Are you an avid videographer or someone who wants to take some nice, silky smooth videos? Look no further, we introduce the best gimbals for phones, which will help you cinema-like videos.
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If you don’t have time to read the whole article about the best gimbals for phones The winner is the DJI OM 4 – Click here for the latest price
Why Use A Phone Gimbal?
Gimbals are handy little devices that allow you to shoot videos and take photos with ease by having your phone rotate along an axis.
Before gimbals, photographers and videographers could only mount their cameras on a tripod or carry them handheld. With one of these gimbals, you can take videos with complex movements easily.
Without a gimbal, camera movement can often appear shaky and erratic, making the video unappealing to audiences.
Using a gimbal gives you the freedom to create the content you want with smooth camera movements. A gimbal also helps you save time and energy as it allows you to operate your phone camera comfortably and with ease.
Best Gimbals For Phones
- DJI OM 4
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3
- Zhiyun Smooth 4
- Feiyutech Vimble 2
- Hohem iSteady X
- FreeFly Movi
- Zhiyun Smooth Q2
- Zhiyun Smooth XS
- Zhiyun Smooth X
DJI OM 4
The DJI OM 4 is the latest phone gimbal released by the company that strives to help users create the best shake-free videos. This foldable, three-axis stabilizer is quick and easy to use.
It weighs 390g just by itself, letting you control it comfortably with one-hand. Its dimensions are 276×119.6×103.6 mm unfolded and 163×99.5×46.5 mm folded, which is optimal for compact storage and transportation. Its battery life can last for up to 15 hours and only need 2.5 hours to get a full charge by using a 10W charger.
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With its revolutionary magnetic design, it is simple to mount your phone onto the gimbal as you only need to put your phone near the magnetic DJI OM 4 for it to attach.
You can either use the magnetic phone clamp which securely fastens to your phone or the magnetic ring holder which also holds your phone safely.
This gimbal also comes with helpful features such as ActiveTrack 3.0 and DynamicZoom which allows you to track moving objects with high stability and create a dolly zoom or Hitchcock effect respectively.
Other helpful features include Gesture Control which lets you take pictures touch-free and CloneMe Pano which combines several photos into one stunning panorama.
There are also several timelapse, slow motion, and wide-angle options to choose from. The DJI OM4 is our winner in the search for the best gimbals for phones.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3
This three-axis gimbal is very similar to the DJI OM 4 as it is the latter’s predecessor. It is lightweight, efficient, and comfortable to use, adopting a foldable design that allows users to control it with one hand.
It has many of the features that are available on the DJI OM 4 such as ActiveTrack 3.0, Gesture Control, and Hyperlapse. You can easily create panoramas, slow-motion videos, and time-lapses as well.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is heavier than the OM 4, weighing 405g by itself. It is compatible with phones that are around 200g, with a thickness of less than 9.5 mm and a width of 62-88 mm. Its dimensions are 285 × 125 × 103 mm unfolded and 157 × 130 × 46 mm folded, and like the OM 4, also has a battery life of 15 hours that needs 2.5 hours to charge on a 10W charger.
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One key difference between the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 and the OM 4 is that the older model does not have a magnetic grip and instead relies on the phone clamp to hold your phone in place.
This means that it is harder to take your phone out of the gimbal, making it slightly bothersome to extract your phone to respond to texts and phone calls during filming.
However, its affordable price, economically priced at just under 100 US dollars, makes up for it. And regardless of the magnetic grip, it still makes for a pretty decent gimbal. The older model DJI Osmo Mobile 3 comes second in our search for the best gimbals for phones,
Zhiyun Smooth 4
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 has a unique clip design that is perfect for quick transitions between standby mode and startup mode, easily accessible by folding and unfolding the gimbal’s horizontal arm.
Made out of high-quality compound materials, the three-axis gimbal is both light enough to be held comfortably and sturdy enough to withstand any motion that you make while filming.
It is slightly on the heavier side, weighing 547g on its own. It can support phones up to 210g and as light as 75. Its dimensions are 123 x 105 x 328 mm and it has a battery life of 12 hours, with a standard charging time of 3.5 hours.
