Best phone gimbals 2024: steady shots for iPhone videos

Best phone gimbals
(Image credit: N/A)

Moving the minutest amount while shooting video with your phone can lead to shaky, unusable footage that no amount of optical image stabilization will correct. If you're serious about videography, you need a gimbal. Our favorite is the Hohem i-Steady Mobile Plus gimbal stabilizer. We love the Hohem for its rock-solid three-axis stabilization that stands up to high winds, walking, running, and even shooting from a moving vehicle. But this isn't the only winning gimbal worthy of this list of the best. Here are the best phone gimbals available today, and why you'll love them. 

Best overall: Hohem i-Steady Mobile+

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Hohem i-Steady Mobile+

Hohem Isteady Mobile Lifestyle (Image credit: Hohem)

The Hohem iSteady Mobile+ is an affordable gimbal with advanced features you'll adore! Included with this model is a newly-released 3D inception mode which rotates your phone 360 degrees while filming. A sports mode kicks 3-axis stabilization into overdrive, ensuring movies are never shaky, even when you're running down the stairs or biking over rugged terrain.

Battery life on the iSteady Mobile Plus is an admirable 12 hours, and the unit can charge your phone if necessary. This model has four panning modes, various time-lapse features, and can do minor retouching during post-processing with the included app. This well-balanced model is one of the best phone gimbals because of its versatility, and it fits every phone up to the iPhone 13.

My only gripe is with the software. Both iPhone and Android apps are clunky, challenging to navigate, and hard to learn. The app is continually being updated and gets better with each release, but those feeling overwhelmed may want to stick with their phone's video and camera software to start. All in all, this is a pro-grade gimbal at a bargain price.

This gimbal pushes out shake-free video and steady stills for a few bucks less than the competition.

Hohem i-Steady Mobile+

A top-notch gimbal for a steal

Reasons to buy

+
Battery lasts 12 hours
+
Clean footage
+
Impressive auto-tracking
+
Handle controls are exceptional
+
Case included

Reasons to avoid

-
Clunky app

Best stabilization: 

Best gesture control: DJI OM 5

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

(Image credit: DJI)

The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer features three-axis stabilization for vibrant, shake-free, footage. DJI’s integrated advanced stabilization technology compensates for unwanted movements and catches the moment with cinematic smoothness. It works in tandem with the DJI Mimo app, which pops up as soon as you snap your smartphone in.

This gimbal features ActiveTrack 5.0 which follows your subject smoothly, always keeping them center frame. It’s lightweight, compact, and extendable. It has a foldable design, making it easier to take with you anywhere and everywhere. Use the built-in extension rod to get creative angles or the perfect selfies.

A new side wheel adjusts focus and zoom so you can get cinematic blurs or zoom smoothly in and out for dramatic effect. The gimbal itself is stain resistant and coated in a non-slip texture, with an ergonomic grip that stays secure in your hands.

Android users beware, the DJI Mimo app is currently only available for iOS download. Navigating the DJI Mimo app is difficult at first, there’s definitely a learning curve, but once mastered, your options are limitless.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

Stable, smooth, footage

Reasons to buy

+
Three-axis stabilization
+
ActiveTrack 5.0
+
Side wheel for focus and zoom

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for Android users
-
App has steep learning curve

DJI OM 5 - Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal

Dji Om5 Lifestyle (Image credit: DJI)

We gave high marks to DJI in our review of the OM 4, so naturally, we're excited about the newer DJI OM 5 too. DJI's latest release is lighter than ever and offers up super smooth video and automatic tracking.

The built-in extension rod on the DJI OM 5 lets you pull the camera far away to include more scenery and people in photos or to grab shots from lower angles. ShotGuides recognizes your environment and recommends shot sequencing, so you get epic results whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro. Plus, ActiveTrack 4.0 keeps footage smooth as can be.

The only downside is that the OM 5 isn't large enough to accommodate the new iPhone 13 Pro Max. If that's your iPhone of choice, you'll need to look elsewhere. For everyone else, this is an easy-to-operate iphone gimbal, and this kit includes everything you need to get started filming.

With killer stabilization, trigger controls, and the ability to go hands-free, this lightweight gimbal shines.

DJI OM 5 - Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer with Grip

Shoot hands-free

Reasons to buy

+
Hands-free shooting
+
Shutter button on the handle
+
Solid stabilization
+
Dynamic Zoom

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't fit the iPhone 13 Pro Max
-
Pricey

Best shooting modes: Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zhiyun Smooth 4

Zyihun Smooth 4 (Image credit: Zhiyun)

Beloved by professional videographers, vloggers, and enthusiasts, the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a must-have piece of photo gear. The Smooth runs for 12 solid hours per charge and outputs rock-steady footage no matter the weather or your movements. Sliders on the side of the handle operate as a control panel, allowing you to switch between gimbal modes, flip on a fill light, record, pause, and more.

If I have to nitpick, one problem I noticed is that this gimbal balances most accurately without a phone case, so if you're sporting one of the best iPhone 12 cases for example, you may have some issues. Since the Zhiyun's grips firmly hold your pricy phone in place, this isn't a huge issue, but it is inconvenient to have to pull your case off to shoot and replace it again when you've finished.

Features worth bragging about include object tracking, focus and zoom capability, a shutter trigger, and advanced shooting techniques like time-lapse, hyper-lapse, motion lapse, slow-mo, and more. Whether you're an advanced filmmaker or just learning the ropes, this is the phone gimbal that gives you smooth video in every situation.

