Although GoPros make excellent video cameras, there is no denying that their primary purpose was to capture the action. Given its small size and excellent video quality, the Karma is an easy option whether you’re capturing extreme activities or taking a leisurely strolling city tour.
Camera shaking is always continuing to be a possible issue when we’re filming an activity. Even with the most recent GoPro Hero 10, which boasts the newest “HyperSmooth” version 4 enhanced image stabilization technology, there are evident limits to eliminating camera shaking with software alone.
The best GoPro device to help you capture buttery smooth video is a 3-axis gimbal. Given the enormous variety of gimbals on the market today, picking the best GoPro gimbal may be challenging.
We’ll look through the top gimbals in our buyer’s guide. In addition to testing them ourselves, we also collected user and reviewer input.
Overview of the Top GoPro Gimbals for 2022
Sadly, manufacturers have taken their time updating GoPro gimbals. There doesn’t appear to be much of a market for them, and concentrating on smartphone gimbals is more lucrative. Since the old Karma Grip (which isn’t functional with the Added Durability 8, 9, or 10), GoPro hasn’t produced a new gimbal.
Fortunately, there are still some fresh choices for owners of newer GoPro models, and I’ve ensured verified compatibility with various GoPros in the goods that make up this list.
Handheld vs. Wearable Gimbals
Let’s discuss the distinctions between wearable and portable gimbals before looking more closely at our selections.
Gimbals for handheld devices provide a grip, so you may carry your GoPro while walking. If you want total control over camera movements, this configuration is great.
But a portable gimbal can be too heavy to use while capturing extreme sports. For instance, you can’t possibly hold your camera while mountain-riding without a hand. A wearable gimbal may be attached to your handlebars, chest, or pretty much anything else you would think of.
The two varieties of gimbal also have a few more minute variations. Wearable gimbals are smaller and more portable than handheld gimbals, which may accommodate rubberized gals. As a result, their batteries don’t last as long. They must also be fastened to your body in some way to be worn, which may necessitate the use of extra attachments like a pectoral harness or shoulder bag.
Who is it for?
The iSteady Pro 4 is a great option for videographers who want to get rid of camera wobble on a budget. I would strongly advise most purchasers to get the splashproof gimbal, which is now the most often used GoPro action camera gimbal.
Compatibility
The GoPro HERO10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3+/3, the DJI Osmo Action, the Yi 4K, the Yi 4K+, the AEE, the SJCAM, and the Sony RX0 are all compatible with the iSteady Pro 4.
Overview of Hohem iSteady Pro 4
Even though it’s inexpensive, the iSteady Pro 4 has many functions. In reality, it outperforms most of the opposition because of its four camera settings, 600° pan axis range, and 14-hour battery life.
Many controls and a joystick to electrically alter the pan and tilt are packed into the compact handgrip. The Hohem Gimbal App allows users to establish programmable hotkeys and the expected basic buttons.
Many of you will be curious how it differs from the initial iSteady Pro. The gimbal arm on the new model is slanted, increasing torque while ensuring that the GoPro’s screen is not obscured. Additionally, it has a trigger at the handle’s rear, making recording activities like latching on to objects or snapping much more straightforward.
What I Favored
Simply said, no other Panasonic gimbals for under $100 that function as well as the iSteady Pro 4. Hohem has not skimped on functionality and has introduced motorized gimbal stabilization to the casual GoPro user.
I compared video from the Typefaces G6 and GoPro Karma handles to footage shot at different zoom settings and playback speeds. Since the differences are so small and the subsequent alternatives are more expensive, it becomes challenging to suggest them.
What I Disapproved of
The iSteady Pro 4 unmistakably has the appearance and feel of a basic GoPro gimbal stabilizer. It lacks the toughness of the other gimbals, and compared to more costly choices; its construction seems more plasticky. Additionally, the actuators are significantly less sensitive than some of the alternatives, making them less effective for filming fast-paced action, but this is extremely difficult to notice.
Who is it for?
Another recent release that supports the most recent GoPro action cameras is the INKEE FALCON, which is a little more expensive than the Users can install iSteady Pro 4. This is a wonderful option if you want a smaller and lighter substitute.
Compatibility
The GoPro Cameras 10/9/8/7/6/5, DJI Overexpressing Action, Insta360 ONE R, and any other action cameras with comparable size are all compatible with the INKEE FALCON gimbal.
