Whether it’s for documenting family fun, starting your very own web vlog, or for professional photography and videography needs, one of the best investments you can make in camera/phone accessory is a high-quality tripod. Tripods offer stability to help you take the best pictures and video, while at the same time extending your capabilities and opening up all kinds of opportunities to capture every perfect moment.
While some tripods can cost you upwards of a hundred dollars – or even more if you’re opting for professional quality – there are also some cheaper alternatives out there that can give you just as much, if not more, bang for your buck. Where are these deals hiding, you may ask? For the greatest deals and discounts on the highest-quality tripods, we recommend no other online marketplace than AliExpress. AliExpress is a network of wholesale and retail suppliers that offer some of the best prices for one of the widest selections of consumer goods and tech products available anywhere. Plus, their comprehensive buyer protection policies help make sure that you’re always getting the quality you pay for – with easy and hassle-free refunds and returns in the event that you don’t.
Check out: What to buy on Aliexpress?
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll be walking you through the best tripods you can buy on AliExpress.
8 Best Chinese Tripods You Can Buy on AliExpress
We’ve curated this list for all kinds of photographers and enthusiasts. Whether you’re an amateur just starting out in the world of photography, a vlogger looking to step up your game with some reliable accessories, or a professional trying to meet the highest standards of your industry, there’s an AliExpress Tripod out there for you. Here are eight of the best Tripods available on AliExpress.
SHOOT Mini Flexible Octopus Tripod
Featuring the ever-popular Octopus design, the SHOOT Mini Flexible Octopus Tripod is the best-selling tripod on AliExpress, and for good reason. Its 360-degree ball-head offers flexible yet stable support for cameras, smartphones, and even GoPro cameras, while the flexible sponge tripod legs offers adaptable stability for any surface. Lightweight and very flexible, this tripod offers plenty of value for portable, on-the-go use, despite having rudimentary features.
Get the SHOOT Mini Flexible Octopus Tripod now on AliExpress.
ULANZI MT-11 Travel Flexible Octopus Tripod
The ULANZI MT-11 Travel Flexible Octopus Tripod may offer similar features and functionality to the SHOOT Octopus Tripod mentioned earlier, but this one has its own set of unique characteristics. For one thing, its multifunctional head clip houses a ton of convenient features, including a universal ¼ extension port for added versatility and extensibility.
One of our favorite things about the ULANZI MT-11 Travel Flexible Octopus Tripod is the insane amount of durability and stability offered by its high-flexibility rubber legs. It’s also got a removable ball head, which makes it even more adaptable to different kinds of settings.
Get the ULANZI MT-11 Travel Flexible Octopus Tripod now on AliExpress.
ZOMEI Z666 Professional Portable Aluminum Tripod
Designed to meet the highest standards of professional use while still maintaining best-in-class affordability, the ZOMEI Z666 Professional Portable Aluminum Tripod has a lot to offer professionals and amateurs alike.
Its 3-Way Pan Head can accommodate all kinds of professional cameras, and the strong material composition allows it to bear a load of up to 5KG. Lightweight and easy to carry around thanks to the aluminum build, this tripod can be set up to a height of up to 56 inches – all without compromising stability thanks to the lever-lock legs.
Get the ZOMEI Z666 Professional Portable Aluminum Tripod now on AliExpress.
NYFUNDAS 3-in-1 Bluetooth Monopod Tripod
Most popular among families and friends, the NYFUNDAS 3-in-1 Bluetooth Monopod Tripod sacrifices professional specialization for the best in modern versatility. With two different modes – handheld mode and tripod mode – you can use this camera accessory for a wide variety of activities. Plus, since it comes with a Bluetooth shutter remote, it’s a great way to help you capture the best moments with friends and family no matter where you decide to take your adventures.
In handheld mode, it functions like a monopod with an ergonomic handle for better grip, while in Tripod mode, non-slip foot pads make sure you’re getting the best stability on any kind of surface.
Get the NYFUNDAS 3-in-1 Bluetooth Monopod Tripod now on AliExpress.
ZOMEI Q111 Professional Portable Tripod
Another professional-grade tripod from ZOMEI, the Q111 Professional Portable Tripod offers similar functionality to the aforementioned ZOMEI Z666, except that this one is made more portable thank to the portable pocket.
