Top GoPro Gimbals Reviewed
GoPro cameras are small and light, which means you don't need a powerful (or expensive) gimbal to get great results. These are the best options across different budgets and use cases.
- Compact and foldable
- Excellent stabilisation
- 6-hour battery life
- Tripod included
- Works with GoPro 12 & 13
- App can be inconsistent
- No waterproofing
- IPX6 waterproofing
- Exceptional battery (10hrs)
- Excellent price for features
- Slightly bulkier than competitors
- App features are limited
- Excellent DJI app (ActiveTrack)
- Works with both phone and GoPro
- Premium build quality
- GoPro adapter is extra cost
- Designed primarily for phones
- IP67 waterproof
- Handles cameras up to 1.2kg
- OLED display for settings
- 9-hour battery
- Heavier than GoPro-specific options
- Overkill if only using GoPro
Comparison Table
| Gimbal | Price | Battery | Waterproof | Foldable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FeiyuTech Scorp Mini 2 | ~$130 | 6 hrs | No | Yes | Best all-round |
| Hohem iSteady Pro 4 | ~$75 | 10 hrs | IPX6 | No | Best budget |
| DJI OM 6 | ~$160+ | 6.4 hrs | No | Yes | Phone + GoPro dual |
| FeiyuTech G6 Max | ~$200 | 9 hrs | IP67 | No | Pro / demanding conditions |
Gimbal vs GoPro HyperSmooth: Do You Need Both?
GoPro's HyperSmooth 6.0 (on the Hero 13 Black) is genuinely impressive electronic image stabilisation. For most vlogging situations: walking, gentle activity: HyperSmooth is sufficient and saves you the cost and weight of a gimbal.
A gimbal becomes worthwhile when:
- Running or high-impact activity: HyperSmooth smooths out vibration but a gimbal removes it entirely
- Cinematic panning shots: A gimbal allows slow, controlled pans that EIS can't replicate
- Long walking shots: Even gentle walking bounce is visible in EIS: a gimbal eliminates it completely
- Low light: HyperSmooth crops your image for stabilisation: at night, a gimbal lets you use the full sensor
Many action vloggers use HyperSmooth for pure action content and switch to a gimbal for any walking or cinematic B-roll. The combination is more effective than either alone.
Gimbal Usage Tips for GoPro
- Balance the gimbal before powering on: A properly balanced gimbal uses less battery and produces better stabilisation
- Use Lock mode for slow pans: All-follow mode can feel jittery: Lock mode lets you control pan precisely with the joystick
- Combine with HyperSmooth: Enable HyperSmooth Standard (not Boost) when using a gimbal for dual-layer stabilisation without excessive crop
- Charge before long shoots: Even 6-hour gimbals drain faster in cold weather
- Practice the "ninja walk": Bend your knees slightly and walk in a gliding motion to reduce vertical bounce further
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GoPro HyperSmooth replace a gimbal?
For most casual vlogging, HyperSmooth is sufficient. It handles gentle walking and everyday movement well. A gimbal becomes worthwhile for running, high-impact activities, slow cinematic pans, or shooting in low light where EIS cropping reduces your field of view. Many vloggers use both depending on the shot.
What is the best budget gimbal for GoPro?
The Hohem iSteady Pro 4 at around $75 is the best budget option. It offers IPX6 waterproofing, a 10-hour battery, and solid stabilisation for the price. It punches well above its weight and is a genuine alternative to gimbals costing twice as much.
Which GoPro models are compatible with these gimbals?
All gimbals listed are compatible with the GoPro Hero 12 Black and Hero 13 Black. The FeiyuTech Scorp Mini 2 and Hohem iSteady Pro 4 include GoPro-specific mounts. The DJI OM 6 requires an additional GoPro adapter (sold separately, approximately $20).
Do I need to balance a gimbal before using it with a GoPro?
Yes. Balancing is important even for a lightweight camera like a GoPro. A properly balanced gimbal uses less battery power, runs cooler, and produces smoother stabilisation. Most gimbals designed for action cameras have simple balancing mechanisms and include instructions.
Is a gimbal worth it for GoPro vlogging?
It depends on the content. If you film while walking, cycling, or doing activities where smoothness matters, a gimbal adds a noticeable quality improvement that HyperSmooth alone cannot match. For static shots, talking-head vlogs, or mounted action shots, the added bulk of a gimbal may not be worth it.