“Explore the best gimbal stabilizers for seamless, dynamic shots.”
Gimbal stabilizers are a must-have tool for vloggers, Youtubers, Tiktokers, and influencers as they help to capture smooth and steady videos while running, walking, or just standing still.
And moreover, modern gimbals come with integrated apps which can now automatically follow a subject, ensuring you capture that dynamic, on-the-move shot effortlessly.
However, with so many gimbal stabilizers out there, finding the best gimbal stabilizer can be overwhelming.
Our comprehensive “Buying Guide” aims to declutter this space by providing clear and concise information.
Based on the same information, we have rounded up the best gimbal stabilizers and provided in-depth product reviews that pull back the curtain on each model’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.
- Best Budget-Friendly: Hohen Gimbal Stabilizer
- Best Overall: DJI Gimbal Stabilizer
- Compact and Portable: Obudyard Gimbal Stabilizer
- 3-In-1 Design Multifunction: upxon Gimbal Stabilizer
- Smart Anti Vibration Technology: KOSCHEAL Gimbal Stabilizer
- High Value for Money: IKOMMI Gimbal Stabilizer
- Ease of Use: Wensot Gimbalar Stabilizer
- AI Tracking: JCROBOT Gimbal Stabilizer
- Professional’s Choice: Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer
- Compact and Efficient: iWALK Gimbal Stabilizer
Outline
Toggle9 Best Gimbal Stabilizers
Best Gimbal Stabilizers | Stabilization Axis | Weight Limit | Warranty | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hohem Gimbal Stabilizer | 3 axis stabilization | Up to 281 grams | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
DJI Gimbal Stabilizer | 3 axis stabilization | Up to 230 grams | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
Obudyard Gimbal Stabilizer | 1 axis stabilization | -- | -- | Check On Amazon |
upxon Gimbal Stabilizer | 1 axis stabilization | Up to 400 grams | --- | Check On Amazon |
KOSCHEAL Gimbal Stabilizer | 1 axis stabilization | Up to 800 grams | --- | Check On Amazon |
IKOMMI Gimbal Stabilizer | 3 axis stabilization | Up to 200 grams | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
Wensot Gimbal Stabilizer | 1 axis stabilization | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
JCROBOT Gimbal Stabilizer | 3 axis stabilization | Up to 299 grams | --- | Check On Amazon |
iWALK Gimbal Stabilizer | 1 axis stabilization | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
Best Gimbal Stabilizers : Reviews
1. Hohem Gimbal Stabilizer
The iSteady Mobile+ Gimbal Stabilizer from Hohen highlights the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and performance, making it a compelling choice for content creators.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 3-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to 281 grams
- Compatibility: Designed to be universal
- Warranty: 1-year
Reasons to Love
The Hohem iSteady Mobile+ gimbal stabilizer provides more than just stabilization. Its integrated “Hohem Joy App” propels filmmaking into a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. With this app, creators can access features like “Moment” video templates, Inception, Fantastic Rotation, and Dolly Zoom.
A unique feature, the 3D Fantasy Auto-rotation mode, facilitates a spontaneous 360° vertical rotation, granting filmmakers a truly cinematic touch to their creations. It comes equipped with a 3 ¼ screw hole, enabling users to attach a myriad of accessories, from tripods to video lights.
Sport Mode is an acknowledgment of the dynamic nature of content creation, ensuring smooth shots even in fast-paced situations like running or cycling. Furthermore, its battery life stands out, offering up to 13 hours of operation. In dire situations, the gimbal can even function as a power bank, so creators never miss a moment.
Reasons to Avoid
Users laud the Hohem iSteady for its commendable battery life and versatile compatibility with a wide range of smartphones. But some have noted that the build quality, especially considering its heavy-duty claim, could be improved.
