My 2 Favorite Mobile Gimbals for Your Smartphone

Which Is Right For You?

Out of the dozens of gimbals we tested, only a few brands deliver the hardware and software quality we can rely on when shooting, including the prized Osmo Mobile 6 from DJI, or the Smooth 5s. While others are sold on the market, we found that these few are the only ones worth adding to your camera bag for mobile video projects.

Smartphones pack a lot of power into their small size, making them great cinematography tools that are prone to camera shake, especially during moving shots. Gimbals bring buttery footage to your phone like a big rig and are designed specially to meet the needs of your smartphone's hardware. Although new gimbals come out every year, the improvements from here forward will be nominal compared to the unique features you get in the best smartphone gimbals of our time.

Any one of them will elevate your mobile filmmaking to the next level. Each one has its strengths, but there’s no wrong choice on this list. There’s an option for every budget and payload that can bring buttery, cinematic footage from your smartphone to the big screen. Here are our top three.

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 6

Best For: Plug-and-play, traveling content creators, and anyone who loves DJI products.

DJI is a brand worth remembering, especially if you’re into capturing life during big travels. The Osmo Mobile 6 is a super AI-friendly stabilizer for your phone, made to keep your phone shots steady and your setup simple. It folds up small enough to fit in your hand, and as soon as you unfold it, it’s ready to shoot instantly — perfect for super quick shots whenever the idea strikes. If you need to capture a group selfie or get a wider view of the landscape, extend the built-in handle to get the perfect angle without juggling extra gear. Plus, the DJI app helps you shoot, edit, and share to TikTok or Instagram within seconds.

Easy to Take Anywhere

The foldable design means popping it in a small bag, ready for a spontaneous photo walk or road trip stop. With a snap-in magnetic phone clamp, you can connect your phone without even removing the case—no extra setup is needed. Whether you’re snapping photos or switching to answer a call, it’s quick and convenient.

Selfie Stick, But Better

This isn’t your typical selfie stick. Extend it out to get a higher shot at a concert, or dip it low to capture your feet walking a trail. It’s easy to adjust, so you can experiment with creative angles.

Smooth, Effortless Control

The Osmo Mobile 6 has a side wheel that feels like rolling a volume dial, making it easy to zoom in on a detail or pull back for a wider shot. Just roll it to adjust the zoom smoothly, whether you’re recording your friend’s reaction or panning across a sunset.

2. Zhiyun Smooth 5S

Best For: More professionally smooth movement for short films, YouTube videos, and cinematic scenes.

The Zhiyun Smooth 5S builds on the success of the original Smooth 5, now with some seriously helpful upgrades for filmmakers of any skill level. It has a built-in light to brighten dim light, and you can snap on two extra magnetic lights if you need a boost. Its design with three rotating pivot points gives you way more freedom to experiment with low angles or ultra-wide shots— ideal for capturing super interesting angles that require a few gymnastics.

The Smooth 5S is rugged and built with strong magnetic steel motors that can handle larger Pro or Max-level smartphone series. The phone clamp is also wide enough to support add-on mobile lenses or filters, so you can get creative with different accessories. The built-in light has impressive brightness (5000K color temp, 90+ CPI, and 2W power), perfect for adding a natural glow to your shots. And if you need more lighting, you can order an on-camera LED light.

It's super rig-friendly and sports a super professional feel. Zhiyun always comes in clutch with quality specs, but the Smooth 5s really beats out most gimbals on the market.

Smooth, Stable Shots Anywhere

The Smooth 5S is all about flexibility. Its three-axis stabilization system provides professional-grade stability, with plenty of space between each axis so you can comfortably capture low or wide shots.

Feels Like Pro Gear

This gimbal looks and feels like a mini pro stabilizer, with customizable buttons and controls that let you fine-tune settings to your style. Perfect for anyone who wants a compact setup with all the pro features.