A History of Capturing Our Best Moments
Selfie sticks, also known as selfie poles, have become an essential gadget for capturing our favorite moments. But these clever contraptions that hold our cameras at just the right distance for that perfect solo or group shot actually have a long history.
As early as the 1920s, users attached their bulky cameras onto long wooden poles for early quasi selfies. Fast forward to the 1980s when the Sony Watchman came bundled with a tripod and wire release to allow users a way to include themselves in the shot.
Consumer selfie sticks as we know them today originated in Asia in the early 2000s. As phones slimmed down and cameras improved, so did the poles to hold them. The first patented selfie stick came in 2005, but the devices didn’t gain worldwide attention until 2014 when they were heavily used at events like the Oscars.
Now selfie sticks come in all shapes and sizes, featuring everything from sleek, collapsable designs to waterproof options for underwater photography. Bluetooth remotes eliminate wires while built-in tripods provide maximum stability. Read on as we explore today’s impressive selections.
Key Features to Look For
With so many options flooding the market, choosing the right selfie stick takes some careful consideration:
Compatibility – Confirm that your model works with your smartphone‘s operating system and has the appropriate physical mount for your device size.
Maximum Reach – Look at full extension length to capture shots high above crowds or wide landscape views. Many options extend up two to five feet.
Stability – Tripod legs provide the most solid base, especially for longer exposures and video. Silicone grips also prevent slipping.
Portability – Extendable poles collapse down for transport in bags and purses. Low weight also improves mobility.
Controls – Wired connectors limit range, so Bluetooth remotes give more flexibility. Some sticks even offer controller apps.
Balancing these factors with budget helps narrow the selection for your personal or professional needs.
The Top 5 Selfie Sticks Available Today
After extensive comparison of over 50 top-rated products, these five rise above the competition across vital statistics and reviews.
#1 Best Overall: ATUMTEK 60” Selfie Stick
The ATUMTEK 60” Retractable Camera Telescopic Pole optimizes both performance and convenience. Its sturdy aluminum body weighs under a pound while packing down small enough for any bag. A wrist strap and silicone tripod prevent drops and slips.
Its head rotates a full 360 degrees to grab shots from any angle. And the pole itself extends from 7.5 inches collapsed up to five feet long – perfect for capturing landscapes and large groups. It even pairs smartphone camera controls with its Bluetooth remote up to 30 feet away.
With over 1,000 five-star reviews, users praise the ATUMTEK’s durability, range of motion, and simple setup. And at under $30, this pole promotes stellar photography without breaking budgets.
Pros
- Five foot maximum reach
- Tripod base increases stability
- Folds down small for travel
- Bluetooth paired remote
Cons
- Only compatible with iOS 8.0+ and Android 5.0+
The ATUMTEK stretches over 5 feet to capture stunning wide angle vistas with the phone‘s camera.
#2 Best For Groups: Mpow 59" Selfie Stick
When photographing parties of people, the Mpow 59-inch Extendable Selfie Stick makes sure everyone fits. Its nearly five feet of extension rotates 360 degrees to grab brilliant group shots. A rubber handle provides a firm, anti-slip grip even when fully stretched.
This selfie stick comes ready to use with a wired shutter release button as well as Bluetooth connectivity. An internal rechargeable battery means you always have control. And weighing just over half a pound, it won’t fatigue arms during long days traveling and sightseeing.
Fans praise the non-slip hold and sharp photo quality from the remote. With pricing between $15 and $20, it makes an affordable gift for selfie lovers as well.
Pros
- Rubber grip prevents drops
- Bluetooth and wired control options
- Rechargeable battery included
- Can pair with iOS and Android devices
Cons
- Maximum width may not fit tablets
- Few extra features
The Mpow selfie stick extends nearly 5 feet to easily capture group shots even in tight spaces.
#3 Most Versatile: Xenvo SquidGrip Selfie Stick
As its creative name suggests, the Xenvo SquidGrip Selfie Stick truly acts like an extra grabber arm for your phone. The weighted base stands on its own while the jointed legs bend to any position. This allows flexible angles whether taking simple portraits or artistic overhead perspectives.
Rubber rings securely grip devices sized from 2.3 to 3.5 inches wide without obscuring buttons and mics. Its wired camera control eliminates battery concerns. And the six section pole reaches nearly 40 inches for scenic views.
Owners praise the SquidGrip’s secure hold and sculptable legs for capturing unique shots. It also comes backed by a one year replacement warranty. Priced around $20, it makes smartphone photography more engaging.
Pros
- Weighted tripod base
- Bendy, posable legs
- Rubber rings hold phones securely
- One year replacement warranty
Cons
- Maximum height less than other options
- Some compatibility issues with larger phones
- Wired control limits mobility
The Xenvo‘s flexible legs and weighted base allow users to capture shots from creative positions and angles.
