Creating smooth, professional-looking videos with your smartphone used to require expensive equipment and a lot of technical skill. Today, the right gimbal can make all the difference, stabilizing your footage with ease. Whether you’re a budding vlogger, a travel enthusiast, or just want to capture your kids’ soccer games without the shaky-cam effect, a good smartphone gimbal is a game-changer. The market is packed with options, so finding the best gimbals for smartphone video can feel overwhelming.
We’ve tested and researched the top models available in 2025 to simplify your decision. This guide breaks down the key features, from battery life and app integration to unique functions like object tracking and vertical shooting modes. We’ll cover everything from budget-friendly starters to feature-packed powerhouses for serious creators. Our goal is to help you find the perfect stabilizer to match your filming style and budget, ensuring your next video project looks incredibly smooth.
Our Picks for the Best Gimbals for Smartphone Video
- DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
- Zhiyun Smooth 5S Smartphone Gimbal
- Moza Mini-Mi Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
- FeiyuTech Vimble 3 S Smartphone Gimbal
- Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Stabilizer
- Insta360 Flow Pro Smartphone Gimbal
- Freewell SmartG3 Smartphone Gimbal
DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI OM 6 feels like the culmination of everything DJI has learned about smartphone stabilization. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with a feature called ActiveTrack 6.0 that makes subject tracking feel almost magical. You can simply gesture to the camera to start tracking, which is perfect for solo creators. The built-in extension rod is a small detail that makes a huge difference, giving you just enough extra reach for group shots or better angles without making the gimbal bulky. The stabilization itself is, as expected, flawless, handling fast walks and even light jogging with ease.
What really sets the OM 6 apart is the Mimo app integration. It’s packed with creative templates, guided shooting modes, and a super intuitive interface that helps you get great results fast. The battery life is solid, offering around 6.5 hours of continuous use, and it charges relatively quickly. My only minor gripe is that with larger, heavier Pro Max or Ultra phones, the motor can feel like it’s working at its limit, but for most standard smartphones, it’s perfectly balanced and powerful. If you want a gimbal that does the thinking for you and delivers pro-level smoothness with minimal effort, this is the one to get.
Pros
- Excellent and intuitive subject tracking with ActiveTrack 6.0
- Built-in extension rod adds great versatility
- Seamless integration with the feature-packed DJI Mimo app
Cons
- Can struggle with the very largest and heaviest smartphones
- Priced at a premium compared to some competitors
Zhiyun Smooth 5S Smartphone Gimbal
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is built for creators who are serious about control. It has a robust, almost industrial feel to it, with a full suite of physical controls including a focus wheel, a zoom slider, and a custom button that can be programmed for specific functions. This makes manual adjustments while filming feel much more precise and cinematic compared to using touchscreen controls. The motor strength is impressive, easily handling large phones with bulky cases attached, which is a common frustration with other gimbal models.
Zhiyun’s CyberSync technology is a standout feature, allowing you to control lights and other compatible devices directly from the gimbal. The companion app, ZY Cami, offers a good range of features like motion timelapse and object tracking, though I find its interface a bit less polished than DJI’s Mimo app. The battery life is fantastic, often exceeding the advertised 12 hours. The trade-off for all this power and control is size and weight; the Smooth 5S is noticeably heavier and less pocketable than something like the DJI OM 6. It’s a tool for planned shoots rather than spontaneous filming.
Pros
- Powerful motors easily stabilize large phones with cases
- Excellent physical controls for manual focus and zoom
- Outstanding battery life for all-day shooting
Cons
- Bulkier and heavier than many other smartphone gimbals
- App experience isn’t as streamlined as some competitors
Moza Mini-Mi Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The Moza Mini-Mi strikes a great balance between portability and performance. Its compact, foldable design makes it easy to toss in a bag, and it unfolds quickly for action. Despite its small size, the stabilization is very effective, thanks to Moza’s solid motor technology. It features a simple, one-button control scheme that is intuitive for beginners—a single press power button and a responsive trigger button on the back for switching modes and re-centering the camera.
It connects seamlessly with the Moza Genie app, which offers essential features like object tracking, timelapse, and motionlapse modes. While the app isn’t as flashy as some, it gets the job done without unnecessary complexity. The battery life is respectable, offering around 7 hours of use. One unique aspect is its compatibility with Moza’s ecosystem of accessories, allowing for future expansion. The Mini-MI is a reliable, no-fuss gimbal that prioritizes ease of use and portability, making it an excellent choice for travelers and vloggers who need a stabilizer that won’t weigh them down.
