Although GoPro’s have built-in video stabilization, you may want a gimbal for even smoother footage. However, choosing the best GoPro gimbal is harder than it looks since there are several options to pick from.
Hi, my name is Larry. I’m an experienced GoPro expert who’s been obsessed with these tiny action cameras for almost 10 years. I’ve tested dozens of different GoPro gimbals throughout my adventures this past decade.
In today’s in-depth guide, I’ll share my top 6 best GoPro gimbals. In addition, I’ll outline my key takeaways, answer some related questions, and explain what makes the best GoPro gimbal.
So if you’re ready for buttery smooth GoPro videos, let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaways
- GoPro gimbals offer better stabilization when recording action shots and shaky scenes.
- Most GoPro gimbals can work as a power supply to power your GoPro camera, offering more battery life.
- If you only use your GoPro once or twice per year, I don’t recommend investing in a GoPro gimbal.
- The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is the best overall GoPro gimbal for all videographers.
Which gimbal is best for GoPro?
The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is the best gimbal for GoPro based on its cost-to-quality ratio. This GoPro gimbal is designed for action cameras and uses the iSteady 5.0 Anti-shaking Algorithm to stabilize your footage. It’s also IPX4 splash-proof, so you can take it out and record content on rainy days.
Is a gimbal worth it for GoPro?
Gimbals are worth it for GoPro cameras because they offer a better way to record smooth cinematic footage. Although newer GoPro models have built-in electronic image stabilization in the form of HyperSmooth, you can pair it with a gimbal for smoother and stabler footage. Most GoPro gimbals have a triple-axis, letting you tilt, pan, and roll for perfect shake-free videos.
Does DJI gimbal work with GoPro?
The DJI gimbal is not compatible with GoPro cameras. This is because DJI manufactures its own action cameras and uses a different mounting technique than GoPro cameras. However, some GoPro users were able to modify their DJI gimbals to mount their GoPros. If you want to learn how, search for a video tutorial on YouTube.
Does a gimbal make a difference?
Yes, gimbals are useful videography tools. However, they’re not something you need to use all the time because handheld GoPro shots can be just as good if filmed with the correct technique. However, gimbals can amplify your footage if you take some time to learn how to use it properly.
How do I choose a gimbal?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a gimbal. You should consider the gimbal’s price, compatibility, battery life, whether it’s 2- or 3-axis, connectivity, and other features. The following section will cover what makes the best GoPro gimbal.
What Makes the Best GoPro Gimbal
Camera shake is one of the most significant issues most videographers around the world deal with. Fortunately, GoPro gimbals are stabilization and anti-vibration devices that ensure your footage is focused on what you want without unwanted trembles.
So before we dive into my list of recommendations, it’s important to discuss what makes the best GoPro gimbal. This way, you can differentiate each option and choose the gimbal that’s the best fit for you.
Here are the key factors to look at when deciding on your new GoPro gimbal:
- Battery Life: You want to make sure when buying an electronic gimbal that you pick one with ample battery life. Somewhere in the 10-12 hour range will give you all-day use without worrying about stopping for a charge.
- Electronic Controls: Most electronic gimbals have controls that will allow you to control your camera right on the grip. Do some research and see which one you think has what you need right on the handle to make ease of operation that much better.
- Splash Proof: These are action cameras, so the likelihood of you using them around water is very high. Finding a splashproof gimbal could be the difference between a working gimbal and one that fails due to water damage.
Top 6 Best GoPro Gimbals
If you want the best GoPro gimbal, you’ve landed at the right place. I’ve rounded up the top 6 options based on my personal experiences and discussions I’ve had with other GoPro experts. So whether you’re looking for the best of the best or a budget-friendly option, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s jump in!
1. Hohem iSteady Pro 4 (Best Overall)
- Weight: 365 grams
- Length: 11.81 inches
- Battery Life: 14 hours
- Splash Proof: IPX4 rating
The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is an incredible GoPro gimbal that’s compatible with all GoPros and other action cameras as well. This gimbal uses the iSteady 5.0 Anti-shaking Algorithm to stabilize shaky GoPro footage automatically. In addition, this gimbal offers 14 hours of battery life with its built-in 3600mAh battery.
Since it has a large built-in battery, you can use the gimbal as a power bank to charge your GoPro with a USB cable while recording. This is perfect for GoPros since they have short battery lives, and replacing batteries is inconvenient while filming.
This gimbal is also very easy to use. While older iSteady models had screws you needed to tighten, the iSteady Pro 4 uses a quick-release clip with a spring buckle to easily mount and remove your GoPro camera. It’s a well-designed gimbal that works perfectly right out of the box.
