If you’re a content creator, mobile filmmaker, travel vlogger, or simply someone who enjoys capturing life’s moments with cinematic flair, then a smartphone gimbal is an essential tool in your gear lineup. As we step into 2025, these stabilizers have become even more advanced, lightweight, and adaptable to various shooting styles and smartphone models. Whether you use an iPhone or Android device, the latest gimbals provide fluid video stabilization, creative motion control, and intuitive interfaces that allow anyone to shoot professional-quality footage right from their phone.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the top eight smartphone gimbals you should consider purchasing in 2025. Each has been carefully selected based on performance, durability, smart features, and overall value. From industry staples like DJI and Zhiyun to rising contenders like Hohem and PowerVision, we cover a range of devices tailored to different creative needs and budgets.
Understanding the Purpose of a Smartphone Gimbal
A smartphone gimbal is a compact mechanical stabilizer equipped with motorized axes that counteract movement, providing a smooth video output even during walking, turning, or filming dynamic scenes. These devices use three-axis stabilization to reduce vibration and ensure your footage looks cinematic and polished. They’re especially useful for travel videos, vlogs, social media content, real estate walkthroughs, and event coverage.
With an intuitive user interface and compatibility with both Android and iPhone devices, modern gimbals are no longer limited to professionals. Even beginners can achieve visually compelling results thanks to pre-programmed motion sequences, gesture control, AI tracking, and more.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6: Where Innovation Meets Stabilized Brilliance for Mobile Videography
Compact Yet Powerful Design for Creators on the Move
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 arrives with an ultra-portable foldable design that marries convenience and performance. At just 500 grams, it’s light enough to carry all day, yet robust enough to deliver cinematic results. Its integrated telescopic arm extends up to 8.5 inches, enabling creative framing angles without needing extra accessories.
Industry-Leading 3-Axis Stabilization with ActiveTrack 6.0
The Osmo Mobile 6 shines in dynamic shooting scenarios thanks to its 3-axis stabilization system powered by DJI’s advanced ActiveTrack 6.0. It delivers consistently smooth footage whether you're walking, running, or filming fast-paced scenes. This real-time motor adjustment technology offers unrivaled visual fluidity straight from your smartphone.
Intuitive Controls Built for Efficiency
Creators will appreciate the gimbal’s thoughtfully arranged control layout. The multifunctional joystick, side zoom slider, and rear trigger allow effortless navigation through camera movements and tracking modes. These tactile, ergonomic buttons are designed to be responsive and easy to operate one-handed, making spontaneous shooting more instinctive than ever.
Seamless App Integration with DJI Mimo
The Osmo Mobile 6 connects seamlessly to the DJI Mimo app via Bluetooth, transforming a standard gimbal into a creative powerhouse. Within the app, users gain access to intelligent shooting modes like motion-lapse, hyper-lapse, and time-lapse. The standout feature, ShotGuides, acts as an intelligent assistant, recommending scene-based templates and tips that enhance the storytelling process.
Versatile Shooting Modes for Every Scene
Whether filming a bustling cityscape or a peaceful time-lapse, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 offers creators the flexibility to capture any scene with finesse. Easily transition between landscape and portrait orientations with the magnetic clamp, and switch between shooting modes with just a few taps. This makes it ideal for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok without compromising on video quality.
Fast Setup and Long Battery Life
Designed to minimize friction, the Osmo Mobile 6 powers on instantly upon unfolding. Its magnetic clamp enables quick smartphone mounting, so you're always ready to shoot. The built-in battery supports approximately 6.4 hours of continuous use, allowing for extensive filming sessions without mid-day charging interruptions.
Broad Device Compatibility
This gimbal accommodates a wide range of smartphone sizes and brands. Whether you're using the latest iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, or another Android device, the Osmo Mobile 6 adjusts effortlessly to fit, allowing more creators to experience the benefits of professional-grade stabilization.
