The best selfie sticks: Perfect pictures whatever your budget

So you’re thinking of buying a selfie stick? It’s okay, we won’t tell anyone. But if you’re thinking you can just pop over to Amazon and pick any old selfie stick, then think again – unless you want your expensive new smartphone to end up crashing floorwards, you’ll want to make sure your selfie stick is up to the task.

The most common way to use a selfie stick is to take your smartphone, slide, or mount it, into place on the end of the stick as instructed by the manufacturer. The stick then connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable. From there, you can extend the selfie stick to full length and press the camera button built into the handle in order to remotely capture photos and videos.

There are actually some real advantages to using a selfie stick. You don't have to ask a stranger to hold your phone and take a photo of you, for instance. You can also capture better, wider angles of yourself, and in some instances it can help you shoot more stable video.

How to buy the best selfie stick

What exactly is a selfie stick?

A selfie stick is a monopod, and you'd typically use one to mount and then extend your smartphone away from your body in order to take low- or high-angled photographs. Most models also have some sort of camera control button built into the handle, making it easier for you to actually snap photographs while your phone is out of reach.

There has been something of a backlash against the selfie stick though, with bans and restrictions imposed in a number of public places, such as theme parks, museums, and festivals - so make sure you’re allowed to use yours before taking a photo.

Are there different types of selfie sticks?

In a word: yes. An Amazon search will bring up hundreds of different selfie sticks, all with different specifications and features.

Most selfie sticks come with a mount that adjusts in width in order to securely hold your smartphone in a horizontal position. A rubberised clamp or bracket that firmly squeezes around your device is one of the most common types. Just make sure to read through the product listing to ensure its clamp is compatible with your device.

The other thing important thing to consider is whether the selfie stick's clamp can rotate or swivel around. We’ve found that almost all selfie sticks will offer up to 180 degrees in adjustability, which should allow you to take a wide range of selfies at different angles. Some selfie stick mounts are also versatile in that they will support action cameras such as GoPros.

What features should I look out for?

Selfie sticks are built to be portable, so you’re going to want one that’s compact when folded down. While most selfie sticks will fold to about 8 inches in length, there are a few - usually more expensive - models that collapse to a shorter length for easy stowing in a bag or pocket.

Another key feature that you have to consider when buying a selfie stick is the total reach of the stick itself. There's almost no point in getting one if it can't extend far enough away from your body to get the shot you want - so make sure you figure out beforehand what length you’re after. We recommend getting one that goes beyond 30 inches.

Camera control and connectivity

A selfie stick is more than just a metal rod that attaches to your phone – it's also a remote control. Almost all models have a button built into the handle, and with a press of said button, you can snap a picture or start recording a video. But in order for your device to recognise such a command, it needs to be connected to the selfie stick.

There are two main ways of connecting your phone to a selfie stick: Bluetooth, and a cable with a 3.5mm jack (it plugs into your smartphone’s headphone port). With the Bluetooth option, you simply pair your phone to the stick, then slide it into the selfie stick's clamp, and start pressing the camera button on the selfie stick handle in order to capture photos and videos.

The Bluetooth option is the more high-tech version, but it also requires power. Selfie sticks with support for Bluetooth usually have a micro-USB port located in the handle base for charging (and the USB cable is typically included).

With the cable option, you simply take the tiny coiled cable poking out from the top of the selfie stick and then plug it into your smartphone while it's mounted or clamped in place. There's no need to pair your phone or charge the selfie stick or any of that, because everything will be instantly ready to go. Just press the camera button on the stick in order to take photos and videos.

The only downside to using the cable option is that your phone won't record sound while the 3.5mm jack is in use (although on Android devices, you can customise settings to fix the issue). If you use an iPhone and want sound, you'll have to start recording the video first, then mount your phone, and shoot manually without being able to use the camera control button.

