Updated: 04/22/2021 16:02:40
Expert: Vladislav Samoshkin
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.
Many people love to take selfies. This allows you to capture yourself against the backdrop of a landmark without trusting your smartphone to anyone else. Also, a selfie will allow you to remember a sweet moment with your loved one. Well, young girls take such pictures almost every day. Why? Let's not talk about this topic, otherwise the article risks getting too long. Instead, we will look at the best monopods available in Russian stores. These accessories greatly simplify the process of taking selfies, allowing you to squeeze more people into the frame.
How is a selfie stick different from a monopod?
A monopod and a selfie stick are very similar devices that actually fall into the same category. These names are often used as synonyms:
- A monopod is a simple handle with a holder for a phone, camera or video camera. The mount can look like a tripod screw with thread or a classic smartphone frame.
The standard monopod does not have retractable parts or remote control. - The selfie stick is a more advanced device with a folding design. The holder is usually made in the form of a wide mount; there are from 1 to 4 buttons on the handle. Many poles support the Bluetooth function, provide wireless control of a smartphone, and are equipped with a battery.
Unlike monopods, selfie sticks extend to a greater length
Thus, the devices differ in design and functionality; the selfie stick provides many more convenient options.
Smart Selfie Pro (Download)
This application for Android is, in our opinion, the ideal choice for lovers of high-quality selfies. With Smart Selfie, you can take portrait photos with a more advanced phone's main camera. To do this, you need to set in the program the number of faces in the frame, the orientation of the photo and point the lens at everyone. The application will “see” faces and tell you by voice what actions to take to improve the quality of the photo.
Dear readers! If you have any questions or comments on the topic of the article, please leave them below.
Types of monopods and selfie sticks for smartphones
Selfie sticks are in high demand, so you can find them in a variety of configurations. There are several main varieties.
Wired
A wired selfie stick is connected to a smartphone with a special wire that is inserted into the headphone jack. Although the design looks more bulky, and the wires can be damaged and often need to be replaced, monopods of this type are reliable in operation. Their functionality does not depend on the quality of the wireless connection.
Wired selfie sticks do not depend on the quality of the Bluetooth signal. Important! Wired selfie sticks for iOS and Android need to be selected individually; such monopods are not universal.
Wireless
Convenient selfie sticks are equipped with a control button on the handle, and connection to a smartphone is via Bluetooth. When using this variety, you do not need to check the condition of the cable and fear that it will fail. But at the same time, Bluetooth technology does not provide an absolutely reliable connection between the device and the phone; contact can be interrupted at any time.
Wireless monopods are more convenient to control, but their signal may disappear
With remote control
Some wireless monopods have a control button located not on the body, but in a separate remote unit. Although you need to carry a remote control with you at all times to use a selfie stick, it allows you to take pictures from virtually any position and angle. If desired, a monopod with a smartphone can be secured at some distance, rather than held at arm's length.
Wireless monopods are more convenient to control, but their signal may disappear
Tripod
Tripod monopods are equipped with folding legs; in fact, they are compact tripods. A smartphone mounted on such a device can be installed in a chosen location and take a clear photo that is not blurred due to hand shaking.
Monopod with folding legs can be used as a tripod
Selfie sticks with image stabilization
A selfie stick can be quite heavy and difficult to hold at arm's length, especially if the device is quite long. Photos and especially videos turn out blurry. Monopods with stabilizers support the function of leveling the device in space and improve image quality.
Stabilized selfie sticks are usually short but allow you to take very clear pictures
Selfie sticks with mirror
Even in expensive smartphone models, the front camera is usually worse than the main one. Many people prefer to take pictures of themselves by first unfolding their smartphone, but it is quite difficult to achieve a high-quality photo without seeing the screen. Monopods with a mirror partially solve the problem and allow you to take a photo without accidentally cutting off an important part of the frame.
