Social media has contributed to the growing popularity of video content, and since smartphones are always at hand, they are also used to shoot videos. At the same time, the demand for stabilizers that help create high-quality and smooth videos has also increased. Even if you, as an iPhone owner, are preparing to throw a tomato at the author because your smartphone already produces a smooth picture, I will argue that a stabilizer still expands the creative possibilities of a video creator.
With different shooting modes, the accessory adds new functions to the smartphone, so even amateur videos with a steady-state look more professional. In 2024, the stabilizer market offers a wide range of models, but in this article, we will look at a selection of seven most popular options that, we think, are worth buying this year.
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How to choose a stabilizer?
When deciding a stabilizer for your smartphone, you should pay attention to several key parameters. The first is compatibility — the stabilizer should be able to support the weight of the smartphone and accommodate its size. Owners of large iPhone Maxes have repeatedly found that their smartphones are too heavy for stabilizers or car holders. So when the fourth generation of DJI Osmo Mobile with a magnetic mount was released, the manufacturer emphasized the reliability of this solution, as users were concerned about the magnet and how it would keep the smartphone in motion.
The next parameter to consider is the battery capacity of the device. Filming itself can take a long time, and you will definitely want to take the stabilizer on a trip where it will not always be possible to charge it. Sometimes stabilizers support the power bank function, so they will recharge the smartphone itself if necessary.
The most interesting feature of the device is its support for different shooting modes. Most stabilizers have standard modes, such as panorama, time-lapse, hyperlapse, and slo-mo. The set of available modes may vary depending on the model, but the more options, the better for the user. In addition, the software is also important — in the stabilizer app, you can find not only modes, but also additional functions for quick editing, editing, or publishing content.
It is also important for the user to consider the ergonomics of the model. For example, the weight and dimensions of the device affect the scenarios of use because you don’t want the stabilizer to take up a whole bag if you’re talking about mobile shooting. We advise you to choose more compact options, with high-quality build quality and built-in tripods so that you can quickly put the stabilizer on the ground.
Popular models of smartphone stabilizers in 2024
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
DJI has always been one of the most famous stabilizers on the market. Professional videographers often use their bigger Ronin brothers to stabilize their cameras, but the Osmo Mobile series is designed for mobile shooting with smartphones. The newest version DJI Osmo Mobile 6 — is a classic member of the DJI stabilizer family, with a signature design, a well-developed app, and a rich selection of modes. It supports ActiveTrack technology that tracks the subject, FPV mode (all gimbal axes follow the body movement), SpinShot (dynamic shots in motion), Timelapse, Motionlapse and Hyperlapse, and Move In and Move Out dynamic zoom.
In general, there will be a lot to play with when shooting content, and the videos will really become more interesting. However, Osmo Mobile 6, as a product from a well-known brand, has additional features, such as a tripod included, a built-in telescopic handle, and support for synchronization with Apple Watch (the watch will serve as a remote control). All together, Osmo Mobile 6 turns into a full-fledged tool for shooting, it starts up quickly, allows you to control the device and zoom in with one wheel. And most importantly, Osmo Mobile 6 is suitable for large models such as Galaxy Z Flip 4 or iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can check your smartphone for compatibility here.
The compactness and folding design of the model is perfect for travelers, and the model’s autonomy is 6.4 hours on a single charge. Price for Osmo Mobile 6 starts at UAH 6,400, and the maximum price on the market is UAH 11 thousand.
Zhiyun Smooth-5S
Zhiyun stabilizers are equally popular on the market. The Smooth-5S model has a well-thought-out design for one-handed operation, but it has a clip rather than a magnetic mount like the previous model. The clamp is designed to allow additional lenses to be attached to the smartphone, and the mechanical buttons on the handle make it easier to control the camera with one hand.
Hohem iSteady XE KIT
The Hohem iSteady XE Kit is a lightweight stabilizer that is adapted for easy first-person and vlogging. It works in conjunction with the Hohem Pro app and offers many tools for filming: face and subject tracking, time-lapse, pan, Dolly zoom. The Kit version includes a stand and magnetic backlight. The clamp can hold a smartphone weighing up to 280 g and with a body width of 50 to 90 mm and a thickness of up to 11 mm.
