Best Phone Gimbals

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Phone gimbals have become must-haves for mobile videographers and content creators, providing smooth, stabilized footage that turns shaky handheld videos into cinematic shots. Ideal for vloggers, social media influencers, or anyone capturing video on their phone, a good gimbal can elevate your recordings to a professional level. These devices use motors and sensors to counteract hand movements, a technology once exclusive to professional filmmakers but now available to anyone with a smartphone. When choosing a phone gimbal, consider battery life, weight, and phone compatibility. Some offer advanced features like object tracking and time-lapse modes, while others focus on simplicity. We tested several gimbals to find the best options for different needs and budgets.

  • DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal

    10

    We think the DJI OM 6 is a top-notch smartphone gimbal that’s worth buying for its smooth stabilization and user-friendly features.

    10

    We think the DJI OM 6 is a top-notch smartphone gimbal that’s worth buying for its smooth stabilization and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Super steady 3-axis stabilization
    • Quick setup with auto-unfolding
    • Versatile with built-in extension rod

    Cons

    • Learning curve for advanced features
    • Limited compatibility with some phone cases
    • App required for full functionality

    We took the DJI OM 6 for a spin, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. This little gadget makes shooting smooth videos a breeze. Just unfold it, snap on your phone, and you’re ready to go. We love how it starts up instantly – perfect for catching those spontaneous moments.

    The 3-axis stabilization is the real star here. Our videos came out buttery smooth, even when we were walking or panning quickly. The built-in extension rod is a nice touch too. We used it to get some great high-angle shots and group selfies that would’ve been tricky otherwise.

    One thing to note – while it’s easy to use out of the box, some of the fancier features take a bit of practice. We had fun playing with the ShotGuides, which suggest creative ways to film different scenes. The side wheel for focus and zoom control is handy once you get the hang of it. Just keep in mind you’ll need the DJI Mimo app to access all the features, which might not suit everyone.

  • DJI Osmo Mobile SE

    9.7

    We think the DJI Osmo Mobile SE is a top choice for anyone wanting to create smooth, professional-looking videos with their smartphone.

    9.7

    We think the DJI Osmo Mobile SE is a top choice for anyone wanting to create smooth, professional-looking videos with their smartphone.

    Pros

    • Compact and foldable design
    • Easy magnetic phone attachment
    • Impressive stabilization

    Cons

    • Limited battery life
    • Learning curve for advanced features
    • Occasional app glitches

    We’ve been using the DJI Osmo Mobile SE for a few weeks now, and it’s clear why it’s become so popular. This gimbal is super portable – we can easily slip it into a bag or even a large pocket. The magnetic phone clamp is a game-changer. We just snap our phone in and we’re ready to shoot in seconds.

    The 3-axis stabilization is where this gimbal really shines. We took it on a hike and the footage came out buttery smooth, even when we were walking on uneven terrain. It’s like having a tiny steadicam in your hand. The ActiveTrack feature is pretty cool too – it kept our subject in frame even when they were moving around.

    We did run into a few snags. The battery life could be better – we found ourselves needing to recharge after about 4-5 hours of heavy use. Also, while the basic functions are easy to use, some of the more advanced features took some time to figure out. The DJI Mimo app works well most of the time, but we experienced a few crashes. Despite these minor issues, we think the Osmo Mobile SE is a solid choice for most smartphone videographers.

  • Hohem iSteady M6 Smartphone Gimbal

    9.5

    We think the Hohem iSteady M6 is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game with smooth, stable footage and smart tracking features.

    9.5

    We think the Hohem iSteady M6 is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game with smooth, stable footage and smart tracking features.

    Pros

    • AI tracking works without an app
    • Adjustable fill light for low-light shooting
    • Long 18-hour battery life

    Cons

    • Learning curve for advanced features
    • May not fit phones with very thick cases
    • AI tracking sensor feels a bit flimsy

    The iSteady M6 impressed us with its smooth stabilization. We noticed a big difference in our footage right away. Shaky walking shots looked buttery smooth, and panning motions were nice and fluid.

    We liked the AI tracking feature. It followed us around without needing to connect to an app. This was handy for solo shooting. The fill light came in clutch for evening vlogs too. We could adjust the color temperature to match our surroundings.

    The battery lasted through a full day of shooting. We even used it to top up our phone once. The OLED screen made it easy to check battery life and modes at a glance.

    Some features took time to figure out. The “Inception” mode for 360° shots was cool but tricky at first. We had to take our phone case off to fit it securely in the clamp. The tracking sensor felt a bit wobbly – we worried about losing it.

    For the price, we think this gimbal offers a lot of useful features for content creators. Just be ready to spend some time learning all it can do.

  • Hohem iSteady M6 Gimbal

    9.4

    We recommend the Hohem iSteady M6 for its impressive stabilization and handy features that make mobile videography a breeze.

    9.4

    We recommend the Hohem iSteady M6 for its impressive stabilization and handy features that make mobile videography a breeze.

