Creating smooth, professional-looking video with just your smartphone is now the standard for vloggers, travelers, and social media enthusiasts. The secret weapon behind those buttery-smooth shots isn’t a secret at all—it’s a smartphone gimbal. These devices use advanced motors and algorithms to actively counteract shakes and jitters, turning handheld footage into cinematic content.
With so many options available, from industry leaders to innovative newcomers, selecting the right gimbal can feel overwhelming. This roundup cuts through the noise to present the top stabilizers on the market, highlighting the unique features that make each one stand out. Whether you need effortless tracking, creative shooting modes, or ultimate portability, there’s a perfect gimbal here for your video projects.
The Best Smartphone Gimbals for Smooth Video
- DJI OM 4 – Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
- hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone, 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal
- Hohem iSteady M6 Kit Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer 3-Axis
- hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
- Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
- FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro Gimbal Stabilizer for Camera Mirrorless
- DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones
- Zhiyun Smooth 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone
- FeiyuTech SCORP Mini 3 Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
- Hohem iSteady V2 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI OM 4 – Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI OM 4 is renowned for its innovative magnetic attachment system. You can instantly attach your smartphone to the gimbal, making it ready for filming in seconds. This feature is perfect for capturing spontaneous moments without any complicated setup.
Its powerful 3-axis stabilization ensures your videos remain smooth and steady, even when you are walking or running. Creative features like DynamicZoom allow you to achieve advanced cinematic effects, such as the “Hitchcock effect,” with a simple tap. This gimbal makes professional-looking video techniques accessible to everyone.
hohem iSteady M7 Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone
The hohem iSteady M7 stands out with its detachable 1.4-inch touchscreen remote controller. This allows for wireless control of your shots from up to 10 meters away, giving you incredible flexibility for solo filming. You can preview your footage and select tracking targets directly on the remote’s screen.
Its magnetic AI tracker is highly capable, following not just people but also pets, cars, and buildings. The built-in extension pole provides stable support for creative angles, making it easy to capture overhead shots or low-angle perspectives. This gimbal is a great all-in-one solution for dynamic content creators.
Hohem iSteady M6 Kit Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
Equipped with a magnetic fill light and an AI vision sensor, the Hohem iSteady M6 is built for creators who film in various lighting conditions. The fill light offers cold, warm, and RGB lighting options to perfectly illuminate your scene. The AI sensor enables reliable subject tracking across different apps.
It utilizes the iSteady 7.0 stabilization algorithm to deliver shake-free footage, whether you are walking or engaged in more vigorous movement. The clear OLED display provides at-a-glance information on gimbal status, battery level, and active mode, keeping you fully informed while you shoot.
hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer
The hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit addresses a common frustration for gimbal users: motors blocking the smartphone’s lens. Its Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode is activated with a quick trigger press, moving the motors out of the frame so you can capture a much wider view without any obstructions.
This model also includes a magnetic, adjustable fill light with multiple color temperatures and ten brightness levels. Combined with the upgraded iSteady 7.0 anti-shake technology and 20% more motor torque, it reliably stabilizes even the largest smartphones for smooth, well-lit videos in any situation.
Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra Gimbal Stabilizer
The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra features a sophisticated AI tracker that can follow people, pets, and objects with high accuracy. A 3-color fill light on the tracking module helps maintain clear subject visibility even in low-light environments. This makes it a versatile tool for various filming scenarios.
Operation is simplified through a visual touchscreen detachable remote, allowing for intuitive control over framing and settings. The gimbal also offers 360° infinite pan following, ensuring the subject remains in the frame as you move around, which is ideal for capturing dynamic action and sweeping panoramas.
FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro Gimbal Stabilizer
The FeiyuTech SCORP Mini-3-Pro is a highly versatile four-in-one stabilizer, compatible with smartphones, mirrorless cameras, compact cameras, and action cams. Its substantial 4.4-pound payload means it can handle a wide range of equipment, making it a fantastic choice for creators who use multiple devices.
It boasts an advanced AI Tracking 4.0 system with a remarkably fast 0.003s response time and a tracking range of up to 18 meters. The handle is detachable and can function as a remote control, offering exceptional flexibility for solo operators who need to set up shots from a distance.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is designed for ultimate portability and ease of use. It features a compact, foldable design that makes it easy to carry, and it activates automatically as you unfold it. A built-in extension rod offers extra reach for group shots or unique angles.
Its ActiveTrack 6.0 technology provides reliable subject tracking for fast-moving subjects like children and pets. For added convenience, you can use the DJI Mimo app on an Apple Watch to remotely control the gimbal, view the camera feed, and start recording without touching your phone.
Zhiyun Smooth 5 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun Smooth 5 is built with a focus on professional performance. Its powerful magnetic steel motors provide strong stabilization, even when your smartphone is equipped with additional lenses. The motor is positioned at the rear to prevent any obstruction of your phone’s camera, allowing for unimpeded wide-angle shots.
