Best Tripods for Live Streaming

Learn how to choose the best tripods for live streaming and you'll be on your way to having a well-positioned live stream.

When using any type of camera, having the right tripod can make a big difference in how your videos and photos look. A tripod helps stabilize your camera and can elevate it to improve the look of your broadcast and overall live experience (without really doing too much).

Although the selection is nice for customers, the wide variety of tripods available on the market can make it a bit daunting to pick the right one.

This guide will share some key takeaways you can apply to buy the best tripods for live streaming.

Finding one of the Best Tripods for Live Streaming: Key Questions to Answer

Before you buy a tripod for live streaming, ask yourself a few questions:

What is the primary purpose of your live streams? How would you like to format your live stream? If you are into live streaming games (and feature yourself in the live streaming sessions), your live stream setup and accompanying gear will differ from a travel vlogger who often goes live on social media. Gaming live stream creators tend to have desktop setups with a lot more room for additional gear than a travel vlogger who does live streams.
What kind of camera(s) do you intend to use? Read our guide on How to Pick the Best Camera for Live Streaming
Live streams with average video quality may still be acceptable. But your audience won't put up with poor audio. What sort of audio equipment (microphones, extension arms, audio receivers, and others) are you going to use for live streaming?
Other equipment & accessories for live streams: Apart from a few other accessories, you'll need to purchase a capture card for live streaming on your PC. You might also need a LED light setup, smartphone holders, green screens, and other paraphernalia for a perfect live streaming setup.
What kind of tools, apps, and software do you consider using? For most live stream use cases, you'll need an easy-to-use streaming software such as StreamYard to help deliver, distribute, and even promote your live streams. Also, consider using audio/video editing software to edit your live streams, repurpose live stream content, manage pre-recorded live streams, and more.

Picking a Tripod for Live Streaming: Things to consider

Tripods used by professionals (movies, short films, documentaries, and music videos) can vary from tripods used for live streaming. There are different factors that you'll want to consider for streaming to help you make the right choice.

So, how to choose the best tripod for live streaming? Consider the following things:

Tripod Type

While tripods are usually floor-mounted, you can also find their mini versions, often called tabletop tripods. Floor-mounted tripods are best when using heavier devices (such as DSLR cameras along with equipment like extended microphones, microphone stands, and more).

Tabletop tripods can also support decent weight, but they give you the portability you need to carry them around when you can't tote a big tripod around.

Tripod Weight

How heavy (or light) should the tripod be? If you know that you'll probably upgrade to heavier equipment (such as a range of DSLR cameras) or more accessories for said equipment (audio equipment, flashlights, battery grips, etc.) at some point, you'll want to opt for a heavy duty tripod.

You'll also want to consider how often you need to move the tripod. If your live streams are primarily about something that requires outdoor shooting, live shooting (anywhere, anytime), choose tripods that are light but still durable.

Tripod Legs

A tripod's legs are its foundation. If the legs are too light, they may not give your tripod the stability it needs. On the other hand, heavy tripod legs may cause issues with management and mobility.

Tripod legs are usually made of aluminum, steel, basalt, or carbon fiber. The material used for tripod legs depends on the use case, budget, and a few other factors. As with most things with live streaming (and life in general), aim to strike a balance between reliability, durability, and weight.

Tripod Heads

Tripods come with different types of heads. What are the types of tripod heads, you ask? Here are some of them:

Ball-head
Pan-tilt head
Gimbal head
Motorized tripod head
Fluid head
Panoramic head
Pistol head
Tilt head
Three-way tripod heads

Of these, the most popular types of tripod heads are the ball-heads and pan-tilt heads. However, if you are looking for precision in your live streams, choose three-way tripod heads to make it easier to adjust your tripod how you like?

Tripod Height

A good rule of thumb to decide on a tripod’s height is to make sure it matches your height. Even if you were to just sit on a chair with a desk set up, your tabletop or floor-mounted tripod should match your seating position in a way that you are in the frame.

