Smartphones have become very good at stabilizing video with OIS (optical image stabilization) and EIS (electronic image stabilization), but they can’t beat the efficiency and control of the best smartphone gimbals. Hand-holding a device while recording can come with unexpected movements, jumps, and trips. Add shaky hands to the equation, and any smartphone will need some help keeping footage steady.
Those looking for the best mobile gimbal stabilizers will soon realize there are many options available out there. Finding the right smartphone gimbal can be a daunting task, so we have curated a list of the best handset stabilizers currently available.
Also read: The best camera phones you can buy | The best budget camera phones
The best smartphone gimbals:
Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list of the best smartphone gimbals regularly as new devices launch.
What makes a good smartphone gimbal?
First, you must learn to identify what makes the best smartphone gimbals actually good and if you care enough about certain features to spend more money on them. The obvious factors to consider are price, size, weight, battery life, and build quality.
Phone gimbals have other more complex features to keep in perspective. A very important one is the stabilization technology in use. Are you working with a 3-axis or a 2-axis stabilizer? 2-axis stabilizers smooth out tilt and roll, which means movements going up/down or from side to side. The third axis steadies panning.
Also important to consider is compatibility. The gimbal needs to hold and support your device. If it doesn’t fit or the hardware isn’t made for your handset, you will need to look elsewhere. Software will make a huge difference in your experience too. Look at how many features the app has (if there is one).
1. DJI Osmo Mobile 3
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is one of the most popular smartphone gimbals out there. Of course, coming from a renowned company gives it a boost, but the device is also praised for offering great bang for your buck thanks to its quality-to-cost ratio.
The company has reduced the size of the gimbal, lowered the weight, and made it more foldable, meaning you can easily pack it in its pouch and carry it around. It features 3-axis stabilization, extensive controls, and a stunning 15-hour battery life. In addition, the app has plenty of features, including templates, active tracking, hyperlapse, timelapse, panorama, and more.
2. Freefly Movi Cinema Robot
The Freefly Movi Cinema Robot is aimed towards professionals. Its claim is that the unit can achieve clips that would otherwise require a crew. While this is also true of other devices in this list, you can see some significant differences.
The Movi is built strong and designed very uniquely. The side handle should offer more stability, and the technology found inside is similar to the company’s more complex rigs, which are often used for Hollywood movies. Shooting modes include timelapse, moving timelapse, orbit, and more.
3. Zhiyun Smooth Q2
The Zhiyun Smooth Q2 is another great option for those looking to find a balance between price and quality. It has a great aluminum build, a long 17-hour battery life, 3-axis stabilization, a lightweight body, and plenty of shooting modes. It’s a great buy, even though it has a few quirks, which we talk about in detail in our full review.
4. Evo Shift
The Evo Shift is the best smartphone gimbal you can have for under a Benjamin. I have personally used it in the past and it worked like a charm. The build quality isn’t up to par with the other best smartphone gimbals listed above, but it’s still pretty solid.
Features include 3-axis stabilization, plenty of manual control buttons, and up to 10 hours of battery life. It can also charge your phone while in use. The drop in price starts showing when you realize it only has three modes: pan follow, full follow, and lock.
5. Hohem Isteady Mobile Plus
The Hohem Isteady Mobile Plus comes with 3-axis stabilization, a 12-hour battery life, and weighs only around 200g. The upgraded sport mode offers improved performance. The app features multiple modes, including various timelapse styles, slow motion, beauty retouching, and more. As you can see, these features are designed to please casual users, and the device’s affordable price tag reflects that.
6. Moza Mini-S
The Moza Mini-S may be the most affordable units on this list, but you shouldn’t confuse it with a cheap product. It is still one of the best smartphone gimbals you can get, featuring 3-axis stabilization, a design that folds very tightly, manual controls, and a very unique slanted design.
Battery life takes a hit, but five hours is still enough to get great footage. Shooting modes include timelapse, vertigo, portrait mode, hyperlapse, slow-motion, and more.
Photography is a complex art, so we have put together a series of tutorials and in-depth material for you to learn more!
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