Capturing smooth, professional-looking videos on a smartphone is no longer limited to high-end cameras. With the best foldable gimbals for Android and iPhone, users can achieve buttery-smooth stabilization, dynamic shooting modes, and intelligent tracking—all while keeping their setup compact and portable.
Whether you’re a travel vlogger, filmmaker, social media content creator, or casual user, a foldable gimbal offers the perfect blend of portability and professional-grade stabilization. Unlike bulky stabilizers, these foldable designs make it easy to carry your gimbal wherever you go, ensuring you never miss the chance to shoot cinematic content.
This guide explores the top foldable gimbals available today, comparing their features, performance, and ideal use cases. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which gimbal best suits your needs.
Best Foldable Gimbals for Android and iPhone
1. DJI Osmo Mobile 6
The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is a premium 3-axis foldable gimbal that enhances smartphone videography with smooth stabilization and intelligent tracking. Equipped with ActiveTrack 5.0, this gimbal automatically follows subjects, ensuring precise and stable footage even when moving dynamically. The built-in extension rod allows for wider angles, making it ideal for capturing group shots, vlogs, and cinematic sequences from unique perspectives.
One of the key highlights is its fast setup process. The gimbal powers on almost instantly and connects seamlessly to the DJI Mimo app, which offers advanced shooting modes such as motion time-lapse, panorama, and story mode templates. Its compact, foldable design makes it highly portable, while the ergonomic grip ensures comfortable handling for extended filming sessions.
Pros:
✔ 3-axis stabilization delivers ultra-smooth footage
✔ ActiveTrack 5.0 enables seamless subject tracking
✔ Built-in extension rod enhances shooting flexibility
✔ Fast Bluetooth connection and app integration
✔ Portable and ergonomic design for comfortable use
Cons:
✖ Higher price compared to budget alternatives
✖ Limited payload capacity; struggles with heavy setups
✖ Battery life is decent but not the longest in the category
2. Hohem iSteady V3
The Hohem iSteady V3 is an affordable yet feature-rich 3-axis foldable gimbal, offering AI-powered face tracking and gesture control. This model is perfect for vloggers, live streamers, and solo creators, as its smart tracking technology ensures hands-free shooting. Simply wave to start or stop recording, making it a great tool for users who frequently film alone.
Weighing just 259 grams, the iSteady V3 is lightweight and compact, folding down neatly for easy transport. Despite its small size, it boasts powerful motors that stabilize smartphone footage, eliminating shakes and vibrations. The Hohem Pro app further expands creative possibilities with features like panorama, slow-motion, and face-tracking technology.
Pros:
✔ AI face tracking and gesture control for hands-free shooting
✔ Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
✔ Great stabilization performance for its price range
✔ Budget-friendly without compromising key features
✔ Easy-to-use companion app with creative modes
Cons:
✖ Plastic build may not feel as premium as competitors
✖ Slightly shorter battery life compared to high-end models
✖ App occasionally experiences connectivity issues
3. Zhiyun Smooth 5S
The Zhiyun Smooth 5S is built for content creators who require powerful motors and extended battery life. With a 12-hour runtime and fast charging capabilities, this gimbal ensures uninterrupted shooting sessions, making it an excellent choice for professional and long-format videographers.
One of its standout features is the magnetic fill light, which helps improve low-light shooting conditions. This feature is invaluable for night vlogging, indoor filming, or dimly lit environments. The strong motors allow it to handle heavier smartphones and even external lenses, making it one of the best gimbals for larger devices.
Pros:
✔ High-powered 3-axis motors support heavier smartphones
✔ Built-in magnetic fill light enhances low-light shooting
✔ Long 12-hour battery life with fast charging
✔ Professional-grade stabilization for cinematic results
✔ Multiple creative shooting modes in the Zhiyun app
Cons:
✖ Bulkier and heavier than other foldable gimbals
✖ Higher price compared to entry-level models
✖ Learning curve for first-time gimbal users
4. FeiyuTech Vimble 3
The FeiyuTech Vimble 3 is an affordable, feature-packed foldable gimbal with an extendable arm for extra filming angles. This built-in extension allows users to capture wider selfies, high-angle shots, and group videos effortlessly.
With a 9-hour battery life and quick setup, it is ideal for travelers and social media content creators who need a budget-friendly stabilizer without compromising essential features. The Feiyu ON app offers additional filming modes, gesture controls, and object tracking, making it a versatile choice for beginners and casual filmmakers.
Pros:
✔ Built-in extendable arm for dynamic filming angles
✔ Good battery life (9 hours) for long shoots
✔ Lightweight and easy to carry
✔ Affordable compared to high-end gimbals
✔ Feature-rich companion app with creative modes
Cons:
✖ Not as powerful as premium gimbals like DJI or Zhiyun
✖ Plastic build feels less durable
✖ Object tracking may be less accurate than high-end models
5. Hohem iSteady M7
The Hohem iSteady M7 is a highly versatile foldable gimbal, designed for professionals and advanced users who require extra stabilization and support for heavier setups. With its stronger motor and increased payload capacity, it can accommodate smartphones with external lenses, microphones, or additional accessories.
One of its key features is Inception Mode, which enables dynamic 360° barrel roll shots for cinematic sequences. This makes it an excellent choice for filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators who want advanced filming options beyond basic stabilization.
