Mobile phones have come a long way from those janky 2MP nokia cameras. Now we have smartphones that can shoot at resolutions as high as 4K. Who needs a big film camera when you can just whip out your smartphone and nail that perfect cinematic shot? And every year the smartphone camera quality steadily increases with a new device introducing new features. Using these smartphones is a great way to get started in the content creation business without investing in expensive gear.
Even though the smartphones are loaded with features needed to capture high quality footage, the unstable human hands are what’s holding them back. Oftentimes when you try to capture some awesome footage on your phone, only to have it ruined by shaky unstable hands. Not everyone is a sage with a calm mind and even calmer hands! This is where gimbals come in! Gimbals are image stabilization devices that can be used to capture footage while moving or of moving subjects. They can eliminate shaky blurry effects to help your footage look better than ever before! We at techoids have curated a list of best smartphone gimbals out right now to help you find a perfect match!
GIMBALS OFFER BETTER STABILIZATION
Gimbals keep the cameras steady despite the shakes and trembles that it might be subjected to! It can achieve a smooth tilt, pan or roll shot which is a rarity if done by hand, this is what’s referred to as tilt, pan and roll stabilization. Gimbals usually have 3 or 2 motors mounted on all the axes that get the job done.
Doesn’t matter if you tilt left or right or pan these brushless motors minimizes the unwanted motions and levels the camera. So the sudden jolts and shakiness easily get ignored while using a gimbal. As the camera quality of smartphones is ramping up frequently so does the quality of gimbals. Smartphone gimbals these days have quality features such as joysticks for panning, subject tracking and different capture modes. These are even affordable and pretty compact! So if you own a decent camera gimbals are a perfect device to add to your smartphone videography arsenal.
Table of contents:
- CHOOSING THE RIGHT GIMBAL ACCORDING TO YOUR NEED
- BEST SMARTPHONE GIMBAL (LIST)
- OUR PERSONAL PICK!
- FAQ
- VERDICT
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GIMBAL ACCORDING TO YOUR NEED
Stabilization
The stabilization quality of the gimbal depends upon the number of motors attached to it. Gimbals usually come in two varieties- two axis gimbals and three axis gimbals. The two axis gimbals stabilize the footage while titling and rolling while the three axis gimbals are able to stabilize the footage while panning as well. The three axis variant is expensive as compared to the two axis one.
Battery
Smartphone gimbals usually come with rechargeable lithium ion batteries. These batteries can range between 1000mAH to 3000mAH which can last upto 10-12 hours. Some of the inexpensive variants have replaceable alkaline batteries that have to be replaced from time to time as they have a short run time.
Weight
Smartphone gimbals can weigh upto 250-500 grams with their all plastic bodies. The lighter the gimbal the better, but it all comes down to your personal preference as the handling will be directly affected by the weight. Make sure that your smartphone’s weight comes under the gimbal’s specified weight or else the gimbal’ motors will struggle to keep balance.
Buttons
Many gimbals have a dedicated array of buttons on them for performing certain functions like starting, stopping recording or switching to panoramic mode. Some might even have a joystick for controlling the movement of the motors.
Bundled software
Usually the gimbal will come with a bundled application that can be used to configure the gimbal behaviour. Make sure that the application is compatible with the device that you will be using.
Compatibility
Make sure the gimbal works with the kind of smartphone you will be using as some of the gimbals just work with just some specific type of smartphone. Also check if the smartphone fits with the dimensions of the gimbal as it should fit snugly to ensure proper functioning.
Additional accessories
Gimbals can also have additional slots to attach accessories like tripod or counterweight to perform certain functionalities. A tripod would be necessary to take time lapse videos and a counterweight can help you to pan or tilt properly. Many of such accessories can be used to improve the overall experience.
BEST SMARPHONE GIMBALS:
1. DJI OSMO 4
Best overall for all needs!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 390 grams
Battery life: upto 15 hours
Dimensions: unfolded: 276 119.6 x 103.6mm
Compatibility: 67-84mm width, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 11499
DJI is no stranger to the world of cameras. Their name is synonymous to great quality even when it comes to camera accessories. Osmo 4 is the latest addition to DJI’s gimbal lineup.
Osmo 4 is a three axis gimbal that stays true to the design of its previous generation models while adding sweet new features such as a magnetic mount. Weighing at just 390 grams it’s super lightweight and can support phones up to 290 grams with thickness ranging between 6.9 to 10mm and width ranging between 67 to 84mm.