Unlock Professional-Grade Mobile Videography
From amateur vloggers to seasoned filmmakers, the Osmo Mobile 6 is designed to democratize high-end video production. Its precise motor control, intelligent features, and seamless user experience empower users to produce content that rivals footage from far more expensive setups.
A Gimbal That Grows with Your Creativity
The Osmo Mobile 6 isn’t just a stabilizer—it’s a creative partner. As you explore new storytelling techniques and complex compositions, this gimbal scales with your skills. The combination of mechanical excellence and AI-powered support ensures you never outgrow its capabilities.
The Ultimate Tool for Modern Content Creators
In today’s fast-paced digital world, creators need tools that are flexible, powerful, and intuitive. The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is that rare blend of design and function that elevates mobile videography to a new level. Whether you're crafting travel videos, livestreaming events, or building an audience on social platforms, this gimbal delivers the edge you need to stand out.
Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus: Affordable Stability and Creative Control for Mobile Filmmakers
In an era where smartphone videography has become a prominent medium for storytelling, finding the right gimbal can make the difference between amateur clips and professional-quality footage. The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus emerges as an accessible yet capable solution for mobile creators seeking to elevate their visual storytelling without breaking the bank. Tailored for both beginners and intermediate users, this gimbal strikes a delicate balance between affordability and dependable performance, making it an ideal companion for those stepping into the world of stabilized mobile filmmaking.
The iSteady Mobile Plus presents an elegantly pragmatic design. At a modest 490 grams, it offers a lightweight form factor that doesn’t sacrifice durability. Crafted with a careful focus on usability, it accommodates smartphones ranging from 5.8 cm to 8.9 cm in width, ensuring wide compatibility with devices across iOS and Android ecosystems. Its structure is compact enough to carry during travel, yet sturdy enough to support high-action footage across varied environments.
The gimbal’s strength lies in its sophisticated stabilization mechanism. Using a 3-axis motor system, the iSteady Mobile Plus compensates for shakes and jitters that often plague handheld footage. Whether you're capturing a serene walk through nature or a high-energy street performance, the gimbal ensures your shots maintain a cinematic smoothness that’s hard to achieve with bare hands. This stabilization performance sets a strong foundation for aspiring videographers and vloggers who want their content to look polished and professional.
Offering four versatile modes—Pan Follow, Pan & Tilt Follow, All Lock, and All Follow—the gimbal gives creators substantial control over how motion is interpreted and recorded. Each mode is engineered to adapt to different shooting styles. Pan Follow allows the camera to follow horizontal movements while keeping tilt steady, perfect for tracking subjects. Pan & Tilt Follow enables both vertical and horizontal tracking, ideal for scenic pans and dramatic tilts. All Lock freezes the orientation for a static viewpoint, and All Follow releases all axes for fluid multi-directional movements. These diverse operation modes empower users to experiment and discover their preferred creative rhythm.
Control over the gimbal’s behavior is further enhanced via the Hohem Pro app—a companion interface that opens the door to custom configurations. Users can fine-tune follow speed, adjust zoom responsiveness, and even recalibrate motor sensitivity to match different filming scenarios. This level of control, usually reserved for premium devices, makes the iSteady Mobile Plus a standout in its price segment. Moreover, firmware updates through the app ensure your device evolves with technological improvements over time.
Battery life is one of the gimbal's most impressive assets. With an operational runtime of up to 12 hours on a full charge, the iSteady Mobile Plus is more than capable of supporting extended shooting sessions, be it a full day of event coverage or a long outdoor expedition. Its USB port also allows for on-the-go smartphone charging, effectively turning the gimbal into a mobile power bank—an invaluable feature for remote shooting locations or live broadcasting.
