Rock steady shots: The best smartphone gimbal of 2024

You may well have heard of DJI as they burst onto the video scene a few years ago with their range of affordable drones. Unsurprisingly, they also applied their know-how to smartphone and action camera gimbals - and this model is a great example. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer has impressive advanced features such as the Inception-like 'SpinShot' mode and an effective FPV mode that will automatically track whatever you choose and keep it in-frame. Compatibility-wise, this will fit various smartphones with screens under 6.7 inches well, and the magnetic phone clamp makes for a fast and easy setup.

While we think this is deserving of our top spot here, we would have liked the DJI Mimo app to become available from the Google Play Store – although non-Apple users can still get their hands on it directly from the DJI site, so it's not a huge issue. All in all, this is a practical and very solidly built gimbal that can deliver the goods, plus a few high-tech extras on top. Brilliant.

While there's a good chance you'll have heard of DJI, above, the rest of the smartphone gimbal ecosphere is dominated by lesser-known Chinese brands. But don't let that sway you - the Hohem iSteady X2 Gimbal is the first of a handful of leading gimbal brands that are tried and tested by thousands of users. If you're a filmmaker or vlogger on a super-tight budget, you could pair this up with one of the best phones under £200 and instantly get professional results... without having to film your very own reality TV bank heist.

The standout feature here, especially considering the price tag, is the inclusion of gesture control. That's right – you can wave at the camera to control key functions – ideal for hands-free operation when presenting to the camera. Even better than that, this also has Object Tracking – so you or your chosen subject will always stay in the frame. Portable, light, affordable, stabilisation is right here.

Considered a more affordable version of the previous DJI OSMO 4 gimbal, but with a few concessions like less battery life and minor design differences, the OSMO Mobile SE features some great advanced capabilities. There's a new status panel that lets you keep tabs on battery level, system indicator status, and gimbal mode. Creative shooting is more than possible here, too. 'SpinShot' mode for recording full 360-degree motion is excellent, as is the automatic subject tracking, ensuring well-framed shots.

It is compatible with various smartphones and the magnetic phone clamp allows for quick and easy setup. Again, we wish the DJI Mimo app was available on the Google Play Store. But at least non-Apple users can download it directly from DJI. All in all, this is a minimally paired-down version of much more expensive gimbals from DJI and still has enough power and practicality to tick all of the boxes when it comes to smartphone stabilisation.

Not everyone who aspires to shoot super-smooth tracking shots will have the cash to splash on something with this many features, but if you have the budget (and need seriously advanced performance) this offering from Feiyu is your best option. The SCORP Mini P is a highly advanced smartphone gimbal that uses AI to intelligently track whoever or whatever you need it to. If you're a lone vlogger presenting to the camera, this gimbal is a no-brainer of a kit upgrade. We have the usual gesture control for hands-free use, and the companion app is especially well designed with easy and quick access to multiple features.

Considering how much work this is doing behind the scenes, battery life is more than respectable. Although we do think it's a little heavy for some users, that's understandable when you look at how well-designed and built this is. One slight downside that may affect you if you have a pocket-sized phone or a smartphone that is approaching a phablet in size, is the mount. It'll fit most phones, but not the extremes. There's a small built-in fill light to round off what is a wholly impressive and solid piece of kit for the more serious videographer.

ZHIYUN has developed quite a reputation for solid, reliable camera-related tech in recent years. The company's Smooth 5S Gimbal Stabilizer offers advanced object tracking - much like some of the other products here – but this time there's a dedicated "Vertigo" mode that will echo the distinctive 'triple-reverse-zoom' or Dolly Zoom effect seen in many a Hollywood movie.

Interestingly, ZHIYUN boasts a high-capacity battery for the Smooth 5S, supposedly lasting up to 25 hours; but users report that this is slightly reduced with real-life usage. That aside, if you're an iPhone owner, this smartphone gimbal has an extensive compatibility list that should make for trouble-free mounting and operation. It even supports an optional magnetic fill light if you need more illumination on the move.

DJI make it back into our pick of the best and for good reason. The DJI OM 4 Combo is squarely aimed at those who like to be able to travel light – and that's evident when you see what's included with the kit. There's a magnetic phone clamp, a tripod, and a handy carry case. Once again we see the quick-release magnetic smartphone attachment for fast and easy phone mounting. However, it is worth noting that some users report issues with chunkier phone cases, so this is best used without one of those.

This high practicality meets cutting-edge functionality with the inclusion of Hyperlapse and Timelapse modes. Hyperlapse will allow you to shoot a timelapse while moving. Add to that DJIs leading ActiveTrack technology for accurate automatic subject tracking, and you have some seriously convenient creativity-boosting tech at hand.

Hohem return to our list, with its iSteady M6 Kit Gimbal Stabilizer. There's no doubt that, as versatile camera accessories go, this one is especially well-placed to enhance your videography skills. Not only is it compact and lightweight but it comes equipped with a stunning range of creative modes. Most importantly, there’s a magnetic fill light that doubles as an AI vision sensor. That means that this gimbal will reliably track your subject. That light can also be quickly switched between cold, warm and RGB lighting using an innovative control wheel.

We’re happy to see a clever little OLED display for easy app-free viewing when you want to check what settings are on. The payload is above average too, at 400g. So it’ll take phones heavier than an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and then some. So, now not only can you have super-smooth shots but the fill light will increase your creative options and deliver a professional result every time.

Although we already have a compact gimbal category, this takes things up a notch in the portability stakes. The Insta360 Flow AI Tracking Smartphone Stabilizer really packs a lot of intelligent shooting modes (including the much sought-after zoom tracking, slow motion tracking, and more) into a super-light package. Fold this up, put it in your pocket on your travels and you'll be ready for anything. We particularly like the inclusion of a built-in selfie stick – handy for those travelling alone.

But being small and light doesn't mean this can't support a good-sized smartphone - the payload is a respectable 300 grams. The foldable design, which includes a tripod stand, makes this Insta360 Flow the ideal portable option for holiday or road trip videos and for those who need to travel small and light. We do wish the 12-hour battery life was a little more, but this is still a highly capable gimbal that won't take up too much room in your luggage or bag.