The front handgrip includes a joystick for panning and tilting and buttons for recording and switching between shooting modes. There’s also a zoom slider on the left and a USB type c port on the right for charging. It packs a 2,450mAh battery that can last upto 15 hours on a full charge. Connectivity is hassle free with the addition of Bluetooth v5.0.
Osmo 4 has a great magnetic phone clamp and a magnetic ring holder, all you have to do is mount your phone on the magnetic clamp and you are set up to shoot just in a few seconds!
All of DJI’s gimbals come bundled with the mimo app that can be used to tweak the behaviour of the device. Mimo lets you choose from various different shooting modes like timelapse, hyperlapse or panorama. It also features an object tracker called Active Track 3.0, you can select the object from the app and the gimbal will automatically ensure that it stays in the center of the frame.
Overall you can’t go wrong with the Osmo 4, it definitely ranks up high on our personal lists. But if you are cut short on budget but still are looking for some DJI goodness then DJI osmo 3 is worth checking out.
PROS
Affordable
Excellent battery life
Magnetic clamp makes it easy to switch between phones
CONS
Clamp doesn’t play well with volume rockers on some phones
Battery can’t be removed or replaced
2. DJI Osmo 3
Best Budget gimbal with a truck load of features!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 405 grams
Battery life: upto 10 hours
Dimensions: 16.2 x 6.2 x 17.9 cm unfolded
Compatibility: 67-84mm width, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 6900
DJI osmo 3 is the predecessor to the great osmo 4 and comes with all the DJI goodness that you’d expect! It’s a three axis gimbal that lets you tilt, pan or roll with ease. It’s a great budget option for all needs.
It weighs just around 405 grams with its all plastic body. Even with a lightweight frame it can withstand some heavy smartphones with ease because of the rock solid design. It has a comfortable rubber handgrip that ensures a firm hold. The buttons on the front include a joystick for tilting/panning and two hot keys for recording and mode switch.
It has a great battery life of about 10 hours and supports quick charging with a USB type C cable.
It comes bundled with the amazing mimo app that lets you customize the gimbal behaviour. Here you can switch between different modes such as timelapse, hyperlapse, panorama. Another great feature that the mimo has are the gesture controls. You can quickly get hold of the functionality even without reaching out for your phone. A quick double tap on mode button changes orientation, a triple tap changes from front to rear camera and much more!
Osmo 3 is a great budget choice that comes with a truck load of great features. You can even go for the combo bundle which includes a case and tripod. But if you are not bound by budget, osmo 3’s successor osmo 4 would definitely prove to be a better choice.
PROS
Folding design makes it more portable
Easy to flip between portrait and landscape modes
Excellent value
CONS
Needs re-balancing every time you remove your phone
No livestreaming option in the Mimo app
3. Zhiyun Smooth 4
Best for apple devices!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 600 Grams
Battery life: upto 10 hours
Dimensions: 12.3 x 10.5 x 32.8 cm unfolded
Compatibility: 67-85mm width, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 6600
Zhiyun smooth 4 is one of the best smartphone gimbals out there if you have an Apple device. The gimbal works with android too but to harness its true potential its best paired with an iphone.
Smooth 4 is a 3 axis stabilizer gimbal that can keep your device stable while rolling, panning or tilting. It is one of the best gimbals out there when it comes to build quality. It’s all plastic body is pretty robust and will last for a long period. It’s considerably light and can withstand devices upto 210 grams of weight.
It comes with a 2000mAH battery that can last upto 10 hours. Topping up the device requires 3.5 hours and can be done using the USB type C port. The array of buttons on the handle makes using features easier. They work perfectly with the bundled app to help you use features without even reaching for your phone. The partnership between Zhiyun and FiLMic allows iPhone users to use the FiLMic Pro app with the gimbal.
Zhiyun smooth 4 offers great features that you won’t find elsewhere that too at an affordable price. It’s a great choice if you are an iphone user and are cut short on budget.
PROS
Resistant to wind and bad weather conditions
Smooth 4 can run for 10 hours.
CONS
The ZY Play app isn’t suitable for Windows phones.
A very important feature missing from the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is object tracking.
the zoom isn’t smooth: it’s jerky.
