Trying to find the best gimbal for your smartphone. There are many factors such as price, battery life and ease of use to consider. For me I need a gimbal that is easy to setup and use on a daily basis that can be used all day without running worrying about batteries.
You might also like this:Best Gimbal for iPhones
BEST SMARTPHONES GIMBALS 2022
| Image | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Top Top Top Top Top | MOZA Mini-MI 3-Axis Gimbal stabilizer for Smartphone iPhone Vlog Youtuber Live Video Record Wireless Phone Charging Multiple Subjects Detection 360°Inception Stunning Motion Timelapse | Check Lowest Price |
 Top Top Top Top | DJI OSMO Mobile 3 Lightweight and Portable 3-axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Compatible with iPhone & Android Phones | Check Lowest Price |
 Top Top Top Top | Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer YouTube Video Vlog Tripod for iPhone 11 Pro Xs Max Xr X 8 Plus 7 6 SE Android Smartphone Samsung Galaxy Note10 S10 S9 S8 S7 Q2 Smooth-Q 2019 New Black | Check Lowest Price |
 Top Top Top Top | EVO PRO Smartphone Camera Stabilizer with Focus Pull and Zoom - Compatible with iOS iPhone or Android Smartphones, FiLMiC PRO APP Compatible - Includes Tripod Stand | Check Lowest Price |
 Top Top Top Top | FeiyuTech Feiyu SPG2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphones, SPG 2 with Audio Expansion Interface for Smart Phones | Better TIK Tok/Live Show/Vlog, Compatible with iPhone, Samsung Smartphon | Check Lowest Price |
1. DJI Osmo Mobile Handheld Gimbal
The DJI Osmo Mobile handheld gimbal comes in Apple like packaging with clear instructions to start using the gimbal right away.
The Osmo Mobile uses a twist locking mount for your smart phone. Unlike other spring mounts, you can be assured it will not come loose.
DJI Osmo MOBILE Packaging
One of the major reasons I selected the DJI Osmo Mobile over the original Osmo gimbal is the fact it doesn’t come with a built camera.
Since camera technology on smartphones constantly improve every year, there is always the possibility of using the Osmo Mobile that you bought today with iPhones that have far superior image quality and performance many years into the future.
ActiveTrack
ActiveTrack technology built into the DJI GO app allows the Osmo Mobile to automatically keep your smartphone facing you as you move around. This a great feature for those users wanting to host a youtube channel by themselves without a camera person.
Mounting your gimbal on a tripod and using ActiveTracking to do a cooking show, how to videos or anything that requires you to move around the scene. No longer are you tied to a spot or asking a friend to help you out.
Motion Time Lapse
Motion time lapse is very similar to normal time lapse videos with ability to set the start and stop locations with the duration. This allows you to cover a larger view point.
You can easily create a time lapse of a beach from a high point but with motion time lapse you can capture the entire beach going from left to right or right to left. This really works great with city skylines too.
Dramatic Long Exposures
Another feature that is not just for DJI Osmo Mobile gimbals. You can create very long exposures with your camera knowing the gimbal will ensure you shots are perfectly motionless.
Great for those late night evening star shots. You can even use motion time lapse to keep a star in focus.
DJI Mobile Gimbal: What’s in the Box
What’s in the Box
- DJI Mobile Handheld Gimbal
- 11.1V 980mAh Battery
- USB cable
- Carrying Strap & Case
- Manual & Warranty
Specifications
- Weight: 488g (including battery and wrist strap)
- Dimensions: 290 x 110 x 120mm
- Supported smartphone widths: 59 x 84mm
- Battery: 11.1V 980mAh
- Bluetooth 4.0 compatible: Yes
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle with soft rubber grips
- Twist locking phone mount
- ActiveTrack Technology
- Motion Time Lapse video
Cons:
- Proprietary Battery
Summary
I really like how the DJI Osmo Mobile Handheld Gimbal looks and feels. The ergonomic handle is the exact same as the Osmo series and button’s are identical too.
