Best Smartphone Gimbals

Review & Comparison, Last Update June 27, 2024
Smartphone gimbals make capturing fast sequences and transforming them into fluid footage an absolute breeze. The best smartphone gimbals let you comfortably take photos, record videos, and even edit these photos/videos afterward using proprietary software. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Compatibility
Stabilization
Connection
Power Source
Extras
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

The ActiveTrack™ 3.0 technology uses deep learning algorithms and computer vision tools to recognize gestures and capture fast movement. You can use the Story mode to transform the video within seconds, adding movement, sounds, and different effects. 

CONS

The app is only truly compatible with flagship phones. 

OUR VERDICT

DJI OSMO Mobile 3 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer will let you shoot the best footage and easily add some cinematic flair through the awesome app. You'll be able to quickly edit and share videos. This thing will enable even complete beginners to capture the smoothest footage.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Smartphones (up to 3.46" width) 

Stabilization

3-axis with ActiveTrack™ 3.0 technology

Connection

Bluetooth 5.0

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery (up to 15 hours)

Charging cable included

Extras

Compatible with DJI Mimo app (available on iOS and Android), Non-slip grip, Foldable design, 1/4" hole for mounting on the tripod, Storage pouch and wrist strap included 

Weight

14.3 oz

Warranty

6 months

PROS

The aerospace-grade aluminum body makes the device tough and durable, resistant to drops and the elements. The clamp and the quick-release latch allow you to insert and remove most mobile phones in a second. You'll be able to comfortably capture 360-degree barrel shots. 

CONS

The joystick is somewhat hard to operate. 

OUR VERDICT

You can take the Zhiyun Smooth Q2 gimbal with you anywhere you go. Its weight and size are pretty negligible. At the same time, the device's battery will be able to last as long as 17 hours. You'll be able to spend ~two days shooting awesome footage without recharging this gadget.

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Smartphones (up to 3.5" width)

Stabilization

3-axis

Connection

Bluetooth 5.0

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery (up to 17 hours)

Charging cable included

Extras

Compatible with ZY Play app (available on iOS and Android), Non-slip grip, Foldable design, 1/4" hole for mounting on tripod, Wrist strap included

Weight

13.4 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The battery allows you to film for 12 hours straight. The hard storage case will let you comfortably and safely transport this device and its removable parts. The Inception Mode enables you to spontaneously rotate your smartphone 360 degrees when filming, letting you record stunning footage.

CONS

The device is quite heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

Hohem iSteady Mobile+ will have no issues transforming hard-to-watch, unstable, shaky footage into hypnotically-smooth footage that matches professional results. Then, you can use the Hohem Gimbal app to turn that footage into awesome clips and videos. 

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Smartphones (up to 3.5" width)

Stabilization

3-axis

Connection

Bluetooth 4.0

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery (up to 12 hours)

Charging cable included

Extras

Compatible with Hohem Gimbal app (available on iOS and Android), Non-slip grip, Foldable design, 1/4" hole for mounting on tripod, Mini tripod, Storage case included

Weight

17.5 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The non-slip grip will let you easily and comfortably grab, hold, and use the device. You'll be able to fold this smartphone gimbal and pack this thing into the most compact suitcases. Its 10-degree lopsided build promotes an ergonomic but also surprisingly artistic approach to filming/taking photos. 

CONS

The battery life could use some improvement. 

OUR VERDICT

MOZA Mini-S Essential comes fitted with multiple follow modes that will make sure the objects/action are tracked and captured/recorded captured without worrying about how fast these objects are going. The device is awesome for vlogging before anything else. 

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Smartphones (up to 3.46" width)

Stabilization

3-axis

Connection

Bluetooth 4.0

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery (up to 5 hours)

Charging cable included

Extras

Compatible with MOZA Genie app (available on iOS and Android), Non-slip grip, Foldable design, 1/4" hole for mounting on tripod, Mini tripod and cleaning cloth for smartphone included

Weight

17.5 oz

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The self-adaption motor will have no issues stabilizing the shot and ensuring smooth footage even as you are running, jumping, cycling, and more. The AI tracking system excels at recognizing faces/key objects, making sure that they are the focal point of the footage. 