Overview of the INKEE FALCON
The INKEE FALCON is one of a few portable gimbals made expressly to be used with action cameras, and a little-known Chinese company makes it.
Nothing truly grabs my attention, and everything seems pretty standardized. The newest gimbals, however, all come with a tonne of unique capabilities, like various filming modes, motion time-lapses, and 360˚ horizontal panning range, so this is not always a negative thing.
The “vertical filming mode,” which enables you to take portrait footage by holding your Camcorder on its side, is one of the primary features that INKEE advertises. Since I don’t often enjoy recording in portrait orientation, I think it’s a bit of a gimmick. However, some individuals could like it.
What I Favored
Overall, the mounting and trying to balance process was simple, and it didn’t take long to have everything set up. The gimbal is useful when traveling your GoPro in a tiny backpack or case since it is lightweight, compact, and somewhat smaller than its competitors
I also like how uncluttered the button arrangement is and how the back trigger and joystick feel. Although there isn’t much change, the control layout is finer than the Users can download iSteady Pro 4
What I Disapproved of
The breadth of the grip is the first issue. It’s too little. It was uncomfortable to grip, even though I don’t have huge hands for a man. To make it function as little more than a grip extension, you can now connect the included tripod and fold the legs, but doing so merely adds another layer of work and makes the device awkward to use.
The FALCON application is among the least developed, as well. Over the years, I’ve seen several gyroscope brands come and go, and often, their apps are left to rot or entirely withdrawn from the iOS Google Playstore Store. I can’t say with certainty that support will persist for the coming years since this might not have the number of users of another well Hohem gimbal.
Who is it for?
The Zhiyun Crane M3 Means a higher gimbal that is just a notch above the competition in terms of quality and functionality. It is for people who want a quality piece of equipment. However, if you have additional cameras to utilize it with, it doesn’t make sense to get one.
Compatibility
In addition to GoPros, the Zhiyun Drone M3 is developed for smaller cameras. It can easily accept cellphones, point-and-shoot cameras, and tiny mirrorless cameras.
There are two restrictions. However, it supports GoPros. The adaptor mount is required, and even some controls won’t function with GoPros.
Overview of the Zhiyun Crane M3
Most of Zhiyun’s gimbal products are made for DSLR, mirrorless, and movie cameras, despite being a well-known quadcopter producer.
The Crane M3 is advertised as a robust but very small gimbal. Since its primary purpose is a compact camera gimbal, the little GoPro’s low payload won’t provide any difficulties.
An impressive feature is an embedded 800 lumen LED light, which, although not quite as useful as carrying a personal lighting aide, is very cool.
What I Favored
The inexpensive GoPro gimbals seem like toys compared to the superb Zhiyun Crane M3 in the hands. The Crane M3 provided a better overall user experience than less expensive gimbals because of its color touch screen, several specialized buttons, and polished software.
What I Disapproved of
Price comes first and foremost. It costs three times as much as comparable GoPro gimbals, and using it with GoPro requires the special GoPro adaptor attachment.
This may be a wise purchase if you have a matching compact camera, a cellphone, and a GoPro and want to do three tasks simultaneously. However, it’s not worth buying for usage with a Camera alone, particularly because some of the capabilities don’t truly function with a GoPro.
Who is it for?
Investing in a wearable camera like the Feiyu WG2X should be a no for those who wish to wear their cameras on their shirts or helmets. Additionally, wearable cameras are more adjustable when installed since the lack of a hand hold makes the gimbal considerably more stable when mounted to handlebars, RC vehicles, and other objects.
Compatibility
With the help of the accompanying Session mount adapter, the Feiyu WG2X is compatible with the GoPro HERO8, HERO7 (all versions), HERO6, HERO5, HERO4, as well as the HERO Session. It can stabilize these more recent GoPros using a GoPro HERO10/HERO9 converter kit, but it won’t be able to connect to them remotely.
Action cameras of comparable size, like the Sony RXO, Yi 4K/4K+, and SJCam, are also enabled.
Overview of WG2X
The well-liked wearable gimbal known as the Feiyu WG2X has been updated. The WG2X boasts enhanced stabilization capabilities, an angled gimbal arm, and remote control functionality, even though they first seem to be extremely identical.
Due to its small size, it may be easily worn with shoulder straps or chest harnesses. Additionally, it is simply mounted to handlebars, selfie sticks, and desktop tripods that accept its universal quarter-inch hole needle.
