TechGearLab

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced travel tripod is a top-notch choice. This model features a quick-release system for the metal mounting plate, making it fast and easy to attach or remove your camera. The Befree Advanced has excellent head performance, including a resistance knob that tightens down the ball socket, freeing you to set and forget the resistance and focus your use on the primary knob. We found this model to be very stable and sturdy, and overall user-friendly.
As a surprising oversight, the Befree Advanced does not come with a level, which is a feature we've come to expect from other top brands. Also, this model utilizes plastic leg clamps, which leads us to worry about durability, given that many travelers are tough on their gear, and plastic can be more likely to break in transit. Still, if you are looking for a travel tripod with excellent performance and stability that is easy to use, then the Manfrotto Befree Advanced is a great choice. 

The Manfrotto Befree travel tripod is a top-notch choice. This model features a quick-release system for the metal mounting plate, making it fast and easy to attach or remove your camera. The Befree Advanced has excellent head performance, including a resistance knob that tightens down the ball socket, freeing you to set and forget the resistance and focus your use on the primary knob. Overall, we found this model to be very stable, sturdy, and user-friendly.
As a surprising oversight, the Befree Advanced does not come with a level, which is a feature we've come to expect from other top brands. Also, this model utilizes plastic leg clamps, which leads us to worry about durability, given that many travelers are tough on their gear, and plastic can be more likely to break in transit. Still, if you are looking for a travel tripod with excellent performance and stability that is easy to use, then the Manfrotto Befree Advanced is a great choice. 

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We love the Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 and deem it a top choice for many reasons. This midweight option shrinks down to 19 inches and stands to a tall height of 63.5 inches to the base plate. It offers 360-degrees of swivel, with the ability to mount cameras of all sizes on the head of your choosing. While many other competitors have several knobs and a less easy-to-use interface, this only uses one, with an additional push button to release and extend the shaft of the tripod for a variety of positions. You can position it as low as two inches off the ground in portrait view. Though we might not opt to lug it along on a long hike, it's portable and is a decent weight for its size. 
As is usually the case, quality costs a little extra. When performing our stability tests, this model did better than most of the other options in the review &mdash; the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ being the exception. While the knobs are easy to use, the shoulder tabs take some fiddling to unlock and adjust. Our main complaint is that the Manfrotto doesn't come with its own head, so you need to purchase this separately. For those seeking a general-use tripod, this is our favorite for its winning combo of versatility, portability, and a reasonable weight without being over-engineered. 

The Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 was our favorite tripod of the test group. This midweight option shrinks down to 19 inches and stands to a tall height of 63.5 inches to the base plate. It offers 360 degrees of swivel, with the ability to mount cameras of all sizes on the head of your choosing. While many other competitors have several knobs and a less easy-to-use interface, the Manfrotto only uses one, with an additional push button to release and extend the shaft of the tripod for a variety of positions. You can position it as low as two inches off the ground in portrait view. Though we might not opt to lug it along on a long hike, it's portable and is a decent weight for its size. 
As is usually the case, quality costs a little extra. When performing our stability tests, this model did better than most of the other options in the review &mdash; the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ being the exception. While the knobs are easy to use, the shoulder tabs take some fiddling to unlock and adjust. Our main complaint is that the Manfrotto doesn't come with its own head, so you need to purchase this separately. For those seeking a general-use tripod, this is our favorite for its winning combo of versatility, portability, and a reasonable weight without being over-engineered. 

The MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight is a phenomenal product that earned high marks during our testing. This model includes spiked feet for rough terrain that are easily swapped out with the all-purpose rubber feet without the use of tools. This travel tripod also easily converts to a monopod from its classic tripod design. Panning is simplified because the designers have thoughtfully included a dedicated drag knob that maintains the same resistance even if you accidentally loosen the primary knob. What we really love about this design is the all-metal construction since plastic tends to be less durable and more prone to breaking during exposure or transit. With a maximum height of 62", this is one of the tallest travel tripods that we've reviewed.
We didn't find much cause for complaint with the MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight, but it was one of the heavier models tested. Without the bag, it weighs 3 pounds 10-⅝ oz. However, with the bag on the scale, it weighs 4 pounds 5-⅝ oz, so it is not ideal for packing lightly. We think it's a fantastic product despite the weight, and we'd recommend the MeFOTO to those looking for a top-notch travel tripod. 

The MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic is a phenomenal product that earned high marks during our testing. This model includes spiked feet for rough terrain that are easily swapped out with the all-purpose rubber feet without the use of tools. This travel tripod also easily converts to a monopod from its classic tripod design. Panning is simplified because the designers have thoughtfully included a dedicated drag knob that maintains the same resistance even if you accidentally loosen the primary knob. What we really love about this design is the all-metal construction since plastic tends to be less durable and more prone to breaking during exposure or transit. With a maximum height of 62", this is one of the tallest travel tripods that we've reviewed.
We didn't find much cause for complaint with the MeFOTO RoadTrip Classic Lightweight, but it was one of the heavier models tested. Without the bag, it weighs 3 pounds 10-⅝ oz. However, with the bag on the scale, it weighs 4 pounds 5-⅝ oz, so it is not ideal for packing lightly. We think it's a fantastic product despite the weight, and we'd recommend the MeFOTO to those looking for a top-notch travel tripod. 

If you're shopping for a travel tripod on a budget, it'd be hard to top the TYCKA Rangers 56" Compact Travel Tripod. Not only is the TYCKA affordable, but it's also light making it ideal for backpacking or other adventures during which every ounce counts. Despite its featherlight weight, we were impressed to learn that the TYCKA is rated to support 26.5 pounds. This model also offers some bonus features such as a bubble level, angle marks for panning, and comfortable rubber grips. It's also nice that this model easily converts to a monopod for those instances where you don't require all three legs' maximum stability. 
We did find a few flaws while testing the TYCKA. The leg closure levers do not have adjustable tension, so they will likely wear out over time. We didn't find the panning action on this device to be particularly smooth &mdash; if you're going to be shooting video, you may want to go with a more stable model. The all-metal construction is nice, but when our TYCKA arrived, the tension knob was seized open. We were able to pry it loose with a pair of pliers, but it could have been a serious bummer if we didn't have tools readily available. Despite the drawbacks, we still think that this model is ideal for those looking for a light and affordable travel tripod that can support a lot of weight. 

If you're shopping for a travel tripod on a budget, it'd be hard to top the TYCKA Rangers 56". Not only is the TYCKA affordable, but it's also light making it ideal for backpacking or other adventures during which every ounce counts. Despite its featherlight weight, we were impressed to learn that the TYCKA is rated to support 26.5 pounds. This model also offers some bonus features such as a bubble level, angle marks for panning, and comfortable rubber grips. It's also nice that this model easily converts to a monopod for those instances where you don't require all three legs' maximum stability. 
We did find a few flaws while testing the TYCKA. The leg closure levers do not have adjustable tension, so they will likely wear out over time. We didn't find the panning action on this device to be particularly smooth &mdash; if you're going to be shooting video, you may want to go with a more stable model. The all-metal construction is nice, but when our TYCKA arrived, the tension knob was seized open. We were able to pry it loose with a pair of pliers, but it could have been a serious bummer if we didn't have tools readily available. Despite the drawbacks, we still think that this model is ideal for those looking for a light and affordable travel tripod that can support a lot of weight. 

If you're seeking a travel option that's light as a feather, the Amazon Basics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod is our go-to. We've backpacked this into several backcountry basins, set up for night shots, and took beautiful scenery images. The all-in-one design doesn't allow you to change out the head or any components but is simple to use and operate. The pan and tilt head features a removable plate &#40;not Arca-swiss style&#41; with a small D-ring on the plate. You can get photos from all angles with the three-way adjustment when using a light DSLR, point-and-shoot, or iPhone attachment. The price is also hard to beat. 
Like any lightweight contender, stability is the most significant caveat. We tried setting it up in windy conditions for an eight-second exposure only to get super blurred images. Even when it's not fully extended, stability is poor. Since the materials are light and plastic, it's also not the most durable option out there either. Another note is that over time, the pan and tilt function loosens up. After two years of use, it hardly holds up our two-pound DSLR Canon. You get what you pay for, and at such a low cost, don't expect optimal performance or durability. 