Best Tripods for Live Streaming: 13 Recommendations

1. Elgato Multi Mount System

The Elgato Multi Mount System is a flexible tripod system compatible with all Elgato Master Mount accessories. Its USP is that it doesn't restrict your use cases. Instead, it gives you complete freedom to use the modular rigging system – helping you set it up the way your live stream workflows demand.

Featuring steel tubing and joints, interchangeable bases and mounts, and a compact space-saving design. You also get a padded desk clamp that's expandable up to 2.35 inches. For $49.99, it's one of the best picks for hassle-free live streaming.

2. Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod (MKPIXICLAMP-BK)

Manfrotto has long been a famous brand associated with tripods, tripod accessories, and the like. For photographers, video professionals, and now live streamers, it's a brand that you can't go wrong with.

If you are seated mostly on a chair and have a desktop setup for live streaming, then the Manfrotto PIXI Smart is all you need. It features a Universal Smartphone clamp with multiple ¼" thread attachments to offer you the flexibility you need to use it with virtually any smartphone.

The PIXI Smart is designed for dual functionality. It can work as a holder and as an ergonomic grip for those perfect, no-shaky live footage.

Priced at $27.99, this one from Manfrotto is undoubtedly hard to beat.

3. Benro MeVIDEO Sidekick Pocket

The Benro MeVIDEO Sidekick Pocket is a solid, portable, and easily foldable tripod - so you can carry and use it anywhere.

Designed with live streamers in mind, this excellent tripod offers several mounting options and lets you shoot vertically and horizontally with its 90° mount rotation. It also comes with a built-in cold shoe mount that lets you attach other accessories (e.g., mics, lights, cameras, screens) while producing live streams.

Priced at $52.95, it's a great tripod that will serve you well.

4. Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100

The Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB100 is a fantastic tripod kit that includes a 3-section aluminum tripod and an Alta BH-100 ball head with an independent friction control knob. The kit offers a max payload of up to 7 Kg and can be positioned at any angle, thanks to its unique MACC (Multi-Angle Center Column).

Further, the tripod also comes with a fitted bubble level and dedicated suspension loop for those perfectly positioned and stable camera setups.

Well-designed and capable of positioning your camera in whatever way you want, this one is available for $219.99.

5. Neewer Portable Compact Desktop Macro Mini Tripod

This Neewer tripod is one of the best tripods for live streaming for several reasons. First, it offers unmatched flexibility with the 360-degree dial of its swivel ball head and bubble level for alignment. You can also remove the tripod's center column to shoot your live streams at a lower position.

It also features a quick-shoe mounting plate that ensures fast transitions between your live shots. It also includes rubber foot pads (for stable shooting), leg spread angle locks, and more.

For $49.99, this tripod ensures you get a lot of value from it.

6. Sony GP-VPT 1 Remote Control Tripod

This one from Sony gives a minimalistic, reliable, and yet modern touch to your live streaming setup. Instead of working with arms and levers, use this USB-powered remote-control tripod to position it the way you want. A tilt function also lets you set the desired angle for your shots.

Moreover, mount anything from a smartphone to a DSLR (up to 1 kg load). Unlike most other tripods on this list, you can also use this product for taking perfect selfies, self-shot vlogging-style videos while on the move, and also as a table-mounted mini tripod for live streams.

The price point of $99.99 makes it a solid option for creators looking for the best tripods for live streaming.

7. Magnus VT-4000 Tripod System with Fluid Head

The Magnus VT-4000 offers features usually found in high-end models. Supporting loads up to (4 kg or 8.8 lbs), this tripod is made of anodized aluminum and has a two-way fluid head for smooth operation.

Its two-stage design allows you to use the product as a regular tripod or a table-mounted tripod - making it a perfect addition to any live streaming rig.

