Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Joby GorillaPod 1K Kit
Best for SmartphonesPeak Design Travel Tripod
Best Travel TripodPrice
$50-$80
$350-$600
Summary
Wirecutter's top smartphone tripod pick after testing dozens of options across real trails and city streets. Flexible legs wrap around any surface and the 1K payload handles all phones.
Packs tighter than anything else thanks to polygonal legs and a sculpted center column. A 5-year daily driver for professional location work, per PCMag's own reviewer.
Pros
- Flexible legs mount to poles, rails, and uneven surfaces — not just flat ground
- Tested across diverse real-world environments by Wirecutter
- 1K payload rating handles any modern smartphone comfortably
- Pairs seamlessly with Ulanzi ST-27 mount for a complete solution
- Packs smaller than competitors due to polygonal legs and sculpted center column
- Carbon fiber version is lightweight without sacrificing rigidity
- Premium integrated ball head with intuitive controls
- Proven 5-year real-world durability by a professional reviewer
Cons
- Not suitable for DSLR or mirrorless cameras at this payload rating
- Flexible legs can feel unstable on perfectly flat surfaces vs. rigid tripods
- Requires a separate phone mount for best results
- Expensive relative to traditional travel tripods
- 20-pound rated head can struggle with very heavy telephoto lenses
- Not as tall as full-size studio tripods
Our take
For phone shooters doing time-lapses, video, or low-light work, the GorillaPod 1K is the obvious buy — nothing else matches its versatility for getting your phone into odd positions.
It's the one travel tripod that genuinely makes you leave the car-tripod at home — the packing size is that good, and the head is polished enough for serious work.
Buy
