Even if you’re not a vlogger or photographer, a tripod for your mobile device can free up your hands so you can focus on streaming media, following a recipe, or video chatting.

Our top pick is the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand. The pocket-size device works as a tripod in vertical and horizontal modes and offers easy tilting movements. It folds completely flat and will fit virtually any pocket or compartment.

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  • What to Look for in Smartphone Tripods
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Most smartphones are compact enough to fit in your pocket, and the JOBY GripTight Micro Stand follows suit. This take-anywhere tripod measures 0.71 x 1.34 x 3.35 inches and weighs 0.1 pounds. The compact stand folds completely flat for easy storage in any jacket pocket or small bag compartment when you’re not using it.

Best Overall

Joby GripTight ONE Micro Stand

  • Ultra-compact and portable

  • Rugged but easy to use

  • Spring cradle opens to fit most smartphones

  • Limited range

  • Doesn’t support larger smartphones

This model fits smaller smartphones up to 2.8 inches, which could make using it with a case a bit tight. A larger model supports devices up to 3.9 inches wide if you have a larger phone or bulkier case. 

Despite its slight build, this JOBY tripod is solidly built with hardy TPE, ABS plastic, and stainless steel. The rubber feet provide stability, and the hinging smartphone cradle offers simple security without pinching or slipping. Though this JOBY model doesn’t provide extended legs or 360-degree range, the ball head lends itself to easy tilting motions when your device is in place.

If you’re in the market for a simple but multipurpose stand for your smartphone, this tiny device is up for the job.

If you’re looking for a little more height for shooting videos or pictures with your smartphone, the FotoPro Camera Tripod is a lightweight option. While it’s not as compact as other smartphone-specific tripods, it extends from 15 to 47 inches tall. It has 360-degree panning and tilting action for panoramic shots and horizontal or portrait shooting modes.

Best for Height

Fotopro Camera Tripod Stand

  • Lightweight

  • Legs extend to 48 inches high

  • 360-degree panning ability

  • Comes with many accessories

  • Not as compact as some smartphone tripods

It also comes with a quick-release plate compatible with many digital cameras, as long as they fall within the 4.4-pound load capacity.

While the FotoPro tripod looks and functions much like a mini version of a standard tripod, it weighs only 1.26 pounds.

It also has a convenient carrying case and numerous accessories, including a universal smartphone mount, a Bluetooth remote for hands-free shooting, and a GoPro mount.

For those interested in vlogging or shooting videos with a portable but more professional setup, the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig could be your answer. It features the signature rugged yet ultra-flexible GorillaPod legs that can be wrapped around various surfaces and objects.

Best for Accessories

JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig

  • Supports up to three extra accessories

  • Comes with GripTight smartphone mount

  • Features signature GorillaPod flexible legs

  • Legs are shorter

  • Doesn’t work with all cases

This tripod also comes with the JOBY GripTight mount that fits most smartphones, including the iPhone 8 and Google Pixel. Some users have reported issues with the mount fitting around a case, even thinner models, but the locking mechanism promises to keep your device in place once secured.

In addition to a sturdy smartphone cradle, this model also comes with attachments for up to three additional accessories, such as microphones or lights, with the help of a hot shoe, GoPro mount, and two GorillaPod arms.

If you like to shoot on the go, gather the legs to use as a short selfie stick. You can also choose from vertical and portrait orientations, thanks to 90- to 180-degree tilting flexibility.

If you don’t want to spend too much time fussing over positioning your smartphone, the Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip WX Tripod Mount offers fast adjustments in just about every direction. That’s all thanks to its unique design for a small tripod.

Best Adjustability

Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip WX Tripod Mount with Pro Tripod

  • Mount rotates and swivels 360 degrees

  • Fits most smartphones

  • Fast to adjust

  • Legs aren’t very heavy duty

  • Lacks height adjustability

The smartphone cradle portion contains a ball head joint with tension adjustability that allows the mount to rotate and swivel 360 degrees and instantaneously tilt forward and backward. 

This Jelly Grip tripod fits most smartphones up to 6 inches on the diagonal and 3.5 inches wide, though some users have expressed concern over the stability of the legs, which are pretty short and don’t adjust. They can, however, fold down for easy storage and stowing, and a lifetime warranty backs the whole product.

For a convenient tabletop smartphone tripod that you can quickly angle to any orientation, it’s hard to beat this compact and affordable option.

This mini tripod from Manfrotto is as impressive as some of the brand’s most premium models. What distinguishes this small tripod from similarly formatted options is its build quality. It’s made with stainless steel and Adapto, a material similar to aluminum, and the feet offer top-notch stability with non-slip rubber feet suitable for any surface.

Best Design

Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Kit

  • Premium materials

  • Push-button ball head mechanism

  • Legs also serve as a hand grip

  • Mount can be used as a stand

  • Doesn’t fit all cases

This tiny tripod also features a push-button ball head mechanism that instantly locks and unlocks to help you orient the mount and your phone to the best angle, offering up to 360 degrees of range.

The mount portion of this product features a grippy clamp design that should fit most smartphones, though some larger models and cases may not work. It can also be used on its own as an independent stand to prop up your device.

And if you’re interested in using other digital devices with a tripod, the Manfrotto PIXI has a universal screw head compatible with smaller cameras up to about 2.2 pounds.

Many smartphone tripods can double as a selfie stick for wide-angle or group shots, but the Yoozon Selfie Stick Tripod is the real deal. Plus, it functions as a tripod. Folded up, this tripod measures just over 7 inches and can extend as tall as 29 inches, with five different adjustment intervals to help you achieve the perfect height in selfie or tripod mode.

Best for Selfies

Yoozon Selfie Stick Tripod

  • Dual tripod and selfie stick

  • Five different length adjustments

  • 360-degree rotation

  • Comes with a wireless remote

  • Remote battery needs to be recharged

  • Doesn’t fit with all phones

The smartphone cradle accommodates phones as wide as 3.5 inches, which the manufacturer claims will fit most Android and iOS phones. Some users have indicated difficulty with specific models.

Assuming your phone fits like a glove, you’ll also enjoy 360-degree rotation from the mount and the convenience of a Bluetooth remote for snapping pictures from a distance.

Though you’ll have to charge the battery frequently, the remote has a storage slot on the selfie stick portion, so you won’t have to worry about misplacing it.

What to Look for in Smartphone Tripods

Size

Smartphone tripods range in height and overall size. While they tend to be smaller than camera tripods, some taller models come with adjustable legs or poles that extend in monopod or selfie mode. Smaller models that are simple stands can be the most versatile for straightforward use to support photo snapping or video chatting.

Compatibility

Most smartphone tripods offer a universal fit with most devices, and some specify suitability with cases. Confirm the manufacturer’s sizing criteria if your device is larger or smaller. And if you want to use a smartphone tripod exclusively with a case, make sure to factor that into your measurements. 

Adjustability

Tilting ability and horizontal and vertical orientation are all standard on most smartphone tripods. If you’re looking for more control over capturing panoramic shots or the exact angle, consider models with rotating ball heads and 360-degree panning and tilting ability.

About Our Expert

Yoona Wagener is a technology writer and product reviewer specializing in fitness trackers, smartwatches, peripherals, and headphones. She has tested several of the smartphone tripods on this list.