Pros
- Very compact and portable due to its foldable design
- Simple, intuitive controls perfect for beginners
- Reliable stabilization performance in a small package
Cons
- Limited physical controls compared to more advanced models
- App has fewer creative templates and social features
FeiyuTech Vimble 3 S Smartphone Gimbal
The FeiyuTech Vimble 3 S’s biggest selling point is its massive 255mm telescopic extension rod built directly into the handle. This isn’t just a small selfie stick; it provides a huge amount of reach for getting high-angle shots, shooting over crowds, or simply framing yourself from a greater distance. The gimbal itself provides smooth, reliable stabilization across its three axes. It also includes a dedicated fill light on the front, which is adjustable for brightness, making it a great option for influencers who film a lot of talking-head content.
The physical controls are comprehensive, with a joystick for pan and tilt, a record button, and a mode switch. FeiyuTech’s app covers the basics well, including object tracking and panorama modes. However, like some other brands, the app experience can feel a bit utilitarian compared to the market leaders. The extended rod does add some weight and makes the gimbal less pocketable, but for the functionality it offers, it’s a worthwhile trade-off. If your primary need is versatility and extended reach for vlogging or travel filming, the Vimble 3 S is a unique and powerful tool.
Pros
- Extremely long built-in extension rod for unparalleled reach
- Includes an adjustable fill light for better video in low light
- Good stabilization performance with solid physical controls
Cons
- Bulky when fully extended, less portable than compact models
- App interface is functional but not as user-friendly as others
Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Stabilizer
If you’re looking for incredible value, the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is a fantastic contender. For a very reasonable price, you get a gimbal with truly impressive stabilization that rivals models costing significantly more. It features a unique “NeverFall” design where the phone clamp is positioned to keep your phone’s center of gravity low, which contributes to its stable performance and reduces motor strain. It also has a built-in fill light that’s surprisingly useful for quick portrait shots or adding a catchlight to your eyes in dim environments.
Setup is straightforward, and the gimbal is relatively lightweight. The Hohem App includes all the essential modes like Follow, Pan Follow, and Lock, along with object tracking and gesture control. While the app works well, it doesn’t have the same level of polish or creative community features as DJI’s or Insta360’s offerings. The battery life is good, but not class-leading. Where this gimbal really shines is in its core job: stabilization. For the price, the smoothness of the footage is exceptional, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious beginners or anyone who wants reliable performance without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Excellent stabilization performance for its affordable price
- Built-in fill light is handy for quick social media clips
- Stable “NeverFall” design handles phone balance well
Cons
- Companion app lacks some of the advanced features of competitors
- Battery life is good but not the best in its class
Insta360 Flow Pro Smartphone Gimbal
The Insta360 Flow Pro is the ultimate all-in-one creator tool. It has a clever, folding design that makes it incredibly portable, and it even includes a built-in tripod that snaps into the handle. But the real magic is in the software. Insta360’s tracking technology is arguably the best on the market; it’s incredibly sticky and reliable, even if your subject moves erratically. The “Deep Track 3.0” feature can lock onto a subject with just a tap on the screen and won’t let go.
The companion app is a joy to use, filled with creative shooting modes, AI-powered editing tools, and a massive library of trending music and templates. Features like Shot Genie automatically frame your shot based on popular social media formats. The gimbal also has a built-in rechargeable battery that can act as a power bank for your phone, which is a lifesaver on long days. While it’s packed with tech, it remains very easy to use right out of the box. If you prioritize smart features, AI assistance, and ultimate portability, the Flow Pro is hard to beat.
Pros
- Superb AI subject tracking that is incredibly reliable
- All-in-one design includes a built-in tripod and is highly portable
- Feature-rich app with excellent AI editing and creative tools
Cons
- Can be slightly more complex for users who prefer simplicity
- The folding mechanism, while convenient, may feel less durable long-term
Freewell SmartG3 Smartphone Gimbal
The Freewell SmartG3 is designed with the mobile filmmaker in mind, especially those who use accessories like ND filters. It has a unique quick-release system that allows you to attach a magnetic phone clamp in seconds, and this clamp is specifically designed to work with Freewell’s own magnetic ND filter sets. This makes it incredibly fast to switch between different lighting conditions while maintaining creative control over your shutter speed and exposure. The stabilization is top-notch, with strong, quiet motors.