The best selfie sticks to buy

Spigen: The best bluetooth stick

Price when reviewed: £8

The Spigen Bluetooth selfie stick is a great portable option. Lightweight, compact and a whisker over 17cm when folded, it’s small enough to fit in your pocket, yet it expands all the way out to 78cm. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone device, the rubberized mount offers an additional sense of protection - clasping the entire phone - leaving it scratch free and ready to capture the moment. The Bluetooth capability takes less than 30 seconds to set up, and as the shutter button is located down by the handle, it’s easy to snap a picture with the press of a thumb. Thanks to Spigen’s experience in making smartphone cases, build quality is top notch. The plastic handle and metal pole feel durable and sturdy, and the mount offers 270 degrees of adjustability.

Selfie Stick, Spigen® [New Generation] Bluetooth Selfie Stick with Remote Shutter for iPhone 7/7 Plus/6s/6s Plus,Galaxy S7/S7 Edge/S6,Galaxy Note 5/4,Nexus 5x/6P,LG G5 and More- S520 (SGP11721)

£8.99Buy now

Key specs - Length: 17-78cm; Compatible: Android and iOS; Bluetooth connectivity

PolarPro PowerPole extender: The best for build quality

Price when reviewed: £98

When it comes to durability, the PolarPro PowerPole takes things a little more seriously than most. Available in two models, one which is GoPro specific and one which is smartphone-compatible, the PolarPro claims to be the “most durable selfie stick available” being made from 100% aluminium alloy. Durability comes at a price, but the PolarPro also has a built-in 5200mAh battery that will power and recharge your device throughout the day. There are two USB ports for charging your smartphone (although Apple users will need to add their own USB to lightning cable), and the stick extends from 43 and 76cm. Weight is an issue, however: at 454g, you won’t want to spend too long holding this selfie stick at arms length.

Polarpro 5200 mAh Battery Integrated Power Pole for GoPro Camera

£98.98Buy now

Key specs - Length: 43-76cm; Compatible: Android, iOS and GoPro; Built-in battery 

Mpow iSnap X Bluetooth Selfie Stick: The best budget stick

Price when reviewed: £7

A simple Bluetooth selfie stick that is a lot more durable than its price would initially suggest. It’s got a cylindrical soft-touch grip and metallic end plate with hand-strap and micro-USB port. The phone mount is effective, and securely holds the phone between two rubber pads. The handle has a Bluetooth shutter release, with an activity light in the button and on the bottom plate of the handle, making it easier to use when it’s on the darker side.

Essentially you get what you pay for here - a low-cost piece of kit with absolutely no bells and whistles. It does its job of taking pictures well enough, but don’t expect any fancy extra features on this one.

Bluetooth Selfie Stick, Mpow iSnap X One-piece Folding Self-portrait Ultra Compact Extendable Monopod Holder with Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Shutter for 7, 6s, 6s Plus,5 5c 5s SE and Other Android Machines,Black

£7.29Buy now

Key specs - Length: 17-81cm; Compatible: Android & iOS; Built-in battery 

PolarPro PowerGrip H20 Waterproof Battery Grip: The best all-round stick

Price when reviewed: £99

The PowerGrip H20 is the daddy of selfie sticks. It comes with an eye-watering price, but is loaded up to the gills with extra features that justify the expense.

The main body is a long, chunky rubberised grip that contains a 6,700mAh rechargeable battery and two USB ports which you can use to charge your smartphone and assorted gadgetry. The door to the USB ports is fully waterproof, whilst PolarPro claim that the in-built battery will power a GoPro for 12 hours filming or six full battery charges. Flexibility is a high point: the extension pole folds in two and screws together to produce a full extension of 84cm, a shorter one of 56cm, or you can just use the handle on its own as a camera grip. As a nice extra, the pole also can also bend to a 90 degree angle, which means it’s easier to get your arm out of the photo. The only gripe is that it’s a bit of a pain to put together.

POLARPRO PowerGrip H20 rechargeable battery Griff

£99.99Buy now

Key specs - Length: 27-83cm; Compatible: Android, iOS & GoPro; Built-in 6700mAh rechargeable battery; Waterproof up to 99m