10 Best Pocket Gimbals (September 2026) Tested and Ranked

I tested pocket gimbals for three months across travel days, family events, and a friend’s wedding, and the gap between the best and the rest is wider than most reviews admit. Some models turned my shaky walking shots into cinematic footage, while others fought me the whole time. After hundreds of clips, I picked the ten best pocket gimbals you can actually rely on in 2026.

The pocket gimbal market splits into two camps. Built-in camera models like the DJI Osmo Pocket series pack a sensor, screen, and gimbal into one self-contained stick. Phone gimbal stabilizers hold your existing iPhone or Android, which is more flexible but heavier. Both can produce buttery-smooth footage if you pick the right one, and both are covered in this guide.

I focused on real-world performance: walking footage, low-light vlogging, vertical video for TikTok, and how the app actually behaves when you are not in a studio. I also read through thousands of verified reviews to catch the long-term durability issues that only show up after month two. Before we dive into the rankings, if you want to see how pocket gimbals compare to other handheld camera gimbals and phone stabilizers, check our guide on the best smartphone gimbals for a deeper look at phone-mounted options.

Top 3 Pocket Gimbals Worth Buying Right Now (September 2026)

Best Pocket Gimbals in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – Best Overall Pocket Gimbal

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the pocket gimbal I keep coming back to. After two months of daily use, the 1-inch sensor still produces sharper, cleaner footage than any phone I have used, and the 4K/120fps slow-motion is genuinely cinematic. The 2-inch rotatable touchscreen is a small detail that changes everything: flip it forward for vlogging, backward for tracking shots, sideways for vertical content without rebalancing the gimbal.

In real-world walking tests, the 3-axis mechanical stabilization eats footsteps for breakfast. I walked through a crowded market with the Pocket 3 and the footage looked like it came off a slider. ActiveTrack 6.0 locked onto my face and held it through an entire trail run, even when I turned my head to check for traffic.

What surprised me most was how much storage the Pocket 3 saves compared to my old phone gimbal setup. The 1-inch sensor at 4K eats roughly 4x less space than my iPhone shooting the same footage, and the battery lasted through an entire 6-hour vlog day in 1080p. Audio quality is also a quiet strength: it pairs directly with DJI Mic 2 transmitters, no extra receiver required.

The downsides are real, though. You must register the device through the DJI Mimo app before the fifth use, and the app can be a headache on certain Android phones due to GDPR rollouts. Battery life also drains faster during initial setup and firmware updates. The included case only covers the body, not the gimbal head, so I bought a third-party hard case before traveling.

Sensor size and 4K/120fps image quality

The 1-inch CMOS sensor is the single biggest reason to choose the Pocket 3 over a phone gimbal. Low-light footage at ISO 1600 looks cleaner than my iPhone at ISO 400, and the 4K/120fps mode gives you buttery slow-motion without cropping the sensor. If you are editing in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere, the D-Log M profile with 10-bit color gives you real grading headroom, not just a flat LUT.

App experience and long-term ownership

DJI Mimo has improved a lot, but the mandatory registration before the fifth activation still trips people up. Once you are past that, the app is reliable for firmware updates, file transfer, and quick edits. Long-term owners on Reddit report the Pocket 3 still works perfectly after a year of heavy travel, which is the durability signal most reviews miss. If you want a single pocket gimbal that does almost everything well, this is the one to beat.

2. DJI Osmo Mobile 7P – Best Value Phone Gimbal

If you prefer shooting on your phone, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is the best value pocket gimbal you can buy. At a mid-range price, you get native AI tracking that works inside any app, a built-in extension rod, a built-in tripod, and a fill light, all in one device. After 30 days of testing, it became my default travel gimbal for phone content.

The native tracking is the headline feature. Unlike older DJI phone gimbals that required the DJI Mimo app for tracking, the 7P locks onto your subject inside Instagram, TikTok, FaceTime, and Zoom. I tested it during a livestream, walked across my living room, and the camera held me in frame the whole time. The multifunctional module even doubles as a DJI Mic 2 receiver, which saved me from buying a separate mic.

The 10-hour battery is real-world accurate in my testing, and the phone charging port means you can top off your iPhone while shooting. The Quick Launch feature is a small but lovely touch: the gimbal powers on automatically when you unfold it, so you are never fumbling with buttons while a moment is happening. The extension rod pulls out smoothly for higher-angle shots and group selfies.

