For vloggers
The Best Gimbals for Vlogging (2027)
The best vlogging gimbals for 2027: face tracking, flip screens and fast setup for solo creators on phone, pocket and mirrorless.
The short answer
For vlogging in 2027, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the complete answer. Phone vloggers should buy the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, and mirrorless vloggers the Zhiyun Crane M3S.
Our top picks at a glance
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3A 1-inch sensor pocket camera on a 3-axis gimbal, no phone needed.Best overall
- Insta360 Flow 2 ProThe pocketable AI gimbal with Apple DockKit tracking and a selfie stick inside.Best phone pick
- Zhiyun Crane M3SA compact camera gimbal with a built-in fill light and quick-release ease.Best mirrorless pick
- DJI Osmo Mobile 6The benchmark phone gimbal with ActiveTrack and a built-in extension rod.Best phone gimbal overall
- Hohem iSteady M6 KitA phone gimbal with a detachable AI vision sensor that tracks in any app.Best tracking for any app
- DJI RS 4The 3 kg payload workhorse for mirrorless video professionals.Best camera gimbal overall
- DJI RS 3 MiniA 795 g travel gimbal that still carries a full-frame body and zoom.Best travel camera gimbal
- Zhiyun Smooth 5SA pro-style phone gimbal with orthogonal 3-axis design and fill light support.Best phone gimbal for filmmakers
- DJI RS 4 Mini ComboThe compact RS gimbal with a tracking module in the box.Best compact camera gimbal
- FeiyuTech SCORP-CA 2.5 kg payload camera gimbal with an integrated handle and underslung ease.Best value camera gimbal
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Pocket cameras and compact gimbals here get a vlogger from idea to recording in seconds
- Built-in tracking across these picks means solo creators stay framed while moving and talking
Common complaints
- The smallest setups trade lens flexibility for speed, so framing means moving your feet
- Several picks lean on a companion app for their best tricks, which splits the workflow
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Sensor | Video | Lens / screen | Battery | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DJI Osmo Pocket 3 | Best overall | 1-inch CMOS, 9.4 MP effective stills | 4K up to 120fps, 10-bit D-Log M and HLG | 20 mm equiv. f/2.0, 2-inch rotatable OLED touchscreen | Approx. 166 min at 1080p, fast charge to 80% in 16 min | 179 g |
| 2 | Insta360 Flow 2 Pro | Best phone pick | - | - | - | Approx. 10 hours, USB-C, can charge phone | Approx. 357 g including battery |
| 3 | Zhiyun Crane M3S | Best mirrorless pick | - | - | - | Up to approx. 7.5 hours, USB-C PD fast charge | Approx. 705 g |
| 4 | DJI Osmo Mobile 6 | Best phone gimbal overall | - | - | - | Approx. 6.5 hours, USB-C, 1000 mAh Li-Po | - |
| 5 | Hohem iSteady M6 Kit | Best tracking for any app | - | - | - | Up to approx. 18 hours, reverse charging for phones | Approx. 551 g |
| 6 | DJI RS 4 | Best camera gimbal overall | - | - | - | BG21 grip, approx. 12 hours, 18W fast charge | Approx. 1,066 g gimbal only |
| 7 | DJI RS 3 Mini | Best travel camera gimbal | - | - | - | Built-in, approx. 10 hours, USB-C | 795 g in vertical mode, 850 g horizontal |
| 8 | Zhiyun Smooth 5S | Best phone gimbal for filmmakers | - | - | - | Up to approx. 25 hours rated, USB-C PD fast charge | Approx. 615 g |
| 9 | DJI RS 4 Mini Combo | Best compact camera gimbal | - | - | - | Approx. 13 hours rated | - |
| 10 | FeiyuTech SCORP-C | Best value camera gimbal | - | - | - | Approx. 13 hours rated, USB-C fast charge | Approx. 1,180 g |
Best overall
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
A 1-inch sensor pocket camera on a 3-axis gimbal, no phone needed.
Face tracking, a rotating screen and 1-inch image quality in a 179 g device you can start in seconds. For daily vlogging it has no real rival in this guide.
Strengths
- 1-inch CMOS records 4K/120fps with strong low-light performance
- 2-inch rotating touchscreen switches vertical and horizontal instantly
- ActiveTrack 6.0 and face tracking built into the camera itself
- Full-pixel fast focusing and 10-bit D-Log M for colour grading
Limitations
- Fixed 20 mm equiv. lens, so framing flexibility comes from moving, not zooming
- Gimbal head is delicate compared with a phone clamp; it needs its case
- Premium price buys a camera, so it overlaps a phone upgrade budget
| Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 9.4 MP effective stills |
|---|---|
| Video | 4K up to 120fps, 10-bit D-Log M and HLG |
| Lens / screen | 20 mm equiv. f/2.0, 2-inch rotatable OLED touchscreen |
| Battery | Approx. 166 min at 1080p, fast charge to 80% in 16 min |
| Weight | 179 g |
Best for: Vloggers who want the best pocket image quality and zero setup friction.
Skip if: You already shoot on a flagship phone and only need stabilisation, not a second camera.
Best phone pick
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
The pocketable AI gimbal with Apple DockKit tracking and a selfie stick inside.
DockKit tracking in the native iPhone camera plus a built-in selfie stick and tripod covers the solo vlogger's whole shot list from one folding device.
Strengths
- Apple DockKit support enables subject tracking in the iPhone native camera and 200-plus apps
- AI tracking with person re-identification and group tracking
- Built-in selfie stick, tripod and power bank in a folding body
- Free Tilt mode and 360-degree pan tracking for dynamic shots
Limitations
- Best tracking experience is iPhone-centric via DockKit
- Small body motors work harder with the heaviest Pro Max phones and cases
- Insta360 app required for firmware updates and advanced modes
| Compatibility | Phones 64 to 84 mm wide, 130 to 300 g |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis, Deep Track 4.0 |
| Battery | Approx. 10 hours, USB-C, can charge phone |
| Built-ins | 290 mm selfie stick, tripod, 182 mm folded length |
| Weight | Approx. 357 g including battery |
Best for: iPhone creators and solo travellers who want tracking in the native camera app.
Skip if: You are an Android-first shooter who needs every DockKit feature to carry over.
Best mirrorless pick
Zhiyun Crane M3S
A compact camera gimbal with a built-in fill light and quick-release ease.
Compact mirrorless vloggers get a fill light for indoor talking heads and a quick-release that makes tripod-to-handheld swaps painless.
Strengths
- Built-in fill light with colour temperature control
- Quick-release plate speeds camera swaps and rebalancing
- 1.22-inch touchscreen and wireless Bluetooth shutter control
- Compact folded footprint suits everyday camera bags
Limitations
- Payload suits compact kits, not full-frame bodies with heavy f/2.8 zooms
- Fill light drains battery faster when used continuously
- Arm clearance limits some lens and body combinations
| Payload | Approx. 1,050 g class for compact mirrorless kits |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis with upgraded motors over Crane M3 |
| Battery | Up to approx. 7.5 hours, USB-C PD fast charge |
| Lighting | Built-in fill light, adjustable colour temperature |
| Weight | Approx. 705 g |
Best for: Vloggers with compact mirrorless or premium compact cameras who shoot solo.
Skip if: You mount long telephoto zooms; the compact frame clears short lenses best.
Best phone gimbal overall
DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The benchmark phone gimbal with ActiveTrack and a built-in extension rod.
Unfold, clamp, and shoot: ActiveTrack that survives occlusions, a built-in extension rod, and the least setup friction of any phone gimbal here.
Strengths
- ActiveTrack 6.0 holds subjects through brief occlusions reliably
- Built-in extension rod and tripod in one folding body
- Quick unfold-to-shoot wake for fast setup
- Side wheel controls focus and zoom smoothly in DJI Mimo
Limitations
- Full feature set depends on the DJI Mimo app rather than the native camera app
- No built-in AI vision sensor, so gesture framing is phone-camera dependent
- Extension rod adds flex if fully extended in wind
| Compatibility | Phones 62 to 84 mm wide, up to 290 g plus accessories |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis, ActiveTrack 6.0 |
| Battery | Approx. 6.5 hours, USB-C, 1000 mAh Li-Po |
| Extension / weight | Built-in 215 mm extension rod, gimbal approx. 309 g |
| Folded size | 189 x 84.5 x 44 mm |
Best for: Solo phone creators who want reliable tracking and fast setup for daily content.
Skip if: You use a very heavy phone with a large case; check clamp and payload fit first.
Best tracking for any app
Hohem iSteady M6 Kit
A phone gimbal with a detachable AI vision sensor that tracks in any app.
The detachable AI sensor watches you itself, so a solo vlogger stays tracked inside TikTok, Instagram, or the native camera alike.
Strengths
- Magnetic AI vision sensor tracks faces and bodies in any camera app, no Bluetooth needed
- OLED display shows gimbal and tracking status at a glance
- 360-degree infinite pan rotation for creative moves
- Strong payload handles big phones with cases and accessories
Limitations
- AI tracker is a small detachable part that is easy to misplace
- Hohem Joy app is less refined than DJI and Insta360 equivalents
- Heavier than the lightest folding gimbals
| Compatibility | Phones up to approx. 340 g payload |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis iSteady 7.0, 360-degree pan |
| Tracking | Detachable magnetic AI vision sensor with gesture control |
| Battery | Up to approx. 18 hours, reverse charging for phones |
| Weight | Approx. 551 g |
Best for: Livestreamers and teachers who need tracking inside third-party and native apps.
Skip if: You dislike modular accessories; the AI tracker is a separate magnetic piece to manage.
Best camera gimbal overall
DJI RS 4
The 3 kg payload workhorse for mirrorless video professionals.
Full-frame vlog rigs with real zooms need the RS 4 payload and its second-generation native vertical plate for Shorts and Reels deliverables.
Strengths
- 3 kg payload covers full-frame bodies with 24-70mm f/2.8 zooms
- Second-generation native vertical shooting with no extra brackets
- Teflon-coated axes balance faster and move more smoothly
- RSA communication and Bluetooth shutter control across major camera brands
Limitations
- Overkill and overweight for APS-C travel kits
- Best accessories cost extra
- Requires proper balancing skill to deliver its stabilisation quality
| Payload | 3 kg tested payload |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis, 4th-gen RS stabilisation algorithm |
| Battery | BG21 grip, approx. 12 hours, 18W fast charge |
| Weight | Approx. 1,066 g gimbal only |
| Screen | 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen, auto-lock |
Best for: Videographers running full-frame mirrorless bodies with fast zooms all day.
Skip if: You travel ultralight; the RS 3 Mini carries smaller kits at half the weight.
Best travel camera gimbal
DJI RS 3 Mini
A 795 g travel gimbal that still carries a full-frame body and zoom.
At 795 g the RS 3 Mini is the mirrorless vlogging gimbal that actually comes on the trip, with Bluetooth shutter control and a touchscreen.
Strengths
- 795 g body is half the carry of full-size RS gimbals
- Native vertical plate for social video without rebalancing accessories
- Bluetooth shutter control and 1.4-inch touchscreen in a mini body
- Handles a full-frame body with a 24-70mm in its tested payload range
Limitations
- 2 kg tested payload leaves less headroom than the RS 4
- Smaller motors are less forgiving of sloppy balancing
- No swappable high-capacity grip ecosystem like the RS 4 line
| Payload | 0.4 to 2 kg tested range |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis, 3rd-gen RS stabilisation |
| Battery | Built-in, approx. 10 hours, USB-C |
| Weight | 795 g in vertical mode, 850 g horizontal |
| Screen | 1.4-inch colour touchscreen |
Best for: Travelling creators with APS-C or compact full-frame kits who pack light.
Skip if: You run heavy cine zooms or stacked accessories beyond its 2 kg comfort zone.
Best phone gimbal for filmmakers
Zhiyun Smooth 5S
A pro-style phone gimbal with orthogonal 3-axis design and fill light support.
Orthogonal axes allow the low and Dutch angles folding gimbals cannot reach, and the motors take add-on lenses vloggers love.
Strengths
- Orthogonal 3-axis structure allows unrestricted low and Dutch angles
- Professional control wheel for focus and zoom plus a full button layout
- Strong motors handle heavier phones and add-on lenses
- Long battery life suits full shoot days
Limitations
- Larger and heavier than foldable phone gimbals
- ZY Cami app experience trails DJI Mimo in polish
- Learning curve is steeper for casual users
| Compatibility | Large smartphones, payload approx. 300 g class |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis orthogonal design, 360-degree vortex mode |
| Battery | Up to approx. 25 hours rated, USB-C PD fast charge |
| Lighting | Magnetic fill light support, up to 2 lights on Pro kit |
| Weight | Approx. 615 g |
Best for: Phone filmmakers who want full 360-degree axis freedom and manual-feel controls.
Skip if: You prioritise pocket size; the Smooth 5S is larger than folding rivals.
Best compact camera gimbal
DJI RS 4 Mini Combo
The compact RS gimbal with a tracking module in the box.
The Combo tracking module follows a solo presenter while the gimbal runs a mirrorless kit, the two-person crew trick in one box.
Strengths
- Combo includes DJI's Intelligent Tracking Module for subject tracking
- Auto axis locks speed up setup and packing between locations
- Third-generation native vertical shooting for social formats
- Teflon-enhanced balancing makes setup smoother and faster
Limitations
- 2 kg payload excludes the heaviest full-frame zoom combinations
- Smaller frame is less planted than the full-size RS 4 with big kits
- The tracking module is a Combo inclusion, not part of the base package
| Payload | 2 kg (4.4 lb) tested |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis, third-generation RS stabilisation |
| Battery | Approx. 13 hours rated |
| Vertical shooting | Third-generation native vertical, no extra bracket |
| In the Combo | Intelligent Tracking Module and briefcase handle included |
Best for: Solo creators and travellers who want RS-series stabilisation in a smaller, lighter kit.
Skip if: You run heavy full-frame zooms all day; the 2 kg payload ceiling is real.
Best value camera gimbal
FeiyuTech SCORP-C
A 2.5 kg payload camera gimbal with an integrated handle and underslung ease.
2.5 kg of payload and an underslung-friendly handle at a value price: the first camera gimbal for vloggers stepping up from a phone.
Strengths
- 2.5 kg payload covers most mirrorless plus zoom combinations
- Integrated handle makes underslung low shots natural
- Touchscreen and joystick layout is approachable for first gimbal owners
- Strong value per kilogram of payload in the camera gimbal class
Limitations
- App and firmware ecosystem is less polished than DJI Ronin
- Heavier than travel-minimal rivals at about 1.18 kg
- Accessory ecosystem is smaller than DJI and Zhiyun
| Payload | 2.5 kg maximum |
|---|---|
| Stabilisation | 3-axis with anti-shake algorithm |
| Battery | Approx. 13 hours rated, USB-C fast charge |
| Weight | Approx. 1,180 g |
| Display | 0.96-inch touchscreen |
Best for: Mirrorless shooters who want an affordable full-size gimbal with a comfortable grip.
Skip if: You want the deepest camera-control integration; DJI leads on native Bluetooth control.
Questions, answered
What matters most in a vlogging gimbal?
Face tracking reliability, a screen you can see while filming yourself, fast startup, and light weight. You will forgive average specs; you will not forgive a gimbal that loses your face mid-sentence.
Do I need an external microphone with a gimbal?
Strongly recommended for outdoor vlogging. The Pocket 3 pairs natively with DJI Mic transmitters; phone and camera gimbals need clearance checks so the mic does not hit an axis arm.
Vertical or horizontal for vlogging?
Both in 2027. Choose gimbals with native vertical modes, Pocket 3 rotation, Flow 2 Pro portrait clamp, RS native vertical plates, so switching platforms costs seconds.
How do I avoid gimbal shadow in frame?
Keep wide lenses clear of the roll arm by balancing precisely and testing at your widest focal length. Compact gimbals like the Crane M3S need this check with each new lens.