2. DJI Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI is a leading brand renowned for its cutting-edge camera gimbals tailored for professionals. The Their mobile 3 Gimbal Stabilizer is one of their premier mobile gimbal offerings, merging DJI’s expertise in stabilization with features fit for modern content creators.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 3-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 230 grams
- Compatibility: Devices with a width of 62-88 mm and thickness up to 9.5mm.
- Warranty: 2-years
Reasons To Love
The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Gimbal Stabilizer is more than just a tool for stabilization. Its intuitive functions, such as the M button or trigger, enable users to swiftly switch shooting angles. Whether you’re capturing portrait or landscape, the Quick Roll feature ensures seamless transitions.
Gesture Control is another highlight, letting users snap a selfie or commence recording with just a hand signal. Both the front and rear cameras can recognize this feature, simplifying solo and group captures.
Advanced tracking is powered by ActiveTrack 3.0, which identifies moving subjects like people or pets with impressive accuracy. This is especially beneficial in high-movement scenarios, such as sports. For the creatives, the integrated DJI app provides a plethora of shooting modes. Whether you’re into subject tracking, dolly zoom, hyper-lapses, or panoramas, the Osmo Mobile 3 has you covered.
The combo pack adds value with accessories such as a carrying bag, case, tripod, wrist strap, and charging cable. The carrying case’s hard casing design ensures the device is shielded from impacts, while the Osmo Grip Tripod offers stability when placed on tables.
Reasons to Avoid
Most users appreciate the Osmo Mobile 3 for its versatility and the suite of advanced features it offers. The inclusion of various accessories in the combo pack is seen as a valuable addition. However, some feedback suggests that the device becomes a tad heavy when all the accessories are utilized.
3. Obudyard Gimbal Stabilizer
Obudyard, a budding brand is perfect for people who are looking for budget gimbal stabilizer. In addition to being a traditional stabilizer, it also serves as a selfie stick and tripod.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 1-axis
- Weight capacity: NA
- Compatibility: Compatible with IOS 7.0+ and Android 5.0+ systems
- Extendibility: Up to 72cm
- Warranty: Not mentioned
Reasons to Love
The Obudyard Gimbal Stabilizer is a compact tool that packs a punch. Its built-in single-axis motor combats unintentional shakes, providing clear, stable footage without stretching your budget. The device boasts a 360-degree remote control, ensuring blur-free captures from any angle.
Its Bluetooth remote control enhances the hands-free experience, especially beneficial for solo users, with an impressive 10-meter range. Portability is a significant highlight; at a mere 227 grams and 20 centimetres, it is perfect for on-the-move videographers.
A standout feature is its ability to morph into a tripod stand, a boon for those spontaneous moments demanding stability. This stabilizer also simplifies capturing low-angle shots, granting a unique perspective. Additionally, the silicone rubber case protects your smartphone button, ensuring an uninterrupted filming experience.
Reasons to Avoid
While Obudyard gimbal stabilizer have become popular among consumer for its compact design and versatility, a common concern is often mentioned among their reviews. They have stated that there is an absence of a clearly defined weight limit and phone clip size specification.
4. upxon Gimbal Stabilizer
UPXON, a key player in the gimbal industry, has been lauded for both its professional-grade and compact gimbal stabilizers. The UPXON Smooth 4 Professional Gimbal Stabilizer exemplifies the same efficiency and performance.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 1-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to 213 grams
- Compatibility: Designed for smartphones
- Warranty: 1-year
Reasons to Love
The UPXON Gimbal Stabilizer L08 is a versatile gadget ideal for enhancing mobile photography and videography, especially for Vlogging and live video recording.
This sleek, black stabilizer is compatible with most smartphones and features an anti-shake 1-axis gimbal with sports gyroscope and auto-balance technology, ensuring stable, blur-free footage. It’s user-friendly, requiring no additional apps, and has a 360° adjustable clip head for easy operation.
The device also includes an extendable selfie stick, doubles as a stable tripod, and comes with a wireless remote control for convenient shooting. Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for travel and is also compatible with GoPro cameras, making it a versatile choice for photography enthusiasts.