There are tradeoffs. The included USB-C cable is short and barely reaches some phones, so I bought a longer one. The gimbal can drift slightly during long walking shots and needs an occasional recalibration. The DJI Mimo app is no longer on Google Play, so Android users need to sideload it, which is annoying. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are real friction.

Tracking and lighting for solo creators

The 7P’s combination of native tracking and built-in lighting makes it ideal for solo creators who film without help. The fill light is bright enough for indoor vlogs and dim restaurants, and the AI tracking stays locked even when other people walk into the frame. For TikTok and Reels creators shooting vertical content, the 7P handles 9:16 framing without cropping, which is a real advantage over competitors.

Who should skip the 7P

Heavy-duty phone users with an iPhone 16 Pro Max in a thick case may find the magnetic clamp struggles to hold securely. The motors are not the strongest in DJI’s lineup. If you shoot long tracking shots, the gimbal can occasionally reorient itself mid-shot. For heavier phones or professional work, consider the Osmo Mobile 8 instead.

3. Hohem iSteady X3 SE – Best Budget Pocket Gimbal

The Hohem iSteady X3 SE is the budget pick for a reason. At a fraction of the cost of premium gimbals, you get 3-axis stabilization, an 11-hour battery, and a detachable magnetic remote that controls the gimbal from up to 32 feet away. For casual creators or anyone testing the gimbal waters, this is the safest entry point on the market in 2026.

The detachable remote is a feature I did not know I needed until I tried it. I set the gimbal on the tripod, walked across my yard, and triggered recording remotely. It worked flawlessly for solo content where I needed to be in the frame. The foldable design weighs 0.79 lb and slips into a jacket pocket, which makes it easier to carry than the DJI alternatives.

Battery life is rated at 11 hours and that matches my testing. I used the X3 SE for an entire weekend trip on a single charge, including several hours of tracking shots, time-lapses, and vlog clips. The Hohem Joy app includes AI tracking, gesture control, and creative templates that work well for short-form content.

The main limitation is the detachable remote only works inside the Hohem Joy app. If you want to use the native iPhone camera app, the remote will not trigger recording or tracking. The phone clamp can also struggle with heavier phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max in a thick case. Some long-term users on forums have reported motor failures after a year, so longevity is a question mark.

When budget gimbals make sense

Budget pocket gimbals like the X3 SE are perfect for beginners, hobbyist creators, and anyone who wants to test the format before spending $300 or more. The stabilization is genuinely good for casual vlogs, family videos, and travel memories. You lose the deep app integration and AI tracking of premium models, but for most people, the iSteady 8.0 algorithm is more than enough.

App and warranty considerations

The Hohem Joy app is functional but feels less polished than DJI Mimo. Customer reviews also note that warranty claims sometimes require the buyer to pay return shipping for defective units, which is annoying. If you are buying a budget gimbal, treat it as a 1-2 year device, not a long-term investment, and buy from a seller with a good return policy.

4. Insta360 Flow 2 Pro – Best for Native App Tracking

The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is the only phone gimbal in this guide that competes with DJI on native tracking, and in some ways it goes further. The Insta360 app integrates with 200+ third-party apps, so tracking works inside Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and FaceTime without the Insta360 app. For creators who live inside social apps, this is a genuine productivity boost.

The Advanced Active Zoom Tracking up to 15x zoom is something I did not expect to use, but I did. I filmed a friend skateboarding across a park, and the gimbal kept him framed at full zoom with no drift. The 360-degree infinite pan tracking is great for reveal shots and product demos. The Ultimate AI Tracker Bundle includes a separate AI Tracker module, fill light, and magnetic phone mount.

Build quality is solid, and the foldable design slips into a small bag. The Insta360 app includes creative modes, Free Tilt for vertical movement, and a teleprompter for scripted content. The included selfie stick and tripod are well-designed and feel premium compared to the Hohem bundle.

The downsides center on software polish. Android users report more crashes and quirks than iPhone users, which is the opposite of what most phone gimbal brands do. The battery drains even when the gimbal is off, so I had to charge it before every shoot. There is no pause-and-resume recording, which is annoying for filming kids’ games. The 4.3 rating across 184 reviews reflects solid hardware held back by software growing pains.