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The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is built for those eager to jumpstart their filming career. Instead of having users touch their phone screens, it provides some handy hot-key buttons on the gimbal which allows steady and smooth control.
It features some handy video-shooting capabilities such as Vertigo Shot, Roll-angle Time Lapse, and POV Orbital Shot, all of which are tremendously helpful for creating stylish videos.
It also boasts the Focus Pull & Zoom capability which lets users zoom in and out when taking close-up shots with a simple push of the FN switch button. Its signature PhoneGo Mode responds to quick movements without delay and creates seamless scene transitions without post-production editing.
There are also options for time-lapse videos including Timelapse, Motionlapse, Hyperlapse, Wide-range lapse, and Slow-motion. It also has accurate objecting tracking and focus tools to help record movement and create the best videos possible.
Feiyutech Vimble 2
The Feiyutech Vimble 2 is as much a gimbal as it is a selfie stick. It comes with an 18cm extension bar which is optimized for taking selfies, group photos, and wide-angle shots that want to capture as much scenery as possible.
There are helpful buttons on the Vimble 2 that enables users to take photos, videos and switch from camera to selfie cam in an instant. Its easy-to-use phone mount allows you to change shooting direction from landscape to portrait and vice versa with ease. It also features Bluetooth shutter buttons to ensure that you capture your best moments.
When it’s folded, the three-axis gimbal’s size is 110.5x118x323 mm, not counting the handy 18cm extension pole. It weighs 428g and has a battery life of 5 hours, with a charging time of 2 hours. The Vimble 2 can be charged with a power bank too, so it’s extra handy when you’re out and about. There are several colors, including space gray, sakura pink, and snow white.
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The Vimble 2 is a must-have for avid phone photographers as it comes with useful face tracking and object tracking functions, allowing you to lock focus onto a face and track motion while staying in focus respectively. It is also great for time-lapse photography, with an auto-rotation mode that lets you shoot comfortably and stylishly. Priced at 89 US dollars, it is a viable economic option for the enthusiast.
Hohem iSteady X
The ultra-lightweight and handy Hohem iSteady X can fit into your pocket when folded and is an incredibly powerful tool for creating state-of-the-art videos.
It weighs only 259g and has a maximum payload capacity of 280g. Its folded dimensions are 179 x 79 x 39 mm and it is 230 x 80 x 40 mm unfolded, redefining what it means to be a portable and efficient gimbal. It has a battery capacity of 2000 mAh, battery life of 8 hours, and a charging time of 2 hours.
It is easy to control this three-axis gimbal which comes with four keys and an all-functional APP. It utilizes the iSteady 3.0 Stabilization technology which converts motion into smooth and shake-free videos.
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The iSteady 3.0 Auto-rotation function is also extremely handy for shooting videos, especially ones that require low-angle shots. Its rotation ranges are Pan 320°, Roll 320°, Tilt 270°. It automatically rotates and turns your phone upside down when you turn the gimbal so that you can take low-angle videos without lying on the floor or feeling uncomfortable.
It features a non-orthogonal axes design that enables you to take advantage of your ultra-wide-angle smartphone and create stunning panoramas. It also comes with many cinematic templates including Dolly Zoom, Inception, and Timelapse.
Its Face-tracking Mode works hand in hand with its four easy-to-use buttons which are for zooming in and out, panning, tilting or rolling, switching between front and back cameras, and recentering. It is priced at 69 US dollars, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
Professional Gimbals
FreeFly Movi
The FreeFly Movi is not simply a gimbal but a “smartphone robot”, as described by its manufacturer. FreeFly Gimbals have been used in many Hollywood movies, making it the industry standard for gimbals and a trusted manufacturer.
Not with its venture into the smartphone market with the Movi, it comes with many tempting features that take videography to the next level.
The three-axis gimbal uses a secure clamp that can mount phones up to 90mm wide with quick insert and removal grips that allow you to mount and unmount your phone easily.
This gimbal is also easily controlled with one hand, there is a helpful button that can be controlled solely by your thumb that allows you to increase, decrease and lock exposure as well as to switch from front to back camera and replay the last clip you shot.