Reasons to Avoid
May not work with all smartphone sizes, especially larger models or phones with thick cases.
5. KOSCHEAL Gimbal Stabilizer
This product from KOSCHEAL has made to our list of the best gimbal stabilizer because of its efficiency given its affordable price. So, it is a perfect option for people who are on a tight budget.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 1-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to 265 grams
- Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, etc.
- Warranty: 1-year
Reasons to Love
KOSCHEAL introduces an innovative Gimbal Stabilizer for smartphones, compatible with a wide range of devices.
This cost-effective stabilizer rivals the functionality of a 3-axis gimbal, making it a great value. It features a detachable gimbal with fill light for both front and back, enhancing shooting and live streaming quality.
Easy to use, it includes a remote control for seamless switching between horizontal and vertical shots and creative space mode effects. This stabilizer is not just a selfie stick but a professional-grade tool, offering anti-shake stabilization and a variety of shooting modes. Its lightweight, compact design ensures portability, making it ideal for capturing life’s moments anywhere.
Reasons to Avoid
As it’s not a full 3-axis gimbal, it may not provide the same level of stabilization for more dynamic movements or professional-grade videography.
6. IKOMMI Gimbal Stabilizer
The next product on our list of the best gimbal stabilizer is from IKOMMI. It is perfect for content creators who are looking for a cost-effective and user-friendly gimbal stabilizer for smartphone stabilization.
Key Specifications
- Stability: Single-axis
- Weight Capacity: Up to 300g
- Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Gopro, Huawei, etc.
- Extendibility: Extendable up to 68 cm
- Warranty: NA
Reasons to Love
Compared to other 3-axis phone gimbal stabilizers, this model is lightweight and easy to handle. So, you can easily carry it to your shoot locations and handle it easily while taking videos. As the manufacturer provides clear instructions, anyone everyone can access it.
It can extend up to a maximum of 68cm, making it applicable for various applications. It Includes a Bluetooth remote for convenient wireless shooting control. This product is compatible with popular smartphone brands like iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, and more.
Coming to battery, this gimbal stabilizer is equipped with a 450maH battery. So, it provides up to 3 hours of continuous use. With anti-shake function, it ensures blur and stable-free video and photo capture. It comes with a built-in 28.8-inch aluminum alloy telescopic rod.
Reasons to Avoid
While the affordability and multi-functionality of the gimbal stabilizer has been praised a lot. Some customers have expressed concerns about lack of warranty.
7. Wensot Gimbal Stabilizer
Wensot is one of the smallest brands that manufacture perfect entry-level options at an affordable price range. It caters to selfie enthusiasts, photographers, and video producers, offering multiple creative options for capturing moments.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 3-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to 230 grams
- Compatibility: Most of the smartphones
- Warranty: NA
Reasons to Love
This multi-functional gimbal stabilizer serves as a handheld gimbal stabilizer, an extendable selfie stick, and a phone tripod stand, providing flexibility for various shooting scenarios. It is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android phones, making it accessible to a broad user base.
Thanks to its 360-degree camera shooting, you can capture the shots in diverse angles (both horizontal and vertically) for your photos and videos. Equipped with a brushless motor and smart anti-shake technology, this gimbal stabilizer ensures stable footage by preventing phone shaking and automatically correcting posture.
The built-in Bluetooth wireless remote control operates efficiently up to 10 meters away, enhancing convenience during group photos or video shoots. The extendable selfie stick can reach up to 68 cm and offers height adjustability in four sections, allowing precise positioning for your shots. Constructed from durable aluminum and ABS materials, with an ergonomic handle design that provides added stability and an anti-slip effect.
Reasons to Avoid
While the gimbal stabilizer offers great value for its features and affordability, there is limited information available regarding its warranty.