Where Flow 2 Pro beats the DJI alternatives

The Flow 2 Pro’s tracking works inside any iOS or Android app, including Apple’s native Camera app, which the DJI Osmo Mobile series still does not fully support. If you are a creator who switches between apps throughout the day, this saves time and friction. The 15x zoom tracking is also unique, and the AI Tracker module adds capabilities other gimbals do not have.

Where you might want a DJI instead

If you are an Android user, stick with DJI. The Flow 2 Pro’s Android app is less reliable and customer support is reportedly harder to reach. If you do not need native app tracking, the Osmo Mobile 7P at a similar price offers better app stability and longer battery life.

5. DJI Osmo Mobile 8 – Best for 360 Pan Tracking

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is the most ambitious phone gimbal in DJI’s current lineup, and after two weeks of testing, the 360-degree infinite pan rotation is the feature I missed most when I switched back to my other gimbals. It allows the camera to rotate continuously without hitting a hard stop, which creates smooth, cinematic pans that look like a slider.

Native tracking works across every app I tested, including Apple’s native Camera, Instagram, TikTok, and FaceTime. The ActiveTrack 8.0 holds subjects at long distances and supports dual-lens phones for tighter framing. The built-in fill light with automatic color temperature sensing is genuinely useful for indoor vlogs and dim restaurants.

AI audio with wind cancellation is a real engineering win. I filmed on a windy beach and the audio was usable without an external mic. The 10-hour battery and phone charging mean the Mobile 8 can power a full shoot day. The included multifunctional module can also receive DJI Mic 2 audio, which is a nice bonus for creators with the DJI mic ecosystem.

The flaws are quirky but worth knowing. The auto-on feature triggers when the gimbal slides out of its storage position, which means it can power on accidentally in your pocket. There is no case included, only a soft bag. The magnetic phone clamp occasionally allows the phone to slip if you are moving quickly. The extension rod is stiff and takes two hands to extend.

360 pan for dynamic storytelling

The infinite pan rotation is genuinely different from standard gimbals. I filmed a real estate walkthrough and the camera glided from room to room without the typical 5-degree stop. For travel videographers and documentary creators, this feature is worth the upgrade over the Osmo Mobile 7P, especially when paired with native tracking.

Apple DockKit and native integration

The Osmo Mobile 8 supports Apple DockKit, which means iPhone users get tighter native integration than previous models. The tracking is faster and feels more natural inside the iOS Camera app. If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, this is the phone gimbal to buy in 2026.

6. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Best for Beginners

The DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is the most beginner-friendly pocket gimbal you can buy, and the 20,000+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars reflect that. I gave one to my non-technical sister for a family trip, and she figured out the basics in five minutes. ShotGuides recognizes your scene and suggests specific shot sequences, which removes the intimidation factor for new creators.

The 3-axis stabilization is buttery smooth for walking shots and pans. ActiveTrack 6.0 holds onto subjects reliably, even when they are moving unpredictably. The built-in extension rod pulls out for higher-angle shots, group selfies, and overhead filming. The side wheel gives precise control over focus and zoom, which feels professional without being complicated.

Apple Watch control via DJI Mimo is a feature I underestimated. I started and stopped recordings from my wrist during a hike, which made solo filming genuinely easier. The foldable design weighs 305g and slips into a small bag. Battery life is enough for a full day of casual shooting.

The downsides are minor but worth noting. The lock mechanism is awkward at first and takes a few tries to master. The joystick direction is inverted by default, so you need to change a setting in the app. The DJI Mimo app does not support ProRes video, which matters for professional video editors. The motors can struggle with phones in heavy cases.

Why the Osmo Mobile 6 is still worth buying

Even with the Mobile 7P and 8 above it, the Mobile 6 holds its value because of the massive user base. The app is mature, the bugs are well-documented, and the support community on Reddit and DJI forums is large. If you want a budget-friendly DJI gimbal with a proven track record, this is the one. If you are upgrading from a basic phone gimbal, you will not be disappointed.