CONS

The brackets are pretty flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is the most lightweight and compact device within this lineup. Its wing-shaped design lets you comfortably snuggle this thing into most pockets. The app's UI is intuitive and accessible. 

detailed parameters
Compatibility

Smartphones (up to 3.46" width)

Stabilization

3-axis

Connection

Bluetooth 4.0

Power Source

Built-in rechargeable battery (up to 8 hours)

Charging cable included

Extras

Compatible with Feiyu ON app (available on iOS and Android), Non-slip grip, Foldable design, 1/4" hole for mounting on tripod, Mini tripod and storage pouch included

Weight

9.6 oz

Warranty

1 year

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DJI OSMO Mobile 3

Active Track

There are not that many differences between these cell phone gimbals. That being said, there's enough here to separate this DJI OSMO Mobile 3 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer from most gimbals.

Before anything else, the biggest contributor is the ActiveTrack™ 3.0 tech. Press the required trigger, make the required gesture/select the subject on the phone and you'll be able to start tracking, capturing scenes that are based upon fast movement. To capture scenes that require fast movement, simply press the trigger, make a gesture, or select a subject on your smartphone to start tracking. Using deep learning and computer vision algorithms, the tech is able to provide the smoothest, most reliable tracking mechanisms.

Pivoting towards the software, the DJI Mimo app is awesome. You can use gestures to snap selfies and to begin recording. The app can use both cameras to recognize gestures, so you'll be able to take solo shots and group photos with ease.

The app incorporates various creative and intelligent shooting modes, but we like the Story mode more than anything. The multiple templates this mode provides will transform the footage in seconds, automatically adding movement, music, and various different effects to achieve the most polished result.

Apart from that, the product's build and construction are up there with the best gimbals, so there's no need to cover them since this is already the best device within this lineup.

Review of DJI OSMO Mobile 3 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07RHJ7LWH

 

Zhiyun Smooth Q2

17 Hours is No Joke

Zhiyun Smooth Q2 is compact in size but big in features. Also, despite its compact size, the device is strong, housing aerospace-grade aluminum alloy to make the product as tough yet compact and stable as possible.

The device is also pretty comfortable. The quick-release latch and this little handy phone clamp will let you take the smartphone on and off within ~one second. You won't even have to re-balance the phone when you re-attach the clip.

On the software side, the ZY Play app is pretty good, although we've seen more flexible apps. Its next-gen algorithms let you enter the portrait mode in the most effortless manner. The Vortex and Full-Range POV modes give filmmakers the freedom to shoot awesome 360-degree barrel shots in all dimensions. Other than that, you've time-lapse, slow motion, panorama, and all the standard modes.

What defines this product first and foremost though is the battery. Despite the aforementioned compact build, the device's battery is able to work for 17 hours straight, which is an insane number even compared to the biggest, bulkiest phone stabilizers.

Bottom line, this portable lightweight stabilizer will let you explore your creative side without feeling exhausted from its weight and size.

Review of Zhiyun Smooth Q2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Y2ZQ7L4

 

Hohem iSteady Mobile+

We Need to go Deeper

Hohem iSteady Mobile+ is probably the most adaptable and accessible product on this list. The price is pretty affordable, the features are ample, and the tech is superb. The company's very own Inception Mode will let you spontaneously rotate the phone 360° when shooting, so you'll be able to capture the most stunning footage.

At the same time, the updated Sports Mode enables you to take the smoothest shots even while running up and down the stairs, cycling, tackling rugged terrain, and more. The device's motor is able to realize axis overlap low-angle recording with ease.

Of course, the basic/standard features are present here too, including zoom, focus control, all-following/all-lock/pan-following/pan-and-tilt-following modes, and more.

Meanwhile, the Hohem Gimbal app comes fitted with multiple time-lapse modes and will let you quickly add small touches here and there to enhance the photos/footage.