8. JCROBOT Gimbal Stabilizer
JCROBOT is one of the smallest brands that manufacture perfect entry-level options at an affordable price range. It caters to selfie enthusiasts, photographers, and video producers, offering multiple creative options for capturing moments.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 1-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to 265 grams
- Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, etc.
- Warranty: 1-year
Reasons to Love
JCROBOT’s iSleeky L7C Pro Plus+ is a sophisticated smartphone stabilizer, embodying their vision of “Expand View, Enhance Life.”
It revolutionizes mobile videography with AI Face & Object Tracking, allowing for dynamic and creative filming. The Magnetic Easy Connect feature simplifies brightness and color temperature adjustments, eliminating the need for apps.
This stabilizer also includes Smart Gesture Control for convenient hands-free operation and offers 9 color adjustments for versatile lighting options. With its unique ability to capture unlimited angles and low-angle shots, it’s both portable and foldable, perfect for on-the-go use. Fast charging and a lightweight design further enhance its practicality, making it an essential tool for capturing life’s moments.
Reasons to Avoid
The AI tracking technology, while innovative, may not always be as accurate or responsive as manual controls, especially in fast-paced or unpredictable environments.
9. iWALK Gimbal Stabilizer
iWALK may be a lesser-known brand, but their Gimbal Stabilizer packs a punch when it comes to smartphone stabilization. It is designed for travellers, family gatherings, outdoor adventures, and anyone looking to capture steady photos and videos.
Key Specifications
- Stability: 1-axis stabilization
- Weight Capacity: Up to compatible phone weight
- Compatibility: iPhone 12/12 Mini/Pro/Max, 11/X, Samsung Note20/S20/S10/S9, and more
- Warranty: Not specified
Reasons to Love
The gimbal’s extendable design with four-section aluminum alloy sticks and an ABS + Rubber phone clamp adds comfort to your handheld experience while enhancing stability. Plus, the anti-slip tripod legs provide extra support when needed.
One standout feature is the automatic balance, which quickly finds the equilibrium position to ensure your phone stays stable while in use, whether in horizontal or vertical orientation. The built-in wireless Bluetooth remote control is a handy addition, making it easy to capture shots and videos without fumbling with your phone.
The gimbal also offers a 360-degree shooting mode, video stabilization, and a tripod mode for stable shots on flat surfaces. This gimbal stabilizer has extendable and foldable design for easy storage and access. It also comes with tripod mode to place on a flat surface.
Reasons to Avoid
While iWALK’s gimbal stabilizer offers excellent performance, it’s worth noting that it may not be the lightest option on the market.
How to Choose the Best Gimbal Stabilizer?
Choosing the right gimbal stabilizer can make the difference between shaky footage and professional-looking shots. But with so many options out there, what factors should you consider? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice.
1. Axis Stability
Axis stability refers to how many directions a gimbal can control or stabilize. Most gimbals you’ll find are either 2-axis or 3-axis. Higher is always better. However, you can make the choice based on your video requirements and budget considerations. Below is a quick detail about the two options.
- A 3-axis gimbal can control all three movements: roll, pitch, and yaw. This means it can handle a lot of different movements and keep your video steady. So, if you’re walking around filming, turning corners, or even going up and down stairs, a 3-axis gimbal will make sure the footage looks smooth.
- A 2-axis gimbal usually does not control the yaw (the twirling motion). This means it’s good for simpler movements, but might not handle complex ones as well. And if you ever come across a 1-axis gimbal, know that it’s controlling just one of these movements. It’s more basic and will be cheaper, but it won’t give you the smoothest videos.
2. Battery Life
Gimbal stabilizers come with in-built batteries to sustain their energy needs of the brushless motors. This factor is especially important for videographers and vloggers who have extended shooting sessions.
Most of the gimbal stabilizers have a range of battery life duration, from 6 to 12 hours or more. A lengthier battery duration not only means less frequent charges for the gimbal but can also be a lifesaver for your phone.
