The Best 20 Smartphone Stabilizers for Smooth and Steady Video in 2025
Smartphone cameras have come a long way, boasting 4K video, incredible zoom, and built-in stabilization. But let’s be real—handheld footage can still look like a rollercoaster ride without the right gear. Whether you’re a vlogger chasing cinematic shots, a TikTok creator nailing dance trends, or just someone who wants shake-free vacation clips, a smartphone stabilizer (aka gimbal) is your ticket to pro-level video. In 2025, the market is buzzing with options, from foldable mini-gimbals to heavy-duty rigs. So, I’ve rounded up the 20 best smartphone stabilizers to help you capture smooth, steady video—no film crew required.
Why trust this list? I’ve sifted through reviews, tested features, and leaned on insights from trusted sites like PCMag, TechRadar, and Digital Camera World. Plus, I’ve kept it current for February 24, 2025, so you’re getting the latest and greatest. Let’s break it down by category—top picks, budget-friendly options, and specialized gimbals—then wrap up with tips to pick the perfect one for you.
Why You Need a Smartphone Stabilizer in 2025
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why stabilizers matter. Modern phones like the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 have optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS), but they can’t fully tame shaky hands or bumpy walks. A gimbal uses motors and sensors to keep your phone steady across three axes—tilt, roll, and pan—delivering that buttery-smooth footage you see in Hollywood flicks. Plus, many come with extras like subject tracking, time-lapse modes, and selfie-stick extensions. In short, they’re game-changers for anyone serious about smartphone videography.
Top 10 Smartphone Stabilizers for Most Users
These are the cream of the crop—versatile, reliable, and packed with features for everyone from casual shooters to seasoned creators.
1. Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
- Price: ~$159
- Why It’s Great: The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro takes the crown in 2025, building on its predecessor’s success. It’s compact (folds smaller than a paperback), has a 12-hour battery, and rocks AI-powered Deep Track 3.0 for flawless subject tracking. The built-in tripod and extension rod make it a vlogger’s dream.
- Best For: Solo creators who need portability and smart features.
- Source: PCMag
2. DJI Osmo Mobile 6
- Price: ~$149
- Why It’s Great: DJI’s Osmo Mobile 6 is a fan favorite for its magnetic mount, 3-axis stabilization, and slick Mimo app. It handles aggressive movements with ease and offers motion time-lapse and panorama modes. Battery life clocks in at 6.5 hours—solid, if not stellar.
- Best For: iPhone users (Android compatibility can be iffy).
- Source: TechRadar
3. Hohem iSteady M7
- Price: ~$199
- Why It’s Great: The Hohem iSteady M7 is a beast for bigger phones, thanks to its strong motors. It’s got a detachable touchscreen remote and AI tracking—perfect for hands-free shooting. It’s bulkier than some, but the trade-off is top-tier stability.
- Best For: Power users with hefty smartphones.
- Source: TechRadar
4. Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI
- Price: ~$169
- Why It’s Great: Zhiyun’s Smooth 5S AI brings pro-grade stability with a beefy design. Its clip-on AI sensor tracks subjects sans app, and the tactile controls feel premium. Battery life hits 12 hours, though the app can be clunky.
- Best For: Creators who prioritize build quality over portability.
- Source: Digital Camera World
5. DJI Osmo Mobile SE
- Price: ~$99
- Why It’s Great: The budget sibling of the Osmo Mobile 6, the Osmo Mobile SE keeps things simple with 8-hour battery life and solid stabilization. It skips some bells and whistles but delivers where it counts.
- Best For: Casual shooters on a budget.
- Source: Pocket-lint
6. Insta360 Flow Pro
- Price: ~$149
- Why It’s Great: The original Insta360 Flow Pro still shines with its 2900mAh battery and no-balance setup. It’s lightweight (1.6 lbs) and doubles as a selfie stick—ideal for travel vloggers.
- Best For: Beginners who want ease and versatility.
- Source: Filmora
7. FeiyuTech Scorp Mini 2
- Price: ~$129
- Why It’s Great: The FeiyuTech Scorp Mini 2 is a compact powerhouse with 3-axis stabilization and a joystick for precise control. It’s travel-friendly and supports motion time-lapse, making it a creative gem.
- Best For: Travelers and hobbyists.
- Source: Filmora
8. AOCHUAN Smart X Pro
- Price: ~$89
- Why It’s Great: AOCHUAN’s Smart X Pro offers gesture control and face tracking at a steal. Its foldable design and 7.0 anti-shake tech keep shots smooth, though battery life (6 hours) is average.
- Best For: TikTokers and social media buffs.
- Source: YDJ Blog
9. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus
- Price: ~$99
- Why It’s Great: Upgraded for 2025, the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus nails anti-shake performance and pairs with the Hohem Joy app for cool modes like Dolly Zoom. It’s lightweight at 1.41 lbs.
- Best For: Everyday adventurers.
- Source: YDJ Blog
10. Zhiyun Smooth Q4
- Price: ~$119
- Why It’s Great: The Zhiyun Smooth Q4 has built-in AI tracking and a selfie-stick combo. It’s not as rugged as the Smooth 5S, but it’s a solid mid-range pick with 10-hour battery life.
- Best For: Casual creators who multitask.
- Source: Pocket-lint
Best Budget Smartphone Stabilizers Under $100
Tight on cash? These gimbals prove you don’t need to splurge for smooth video.