Zhiyun Smooth 5: Compact Powerhouse for Mobile Cinematographers Seeking Professional Control
In a creative world increasingly dominated by smartphone videography, the demand for advanced stabilization paired with professional control continues to rise. The Zhiyun Smooth 5 answers that call with an exceptional combination of powerful hardware, cinematic features, and a design philosophy tailored for mobile creators who demand precision. Compact yet undeniably capable, the Smooth 5 is a pro-grade gimbal that delivers depth, functionality, and finesse in every shot.
At its core, the Zhiyun Smooth 5 is engineered for creators who want manual control and film-style results without carrying bulky camera rigs. Unlike many entry-level stabilizers, it accommodates heavier smartphones with ease, supporting up to 210 grams. This makes it an ideal tool for modern flagship devices, especially those with multiple lenses and camera modules, which tend to be weighty. Its solid construction, weighing 615 grams, gives it a durable feel that reassures during rigorous shooting conditions while still being portable enough for travel-based projects or extended sessions on location.
What truly sets the Zhiyun Smooth 5 apart is its extensive control layout. It goes beyond simple buttons and dials—this gimbal offers a complete cinematic interface. At the heart of this system is a highly responsive focus and zoom wheel, giving users precise control over depth-of-field transitions and zoom actions. These tactile controls allow filmmakers to recreate effects typically reserved for DSLR or mirrorless setups, like dramatic rack focus shots or seamless zoom transitions that enhance narrative impact.
The control panel also includes a suite of programmable buttons, letting users customize functions according to their shooting style. This means quicker access to essential features without navigating complex menus mid-shoot. From switching gimbal modes to initiating recording or adjusting orientation, every input feels deliberate and intuitive. This tactile precision is especially valuable in high-pressure shooting environments where timing and reaction speed matter.
Supporting this robust hardware experience is the ZY Cami app, which integrates smart features and creative automation into the workflow. The app offers gesture control, allowing hands-free operation—a welcome function for solo creators and vloggers. With smart tracking, the app can lock onto subjects and follow them smoothly across the frame, ensuring continuous focus and professional framing, even when the user is in motion. This is particularly useful for fitness creators, dancers, educators, or travel vloggers needing reliable tracking in dynamic scenarios.
Among its most compelling additions is cinematic mode, which helps automate complex camera moves such as dolly zooms, slow tilts, and wide-angle pans. The app includes templates for these effects, making them accessible to users without requiring extensive film knowledge. It enables even casual users to produce footage that feels intentional, dramatic, and well-paced.
Despite some minor limitations for Android users—such as reduced compatibility with certain app features—the Smooth 5 still stands out through sheer mechanical excellence and responsiveness. For iOS users, the integration is more seamless, but even outside the app, the physical controls and internal stabilization algorithm ensure uncompromised performance across platforms.
Another distinguishing attribute of the Zhiyun Smooth 5 is its compatibility with modular lighting. Magnetic fill lights can be attached to the gimbal, offering 360-degree illumination for low-light or indoor shoots. This is a game-changer for creators working in variable lighting environments. Whether capturing twilight street scenes or filming in dimly lit interiors, this feature allows for balanced and controlled lighting that enhances the subject without relying on external rigs.
Zhiyun Smooth Q3: Versatile, Compact, and Perfect for Creative Mobile Content
In the rapidly evolving world of mobile videography, compact gimbals that offer both stability and creative tools are becoming indispensable for content creators of all levels. The Zhiyun Smooth Q3 is one such innovation that excels in portability while offering a robust set of features designed to help storytellers express themselves with style and ease. Tailored for vloggers, influencers, travelers, and casual creatives alike, this 3-axis smartphone gimbal is a brilliant fusion of form, function, and affordability.
At just 340 grams, the Smooth Q3 is impressively lightweight, making it a reliable choice for on-the-go shooting. Whether you're navigating a busy city, hiking a mountain trail, or simply filming in your backyard, this gimbal’s ergonomic design and compact structure allow for one-handed use and prolonged shooting without fatigue. Its handle is contoured for a comfortable grip, allowing seamless operation over extended periods. What truly elevates its portability is the inclusion of a built-in telescopic handle, which lets users extend their reach for wide-angle selfies, elevated shots, and more dynamic scene compositions—an advantage rarely seen in stabilizers of this size.
