Best Budget Tripods for 2025 (Daisy’s Tested Picks)

Tripods are one of those must-have accessories that instantly upgrade your photography, no matter your skill level. A stable setup means sharper images, smoother video, better long exposures, and more creative angles. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable tripod in 2025.

In this guide, Daisy hand-selects the best budget tripods for 2025 — models that deliver excellent stability, portability, and value without breaking your budget. Whether you’re a beginner, a travel creator, a landscape photographer, or someone who just needs a dependable everyday tripod, these picks are fully tested and Daisy-approved.

Below you’ll find a quick comparison table for easy decision-making, followed by detailed mini-reviews and buying tips to help you choose the right tripod for your needs. If you’re just starting out — you might remember my earlier post “5 Must-Have Accessories Every Beginner Photographer Should Own in 2025” — where a simple tripod was the first item on the list.

Budget Tripods Comparison Table (2025)

Top 10 Budget Tripods for 2025 — Daisy’s Picks

1. AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
   Easy-to-use, very affordable, and great for beginners who need a tall tripod for photos and video. Lightweight aluminum legs and a simple ball head make it a low-friction entry choice.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
2. Manfrotto Compact Light (Entry Travel)
   Compact, durable, and better build than entry-level brands — ideal for mirrorless shooters who want compactness with decent stability. Good for travel and city work.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
3. Joby GorillaPod 3K (Mini Flexible)
   Flexible legs for weird angles and tabletop use; great for vloggers and phone adaptors. Excellent portability and creative mounting options.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
4. Benro Slim Travel Kit
   Lightweight travel tripod that packs small without sacrificing load capacity — a dependable travel partner for mirrorless cameras.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
5. Vanguard Alta Pro (Budget Version)
   A good balance of rigidity and features (multi-angle center column) for landscape and studio shots without a heavy price.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
6. Slik Sprint Pro
   Fast setup and durable; great for event photographers on a budget who still need reliability under moderate loads.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
7. MeFOTO RoadTrip (Value Model)
   Convertible to a monopod and compact for travel. Great mid-range budget choice for hybrid shooters.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
8. Neewer Carbon-Fiber-Style (Affordable Carbon Option)
   If you want lower weight but can accept “style” carbon or hybrid builds at budget prices. Good for lightweight setups.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
9. Zomei Travel Tripod
   Compact travel design with decent max height and sturdy locking legs — excellent for hikers who want stability without bulk.
   Buy: Amazon · B&H · Adorama
10. Compact Table Tripod — Best Mini for Vlogging
    Cheap, sturdy tabletop options for phone and compact camera content creators. Great for streaming and desk setups.
    Buy:  Amazon · B&H · Adorama

Quick Buying Tips

• Load capacity: Match the tripod’s rated load to your heaviest setup (camera + largest lens + accessories).
• Weight vs stability: lighter = easier to carry; heavier = more stable. Choose based on travel needs.
• Head type: Ball heads are versatile; pan-tilt heads give more control for video pans.
• Compactness: Check folded length for backpacks and carry-on limits.
• Leg locks: Flip locks are faster, twist locks are slimmer — personal preference matters.

If you’re unsure which tripod fits you best, start with what you shoot most. For travel and mirrorless: prioritize compactness. For landscapes and long exposures: prioritize stability and load capacity. Ready to buy? Use my curated search links below to compare prices and read reviews:

Search Amazon — budget tripods · Search B&H — budget tripods · Search Adorama — budget tripods

Final Thoughts — Daisy’s Budget Tripod Picks

Finding the right tripod doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The affordable options above deliver the stability, portability, and flexibility most photographers need — without stepping into premium pricing. Whether your priority is travel weight, height, flexibility, or load capacity, there’s a perfect match for your shooting style.

Remember: a tripod is more than gear. It’s a tool that unlocks new creative possibilities — long exposures, night photography, vlogging stability, macro shots, time-lapses, and more. Investing in the right one today will instantly improve your images tomorrow.

If you’re ready to upgrade your setup, use the links above to check the latest prices from Amazon, B&H Photo, and Adorama. These are Daisy’s trusted sources for reliable stock and fast delivery.

Happy shooting — and stay creative! 🌙📸
— Daisy

Note: As an affiliate, some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Daisy’s photography guides.