Furthermore, you can control the gimbal using the buttons on the handlebar. You can switch through different modes, such as motion timelapse, sport mode, and POV mode. The gimbal also features wireless camera control to take videos and photos. Furthermore, you can use the pan 600-degree rotation to create an incredible inception effect.
In essence, the iSteady Pro 4 is incredibly well made and offers exceptionally stable videos. However, it may take some time to get used to. Therefore, I recommend spending a few days learning how to use each mode and recording different situations. This way, you’ll always be prepared for future shoots.
My Verdict: The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 is my favorite GoPro gimbal because it offers outstanding quality and performance at a reasonable price point. Furthermore, it’s portable, lightweight, and easy to carry around.
2. INKEE Falcon Plus Gimbal Stabilizer (Best Value)
- Weight: 300 grams
- Length: 9.06 inches
- Battery Life: 9 hours
- Splash Proof: No
The INKEE Falcon Plus Gimbal Stabilizer is another fantastic GoPro gimbal that uses a 3-axis stabilizer to produce effortlessly smooth video footage. This gimbal is packed with features. Some notable ones include timelapse shooting, wireless control, multiple shooting modes, and 9 hours of battery life.
Furthermore, you can use this gimbal as a power bank, similar to the iSteady Pro 4. Simply plug a compatible USB cable into the gimbal and your GoPro. This way, you don’t have to swap batteries in the middle of an intense shoot. However, it’s important to note that the battery is smaller than the iSteady’s since it’s 2500mAh.
I regularly use this gimbal with my GoPro HERO10 Black when I want to record cinematic footage. Pairing this gimbal with the HERO10 Black’s HyperSmooth 4.0 is a wonderful combination. As a result, my videos turn out professional-looking, and my friends are always impressed when I share my videos.
The only downside to this gimbal is that the setup and learning process takes a bit of time. Since there are so many filming modes and features, you must spend some time putting the gimbal to use before understanding how it works completely. Nevertheless, the build quality is amazing, and it’s a wonderful device to have once you learn how to use it.
My Verdict: The INKEE Falcon Plus Gimbal Stabilizer is an excellent GoPro gimbal that uses a 3-axis mechanism to produce stable footage. It features great battery life and is also quiet and responsive.
3. FeiyuTech G6 Gimbal (Best Build)
- Weight: 335 grams
- Length: 10.55 inches
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- Splash Proof: IPX4 rating
The FeiyuTech G6 Gimbal is a superb GoPro gimbal with several notable features. This gimbal uses a sliding arm and knob to stabilize your GoPro videos. In addition, you can tilt the gimbal 360 degrees, roll it 320 degrees, and pan it 360 degrees. Therefore, you can capture any viewing angle you desire.
Furthermore, this gimbal uses a 35-degree elevation design to show a complete screen creation composition without any adverse effects on the anti-shake performance. The G6 gimbal features 12 hours of battery life and an extensive 5000mAh removable battery. Similar to the options above, you can use this gimbal as a power bank to charge your GoPro while filming.
This gimbal also has an OLED screen that displays battery life, BlueTooth connection, Wi-Fi connection, gimbal working modes, and camera working modes. In terms of shooting modes, you can shoot using the timelapse mode, follow mode, panning mode, and lock mode.
The gimbal comes with two USB-C to micro adapter cables, a carrying case, a USB cable, and two screws. However, my only gripe with this gimbal is that the app is mediocre at best. Although the gimbal works perfectly, it’s hard to connect the gimbal to Wi-Fi at certain times.
My Verdict: Overall, this gimbal surpassed my expectations, feels solid, and works exceptionally well. There are several recording modes to pick from, which makes it easy to find the best settings for different shoots.
- Weight: 1000 grams
- Length: 11.02 inches
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Splash Proof: No
The Zhiyun Crane M3 Gimbal is another 3-axis handheld stabilizer designed for all types of cameras and smartphones. However, it’s compatible with GoPro cameras and is one of the most premium GoPro gimbals on the market. I labeled it as the best premium option since it has a relatively high price point but is packed with innovative features and technology.
Best of all, the gimbal is smaller than you think it is and proudly labeled by Zhiyun as “tiny as a bottle of water.” Therefore, this gimbal is portable and easy to place in your travel or camera bag.
This gimbal uses built-in LED fill light with Lumen Amplifier technology to reduce image noise. For this reason, you can shoot in dark or dim light and take advantage of this gimbal’s ability to offer adjustable color temperature and brightness.
In terms of build design, this gimbal uses an upgraded quick-release system with a general quick-release plate for better assembly, disassembly, and balancing. It also uses locks with a transverse palm-rejection design to protect your GoPro.
