Capturing buttery-smooth video with your smartphone used to be a dream, but thanks to advanced gimbal stabilizers, it’s now a reality for everyone. Whether you’re a budding vlogger, a travel enthusiast, or just someone who loves taking professional-looking family videos, a quality phone gimbal is an essential tool. These clever devices use motors and sophisticated algorithms to counteract unwanted camera shake, giving your footage that cinematic polish.
When it comes to reliable and feature-packed smartphone stabilizers, Hohem stands out. Their hohem iSteady Mobile+ line has consistently impressed users with its innovative anti-shake technology, intuitive controls, and robust build. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
We’ve rounded up five top smartphone gimbals, including popular hohem iSteady Mobile+ models and a strong competitor, to help you find the perfect match for your mobile videography needs. Let’s dive in!
1. hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
The hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit takes mobile videography to the next level, offering a comprehensive solution for creators who demand versatility and professional results. What truly makes this model shine is its intelligent design that tackles common gimbal challenges, like motor obstruction in ultra-wide-angle shots, and its integrated lighting solution. If you’re serious about your smartphone footage and want a kit that covers all bases, this one’s a fantastic contender.
Key Features:
– Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode: A quick four-press trigger switches to ultra-wide-angle mode, eliminating motor blockages for expansive shots.
– Magnetic Adjustable Fill Light: Features cold, warm, and natural light settings with ten brightness levels for impeccable lighting in any condition.
– Upgraded iSteady 7.0 Anti-shake: Delivers cinema-quality footage with 20% more motor torque, supporting larger smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
– 600° Inception & Sport Mode: Offers unparalleled creative freedom for panoramic views and flawless stability for fast-paced action.
– Extended Battery Life & Wide Device Compatibility: Provides 13 hours of battery life, doubles as a power bank, and is compatible with a wide range of iPhones and Android devices.
Pros:
– Eliminates motor blockage for ultra-wide shots.
– Integrated, adjustable fill light is highly convenient.
– Exceptional iSteady 7.0 stabilization handles heavy phones and dynamic movement.
– Long battery life with power bank function.
– Versatile shooting modes for creative content.
Cons:
– The “Kit” implies a higher price point than basic models.
– Might have a slight learning curve for beginners due to advanced features.
User Impressions: Users rave about the clear, stable footage and the added benefit of the magnetic fill light, calling it a game-changer for low-light situations. The wide compatibility and long battery life also receive high praise, making it a reliable tool for extended shoots.
2. hohem iSteady X3 SE Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone
For those seeking ultimate portability without sacrificing performance, the hohem iSteady X3 SE Gimbal is a standout choice. This smartphone gimbal is incredibly lightweight and folds down to pocket size, making it the perfect travel companion. Its detachable remote controller and advanced iSteady 8.0 technology ensure that even while keeping a low profile, you’re still capturing incredibly smooth, high-quality footage. It’s ideal for spontaneous shooting and solo adventures.
Key Features:
– Detachable Remote Controller: Magnetic remote allows control from up to 32.81 feet away, perfect for group shots or solo vlogging.
– Advanced iSteady 8.0 Technology: Upgraded 3-axis stabilization ensures ultra-smooth footage, even during active movements like jogging.
– Portable and Foldable Design: Weighs only 0.79 lbs and folds compactly, making it easy to carry anywhere.
– Hohem Joy App Integration: Offers AI tracking, gesture control, and creative templates to enhance production quality.
– 11-Hour Long Battery Life: Provides extended operation on a single charge, suitable for live streaming and day-long shoots.
– Beginner-Friendly Stabilizer: Easy to use with a quick horizontal/vertical screen switching, ideal for first-time gimbal users.
Pros:
– Extremely portable and lightweight.
– Newer iSteady 8.0 stabilization for superior smoothness.
– Detachable remote offers great flexibility.
– User-friendly for beginners.
– Good battery life for its compact size.
Cons:
– Payload capacity (0.66 lbs) might be limiting for heavier phones with bulky cases.
– Lacks the integrated fill light seen in other models.
User Impressions: Customers love how easy it is to carry and set up, often highlighting the convenience of the detachable remote. The smooth stabilization, even during dynamic activities, is a recurring positive, making it a favorite for travel vloggers and casual users alike.