The advantage of the DJI Mobile over the original is the fact that it doesn’t have a built in camera which allows you to upgrade your camera (iPhone) at any time.
As we all know, Apple releases a new iPhone each year with higher quality cameras and features. This is the main reason I would purchase the DJI Mobile over the original DJI Osmo handheld gimbal.
2. EVO SP-PRO Gen2 Handheld Gimbal
EVO SP-PRO Gen 2
| Name | EVO SP-PRO Gen2 |
| Compatibility | iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X |
| Battery Life | 14 hours |
| Price | $$$ |
| Amazon Reviews | Click here to see Amazon Customer Reviews |
| Cell | Cell |
The EVO SP-PRO handheld gimbal eliminates shaky video and allows you to easily produce pro-quality, cinematic like footage with your smartphone and GoPro camera. The EVO GoPro camera adapter plate is sold separately on Amazon.
It is made from CNC aircraft grade aluminum weighing in at only 265 grams unloaded. This highly engineered gimbal allows for 360 degrees of motion, enabling you to get the shot you want without a problem.
The EVO SP-PRO Gen2 packs a 40% increase in motor torque and 35% increase reaction speed resulting in smoother shots and expanded payload capacity (up to 260g) allowing for add-ons such as external lenses or portable LED lights and more.
Modes
Pan Follow Mode: Tilt & Roll axis are locked. Pan axis rotates smoothly with turn of wrist. Use joystick up & down to control tilt angle of camera.
Full Follow Mode: In this mode the gimbal will move both vertically and horizontally smoothing out you movements.
Locked Mode: Roll axis is locked. Pan and Tilt axis smoothly follow handle. Use joystick left and right to adjust the horizon angle.
Selfie Mode: Flips the camera around from front facing to rear facing.
EVO Smartphone App
The app is fully integrated with the gimbal and can be controlled by the buttons on the handle. If you wanted to start and stop your recording, want to take a picture or if you want to zoom you can do all that right from the handle.
With the EVO Smartphone App you can do some really amazing things such as motion time lapse and smart-tracking an object. You also can make adjustments to how responsive the gimbal reacts.
The EVO SP-PRO Gen2’s intelligent control features allow you to take perfect panorama photos with the press of a button. Capture 180 Degree & 330 Degree panoramas and even high resolution 3×3 photo spheres (9 images stitched together).
Activate the Smart-Track feature in the EVO Remote APP to track a person or object on the move. Simply draw a box around your subject and the EVO SHIFT will automatically pan & tilt the camera keeping the subject in the frame.
Create stunning point to point motion time-lapses to view the world from a new perspective. Set up to 10 sweep points and select from a multitude of time settings ranging from 30 seconds up to 30 minutes of time-lapse capture.
The EVO SP-SPO has a built-in 1/4-20 threaded handle allows you to mount the SP-PRO to any tripod, monopod or similar mount.
Extending your camera to get a stabilized shot above a crowd without using a drone is easier than ever using our set of light weight optional carbon fiber extension poles.
EVO SP-PRO Gen2: What’s in the Box
Warranty
The EVO Shift comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. EVO is a USA based company out of Oregon so you can be assured they will take care of you.
You can contact them either by their support email address or call (866) 977-6688 Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM Pacific Time.
What’s in the Box
- EVO SP-Pro Gen2 Handheld Gimbal
- 26650 Lithium Battery
- USB cable
- Carrying Case
- Manual & Warranty Documentation
Pros:
- Long Battery Life up to 14 hours
- Made from high quality CNC aircraft aluminum
- Made in USA
- Excellent Warranty
Cons:
- One of the higher priced gimbals
Summary
The EVO SP-PRO Gen2 handheld gimbal works with all versions of iphone smartphones. Built and supported in USA.
3. EVO Shift Handheld Gimbal
EVO SHIFT 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal for iPhone & Android Smartphones
| Name | EVO Shift |
| Compatibility | iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus & iPhone X |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Price | $$ |
| Amazon Reviews | Click here to see Amazon Customer Reviews |
| Cell | Cell |
The EVO Shift is the perfect low cost gimbal to take on vacation or video shoot. It is lightweight at only 450 grams and has a built-in lithium battery that gives you 12 hours of use.