#4 Best For Travel: Fugetek FT-568 Professional Selfie Stick
Frequent jetsetters need a selfie stick that packs as perfectly as their luggage while still offering premium performance. The Fugetek FT-568 Professional Lookup Stick extends a full 4.2 feet for sweeping tourism shots. Its smooth rotation captures all the best angles without blurring.
This stick appeals through sheer portability. At just over 7 ounces, it won’t weigh down carry-ons. And the five section pole collapses small enough to fit perfectly in any bag. Yet the aircraft grade aluminum alloy construction supports cameras completely steady.
Its Bluetooth remote fastens conveniently around wrists until needed for hands-free shutter triggering within 33 feet. With over 8,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, globetrotters agree this conveniently compact gear helps memorialize epic adventures.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum alloy
- Collapses to fit in bags
- Bluetooth remote with wrist strap
- Holds phones and lightweight cameras
Cons
- Few extra stabilization features
- Maximum height less than bulkier models
- Only available in black
The Fugetek selfie stick extends over four feet while packing down small for jetsetting tourists.
#5 Best Budget Pick: JETech Battery-Free Selfie Stick
Most buyers don’t want to spend too much for a simple selfie stick. The JETech Battery-Free Extendable Pole provides impressive functionality at bargain basement prices. It reliably holds phones sized from 2 inches up to 3.75 inches wide.
The stick itself measures nearly 40 inches fully extended. So users can frame subjects higher and wider than arms could stretch alone. Its light plastic weighs next to nothing while the headphone jack wired controller never needs charging. A carrying bag adds portability.
With over 5,000 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, buyers agree this budget stick makes smartphone photography simply more fun. Prices vary between just $8 and $12. So it serves as an ideal stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.
Pros
- Holds phones from 2” to 3.75” wide
- Weighs practically nothing
- Extends to 40” for overhead shots
- Carrying bag included
Cons
- Wired control limits mobility
- Not the most durable construction
- Lacks tripod or grips
The JETech selfie stick offers great bang for your buck at less than $12.
Choosing the Right Selfie Stick
Considering your personal phone model, budget, and how you want to use your selfie stick helps determine the best choice.
If you have an older operating system or low end device, avoid newer sticks requiring Bluetooth 5.0+. Wired models with headphone jacks offer better compatibility.
Think about the types of photos you want to capture. Look for maximum reach in feet to fit groups or scenic vistas. And see if built-in tripods provide enough grounding for video.
For extensive travel, focus on collapsable poles that fit in carry-ons without adding noticeable weight. Low cost options under $20 also reduce impact if accidentally lost or damaged.
Selfie sticks rank from novelty to necessity for modern photography. Compare dimensions, controls, and price to find your perfect match.
Using Selfie Sticks to Make Photography More Fun
While selfie sticks once carried a stigma, nearly all photographers have come to appreciate their creative possibilities. They simply allow you to take shots impossible holding smartphones in hand.
Most models provide great convenience through quick poles that twist, bend, and collapse down in seconds. So you can grab candid moments spontaneously without hassle. Simply secure your phone in the mount, frame your shot, and click the wireless remote.
Selfie sticks also lend themselves wonderfully to video applications. Mounting phones on extended grips makes it easy to vlog experiences walking down streets or trails. The footage captures more dynamic scenery.
And the sticks help capture special moments without relying on strangers. Use them on vacations and nights out to frame romantic portraits or to record daring exploits.
So don’t deny yourself the creative possibilities and hands free convenience selfie sticks provide modern mobile visual storytelling. The mounts, grips, and Bluetooth remotes expand what our capable smartphones can achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical price ranges for selfie sticks?
Expect to spend between $10 and $30 for most consumer models with better materials, extensions, and controls increasing costs. High end poles with telescopic zooms and interchangeable phone cases reach upwards of $70 or more.
What should I look for if not a social media influencer?
For personal photo fun, prioritize security and longevity over fancy features. Seek models with non-slip grips, wrist straps, and shock absorbent extensions rated for average wear and tear over years.
Could a selfie stick work for a point and shoot camera?
Absolutely – just confirm load capacity and mount sizing. Entry level sticks hold devices weighing under 1/2 pound safely. More heavy duty poles designed for small system or DSLR cameras handle over a pound.
What situations work best to use a selfie stick?
They excel at wide landscape shots, large group photos, and steady video. Also consider concert and stage performances. Overhead reach captures sights otherwise impossible. And experiment with fun angles.
In Summary
Our top overall selfie stick remains the ATUMTEK 60-inch model thanks to its five foot extension, stable tripod base, Bluetooth remote, and lifetime warranty. But casual users may also appreciate the budget-friendly JETech battery-free stick at just $8.
Whatever your photography style, a quality selfie stick amplifies creativity and convenience without breaking budgets. So extend your perspective and your social feeds with these exceptional capture tools.