Buying Guide for the 10 Best Gimbals for Smartphone Video | 2025If you are serious about making your smartphone videos look smooth and professional, a gimbal is the most important tool you can get. I have tested many models, and the difference is night and day. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Let me walk you through the key things I consider.
First, think about stabilization. A good gimbal uses three motors to cancel out shakes and jitters on three axes: pan, tilt, and roll. This is what gives you those buttery-smooth shots. While most gimbals do this well, pay attention to special modes like Pan Follow (locks the tilt), Lock ModePOV Mode (simulates a first-person view). These creative options give you a lot more flexibility.
Next, compatibility is huge. Not every gimbal works perfectly with every phone. You need to check the weight and size limits. If you have a large Pro Max or Ultra model, make sure the gimbal’s clamp can handle it. Also, check if the gimbal’s companion app has full functionality with your specific phone model. Some features, like object tracking or manual controls, might be limited on certain devices.
Battery life is another big one for me. There is nothing worse than your gear dying in the middle of a shoot. I look for gimbals that offer at least 10-12 hours of operation on a single charge. Many can even act as a power bank to charge your phone, which is a fantastic bonus feature when you are out all day.
Finally, consider the extra features. Do you want a built-in fill light for vlogging? How about a telescopic rod for selfies or high-angle shots? Physical controls like a zoom wheel or a focus dial can make a big difference in how you shoot. Also, think about portability. If you travel a lot, a compact, foldable design might be a priority over a gimbal with a bigger, non-folding handle.
My best advice is to match the gimbal to your primary use case. If you are a vlogger, a built-in light and simple operation are key. If you are a filmmaker, you will want precise controls and advanced tracking features. By focusing on what you actually need, you will find the perfect tool among the 10 best gimbals for smartphone video available this year.
FAQ
Do I really need a gimbal if my phone has good stabilization?
This is a common question. While modern phones have incredible software and optical image stabilization (OIS), they have limits. They are great for reducing small hand tremors, but they can’t handle walking motions or larger, smoother camera movements. A gimbal provides a level of stability that is simply impossible for in-phone tech to achieve, giving you cinematic, floating camera moves. If you want truly professional-looking motion, a gimbal is essential.
Can I use a gimbal with a phone case on?
It depends. Most gimbals are designed to clamp onto a bare phone. If you have a very thin, minimalist case, it might still fit, but there is a risk of the clamp not securing properly, which can strain the gimbal’s motors. I always recommend removing your phone case before attaching it to the gimbal. It is a small extra step that ensures a secure fit and protects your equipment from damage.
What is the difference between a 2-axis and a 3-axis gimbal?
The axis refers to the directions in which the gimbal stabilizes movement. A 2-axis gimbal typically stabilizes tilt (up and down) and pan (side to side), but it may not fully stabilize roll (the twisting motion). A 3-axis gimbal handles all three. For the smoothest results, especially when walking or moving dynamically, a 3-axis gimbal is the way to go. It completely eliminates the jittery, shaky look and is the standard for the 10 best gimbals for smartphone video.
How difficult is it to balance a smartphone gimbal?
Thankfully, most modern smartphone gimbals have an auto-tune feature or are so simple to balance that it takes seconds. You basically just slide your phone into the clamp until it sits roughly level. The powerful motors do the rest of the work. It is not like balancing a larger camera gimbal, which can be a precise process. You should be up and running in less than a minute after unboxing.
What does “object tracking” do on a gimbal?
Object tracking, or subject tracking, is a super helpful feature. Using the gimbal’s app, you tap on a person or object on your phone’s screen. The gimbal will then automatically keep that subject in the center of the frame as you or the subject moves. It is perfect for vlogging, filming sports, or following a pet around without having to manually adjust the gimbal yourself.
Are there any accessories I should get with my gimbal?
A small tripod is probably the most useful accessory. It lets you set the gimbal down for stable timelapses or group shots. A carrying case is also a good idea for protection during transport. Some people add external microphones for better audio, but you will need to check if the gimbal has a cold shoe mount to attach it. Otherwise, you can mount the mic directly to your phone.