The model has an endurance of 8 hours, but this stand supports fast charging to restore energy. It also comes with an accessory case, so taking your device with you on the go won’t be a problem.
The price of the iSteady XE Kit is one of the most affordable — from 3000 hryvnias.
FeiYu Tech Vimble 3SE
FeiYu Tech Vimble 3SE — is one of the most compact options that can easily fit into a woman’s clutch. It can intelligently identify various scenes and track objects. It quickly switches from horizontal to vertical format, making it an ideal tool for posting to various social networks.
It comes with a tripod, so it’s perfect for filming vlogs, and the telescopic handle will help you capture as much detail as possible. It works in conjunction with the FEIYU ON app, where AI functions improve tracking of various objects, even in dynamic environments. Supports several shooting modes: pan, hyperlapse, Dolly zoom.
It can withstand a load of up to 260 g, and has a battery life of up to 10 hours. The cost of such a model varies from 4 to 6 thousand hryvnias.
Insta360 Flow
An interesting new product on the market is the Insta360 Flow stabilizer. This is an intelligent device for smartphones weighing up to 300 g. It combines 3-axis stabilization and innovative content creation capabilities. The Deep Track 3.0 system works as an object tracker, making it easy to film in active motion, and the panoramic tracking or FPV simulation modes allow you to get unexpected effects during filming.
Insta360 Flow also features the ability to take 360-degree photos. Flow will capture an immersive panorama in 360°, 240°, 180°, or 3×3 format, and the finished result will resemble the brand’s legendary panoramic camera. The stabilizer control is also different from other models — the Smart Wheel allows you to make all the movements with just one thumb, and gesture control is available for even more flexibility. A built-in tripod is also useful for shooting vlogs.
The 2900 mAh battery provides up to 12 hours of operation, and Insta360 Flow can also be used as a power bank, recharging other devices while you work. The price for Insta360 Flow starts at UAH 7 thousand.
MOZA Mini-MX
In the simpler class of devices, you can also find this model from the MOZA brand — Mini-MX is a portable solution that fits easily into a backpack or even a pocket. The stabilizer supports horizontal and vertical shooting, and is equipped with a tripod, making it ideal for creating content for social media on your own.
Thanks to the Deep Red algorithm, it ensures smooth movements even during active filming, and the active tracking technology will help you not to miss a cool moment. The MOZA Mini-MX also offers a long battery life of up to 20 hours, and the proprietary MOZA Genue app includes both shooting and editing tools. Gesture control is available in this model, which will simplify vlogging, and it also supports timelapse, selfie, sports mode, auto panorama, and Dolly zoom.
The stabilizer can support a smartphone weighing up to 280 g, and it can be purchased at a price ranging from UAH 3,700 to 5,300.
Rollei Steady Butler Mobile 3 SE
The Rollei Steady Butler Mobile 3 SE — is the hottest new product on the market, which is the successor to the well-known model from the Rollei brand. This innovative device with three-axis stabilization has a more convenient mount, from which you can quickly remove your smartphone to answer a call and instantly continue filming. It supports smart features such as automatic subject tracking, panorama, time-lapse and hyperlapse modes.
The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry the stabilizer with you, and it can withstand loads up to 280 g. The design is foldable and comes with a bundled tripod. Although the device’s battery life is only 5 hours, the model supports fast charging, which provides the stabilizer with energy for half an hour of operation in 5 minutes. The price of the model is expected to start at UAH 3,500.
General tips
Whichever stabilizer you choose, it’s worth knowing about the small nuances that will help the device work properly. First and foremost, any stabilizer should be calibrated — this is an important step to ensure the smoothest and most stable filming possible. In some models, such as the DJI Osmo Mobile, the stabilizer will automatically ask you to perform a setup process that consists of several steps before you start:
- Smooth placement of the smartphone on the stabilizer holder;
- Adjusts the position of your smartphone for maximum balance;
- Start calibration in the app or using a separate button;
- Checking the smoothness of all axes.
The thing is that calibration should be performed every time you change your smartphone or install additional equipment or accessories on it. Calibration is necessary for the stabilizer to work accurately, so it’s best to re-calibrate it before taking long shots.
And as with any other gadget, you shouldn’t forget to update the stabilizer software. Since this is not a simple tripod, but a device that supports many intelligent functions, the new firmware can fix not only software errors but also add new features.
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