Selfie sticks with a mirror allow you to control the composition of the shot
Huawei CF33
Compact: when folded, its length is only 18.3 cm, and when unfolded it is 62 cm. The telescopic handle consists of 7 sections, the diameter of the rod is 2.5 cm. Features of the selfie monopod:
- maximum load - 230 g;
- connection - Bluetooth;
- Support for iOS and Android devices.
The material of the sections is anodized aluminum. As a result of using such an alloy, the stick is light in weight, so even a child can take a selfie. The model has a futuristic design with a predominance of smooth lines. Fastening is provided by a holder with a clamp.
Despite the small contact area, the gadget is securely fixed by the holder. The position of the smartphone can be adjusted by tilting it horizontally. To take a selfie, there is a corresponding key on the handle. It is located so that it is easy to reach with your thumb.
The model has a special feature - LED backlighting, which allows you to take bright, detailed pictures even at dusk. Thanks to the capacious battery, one charge is enough for 100 photos. The backlight level is adjustable, there are three modes. Not all the best selfie sticks have this option. The backlight will be especially useful for those users who often take photos in rooms or locations with poor lighting. The device will help save your smartphone's charge.
How to choose a selfie stick or monopod for your phone
To make using a monopod convenient, you need to pay attention to several parameters when purchasing. The design must be reliable, light enough and functional.
Fastening
When choosing a selfie stick, you need to make sure that the mount is equipped with seals, has no gaps, is sized to fit the phone and will not allow it to fall. Most monopods are equipped with a small frame with a clamping clamp. The design is quite reliable, but it is better if the holder also has an additional side support that will not allow the smartphone to slip out.
The standard mount for a smartphone in a monopod is a frame with clamps.
Some models of selfie sticks only support horizontal installation of the smartphone, while others can mount it vertically. The most convenient are models with a rotary adjustment of the latch; in this case, the phone can be rotated in any direction.
Monopod length and weight
Most models of selfie sticks consist of several sections and extend telescopically to an average of 80-125 cm. Long monopods are best suited for panoramic shooting and group shots; for single photos, you can take a shorter device.
It should be taken into account that the longer the monopod, the harder it is to hold it level at arm's length. Numerous sections do not add stability; if there are too many of them, the image may shake, despite the fixation system.
Control options
The shutter button can be located directly on the monopod handle or on the remote control. In the latter case, it is more convenient to hold the stick, but you have to constantly carry the control unit with you. If you decide to choose a selfie monopod for a smartphone with a button on the handle, then you need to make sure that it will be right under your fingers and there will be no problems with releasing the shutter.
How to choose a selfie stick for Samsung
Almost any monopod is suitable for Samsung phones running Android. It is important that the OS version is at least 4.1, otherwise the device may simply not recognize the selfie stick. When choosing a monopod, you need to pay attention to standard criteria and make sure that the stick holder is sized to fit your smartphone.
How to choose a selfie stick for iPhone
Since most monopod models are universal, iOS devices can work with almost all poles. If a particular device is intended for Android only, this should be indicated in the instructions, which you should read before choosing a selfie stick for your phone.
You also need to consider that some iPhone models do not support a wired connection. For example, only wireless monopods are suitable for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus; phones in this series simply do not have the necessary cable connector.
HARPER RSB-203
- Size (folded/unfolded): 220/800 mm
- Weight: 114 grams
- Connection type: Bluetooth 3.0
Price: from 999 rubles
The Harper company has become famous for its inexpensive accessories for smartphones, but they are of good quality. This selfie monopod is long and lightweight. Convenient for those who not only take photos, but also shoot long videos - your hand will not get tired. To control the camera there is a Bluetooth button, which is powered by a built-in 200 mAh battery. The manufacturer promises 4 days of operation with regular use. An LED flashlight is built into the handle on the back side - there is a separate button for it. The handle is made of plastic, the telescopic mechanism is metal. The mount is designed for a weight of up to 1 kg with the ability to adjust the position of the gadget.
Advantages:
- Built-in flashlight.
