Best phone gimbals for creators 2025, tested picks and tips

TL;DR:

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is the smartest pick for tracking.
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is the most beginner friendly.
Hohem iSteady M7 suits heavy phones and foldables.
Check clamp size, payload, app, and battery life.
Use our checklist to avoid setup mistakes.

You shoot video on a phone. You want smooth shots, clean pans, and better tracking. This guide helps you pick the right gimbal and set it up fast.

This is helpful content, updated on 18 September 2025. We picked products with strong support and active updates.

The short list

Best overall for tracking: Insta360 Flow 2 Pro. It supports Apple DockKit, so iPhone users get auto tracking in the native Camera app and many third party apps. Deep Track 4.0 can follow people with reliable framing.
Best for beginners: DJI Osmo Mobile 6. It is compact, easy to unfold, and has an extension rod for selfies and low angles. ActiveTrack keeps faces in frame without fuss.
Best for heavy phones and foldables: Hohem iSteady M7. TechRadar calls it the best overall for big phones, with support for much heavier setups than rivals.

Quick comparison table

Pick	Why choose it	Best for
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro	Smart DockKit tracking, handy tripod in the grip	Solo creators, iPhone
DJI Osmo Mobile 6	Simple setup, built-in extension rod	New users, travel
Hohem iSteady M7	High payload and controls	Foldables, add-on lenses

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, the tracking champ

Flow 2 Pro stands out for subject tracking. The Verge reports it supports Apple DockKit, which lets the iPhone’s own Camera app do hands free tracking. You can also control it with an Apple Watch and keep multiple people framed. This is rare on phone gimbals today.

The handle hides a small tripod, so you can set it down for hands free shots. If you film tutorials, workouts, or cooking, this saves time. Pair it with a bright rear camera and use the mirror accessory to frame yourself.

Keep in mind

Flow 2 Pro shines most with iPhones because of DockKit. Android users still get strong tracking through the Insta360 app, but they will not get the same native camera perks.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6, the easiest to learn

Osmo Mobile 6 folds small, starts fast, and has a built in extension rod. That rod helps with low angles, walk-and-talks, and top down shots. DJI’s ActiveTrack keeps your subject in focus and reduces hunting.

DJI lists clear phone size guidance, which matters for fit. It recommends phones 67 to 84 mm wide, 6.9 to 10 mm thick, and 170 to 290 g. Check these numbers before you buy if you use a large case.

Keep in mind

Battery life depends on balance and motor effort. DJI rates the OM 6 for over six hours under ideal balance, so take time to balance your phone before you hit record.

iSteady M7, the heavy lifter

Some phones are big. Add a case, filters, or a lens, and weight jumps. TechRadar’s 2025 guide names the iSteady M7 as best overall, noting support for much heavier phones than most rivals. If you use a foldable or stack gear, this is the safe pick.

Controls are deep. You get a wheel, useful presets, and room to grow as your skills improve. If you want manual control and plan to learn moves like the crane, the M7 keeps up.

Also worth a look

Zhiyun’s Smooth 5S line is great if you want a bright fill light built in and strong motors for dynamic moves. If you shoot a lot indoors or at night, a fill light saves you from carrying extra gear.

Budget buyers can still find older models like DJI’s Osmo Mobile SE. They lack newer tracking and app tricks, but they stabilize simple walk shots well.

How to choose the right gimbal

1) Payload, clamp, and case fit

Do not guess. Check your phone’s weight and width with the case on. Compare to the maker’s limits, then leave headroom. A gimbal at its limit will fight and drain faster. DJI’s OM 6 guidance is a good example of clear limits.

2) App and tracking

If you want tracking in the iPhone’s native app, Flow 2 Pro is the choice due to DockKit. For Android, test the brand app with your phone to check resolution and frame rate options. Some apps cap 4K or disable HDR.

3) Controls and learning curve

Beginners should pick simple controls and quick start guides. DJI’s tutorials and on device hints help. Power users may prefer extra wheels and buttons to adjust tilt, roll, or focus without digging in menus.

4) Battery life and charging

Look for at least one shoot’s worth of power. Rated hours assume a balanced setup. Many gimbals can top up your phone from their battery, but that shortens gimbal runtime.

5) Tripod and extension rod

A built in tripod or rod expands your angles. It also improves time lapses, product shots, and talking heads. Flow 2 Pro and OM 6 both include useful hardware here.

Setup tips most people miss

Balance before you power on. The phone should stay level when the gimbal is off.
Turn off phone cases with metal plates. They confuse magnetic mounts.
Set your frame rate and shutter first. Lock exposure to avoid flicker.
Use the rod for wider steps. Your steps should be slow and bent at the knees.
Practice the “push in,” “orbit,” and “low pass” shots for variety.

One page checklist

Task	Do this
Fit check	Measure phone width and weight with case. Compare to limits.
Balance	Balance with the gimbal off. Recheck after lens or mic changes.
App setup	Pick resolution and frame rate. Enable tracking if needed.
Power	Start near full battery. Bring a small power bank if you top up the phone.
Moves	Plan three moves per scene to keep edits smooth.

Why it matters

Phone cameras keep getting better. A good gimbal makes your footage stable and watchable. It also lets you film yourself without help. With the right pick and a few habits, your clips look pro with very little cost.

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