The best smartphone gimbals offer capabilities that go beyond the image stabilization of your camera. Stabilizers fix shaky footage, while gimbals control how the phone moves. This lets you take seamless panoramic shots, pan smoothly, and even follow a subject within the frame. This gets rid of the need for big and complicated setups, making it easy to make expertly polished sequences. The smartphone gimbals are mechanical stabilizers with at least two and usually three axes of rotation to keep the camera steady.
These gimbals can move in many different ways because they are powered by separate or synchronized motors. For example, the Pan Follow mode keeps the camera level while it moves, the Follow modes let the camera tilt smoothly in the vertical direction, and the POV modes let the camera tilt in the horizontal direction to create interesting angles while keeping the perfect stabilization. Below, we have mentioned the best Smartphone Gimbals.
What is a smartphone gimbal?
A smartphone gimbal is a hand-held device that keeps your phone steady and smooths out movement while you record videos or take photos. It uses advanced stabilization technology, which usually includes motors and sensors, to counteract hand movements, vibrations, and shakes that can cause shaky or jittery footage. The gimbal holds your phone securely and changes its orientation in real time to keep the camera level and steady, no matter how you move your hand. This technology is especially helpful when shooting action scenes, capturing moving video, or making content that looks professional.
How does a smartphone gimbal work?
A smartphone gimbal is a device that helps stabilize and smooth out the movement of a smartphone while taking photos or videos. It does this stabilization with the help of a mix of mechanical, electronic, and sensor-based technologies. This is how most smartphone gimbals work:
A smartphone gimbal is made up of a three-axis stabilization system that is powered by a motor. Most of the time, the pitch (up and down), roll (side to side), and yaw (left and right) axes are used for these movements. The smartphone holder has a motor on each axis that can move it in a controlled way.
Sensors: The smartphone has built-in sensors, like gyroscopes and accelerometers, that track how it moves and how it tilts in real time. These sensors give information to the gimbal’s control system about how the smartphone is tilted and if it is vibrating or moving.
Motor Control: The control system looks at the data from the sensors and figures out what changes need to be made to keep the smartphone stable. Then, it tells the motors on each axis what to do to stop any unwanted shaking or movement.
Feedback Loop: As the smartphone moves, the sensors send feedback to the system that controls it. The motor’s movements are changed by the control system based on the data from the sensors. This creates a closed-loop feedback system that tries to keep things stable.
Brushless Motors: Most smartphone gimbals use brushless motors, which are efficient, last a long time, and let you control movements precisely. These motors can react quickly to changes in the way the phone is held and make the necessary adjustments to keep it steady.
Best Smartphone Gimbals Comparison Table
The table below shows a quick comparison of the best smartphone gimbals currently on the market. It talks about the most important features, how well they work, and how much they cost to help consumers choose the best stabiliser for capturing smooth and steady mobile video footage.
| Features | Weight | Folded Size | Compatible Devices | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhiyun Crane M2S Combo Kit | 549 Grams | 235 x 148 x 69mm | Camera, Cellphone | zhi yun |
| FeiyuTech Vimble 3 | 387 Grams | 6.69″ x 4.17″ x 2.56″ | Cellphone | FeiYu |
| Zhiyun Smooth Q4 | 0.82 Pounds | 181.7 x 107.7 x 56.3 mm | Cellphone | ZHIYUN |
| Zhiyun Smooth 5S | 6.7 ounces | 311x68x52mm | Cellphone | ZHIYUN |
| FeiyuTech SCORP-Mini | 1.73 Pounds | 227x114x288mm | Cellphone, Camera | FeiYu |
Zhiyun Crane M2S Combo Kit
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.45 x 2.76 x 5.91 inches |
| Weight | 549 Grams |
| Folded Size | 235 x 148 x 69mm |
| Compatible Devices | Camera, Cellphone |
| Manufacturer | zhi yun |
| Check Price |
The Crane M2S is advertised as a multi-device gimbal that can handle everything from phones to mirrorless camera setups. However, the Zhiyun website doesn’t list a maximum payload, and B&H lists the M2S as having a 2.2lb (1,000g) maximum, so a lightweight mirrorless camera with a light prime lens sounds like its limit. A compact camera like a Sony ZV-1 or a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III might be a better choice.
We used an iPhone 13 Pro Max to test it. Now that smartphones have built-in stabilization technology, you may wonder if you even need a gimbal. During our test, we used an iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is quite capable of capturing smooth pans or tracking moves without having to use an app to stabilize the footage afterward. For now, this is one of the best Smartphone Gimbals you can buy right now.
Pros
- 3-axis stabilization provides smooth and steady footage.
- Can be used for multiple purposes due to its compatibility with different devices.
- Decent battery life for extended shooting sessions.
Cons
- Relatively higher price compared to some other smartphone gimbals.
- Might be bulkier and heavier than gimbals designed solely for smartphones.
- Learning curve for beginners due to the versatile functionality.
FeiyuTech Vimble 3
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 6.9 x 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 387 Grams |
| Folded Size | 6.69″ x 4.17″ x 2.56″ |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphone |
| Manufacturer | Guilin FeiYu Technology Incorporated Company |
| Check Price |
The Vimble 3 is built and works in a way that is similar to how the DJI OM4 looks and works. As with any gimbal, there are different modes you can use to make your smartphone smoothly pan, tilt, and roll. Both the OM4 and the Vimble 3 come with an app that lets them do extra things, like start recording your actions when you make a certain gesture. Overall, this is one of the best Smartphone Gimbals you can buy right now.
