Smartphone gimbals negate one of the worst parts of smartphone videos: shaky footage. Counterbalancing any movement, gimbals allow you to create smooth, gliding shots that look worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.

When gimbals first hit the market, the inbuilt stabilization offered by smartphones wasn't very good, but it has improved dramatically in the years since. Still, while optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization can get you a long way, they're still no match for a physical stabilizer, especially when it comes to low-light scenarios.

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Insta360 Flow vs DJI Osmo Mobile 6: Which smartphone gimbal should you buy?
These two smartphone gimbals offer portability and practicality for the exact same price. So which one should you get?

Smoothness isn't the only reason to invest in a gimbal, either. Gimbals are amazing for creating a motion timelapse. Using AI tracking, many can make filming yourself a lot easier by keeping you in the center of the frame.

If you've decided to invest, there are a lot of options to choose from. But, lack of features, limited performance, and bulky designs can make some options not worth the cost. We've been testing as many as we can -- here are the best smartphone gimbals you can buy in 2024.

Best smartphone gimbals: Our favorite picks

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    Insta360 Flow
    Best smartphone gimbal overall

    The Insta360 Flow uses a cleverly compact design that manages to cram in a tripod, extension rod, and great battery life. Insta360 has used its expertise to craft the best software experience, with the most advanced AI tracking that we've tested to date, making it the best choice for a smartphone gimbal.

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    Hohem iSteady MT2
    Best premium gimbal for versatility

    This gimbal works with smartphones and dedicated cameras. It has a standalone AI tracking module to follow a subject's movement without a smartphone app. It's one of our favorite gimbals, but it should be noted that it's not for everyone -- the wide compatibility means that there's a fair bit of setup involved.

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    Zhiyun Smooth 5s
    Best pro smartphone gimbal

    The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is a bit of an outlier because it forgoes compactness completely, with a design that's more in line with a professional gimbal. What you get in return for the bulkiness is unmatched stability, superb ergonomics and tactile physical controls. The app experience is complicated, however, and subject tracking isn't too reliable.

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    DJI Osmo Mobile 6
    Best travel smartphone gimbal

    DJI's Osmo Mobile gimbals were, until recently, pretty much unrivalled as easy-to-use, portable and feature-packed gimbals for the average consumer. And the best of the bunch is the Osmo Mobile 6. The joystick is analog, so you have more granular control over the gimbal's movements, but we also think the construction feels excellent too.

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    DJI Osmo Mobile SE
    Best budget smartphone gimbal

    The cheaper sibling of the Osmo Mobile 6 loses out on a couple of features. It does have a big battery pack, with around eight hours of runtime on a charge -- and that could make it more appealing to some users. What's missing from this model is the extension rod, Quick Launch feature, and side wheel.

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    Hohem iSteady V2 AI Gimbal
    Best smart gimbal with AI

    The Hohem iSteady V2's stand-out feature is the built-in AI that allows you to follow a person without using the dedicated app. That allows the gimbal to retain its features while using third-party apps, like social media. It's also compact and affordable. The build isn't quite as nice as other picks, however.

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    Zhiyun Smooth Q4
    Best gimbal for tracking

    Most gimbals that have features like subject tracking require a dedicated app. But the Zhiyun Smooth Q4 has built-in AI to track you even when using third-party apps. The gimbal also has a built-in selfie stick. But, it doesn't fare as well as our top picks in build and doesn't work well with some phone cases.

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    MOZA AirCross S
    Best multi-device gimbal

    Most gimbals can only handle one device at a time, but the Moza AirCross S can balance up to three devices at the same time. That means, if you want to mount a camera and a smartphone for behind-the-scenes footage, this is an excellent choice. Despite the seven-pound capacity, it's still relatively compact.

The best smartphone gimbal packs performance in a portable design

The best smartphone gimbal delivers superb stabilization, above-average versatility and smart tracking all in a design that's not too bulky. For those reasons, the Insta360 Flow is the best smartphone gimbal for most people. It's an excellent performer that still keeps the design and price from creeping too high.

But, while the Insta360 Flow is our favorite, there are a few features that you can find on other options. If you have both a smartphone and a mirrorless or action camera, the Hohem iSteady MT2 can handle both with ease. The Zhiyun Smooth 5s offers professional-grade stability but in a larger design. We preferred the joystick and tougher construction of the DJI Osmo Mobile 6, while the Osmo Mobile SE is the best option if you don't have much cash to spend.

FAQ

Q: What type of smartphone gimbal should you get?

There are two distinct approaches to smartphone gimbal design; one favors compactness and portability over everything while the other opts for adjustability and professional controls. If you're a casual shooter who wants something to spice up their holiday videos, then you'll likely want to look at something like the Osmo Mobile 6 or Insta360 Flow, as they're lightweight, compact and easy to use.

On the other hand, if you're trying to achieve truly cinematic shots, and you like to use accessories like external lenses and mics with your smartphone, you'll want to go with something a bit more professional. In that case, a product like the Zhiyun Smooth 5S or Hohem iSteady MT2 would serve you well.

Q: What features should you look out for?

Smartphone gimbals are loaded with features to help you create exciting videos with ease. This ranges from things like beauty features and shot guides to AI subject tracking. We're used to editing our videos the old-fashioned way with software like Adobe Premiere, but if you're not experienced with editing, you might find the ability to automatically edit your footage into highlight reels to be quite appealing.

Our favorite gimbal feature is AI subject tracking, as this allows you to film yourself and the camera will automatically follow you wherever you go, but if you rarely film yourself, this feature isn't likely to matter as much. Think about how you like to shoot and edit, and the important features should become apparent.

Q: Is a smartphone gimbal worth it?

Smartphone gimbals are an excellent addition to your gear if you are frequently recording videos while on the move. If you want to walk while recording, a gimbal will make a dramatic difference in your footage. If you prefer to record while standing still, a tripod is another option that's often less expensive. The other question to ask before buying a gimbal is whether you will regularly pack it. You'd have to have pretty big pockets to carry around a gimbal without carrying a bag or backpack.

Q: What is a gimbal?

In the simplest terms, a gimbal is a gadget that helps capture smooth video footage while on the move. Using motors, a gimbal rotates and tilts the camera to counteract the movement of the videographer. The result is butter-smooth video footage. Unlike a tripod, a gimbal is designed to create steady video while on the move, leaving the videographer free to use motion without making viewers seasick.

While the gimbals' original purpose is to create steady video, thanks to AI, these accessories can do more than just keep the shakes at bay. Many gimbals are able to follow the subject, keeping a moving person in the center of the frame. The videographer can also use the joystick to turn or tilt the camera at a steady pace, opening up more possibilities for cinematic camera movement.