Many gimbals possess the capability to charge phones, so a heftier battery can extend your phone’s usage time during shoots. If that is your requirement, then you can go for it. But remember that, this option can make the gimbal stabilizer heavier.
3. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a gimbal refers to the heaviest camera or smartphone it can safely support and stabilize. This factor is pivotal because overloading a gimbal with a device heavier than its capacity can damage the gimbal or result in shaky, unstable footage.
In essence, by respecting the weight capacity, users can ensure optimal performance and longevity of the gimbal while capturing smooth videos, regardless of whether they’re using a lightweight smartphone or a heftier camera setup.
4. Compatibility
Compatibility in gimbals refers to the variety of cameras or smartphones that the device can securely hold and stabilize. This ensures that users invest in a gimbal tailored to their specific shooting device. Most of the brands specify which phone sizes or cameras fit their gimbals. Check these specifications to know which one suits your requirements. We prefer gimbals that can hold many different phones, especially the best iPhones and Androids we recommend.
5. Phone Clip Size
Before using the gimbal stabilizer, you need to secure your phone in the gimbal’s holder clip. It is essential that this clip can accommodate your phone’s width. Most gimbals provide a size rating for their clips, allowing you to check if your smartphone will fit. Additionally, some gimbals specify which phones are compatible based on both weight and dimensions.
6. Controls and Smart App Integrations
Many gimbal stabilizers offer more than just stabilization; they come with automated shooting modes that enhance video capture beyond handheld capabilities. Basic modes often include pan, lock, follow, and POV. Most gimbals also support both landscape and portrait orientations, catering to different online platforms.
Advanced features in some gimbals encompass 360-degree spins, panoramas, and subject tracking. These functionalities can be managed through the gimbal’s physical controls, like its joystick and buttons, or its accompanying smartphone app.
7. Ease of Use
Clear buttons on a gimbal’s handle are essential for ease of use. Whether you like many or just a few buttons, they should be straightforward to understand and operate. If the gimbal’s buttons aren’t to your liking, most tasks can also be managed through your phone’s touchscreen.
8. Additional Features
- Motion Time-Lapse: Instead of a static time-lapse, gimbals allow for dynamic motion time-lapses, capturing changing perspectives over time.
- Inception Mode: This allows for a 360-degree barrel roll, creating a unique and dramatic spinning effect.
- Zoom & Focus Control: Some gimbals come with built-in zoom and focus wheels, granting videographers more control over their shots.
- Gesture Control: Enables users to control certain gimbal actions, like start/stop recording, through hand gestures.
- Splash-proof & Weather Resistance: Useful for shooting in challenging weather conditions without damaging the gimbal.
- Customizable User Profiles: Allows users to save specific gimbal settings and modes for different shooting scenarios, making switchovers faster and more efficient.
- Vertigo Effect/Dolly Zoom: An advanced feature that simultaneously zooms in on the subject while moving the camera away (or vice versa), creating a unique perspective shift.
9. Extendibility
Some gimbals come with a section that can be pulled out, turning the gimbal into a selfie stick. This feature is particularly handy for vloggers, travelers, and those capturing self-footage. It is a favored feature in many leading gimbal models and is a boon for individuals with shorter arm spans.
10. Ease of Set-Up
Clear guidance, be it through a manual or a tutorial video, is crucial since gimbals vary in operation. Balancing the phone on the gimbal should be straightforward and quick. Connecting the phone, gimbal, and its accompanying app should be a seamless experience.
Gimbal Stabilizer – FAQs
Ans: A gimbal stabilizer is a pivotal support that allows rotation of an object on a single axis. Used primarily in photography and videography, it helps maintain a camera or smartphone in a steady position, offsetting unintended shakes and jitters, ensuring that footage remains smooth, clear, and professional-looking.
Ans: Gimbal stabilizers operate using a combination of motors and sensors. As the device detects unintended movement, it activates motors to counterbalance the shift, ensuring the camera remains steady. This real-time adjustment capability provides fluid, cinematic shots, even when the user is walking, running, or in motion.