This gimbal even has a full-color touchscreen with an advanced UI design. Paired with the adjustment wheel and joystick, all the controls are a fingertip away. The battery uses a USB-C cable and takes two hours to charge. When fully powered, the battery can work up to eight hours.
Although this gimbal is designed for any type of camera, I find it works best on GoPros. Heavier DSLR and mirrorless cameras aren’t suitable for this gimbal since it’s so lightweight and compact. So if you plan on getting this gimbal for a GoPro and another camera, you may need to reconsider.
My Verdict: The best way to describe the Zhiyun Crane M3 Gimbal is that it offers professional video stabilization in a compact and portable device. Therefore, this gimbal offers an outstanding filming experience without needing any extra equipment.
5. Hohem iSteady Multi (Best Versatility)
- Weight: 580 grams
- Length: 14.2 inches
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Splash Proof: IPX5 rating
The Hohem iSteady Multi is an all-in-one 3-axis gimbal compatible with most action cameras, mobile phones, and compact cameras. Weighing just over one pound, the iSteady Multi is perfect for recording action content like sports and travel.
In essence, the Hohem iSteady offers the same features as the Hohem iSteady Pro 4. The primary difference is that the iSteady Multi supports multiple devices, while the Pro 4 is only suitable for GoPros and other action cameras.
However, this gimbal only offers 8 hours of battery life compared to 14 on the Pro 4. Nevertheless, 8 hours is typically more than enough for most film sessions. Some interesting shooting modes found on this gimbal are dolly mode, sport mode, and face tracking. This gimbal also offers motion timelapse, 320-degree panoramic shooting, and a 600-degree 3D mode.
In terms of video stabilization, the iSteady Multi is incredibly good at reducing camera shake while recording. Furthermore, there are dozens of great tutorials and videos online showcasing how to use the gimbal properly.
However, my primary criticism about the iSteady Multi is that the battery life only lasts 8 hours. Unfortunately, my recording sessions can run for an entire day, so when this gimbal runs out of battery, I have to swap over to another gimbal. Furthermore, this gimbal uses the older USB 1.0 charging port which can be inconvenient if you lose the included cable.
My Verdict: The Hohem iSteady Multi is worth its relatively higher price point. It offers exceptionally stable footage and is lightweight enough to bring on flights and other adventures.
6. FeiyuTech 2A Gimbal (Best Budget)
- Weight: 277 grams
- Length: 5.99 inches
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Splash Proof: No
The FeiyuTech 2A Gimbal is a budget-friendly gimbal that also acts as a mini tripod and selfie stick since it can extend from 5.99 inches to 13 inches using the extension rod. With a weight of 277 grams, it’s the most lightweight option on today’s list and a great option for portability. In addition, it comes with a carrying bag to make it even easier to bring around.
Similar to other options above, the 2A gimbal uses a 3-axis lock to ensure gimbal stability. It also has a quick-release mount, so you can quickly attach and remove your GoPro. Some shooting modes include fast follow and rotation control. These shooting modes cover most recording situations and should offer more than enough stability.
Furthermore, the FeiyuTech gimbal offers quick mode switching. This means you can easily incline the handle to enter portrait mode. Quick mode switching comes in handy when you want to record content for TikTok videos or Instagram Reels.
In terms of build quality, this gimbal has an ergonomically designed grip for comfortable usage. It also offers 10 hours of battery life with its built-in 1300mAh battery. This gimbal also offers a Wi-Fi connection and compatibility with the FeiyuOn mobile app. You can use the app to customize trigger buttons and other settings on your gimbal.
However, it’s important to note that the gimbal can get very hot when I use it for extended periods of time. Furthermore, this gimbal isn’t compatible with the GoPro HERO 8, 9, or 10. Although you can mount your GoPro to the gimbal with an additional screw, you can’t use the buttons or mobile app.
My Verdict: This is the best budget-friendly GoPro gimbal if you have an older GoPro camera. It’s lightweight, has an adequate extension stick, and offers great video stabilization at an affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
Getting a super smooth video is what everyone wants. With one of these six gimbals, that can become a reality for you, even if you have extremely shaky hands. GoPro has developed some great stabilization technology, but adding one of these gimbals will make your footage look more like a movie and less like a home video.
If you want the best overall GoPro gimbal based on price to value, you can’t go wrong with the iSteady Pro 4. This gimbal is popular among GoPro users across the world, and Hohem has an excellent reputation for creating reliable GoPro accessories. However, the INKEE Falcon Plus is another great option within the same price range.
But now I’d love to hear from you! What type of content do you plan on shooting with your new gimbal? How long have you been using GoPros? Which gimbal from today’s list will you go for? Let me hear what you have to say by dropping a quick comment right below.