Pros:
✔ Strong motors for heavy smartphones and accessories
✔ Inception Mode for professional-looking rotational shots
✔ Long battery life (10+ hours) for extended shooting sessions
✔ Advanced AI tracking and stabilization
✔ Professional-grade stabilization for action shots
Cons:
✖ Bulkier than standard foldable gimbals
✖ Slightly higher learning curve for beginners
✖ More expensive than entry-level options
6. Zhiyun Smooth X
The Zhiyun Smooth X is an entry-level foldable gimbal that prioritizes portability and affordability. Unlike most competitors, it features 2-axis stabilization instead of 3-axis, making it best suited for casual filming, social media clips, and vlogging.
One of its highlights is its ultra-compact foldable design, making it one of the most travel-friendly gimbals on the market. It is an excellent choice for beginners or users who only need basic stabilization without additional complexity.
Pros:
✔ Ultra-portable and lightweight for easy carrying
✔ Budget-friendly for casual users and beginners
✔ Decent stabilization for simple shots and social media videos
✔ Quick Bluetooth connection with minimal setup time
✔ Easy-to-use Zhiyun app with pre-set filming modes
Cons:
✖ 2-axis stabilization is less effective than 3-axis models
✖ Not suitable for professional-level filmmaking
✖ Limited payload capacity for larger phones
Comparison Table of the Best Foldable Gimbals
| Feature | DJI Osmo Mobile 6 | Hohem iSteady V3 | Zhiyun Smooth 5S | FeiyuTech Vimble 3 | Hohem iSteady M7 | Zhiyun Smooth X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilization | 3-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis | 2-axis |
| Weight | 309g | 362g | 625g | 387g | 551g | 246g |
| Max Payload | 290g | 280g | 320g | 200g | 400g | 235g |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours | 13 hours | 24 hours | 10 hours | 15 hours | 4 hours |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Extendable Rod | Yes (215mm) | No | No | Yes (198mm) | No | Yes (260mm) |
| Compatible Phones | Width: 67-84mm Thickness: ≤10mm | Width: 58-89mm | Width: 67-92mm | Width: 41-89mm | Width: 55-90mm | Width: 50-90mm |
| Foldable Design | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tracking Features | ActiveTrack 5.0 | AI Face Tracking | SmartFollow 4.0 | AI Tracking | AI Face Tracking | Basic Object Tracking |
| Control Options | Physical buttons, App | Physical buttons, App | Joystick, App | Buttons, App | Joystick, App | Buttons, App |
| App Support | DJI Mimo | Hohem Pro | ZY Cami | Feiyu ON | Hohem Pro | ZY Cami |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Shooting Modes | Timelapse, Hyperlapse, SpinShot, Panorama, Story Mode | Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Dolly Zoom, Panorama | Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Vortex, POV | Panorama, Motion Control | Timelapse, Panorama, Smart Tracking | Timelapse, Panorama, Basic Mode |
Why Foldable Gimbals Are Essential for Smartphone Videography
Stabilization for Smooth Footage
Gimbals use motorized stabilization to counteract unwanted hand movements, creating seamless, shake-free footage. Unlike optical stabilization built into smartphones, gimbals work independently, providing better stability, even when walking, running, or panning quickly.
Compact and Travel-Friendly Design
A major benefit of foldable gimbals is their space-saving design. Traditional gimbals often take up too much room in a bag, but foldable versions collapse into a compact form, making them easy to carry.
Creative Features and Intelligent Controls
Most high-end gimbals offer AI-driven features such as:
- Face and object tracking for dynamic shots
- Motion time-lapse for capturing long events
- Gesture control for hands-free filming
These features make gimbals perfect for solo content creators who need their device to follow their movement automatically.
Key Features to Look for in a Foldable Gimbal
3-Axis vs. 2-Axis Stabilization
- 3-axis gimbals (tilt, roll, and pan stabilization) provide superior stability for all kinds of motion.
- 2-axis gimbals stabilize only tilt and roll, making them lighter but less effective for fast movements.
Battery Life and Charging Time
Most foldable gimbals offer between 6 to 12 hours of battery life. Fast charging is another feature to consider, especially for users who film all day.
Weight Capacity and Build Quality
Larger smartphones or devices with added lenses require gimbals with higher payload capacity. Look for durable yet lightweight materials like aluminum alloy to balance portability and strength.
AI and Smart Tracking Features
Features like ActiveTrack (DJI), SmartFollow (Zhiyun), and AI Vision Tracking (Hohem) enhance subject tracking, making gimbals perfect for solo videographers.
Conclusion
Each of these best foldable gimbals for Android and iPhone caters to different types of users. If you need top-tier stabilization, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 and Zhiyun Smooth 5S are excellent high-end choices. If you’re on a budget but still want great AI tracking, the Hohem iSteady V3 and FeiyuTech Vimble 3 offer fantastic value. The Hohem iSteady M7 is ideal for professionals who need more customization, while the Zhiyun Smooth X is a simple, travel-friendly pick for beginners.
Whether you’re shooting travel vlogs, cinematic sequences, or casual social media content, these foldable gimbals provide the perfect balance of portability and stability, ensuring smooth, professional-quality videos wherever you go.