We’ve all been there, staring down the barrel of a camera lens with a script in hand, trying desperately to remember lines while maintaining eye contact. It’s a daunting task that can make even the most confident speaker stumble. This challenge is precisely why tools like the NEEWER Teleprompter X17 are so invaluable for anyone regularly creating video content, giving presentations, or broadcasting live. Without a reliable way to deliver your message smoothly and naturally, your audience might perceive you as unprepared, hindering your ability to connect and convey authority.
- 【Foldable & Assembly Free】 The professional NEEWER X17 Teleprompter is an all in one collapsible teleprompter that requires no assembly to use, whether you're giving a presentation, taking an...
- 【Large & Crystal Clear HD Beamsplitter】 The 17"/30.7cm clear beamsplitter glass with 71% light transmission and a reading range of up to 157.5"/4m clearly reflects your script and text, allowing...
- 【App & RT-110 Remote Control】 Pair the RT-110 remote (included) with your tablet inside our NEEWER Teleprompter App (compatible with iOS 11.0/Android 6.0 or later) via Bluetooth connection. With...
What to Look for in a Teleprompter
If you’re someone who frequently needs to speak directly to a camera or audience from a script, a teleprompter is likely on your radar. This category of equipment is essential for content creators, educators delivering online courses, corporate trainers, public speakers, and anyone involved in professional video production or live streaming. The ideal customer is someone who values professionalism, efficiency, and the ability to deliver polished, engaging presentations without memorizing lengthy texts. On the other hand, if your video needs are infrequent, purely informal, or you excel at ad-libbing, a full-fledged teleprompter might be overkill. For those occasional uses, cue cards or simple notes off-camera might suffice. Before investing in a teleprompter, you need to consider several key factors: the size of the display you’ll use (tablet, laptop, or dedicated monitor), the type of camera you’ll be mounting (DSLR, mirrorless, or camcorder), the tripod’s weight capacity, portability requirements, ease of setup, and the functionality of the accompanying software and remote control. Compatibility with your existing gear and the stability of the unit are also paramount.
- Elgato Prompter: Professional teleprompter for video recording
- 【Introducing NEEWER BASICS】 Simple and practical, NEEWER BASICS is an economical product line that focuses on essential functions and designs, without unnecessary extras and materials.
- 【Easy to Read with HD Display】Thanks to an innovative coating technique, the high quality beam splitter glass ensures 75% light transmittance. With its adjustable hood and leading technology...
Introducing the NEEWER Teleprompter X17
The NEEWER Teleprompter X17 is designed as a comprehensive solution for professional teleprompting needs, promising crystal-clear text reflection and ease of use right out of the box. It positions itself as an upgraded, larger-screen alternative to smaller models, featuring a generous 17-inch beamsplitter. When you purchase the NEEWER X17, you get the teleprompter unit itself, an RT-110 remote control, a microfiber cloth, and a user manual, all typically packed within a robust transport case. This specific teleprompter is well-suited for users who need a larger viewing area for their scripts, accommodating larger tablets or even portable 15.6-inch screens, and require compatibility with heavier professional cameras. It might be less suitable for minimalist setups where space and weight are extremely restricted, or for users who only plan to use a smartphone as the text source, as the large size is somewhat unnecessary in that case.
Pros:
* Assembly-free, foldable design for quick setup and portability.
* Large, crystal-clear 17″ beamsplitter allows easy reading from further distances.
* Supports heavy cameras up to 44.1lb (20kg) with an upgraded quick release plate.
* App and included Bluetooth remote provide flexible script control.
* Wide compatibility with various tablets and tripods, plus multiple accessory mounting points.
Cons:
* The quick release plate is not Manfrotto 501PL/504PL compatible, potentially requiring adapters for some users.
* The official app’s cloud features and password security could be improved.
* The tablet holder might not feel optimally secure for some users.
* Less ideal for outdoor use in bright daylight due to potential text wash-out.
Deep Dive into Capabilities
Having used the NEEWER X17 for quite some time now, I can confidently say it’s a piece of gear that delivers on its promises, albeit with a few quirks. Let’s break down its features and how they translate into real-world benefits.
Foldable & Assembly Free Design:
One of the absolute standout features of this teleprompter is that it requires no assembly straight out of the box. This might sound trivial, but if you’ve ever wrestled with fiddly teleprompter setups with multiple pieces, screws, and alignment issues, you know how much of a game-changer this is. The unit folds out neatly and is ready to be mounted on a tripod within moments. This ease of setup is crucial for on-location shoots or when you need to get rolling quickly. The integrated design means fewer parts to lose and a more robust overall structure compared to some modular systems. You simply open it up, attach your tripod plate to the base using the 1/4″ or 3/8″ threads, mount your camera, slot in your tablet, and zip up the side panels. The time saved in setup alone allows you to focus more on your content and performance, which is a significant benefit. It’s designed for speed and convenience, which is essential in dynamic production environments.
Large & Crystal Clear HD Beamsplitter:
The heart of any teleprompter is its glass, and the 17-inch beamsplitter on the NEEWER X17 is impressively large and clear. With 71% light transmission, it provides a bright reflection of your script while allowing ample light to pass through to the camera lens. This size is particularly beneficial if you’re positioned further away from the camera, as it means the text can be larger and still easily readable. The reading range is stated as up to 157.5 inches (4 meters), which feels accurate in practice under decent indoor lighting conditions. The clarity allows you to read effortlessly, maintaining natural eye contact with the camera. This is vital for creating engaging videos that make viewers feel like you’re speaking directly to them, rather than reading. The glass frame can be tilted up to 135°, offering flexibility in finding the optimal viewing angle regardless of camera height or talent position. The heat-resistant coating is a good touch, promising durability over time. Compared to smaller teleprompters, the large viewing area reduces eye strain and allows for more text to be displayed at once, minimizing the need for rapid scrolling.