The product's weight somewhat brings the device down a notch, literally speaking. Sure, measuring 17.5 ounces, this thing is only 3-4 ounces heavier than most smartphone gimbals but you can really feel that difference.

Aside from that though, Hohem iSteady Mobile+ is as good as budget-friendly stabilizers get.

Review of Hohem iSteady Mobile+ 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07R9XZSGL

 

MOZA Mini-S Essential

Customize Your Style

MOZA Mini-S Essential has its moments, though we've seen more impressive gimbals before. Its biggest downside is battery life. Unable to last more than five hours, the device's battery life could definitely use some improvement in the longevity department.

Apart from that though, this phone stabilizer is no worse than its competition. The handle adopts this non-slip padding that lets you comfortably yet firmly grip this thing. It is as foldable as these implements get, so you'll have no transportation issues. The 1/4" hole will let you mount most tripods onto this smartphone gimbal.

Setting the product's build aside, the tech here is nothing to scoff at too. Its adjustment algorithms are able to quickly and easily set this thing up and balance the three axes without considerable intervention, so you'll be able to save time and effort. At the same time, the device's 10-degree lopsided form lends this ergonomic yet somewhat artistic touch to the shot.

What else is there to add? The MOZA Genie app (available for iPhones and Android phones alike) is comparable to most apps we've reviewed here, equipped with multiple modes and editing tools. The device's trigger keys will let you quickly switch between these modes, making this smartphone gimbal not only versatile but also quite convenient.

Review of MOZA Mini-S Essential 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $59.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07QD4WJN3

 

FeiyuTech VLOG

Featherweight Champion

FeiyuTech VLOG Pocket Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer is lightweight and tiny. The device barely reaches 10 ounces on the weight scale and, when unfolded, will measure somewhere around 42 x 22 x 57 inches, which is not necessarily tiny but, when folded, its device reduces twice, so you'll be able to put this thing inside most pockets. Plus, the wing-shaped build lets you comfortably snuggle the device into jeans' pockets.

The gadget's self-adaption motor is no joke, able to stabilize and promote smooth recording even when you're running, cycling, jumping, etc. At the same time, its AI tracking system is able to recognize objects and faces, making them the footage's focal point.

The package comes supplied with this mini tripod that you can use to position this stabilizer (or most cameras) onto any surface. The storage pouch that's also supplied will let you comfortably transport this device and its removable parts.

There's not much to complain about here. The battery lasts ~8 hours, which is pretty good. The non-slip grip is soft yet firm. The Feiyu ON app is streamlined, user-friendly, and accessible to beginners.

The brackets that hold the phone are somewhat flimsy though, so we would recommend treading with care and caution there.

Aside from that, this gimbal stabilizer will be able to compete with the most expensive gimbals.

Review of FeiyuTech VLOG 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $69.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07TJFG3PZ

 

What Is a Smartphone Gimbal?

Smartphone gimbals are these devices that, these days, usually ensure three-axis stabilization, letting you capture smooth footage using phone cameras while walking/running/snowboarding/etc. That's what Steadicams used to do back in the 70s-80s.

More often than not, these gimbals also let you quickly and easily switch between the phone's key settings (pertaining to taking photos and capturing videos) via 2-3 accessible buttons.

Of course, what separates different models before anything else is how good they're at securing smooth footage in the most extreme conditions.

Apart from that, these gimbals always come with some application that lets you edit videos and transform them without running heavy video editing software.

Though these devices seem quite similar to each other, the battery life can differ tremendously, from 5 to 17 hours.

Besides that, some gimbals come supplied with wrist straps to let you comfortably carry them without losing. Some are provided with storage pouches/cases and cleaning clothes to enable accessible transportation and maintenance. Oftentimes, these gimbals come with mini tripods that you can use to position these phone stabilizers on the ground.

Of course, monopods and camera tripods are usually better than these supplied mini tripods, so you might want to look into them too.

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Publish Date: 2020-01-24 07:40:00