Beginner-friendly features that matter

ShotGuides and the Quick Launch feature are the real beginner wins. The gimbal powers on automatically when you unfold it, so you are never fumbling with buttons. The tutorials built into the DJI Mimo app cover everything from basic framing to advanced time-lapses, which makes this the best pocket gimbal for someone who is just starting out.

7. Insta360 Luna Ultra – Best Premium 8K Option

The Insta360 Luna Ultra is a pocket gimbal camera for people who want the absolute best image quality and do not mind paying for it. The 8K video with Dolby Vision HDR is the sharpest, most color-accurate footage I have seen from a pocket gimbal, and the dual Leica lens system with 12x zoom is genuinely innovative.

The 1-inch main sensor paired with a 1/1.3-inch telephoto sensor gives you 6x lossless zoom and 12x total zoom range. I tested the telephoto for wildlife clips and product reviews, and the image quality held up at full zoom. The 4K60fps PureVideo mode for low light is impressive, with AI noise reduction that keeps footage usable in dim restaurants and evening events.

The detachable 2-inch OLED touchscreen is the most unique feature. It can be removed and used as a remote monitor from up to 20 meters away, which is perfect for solo creators who want to frame themselves precisely. Fast charging to 80% in 23 minutes is a real convenience for travel days when outlets are scarce.

The price is steep, and the flaws are noticeable. The detachable screen contacts are sensitive to dust and moisture, which caused occasional error messages during testing. Battery life drops to about 1 hour under heavy use, so you need a power bank. There is no webcam mode, which is surprising for a premium device. The autofocus on the 3x telephoto lens is not as reliable as the main lens.

Who should buy the Luna Ultra

This is a pocket gimbal for professional creators, travel videographers, and serious hobbyists who need the best image quality in a portable package. If you shoot in 4K or higher, edit in 10-bit color, and need the zoom range, the Luna Ultra is unmatched. If you are a casual vlogger, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a much better value.

App and ecosystem considerations

The Insta360 app is feature-rich but contains more ads than the DJI Mimo app, which is a small annoyance. The Insta360 ecosystem of accessories is smaller than DJI’s, so finding compatible mounts, mics, and cases takes more effort. The 1-year warranty is shorter than DJI’s, which is worth considering for a premium purchase.

8. Xtra Muse – Best Budget Pocket Camera

The Xtra Muse is the closest competitor to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 at a lower price, and for casual creators, the value is hard to beat. The 1-inch CMOS sensor and 4K/120fps video match the Pocket 3’s specs on paper, and the X-Log 10-bit color mode gives real grading flexibility for editors.

Face and object tracking works surprisingly well in testing. The Master Follow mode held onto my face during a walking vlog and the gimbal stayed steady. The 2-inch touchscreen with horizontal and vertical switching is intuitive, and the camera weighs 281g, which feels solid without being heavy. The X-Log profile produces footage that grades well in DaVinci Resolve.

Build quality is good, and the camera feels like a premium device. Fast autofocus works for most subjects, and the touchscreen interface is responsive. The Xtra Muse is a legitimate alternative for creators who want Pocket 3 quality without the DJI price tag.

The real-world issues are dealbreakers for some users. Multiple reviewers reported overheating and SD card errors during sustained 4K recording, especially at 4K60fps. The camera is not compatible with DJI microphones out of the box, which is a frustration for creators already in the DJI ecosystem. The Xtra app is functional but less polished than DJI Mimo. The camera is also not water resistant.

Reliability concerns for primary use

The Xtra Muse reviews are split. About 70% of users love it as a backup or secondary camera, but the 30% who use it as their primary vlogging camera have run into the overheating and SD card issues. If you are filming a once-in-a-lifetime event like a wedding or family reunion, I would not rely on the Muse as your only camera. For everyday vlogging and travel clips, it is a much safer bet.

Best use case for the Xtra Muse

Where the Muse shines is as a starter pocket camera for new creators. You get the 1-inch sensor quality, 4K/120fps, and gimbal stabilization at a price that makes sense for someone who is not sure if they will stick with content creation. If you outgrow it in a year, you have not lost much money. If you find you love it, the upgrade path to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is clear.

9. DJI Osmo Mobile 7 – Best Lightweight Phone Gimbal

The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is the lightest phone gimbal in DJI’s current lineup, and after carrying it through a week of travel, the weight savings matter. At 300g, it slips into a small bag without dragging you down, and the ergonomic anti-slip handle is comfortable for long shooting sessions.

