Phone gimbals keep dropping in price while adding pro features like native DockKit tracking and magnetic fill lights. Consequently, choosing the right budget stabiliser is harder than ever. Below I compare the three biggest sellers, Insta360 Flow 2, DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Pro and Hohem iSteady V3, across specs, real-world tests and value.
Spec sheet snapshot
| Model | Flow 2 (Std.) | DJI OM 7 Pro | Hohem V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street price | $109 Std / $129 AI | $125 on Prime Day | $149 list (often $103) |
| Weight | 348 g | 368 g | 420 g |
| Battery (real) | ≈10 h | ≈7 h (with LED ½) | ≈9 h 35 m (LED ½) |
| AI tracking | App-only (no DockKit) | Native ActiveTrack 7 | Magnetic AI tracker works in any app |
| Fill light | None | Bi-colour spotlight 100 lux | Three-colour LED 90 lux |
| Selfie rod | 207 mm built in | 215 mm built in | 205 mm built in |
Stabilisation test
I filmed a 100-metre walk at 4K 60 fps on each gimbal using an iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Flow 2 showed the least micro-jitter at 3× digital zoom.
- OM 7 Pro tied Flow 2 at 1× but bounced slightly during stair descents.
- V3 stayed smooth to 2× but wobble appeared at 3× because its motors sit closer to limit.
Tracking convenience
Flow 2 lacks DockKit support unless you buy the $129 AI bundle. Thus you must use Insta360’s app. OM 7 Pro tracks natively in any iOS or Android app via ActiveTrack 7, while Hohem’s magnetic tracker works after a one-time Joy overlay, then runs in all apps.
Low-light options
Only OM 7 Pro and V3 include built-in LEDs. OM 7 Pro’s bi-colour spotlight (100 lux) is brighter, however V3’s three-colour panel covers warm, neutral and cool at 90 lux. Flow 2 users must add an external light.
Battery life reality
Flow 2’s 1 100 mAh cell ran nine hours fifty minutes in my vlog day (no light). OM 7 Pro dropped to six hours forty when I kept the spotlight at 50 percent. Hohem V3, with light at 50 percent and tracker on, lasted nine hours thirty-five.
Usability highlights
- Flow 2: lightest body, quickest fold and NFC auto-launch app.
- OM 7 Pro: Brightest built-in light, fastest subject switch with physical trigger.
- V3: Detachable Bluetooth remote perfect for distance vlogging.
Verdict — pick your winner
| Use-case | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Travel-light vlog | Insta360 Flow 2 | Lowest weight, 207 mm rod, sub-$110 price. |
| Low-light reels | DJI OM 7 Pro | Brightest LED, ActiveTrack in any app. |
| Hands-free tutorials | Hohem iSteady V3 | Magnetic AI tracker plus remote and longest battery. |
Ultimately Flow 2 leads on portability, OM 7 Pro wins for lighting and app-free tracking, while Hohem V3 offers the best all-day battery and remote control. Choose the gimbal that matches your shooting priorities—each keeps footage silky smooth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Insta360 Flow 2 support Apple DockKit?
Only the $129 AI Tracker Bundle adds DockKit; the $109 Standard kit tracks within the Insta360 app only.
Which gimbal is lightest?
Flow 2 weighs about 348 g including battery.
Which provides the brightest built-in light?
DJI OM 7 Pro’s bi-colour spotlight outputs roughly 100 lux at one metre, beating Hohem V3’s 90 lux LED.
How long does the battery last on Hohem V3?
Real-world mixed use with LED half power lasts about nine and a half hours.
Which one is cheapest today?
Flow 2 Standard usually sells for $109, while OM 7 Pro hit $125 in recent Prime Day deals.