3. DJI Osmo Mobile SE, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal
While our focus is heavily on the hohem iSteady Mobile+ series, it’s worth looking at the DJI Osmo Mobile SE, a formidable competitor known for its refined features and robust ecosystem. This gimbal excels in user experience, from its magnetic quick-release design to its advanced ActiveTrack 6.0, ensuring your subjects stay perfectly in frame. If you’re invested in the DJI ecosystem or prioritize smart tracking and seamless app integration, the Osmo Mobile SE offers a compelling alternative.
Key Features:
– Portable, Foldable, and Magnetically Quick: Compact design with a magnetic clamp for effortless phone attachment and detachment.
– Stay on Point with ActiveTrack 6.0: Upgraded tracking technology keeps subjects (people, pets, yourself) perfectly in focus and centered.
– Remote Control With Watch: Compatible with DJI Mimo app on Apple Watch for remote viewing and control.
– Effortless Editing: Provides ShotGuides for step-by-step assistance and LightCut templates for quick, inspiring edits.
– Smooth Footage: Features 3-axis stabilization with a next-gen control algorithm for buttery smooth videos.
– New Status Panel: Quickly check battery, system status, and switch gimbal modes (Follow, Tilt Lock, FPV, Spin Shot).
Pros:
– Superior subject tracking with ActiveTrack 6.0.
– Magnetic quick-release is incredibly convenient.
– Excellent integration with DJI Mimo and LightCut apps for easy editing.
– Apple Watch remote control is a unique feature.
– Ergonomic, non-slip grip.
Cons:
– Not a Hohem product, so it doesn’t integrate with Hohem’s ecosystem.
– May be a higher price point than some Hohem budget models.
– No built-in fill light.
User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise the DJI Osmo Mobile SE for its reliable tracking and the magnetic clamp’s convenience. The intuitive app and editing features are also highly valued, making it a go-to for those who want an all-in-one solution for capturing and refining their footage.
4. hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Kit Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
The hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Kit is another excellent variant in the Hohem lineup, designed to empower vloggers and content creators with creative freedom and reliable performance. This particular kit stands out with its detailed magnetic fill light system, offering multiple color temperatures, and its enhanced multi-functional ports, making it highly adaptable for various shooting scenarios and accessories. It’s a robust choice for those who need flexibility in lighting and accessory expansion.
Key Features:
– Magnetic Fill Light (3 colors, 10 brightness): Integrated fill light offers natural, cool, and warm light settings with adjustable brightness, attachable magnetically.
– Multiple Creative Modes & Multi-Functional Ports: Features 600° Inception Mode for panoramic shots and multiple ports for accessories like extension rods, tripods, lights, and Hohem microphones.
– Max Payload 280g & Universal Compatibility: Benefits from a 20% increase in motor torque to handle even the heaviest smartphones effortlessly.
– 13H Long-lasting & Vertical Shot Master: Provides 13 hours of battery life, doubles as a power bank, and allows rapid switching to vertical filming without disassembly.
– iSteady 7.0 & Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode: Experience cinematic stability with iSteady 7.0 technology and easily switch to Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode to avoid motor obstructions.
Pros:
– Versatile magnetic fill light with multiple color temperatures.
– Excellent accessory compatibility via multiple ports.
– High payload capacity for larger, heavier smartphones.
– Long battery life and power bank function.
– Seamless vertical shooting for social media content.
Cons:
– Shares many features with the “Mobile+ Kit,” potentially causing confusion for buyers.
– The additional ports might not be necessary for casual users.
User Impressions: Users appreciate the dedicated fill light’s quality and the flexibility provided by the multiple accessory ports. The robust build and ability to handle larger phones are frequently highlighted, making it a solid choice for those who want to expand their mobile filming setup.
5. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone
The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Gimbal Stabilizer represents a solid, foundational offering for those looking to elevate their smartphone videography without breaking the bank. While featuring the slightly older iSteady 6.0 anti-shake technology, it still delivers impressive stability and a rich set of creative modes via the Hohem Joy app. This gimbal is an excellent entry point into the world of professional-looking mobile video, perfect for daily travel recording and short video creation.
