Best Mobile Phone and Tablet Tripods & Monopods in the UK: Buyer's Guide and Where to Shop

Why a Quality Tripod or Monopod Changes Everything

Ever tried to shoot a steady video while walking down a busy street or propping your tablet up on a stack of books for a recipe tutorial? A decent tripod or monopod is like a reliable friend who steadies the shaky moments and helps you look professional without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re vlogging, live-streaming, shooting family photos, or using a tablet for long video calls, the right support will transform your results — and your patience.

Types of Tripods and Monopods Explained

Smartphone Tripods

Smartphone tripods are compact, lightweight, and often designed with a phone clamp that swivels and tilts. They range from tiny tabletop mounts about 6 to 10 inches tall to travel tripods that extend 40 to 60 inches. If you want to film hands-free or take long exposure night shots, a smartphone tripod is the first accessory to buy.

Tablet Tripods

Tablets are larger and heavier than phones, so tablet tripods need stronger clamps and higher load capacity. Look for tablet tripods that can handle the weight — commonly rated in pounds — and offer a secure cradle or adjustable holder that fits tablets up to 12 inches across. Tablet tripods help when following recipes, presenting slides, or using tablets for art and design demos.

Monopods

Monopods are the runner’s version of a tripod: portable, quick to set up, and easier to carry for long shoots. They’re ideal for sports or wildlife photography when you need to follow motion but want more stability than just handheld shooting. Many monopods extend to 60 to 75 inches and collapse to about 20 inches for travel, often weighing under 3 pounds.

Flexible and Specialty Tripods

Flexible tripods, like those with bendable legs, are perfect when you need to attach your phone to odd surfaces — a pole, a branch, or the headrest of a car seat. Specialty tripods include tabletop models, selfie sticks with tripod bases, and heavy-duty studio tripods for professional setups. Each style serves a different purpose, so think about how and where you shoot most.

Top UK Stores to Buy Mobile and Tablet Tripods

Amazon UK

Amazon is the go-to place for the widest range of tripods at all price points. From budget-friendly options that cost less than a cup of coffee to premium pro models that weigh a few pounds and stretch several feet, you’ll find brands like Joby, Manfrotto, Ulanzi, and K&F Concept. Prime delivery and user reviews help you decide fast, but remember to check seller ratings and compatibility with your device.

Currys

Currys (formerly Currys PC World) stocks a solid selection of consumer-friendly tripods and monopods that suit everyday tech users. If you want to see a model in person before buying or prefer collecting in-store, Currys is practical. Expect mainstream brands, warranties, and occasional bundle deals with phone mounts or Bluetooth remotes.

Argos

Argos blends convenience with value. Their online listing and local collection points make it quick to buy a basic travel tripod or selfie-stick tripod for under a modest budget. Argos is useful for one-off purchases when you need gear fast and don’t require specialist features.

John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis focuses on quality and customer service. Their tripod selection tends toward durable, well-reviewed models from reputable brands. You’ll pay a little more for the peace of mind that comes with robust construction and helpful returns. If you want a tripod that feels built to last, John Lewis is a great place to start your search.

Jessops

Jessops is a specialist camera retailer with staff who understand photography gear. If you’re unsure about head types, load capacities, or how to mount a tablet, Jessops teams can walk you through specifics. They sell both consumer and pro-grade tripods that cater to photographers and videographers who need precision.

Wex Photo Video

Wex Photo Video is one of the UK’s top specialist shops for photography and video equipment. Their selection includes professional tripods and monopods from Manfrotto, Sirui, Benro, and Gitzo. Wex is the place to find higher-end options, carbon fiber legs, and accessories like fluid heads for smoother pans.

Park Cameras

Park Cameras serves enthusiasts and professionals with an extensive range of support gear. If you’re comparing mid-range to premium tripods, Park Cameras’ product pages typically include detailed specs, sample shots, and expert advice. They’re a trusted source for camera-centric solutions where stability and load capacity are critical.

eBay UK

On eBay you can find bargains on new and lightly used tripods. It’s a useful marketplace for discontinued models or higher-end tripods at reduced prices. Be cautious: always check seller feedback and item descriptions closely to avoid surprises, and make sure the item fits your phone or tablet dimensions and weight.

Best Brands and Models to Consider

Joby (GorillaPod)

Joby’s GorillaPod revolutionised portable tripods with stay-put flexible legs. They come in sizes for small phones up to larger mirrorless setups, and a GorillaPod for phones typically weighs under 1 pound and collapses to around 6 to 8 inches. These are perfect for creative angles and outdoor shooting.

Manfrotto

Manfrotto is synonymous with reliability. Their compact travel tripods and pocket-friendly models combine metal construction with ergonomic heads. A typical travel tripod from Manfrotto might weigh 2 to 4 pounds and extend to 55 to 65 inches, offering solid stability for both phones and small tablets when a proper clamp is fitted.

Ulanzi and K&F Concept

Ulanzi and K&F Concept deliver excellent value. Ulanzi makes robust phone clamps, LED mounts, and compact tripods often under 1 pound — ideal for vloggers. K&F Concept offers budget-friendly travel tripods with smooth locks and aluminum legs that can reach 50 to 60 inches while collapsing into a small package.