- Reliable design.
- Supports Android 4.3+ and iOS 7.0.
- Long length.
- Little weight.
Flaws:
- The handle may slip.
- The buttons are built into the body.
Which selfie stick is better - wired or wireless?
At first glance, a wireless monopod seems more convenient and modern. There are no extra wires that could fray or break, so the device lasts longer. It is possible to record video with sound; no cables need to be inserted into the audio jack, so the phone remains fully functional when taking selfies.
Wireless selfie sticks are more popular, although their connection to a smartphone is not always stable
However, cordless sticks have their drawbacks. First of all, the connection may be interrupted at the most inopportune moment, and it will not be possible to take a good photo. In addition, wireless monopods run on batteries and need to be charged regularly.
As for wired selfie sticks, their advantages include:
- low cost;
- independence from batteries and rechargeable batteries;
- uninterrupted operation, the smartphone will always be able to take a photo exactly when needed.
The main inconvenience is the connection method. The wire is inserted into the headphone jack, and the phone recognizes the monopod as a headset, so it becomes impossible to record video with sound. In addition, the cable stretched from the smartphone to the handle fails over time.
In general, both types of selfie sticks have their own advantages. If you need to record video from a smartphone, then it is better to buy a wireless selfie stick, but if there is no such requirement, then wired models deserve consideration.
Tips for choosing
To choose a good device for your own use, you definitely need to pay attention to:
- Length. To take normal selfies, the minimum length of the monopod should be 1 meter. Typical characteristics: working length up to 130 cm, folded length - 25–30 cm.
- Weight. A heavy monopod means strong. The average weight is 150–170 grams, which is enough to prevent the stick from breaking in half under the weight of the smartphone, and to prevent your hand from getting hurt while moving the 0.5-kilogram design aside all day to take selfies.
- Fastening. This has its limitations. For example, will the same 6-inch phablet fit into the holder? Most selfie sticks work without problems with smartphones with a screen diagonal of 4–5.5 inches.
Rating of the best selfie sticks of 2022
To purchase a good device, you should read our review of selfie sticks. It contains the most popular models with a moderate cost.
Harper RSB-304
The wireless aluminum selfie stick with a rubberized handle is powered by a 100 mAh battery. There are as many as 4 control buttons on the handle of the monopod - for releasing the shutter, using digital zoom and switching from the front camera to the main one. The device is highly durable, is not afraid of rain, and holds equipment up to 3 kg. The weight of the stick itself is only 146 g, and it expands to 87 cm.
Harper RSB-304 costs 1,500 rubles
Momax Selfie Hero 150
The very long monopod stretches up to 150 cm, although when folded it is only 30 cm and easily fits in any bag. Supports wireless control and comes with a remote control. The set also includes a special stand that can be screwed to the end of the monopod and placed on the ground like a tripod. The selfie stick remote has buttons for taking photos and videos, switching between cameras, and using zoom.
Advice! For a monopod, you can download an application and use it to take pictures without even pressing a button, using a recognized gesture.
The price of Momax Selfie Hero 150 is quite high, about 2000 rubles
Jmary Selfie Stick QP-168
Inexpensive, but very convenient to use selfie stick with a telescopic design. Extends 95 cm, has reliable and durable fastening of sections. It comes with a Bluetooth remote control, but there is only one button on it - to release the shutter. The monopod does not support switching between cameras and zoom.
You can buy a Jmary Selfie Stick monopod for about 1000 rubles
Additional accessories
Like any other equipment, a monopod needs accessories to make using the device more comfortable.
- Fastening. The operating principle of such devices is the same. They all work on the “clothespin” principle. The moving part of the product is pulled back, a smartphone is inserted there and clamped. As a result, the phone is securely fixed between the fixed and moving parts. These products are designed for all phone sizes. They can also securely hold your iPad and Gopro camera.
