Trying to remember lines on camera can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming, often leading to stiff performances and retake after retake. I know I struggled with this for ages, spending hours trying to memorize scripts for video presentations and tutorials. This constant battle meant I wasn’t delivering my message as effectively as I could, and the sheer frustration was a major hurdle. Finding a reliable solution, like the NEEWER Teleprompter X17, felt essential to improve my workflow and confidence on camera.
- 【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 Think About Before You Buy a Teleprompter
A teleprompter solves the age-old problem of delivering scripted content naturally while maintaining eye contact with the audience or camera. It’s a vital tool for anyone who needs to present information clearly, whether you’re a professional broadcaster, online educator, corporate presenter, or content creator making YouTube videos. The ideal customer for a teleprompter is someone who frequently records videos or gives presentations and wants to appear polished, confident, and well-rehearsed without the burden of memorization. If you only occasionally record unscripted videos or short, informal clips, a teleprompter might be overkill and a significant investment you don’t truly need.
Before investing in a teleprompter, consider a few key things. Firstly, what size of screen do you need? This depends on how far away you’ll be from the prompter and how large you need the text to be. Larger screens are often better for longer reading distances or displaying more text at once. Secondly, what devices will you use to display the script – a smartphone, tablet, or small monitor? Ensure the teleprompter is compatible with your chosen device. Thirdly, consider the build quality and portability. Will you be using it in a fixed studio, or do you need something easy to transport? A well-built, collapsible unit is crucial for on-location shoots. Also, check compatibility with your camera and tripod setup, especially the quick-release plate standard and maximum weight capacity. Finally, look into the control methods – does it come with a remote, and is there a user-friendly app for script management and speed control?
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- 【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 X17
The NEEWER Teleprompter X17 is a professional, all-in-one collapsible teleprompter designed to help users read scripts naturally while looking directly into the camera lens. Its main promise is a seamless, assembly-free setup with a large, clear display suitable for various filming and presentation scenarios. When you purchase the X17, you get the teleprompter structure itself, an RT-110 remote control, a microfiber cloth for the glass, and a user manual, all typically arriving neatly packed in a protective transport case. Compared to smaller models like the NEEWER X12 or X14, the X17 boasts a significantly larger 17-inch beamsplitter glass and enhanced adjustment capabilities for camera positioning. While market leaders might offer more robust software or proprietary features, the X17 positions itself as a highly capable and more affordable option for serious amateurs and professionals.
This particular NEEWER teleprompter is best suited for videographers, presenters, and content creators who require a large reading surface and plan to use tablets or even smaller portable monitors (up to 9.17 inches wide) to display their scripts. Its robust build and higher weight capacity make it suitable for larger DSLR, mirrorless, or even smaller camcorders. It might be less ideal for those only using smartphones, where a smaller, more portable teleprompter might suffice, or for those who need advanced software features not available in the included app.
Pros:
- Large, crystal-clear 17-inch beamsplitter glass
- Foldable, assembly-free design
- Supports heavy cameras up to 44.1 lbs (20kg)
- Includes remote control and dedicated app
- Wide compatibility with tablets and professional cameras
- Numerous mounting points for accessories
- Robust and durable construction
Cons:
- Quick release plate is not compatible with standard Manfrotto 501PL/504PL
- Included app has some limitations (e.g., clunky cloud features, remote control limitations)
- May struggle with visibility in direct, bright sunlight
Key Features and Why They Matter
Assembly-Free Folding Design
One of the most immediate benefits of the NEEWER Teleprompter X17 is its innovative foldable design that requires absolutely no assembly. Fresh out of the box, it unfolds and locks into place, ready to be mounted. Having used teleprompters that involve multiple parts, screws, and alignment headaches, this feature is a game-changer for efficiency. When you’re on location or simply trying to set up quickly for a recording session, fumbling with assembly parts can eat into valuable time and create unnecessary stress. The X17’s integrated structure means you simply open it, mount it on a tripod, insert your camera and tablet, and you’re good to go. This drastically reduces setup time and the risk of losing crucial pieces, making it incredibly portable and convenient for anyone who shoots in different locations or needs to pack down quickly.
Large and Clear HD Beamsplitter Glass
The centerpiece of the NEEWER X17 is its generous 17-inch beamsplitter glass. Measuring 30.7cm, this substantial glass provides a large area for text reflection, allowing for a comfortable reading experience even from a distance of up to 4 meters (157.5 inches). The clarity is excellent, with a 71% light transmission rate ensuring minimal impact on your camera’s exposure while still providing a bright, readable script. For someone like me, who sometimes records from a bit further back or uses a 15.6-inch portable monitor for scripting (which fits nicely thanks to the large glass), having this size makes a huge difference. You can increase text size and see more lines at once, reducing eye strain and allowing for smoother delivery. The glass angle is also adjustable up to 135°, giving you flexibility to find the optimal viewing position regardless of your setup or shot framing (full shot or close-up). The heat-resistant coating is a practical touch, adding to its durability during longer shoots.