One of the most standout features of the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 is its integrated rotating fill light, a game-changing addition for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts who often shoot in less-than-ideal lighting. The adjustable light includes three brightness levels and rotates to face the user or subject, ensuring that the scene is evenly lit from every angle. Whether recording in dim indoor environments or during the golden hour, this built-in light significantly enhances facial clarity and overall frame illumination. It's a simple but powerful tool that adds a touch of professionalism to otherwise casual videos.
The ZY Cami app, which pairs seamlessly with the gimbal, unlocks a range of creative features that turn ordinary footage into captivating stories. Through the app, users gain access to gesture control, which allows hands-free operation—perfect for solo creators who want to start and stop recording or take photos without touching the gimbal. Smart Follow 3.0 enables the camera to automatically track faces and moving subjects with impressive accuracy, keeping them centered in the frame while the user focuses on action or narration.
Another fun and innovative tool the Smooth Q3 offers is MagicClone Pano, which allows users to appear multiple times within the same panoramic frame. This playful mode is ideal for social media creators looking to stand out with imaginative visuals. Combined with panorama modes, slow motion, and time-lapse functions, this gimbal enables highly creative outputs without needing complex editing or additional software.
The Smooth Q3's 3-axis stabilization system guarantees fluid and shake-free footage regardless of how turbulent the shooting conditions may be. From fast-paced movements during sports activities to smooth cinematic pans during travel vlogs, the stabilization keeps footage crisp and visually pleasing. This mechanical precision is particularly helpful for smartphone users who aim to deliver professional-looking content without investing in larger rigs or mirrorless cameras.
In terms of compatibility, the gimbal supports a wide range of smartphones across both iOS and Android ecosystems. It can handle most modern devices comfortably, allowing users to leverage the full potential of their smartphone cameras without concern for weight imbalance or software glitches. The mounting process is quick and intuitive, and transitioning between portrait and landscape orientations takes just a few seconds, making it ideal for creators who need to adapt their framing for various platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube.
JOBY Smart Stabilizer: Lightweight Mobility and Creative Freedom for On-the-Go Content Creators
In a world where spontaneous storytelling and travel vlogging are becoming central to modern content creation, having a compact, intuitive tool that supports fluid video capture is invaluable. The JOBY Smart Stabilizer steps into this space as an ideal option for mobile creators who prioritize portability, ease of use, and fast deployment over elaborate cinematic control. Designed with everyday users in mind, this 3-axis gimbal offers a simplified yet efficient stabilization experience that caters well to casual videographers, travel bloggers, and lifestyle influencers.
Weighing in at just 428 grams, the JOBY Smart Stabilizer is a highly portable device crafted with lightweight materials, allowing creators to shoot for hours without experiencing wrist fatigue. This makes it particularly well-suited for travel scenarios where space and weight are major concerns. Despite its featherlight build, the stabilizer provides enough structural integrity to support compact smartphones and standard devices securely. While its payload capacity is modest, it efficiently supports most mainstream smartphones, including those with wide-angle and ultra-wide lenses.
One of the standout elements of this gimbal is its integrated tripod. Cleverly designed to fold into the base of the handle, it transforms the stabilizer into a freestanding mount in seconds. This feature is particularly useful for solo creators who want to frame themselves without holding the device. Whether filming a static monologue, capturing a scenic time-lapse, or shooting a dance routine, the tripod expands the creative options while keeping setup minimal.
The 7-inch extendable selfie stick built into the gimbal further amplifies its versatility. This hidden extension rod allows users to capture wider frames, elevated shots, or immersive walk-and-talk scenes with minimal equipment. It's particularly advantageous when vlogging in crowded or scenic locations where framing becomes essential. The design enables smooth angle adjustments while retaining a stable grip, reducing the need for additional mounts or accessories.