Get the ZOMEI Q111 Professional Portable Tripod now on AliExpress.
HEONYIRRI Professional Foldable Tripod with Phone Holder
Incredibly affordable with a minimalistic design, this HEONYIRRI Professional Foldable Tripod with Phone Holder is a great choice for anyone who just wants a no-frills tripod for cheap. Sure, it may lack the bells and whistles you’ll find in other, more expensive brands and models, but it’s a tripod at its core, and a pretty good one, too.
Made to professional specifications, this lightweight but effective tripod can accommodate all kinds of professional SLR and DSLR cameras. It even comes with an extra phone holder accessory to support all kinds of smartphones.
Get the HEONYIRRI Professional Foldable Tripod with Phone Holder now on AliExpress.
ULANZI MT-08 Vlogger’s Choice Monopod/Tripod
One of the most popular tripod choices for vloggers around the world, the ULANZI MT-08 Vlogger’s Choice Monopod/Tripod is a versatile and cost-effective choice for anyone who’s interested in photography or recording, but it’s especially well-suited for vlogging.
First of all, the ULANZI MT-08 comes with a 2-in-1 function that lets it act as both a handheld monopod and a super-stable tripod on any surface. The handle/leg can extend to up to 10.6in, and its super lightweight form-factor is highly portable at just 92g.
Get the ULANZI MT-08 Vlogger’s Choice Monopod/Tripod now on AliExpress.
FOSOTO WT3130 Professional Aluminum Tripod with Phone Holder
Versatile and durable, built for both professionals and amateurs in mind, the FOSOTO WT3130 Professional Aluminum Tripod with Phone Holder is a great budget alternative for those who want a tripod that can do just about everything.
Made from lightweight but strong aluminum, the FOSOTO WT3130 can extend to a height of up to 126cm (49.6in) and comes with a 3-Way Head that can professionally accommodate any kind of SLR or DSLR camera. It comes with a built-in bubble level to help you make sure you’re taking the most level shots, and comes with plenty of ergonomics for like tilt and swivel.
For more casual users, the FOSOTO WT3130 also comes with a phone holder accessory, so you can enjoy all of the professional features even when you’re using your smartphone camera.
Get the FOSOTO WT3130 Professional Aluminum Tripod with Phone Holder now on AliExpress.
Why Use a Tripod?
Photographers, videographers, and even professional cinematographers have been using tripods for decades. In fact, even in the earliest days of photography, tripods already existed as a way to help take pictures. If you’re still considering whether or not you need or want a tripod, check out this list of the benefits and advantages a tripod can offer you:
Tripods offer extra stability anywhere you go.
One of the best things about tripods is that it helps keep your camera absolutely still and stable to help take the perfect shots – whether it’s a still image or a video. The three-legged design offers versatility and stability on just about any surface, making it a must-have for anyone who’s looking to capture the best photographs.
Tripods let you capture moments remotely.
While others argue that you can just put your phone or camera on stable surface to take pictures, the fact of the matter remains that tripods are designed for precisely that function. You don’t even have to be in contact with your camera to take pictures, as long as you have a tripod. By setting it up, pointing it in the right direction, and making use of a variety of features like camera timer, cable release, and even remote shutter, you can capture moments flawlessly and with ease with the help of a tripod.
Tripods can be used with phones and cameras.
Who says tripods are just for professionals with high-end cameras? Many tripods today can be used with all kinds of recording devices, from DSLRs to just your smartphone. You don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the stability and plethora of other advantages that tripods have to offer. Whether you’re an amateur, an enthusiast, or a full-fledged pro, a tripod is an essential tool to add to your arsenal.
Final Thoughts
Tripods come in all shapes and sizes, and different brands and models offer a variety of different features for specific users. While amateurs and enthusiasts can make use of the stability that any tripod can provide, professionals may require something with more functionality, something tailored for heavy-duty use. On the other hand, vloggers might need a tripod that’s versatile and multi-purpose. For whatever purpose, need, or budget, we hope you found the ideal tripod for you right here on our list of the Best AliExpress Tripods.
What you need to know: