Top 2 Mobile Gimbals for Your Smartphone

1. DJI Osmo Mobile 7

Best For: Plug-and-play, traveling content creators, and anyone who needs an all-in-one shooting solution.

DJI is a brand worth remembering. They offer a lineup of some of the best, most user-friendly gimbals and drones on the market for beginners, which is why it's hard to beat their latest Osmo Mobile 7 series, a huge upgrade from their previous Osmo Mobile 6 iteration.

There are currently two models to choose from: the standard 7 and the 7P "pro" model. Both are designed to be the king choice for beginners looking to shoot with minimal smartphone attachments. Both are compactly designed to be unfolded in one fluid motion and work with DJI's Mimo App for quick on-the-go edits if you want to skip the editing room. But the 7P levels it up a notch with a longer rod extension, audio integration with the DJI Mic Mini, fill-light control with a side wheel, and even more advanced AI tracking software.

Easy to Take Anywhere

The foldable design means popping it in a small bag, ready for a spontaneous photo walk or road trip. With its snap-in magnetic phone clamp, you can connect your phone without even removing the case, so switching to answer a call is quick and convenient.

The 7P "Pro" Model Is Insane

The Pro version of the Osmo Mobile 7 series is your one-stop shop for all things video stabilization. You don't need to add a fill light or rely on your cinematography skills to capture the scene; the gimbal literally does everything for you if its module is attached. The Osmo Mobile 7P is nice if you want a fully working unit that's more automated, but it might be overkill for pros who like to manually tweak the look of their footage.

10-Hour Batter Life

A huge plus to the new and improved Osmo Mobile 7 series is its 10+ hour battery life. Plus, the phone can be charged as a power bank with a USB-C cable. You can feel confident that your phone won't die mid-shoot in the field without an outlet. Huge win, win.

3. Comparisons

To be perfectly fair, most of our team has only long-term tested these two gimbals. There's been playtime with others on the market, but these two are our favorites and top picks — given how much we shoot on our phones, our needs, and our preferences. But they’re built for different types of users, so let’s break it down:

👉 Osmo Mobile 7/7P

Lightweight, Beginner-Friendly Gimbal

If you’re just getting into mobile filmmaking or you want something super easy to carry and use, DJI’s Osmo Mobile 7 (and 7P) is where it’s at. It’s got DJI’s 7th-gen stabilization tech and a bunch of add-ons that make it easy to start shooting without buying a bunch of other accessories.

Key Features:

• Super light (~300g for the 7, 368g for the 7P), so you’re not gonna feel like you’re lugging around a brick.
• ActiveTrack 7.0 = next-level subject tracking. Whether you’re filming yourself, a friend, or your cat doing something stupid, it stays locked in.
• Foldable and compact – this thing fits in your pocket (or at least your bag) without taking up too much space.
• The 7P model comes with an 8.5-inch extension rod, so you can get those high-angle shots or wide selfies without looking like you’re stretching your arm out of its socket.
• 10-hour battery life (but if you’re blasting the AI tracking and the fill light, expect around 4-5 hours).

Who should buy it?

• Everyday content creators, vloggers, or anyone who wants a super portable gimbal without fussing over settings.
• If you’re filming mostly on the go, want a no-brainer setup, and aren’t planning on adding external lenses or filters, this is a solid choice.

What’s not great?

• The payload limit is lower (max ~300g), so if you’re rocking a heavier Moment lens (like the T-series Tele 58mm) or a hefty phone case, it might struggle.
• The battery is great at 10 hours, but I'd suggest using the USB-C cable power charger while recording if you need all-day capabilities with total confidence.

👉Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI

Heavy-Duty Gimbal for More Serious Shooters

Now, if you’re a pro filmmaker who likes to shoot on the phone, a short-form video creator who needs something more reliable, or just someone who wants a gimbal that can handle more gear, the Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is the better option. It’s bigger, beefier, and built for more serious setups.

Key Features:

• Stronger motors – this thing can handle heavier phones AND add-ons like Moment lenses, filters, and external mics. If you’re running a Pro Max or Ultra-sized phone with a case and some glass, it’s not gonna wobble under the weight.
• Built-in fill light (650 lux) + optional magnetic lights (2040 lux max) – this is clutch if you film in low-light settings and don’t wanna carry extra lighting gear.
• 360° unlimited rotation – full vortex mode for wild motion shots.
• AI Tracking Module (only in the AI version) – lets you control the gimbal with hand gestures. Works surprisingly well, though it kinda just looks like a webcam strapped to the gimbal.
• Crazy long battery life – 26 hours on standby. Even if you’re using the AI tracker and lights, you’re still getting a solid 7+ hours before it dies.

Who should buy this?

• Serious mobile filmmakers, especially if you’re using Moment lenses, filters, or bigger phones.
• If you film longer sessions, you’ll appreciate that extra battery life.
• Anyone who wants more advanced movement options (like vortex mode and smoother down-up shots, which the Osmo just doesn’t do well).

What’s not great?

• It’s big. At 625g, it’s twice the weight of the Osmo. Not great if you’re traveling light.
• Doesn’t fold down like the Osmo, so not as portable.
• The AI module feels a bit cheap compared to the rest of the gimbal.