Best Cheap Gimbal Stabilizers That Deliver [2023 Updated]
Last updated: 1/26/23
5 Minute Read
If you’re looking for the best cheap gimbal stabilizer from the $70-160ish USD range that you can find (iOS/Android or otherwise) – and that will work great – then you’re in luck. If you go “cheaper” than this range, unfortunately, the quality really isn’t there.
Today’s smartphones have much more capable stabilization than ever, however, they have their limitations, and if you are much more particular about the videos you record, then the good news is you can find very good cheap Gimbal Stabilizers for your Smartphone at under the $100 price point.
In brief, your smartphone (e.g. iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) attaches to these Gimbal Stabilizers, which will in turn, reduce the blurriness and shakiness in the video footage you record on your smartphone, especially when you’re on the move.
Many gimbal stabilizers do much more than just “stabilizing” your video recordings. With a click of a button they can rotate your phone a varying amount of degrees, respond to gestures, and also provide you options in terms of video editing . If you plan on producing YouTube-type content, then considering a gimbal stabilizer is must. We also understand the need for quality while considering overall budget, so below we’ll detail our Top-5 best, cheap gimbal stabilizers under $100 for your smartphone/mobile device when you’re on a budget.
Best Cheap Gimbal Stabilizers Under – 2024
1. DJI OM 5 Gimbal Stabilizer
Please note: Occasionally this DJI gimbal may be priced under $150, but please be aware that while this gimbal is frequently under $150, many times it is in the $160-175 range.
DJI’s OM 5 Gimbal Stabilizer features a sleek, lightweight foldable 3-axis stabilization design that weights just 290 grams (10.2 ounces) with the ability to switch from landscape to portrait mode with a click of a button, and it does a great job stabilizing, which is the most important aspect. This is the newest, latest and greatest from DJI, who’s OM 3 and OM 4 models were – and still are – successfully sold.
Simple gesture support allows Users to snap a selfie or begin a recording, and ActiveTrack will track a subject on your smartphone for relatively fast-paced action. This next gen tracking powered by updated algorithms is truly amazing in something so smallish and lightweight.
The magnetic phone clamp is thin and light and provides additional assurance for your phone.
+Pros:
- Lightweight and easy-to-use
- Strong stabilization
- Great appearance
-Cons:
- User experience with the app can improve
2. Hohem iSteady Mobile+ 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Hohem’s iSteady Mobile+ gimbal stabilizer offers 3-axis stabilization, face and object tracking. The buttons are smooth and quiet – and the motor is is as well. .
Utilizing online instructional videos (e.g. YouTube) will provide you with ample instruction that is more favorable than the enclosed written instructions. Additional downside considerations are that many Users have reported Bluetooth pairing issues and sub-par app performance and usability issues.
For battery-life concerned folks, the iSteady Mobile+ features battery life up to 12 hours. All in all, considering that this gimbal has strong stabilization qualities, is relatively lightweight, and is easy to physically maneuver and manipulate for under $100 – it provides an overall great option for the money.
+Pros:
- Overall good hardware quality for its price
- Relatively lightweight
- Easy to handle and maneuver
-Cons:
- Android feature support is lacking compared to iOS version
- Software can be buggy with known issues with pairing to smartphone and calibration
3. Feiyu Vlog Pocket
Feiyu’s Vlog Pocket is compact gimbal stabilizer weighing in at just 272 grams (9.59 ounces) with 3-axis stabilizing capabilities, standard features such as one-button flip function (portrait to landscape and vice-versa), face and object tracking, and even includes a small stand. For a feature-rich, lightweight option currently under $100, it should definitely be in consideration as your gimbal stabilizer of choice for your smartphone.
+Pros:
- Compact design
- Affordable value
-Cons:
- Battery life
- Not recommended for larger smartphones
4. MOZA Mini-S Essential
MOZA’s Mini-S Essential is another value-driven gimbal stabilizer, targeting consumer’s with a feature-rich, lightweight design at an attractive price of under $100 (usually under $80).
+Pros:
- Ease of Use
- Portability and able to charge phone while using
-Cons:
- Motion tracking not as strong as competitors
- Plastic phone holder bracket
5. Feiyutech Vimble 2S
If you’re for an affordable gimbal stabilizer for your smartphone that has an extendable pole, then you’re in luck with the Feiyutech Vimble 2S Gimbal Stabilizer.
The Vimble 2S features a 180mm (7.08 inches) extension and has all the features that other gimbal stabilizers have in its segment, including 3-axis stabilization, easy mode switching (portrait and landscape), face and object tracking, and even comes with a small screw-on stand, if needed.
+Pros:
- Pole extension capability
- Easy to Use
-Cons:
- App support is lacking
- Not ideal for larger smartphones
Another Additional Gimbal Stabilizer to Consider, but only for iPhone Users (directly below):
Zhiyun Smooth 4 Gimbal Stabilizer
Zhiyun’s Smooth 4 Gimbal Stabilizer is another budget-friendly option that is feature rich, offering seamless transitions between different gimbal modes (i.e. phone go mode, tracking mode), and two-way charging (i.e. stabilizer can be charged by external power source and your phone can be charged by the stabilizer via USB ports).
The downsides lie in its app support, particularly when it comes to Android smartphones with Users reporting frequent crashes and latency issues, so we would caution Android users with this particular gimbal.
+Pros:
- Affordable, easy-to-use option
- Strong battery life
-Cons:
- App needs considerable work, particularly for Android
Conclusion
With many gimbal stabilizers hitting the market and technology continuing to improve your choices for video stabilization have never been more exciting. When it comes to narrowing down your choices always ensure you consider how important axis stabilization, battery life, weight, the software experience and smartphone compatibility support are to your gimbal stabilization purchasing decision.