The Best Gimbals for iPhone (2024)
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2024
Despite the great video quality of iPhone for vlogging and other video content creation, the iPhone alone is not enough to produce a high-quality video output.
It can be difficult to capture smooth and steady footage, especially if you're recording on your own or only with a one-man crew. This is where gimbals come in handy, making it easy to film cinematic shots with your iPhone.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best gimbals for iPhone that will help you take your video content to the next level.
Specs | Insta360 Flow Pro | DJI Osmo Mobile 6 | Zhiyun Smooth 5S | hohem iSteady XE |
---|---|---|---|---|
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | |
Price | $149 | $149 | $169 | $79 |
Foldable | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Weight | 366 g | 309 g | 625 g (with tripod) | 259 g (excluding fill light & tripod) |
Runtime | 10 hours | 6.4 hours | 24 hours | 8 hours |
Stabilization | 3-Axis | 3-Axis | 3-Axis | 3-Axis |
Subject Tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Built-in Extension Rod | ✅ 215 mm | ✅ 215 mm | ❌ | ❌ |
Tripod | Built-in | Built-in | Detachable | Detachable |
Gesture Control | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Quick Launch | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Apple DockKit | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
#1 Best Overall: Insta360 Flow Pro
Insta360 Flow Pro
One of Insta360 Flow Pro's most notable features is its 360° panning capability, allowing the gimbal to rotate a full circle to follow the subject wherever it moves. Rolling is limited to -150° to 180° and panning is tilting to -100° to 82°, but it is enough to capture a wide range of cinematic shots with your iPhone, including a 360° panorama.
The Flow Pro also takes pride in its Deep Track 3.0 technology, one of the most advanced subject tracking in the industry. Deep Track 3.0 reliably tracks a person, animal, or object in complex environments, locking it on the frame even when the subject is moving quickly or partially obscured. Tracking in slow motion or zoom is also supported.
Insta360 Flow Pro is also the first gimbal that brings Apple DockKit support, taking iPhone integration to another level. Apple DockKit enables users to use the gimbal to track subjects directly in a range of iOS apps, from the iPhone native Camera app to WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Google Meet, YouTube, Lightroom, and so many others.
Insta360 Flow Pro
Normally, subject tracking is supported only in the gimbal's companion app, like the Insta360 app in the case of Insta360 Flow Pro. However, with Apple DockKit integration, you can now use the advanced tracking capabilities of the Flow Pro directly within your favorite iOS apps.
Imagine attending a Zoom meeting and having your phone camera automatically track and follow you as you move around the room. Currently, no other gimbal offers this level of seamless integration with iOS apps.
Insta360 Flow Pro is also an all-in-one gimbal that integrates a selfie stick, tripod, power bank, and cold shoe mount into its design. With everything packed into one device that can be easily collapsed to a compact size, you don't have to worry about carrying many tools for your mobile video production needs.
Insta360 Flow Pro
Best Overall
✓ 360° Infinite Pan Tracking
✓ Deep Track 3.0
✓ Apple DockKit
✓ Built-in Tripod & Selfie Stick
#2 Best for Beginners: DJI Osmo Mobile 6
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 offers 3-Axis Stabilization to keep your footage smooth and steady, and optimized object tracking with the Active Track 6.0 to keep subjects centered, even when obstructed, during fast movements, when using the front camera, and when zooming in or out.
It comes in a portable size with an anti-slip grip that can be transformed into a tripod stand, making it easy to set up and use wherever you go. Quick Launch allows you to start filming quickly just by unfolding and attaching your phone to the gimbal, while Gesture Control lets you snap a selfie or start recording easily with your hand gesture.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Recording gets even easier with the Side Wheel to control the camera zoom and focus with a single hand. On the Status Panel, you can easily check the battery level, system status indicator, and switch between modes
Double-clicking the switch button allows you to easily switch between portrait and landscape mode, making it easy to adjust to different shooting scenarios. Beginners who are new to gimbals will enjoy all of these easy-to-use features and intuitive controls.
Moreover, on the DJI Mimo App, various features are available to help beginners create professional-looking videos, such as ShotGuides which provides step-by-step shooting tutorials according to the scenario, and Story Mode which offers a range of templates and music to help you create cinematic videos with ease.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Best for Beginners
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Quick Launch & Gesture Control
✓ ShotGuides & Story Mode
✓ 6.4 hours runtime
#3 Best for Professionals: Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
If you're a professional who's already familiar with the process of creating cinematic videos, especially with gimbals, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is the perfect gimbal for you. It has advanced features and control which allows you to fine-tune your shots and get the perfect result every time.
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S features a professional structure of 3 orthogonal pivot axes that provide maximum stability, allowing you to take smooth and steady shots. The Smart Follow tracks your subject's movements and keeps them in the frame, while the built-in fill light provides additional lighting of 650 lux for your shots, especially useful for shooting in low-light settings.
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
The Panel Control offers a versatile way to adjust settings to your preference easily with the mode button (PF, L, F, POV, V), fill light button, and a joystick for precise camera movement. Control Wheel also allows you to adjust the focus, zoom, and create advanced cinematic effects such as dolly zoom.
Supported by a long-lasting battery, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S is suitable for all-day content creation with a runtime of 24 hours for only 2 hours of charging.
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Best for Professionals
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Built-in fill light
✓ Panel Control with joystick
✓ 24 hours runtime
#4 Best for Budget: hohem iSteady XE
hohem iSteady XE
At only $79, the hohem iSteady XE is affordable but still offers great value to improve your video content. With iSteady 7.0 3-Axis Stabilization, the gimbal can handle fast and shaky movements to deliver smooth and steady footage. It can also track faces, pets, and other objects with precision and accuracy, allowing you to keep moving targets in the center of attention with ease.
If you want a more advanced video result, try the Inception Mode, which creates a rotating 180-degree shot that gives a dramatic effect to your video. You can also explore many creative templates on the Hohem Joy app, such as Timelapse, Cloneme, Dolly Zoom, and more.
hohem iSteady XE
The hohem iSteady XE also comes with a tripod stand which you can connect to the gimbal's 1/4" universal screw hole on the bottom, making it easy to set up and use wherever you go. In addition, the Quick Launch and Gesture Control features add more advantages to the gimbal's easy-to-use features.
The hohem iSteady XE is also compact, foldable, and lightweight, making it great for travel vlogging or other on-the-go video production. It lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge, providing ample battery life for your video recording needs.
hohem iSteady XE
Best for Budget
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Inception Mode
✓ Foldable & lightweight
✓ 8 hours runtime
Compare the Best Gimbals for iPhone
Insta360 Flow Pro
Best Overall
✓ 360° Infinite Pan Tracking
✓ Deep Track 3.0
✓ Apple DockKit
✓ Built-in Tripod & Selfie Stick
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Best for Beginners
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Quick Launch & Gesture Control
✓ ShotGuides & Story Mode
✓ 6.4 hours runtime
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Best for Professionals
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Built-in fill light
✓ Panel Control with joystick
✓ 24 hours runtime
hohem iSteady XE
Best for Budget
✓ 3-Axis Stabilization
✓ Inception Mode
✓ Foldable & lightweight
✓ 8 hours runtime
Final Thoughts
Insta360 Flow Pro
Choosing the right gimbal for your iPhone depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, there is a gimbal out there that can help you take your video content to the next level.
If you like to read more on Gimbals, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Gimbals
Insta360 Flow Pro vs DJI Osmo Mobile 6
Insta360 Flow Pro vs Insta360 Flow
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile SE
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs DJI Osmo Mobile 5
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 vs Zhiyun Smooth 5S
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