Since FreeFly is a more professional gimbal manufacturer, there are also options on the Movi that allow you to use accessories, such as a microphone or external lenses. You can also attach the gimbal to a tripod, dashboard mount, or a selfie stick.
It has a flat bottom with rubberized grips that lets you place the Movi anywhere without the need for a tripod. Its battery life is also pretty long and durable as it can sustain more than 8 hours of shooting. Its special grip also enables you to shoot vertical videos and turn your phone 90°.
Moreover, the FreeFly Movi comes with the dedicated Movi App which enables you to access professional-level shooting features and customizable settings. The connection between your gimbal and app is easy to set up, allowing you to control balance tuning, motion smoothing, trigger function, and more.
The Movi features a myriad of shooting modes including Majestic and Echo which helps you create cinematic footage. It also comes with some more standard shooting modes including Timelapse, Movilapse, and Orbit which are some time-lapse and tracking shooting modes.
The FreeFly Movi is geared towards those who are more enthusiastic about cinematography, but it is also a good gadget to have for the casual videographer.
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Best Small Gimbals
- Zhiyun Smooth Q2
- Zhiyun Smooth XS
Zhiyun Smooth Q2
As we come to the best small gimbals, the pocket-size Zhiyun Smooth Q2 deserves a place on our list. Measuring only 204 mm long, the gimbal can be tucked comfortably into your small bag and carried around for different shoots.
The three-axis handheld gimbal is made out of aluminum to ensure that it is sturdy enough to withstand the impacts of shooting while also being lightweight enough to not feel like a burden. Its handle is made out of soft silicone which allows it to sit comfortably on one hand.
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The Smooth Q2 comes with great functionality in a simple design. simply press a button to change between Pan Following Mode, Following Mode, and Lock Mode for focus tracking.
It also comes with the Vortex Mode which allows users to create 360-degree barrel shots in every dimension. It also features the new Full-Range POV Mode which enables 360-degree synchronous movement on three axes, providing an immersive cinematic experience.
Battery life is good with up to 17 hours of use, and can be charged easily with a power bank. As a small unit, it packs all the features you would expect from a quality gimbal such as Dolly Zoom, Panorama, and TimeLapse.
Zhiyun Smooth XS
The Zhiyun Smooth XS is dedicated to making your gimbal experience easy and memorable. The two-axis gimbal comes in four vibrant colors that you can choose from including ivory white, pearly pink, lemon yellow, and navy blue.
Coated with anti-slip rubber, the Smooth XS lives up to its name by being smooth and easy to handle. You simply have to slide out the gimbal to start shooting and slide it back in for storage.
The Smooth XS has a battery life of up to 5.5 hours and has a charging time of 3 hours, so its battery life is relatively short compared to other options we have on our list. However, it is redeemed by being small and compact, only weighing 249g.
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It also features helpful functions such as gesture control which lets you take photos and videos hands-free as well as a single click on the gimbal which switches your phone from landscape mode to portrait mode in a split second.
The Zhiyun Smooth XS is the perfect gimbal for budding filmmakers out there as it comes with the helpful SMART app which features templates with customizable music, movements, and special effects. Its diverse effects and transitions are great for those who are into editing videos.
Best Budget Gimbals
Zhiyun Smooth X
And now for the best budget phone gimbal on our list, we have the Zhiyun Smooth X which allows you to make high-quality videos at a fraction of the cost. It is easy to rotate and fold this 246g gimbal, switching between modes of filming and storage. It even has Bluetooth support that allows you to control camera movement with ease.
The two-axis gimbal has a 260 mm extended grip which allows you to take selfies and other wide-angle shots. It also has a rotatable motor axis that can fold and hold its positions at multiple angles, enabling you to take the best shot at your desired angle.
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It also comes with an instant landscape and portrait transition as well as a detailed face tracking focus. Being a part of the Zhiyun family, users have easy access to editing apps such as ZY Cami and SMART Filmmaking which are handy tools for post-production.
Like the other higher-end gimbals, the Zhiyun Smooth X also comes with Slow-Mo, Timelapse, and PANO shooting modes.