Control on the JOBY Smart Stabilizer is intentionally straightforward. With intuitive physical buttons placed on the handle, users can quickly toggle between shooting modes, start and stop recording, and adjust camera orientation with minimal distraction. This user-friendly interface appeals to beginners and casual content creators who may not be familiar with more complex gimbal operations. The simplicity does not come at the cost of effectiveness—essential functions remain accessible and responsive throughout the filming process.
In terms of stabilization, the device performs admirably for casual and moderately active use. Its 3-axis motor system delivers smooth footage during walking sequences, panning shots, or basic motion tracking. While fast-moving subjects or erratic motion may test the limits of its responsiveness, the stabilizer still offers a meaningful improvement over handheld shooting, especially for lifestyle vlogs, travel diaries, or family events. It allows creators to focus on content rather than worrying about frame jitters or uneven footage.
To enhance its creative offerings, the JOBY Smart Stabilizer leverages Feiyu’s mobile app, which expands the functionality of the gimbal through a suite of intelligent modes. Through this app, users can access features like dolly zoom, panorama capture, and time-lapse video, all of which help elevate the visual quality of smartphone footage. Dolly zoom, in particular, creates a dramatic perspective shift popularized in cinema, and its inclusion on a budget-friendly stabilizer is a pleasant surprise.
Panorama mode allows seamless stitching of wide shots—great for capturing cityscapes, natural landscapes, or architectural interiors. Time-lapse capabilities let users record the gradual progression of scenes such as sunsets, cloud movement, or bustling street activity with professional polish. These effects, which once required editing expertise and bulky gear, are now at your fingertips with a few taps.
Battery performance is another area where the JOBY Smart Stabilizer holds its own. With a battery life of up to 10 hours, users can film multiple sessions throughout the day without needing to recharge. This endurance is essential for travel and outdoor content creators who may not have access to power sources while on the move. The gimbal charges via USB-C, making it compatible with standard charging accessories and power banks, further enhancing its convenience for mobile use.
Another strength of this gimbal is its versatile shooting orientation. Switching between landscape and portrait modes is seamless, catering to the growing demand for vertical content on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. This adaptability allows creators to capture content optimized for each platform without needing to readjust their workflow.
The JOBY Smart Stabilizer also incorporates basic subject tracking features, allowing it to follow human faces and objects within the frame. Though not as advanced as flagship gimbals with AI-powered tracking, it still performs effectively in predictable environments where movement is moderate. This makes it suitable for interviews, cooking tutorials, or fitness videos where subjects remain within a defined space.
Despite its affordability and entry-level classification, the gimbal doesn’t skimp on core essentials. Its sleek design, quiet motor operation, and responsive interface give it a polished feel that supports professional-looking output. The matte exterior is both modern and ergonomic, offering a solid grip and reducing the risk of accidental drops during filming.
FeiyuTech Vimble 3: Real-Time Subject Tracking and Intelligent Stabilization for Modern Creators
Intelligent Performance in a Compact Frame
In a digital landscape where content creation thrives on mobility, automation, and precision, the FeiyuTech Vimble 3 rises as a versatile smartphone gimbal engineered for creators seeking dependable tracking and stabilization. With a thoughtful blend of smart AI technology and mechanical precision, this 3-axis stabilizer provides smooth footage, responsive subject tracking, and real-world usability in a lightweight and travel-friendly body.
Weighing just 387 grams, the Vimble 3 maintains a compact profile while delivering an array of advanced features that appeal to both casual vloggers and experienced content professionals. Its lightweight build ensures all-day usability, and the folding design makes it easy to store in a backpack, carry-on, or handbag—perfect for daily vlogs, travel documentaries, and spontaneous filming on the go.