- Remote controller. You can buy it for iPhone, Samsung, Sony Xperia. The smartphone is connected to the device via Bluetooth. You need to go to your phone settings and find the selfie remote. The products are made of plastic and weigh about 10 grams. The range of the device is approximately 10 meters. This is a very convenient product that allows you to photograph yourself or a group of friends from 3–5 meters. To get a good photo, just press one button.
Top 5 best selfie sticks for iPhone
Most selfie stick models from well-known brands work with iOS devices. But some of them are in special demand because system errors rarely occur during use.
Mpow Selfie Stick iSnap X
A functional monopod with a battery is suitable for all iPhone models with a Bluetooth module and a case width from 56 to 84 mm. The selfie stick expands to 80 cm and consists of 6 sections with good fixation. There is a button on the handle that is responsible for control; it is used to take a picture or start video recording.
Attention! The advantages of the model include a platform that can freely rotate up to 270° and small dimensions. The monopod weighs 120 g with a folded length of only 18 cm.
You can buy Mpow Selfie Stick for iPhone for 1000 rubles
Rombica Smart Pod SP-13
The inexpensive 83 cm long wireless monopod supports both Android and iOS smartphones. It unfolds telescopically, runs on a battery, and has a reliable rubberized mount for a smartphone. Control is carried out via Bluetooth through a separate unit with a button. For this model you can buy an adapter for an action camera or camera.
The average cost of a Rombica selfie stick is 990 rubles
Interstep MP-115A
The selfie stick consists of 7 sections and extends up to 1 m. It has a strong mount with a clamping mechanism and can hold a camera or smartphone weighing up to 500 g. The metal sections are equipped with locks that ensure reliable fixation.
The monopod belongs to the wired category; a long cable runs from the button on the handle to the smartphone. The device works without failures and allows you to instantly take even rare shots.
You can buy an Interstep monopod for 980 rubles
Huawei AF15 Black
The selfie stick with tripod extends to 66 cm and has excellent stability. Works with iOS and Android smartphones, controlled by a single Bluetooth shutter button. By default, the latter is located on the handle, but if desired, it can be removed and worn separately.
You can buy a reliable Huawei monopod tripod for 1800 rubles
KjStar Z07-5S
This simple wireless selfie stick has a smartphone mount and an additional screw for installing an action camera. It reaches a maximum length of 1 m and works via a Bluetooth button on the handle. The monopod is compatible with all phone models.
The price of the KjStar selfie stick is about 400 rubles
Mpow Selfie Stick Bluetooth
Mpow Selfie Stick Bluetooth is one of the most popular wireless selfie sticks with a 4.2 star rating and 6,500 reviews on Amazon. The model's stem is made of stainless steel and can be extended up to 32 inches. The handle itself holds a built-in Bluetooth remote control.
The main highlight of this fairly simple selfie stick is that the model comes with an adjustable smartphone mount that rotates 270 degrees. With this feature, you can not only take stunning selfies from different angles, but also use the rear camera to take pictures.
Compatible with the following devices:
- iOS - iPhone XS/ XS Max/ XR/ X/ 8/ 8 Plus/ 7/ 7 Plus/ 6s/ 6/ 5;
- Android - Samsung Galaxy S9/ S8/ S7/ S6, Poco F1, Galaxy Note series, Nubia, Huawei and others.
Rating of the best monopods for photography and videography in 2022
Of particular interest are models of selfie sticks, with which you can take both photos and videos. Typically, devices with a built-in tripod for stability fall into this category.
Dispho WS-SQB801
The convenient monopod works via a Bluetooth button on the handle and supports Android and iOS devices. Equipped with a tripod that allows you to install the stick on any surface for stationary photo or video shooting. Expands up to 80 cm, has a capacious battery, you can take up to 400 photos without recharging.
The Dispho selfie stick costs approximately 2,600 rubles
Hama Selfie 90
The long monopod can be expanded to 90 cm. The stick does not have a tripod, but it has only 3 sections, and even when held at arm's length, the device does not shake or vibrate. Video images and photographs are of exceptional quality. Since the model weighs only 160 g, it is quite easy to handle.