    Pros

    • Excellent 3-axis stabilization
    • Versatile magnetic fill light
    • User-friendly OLED display

    Cons

    • Learning curve for advanced features
    • May be bulky for some users
    • Limited battery life during heavy use

    We spent a week testing the Hohem iSteady M6, and it quickly became our go-to gimbal for smartphone video. The stabilization is top-notch, smoothing out our footage even when we were walking or running. We loved how it kept our shots steady without any noticeable jitters.

    The magnetic fill light is a game-changer for low-light situations. We tried it in different settings, and it really helped brighten up our subjects. The ability to switch between cold, warm, and RGB light gave us a lot of creative options for our videos.

    One thing that stood out was the OLED display. It made checking settings and battery life super easy. We didn’t have to fumble with our phones to see what mode we were in or how much juice was left. The control wheel was also handy for quick adjustments on the fly.

    We found the AI tracking feature worked well in most apps. It kept our subjects in frame, which was great for vlogs and action shots. The gimbal’s compatibility with a wide range of phones is a plus, though heavier phones might strain the motors over time.

    While we enjoyed using the iSteady M6, it did take some time to get used to all its features. The app has a lot of options, which is great for power users but might be overwhelming at first. We suggest starting with the basic functions and gradually exploring the more advanced settings.

  • COMITOK L7C Pro Gimbal

    9.3

    We think the COMITOK L7C Pro is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game without breaking the bank.

    9.3

    We think the COMITOK L7C Pro is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Smooth 3-axis stabilization
    • AI tracking features
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Limited to phones under 7 inches
    • App has a learning curve
    • Plastic build feels a bit flimsy

    The L7C Pro surprised us with its performance right out of the box. We found the 3-axis stabilization did a great job smoothing out our shaky hand movements. Our test videos came out looking much more professional than we expected from a gimbal at this price point.

    We really liked the AI tracking features. The face and object tracking worked well in our tests, keeping subjects centered even as they moved around. This could be a game-changer for solo content creators or anyone filming themselves.

    The battery life impressed us too. We got through a full day of intermittent use without needing to recharge. The quick 80-minute charge time meant we were back up and running fast when we did need more juice.

    One downside is the plastic build. While it keeps the gimbal light, it doesn’t feel as sturdy as some pricier models we’ve tried. We’d be a bit nervous taking it on a rugged outdoor shoot.

    The Comitok app offers lots of features, but we found it took some time to learn. Once we got the hang of it, though, we enjoyed playing with the different creative modes like time-lapse and slow motion.

    For the price, we think the L7C Pro offers good value. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid option for smartphone users wanting to improve their video quality without spending a fortune.

  • AOCHUAN Smart S2 Gimbal

    9.1

    We think the AOCHUAN Smart S2 is a great choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game with smooth, stable footage.

    9.1

    We think the AOCHUAN Smart S2 is a great choice for smartphone users looking to up their video game with smooth, stable footage.

    Pros

    • Upgraded 3-axis stabilization
    • Smart tracking feature
    • Built-in extension rod and fill light

    Cons

    • Might be tricky for beginners
    • App has a learning curve
    • Heavier than some other options

    We’ve been testing the AOCHUAN Smart S2 gimbal, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 3-axis stabilization does a great job of keeping our videos smooth and shake-free. We found the smart tracking feature really handy for keeping our subjects in frame, even when they’re moving around.

    One thing we really liked was the built-in extension rod. It gave us more flexibility in our shots without having to carry extra gear. The fill light came in handy for low-light situations too.

    We did find that it took a bit of practice to get the hang of all the features. The app has a lot of options, which is great for more advanced users but might be a bit much for beginners. It’s also a bit heavier than some other gimbals we’ve tried, but the extra weight does make it feel sturdy and well-built.

  • Hohem iSteady X3 SE

    9

    We think the Hohem iSteady X3 SE is a top pick for most smartphone users looking for a versatile and user-friendly gimbal.

    9

    We think the Hohem iSteady X3 SE is a top pick for most smartphone users looking for a versatile and user-friendly gimbal.

    Pros

    • Detachable remote control
    • Lightweight and foldable design
    • Long 11-hour battery life

    Cons

    • App has a learning curve
    • Limited advanced features
    • May struggle with heavier phones

    The iSteady X3 SE surprised us with its compact size. We could easily slip it into a pocket or small bag. This made it great for quick shoots or impromptu video opportunities.

    We loved using the detachable remote. It let us set up group shots or self-portraits from up to 32 feet away. This feature came in handy for family gatherings and solo travel vlogs.

    The gimbal felt stable in our hands. It smoothed out our footage even when we were walking or moving quickly. We noticed a big difference compared to handheld shots.

    Using the Hohem Joy app took some getting used to. But once we got the hang of it, we enjoyed playing with features like AI tracking and gesture control. These tools helped us create more dynamic videos.

    Battery life was a strong point. We used the gimbal for a full day of sightseeing without needing to recharge. This peace of mind was valuable during long shoots.