It is quite similar to the Zhiyun Smooth-Q gimbal but is covered by a USA built warranty that you can be assured will take care of you.
The built-in ¼-20 threaded handle allows you to mount your Shift to any tripod, monopod or similar mount giving you the ultimate freedom to produce a variety of shots in a compact, lightweight and portable setup.
The EVO Shift supports any Smartphone under 220 grams and a width of 5.5″ or less. This covers even the largest and most recents Smartphones available in IOS and Android.
EVO Smartphone App
The app is fully integrated with the gimbal and can be controlled by the buttons on the handle. If you wanted to start and stop your recording, want to take a picture or if you want to zoom you can do all that right from the handle.
With the EVO Smartphone App you can do some really amazing things such as motion time lapse and tracking an object. You also can make adjustments to how responsive the gimbal reacts.
EVO Shift: What’s in the Box
What’s in the Box
- EVO Shift Handheld Gimbal
- USB cable
- Carrying Strap
- Carrying Case
- Manual & Warranty Documentation
Warranty
The EVO Shift comes with a 1 year parts and labor warranty. EVO is a USA based company out of Oregon so you can be assured they will take care of you.
You can contact them either by their support email address or call (866) 977-6688 Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM Pacific Time.
Pros:
- High Quality Construction
- Built in USA
- Excellent Warranty
Cons:
- Built-in Battery. EVO has a battery replacement program
Summary
The EVO Shift 3-axis handheld gimbal for iPhone and Android smartphones is one of the best values. Features like tracking mode are not available with other smartphone gimbals in this price range.
Overall, this is a great smartphone gimbal and I would recommend it to anyone.
The full review of the EVO Shift Gimbal can be found here.
4. Feiyu SPG Handheld Gimbal
FeiyuTech SPG 3-Axis Gimbal (Splash-Proof Version)
| Name | Feiyu SPG |
| Compatibility | iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus & iPhone X |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Price | $$$ |
| Amazon Reviews | Click here to see Amazon Customer Reviews |
| Cell | Cell |
The Feiyu SPG handheld gimbal one of several offering from Feiyu. Your iPhone is mounted to the gimbal using a strong spring-loaded mount. No additional tools are required to mount your smartphone.
It comes with two counter balancing weights that you mount to the arm of the gimbal. Once you determine which one works best with your phone, the gimbal will self balance when you turn it on.
The battery is 22650mAh lithium battery giving you about 8 hours of use. It doesn’t come with an external charger so you need to charger it from the microUSB port.
Another option is to connect the optional extension tube as well. The handle is covered with a soft rubber to make it easier to grip.
Feiyu SPG: What’s in the Box
As you can see from above the Feiyu SPG comes with a nice neoprene zipper case to store and protect your gimbal. The neoprene case fits nicely in a backpack or larger camera bag.
The case protects your gimbal for scratches and drops.
What’s in the Box
- Feiyu SPG Handheld Gimbal
- 22650 Lithium Battery
- USB cable
- Carrying Case
- 2 Counter Balancing Weights
- Manual & Warranty Documentation
Pros:
- Self balancing
- 8 hours of battery life
- Splash proof
Cons:
- App has limited functionality
- No external battery charger
- No Selfie mode
Summary
Feiyu SPG handheld gimbal worked as expected but I found the App quite limited and translations to English a bit off.
I’d recommend you staying away from the SPG and going for something like the EVO or DJI if you can afford the additional cost. You will get a higher quality gimbal for more features using the App.