In Hama stores Selfie 90 costs about 1100 rubles
Xiaomi Mi Tripod Selfie Stick
One of the best monopods with a tripod is powered by a detachable Bluetooth remote control. When unfolded, it is only 42 cm, so it is better to use the device for stationary photo and video shooting. The stick can easily be transformed into a stable tripod. Works with iOS 5 and above and Android smartphones, the mounting platform rotates 360°.
You can buy a tripod selfie stick from Xiaomi for 1,400 rubles
Retrica (Download)
The program contains about a hundred different filters that can be applied to a future image. You can also process finished photos using a simple built-in photo editor with an extensive collection of tools. The free version includes 50 effects. For 25 additional the user will have to pay extra. Another feature of Retrica is that it takes a series of photos at high speed.
Top 5 best wireless monopods
Although wireless monopods have their disadvantages, users most often prefer them. There are several particularly popular models.
LP MPD-3
The budget monopod extends up to 1 m and can support not only smartphones, but also cameras up to 500 g. It is equipped with a remote Bluetooth button, the device itself weighs only 115 g.
The cost of LP MPD-3 is 400 rubles
Huawei CF33
The wireless monopod up to 61 cm consists of 6 sections and weighs 120 g. The model is interesting because it has a built-in backlight with adjustable brightness; you can take photos even in the dark without using the smartphone’s flash. The downside of the device is the lack of a battery; you will have to buy it separately.
The average price of a Huawei CF33 monopod is 1,600 rubles
Anker Bluetooth Selfie Stick
The monopod with Bluetooth connectivity reaches 74 cm and has a battery with a capacity of 20 hours. Supports devices with a case width of up to 84 mm, sections are made of aluminum, so the device weighs only 180 g.
You can buy an Anker monopod for an average of 2,000 rubles
Yunteng YT-1288
The wireless device expands to a record height of 136 cm and is equipped with a removable control panel with 3 buttons. When folded, it measures 43 cm and is not suitable for hand-carrying, but it can support equipment up to 2.5 kg.
You can buy a Yunteng selfie stick from 600 rubles
Harper RSB-105
A reliable selfie stick with a powerful 14-hour battery and controlled via Bluetooth. The handle has buttons for shutter release and zooming; the device can be expanded up to 90 cm. Works with smartphones and action cameras, and can withstand up to 500 g of load.
You can buy Harper RSB-105 for an average of 400 rubles
The best manufacturers
- Harper.
A fairly young company from Taiwan. It was founded in 2014, and in the same year it began selling products in Russia. Initially, the company's specialization was car audio. But later, the company began to produce goods that make the world around us “simpler and more convenient”; - Liberty project
. Russian federal chain of wholesale stores, which is engaged in both the sale of goods of other brands and the production of devices under its own brand; - Rekam.
The company from Canada has existed for more than 30 years, but has been on the Russian market since 1995. The popularity of Recam monopods is due to the fact that the company focuses on design and appearance in all its products; - Xiaomi.
Many people know this Chinese company as a supplier of inexpensive smartphones and phablets. In fact, the Chinese make a lot of things, from virtual reality glasses to light bulbs; - DigiCare.
The company has existed since 2012. Positioned as a manufacturer of goods for the Internet of things. In addition to monopods, it also produces fitness bracelets.
Top 5 best premium monopods
If you need a selfie stick constantly, it makes sense to take a closer look at premium models. At a high price, they offer improved capabilities.
Feiyu Tech Vimble 2
The rather heavy 428 g monopod has a built-in stabilizer to maintain picture quality. In essence, it is a steadicam with the functions of a selfie stick. It extends only up to 183 mm, but allows for very high-quality video shooting with a clear image.