Three shooting modes are available with this wearable GoPro gimbal: locked, following, and pan follows. The WG2X offers infinite proprioception in the pan и tilt axes, in contrast to another well-liked wearable tripods like the Benchmark Rider-M and Hohem XG1 (as opposed to 320-degrees).
You may use your phone to remotely operate the WG2X using the Feiyu ON App. This is a particularly helpful feature for wearing gimbals that are difficult to reach while on the body.
What I Favored
The performance of stabilization is the single factor that differentiates the majority of wearable gimbals. In this regard, the WG2X excels, outperforming products like the similarly well-liked EVO SS, and Users can download XG1. The stability is also a considerable improvement over the WG2, thanks to its software update.
Although barely necessary, the angled rotary arm is a great addition. The gimbal arms no longer cover the GoPro screen when attached to a chest harness.
The package contains a little tripod. The tripod effectively transforms into a grip of its own when the legs are closed, enabling you to utilize the WG2X as a handed gimbal.
What I Disapproved of
The WG2X features a smaller gettable battery since it is a wearable gimbal that can fit inside its tiny body. This indicates that a single charge will only extend the battery life by around 2.5 hours. Sadly, this is true of nearly every other wearable gimbal on the market.
The WG2X is splashproof and less water-resistant than the WG2, certified IP67 waterproof. Light rain doesn’t affect its operation; however, using the quadcopter for water sports will probably harm the engine.
Who is it for?
A reliable all-around GoPro gimbal with excellent stabilization capabilities at a reasonable price is the Feiyu Tech G6. Unfortunately, it is from the same age as the obsolete GoPro Karma Grip, so buying one today is not a good idea.
Compatibility
The G6 is consistent among all GoPro 3/3+/4/5/6/7 models, according to GoPro. Additionally, it works with action cameras of comparable size, like the Xiaomi Mijia, Yi 4K/4K+, AEE, and A spare frame for the Panasonic RX0 action camera is also included in package.
It provides limited support for the most recent GoPro models, stabilizing but preventing you from using buttons to operate the camera (such as shutter/record or pan with a joystick).
Review of the Feiyu G6
One of the most well-known gimbal manufacturers nowadays is Feiyu, and their flagship GoPro stabilizer is the G6. A tiny LCD monitor, an external mic connector, and a slider to control your camera’s roll are all packed inside a sleek, IP67 splash-proof shell.
The G6 is a significant improvement over its problematic predecessor, the Feiyu G5 while having a nearly similar appearance. Although the G5 has some strange stability difficulties with a noticeable micro jitter, the G6 competes well with the much more costly GoPro Karma Grip.
Its slanted arm and supplementary thread on the bottom of the grip are additional non-essential but charming new features. Rarely does the arm block the GoPro’s LCD screen due to its tilted design.
The Feiyu ON companion app for the G6 enables Bluetooth pairing between your phone and gimbal and remote gimbal operation. This means that even if your stabilizer and GoPro are in another room, you can still manually pan, tilt it, and even build up motion time-lapses.
What I Favored
On third-party handheld gimbals, the stabilization performance might be hit or miss. Fortunately, the G6 delivers excellent performance and doesn’t let you down. Zoomed-in footage revealed that the G6 film was somewhat more unsteady than the Dharma Grip clip.
The G6 offers several features that the Karma Grip does not, such as an instructive LCD screen that displays information like the battery’s remaining life and the current shooting mode. Those who are capturing audio-sensitive video will appreciate the exterior mic port since engine noise is a fairly typical problem with any motorized gimbal.
Feiyu ultimately chose a replaceable battery with a 5000mAh capacity and 12-hour runtime. Therefore, you are free to replace the battery whenever you choose, albeit most people will seldom find themselves in that situation.
What I Disapproved of
The Feiyu G6 requires some fussy hand screw adjustment to mount your GoPro. Compared to the Karma Grip, which requires the camera to be inserted into its harness, attaching a camera is far more difficult.
Given that the Feiyu G6 is an outdated 2018 model and the price hasn’t even been lowered, it is now tough to suggest it.
Who is it for?
Want a portable stabilizer that can change into a gimbal that can be worn and mounted? Your solution is the Removu S1. The handle may be removed thanks to its modular design, leaving a reusable accelerometer that can be put anywhere. The Removu S1 was created from the ground up to be a double gimbal, in contrast to the GoPro Karma Grip, which can work as a wearing gimbal if you do the work.