Our first recommendation for a convenient and versatile tripod on a budget is the UBeesize Flexible Tripod. This inexpensive model uses three segmented legs to provide flexible support for your phone. You can wrap these legs around objects or bend them to any angle to achieve the position you need, making the UBeesize exceptionally versatile and a great travel option. Setup is quick and straightforward, and this model includes a Bluetooth remote for remote shutter functions and a threaded post for mounting to a DSLR or other camera. 
However, we weren't overly enamored with this tripod's build quality. We found the components to be middle-of-the-road at best, and we aren't sure how well it would hold up to years of use. This tripod can be decently stable &mdash; depending on how you configure the legs &mdash; but we will admit that we didn't have overflowing confidence in the UBeesize to safely and securely hold a heavier and more expensive DSLR. It's a great budget travel option that offers a ton of versatility, but it doesn't quite compare to some of the other models if you're seeking something for daily use. 

Our first recommendation for a convenient and versatile tripod on a budget is the UBeesize Tripod S. This inexpensive model uses three segmented legs to provide flexible support for your phone. You can wrap these legs around objects or bend them to any angle to achieve the position you need, making the UBeesize exceptionally versatile and a great travel option. Setup is quick and straightforward, and this model includes a Bluetooth remote for remote shutter functions and a threaded post for mounting to a DSLR or other camera. 
However, we weren't overly enamored with this tripod's build quality. We found the components to be middle-of-the-road at best, and we aren't sure how well it would hold up to years of use. This tripod can be decently stable &mdash; depending on how you configure the legs &mdash; but we will admit that we didn't have overflowing confidence in the UBeesize to safely and securely hold a heavier and more expensive DSLR. It's a great budget travel option that offers a ton of versatility, but it doesn't quite compare to some of the other models if you're seeking something for daily use. 

The UBeesize 60" Tripod is the product that we would recommend to anyone who wants a smartphone tripod that is tall enough to shoot photos at eye level when set on the ground. This model is exceptionally easy to use and set up, and it folds up fairly small while offering comparable height to a traditional tripod. It usually retails at a budget price, is reasonably compact and lightweight, and includes a carrying case, meaning that it won't be a big hassle to take on your next trip. 
We found the smartphone mount to be somewhat finicky — our phones tended to twist as we tightened them into position. In our experience, this tripod can also be a bit shaky when extended to its full height, and in several instances, we wished it had a smidge more height to it. We didn't have any durability issues in our testing, but it wouldn't necessarily surprise us if some of the cheaper plastic pieces broke over time. Though it's not the most portable option out there, the UBeesize 60" Tripod is a great choice if you want a full-extension tripod for standalone smartphone photography. As a bonus, the pan/tilt head makes this an excellent option for shooting video. 

The UBeesize 60-Inch Tripod is the product that we would recommend to anyone who wants a smartphone tripod that is tall enough to shoot photos at eye level when set on the ground. This model is exceptionally easy to use and set up, and it folds up fairly small while offering comparable height to a traditional tripod. It usually retails at a budget price, is reasonably compact and lightweight, and includes a carrying case, meaning that it won't be a big hassle to take on your next trip. 
We found the smartphone mount to be somewhat finicky — our phones tended to twist as we tightened them into position. In our experience, this tripod can also be a bit shaky when extended to its full height, and in several instances, we wished it had a smidge more height to it. We didn't have any durability issues in our testing, but it wouldn't necessarily surprise us if some of the cheaper plastic pieces broke over time. Though it's not the most portable option out there, the UBeesize 60" Tripod is a great choice if you want a full-extension tripod for standalone smartphone photography. As a bonus, the pan/tilt head makes this an excellent option for shooting video. 

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The Element MII goes from backpack-sized to tall smoothly and quickly, and it provides sturdy support at a price lower than that of our other picks.

This tripod doesn’t have an angled center column, but it’s quite sturdy, designed with a greater load capacity than any of our other picks, and (most important) waterproof.

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