5. Zhiyun Smooth-Q Handheld Gimbal
Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Smartphone Like iPhone X 8 7 Plus 6 Plus Samsung Galaxy S8+ S8 S7 S6 S5 Wireless Control Vertical Shooting Panorama Mode (Zhiyun Smooth Q Black)
| Name | Zhiyun Smooth-Q |
| Compatibility | iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus & iPhone X |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Price | $$ |
| Amazon Reviews | Click here to see Amazon Customer Reviews |
| Cell | Cell |
Zhiyun has been building gimbals for GoPro cameras and digital cameras for some time and now offers a low cost Smartphone gimbal in the Zhiyun Smooth-Q. At only 450 grams it’s one of the lightest gimbals available. Made mostly of plastic, I was quite surprised when I took it out of the box.
It’s so light that I thought it was missing the batteries until I realized the battery was built-in. With a 26650mAh lithium battery you can get 12 hours of continuous use without needing to recharge. I’ve been using it for some time and it still says it has 3/4 battery left.
There is a 1/4″-20 tripod screw on the bottom where you can mount it on a monopod or tripod. I use a small tripod for balancing. You could place it on a flat surface but a tripod ensures it won’t fall over if bumped. Using a monopod you can get some really cools shots in inverted mode or treating like a boom. The possibilities are endless.
Zhiyun Smooth-Q: What’s in the Box
As you can see from above, the Zhiyun Smooth-Q comes in a nicely designed box. Inside the box you will find the soft foam padded zipper case with shoulder strap.
This case will protect your gimbal from minor scuffs and will fit nicely in a backpack. Inside this case you will find form fitted spots to store your gimbal and accessories.
What’s in the Box
- Zhiyun Smooth-Q Handheld Gimbal
- USB cable
- Carrying Strap
- Carrying Case
- Manual & Warranty Documentation
Pros:
- One of the lowest priced gimbals available
- Built-in 26650mAh Lithium Battery
- USB port for charging iPhone while in use
Cons:
- Battery is built-in and not replaceable by owner
- Mostly plastic to save cost and weight
Summary
The Zhiyun Smooth-Q handheld gimbal is a great low cost option for those that are budget-minded but still want the ability to take cinematic videos with their Smartphone. For the price you will not find a better option.
Features to look for in a Smartphone Gimbal
When selecting a 3 axis gimbal for your Smartphone, you may want to consider some of these functionalities. Some of these are built into the gimbal while others are options that available when controlled by their custom App that must be installed on your phone. These a few that stand out for me.
Motion Time Lapse
Motion time lapse is very similar to time lapse with the addition of setting as starting and ending point with a duration. You may never plan on using this feature but I can tell you it was really nice when I went to Venice beach. From a high point I was able to capture a motion time lapse of the entire beach.
Object Tracking
Each brand will call this feature something like face-tracking, active-tracking or smart-tracking with the same idea in mind. Using their custom App that installed on your Smartphone you tell the App what object to track and it follows that object.
This is a great feature again for vloggers or someone trying host a cooking show without a camera man. You still need to bear in mind that your movements need to be a bit slower and if it’s tracking your face, you can’t turn away from the camera.
All the gimbals I tested did a good job of tracking with EVO SP-PRO being the one I preferred.
Selfie Mode
For me as a vlogger, I need selfie mode. In the old days I would mount my Phone on a selfie stick and manually turn it. This is so much better with a gimbal. Even better yet, combined with tracking mode I can always be assured I’m the focal point.
Battery Life
Battery life is important because you don’t want to be half way thru a shoot and your gimbal dies. One thing I want to point out is its less of an issue with Smartphones as with a GoPro camera. You are really limited to the battery life of your phone more than the gimbal.
Most gimbals give you 4+ hours of battery life with some giving you 10+ hours. My recommendation is to bring along a large capacity USB power bank to recharge your phone between shots.
I’ve never had an issue with any gimbal running out of juice before my iPhone. Capturing video in high resolution or even 4K takes a lot of power and storage space.
1/4″-20 Screw Mount
Having a tripod screw mount on the bottom of the gimbal for me is a requirement. Not only does it make it easier to balance your gimbal but to do extremely long exposures, time lapse, motion time lapse, etc really need you to have the gimbal mounted on a tripod.
Luck there are only a few that don’t have this feature.
