Smartphone gimbals are essential tools for anyone who wants to shoot smooth, stabilized videos with their phone. Handheld gimbals counteract the shakiness from hand movements using motorized arms that keep your device steady as you record. With smartphone cameras continuously improving in video quality, adding a gimbal takes your videography to the next level.
But with so many options available, how do you pick the right gimbal? In this guide, we‘ll compare the top smartphone gimbals of 2024 based on design, features, performance, and value. We‘ll also discuss key factors in choosing a gimbal and what future advancements to expect. Read on for our recommendations on the best smartphone gimbals available today.
Top 5 Smartphone Gimbals of 2024
1. DJI OM 6 – Best Overall
Price: $159
Key Features:
- Class-leading 3-axis stabilization
- Weighs just 1 pound for excellent portability
- 6.5 hours of battery life
- Autonomous subject tracking
- 215mm extension rod for creative angles
DJI is the most trusted name for camera gimbals, and the OM 6 represents the pinnacle for smartphone stabilization. Its lightweight carbon fiber frame provides rock steady footage whether you‘re walking or running. I especially like the "DynamicZoom" feature which smooths zooms by automatically adjusting motor strength. If you want cinematic videos from your iPhone or Android, this is the gimbal to get.
2. Zhiyun Smooth 5 – Best for Advanced Features
Price: $169
Key Features:
- Object tracking and auto-focus capabilities
- Integrated fill light for shooting in low light
- Intuitive controls with jog wheel and buttons
- 4.5 hour battery life
- Heavy-duty frame for challenging shoots
While the OM 6 tops our list, the Smooth 5 gives it a run with extra shooting modes and durable metal body. This gimbal can intelligently track people or objects, keeping them centered in the frame even if they move unexpectedly. The integrated lighting is also useful for dim restaurants or night shoots. Just keep in mind the shorter battery life.
Buy the Zhiyun Smooth 5 on Amazon
3. Obudyard Cloud Shadow 4 – Best Budget Gimbal
Price: $38.99
Key Features:
- Inexpensive single-axis gimbal
- Built-in extendable selfie stick
- Transforms into a tripod
- Includes Bluetooth remote control
- Weighs under 9 ounces
The Obudyard Cloud Shadow 4 offers surprisingly decent stabilization at a bargain price point. The motor smooths out shakes from front to back to reduce jerky movements. You can also convert this handgrip gimbal into a desktop tripod. Battery life is just 2 hours, but that‘s expected for the low cost.
Buy the Obudyard Cloud Shadow 4 on Amazon
4. DJI Pocket 2 – Most Portable Gimbal Camera
Price: $349
Key Features:
- Built-in 4K camera and gimbal in mini format
- Captures gorgeous 64MP photos
- Includes 4 microphones for great audio
- 2.5 hours battery life per charge
- Weighs just 4 ounces
The ingenious DJI Pocket 2 packs a 4K camera and 3-axis gimbal into a design no larger than a candy bar. There‘s no need to mount your phone because footage gets recorded straight to the integrated storage. Images and video benefit from advanced stabilization for mesmerizing quality. Just slide it into any pocket when not filming.
Buy the DJI Pocket 2 on Amazon
5. FeiyuTech G6 Max – Best for Action Cams
Price: $139
Key Features:
- Splashproof design for outdoor filming
- Handles GoPro and other action cams
- 12 hours battery life
- OLED status screen
- Cool motion timelapses
While designed with GoPros in mind, the 3-axis FeiyuTech G6 Max works great as a rugged smartphone gimbal too. It‘s water and dust resistant, so you can confidently use it outside without worry. The extended battery life also suits longer filming sessions during travel or adventure.
Buy the Feiyutech G6 Max on Amazon
How to Choose the Best Smartphone Gimbal
With all kinds of gimbals available at different price points, you need to assess their features and your needs. Here are the most important criteria when selecting a smartphone gimbal:
Stabilization Axes – More axes means better stabilization, so 3-axis gimbals create the smoothest videos. However, 2-axis models can save you money with still decent steadiness.