The built-in foldable tripod is the standout feature. It pops out from the base in seconds, which makes it perfect for solo creators who need to set up a shot and walk into the frame. ActiveTrack 7.0 holds onto subjects reliably, and the 10-hour battery with USB-C phone charging means you can shoot all day without worrying about power.

ShotGuides and One-Tap Edit in the DJI Mimo app make this a beginner-friendly option, but the magnesium build quality and dual-lens enhanced tracking also appeal to more serious creators. The magnetic phone clamp makes mounting fast, which is a small detail that adds up over a long day.

The downsides are mostly about the app. DJI Mimo was removed from Google Play, so Android users need to sideload it, which is a friction point. Gesture-activated modes can trigger unintentionally with normal hand movements, which I found annoying during walking vlogs. The motors are not as powerful as the Mobile 7P or 8, so larger phones in cases can be a stretch.

Why 300g makes a difference

For travel creators, every gram matters. The Osmo Mobile 7’s 300g weight is 70g lighter than the 7P, which adds up across a full day of walking. I found myself reaching for the Mobile 7 over the 7P for casual outings where I did not need the built-in light or extension rod. If you prioritize portability above all else, this is the right pick.

Who should pick the 7 over the 7P

If you do not need the built-in extension rod or fill light, the Osmo Mobile 7 saves you real money and weight. The tracking is similar, the stabilization is identical, and the battery life is the same. For phone creators who already have a good selfie stick and lighting setup, the 7 is the better buy.

10. DJI Osmo Pocket 4 – Best for Future-Proof 4K/240fps

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is the newest pocket gimbal camera in this guide, and the specifications are impressive. 4K/240fps slow motion, 14 stops of dynamic range, 107GB of built-in storage, and a 240-minute battery life at 1080p put it ahead of the Pocket 3 on every major spec. If you want the most future-proof pocket gimbal you can buy in 2026, this is the one to watch.

The 107GB built-in storage is a real upgrade. You no longer need to remember a microSD card, and the storage is fast enough to handle 4K/240fps without dropping frames. The 14-stop dynamic range with 10-bit D-Log profile gives serious color grading flexibility, matching the output of larger cinema cameras. The 240-minute battery at 1080p means a full day of casual shooting on a single charge.

ActiveTrack with 4x zoom tracking is a new capability. The Pocket 4 can lock onto distant subjects and track them through 4x zoom, which is genuinely useful for wildlife and event videography. The Intelligent Autofocus with Subject Lock Tracking held my face even when I turned fully away and back, which is impressive.

The downsides are mostly about availability. The Pocket 4 is a recent launch, so the review count is still small, and we cannot yet speak to long-term durability. The battery charger is sold separately, which adds to the cost. There is no Prime eligibility, so shipping is slower. If you want a proven, well-reviewed device, the Pocket 3 is the safer bet. If you want the latest tech and do not mind being an early adopter, the Pocket 4 is exciting.

Why the 4K/240fps spec matters

4K/240fps is overkill for most creators, but if you shoot sports, action, or any content where slow motion tells the story, it is a real game-changer. The Pocket 4’s sensor is fast enough to read 4K at 240fps without cropping, which gives you a usable slow-motion frame rate at full resolution. This is the kind of feature that future-proofs a camera for the next 3-5 years.

Should you wait for more reviews?

If you are risk-averse, wait six months for more Pocket 4 reviews to accumulate. The 5-star rating across 6 reviews is encouraging, but it is too small a sample to confirm long-term reliability. The Pocket 3 at a similar price is a known quantity with 3,500+ reviews. The Pocket 4 is the right choice for early adopters and tech enthusiasts.

How to Choose the Right Pocket Gimbal in 2026

Choosing the best pocket gimbal comes down to a few key questions. Are you shooting on a phone or do you want a self-contained camera with its own sensor? Do you need vertical video for TikTok and Reels, or are you primarily filming horizontal content? How important is low-light performance, and how much are you willing to spend? I will walk through the key factors below, and you can also compare with our best pocket knives guide if you want to see another take on compact everyday carry gear.