Sirui, Benro, and Gitzo

If you need professional-grade stability, look at Sirui, Benro, and Gitzo. These brands offer carbon fiber options that reduce weight while boosting load capacity — great if you’re pairing a tablet and microphone or heavier cams. Expect tripods that extend beyond 70 inches and still stay lightweight enough for travel.

Key Features to Prioritise When Buying

Load Capacity and Device Weight

Always match the tripod’s load capacity to your device’s weight. Phones may only need to be supported under a pound, but tablets can weigh 1 to 2 pounds or more. Choose a tripod rated slightly above your device’s weight to ensure long-term stability and avoid slippage during panning shots.

Head Type: Ball Head vs. Pan Head

Ball heads offer fast adjustments and free movement in all directions — great for quick framing. Pan-tilt heads give smoother, more controlled pans for video. If you create a lot of content with horizontal movement, a fluid pan head is worth considering. For casual shooting, a ball head provides speed and flexibility.

Maximum Height and Folded Size

Think about how tall you want your tripod to go and how compact it needs to be when packed. A tripod that reaches 60 to 70 inches keeps you at eye level for standing vlogs, while a tabletop model under 10 inches is better for desk setups. Folding size matters if you commute or fly frequently — smaller folded lengths around 16 to 20 inches slip into backpacks easily.

Materials and Weight

Aluminum tripods are budget-friendly but heavier; carbon fiber is lighter and dampens vibration better, though it costs more. A carbon fiber travel tripod might weigh about 2 pounds, whereas an aluminum equivalent could be 3 to 4 pounds. Decide whether you prefer saving a few pounds for comfort on longer shoots.

Phone and Tablet Clamp Quality

The clamp must grip securely without scratching your device. Look for rubberised surfaces, adjustable widths, and secure locking mechanisms. Some clamps come with a cold shoe or cold-shoe mount for a microphone or LED light, which is a nice convenience for creators.

Additional Features

Extras like quick-release plates, detachable monopod legs, bubble levels, and built-in Bluetooth remotes enhance usability. If you plan to vlog or stream regularly, look for models with integrated phone mounts that include portrait orientation and quick locking systems to switch between landscape and portrait modes swiftly.

Choosing the Right Tripod for Your Use Case

Vlogging and Social Media Creators

For vlogging, portability and quick adjustment matter most. Think a compact travel tripod or a flexible GorillaPod with a secure phone clamp, weighing under 2 pounds and folding to around 8 to 12 inches. A tripod with a fluid head helps when you’re panning to show scenes smoothly.

Travel and Outdoor Shooters

On the road, every ounce counts. Choose carbon fiber travel tripods that extend to 50 to 70 inches but fold down to a comfortable backpack length. Durability against the elements and secure leg locks are essential if you’ll use them in windy or rugged locations.

Desktop Streamers and Remote Workers

If your tablet or phone doubles as a webcam or teleprompter, a stable tabletop tripod that’s 6 to 12 inches tall will keep your screen at eye level for flattering angles. Look for models with height adjustability and a tilt mechanism for fine tuning.

Casual Home Users

For occasional use — family photos, recipe-following, or group video calls — a simple tripod from Argos or Currys at an affordable price will do the job. Prioritise ease of use and a sturdy clamp over professional features you won’t use.

How to Get the Best Deal in the UK

Compare Prices and Read Reviews

Before you buy, compare prices between Amazon, Currys, Argos, John Lewis, Jessops, and specialist shops like Wex Photo Video or Park Cameras. Use product reviews and user photos to spot recurring issues. Comparison sites, price trackers, and seasonal sale periods — like bank holiday sales — can save you noticeable money.

Look for Bundles and Kits

Some stores sell bundles that include a phone clamp, small LED light, and a Bluetooth remote. These kits provide good value if you’re starting from scratch. However, if you already have accessories, buying the tripod alone might be smarter.

Consider Secondhand for Premium Gear

High-end tripods hold their value, so buying gently used from reputable sellers on eBay or specialist forums can be a smart way to get a pro-level model for less. Just check return terms and inspect photos carefully for wear and tear.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Simple Rules to Extend Lifespan

Always clean sand and grit from leg locks, wipe down clamps, and avoid over-tightening screws. Store your tripod in a padded bag if you travel often. For carbon fiber models, avoid exposing them to extreme heat for long periods. Basic care keeps your tripod steady and reliable for years.

When to Repair vs Replace

A loose head or sticky leg lock can often be fixed with replacement parts or a quick service from specialist shops. But if structural legs are cracked or the load capacity is compromised, replacement is the safer option. Specialist retailers like Jessops or Wex can advise on repairs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mobile phone or tablet tripod comes down to understanding how you shoot and where you’ll take your gear. From Amazon’s huge selection to specialist retailers like Wex Photo Video and Park Cameras, the UK market has options for every budget and use case. Prioritise load capacity, head type, and portability, and don’t forget to compare prices and read reviews before buying. With the right tripod or monopod, you’ll see immediate improvements in stability, framing, and the overall quality of your photos and videos — it’s a small investment that pays off fast.