Weight Distribution – An evenly weighted gimbal keeps your phone secure with less shake. But also consider overall weight, as too much bulk limits portability.
Features – Think about convenience of controls and additional modes like object tracking or motion timelapse. Some support accessories too.
Battery Life – Duration varies greatly, from 90 minutes to 12 hours per charge. Manage expectations for longer runtimes.
Durability – Cheaper gimbals may break more easily. Pay more for robust construction if you‘ll film sports or outdoors.
Price – With cutting edge 3-axis electric gimbals costing up to $500 now, fantastic budget options are also available.
Set your priorities among those factors, along with camera/phone compatibility, to find your perfect gimbal match.
What It‘s Like to Use a Smartphone Gimbal
If you‘re used to shooting handheld, smartphone gimbals feel amazingly smooth and fluid. Where casual videos look shaky and amateurish, gimbal footage appears elegantly professional. You‘ll delight in gently panning to follow pets or kids as the motorized arms smoothly compensate.
Setup is generally straightforward when powered on – just mount your phone, balance it, and align the axes via the app. Then explore the shooting modes like portrait/landscape orientation, pan follow, locking on subjects, motion timelapses, and more. The learning curve feels easy thanks to touch controls and intuitive UIs. However, expect a bit of a learning period to create truly cinematic movement.
The main downside is that gimbals require periodic charging like your phone. So carrying backup batteries or an external charger helps avoid missing special moments. Too much wind can also disrupt the motors. But with reasonable preparation, gimbals make cell phone videography incredibly fun and fulfilling.
What‘s Coming for Smartphone Gimbals
As gimbals grow smarter, expect them to expand in capability:
- Better stabilization algorithms using AI and machine learning for enhanced performance
- Integrated microphones and speakers for vlogging with high quality audio
- Sleeker, ultra-compact designs maximizing portability
- Automatically tracking people and pets as they move unpredictability
- Built-in effects and editing features to spice up videos directly inside the gimbal app
- Gesture and voice control for controlling the gimbal through movements or commands
DJI and others continue pushing innovation year-after-year. The lines between professional cinema rigs and smartphone gimbals will further blur, making Hollywood-quality videography accessible to anyone.
Wrap Up: Which Smartphone Gimbal is Best for You?
From live streaming hikes to capturing flawless real estate walkthroughs, smartphone gimbals open amazing creative opportunities. Hopefully this guide covered all you need to confidently choose the right model – analyzing stabilization, hardware, special modes, battery life, and other key decision factors.
I recommend the DJI OM 6 as the best all-around gimbal for smooth cinematic iPhone or Android video. But power users should also consider the Zhiyun Smooth 5 for its tracking capabilities and toughness. Just getting started? The Obudyard Cloud Shadow 4 packs great value into a budget single-axis model.
Have you filmed with smartphone gimbals before? Which features do you find most game-changing? Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which gimbal is best for smartphone?
The DJI OM 6 is the best overall thanks to its lightweight 3-axis design, excellent battery life, intelligent tracking features, and smooth DynamicZoom. It works great with the latest iPhones and Android devices.
What is the best budget gimbal?
If you‘re on tight budget, the Obudyard Cloud Shadow 4 costs under $40 with decent single-axis stabilization. Just have modest expectations for battery runtime and overall video quality from its more basic motor.
How do I choose a good gimbal?
Focus first on 3-axis stabilization for capturing professional looking footage, adequate battery life for your filming habits, sufficient payload handling, and robust construction if filming action/extreme activities. Choose features based on your specific needs like live streaming, vlogging and so on. But any gimbal beats shooting handheld!
Which smartphone has the best stabilization?
For phones with enhanced built-in stabilization, the Xiaomi 12 Pro currently leads the pack. Its advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon processor powers incredibly smooth digital video stabilization to compete with many gimbals. But for more advanced projects, filming with an external gimbal almost always proves superior.