Instead of a cylindrical design, Zhiyun has gone for a rectangle which isn’t comfortable to hold
4. Zhiyun M2
A gimbal for all smartphones and cameras too!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 490 Grams
Battery life: upto 7 hours
Dimensions: 6.2 x 13.71 x 25.67 cm unfolded
Compatibility: 67-84mm width, android/IOS
Price: Rs.17200
Zhiyun m2 is a super lightweight gimbal from zhiyun tech that is designed for smartphones and compact cameras alike. It allows you to mount across multiple types of devices like gopros, mirrorless cameras or smartphones as the situation demands.
Zhiyun m2 has a 3 axis design that allows you to pan, roll and tilt with ease. It has a sleek and compact body that will fit perfectly in anyone’s hand offering a precise control over movements. The gimbal has a decent 7 hour runtime and runs on a built in lithium ion battery.
The front of the handle has a joystick and two buttons for mode switch and recording. It even has a small OLED display that shows the mode, wifi, bluetooth and battery status. The mode and gimbal behaviour can be controlled with the ZY play app.
Zhiyun m2 is not the cheapest option out there but its versatility and compatibility with multiple devices makes it a good choice for professional videographers.
PROS
Well made
Stabilizes cameras up to 720g
Lots of shooting modes
CONS
Fiddly to setup
App is unintuitive
Expensive
5. Zhiyun-Tech Smooth-Q2
The ultimate smartphone gimbal redefining the concept of compactness!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 299 Grams
Battery life: upto 16 hours
Dimensions: 7 x 8 x 19 cm
Compatibility: Width: 2.17 to 3.39″ / 5.5 to 8.6 cm, android/IOS/compact cameras
Price: Rs. 10519
Zhiyun tech smooth q 2 is the ultimate compact gimbal for your smartphones that you can carry in your pocket! It is a three axis gimbal that weighs just over 300 grams making it powerful and super light at the same time. Smooth q2 boasts its powerful motors that can withstand heavy devices like iphone 11 pro max with ease.
This small device packs a massive 4500mAH battery that can give upto 16 hours of battery life with just a 3 hour top up charge. You can use bluetooth to connect your smartphone to the gimbal. It also has a great clamping mechanism that can be used to easily attach or detach your phone.
Like all other zhiyun gimbals smooth q2’s modes and behaviour can be modified by using the ZY play app. Q2 also has a vortex mode and a full range POV mode that allows you to create 360 barrel shots in all dimensions. Along with these it also has the traditional time lapse, object tracking and motion lapse modes as well. The front of the handle includes a joystick and two buttons for mode switch and recording. On the right there’s a USB type C port for charging.
Zhiyun tech smooth q2 is the truly compact option for casual videographers.
PROS
Very portable
Easy to use
Build quality
USB Type-C
CONS
Limited range of motion
No speed controls
6. Freefly Movi Cinema Robot Gimbal
Designed by filmmakers for filmmakers!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 671.32 Grams
Battery life: upto 8 hours
Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 3.6 inches
Compatibility: 3.5″ / 90 mm Width, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 60000
Freefly movi cinema robot has a different form factor from the other novel gimbal devices in the market but for a good reason. The flat base acts as a stand so you can place the gimbal upright on any flat surface, that’s a neat little feature that other gimbals fail to nail. It has a three axis design so you can tilt, pan or roll till your heart’s content!
One of the best features of freefly movi are its programmable shots. You can use the free Movi app to customize or select programmable shots. This adds a whole different level of personalization to your shots. Apart from this movi app also has various different modes such as majestic, echo, time-lapse, movilapse, smartpod, and orbit modes.
It works on two 18650 lithium ion batteries that can churn upto 8 hours of runtime with a full charge of 3 hours. While there is no competition when it comes to functionality, design and build quality of freefly movi it lacks when it comes to compactness and affordability. It falls on the expensive side if compared to other gimbals and would be a good choice only for a professional.
PROS
Great Stabilization Performance
Movi App is very well-designed
Can stand upright on flat surfaces by itself
Can hold with two hands
CONS
Significantly more expensive than other smartphone gimbals
Bulky
7. Zhiyun Smooth X Mobile
A selfie stick or a gimbal? BOTH!