11. Joby Smart Stabilizer
- Price: ~$79
- Why It’s Great: The Joby Smart Stabilizer is a no-frills 3-axis gimbal with decent stabilization. It’s lightweight and pairs with Joby’s app for basic tracking—perfect for beginners.
- Best For: First-time gimbal users.
- Source: TechRadar
12. MOZA Mini-MX
- Price: ~$89
- Why It’s Great: MOZA Mini-MX boasts an insane 20-hour battery and anti-shake tech. It’s simple, foldable, and great for all-day shoots on a budget.
- Best For: Long shoots without recharging.
- Source: Geekflare
13. PowerVision S1
- Price: ~$95
- Why It’s Great: The PowerVision S1 doubles as a wireless charger and tripod. Its AI tracking and 3-axis stabilization make it a steal under $100.
- Best For: Multitaskers on a budget.
- Source: Geekflare
14. Fantaseal Hand Grip Stabilizer
- Price: ~$39
- Why It’s Great: Not a motorized gimbal, the Fantaseal Hand Grip uses a unique finger-shaped handle to cut vibration. It’s dirt-cheap and works with phones up to 100mm wide.
- Best For: Ultra-budget shooters.
- Source: Geekflare
15. ULANZI U-Grip Pro
- Price: ~$25
- Why It’s Great: Another non-motorized option, the ULANZI U-Grip Pro adds weight for balance and has cold shoe mounts for accessories. It’s a steal for steady shots.
- Best For: DIY filmmakers.
- Source: Amazon
Specialized Smartphone Stabilizers for Unique Needs
Got a specific vibe in mind? These gimbals cater to action, multi-device setups, and more.
16. Hohem iSteady MT2
- Price: ~$229
- Why It’s Great: The Hohem iSteady MT2 handles phones and mirrorless cameras, with a 4-axis hybrid design for unreal stability. It’s pricey but versatile.
- Best For: Hybrid shooters.
- Source: Pocket-lint
17. Moza AirCross S
- Price: ~$249
- Why It’s Great: The Moza AirCross S balances up to three devices (phone, camera, action cam) at once. Its 7-lb payload is nuts for its size.
- Best For: Multi-angle creators.
- Source: Pocket-lint
18. Hohem iSteady Pro 4
- Price: ~$99
- Why It’s Great: Built for action cams like GoPro but phone-compatible, the Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is splash-proof with 14-hour runtime. Perfect for outdoor thrills.
- Best For: Adventure vloggers.
- Source: Amazon
19. Steadicam Volt
- Price: ~$139
- Why It’s Great: The Steadicam Volt mimics pro rigs with gyroscopic stabilization. It’s Bluetooth-enabled and works even when the battery dies.
- Best For: Cinematic enthusiasts.
- Source: Artlist
20. Zhiyun Crane M2S
- Price: ~$199
- Why It’s Great: The Zhiyun Crane M2S supports phones and small cameras, with a 1000-lumen fill light and 10-hour battery. It’s a hybrid star.
- Best For: Low-light shooters.
- Source: TechAdvisor
How to Choose the Right Smartphone Stabilizer
With 20 options on the table, picking the best one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to narrow it down:
1. Budget
- Under $100: Go for the Joby Smart Stabilizer or MOZA Mini-MX.
- $100-$150: The DJI Osmo Mobile SE or Insta360 Flow Pro hit the sweet spot.
- Over $150: Splurge on the Hohem iSteady M7 or Moza AirCross S for premium features.
2. Portability
- Foldable gimbals like the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro or AOCHUAN Smart X Pro are travel champs. Bulkier options like the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI suit studio setups.
3. Battery Life
- Need all-day power? The MOZA Mini-MX (20 hours) or PowerVision S1 (15 hours) won’t let you down. For shorter shoots, 6-8 hours (DJI Osmo Mobile 6) is fine.
4. Features
- Tracking: Insta360’s Deep Track 3.0 or Zhiyun’s AI sensors lead the pack.
- Extras: Look for tripods (Insta360 Flow), lights (Zhiyun Crane M2S), or multi-device support (Moza AirCross S).
5. Phone Compatibility
- Check weight and width limits—most handle modern phones, but chunky cases might not fit. Android users should lean toward Insta360 over DJI for app reliability.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Stabilizer
Got your gimbal? Here’s how to nail those smooth shots:
- Balance It Right: Spend a minute adjusting your phone’s position—unbalanced gimbals strain motors and ruin footage.
- Practice Movements: Walk slowly, bend your knees, and pivot like a pro. It’s half gear, half skill.
- Use the App: Most gimbals come with apps for tracking or creative modes—don’t skip ‘em.
- Accessorize: Add a mic or light via cold shoe mounts for next-level production value.
The Future of Smartphone Stabilizers in 2025 and Beyond
As of February 24, 2025, gimbals are getting smarter and smaller. AI tracking is now standard, battery life is stretching past 20 hours, and hybrid designs (like the Hohem iSteady MT2) are blurring lines between phone and camera rigs. Expect even tighter integration with phone cameras—think real-time stabilization tweaks via software updates. The line between pro gear and consumer tools is fading fast.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing Hollywood vibes or just want steady family videos, there’s a smartphone stabilizer here for you. The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro tops my list for its all-around brilliance, but budget picks like the Joby Smart Stabilizer or niche options like the Moza AirCross S hold their own. Whatever you choose, you’re leveling up your video game in 2025.
Which one’s calling your name? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts or help with any questions. Happy filming!