Built-in AI Tracking Without App Dependency
One of the defining features of the Vimble 3 is its integrated AI subject tracking, which functions without full reliance on a mobile application. Unlike many gimbals that require continuous connection to an app for tracking, the Vimble 3 uses onboard AI to identify and follow subjects using gesture-based recognition. A simple hand wave or signal can activate tracking or initiate a recording session, making solo content creation more autonomous and less reliant on touchscreen input.
This real-time tracking ensures that your subject remains centered and in focus even as they move within the frame, making it ideal for dynamic shoots involving fitness demonstrations, dance, live streaming, or tutorial-style videos. Whether you're walking and talking or showcasing a product, the gimbal adjusts smoothly to keep framing precise.
360-Degree Panning and Stabilization Across All Axes
With 360-degree rotation on all three axes, the FeiyuTech Vimble 3 provides the freedom to craft dynamic motion sequences, orbiting shots, and cinematic pans. This range of motion allows creators to explore storytelling from multiple visual perspectives without manual intervention or post-editing stabilization. The motorized stabilization absorbs small jitters and sudden hand movements, ensuring that footage remains fluid even during action-packed scenes.
Whether you're filming urban explorations, outdoor adventures, or intimate vlogs, the Vimble 3 delivers stabilization that enhances the clarity and quality of each moment captured.
Extended Reach with Built-In Telescopic Rod
Adding to its creative utility is the built-in extension rod, which significantly enhances framing flexibility. Whether you want to capture ultra-wide shots, include more background scenery, or film from elevated or low angles, the telescopic rod makes these perspectives easily achievable. This is especially useful for group selfies, wide-angle shots in nature, or overhead filming during public events and performances.
By eliminating the need for a separate selfie stick or boom pole, the gimbal keeps your gear minimal while expanding your range of motion.
Feature-Rich App with Advanced Video Modes
While the Vimble 3 operates effectively as a standalone device, connecting it to the Feiyu ON app unlocks a wealth of creative tools. Users can access HDR video capture, enabling more vivid color contrast and dynamic range in bright or complex lighting environments. The app also features video modes such as time-lapse, hyper-lapse, motion-lapse, panorama, and dolly zoom, helping creators craft visually compelling narratives with cinematic flair.
The intuitive interface allows quick adjustments to camera parameters such as exposure, white balance, and resolution. This level of control brings a semi-professional filmmaking experience to a pocket-sized setup, especially beneficial for mobile journalists, documentary shooters, and independent filmmakers.
Reverse Charging and All-Day Battery Performance
Power efficiency is a major strength of the Vimble 3. The internal battery offers up to 10 hours of continuous operation, allowing for extended shoots throughout the day without constant recharge interruptions. For creators who are frequently on location or moving between sets, this battery performance translates to consistent uptime and less logistical stress.
Adding to its versatility is the reverse charging port, which enables the gimbal to act as a power source for your smartphone. This is a crucial feature for mobile shooters relying heavily on their phones for video capture, livestreams, or GPS navigation. The ability to recharge your phone mid-shoot can be the difference between completing a project or missing a critical shot.
Designed for Portability and Ergonomic Comfort
The Vimble 3’s thoughtful design extends beyond functionality—it’s also built for comfort and convenience. The handle offers a natural grip with strategically placed buttons that allow one-handed control over recording, mode switching, and zoom functions. These tactile controls are intuitive, reducing the learning curve for new users and offering responsive operation even in fast-paced environments.
The stabilizer folds into a compact shape, allowing for effortless storage and transport. This portability makes it ideal for travel bloggers, social media creators, and anyone filming on the move who wants to keep their kit as minimal as possible.
Seamless Orientation Switching and Vertical Video
With just one button, users can switch between landscape and portrait orientations, enabling optimal content formats for both widescreen platforms like YouTube and vertical-first platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Snapchat. The speed and ease of orientation switching allow creators to remain in the moment, capturing content without breaking rhythm or missing spontaneous opportunities.