Features:
Stabilization: 2 axis
Weight: 400 Grams
Battery life: upto 5 hours
Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 5 cm
Compatibility: Width: 1.97 to 3.54″ / 50 to 90 mm, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 5799
Zhiyun smooth X is another gimbal in Zhiyun’s smooth range that merges the ergonomics of a selfie stick and a gimbal into one! It acts as a normal 2 axis gimbal but also has a built in aluminium selfie stick extension. The panning and rolling abilities of the two motors and the extended reach can be used to capture stunning footage.
The gimbal is lightweight weighing at just 400 grams with the extension and has a decent build quality with its all plastic body and aluminum extension. It is loaded with a 1000mAH battery with a runtime of about 5 hours.
The gimbal’s accompanying software is called ZY cami. You can customize the gimbals behaviour and change modes inside ZY cami. Zy cami also has a built-in editor to edit your videos on the go. While this editor is far from perfect it does a decent job of providing basic editing functionalities like cropping and adding special effects.
One of the major things that holds back smooth x is the 2 axis stabilization. You might experience jitters in the video, but that’s a compromise you have to make while using a 2 axis gimbal.
Overall Zhiyun smooth 4 is a compact and affordable gimbal that can be picked up by anyone who just wants to experience that gimbal goodness without cutting their pockets.
PROS
Price
Portability
Monopod can be helpful at times
CONS
2-axes stabilization
Mediocre battery life
Small handgrip
8. Hohem iSteady Mobile+
Perfect balance between price and performance!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 730 Grams
Battery life: upto 12 hours
Dimensions: 11.3 x 30.7 x 10.8 cm
Compatibility: 58-89mm width, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 6990
Hohem isteady mobile+ is one of the best budget gimbals in the market. It doesn’t have fancy features like DJI or zhiyun nor is it as expensive as these but it nails the balance between price and performance. It is a 3 axis gimbal so it can smooth out tilt, pan or roll shots.
The body is all plastic which is quite decent. It has a rubber grip on the handle but it might be too short of some hands. The handle has a straightforward array of buttons, a joystick allows you to move the gimbal, there’s a zoom/focus dial on the left and two buttons to let you switch modes or start/stop recording.
The gimbal has a weight of just 490 grams and can withstand devices upto 280 grams. It has a good 4000mAH battery that can keep the device up for around 12 hours with a full charge of 3.5 hours. You can use the hohem gimbal app to change the modes and behaviour of the gimbal. It includes modes like panorama, time-lapse, motion time-lapse, hyper-lapse, slow-motion, and more.
While hohem isteady mobile+ may look like a cheap knock off at times, but it performs just as well as the expensive DJI or Zhiyun lineups. It’s a great choice if you are on a budget.
PROS
Solid image stabilization
Long Battery Life
Price
CONS
Basic software
9. The Moza Mini S Essential
A mid-range banger!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 500 Grams
Battery life: upto 8 hours
Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 5 cm
Compatibility: 58-88mm width., android/IOS
Price: Rs. 5116
Moza mini S is another mid end smartphone gimbal that gives a strong competition to its expensive counterparts. It is a 3 axis gimbal unlike other gimbals in this range that settle for 2 axis.
It has an all plastic body which feels a little cheap but can be overlooked considering the price range. The gimbal weighs 500 grams and can withstand devices upto 260 grams. It has a great 2200mAH battery that can provide upto 8 hours of battery life just in a full charge of 1.5 hours.
You can use the MOZA genie app to customize the behaviour of the gimbal or to change modes. It has various different modes such as Hyperlapse, Slow Motion, Sport Gear, Vertigo, Inception. There are also various camera presets and effects within the application. You can even use gestures to perform certain functionalities.
Considering the price point it is easy to ignore some downsides about MOZA mini S like the lack of freedom of movement and a slightly cheap build. Other than that MOZA mini S covers all the basic functionalities of a gimbal.
PROS
Folding design
Good stabilization performance
Price
CONS
Cheap build quality
Buggy Android app
Short battery life
10. The Vimble 2S
A gimbal with an extendable arm!
Features:
Stabilization: 3 axis
Weight: 771 grams
Battery life: upto 12 hours
Dimensions: 35.31 x 17.27 x 5.84 cm
Compatibility: Width: 2.24 to 3.31″ / 5.7 to 8.4 cm, android/IOS
Price: Rs. 5,936
The vimble 2s is an extensible 3 axis gimbal for smartphones that can act as a selfie stick too. The gimbal comes with a 18 cm long extension pole which gives the camera a wider frame to capture. The 3 axis motors and the ultimate pov mode allows the gimbal to move 360 degrees in any direction which allows for some really complicated movements. It even has a physical motor axis locking system which can be used for balancing or installation.
