Best Smartphone Gimbals

In an era where social media content and mobile videography reign supreme, achieving smooth, professional-looking footage has become more important than ever. Whether you’re a budding YouTuber, social media influencer, or simply someone who loves capturing life’s precious moments, smartphone gimbals have revolutionized the way we create mobile content. These handheld stabilizers transform shaky, amateur-looking videos into cinematic masterpieces, making them an essential tool for anyone serious about mobile photography and videography. With numerous options flooding the market, ranging from budget-friendly basics to feature-packed premium models, finding the perfect gimbal for your needs can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll break down the top smartphone gimbals of 2023, helping you make an informed decision that’ll take your mobile content creation to the next level.

Top 5 Smartphone Gimbals:

1. DJI Osmo Mobile SE – Best Smartphone Gimbal Overall

 

 

The DJI Osmo Mobile SE gimbal is the ideal tool for taking breathtakingly smooth video. With the help of its three-axis stabilization mechanism, it successfully removes any shakiness, allowing you to concentrate on your creative vision without interruptions. ActiveTrack 6.0 keeps your subject in the forefront when you’re capturing dynamic situations or moving subjects, making it easy to get photos of expert quality.The portability of the Osmo Mobile SE is one of its best qualities. With a folded size of 16.7×10.9×4.7 cm and a weight of only 352 grams, it’s easy to pack and carry with you wherever you go. By making it easy to travel with a top-notch gimbal, our small design improves your filmmaking experience without sacrificing functionality.

The DJI Osmo Mobile SE is an affordable option for anyone wishing to improve their videography because it works with a wide range of smartphones. It can comfortably hold the majority of gadgets with a recommended maximum weight of 290 grams.For both novice and experienced filmmakers, the Osmo Mobile SE offers outstanding value at a competitive price. This gimbal is the best choice if you want to produce engaging films without having to deal with heavy gear. It will assist your artistic pursuits with ease. Take advantage of the chance to film like an expert and use the DJI Osmo Mobile SE to tell your narrative effectively.

 

2. Hohem iSteady V3 – Best Smartphone Gimbal for Traveling Light

 

 

The iSteady V3 distinguishes out from the competition when it comes to smartphone stabilizers because of its distinctive features and reasonable price. You’ll love how easily this gimbal slips into your jeans pocket if you’re searching for a small solution—just make sure to unclip the AI sensor first. Unlike other stabilizers that frequently need large attachments, its unique design enables the tripod legs to be kept inside the gimbal’s shaft.The tripod legs of the iSteady V3 extend when you’re ready to shoot, enabling a freestanding arrangement. The AI sensor on the gimbal is revolutionary because it allows it to follow your movements by tilting and panning fluidly, just like a pro camera operator would. With just a thumbs-up, you can quickly convert between portrait and landscape mode thanks to gesture recognition.

Additionally, you may operate the gimbal remotely thanks to the removable control panel’s Bluetooth connection. This means you can start or pause your camera app without reaching for your phone, and you can easily pan and tilt while taking distant selfies.But bear in mind that the tilt angle range is a little smaller than with other gimbals, which could make taking low-angle photos a little more difficult. But the iSteady V3 might be the ideal option for your artistic pursuits if you’re searching for a portable, adaptable stabilizer that won’t break the bank.

 

3. DJI OM 5 – Best Premium Smartphone Gimbal

 

 

The DJI OM 5 is a great option if you’re looking for a dependable and easy-to-use mobile gimbal that blends remarkable performance with ease of usage. You will love its easy-to-use controls and the great DJI Mimo software, which makes filming more enjoyable.The gimbal comes with a tiny tripod and a 215mm extension rod, giving you more shooting angles to choose from. Convenient for travel, the small design also includes a soft storage case and a wrist strap.The OM 5 performs exceptionally well in stabilization, enabling you to record fluid, high-quality video. Although it’s important to keep in mind that quick pans with ActiveTrack 4.0 can occasionally test the gimbal’s tracking capabilities, the sensitive gimbal arm guarantees seamless movement.

The Mimo app, which gives you sophisticated control over your gimbal settings and gives you access to cutting-edge shooting modes like Dyna-Zoom, hyperlapse, and CloneMe panoramic, is one of the OM 5’s best features. You may initiate and end recording without touching your device thanks to gesture controls. A powerful editing suite and integrated tutorial templates make it simple to produce high-quality videos.All things considered, you may improve your smartphone videography with the DJI OM 5 by making sure that every shot reflects your artistic vision.

 

4. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus – Best Smartphone Gimbal with Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode

 

 

An amazing smartphone gimbal that improves your photography and cinematography skills is the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus. You may easily accomplish a wide range of movements with its 600 degree horizontal pan capabilities and 320 degree pivot on the second and third axes.Because of its adaptability, you can roll, tilt, and pan your shots in a myriad of inventive ways that will really improve your filmmaking.The iSteady Mobile Plus’s wide range of customization choices is what makes it unique. To fit your shooting style, you can change mechanical features like zoom and panning speeds, as well as even reverse the joystick’s operation. Additionally, a sturdy case is included to safeguard your tripod, gimbal, and wire while you’re traveling, allowing you to concentrate on getting the ideal photo.