App and RT-110 Remote Control
Controlling the scroll speed and playback of your script is paramount for a natural delivery. The NEEWER X17 comes with the RT-110 remote control, which pairs with the NEEWER Teleprompter App via Bluetooth (requires iOS 11.0/Android 6.0 or later). This combination allows you to pause, speed up, slow down, and turn pages with dedicated buttons on the remote. While the need to pair the remote specifically within the app (rather than directly via tablet Bluetooth) is a minor quirk, once connected, it works reliably for basic script control. The app itself allows for importing text (though some users note transferring scripts from a PC can be clunky, suggesting easier methods like Google Drive), adjusting font size, and mirroring the text for proper reflection. While some advanced cloud features or PC integration could be improved, the core functionality of displaying and controlling the script with the remote is solid and greatly enhances the usability of this prompter.
Upgraded Quick Release Plate and Camera Compatibility
Mounting your camera securely and adjusting its position is crucial for getting the shot right. The X17 features an upgraded quick-release plate designed for professional setups, supporting DSLR, mirrorless cameras, and even heavier camcorders with standard 1/4″ or 3/8″ threads. This plate mounts onto a robust sled system that allows for vertical height adjustment from 69mm to 100mm, accommodating a wide range of cameras and lenses, including wider angles (18mm to 28mm). The forward/backward tracking distance is also adjustable up to 171mm. This adjustability is a significant improvement over smaller teleprompters and ensures your lens is perfectly positioned behind the beamsplitter glass. With a maximum load capacity of 44.1 lbs (20kg), this unit can comfortably handle substantial camera rigs. One point to note, mentioned by several users, is that the included quick-release plate is *not* compatible with popular Manfrotto 501PL/504PL quick release plates, which might require users already invested in that system to find a workaround or adapter. Despite this, the plate itself is sturdy and designed for professional use.
Wide Compatibility and Expandability
The versatility of a teleprompter goes beyond just holding a camera and a tablet. The NEEWER Teleprompter X17 is designed with expandability in mind. It mounts onto any heavy-duty tripod via the bottom 1/4″ or 3/8″ threads, and the substantial maximum load capacity means you don’t need a specialized teleprompter stand, just a sturdy tripod capable of handling the combined weight. The unit fits tablets up to 9.17 inches (23.3cm) wide, covering most standard and large-format tablets like various iPads, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, etc. Beyond core compatibility, the X17 features multiple 1/4″ screw holes on both sides and two cold shoe ports. These mounting points allow you to easily attach additional accessories like microphones, small LED lights, or field monitors directly to the prompter setup, streamlining your rig and keeping everything compact and organized. The aluminum construction is both lightweight at 7.03 lbs (3.19kg) and very durable, inspiring confidence in its longevity and ability to withstand regular use and transport.
Light Blocking and Professional Touches
Effective light blocking is essential to prevent light from the environment or your display device from reflecting into the camera lens and ruining the shot. The X17 features zippered side panels and a velvet drawstring hood that fits over the camera lens. These work together to create a dark tunnel behind the beamsplitter, ensuring a clean reflection of your script and preventing unwanted glare or ghosting in the footage. This zippered system is a notable improvement over older Velcro-based solutions found on some other models, providing a snugger and more effective seal against light leaks, especially around the camera body. This attention to detail contributes significantly to the professional quality of the output you can achieve with this unit.
What Others Are Saying: User Feedback
Looking online, the feedback from other users who have purchased and used the NEEWER X17 Teleprompter is largely positive. Many echo the sentiment that the large screen is a major advantage, making it easy to read scripts even from a distance or when using larger tablets or monitors. The build quality and overall sturdiness of the unit are frequently praised, particularly the robust frame and smooth adjustments for camera height and position. Users appreciate the straightforward, assembly-free setup and the convenient carrying case, which makes transporting the unit much easier. The included remote and app are seen as functional for basic script control, though some users noted limitations with cloud features or script transfer methods. The incompatibility of the quick-release plate with Manfrotto systems was a specific point raised by a few professionals, but generally, the ability to mount heavy cameras was highlighted as a strong point. The numerous accessory mounting options were also well-received.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of fumbling for words on camera or spending excessive time memorizing scripts, a teleprompter is a necessary investment to elevate your video production quality and personal confidence. It solves the core problem of delivering fluent, scripted content while maintaining direct eye contact, which is critical for engaging presentations and professional-looking videos. The NEEWER Teleprompter X17 stands out as a superb choice for several reasons: its large, clear beamsplitter makes reading comfortable even from a distance, its ingenious folding design means setup is incredibly fast, and its robust construction and high weight capacity allow you to use professional camera gear. For a comprehensive and user-friendly solution that offers great value, the X17 is definitely worth considering. Click here to check the product out and see if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Last update on 2025-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API