The precision gimbal motors ensure that transitions between orientations remain stable, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing.
Ideal Use Cases for Modern Creators
The FeiyuTech Vimble 3 is particularly well-suited for creators who work alone, stream frequently, or film in uncontrolled environments. Its gesture-based AI tracking, reliable stabilization, and real-time subject recognition simplify the production process, allowing users to focus on performance and storytelling rather than technical details.
From content creators who publish daily to those capturing travel documentaries, product reviews, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes footage, the Vimble 3 offers an elegant and efficient solution to mobile filmmaking challenges.
Enhanced Creativity Without Complexity
Unlike high-end gimbals that can overwhelm casual users with technical details and cumbersome calibration steps, the Vimble 3 keeps the experience streamlined without compromising functionality. It encourages creativity by making advanced features approachable, enabling users to experiment with camera movement, framing, and visual effects in ways that were once reserved for professionals.
By integrating smart features and user-focused design, FeiyuTech has created a stabilizer that invites both exploration and consistency—a rare blend that suits the ever-evolving landscape of content creation.
Entry-Level Innovation for Everyday Storytelling
The demand for budget-friendly gimbals has surged as mobile videography continues to grow among social media users, vloggers, and casual content creators. The MOZA Mini S Extendable stands out as an accessible yet capable gimbal designed specifically for newcomers who need reliability, simplicity, and stabilization on a budget. While it doesn’t boast the high-end features of premium models, it delivers a solid and dependable performance for those who want to elevate their videos without making a heavy financial investment.
This gimbal offers a foldable form factor, making it exceptionally travel-friendly and convenient for spontaneous shooting. Whether you're commuting, heading to a scenic location, or recording your daily routine, the Mini S easily fits into a backpack or handbag without occupying much space. The folding mechanism is smooth and secure, helping users set up quickly when inspiration strikes.
Compact Design with Durable Construction
Despite its lightweight construction and use of plastic materials, the MOZA Mini S is surprisingly sturdy. Weighing just 420 grams, it provides the portability needed for long shooting sessions while remaining robust enough to withstand regular use. It’s well-suited for creators constantly on the move, such as travel bloggers, outdoor vloggers, or event attendees. The grip design ensures comfortable handling, reducing strain during handheld operation, even over extended periods.
Its compact nature does not compromise its core function: 3-axis stabilization. This system compensates for hand tremors and erratic movements across tilt, roll, and pan axes, providing smooth, cinematic video that appears polished and professional. Whether walking through a crowded street, panning across a landscape, or following a subject, the stabilization keeps footage stable and free from unwanted jitter.
Core Features That Cover the Essentials
What makes the MOZA Mini S particularly attractive to beginners is the range of essential features packed into a straightforward, easy-to-use design. Users have access to slow-motion video, gesture control, and several shooting modes that enhance creativity without requiring a steep learning curve. The gimbal supports both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing creators to shoot for different platforms—from widescreen YouTube videos to vertical content for TikTok and Instagram.
The Mini S doesn’t include a telescopic extension rod like some of its competitors, but it does come with an adjustable phone mount, enabling optimal framing and balance for a wide variety of smartphone sizes. Whether using an older model or a newer flagship device, the mount secures your phone tightly while allowing for easy adjustments.
One particularly user-friendly feature is the quick launch function, which lets users unfold the gimbal and start filming almost instantly. This immediacy is invaluable for capturing fleeting moments without delay. Additionally, the joystick and control buttons are laid out clearly, giving users tactile control over pan, tilt, and zoom functions.
Simplified Editing with MOZA Genie App
Paired with the MOZA Mini S is the MOZA Genie app, a mobile platform that not only controls gimbal settings but also introduces a lightweight editing suite. The app provides tools for trimming, splicing, and adding transitions to video clips, allowing users to craft polished content right from their phone without needing third-party editing software. This integrated workflow supports content creators who need to publish quickly or manage projects while traveling.