Do away with shaky shots and an impressive battery life that just may outlast your creativity.

Zhiyun Smooth 4 Gimbal

Buttery smooth footage

Reasons to buy

+
12-hour battery life
+
Produces shake-free video
+
Budget-friendly
+
Video tutorials included
+
Advanced shooting modes

Reasons to avoid

-
Best used without a phone case

Best entry level: MOZA Mini-S

MOZA Mini-S

Moza Mini S (Image credit: Moza)

When size matters, the MOZA Mini-S performs like no other. This phone gimbal has a slim, light body that folds down to five inches in length — small enough to fit nicely in a backpack, drawer, or even your glove compartment. A built-in sensor and brushless motor do away with the shake that turns good videos into vertigo-inducing nightmares. This is also the easiest to learn gimbal on our list, making it the right choice for newbies.

This little gimbal automatically detects and tracks objects and people, in addition to panning, tilting, and rolling. Footage stays crisp thanks to 3-axis stabilization. The handle on the MOZA Mini-S is equipped with one-button zoom and focus controls for smooth operation.

If there's anything to complain about, it's the variable battery life that sometimes stretches eight hours while at other times barely makes it to the five-hour mark. You'll also need to remove the case from your phone for the clamps to adequately grip your smartphone. Despite these minor quirks, we love this tiny powerhouse for its size and competitive features.

The MOZA Mini-S comes with three-axis stabilization that helps with shaky hands, and it folds down to a compact size.

MOZA Mini-S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

When size matters

Reasons to buy

+
Packable
+
Good subject tracking
+
One button focus and zoom controls
+
3-axis stabilization performs well
+
Great for beginners
+
Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-
Phone case must be removed
-
Battery life not consistent

Best extendable: FeiyuTech Vimble 2S

FeiyuTech Vimbal

FeiyuTech Vimble 2S (Image credit: FeiyuTech)

The FeiyuTech Vimble 2S is perfect for anyone who could benefit from a little extra reach. Shooting selfies, action high above eye level, or motion slightly out of arm's reach is possible with this lightweight gimbal, which extends to 18 centimeters. The Vimble 2S can film movies vertically or horizontally, as well as with face- and object-tracking. And 3-axis stabilizers give anyone steady hands when they're on the move.

Controlling the Vimble 2S is as simple as pushing buttons on the handle, and that's why it made our list as one of the best phone gimbals. A joystick gives you total control, in addition to a Bluetooth shutter button, trigger button, and focus key. Tilting, rolling, and panning are silent and work beautifully.

Built-in filters are fun to use with the Vimble 2S, and your work is editable with the free app. The only drawback is the battery life, which lasts a tad under five hours. If you don't mind that, the Vimble 2S is the ideal piece of photo gear for any phone owner.

When you need longer arms, the full-featured Vimble 2S is your ticket to creativity.

FeiyuTech Vimble 2S

When you need a longer reach

Reasons to buy

+
Extendable for wide-angle captures and selfies
+
Built tough
+
Convenient and easy-to-use controls
+
Good stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
Five-hour battery life

Hello, gorgeous footage!

When it comes to stabilizing your best iPhone for video and pictures, these are the best phone gimbals available. We've rounded up the handiest, lightweight, and feature-heavy picks on the market to help you make your decision. 

We love the advanced features like 3D inception mode, time-lapse, and sports mode in our top pick: the Hohem i-Steady Mobile+. The battery life is impressive, lasting 12 hours, and the auto-tracking and panning are every bit as good as pricier phone gimbals.

The Hohem's only fault is that its companion app is hard to learn and a little disordered. The learning curve is steep but well worth it if you can tough it out. No matter your skill level, you'll be impressed with the 3-axis stabilization and tilt, roll, and pan rotation options on this smartphone gimbal. The Hohem is a standout product that's sure to keep your creative juices flowing.

If that doesn't do it for you, another fantastic pick is the DJI OM 5. Not only is it lightweight, but it provides buttery smooth video and automatic tracking. Plus, there's Dynamic Zoom and a handy shutter button on the handle for ease of use. It's one of the more pricey ones on this list, but worth it with all of the included features.

Is it time to upgrade your iPhone to capture your greatest footage ever with one of the best phone gimbals? Check out our reviews of iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro to see which is best for you. 

Make sure you're getting the best price by checking in with our guides. We've got you covered for iPhone 14 deals and the larger model's iPhone 14 Plus deals. If you're looking for a fancy upgrade, complete with the Dynamic Island feature, then the iPhone 14 Pro deals, and iPhone 14 Pro Max deals can help cut down those monthly fees and help maximize your trade-in options.

Nicolette Roux
Contributor

Nicolette is a freelance writer for iMore. She's been hooked on Apple products since she got the very first iPhone in 2007 and made the switch from PC to Mac in 2008 after inadvertently dousing her laptop with a hefty dose of water. A dedicated creative, Nicolette has had the pleasure of working with some of the top websites, studios, and brands in the industry throughout her career, and enjoys writing about all things: Apple, health, fitness, audio, and home. With over a decade of high-level experience as a health and fitness professional, Nicolette specializes in tech pertaining to the field. If she’s not working, you can find her sipping a glass of wine, enjoying a concert, or hanging with her family.

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