone stabilization for sharp images anywhere. Their portability, flexible angles, and remote features make them valuable for travel, selfies, and video. They provide an easy way to get more stability in your shots without carrying bulky gear.

What features should you look for in a pocket tripod?

Portability is essential. Look for a lightweight, compact tripod that folds down small enough to fit in your pocket or bag. The more portable it is, the more likely you’ll bring it with you to use it. Carbon fiber or aluminum tripods are lighter than cheaper plastic models.

Adjustable leg angles allow you to position the tripod low or extend the legs higher to get the ideal camera/phone angle. Multiple leg sections that can independently adjust provide more versatility.

The feet should have rubber tips or pads for grip and stability on different surfaces. Feet that pivot or adjust independently adapt better to uneven ground.

Height is a tradeoff with portability. Look for the maximum extended height you need, while still collapsing small. 10-12 inches extended is reasonable for pocket tripods.

Heads with both ball joints and tilt allow optimal device positioning. Ball heads allow you to pan and tilt freely to frame shots. Separate tilt lets you finely adjust the vertical angle.

Stability: Look for tripods that feel well-constructed and sturdy when legs are extended. Cheap flimsy models can have excessive vibrations.

Attachment: The mount should securely hold different phones, cameras, and optics with no shaking or drooping. Some have interchangeable mounts.

Other handy features include bubble levels, remote controlled phone shutters, and carrying cases. Try out the tripod thoroughly before purchase to ensure smooth operation and adequate stability.

Prioritize portability, maximum height, stability, and versatile adjustments when shopping for a pocket tripod. The right combination of these features will give you a conveniently sized “go anywhere” tripod to capture clearer, steadier photos and video.

FAQs when picking the best pocket tripods

Q: What are the benefits of using a pocket tripod?

A: Pocket tripods provide a highly portable way to stabilize your camera or phone for sharper, clearer photos and videos. Their compact size makes them easy to take anywhere and have on hand for both dedicated photo sessions or casual everyday shots. Key benefits include reducing camera shake and blur, flexibility to position your camera at different angles and heights, hands-free selfies or vlogging, and convenience of a “go anywhere” travel tripod.

Q: How stable are pocket tripods compared to full-size tripods?

A: While pocket tripods don’t offer the maximum stability and height of larger tripods, the best ones provide decent stability for basic everyday use. Look for models with sturdy construction, flexible legs that adapt to uneven surfaces, and rubberized feet for grip. Test the tripod fully extended to ensure minimal vibration. For best results, don’t extend the center column which compromises stability. Properly extended legs with low center of gravity offer the most stability in a compact form.

Q: What features should I look for when choosing a pocket tripod?

A: Key features to look for include portability, adjustable leg angles, maximum height of 10-12 inches while compactly folded, versatile ball head for positioning, quick release plate/clamp, stability when extended, mobile phone mount, remote shutter, bubble level, and protective carrying case. Choose based on your priorities like travel portability versus stability for long exposures.

Q: How much do quality pocket tripods cost?

A: Expect to pay $20-$60 USD for a quality pocket tripod. Lower-priced models under $20 can sometimes sacrifice stability and durability. Mid-range options from $20-$40 offer the best value, while higher-end models above $50 provide maximum features and quality. Materials like carbon fiber increase cost but reduce weight.

Q: How do I maintain and care for my pocket tripod?

A: Avoid forcing joints and extending legs beyond limits to prevent damage. Wipe off any dirt and moisture after use in wet/dusty conditions. Store in included protective case when not in use. Periodically check bolts are tightened and re-tighten if needed. Letting the tripod air dry prevents growth of mold or mildew if wet. Replace rubber feet or plastic parts if they become worn out. Following basic care guidelines will maintain the functionality and extend the life of your pocket tripod.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right pocket tripod can elevate your photography and videography to the next level through stable, blur-free shots on the go. By balancing critical factors like portability, adjustability, maximum height, head design, stability and bonus features, you can select a mini tripod that suits your specific needs. Do your research to pick a pocket-sized companion that fits your budget and priorities from reputable tripod brands. Keep it by your side in its protective case, and you’ll have a convenient way to capture clearer photos and videos wherever you are. With a compact, capable pocket tripod in your kit, any moment can become a picture-perfect photo opportunity.

Enjoyed this guide of the best pocket tripods? Then be sure to check out our other outdoor gears guides.