Other features within the app include object tracking, time-lapse, and panorama modes. The tracking system allows the camera to follow a moving subject automatically, maintaining focus and framing while you move freely. This is especially helpful for fitness videos, dance clips, or outdoor adventures where subjects shift positions frequently.
Battery Performance for Short Sessions
With an operational range of around 5 hours, the battery life on the Mini S is sufficient for short to medium shooting sessions. While it may fall short of some high-capacity gimbals, it offers enough endurance for filming day-to-day content or handling a few vlogs or reels in one charge. The gimbal charges via USB and is compatible with power banks, which adds flexibility for shooting in locations without easy access to electrical outlets.
The gimbal also powers down gracefully to conserve battery when not in use, helping users extend usage time during sporadic shooting throughout the day. Though not suited for full-day filming marathons, its efficiency makes it perfect for hobbyists and casual content creators.
Versatility for Everyday Use
The MOZA Mini S is designed to be practical for a wide range of filming scenarios. From recording family moments and capturing travel highlights to creating tutorials, product showcases, or social media content, it adapts seamlessly. Its compact frame, intuitive controls, and reliable stabilization make it easy for anyone to pick up and use with minimal setup or technical experience.
In portrait mode, the Mini S serves creators producing vertical-first content, a growing segment driven by mobile audiences. Transitioning between vertical and horizontal shooting is quick, allowing users to adjust formats on the fly based on the target platform or audience preference.
Ideal for Beginners and Budget-Conscious Creators
For those just starting out in content creation or looking for an entry-level stabilizer, the MOZA Mini S hits the sweet spot between affordability and core functionality. It strips away the complexities often found in high-end gear while keeping the focus on smooth video and intuitive operation. Creators can explore filmmaking basics—camera movement, framing, and pacing—without feeling overwhelmed or restricted by cost.
This gimbal serves as an excellent training ground for new videographers. As skills improve and needs grow, users can comfortably transition to more advanced models, but for initial content creation efforts, the Mini S provides a reliable and fun platform to begin the journey.
Simple, Smart, and Streamlined
The MOZA Mini S Extendable proves that you don’t need a premium-priced gimbal to create smooth, appealing videos. It merges portability, essential functionality, and beginner-friendly features into a compact package that’s easy to carry, easy to learn, and easy to love. With its foldable design, adjustable phone mount, gesture control, and in-app editing tools, it empowers users to craft shareable content wherever inspiration strikes.
Though it lacks advanced add-ons like extension rods or complex tracking systems, it delivers exceptional value for its cost—providing precisely what budget-conscious users need without overwhelming them with extras they may never use.
PowerVision S1: Miniature Design with Maximum Output
The PowerVision S1 is among the most portable gimbals available, folding down into a size small enough for your pocket. Despite its small size, it includes three-axis stabilization, wireless charging, and intuitive controls.
Gesture control and object tracking are included, along with a tripod function. Though panorama stitching can show distortion and zoom stabilization can falter, the device excels in portability and simplicity.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Gimbal for Your Needs
When selecting a smartphone gimbal in 2025, consider how and where you plan to use it. Are you frequently on the go? The compact PowerVision S1 or MOZA Mini S may suit your needs. Do you need advanced controls for storytelling? Opt for the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 or Zhiyun Smooth 5. For those who want reliable tracking and creative presets without breaking the bank, the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is a wise choice.
All the gimbals in this list are compatible with major iOS and Android smartphones and support advanced shooting modes such as motion-lapse, active tracking, time-lapse, and panorama. With features like these and more, it’s easier than ever to create cinematic, stabilized content from your phone.
As mobile content creation continues to grow, investing in a dependable gimbal ensures your visual stories remain compelling, sharp, and fluid. Whether you’re shooting your next YouTube series or capturing everyday adventures, the right gimbal will elevate your production to a professional standard.