You can buy Feiyu Tech Vimble 2 from 6,000 rubles
Momax Selfie Pro Premium
A stylish selfie stick with an eco-leather handle is equipped with a Bluetooth remote control and reaches 90 cm when unfolded. Works both with smartphones and with photo and video equipment, and is distinguished by very rigid fixation of sections.
Momax Selfie Pro can be purchased for 3,000 rubles
Momax Selfie Hero KMS7
The wireless selfie stick reaches a maximum of 1 m in length and comes with a tripod. Not only does the handle have a shutter button, you can also switch between cameras and zoom in on the image. Reliably fixes the smartphone, supports Android and iOS systems.
The price for Momax Selfie Hero KMS7 starts from 1,790 rubles
DJI Osmo Mobile 2
The reliable monopod with stabilizer is controlled wirelessly and extends to a maximum length of 295 mm. Supports several photo and video shooting modes, battery power lasts for 5 hours. Can be used for professional purposes when you need to create a particularly clear picture.
The DJI Osmo monopod is expensive - from 9,000 rubles
IK Multimedia iKlip Grip
A high-quality selfie stick for Apple devices combines the capabilities of a monopod and a tabletop tripod. It securely holds the smartphone in a rubberized socket, is controlled wirelessly, and the maximum length of the device is 62 cm. The Bluetooth button can be removed and used as a remote control.
A professional monopod IK Multimedia costs about 3,500 rubles
Defender Selfie Master SM-02
A seven-section telescopic pole up to 98 cm long. This size allows you to take full-length shots, panoramic shots or photos with a large group of people. Selfie sticks of this model have the following features:
- wired connection via 3.5 mm headset jack;
- a rubberized holder secures the smartphone from the bottom and top;
- relief anatomical handle;
- maximum weight of the device held is 500 g;
- weight - 120 g;
- adjustable position of the smartphone.
This stick is one of the most budget friendly. Thanks to the wired connection, it allows you to take selfies regardless of the quality of the Bluetooth connection. You can synchronize the accessory with a smartphone running Android or iOS. The adjustable distance between the clamps allows you to use it with gadgets with different screen widths. At the same time, the selfie stick supports even outdated software versions.
The button in the center of the handle controls photo and video shooting. When folded, the structure is only 28 cm long. In some cases, the user will have to install a separate application to operate the monoblock. This stick is made of a combination of metal, polymers and rubber. Due to the protective coating of the metal tube, it has a long service life.
Selfie apps
The standard camera takes good photos, but it's not designed for selfies. If you often take photos of yourself, I recommend downloading an application more suitable for this. Among the most popular
- B612
- Bestie
- Cymera
- Candy Camera
- Retrica
Some apps provide ideal filters for selfies, others create collages, and others provide detailed camera settings. You need to try and find the most convenient for yourself.
Stick with button
Almost like the first option. But more advanced to increase convenience and cost.
Now the remote control via Bluetooth is built into the device itself. Convenient, but there is a chance of getting on an unsupported device. However, the chance is extremely small. The stick will have to be charged before going out, so carefully look at the type of cable or the presence of batteries.
Examples for the perfect selfie
The art of taking a good selfie is truly a science! You don’t just do this for yourself. You need to find an angle, a background, lighting... and you can’t tell it all in a nutshell, but I will try to find a couple of interesting options for ready-made photo solutions.
Photo by the mirror
Ideal to show off makeup, clothing or hairstyle. An important point is that the lighting should be from the side of the mirror or from above, but not from behind.
Try not to stand directly towards the mirror. Let's leave the frontal photo for the passport. Either tilt your head or turn it halfway. And a universal recommendation - always try options. No one will tell you which angle is the coolest for you. Try and choose.
With a pet or toy
Another win-win option.
In the car
Why not brag about your status if you have something to brag about.
follow me
A popular trend on the Internet is when the back of a person walking in front is filmed. Maybe you will launch a new wave of this direction
In gym
Dumbbells make both girls and guys cooler.
Group of friends
We met in a cafe, went to a club, or just walked in the park. Don't miss the photo opportunity!