Ans: Both gimbal stabilizers and optical image stabilization (OIS) serve to reduce camera shake, but they address different needs. Gimbals offer broader stabilization for larger movements and are ideal for videography. OIS, built into cameras, corrects minor shakes and is beneficial for photography, especially in low light. The best choice depends on the specific shooting scenario.
Ans: Yes, a gimbal stabilizer is worth it for those seeking smooth, cinematic footage, especially when in motion. It greatly reduces shakes and jitters, elevating the quality of videos. Especially valuable for vloggers, filmmakers, and travellers, a gimbal ensures professional-looking results that can be hard to achieve with handheld shooting alone.
Ans: Yes, professionals frequently use gimbals to achieve smooth, cinematic shots in films, commercials, and documentaries. Gimbals provide stabilization during dynamic movements, allowing for complex tracking shots and sequences. They are essential tools for filmmakers aiming for high-quality production values, ensuring stability even in challenging shooting scenarios.
Ans: Gimbals, while advantageous, come with certain drawbacks. They often cost more than standard tripods, potentially deterring some videographers on a budget. Using them in dimly lit environments or during rapid movements can be challenging, as their mechanisms require precise tuning to ensure optimal stability.
Ans: Yes, gimbals are specifically designed to reduce shaking. They employ motors and sensors to counteract unintended movements of the camera or smartphone. By actively adjusting to shakes and jitters in real-time, gimbals ensure that the captured footage remains smooth and steady, significantly enhancing the quality of videos, especially during motion.
Ans: The amount to spend on a gimbal depends on your needs and budget. Basic smartphone gimbals can start as low as $50, while professional-grade gimbals for DSLRs or mirrorless cameras can exceed $1,000. Consider factors like build quality, battery life, compatibility, and features when determining the right investment for you.
Ans: A gimbal, though mountable on a tripod, does not serve the same primary function as a tripod. A tripod ensures a fixed, unmovable camera position, ideal for static shots. Conversely, a gimbal excels in delivering fluid, shake-free motions. For stationary shots, tripods are ideal, while gimbals cater to dynamic movement.
Ans: Gimbals are not universally compatible with all cameras. Before purchasing, it is crucial to check the gimbal’s product details for camera compatibility. Additionally, if you are using camera add-ons such as external batteries or mics, ensure the gimbal does not obstruct essential ports. The right gimbal offers a combination of compatibility and features.
Conclusion
Even though the cameras on most modern smartphones are quite excellent in terms of their image and video quality, dynamic range, and even manual controls, they lack a bit in terms of stabilization. This becomes an even bigger issue when you are trying to record handheld videos for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and others.
To overcome such an issue, you can simply get one of the best gimbal stabilizers stated above. With these various smartphone gimbal stabilizers, you must have also come across their important specifications and factors as well as a complete buying guide. While these should have been enough for choosing the right one, you can consider going with one of our ideal picks for the best gimbal stabilizers if you are still confused:
- Despite being the cheapest option stated above, the Obudyard Gimbal Stabilizer can be a great option for those who want a selfie stick that also offers stabilization. While it is only a 1 axis gimbal stabilizer, you do get various adjustment options along with wireless controls in this gimbal stabilizer.
- The Hohem Gimbal Stabilizer happens to be one of the best options in case you have a large-sized smartphone that weighs a lot thanks to its weight limit of up to 280 grams. Being a 3 axis stabilizer with multiple controls and a smartphone app, you get multiple modes and automated functions with this gimbal stabilizer for easily recording cinematic videos.
- Speaking of automated features and shooting modes, the DJI Gimbal Stabilizer happens to be one of the most versatile options out there thanks to its excellent controls and smartphone app which even supports tracking. As for its performance, it is a 3 axis gimbal stabilizer that can hold up to 230 grams of weight allowing you to use most smartphones with ease.