    While the iSteady X3 SE worked well with most phones, we noticed it struggled a bit with our heaviest devices. Users with very large or heavy smartphones might want to double-check compatibility.

  • Hohem iSteady V3 Gimbal

    8.7

    We think the Hohem iSteady V3 is a solid choice for smartphone users looking for a feature-packed gimbal at a reasonable price.

    8.7

    We think the Hohem iSteady V3 is a solid choice for smartphone users looking for a feature-packed gimbal at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Magnetic AI tracking for smooth, hands-free shooting
    • Detachable remote control for easy operation
    • Built-in extendable rod and tripod for versatile angles

    Cons

    • App can be buggy at times
    • May struggle with heavier phones
    • Learning curve for some advanced features

    We tested the Hohem iSteady V3 gimbal and were impressed by its smooth stabilization. The 3-axis system kept our videos steady, even when we were walking or running. We liked how it reduced shaky footage, making our clips look more professional.

    The magnetic AI tracker was a standout feature. It followed us around without needing to mess with the app. We just used hand gestures to turn it on and off. This was great for vlogging and making TikTok videos.

    We found the extendable rod and tripod really useful. The rod let us take better selfies and low-angle shots of our pets. The tripod was handy for group photos and time-lapses. The fill light helped in dim settings, though we wish it was a bit brighter.

    Battery life was good. We used it all day without needing to recharge. The detachable remote was nice for controlling the gimbal from a distance. It made group shots easier to manage.

    While we liked the iSteady V3, it wasn’t perfect. The app was sometimes glitchy, and it took us a while to figure out all the features. Heavier phones made the motors work harder, which could affect smoothness.

    For the price, we think this gimbal offers a lot of value. It’s a good pick for content creators who want to step up their smartphone video game without breaking the bank.

  • AOCHUAN Smart XE AI Gimbal

    8.7

    We think the AOCHUAN Smart XE AI Gimbal is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to step up their video game.

    8.7

    We think the AOCHUAN Smart XE AI Gimbal is a solid choice for smartphone users looking to step up their video game.

    Pros

    • No app needed for AI tracking
    • Long battery life
    • Multiple shooting modes

    Cons

    • Occasional tracking errors
    • Heavier than some alternatives
    • Limited advanced features

    The AOCHUAN Smart XE AI Gimbal surprised us with its ease of use. We didn’t need to fiddle with any apps to get started. The AI tracking worked well most of the time, keeping our subjects in frame as we moved around.

    Battery life impressed us too. We used it for several hours straight without needing a recharge. The different shooting modes came in handy for creative shots. We liked the Inception mode for some cool spinning effects.

    We did notice a few hiccups. Sometimes the gimbal lost track of our subject, causing jerky movements. It’s also a bit on the heavy side, which made long shoots tiring. While it works great for basic stabilization, more advanced users might find it lacking in extra features.

  • JCROBOT AI Tracking Gimbal

    8.6

    We think this gimbal is a solid choice for smartphone videographers looking for smooth footage and AI tracking without needing an app.

    8.6

    We think this gimbal is a solid choice for smartphone videographers looking for smooth footage and AI tracking without needing an app.

    Pros

    • App-free magnetic AI tracking
    • Gesture controls and fill light
    • Compact, foldable design

    Cons

    • Can be tricky to balance at first
    • Battery life could be longer
    • Limited advanced features

    When we tested the JCROBOT gimbal, we were impressed by how easy it was to set up and start shooting stable video right away. The magnetic AI tracker is really handy – it latched onto our phone and followed faces without needing to fuss with any apps.

    We like that it has gesture controls to start and stop tracking. The built-in fill light came in handy for low-light situations too. At less than a pound, it’s light enough to carry around all day.

    It took us a few tries to get the hang of balancing our phone just right. The battery didn’t last quite as long as we hoped during a full day of shooting. While it nails the basics, it lacks some of the advanced modes found on pricier gimbals. Still, for most casual video creators, this gimbal hits a nice sweet spot of features and price.

Buying Guide

When choosing a phone gimbal, there are several key factors to consider:

Compatibility

Check if the gimbal works with your specific phone model. Most support popular brands, but it’s best to verify before buying.

Stabilization Quality

Look for gimbals that offer smooth, shake-free footage. Three-axis stabilization is generally better than two-axis.

Battery Life

We recommend gimbals with at least 8 hours of battery life for longer shooting sessions.

Weight and Portability

A lightweight gimbal is easier to carry and use for extended periods. Consider foldable models for better portability.

Controls and Features

User-friendly controls make operating the gimbal simpler. Some useful features include:

  • Object tracking
  • Time-lapse modes
  • Zoom controls
  • Panorama modes

App Integration

A good companion app can unlock extra features and make the gimbal more versatile.

Price

Set a budget based on your needs. More expensive models often offer better build quality and advanced features.

Warranty and Support

Look for products with solid warranties and responsive customer support.

By considering these factors, we can find a phone gimbal that meets our needs and enhances our mobile videography.