Even though software and hardware stabilization features are built into many smartphones, this doesn’t always work with every lens. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s Ultra Wide camera isn’t stabilized, so you might need to use Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro to smooth out hand-held wide-angle moves that are shaky. This can cause the footage to be cut off, which will ruin the wide-angle composition you were going for.
Pros
- Integrated extension pole for capturing wider shots and selfies.
- Built-in controls on the handle for easy access to various settings.
- Object tracking and gesture control features for added creativity.
- Foldable and portable design for easy transport.
Cons
- Limited payload capacity compared to some other gimbals.
- The extension pole might make it less compact for some users.
- Battery life might be shorter than some competitors.
Zhiyun Smooth Q4
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.33 x 7.13 x 2.68 inches |
| Weight | 0.82 Pounds |
| Folded Size | 181.7 x 107.7 x 56.3 mm |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphone |
| Manufacturer | ZHIYUN |
| Check Price |
With the ZHIYUN Smooth Q4 Combo, you can move your phone’s camera in a professional way while keeping the footage steady and the horizon level. With the Bluetooth-connected app on your phone, you can pan and tilt the gimbal, zoom in or out on your subject, and start or stop recording all with one hand. Still, this is one of the best Smartphone Gimbals you can buy right now.
It will help you move the camera in a more professional way. The Smooth Q4 is a good smartphone gimbal that is about the same in terms of price, features, and performance as the DJI OM 5. If you want to attach your phone to a gimbal more quickly, the OM 5’s mount has a magnetic clamp that might convince you to buy it.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, highly portable.
- Quick-release system for easily mounting and dismounting the smartphone.
- Gesture control and object tracking features.
- Reasonably priced for the features it offers.
Cons
- Might not handle larger or heavier smartphones as effectively.
- Battery life could be longer for extended shooting sessions.
- Some advanced features might require additional setup or adjustments.
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.89 x 7.8 x 2.91 inches |
| Weight | 6.7 ounces |
| Folded Size | 311x68x52mm |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphone |
| Manufacturer | ZHIYUN |
| Check Price |
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S didn’t have any trouble with our iPhone 13 Pro Max and its three cameras, and its fill light is both strong and easy to use. But the phone’s accessory port is in the way of the tilt motor for horizontal video, which makes it hard to use the mic. Thus, this is one of the best Smartphone Gimbals you can buy right now.
There are also two apps that match, and the mode lights on the 5S are so small that you can barely see them in daylight. The Zhiyun Smooth 5S, on the other hand, works very well. The apps are a bit confusing, but you can still use it with the app that came with your phone and get basic stabilization and control options.
Pros
- Focus pull and zoom control features for more cinematic shots.
- Ergonomic design with physical buttons for intuitive control.
- Multiple shooting modes like Dolly Zoom and Vertigo effect.
- Good balance between features and price.
Cons
- Slightly heavier and bulkier compared to some other options.
- Battery life might not be sufficient for extensive shooting.
- Learning curve for mastering the advanced shooting modes.
FeiyuTech SCORP-Mini
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.01 x 0.01 inches |
| Weight | 1.73 Pounds |
| Folded Size | 227x114x288mm |
| Compatible Devices | Cellphone, Camera |
| Manufacturer | Guilin FeiYu Technology Incorporated Company |
| Check Price |
The FeiyuTech Scorp Mini is a gimbal that is very light and easy to move. It is perfect for smartphone and mirrorless camera users who want to pan, tilt, and track shots while keeping the horizon level. The sling arm makes it easy to get shots from low angles, and the front knob and back joystick let you make smooth moves. Just keep in mind that the gimbal’s small size means it won’t work with cameras with a long lens, but it’s great for smartphones. Overall, this is one of the best Smartphone Gimbals you can buy right now.
Pros
- Extremely compact and pocket-sized, ideal for travel and casual use.
- 3-axis stabilization for smooth and steady footage.
- One-key switch between horizontal and vertical shooting modes.
- Magnetic design for quick and easy smartphone attachment.
Cons
- Limited features compared to larger gimbals.
- Might not handle larger smartphones or additional accessories.
- Less advanced controls and shooting modes.
Why do you need a smartphone gimbal?
A smartphone gimbal is a handheld stabilization device that is made to fix the shaking and vibrations that can happen when taking photos or videos with a smartphone. You might want to use a smartphone gimbal for the following reasons:
Stability: Smartphones are small, light, and easy to carry, but hand movements can cause the footage to be shaky. A gimbal uses motorized stabilization to keep the smartphone steady. This makes videos look more smooth and professional.
Professional Quality: With the rise of high-quality smartphone cameras, more and more people are making videos and photos that are on par with what traditional cameras can do. A gimbal improves the quality of your videos by getting rid of shakes and jitters that you don’t want.
Shots for movies: Gimbals let you do more creative shots like panning, tilting, and tracking. These features can give your videos a cinematic feel and make them more interesting to look at.
Versatility: Smartphone gimbals are small and easy to carry, so they are perfect for taking videos on the go. A gimbal gives you stability and flexibility when shooting travel vlogs, action sports, or events.
User-Friendly: Most smartphone gimbals are made to be easy to use, with simple controls that let you change settings, switch between shooting modes, and control how the gimbal moves.
FAQs
Our top pick is the DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal. It’s easy to use, works with most phones, and gives you a lot of ways to take pictures. But we’ve given you more than one option so you can choose the best phone gimbal.
If you care about size and weight, the Insta360 Flow and DJI Osmo Mobile 6 are two of the best smartphone gimbals on the market right now. You could also look at the Zhiyun Smooth 5S if you want something a little more professional, but we think it’s too much for casual shooters.