Compatibility
The GoPro HERO7/6/5, HERO4/3+/3, and HERO Session cameras utilizing various housing frames are compatible with the Removu S1 (included). Action cameras other than GoPro cannot be used with it.
Review of Removu S1
The Removu S1 was created by Removu, a little-known Korean company specializing in GoPro accessories. The S1, which has a waterproof modular construction, provides unparalleled adaptability.
You may place the gimbal anywhere by removing the handgrip, exactly when you’re with a real wearable gimbal. Furthermore, a detachable Bluetooth technology remote control is included within the handgrip itself. This implies that regardless of whether the gimbal is attached to your chest or your helmet, you may operate it remotely.
The S1’s battery is detachable, unlike the batteries in most other GoPro gimbals. A battery charger from Removu that can store up to two charges simultaneously is kindly offered. The S1 has a battery life of three to five hours per charge.
The Removu S1 can be inverted for underslung photos and has three shooting modes: pan follow, following, and locked. The remote control is rather elegant, with a handy LED display and a joystick to electrically pan and tilt the gimbal.
What I Favored
The Removu S1’s primary strength is versatility. There isn’t any other stabilizer that can be worn or utilized as a portable gimbal. Since the battery is inside the grip, it is impossible to call the GoPro Vida Grip a real 2-in-1 gimbal.
The Removu S1 has a really elegant appearance. It is the heaviest gimbal on the list and seems solidly constructed, albeit a touch hefty. The frosting on the cake is little extras, like its detachable battery and detachable remote control.
The Removu S1 offers a very smooth video performance. Although it isn’t nearly as slick as the G6 or Karma Grip, it is unquestionably one of the best stabilizers available.
What I Disapproved of
The Removu S1’s loud engine noise and a little bit of slowly following modes are its greatest drawbacks.
Motor vibration is more audible than in other gimbals. Some people may not find this a problem, but others who undertake more audio-sensitive activities, such as vlogging, may find it problematic.
Even with the following speed turned up, the S1 is a little sluggish to follow when you pan left and back or tilt up and down. If you’re recording situations involving fast camera movements, it’s not the best option.
Who is it for?
Although the GoPro Karma Grip is expensive, it is the only option for consumers seeking native compatibility with GoPros. Even though the gimbal is a little older, it still operates nearly as well as any other third-party gimbal, except for battery life.
Compatibility
The HERO4/5/6/7 Black and Approach Silver are compatible with the GoPro Karma Grip. Owners of a GoPro HERO4 will need to buy the Portable wireless Karma harness. Action cameras other than GoPro are unsuitable with the Karma Grip. The Karma Grip hasn’t been updated. Thus owners of more recent versions are out of luck.
Opening the collar and inserting the GoPro are all required to attach the camera to the Karma Grip, as one could anticipate from an official product.
Overview of Karma Grip
The GoPro Karma drone serves as the inspiration for the Karma Grip. Even though the Karma aircraft was not a smash hit, they were nevertheless able to salvage its gimbal and attach it to a hand handle, giving rise to the Karma Grip.
With the Karma Grip, GoPro chose to keep things simple. It lacks additional capabilities like a griddle joystick and selfie mode and only has two filming modes (pan followed and following).
The GoPro gimbal has always had the greatest picture stabilization available. GoPro has constantly published firmware upgrades to fix some of the throughput difficulties that third-party gimbals try to overcome.
Technically, the gimbal may also serve as a wearing gimbal since it can be separated from the grip. But you must buy the Gita Grip extension cord and carry the handgrip since the gimbal’s battery is housed there.
What I Favored
The Karma Grip’s simplicity of use and excellent stabilizing capabilities are among its greatest advantages. Without the need to install any second gimbal companion applications that other manufacturers utilize for firmware upgrades or setting configuration, it works flawlessly with GoPros.
The GoPro Helix Grip feels wonderfully comfortable in the hands despite being substantially larger than many of its rivals. Swinging the gimbal around seems more controlled when you feel the added weight in your hands.
What I Disapproved of
The GoPro Dharma Grip doesn’t provide the greatest value since it is much more expensive than alternatives. GoPro gimbals from companies like Feiyu and Zhiyun, which normally cost half more than the Karma Grip, have been reducing the stabilizing performance gap.
The Karma Grip’s underwhelming battery life is another indication of its age. Only around 2 hours of recording time may be anticipated while recording in 4K. One of the causes of this is that it constantly charges your GoPro camera concurrently, which results in the battery being used from two different sources.
