Smooth video shouldn’t require a maxed-out credit card. Fortunately, 2025’s entry-level stabilizers pack smarter motors, longer batteries and even AI tracking—often for less than the price of a prime lens. Below you’ll find my five best budget gimbals 2025 picks, all tested in real shooting scenarios and, importantly, priced under $300.
What Counts as “Budget” in 2025?
First of all, let’s define our ceiling: $300 / €300. Anything pricier drifts into mid-range territory. In addition, each pick below had to meet three criteria:
- Stabilise at least a modern smartphone or APS-C mirrorless body.
- Run a minimum of six hours per charge.
- Pass my real-world walking-and-talk test without visible jitter.
1. Hohem iSteady M7 — Best Overall Value $159
To begin with, the Hohem iSteady M7 supports phones up to 500 g and features a detachable touchscreen module that doubles as a remote. Moreover, its AI Vision Sensor locks onto your face even when you flip the phone’s native camera—no app required.
- Battery life: 10 h
- Object & gesture tracking built-in
- Onboard ¼-inch thread for lights or mics
Because the M7 feels like a Swiss-army knife for beginner vloggers, I rank it the best bang-for-buck stabilizer of 2025.
https://store.hohem.com/products/hohem-isteady-m7-big-phone-gimbal
Full Hohem iSteady M7 Review (coming soon)
Check out the Hohem iSteady M7 on Amazon
2. FeiyuTech Scorp 2 – Best for Mirrorless on a Budget $279
If you shoot light mirrorless rigs up to 2.5 kg, the Scorp 2 delivers. Unlike most entry gimbals, it includes an AI tracking module on the roll arm, allowing the gimbal to follow you autonomously—perfect for one-person interviews.
- Fold-out stand doubles as briefcase grip
- OLED menu with auto-tune preset
- Quick-release Arca plate
Granted, its motors can’t handle heavy f/2.8 zooms, yet for travel APSC bodies the Scorp 2 is a steal.
FeiyuTech Scorp 2 Review (coming soon)
Check out the FeiyuTech Scorp 2 on Amazon
3. Zhiyun Smooth Q4 — Best Under $150 $119
The Smooth Q4 remains my favourite sub-$150 pick. Furthermore, its flip-out extension arm adds selfie-stick reach without extra parts, and the optional magnetic fill light costs just $19.
- Battery life: 15 h
- Compact folding design
- Gesture start/stop recording
Consequently, beginners can grab cinematic clips and vertical TikToks within minutes of unboxing.
Check out the Zhiyun Smooth Q4 on Amazon
4. DJI RS 4 Mini (Sale) — Best Travel Bargain $299
When DJI discounted the RS 4 Mini to $299 for spring, it slipped into budget territory. Weighing just 890 g, it still supports 2 kg—ideal for hybrid shooters balancing carry-on weight and mirrorless performance.
- Quick vertical-switch lever
- 30-min fast-charge = 5 h runtime
- Bluetooth shutter control
Although its motors aren’t as strong as bigger RS models, the Mini excels at travel vlogs where lightness trumps raw power.
Check out the DJI RS 4 Mini on Amazon
5. Insta360 Flow (Price Drop) — Smartest Phone Gimbal $139
Finally, a recent price drop makes the Insta360 Flow hard to ignore. Deep Track 4.0 keeps subjects framed—even if they leave and re-enter—while the built-in tripod legs and selfie-stick extension add versatility.
- Magnetic phone clamp = zero balancing
- Companion app auto-edits clips
- USB-C power-bank output
Read my original Insta360 Flow Review
Check out the Insta360 Flow on Amazon
Product Comparison
| Gimbal | Price (USD) |
Max Payload | Battery Life | Stand-out Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hohem iSteady M7 | $159 | 500 g phone | 10 h | AI Vision Sensor (no app) |
| FeiyuTech Scorp 2 | $279 | 2.5 kg | 9 h | On-board AI tracking cam |
| Zhiyun Smooth Q4 | $119 | Smartphone | 15 h | Built-in selfie-stick arm |
| DJI RS 4 Mini* | $299 | 2 kg | 12 h | Quick vertical-switch lever |
| Insta360 Flow | $139 | Smartphone | 12 h | Deep Track 4.0 AI |
Buying Tips for Budget Shoppers
Because cheap rarely means perfect, consider these points before you click buy:
- Payload Headroom: Always leave at least 20 % spare capacity for cases or lenses.
- App Quality: Budget brands vary wildly—test APKs or iOS app ratings first.
- Warranty & Parts: Look for at least 12-month coverage and user-replaceable batteries.
Final Thoughts
In summary, 2025’s budget tier is better than last year’s mid-range. Whether you prioritise phone-only simplicity (Insta360 Flow) or a mirrorless-ready workhorse (Scorp 2), the five picks above will keep your footage smooth without flattening your wallet.
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