This gimbal is designed to be a get-up-and-go tool, with a body that is 40% smaller for improved portability. It delivers vibrant, true-to-life image quality with crisp details, ensuring your final video is both stable and visually impressive.
FeiyuTech SCORP Mini 3 Gimbal Stabilizer
The FeiyuTech SCORP Mini 3 comes with a built-in AI tracking module and a cooling fan to ensure consistent performance during long filming sessions. Its AI Tracking 4.0 offers a fast response time and 360° infinite tracking, with a maximum distance of 18 meters.
A 1.3-inch high-definition touchscreen allows for quick adjustments to settings and modes. The integrated ergonomic grip is comfortable for extended use and facilitates both high and low-angle shooting. With a battery runtime of up to 14 hours, it is ready for all-day filming.
Hohem iSteady V2 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The Hohem iSteady V2 is a reliable and accessible entry into the world of smartphone stabilization. It provides the essential 3-axis stabilization needed to smooth out shakes and jitters, significantly improving the quality of handheld video. Its user-friendly design makes it a great choice for beginners.
This gimbal helps you capture smooth footage for vlogs, travel videos, and everyday moments without a steep learning curve. It offers a solid foundation of features to boost your video production value, making it an excellent starting point for new videographers.
What to Look For in the Best Gimbals for Smartphone Video
So, you’re thinking about getting a gimbal. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your phone videos, instantly making them look smoother and more professional. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? I’ve tested a bunch, and here’s what I always consider.
First up is stabilization. This is the whole point, right? You want a gimbal that can handle your walking, panning, and tilting without a hiccup. Look for one with a good motor that can keep up with your movement. If you plan on doing any vlogging or filming yourself, a follow mode or object tracking is a game-changer. It locks onto you and keeps you in the frame, which is incredibly useful when you’re solo.
Next, think about the app. Most gimbals require you to use their own app to access all the fancy features. A clunky, slow app can ruin the experience. I look for an app that’s intuitive, has minimal lag, and offers manual controls for video. Features like motion timelapse, panorama mode, and slow-motion are nice bonuses that can add a lot of creative options to your toolkit.
Battery life is a big one. There’s nothing worse than your gear dying in the middle of a shoot. I aim for gimbals that promise at least 8-12 hours on a single charge. This usually means I can get through a full day of filming without panicking. Also, check the charging method. Some use older Micro-USB, while newer models have moved to the more convenient USB-C.
Finally, consider the build and extra features. Is it mostly plastic or does it have some metal parts for durability? How heavy is it? You’ll be holding it for a while, so comfort matters. Look for built-in features like a fill light, a tripod mount in the handle, or even a built-in extension rod. These can save you from carrying extra equipment. By weighing these factors—stabilization, app quality, battery, and design—you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect one of the 10 best gimbals for smartphone video for your needs.
FAQ
Do I really need a gimbal, or can I just use my phone’s built-in stabilization?
It’s a fair question. Modern phones have great digital stabilization (EIS) and some even have sensor-shift stabilization (OIS). For casual, slow walking shots, it’s often good enough. But for anything more—running, quick pans, or following a moving subject—a gimbal is far superior. It uses physical motors to stabilize the entire phone, giving you that buttery-smooth, cinematic look that software alone can’t match. If you’re serious about your video quality, it’s a necessary tool.
Are gimbals difficult to set up and balance?
This was my biggest worry when I got my first one, but most modern smartphone gimbals are designed to be super user-friendly. They often have auto-tuning features that calibrate the motors for your phone’s specific weight. You basically just clamp your phone in, turn it on, and it does the hard work for you. Some higher-end models might require a quick manual balance for absolute perfect performance, but for the most part, you can be up and running in under a minute.
Can I use my phone’s native camera app with a gimbal?
Usually, no, and this is a common point of confusion. To access all the smart features like object tracking, motion timelapse, and manual control over the gimbal’s movements, you need to use the manufacturer’s dedicated app. The gimbal communicates with the app to tell it what to do. You can sometimes use a “physical only” mode where the gimbal stabilizes but you use your own camera app, but you’ll miss out on most of the cool features that make the gimbal worth it.
What’s the difference between a 3-axis and a 2-axis gimbal?
This comes down to the types of movement the gimbal can correct. A 3-axis gimbal stabilizes tilt (up and down), pan (side to side), and roll (the twisting motion). This gives you the fullest, most stable footage in almost any situation. A 2-axis gimbal typically stabilizes only tilt and pan, leaving roll unstabilized. They are often cheaper and more compact, but you might notice a slight wobble in your shots when walking. For the best results, I always recommend a 3-axis model.
How do I choose from the various 10 best gimbals for smartphone video available?
It really comes down to your specific needs and budget. Start by asking yourself what you’ll film most. Vloggers should prioritize features like a built-in fill light and good object tracking. Travel filmmakers might want something lightweight with a long battery. If you’re just starting out, a more affordable model will still provide a huge upgrade. Read reviews, watch sample footage, and focus on the factors I mentioned in the buying guide to find the model that fits your style.