Additionally, this tripod provides several adjustments (allowing for uneven surfaces); smooth pan, tilt drag, and counter balance.

This is further helped by a half-ball mount with a diameter of 65mm and left and right pan bar mounts. All this for $220.95 makes it a steal deal.

8. JOBY GorillaPod 5K

GorillaPods have long been popular with vloggers, content creators, and live streamers thanks to their sheer flexibility, twistable legs, and even going as far as mounting a gorilla pod on a tree.

The JOBY GorillaPod 5k is a flexible mini tripod and optional ball head which can quickly mount SLR cameras with zoom lenses. Made of machined aluminum, it can secure most cameras and smartphones along with any accessories you might want to use.

On top of this, the rubberized rings and foot grips offer enhanced stability on most surfaces. At $99.70, this tripod kit is one that truly shines.

9. Oben CTT-1000 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod

Sturdy, high-quality, and compact, that's the Oben CTT-1000 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod for you. Quick to set up and equally easy to operate, this tripod is perfect for live streamers on the go.

Its lightweight carbon fiber frame allows you to travel easily with it and its compact size ensures easy fit even in your back pocket. But, with all that, don't mistake it for a low-strength product. It's durable enough to take up to 11 pounds. So, stack on your DSLR, LED lights, microphone, and this Oben tripod can support it.

There is also a dual-action ball head, an Arca-type quick-release plate (for quick mounting), rubber pads on the feet, and an extender column (to help you adjust the tripod's height) for added versatility. Available for $129.95, this one is a great buy.

10. 3 Legged Thing PUNKS Travis System

Weighing just about 1.6 kg and made of magnesium alloy, the PUNKS Travis System is a sturdy option for live steamers on the move. You can also use this tripod on a table.

This tripod system is solid, dependable, and can carry a hefty payload of up to 18 kg. As a result, it can take the heaviest and the most complex professional video shooting or live streaming setups.

In addition, the detachable rubber feet and unique tri-mount plate make it highly versatile. This is on top of the fact that you can instantly convert this product into a monopod for hassle-free video shooting. Available at a starting price of $143.99, you'll be impressed by what this kit has to offer.

11. Sachtler flowtech® 75 aktiv MS

This Sachtler tripod is all about delivering speed, durability, and optimal performance. Made of carbon fiber, the tripod's mid-level spreader and rubber feet allow you to extend each leg or retract them independently.

From the legs' clamping mechanisms to magnetic locks, there's a lot to like here. You also get a high level of torsional stability, and although the tripod only weighs 3.5 kg, it can support loads up to 20 kg.

For $1,496.25, it's a premium buy, but it's worth every penny.

12. Smith-Victor P800 Pinnacle Tripod

The Smith-Victor P800 Pinnacle Tripod comes with a 2-way, fluid-effect Panhead and a compact base. And its titanium finish and excellent design ensure that this Euro-design tripod is lightweight and portable.

Featuring a flexible head that can rotate 360 degrees and supporting weights up to 5 lbs or 2.2 kg, it gives a whole lot of utility. There’s also a quick release plate, a built-in bubble level, and flexible pan-and-tilt modes, all of which means it's a very versatile tripod for $35.95.

13. SwitchPod Tripod

A handheld tripod designed for minimalists, the SwitchPod is compatible with every camera, phone, and DSLR out there. In addition, it offers two easy-to-switch modes: handheld and tripod. And switching is a matter of seconds.

Design-wise, it comes with finger grooves for a comfortable grip. There’s also a circle pad that offers good protection to the camera’s base.

Weighing just 315 grams, it’s pretty lightweight, compact, and, best of all, delivers excellent value for money at just $99.99.

Conclusion

Whether you're live streaming, recording pre-recorded videos, or taking photos, make sure you use a tripod to help stabilize your shots and minimize camera shake.

Which of these from the list will you use with your DSLR or webcam? Invest in one of the best tripods and make your video production easier.