Key Features:
– Upgraded iSteady 6.0 Anti-shake: Provides impressive stability for smooth, multi-scene shots, reducing blurry videos.
– Hohem Joy App Integration: Offers “Moment” video templates, Inception, CloneMe, Panoramic Video, Timelapse, Dolly Zoom, face/object tracking, and beauty touch-up.
– 3D Fantasy Auto-rotation Mode: Features a unique “inception” mode for 360° vertical rotations, adding a cinematic touch.
– Professional Director Features: Includes basic zoom/focus control, pan and tilt tracking/locking modes, and a 3 ¼ screw hole for accessories.
– Sport Mode and Perfect Balance: Captures incredibly smooth shots even during fast-moving actions like running or cycling, with sensitive variable speed adaptation.
– 13H Long Lasting Power and Universal Compatibility: Offers up to 13 hours of battery life, can charge your phone, and is compatible with a wide range of popular smartphones.
Pros:
– Effective iSteady 6.0 stabilization for clear footage.
– Hohem Joy App provides a wide array of creative features and templates.
– Unique 3D fantasy auto-rotation mode.
– Long battery life with power bank capability.
– Good value for those new to gimbals.
Cons:
– Uses iSteady 6.0, which is an older generation compared to 7.0 or 8.0 in other models.
– No built-in fill light.
User Impressions: New users particularly appreciate its ease of use and the creative options available through the Hohem Joy app. While some note it’s not the absolute latest tech, they find its stabilization more than adequate for daily use, delivering noticeable improvements over handheld shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a smartphone gimbal stabilizer, and why do I need one?
A: A smartphone gimbal stabilizer is a device that uses motors and sensors to keep your phone perfectly steady while you’re recording video. It counteracts shakes, bumps, and wobbles, resulting in incredibly smooth, professional-looking footage. You need one if you want to eliminate shaky videos, improve video quality, and unlock creative camera movements for vlogging, travel, or any mobile videography.
Q2: What’s the difference between Hohem iSteady 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 anti-shake technology?
A: These numbers represent different generations of Hohem’s stabilization algorithms and motor performance. Generally, a higher number indicates improved stability, faster response times, and better handling of heavier smartphones or more extreme movements. iSteady 8.0 is the latest and most advanced, while 6.0 is an older but still effective version.
Q3: Is the hohem iSteady Mobile+ compatible with my iPhone or Android phone?
A: Most hohem iSteady Mobile+ models are designed for broad compatibility with a wide range of smartphones, including popular iPhone models (like the iPhone 15, 14, 13 Pro Max) and Android devices (Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, etc.). Always check the specific product’s compatibility list, especially regarding phone dimensions and weight limits, to ensure a perfect fit.
Q4: Can these gimbals charge my phone while I’m using them?
A: Yes, many Hohem gimbal models, including the hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit and hohem iSteady Mobile Plus, feature a “reverse charging” capability. This means they can act as a power bank for your smartphone, drawing power from the gimbal’s battery to extend your phone’s battery life during long shoots.
Q5: What are “Inception Mode” and “Sport Mode” on a gimbal?
A:
* Inception Mode: This creative shooting mode allows the gimbal to rotate your phone 360 degrees along its roll axis, creating a dramatic, spinning shot effect often seen in professional films.
* Sport Mode: Designed for fast-paced action, Sport Mode increases the gimbal’s motor speed and responsiveness, allowing it to quickly follow your movements and capture smooth footage even during running, cycling, or other dynamic activities.
Q6: How do I balance my phone on a Hohem gimbal?
A: Balancing is crucial for optimal performance and battery life. For most Hohem gimbals, you typically clamp your phone into the holder, then loosen a knob to slide the horizontal arm until the phone is roughly balanced, meaning it stays level when you let go. Some models also require adjusting the phone vertically. Always balance your phone before powering on the gimbal.
Q7: Do I need a special app to use a hohem isteady mobile+ gimbal?
A: While many basic functions can be controlled directly from the gimbal, you’ll get the most out of your hohem iSteady Mobile+ by using the companion app (typically “Hohem Joy”). The app unlocks advanced features like AI tracking, gesture control, creative shooting modes (like Moment templates, CloneMe, Timelapse), firmware updates, and fine-tuning of settings.