There are a few obstacles you may face, though. It can be inconvenient to have to rebalance your phone while switching between portrait and landscape modes. The accompanying tripod also has soft rubber feet that could wobble in windy situations, which could ruin your time-lapse or panorama photos. Purchasing a more robust aftermarket tripod would be an easy solution.The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is still a fantastic option for anyone looking for a smartphone gimbal in spite of these small flaws. It is a useful instrument for creating eye-catching images that connect with your audience because of its strong mechanical capabilities and adjustable settings.

 

5. Essager Gimbal – Best Budget Smartphone Gimbal

 

 

The Essager gimbal is a great option if you’re starting out in videography and looking for a reasonably priced solution. This gimbal was made with novices in mind and has a one-axis stabilizer that greatly minimizes undesired movement in your video. Even though it might not completely remove shake, it’s a significant improvement for beginners.The adaptability of the Essager gimbal is one of its best qualities. To accommodate different shooting situations, you may quickly transition between using it as a tripod and a handheld stabilizer. This versatility will be very helpful whether you’re capturing a family get-together, chronicling a trip, or producing material for social media.Additionally, the gimbal has a detachable fill light, which is invaluable in dimly lit areas. Imagine documenting bright, well-lit moments while exploring dimly lit places or on an evening excursion.

The lightweight design of the Essager gimbal, weighing only 0.39 pounds and measuring 3.26 x 3.38 x 7.12 inches, makes it simple to transport wherever your imagination takes you. Additionally, it supports devices up to 0.4 kg in weight, therefore it works with the majority of smartphones.The Essager gimbal is a useful tool to take into consideration as you start your creative path if you’re passionate about improving your videography abilities without going over budget. It helps you realize your vision by providing functionality and convenience.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Smartphone Gimbal:

You want to elevate your mobile videography, and investing in a smartphone gimbal can make a significant difference in the quality of your footage. However, choosing the right gimbal requires careful consideration of several factors, such as compatibility with your device, weight, battery life, and additional features. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate through the necessary aspects you should evaluate before making your purchase, ensuring that you select a gimbal that enhances your shooting experience and meets your filmmaking needs.

Handheld Gimbals

There’s a significant advantage to using handheld gimbals, as they provide versatility and control while allowing you to capture smooth footage. Suitable for both novice and experienced users, these gimbals often come with multiple modes for different filming scenarios.

Wearable Gimbals

Some users may find wearable gimbals particularly beneficial, as they allow for hands-free shooting. These gimbals are designed to attach to various parts of your body or equipment, making them perfect for activities like running or cycling.

Another advantage of wearable gimbals is their ability to track movement automatically, which results in smoother videos even during high-action scenes. This technology enhances your ability to capture engaging content without the hassle of managing a handheld device.

Smartphone Stabilizer Gimbals

Wearable stabilizer gimbals help ensure your smartphone footage is level and steady while moving. They come equipped with advanced stabilization features that minimize shaky movements, providing professional-looking results.

The technology in smartphone stabilizer gimbals often includes automatic balancing and various shooting modes, making them suitable for diverse filming styles. These devices cater to both casual users looking to enhance their travel vlogs and serious filmmakers needing high-quality footage.

Battery Life

There’s nothing worse than your gimbal dying mid-shoot. A longer battery life means you can shoot and capture footage without the worry of frequent recharges, allowing for uninterrupted creative flow.

Battery life is often expressed in hours, so look for gimbals offering at least 8-12 hours of operation. Some models even feature quick charging, which can help you juice up during short breaks. Keep in mind that battery life can vary based on usage, so also consider gimbals with battery-saving modes to enhance longevity during your shoots.

Compatibility

Even if a gimbal has impressive features, it won’t serve you well if it’s not compatible with your smartphone. Always verify that the gimbal you select supports the weight and dimensions of your device.

Another point to consider is the type of accessories you may want to use, such as microphones or lights. Some gimbals come with mounting options for additional gear, which enhances your filming experience. Ensuring compatibility can save you time and frustration, ultimately leading to better results in your creative projects.

Reading Reviews and User Experiences

With a plethora of reviews available online, gathering insights from other users is invaluable. Reviews offer a real-world perspective on how the gimbal performs in various scenarios.

User feedback can reveal practical experiences that specifications often overlook. Look for detailed reviews that discuss build quality, ease of setup, and performance in different lighting conditions. This information will help you make a more informed decision, ensuring that the gimbal you choose will meet your expectations in real-world applications.

Disadvantages

While gimbals offer impressive stabilization, they also come with certain drawbacks you should consider before making a purchase.

Using a gimbal can introduce added weight and size, making it less convenient for casual outings. Moreover, the learning curve can be steep; mastering various features and modes takes practice. Also, depending on the model, gimbals may require regular charging, which could be a hassle on longer shoots. Investing a considerable amount in a gimbal might not be worthwhile if you only shoot videos occasionally.

Final Words

Following this guide, you can make an informed decision when selecting a smartphone gimbal that suits your needs. Consider factors such as compatibility with your device, battery life, weight, and additional features that align with your filming style. By thoughtfully weighing these aspects, you’re more likely to enhance your shooting experience and achieve the professional-quality results you desire.