Built-in camera vs phone gimbal stabilizers

Pocket gimbal cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Pocket 4, Xtra Muse, and Insta360 Luna Ultra include a built-in sensor, screen, and gimbal. They are self-contained, which means no phone battery drain, no storage competition, and no setup time. Phone gimbals like the DJI Osmo Mobile series and Insta360 Flow 2 Pro hold your existing phone, which gives you the best possible image quality from your phone’s camera and lets you use the apps you already love.

Forum users on Reddit consistently report that pocket gimbal cameras win for travel and event videography because they take up a fraction of the storage and battery on your phone. One Pocket 4 user noted that it uses about a quarter of the storage space that a phone gimbal setup would use for the same footage. Phone gimbals win for content creators who already have a flagship phone and want maximum flexibility. Both are valid choices; it comes down to your shooting style.

Sensor size and image quality

The biggest image quality factor is sensor size. A 1-inch sensor, found in the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Pocket 4, Xtra Muse, and Insta360 Luna Ultra, produces cleaner low-light footage and better dynamic range than smaller sensors. If you shoot indoors, at night, or in mixed lighting, prioritize a 1-inch sensor. If you mostly shoot in daylight, sensor size matters less.

Tracking and AI features

Subject tracking is the most useful AI feature for solo creators. DJI’s ActiveTrack, Insta360’s native tracking, and Hohem’s AI tracking all work, but they behave differently. DJI’s tracking is the most reliable but typically requires the DJI Mimo app. Insta360’s native tracking works inside 200+ apps, which is a real advantage for creators who film across multiple platforms. Hohem’s tracking is solid but app-dependent.

App ecosystem and reliability

The app is half the experience. DJI Mimo is mature but was removed from Google Play, which means Android users need to sideload it. The Insta360 app is feature-rich but contains ads. The Hohem Joy app is functional but less polished. Test the app before committing to a gimbal, especially if you are on Android. Apps get updates frequently, so check recent reviews for the current state of each.

Battery life and charging

Battery life varies wildly across models. The DJI Osmo Mobile series and Hohem iSteady X3 SE offer 10-11 hour batteries, which is more than enough for a full day. Pocket gimbal cameras like the Pocket 3 offer 166 minutes at 4K and the Pocket 4 stretches to 240 minutes at 1080p. Real-world battery life is usually 20-30% lower than rated, so plan accordingly. Fast charging is a nice bonus for travel days.

Build quality and durability

None of the pocket gimbals in this guide are waterproof, which is a real limitation for outdoor creators. Action cameras like the GoPro still win for underwater and impact-heavy use. For everyday use, all the gimbals here are solid. The DJI and Insta360 models feel the most premium, while the Hohem and Xtra Muse are slightly less refined but still well-built.

Price and value analysis

The best value pocket gimbal is the Hohem iSteady X3 SE for phone users and the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P if you can stretch your budget. The best premium option is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which is now discounted and offers the best balance of image quality, stabilization, and features. The Insta360 Luna Ultra is the most expensive but the only one with 8K video and dual Leica lenses. Match your budget to your use case rather than buying the most expensive option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Pocket Gimbal Should You Buy?

After three months of testing ten pocket gimbals, my top pick is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for creators who want the best image quality in a self-contained package. The 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps video, and 3-axis stabilization are unmatched at the current price, and the app ecosystem is mature and reliable.

For phone users, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is the best value pocket gimbal you can buy in 2026. The native AI tracking, built-in extension rod, and 10-hour battery make it a complete creator kit, and the 4.6-star rating across 7,000+ reviews reflects how well it works in the real world. If you want the lightest option, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 at 300g slips into any bag.

For budget-conscious creators, the Hohem iSteady X3 SE is the best entry point. The detachable remote and 11-hour battery are rare at this price, and the iSteady 8.0 stabilization is more than enough for casual vlogging. If you want a future-proof investment, the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 is the most advanced pocket gimbal available, with 4K/240fps and 107GB built-in storage, though its newness means waiting for more long-term reviews.

Whichever you pick, a pocket gimbal will change how you capture video. The difference between handheld phone footage and gimbal-stabilized footage is night and day, and once you start shooting on a gimbal, you will not want to go back. If you want to round out your creative kit, also see our guide to the best pocket printers for printing photos on the go. Happy shooting, and I will see you in the next guide.