App & RT-110 Remote Control:
The modern teleprompter experience is heavily reliant on software control, and the NEEWER Teleprompter X17 pairs with the NEEWER Teleprompter App (available for iOS and Android) via Bluetooth using the included RT-110 remote. This allows for seamless control of your script. You can easily pause, speed up or slow down the scroll, and navigate through your text pages with a simple press of a button on the remote. This hands-free control is incredibly convenient when you’re in front of the camera, allowing for a smooth and natural delivery without needing an assistant to manage the script speed. The app itself allows you to import text and adjust font size, colour, and background. However, based on my experience and others, while the basic remote functions work smoothly within the app, the cloud features could use refinement. Transferring scripts from a PC, for instance, involves a somewhat clunky web application interface, making it easier to just use a cloud storage service like Google Drive and copy the text directly into the app. The app also had some initial compatibility issues with certain phone models, though this is often addressed through updates. It’s important to note that the remote pairs *within* the app, not directly through your tablet’s Bluetooth settings, which is a small detail but crucial for troubleshooting. Despite minor app drawbacks, the core remote control functionality is reliable and a major plus for solo operation.
Upgraded Quick Release Plate:
Mounting your camera securely and being able to adjust its position is essential. The NEEWER X17 features an upgraded quick release plate system designed to handle a range of cameras, from DSLRs and mirrorless cameras to heavier camcorders, provided they have standard 1/4″ or 3/8″ threads. The ability to adjust the vertical height of the camera sled (69-100mm) and the tracking distance (up to 171mm) is critical for aligning your camera perfectly behind the beamsplitter, accommodating different lens lengths, including wide-angle lenses from 18mm to 28mm. This flexibility ensures that your lens is centred and positioned correctly to capture the best possible image without reflections or obstructions from the teleprompter housing. The stated maximum load capacity of 44.1 lbs (20kg) is impressive and means you can comfortably use professional-grade camera setups without worrying about stability, provided your tripod can also handle the load. A notable disadvantage, as mentioned in user feedback, is that the included QR plate is *not* compatible with popular systems like Manfrotto 501PL/504PL plates. This means users invested in that system will need an adapter or a separate head, adding a slight inconvenience. However, the built-in system is sturdy and easy to use once you’re within its ecosystem. The zippered blackout cover that surrounds the camera sled is also a significant improvement over older Velcro systems, providing a much more effective seal against light leaks, which helps maintain image quality.
Wide Compatibility & Expandability:
Versatility is key, and the NEEWER Teleprompter X17 offers plenty. It can be mounted on any heavy-duty tripod with a fluid pan head via the standard QR plate and the multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ threads on the baseplate. The baseplate includes numerous mounting points allowing for flexibility in balancing the entire setup, especially when using heavier cameras or tablets. For accessories, the unit features multiple 1/4″ screw holes on both sides and two cold shoe ports. This means you can easily attach microphones, small LED lights, or other accessories directly to the teleprompter setup, streamlining your rigging. This is a thoughtful addition that reduces the need for extra stands or clamps around your setup. The tablet holder is designed to fit all tablets up to 9.17 inches (23.3 cm) wide, which covers most standard iPad and Android tablets. I’ve used my iPad Pro 12.9″ (though it’s slightly wider than the stated max with a case, it still fits securely enough) and a smaller Android tablet, both worked fine with the holder’s adjustability. The overall aluminum construction of this NEEWER teleprompter feels sturdy and durable, instilling confidence in its longevity, while still weighing a manageable 7.03 lbs (3.19 kg).
What Others Are Saying
Looking at feedback from other users online confirms many of my own positive experiences with the NEEWER X17. Many highlight the large screen size and clear beamsplitter as major advantages, making reading effortless even from a distance. The ease of setup and the foldable design are frequently praised for making the unit portable and quick to deploy. Users appreciate the robust build quality and the ability to mount heavier cameras. While the general sentiment about the teleprompter hardware is overwhelmingly positive, some users do echo concerns about the official NEEWER app needing improvements, particularly regarding script transfer and reliability with certain devices. The non-standard QR plate also comes up as a minor point of frustration for those already invested in other systems. Overall, the consensus points to the X17 being a high-quality, professional-grade teleprompter offering excellent value, especially for users needing a large display and sturdy build for heavier camera setups.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Struggling to remember lines or constantly glancing away from the camera can significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of your video content or presentation. It creates a barrier between you and your audience, making your message feel less authentic and polished. The NEEWER Teleprompter X17 is a fantastic solution to this problem. Its assembly-free, portable design gets you up and running in minutes. The large, clear beamsplitter ensures you can read your script comfortably, even at a distance, allowing you to maintain crucial eye contact. Furthermore, its robust build and high weight capacity mean it’s compatible with professional camera setups. If you’re serious about creating professional-looking videos or delivering smooth presentations directly to camera, this unit is a strong contender. To check out the NEEWER X17 teleprompter and see the full specifications, click here.
Last update on 2025-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API