It has a 1300mAH battery that can provide a battery life of up to 12 hours with ease. The product weighs around 771 grams with the tripod attached.
The handle features a range of buttons like a joystick, a shutter button and a function button on the front. The front has a led status indicator similarly the back also has a trigger button that is conveniently placed within the reach.
You can use the Feiyu ON app to customize the behavior and modes of the gimbal. You have to connect your smartphone to the app using Bluetooth. The app boasts a range of features such as face/ object tracking, Hitchcock dolly zooming, Motion-time-lapse setting, Overlapping image, light-tracking and panorama mode.
PROS
Decent stabilization performance
Simple and intuitive control system
18cm extendable arm is actually useful
CONS
Disappointing battery life (around 5 hours)
Feiyu camera app is no good
OUR PERSONAL PICK! : DJI OSMO 4
With so many options in the market it can be overwhelming to pick a device. For our personal pick we would recommend DJI osmo 4!
Why go for Osmo 4?
DJI Osmo 4 is one of the latest smartphone gimbals in the market. Being the latest means that it is pack loaded with features and has improved upon its predecessor. The name DJI is no stranger to quality and they stand their position with Osmo 4.
Another solid reason to opt for Osmo 4 is because of its accompanying software. Osmo 4 needs to be connected to Mimo app for functioning this app has various features and modes to customize Osmo 4’s behaviour like
Timelapse where you can set the path the gimbal will follow for the duration of the timelapse. Hyperlapses are also possible, even with phones with decent cameras. There’s even a story mode that lets you create short stories easily. All you have to do is to pick a template and follow the guide to capture short clips, which are then automatically stitched together with transitions, on-screen text, and music. There’s panoramas that let you take 180-degree or wider shots. Active Track 3.0 is a mode where you can select the object you want to follow through the viewfinder, and then the gimbal will automatically track it to ensure it’s always in the centre of the frame. Sport Mode allows for active tracking on the object in the centre of the frame and increases the speed of the motors, so the gimbal can pan and tilt more rapidly.
At this price range Osmo 4 is a bang for your buck. It’s affordable, well-made, portable, and easy to set up and use. Doesn’t matter if you are a professional or just a hobbyist you can’t really go wrong with Osmo 4.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is DJI OM 4 For?
The newest DJI phone gimbal is designed for couples, families, vloggers, and anyone that wants to shoot the best content from their phone. The new magnetic design is a significant upgrade, which allows you to snap your phone in place and shoot instantly. DJI OM 4 also supports heavier phones and requires minimal levelling. Simply put, DJI OM 4 makes shooting smart and easy.
What Is a Phone Gimbal & How Does it Work?
A phone gimbal or video stabilizer are essential tools that stabilize video for phone users by maintaining the stability of a phone on a single axis. Phone gimbals use a small gyroscope called an inertial measuring unit (IMU) to detect even the slightest movement. Brushless motors at each of the pivot points make split-second corrections that keep the phone in a stable position even as you walk, jump, and move around.
Should You Get a Phone Gimbal?
There are many reasons why most people will benefit from using a phone gimbal. Smartphone stabilizers are inexpensive, perfect for people on the go, and deliver cinematic video, which makes your audience feel as if they are a part of your story.
How to Choose a Phone Gimbal?
When choosing a phone gimbal you should look at all the aspects of a particular model. Key factors include design, stabilization, ease of use, and the included software capabilities, and more.
Is it worth getting a phone gimbal?
Anyone interested in taking stabilized video with their phone needs a smartphone gimbal. Video stabilizers and phone gimbals are a great idea if you want to avoid shaky videos.
What is the difference between a 2-axis and 3-axis gimbal?
A 2-axis gimbal adjusts movement only in two axes, however 3-axis gimbal will adjust movement in three axes (forwards-backwards, side-to-side, and left-right movements) moreover 3-axis gimbals produce smoother gimbal video and allow you to take footage while panning, tilting or while rolling without any shakiness.
VERDICT
If you want to take your filmmaking or videography gig to the next level, gimbals are the way to go! Now it is really easy to pick one of these devices and create stunning looking footage on the go. Hope this guide helped you to find a perfect match for your needs!