The Freeview Villa-G
The Freevision Villa-G is a reliable substitute for the Removu S1 and is another 2-in-1 gimbal. Its expensive price tag may be justified by its excellent fit and finish, ergonomic grip, respectable stabilization capability, and quiet motors.
The detachable battery and navigation system in the S1 are two cutting-edge features absent from the Freevision Vilta-G. The Source of environmental S1 is a superior option overall if you don’t mind the greater motor noise since it is also not waterproof.
This is an outdated model, much like the Removu S1, and the accompanying software has been removed from App Store. Therefore I can no longer suggest it.
Smooth 4 Mobile Gimbal from Zhiyun
The Zhiyun Matte finish 4 is a well-regarded cellphone camera that can also hold a GoPro within its fully adjustable clamp, despite not officially being a GoPro gimbal. To ensure the GoPro is more securely fastened, optional GoPro attachment plate adaptors are also available.
Since cellphone gimbals are frequently not weather resistant and have significantly slower follow speeds, the Smooth 4 isn’t built for the type of action normally associated with GoPros. However, the GoPro 4 is worth a glance for individuals who often video using their phone and seldom use their GoPro.
You should be aware that you cannot operate your GoPro using its buttons as it is not natively interoperable with the GoPro. It will, however, calibrate your GoPro and stabilize video at the very least.
Additional Buying Advice Recognizing Shooting modes
The majority of GoPro gimbals offers two or three shooting modes. Which are:
The gimbal will respond to maintain a level horizon while tracking variations in the pan axis (sideways).
Following: To ensure the video is stabilized, the gimbal will track motions in the pan (slightly backward) and tilt (up and down) axes.
Locked: In this shooting mode, the GoPro’s three axes of orientation are fixed (pan, tilt, and roll). This implies that the Camera lens will be pointed at the same object at all times.
The locked mode is absent from several GoPro gimbals, notably the Karma Grip. Your purchasing selection should take into account if you believe this to be a crucial shooting mode to have.
Can I Use A Camera Gimbal To Mount My Smartphone?
Compared to the standard smartphone of today, GoPros are smaller and lighter. Because of this, most GoPro gimbals cannot sustain such a high payload, and its frame housing was never designed to hold a smartphone.
But on the other hand, GoPros can often fit in smartphone gimbals. However, it is not the best configuration to use a cell camera as a GoPro gimbal since it has its own set of issues. Generally, buying a cellphone gimbal for your phone and a GoPro gimbal for your GoPro is advised.
GoPro gimbals are waterproof, right?
Nowadays, most Cause and other cameras are waterproof. However, the majority of GoPro gimbals are either not waterproof at all or just partially waterproof. Gimbals include brushless DC motors that rotate pivots, and it is challenging to properly shield these moving components from water leaks if immersed.
However, a lot of GoPro gimbals are weatherproof or splashproof. The performance of the gimbals on this list in terms of weather is as follows:
- The GoPro Karma Grip is weatherproof (Light rain and snow)
- iSteady Pro 4 from Bohemian: Resistant (Heavier rain and snow)
- Feiyu Tech G6: Water-resistant (Heavier rain and snow)
- Feiyu Tech WG2X: Water-resistant (Heavier rain and snow)
- Weather-resistant (Removu S1) (Light rain and snow)
- INKEE FALCON: Not climate-proof
- The Zhiyun Crane M3 is not weatherproof.
- Feiyu Villa-G: Not resistant to the elements
- Zhiyun Smooth 4: Not resistant to the elements
A Conclusion
Even though picking the finest tripod for your GoPro might be challenging, it ultimately comes down to your shooting style and location.
Unless they are positive that the Camera will be worn, most individuals will probably choose a handheld gimbal. The most natural way to film is by holding the camera in your hand, and a portable gimbal essentially turns into a GoPro grip that also stabilizes the recordings.
The GoPro Dharma Grip (Official attachment) was designed to function in unison with the GoPro. However, it seems that GoPro is now more interested in the HyperSmooth electrical image stabilization technology than the mechanical stabilization provided by a gimbal. This indicates that they are unlikely to make another official gimbal.
The After being iSteady Pro 4 offers about everything you could want in a $100 gimbal, which is fortunate since third-party attachments are growing better and better
Due to its superior picture stabilization and a few advanced functions that other wearable gimbals don’t have, the FeiyuTech WG2X is our favorite wearable gimbal. Unfortunately, it faces little competition and requires an upgrade to properly function with the HERO9 and HERO10 versions.
