Hohem iSteady M6 smartphone gimbal kit review – possibly the best smartphone gimbal out there

Earlier this month back we reviewed Hohem’s iSteady MT2 motorized gimbal. That impressive piece of kit was a 4-in-1 affair with compatibility for smartphones as well as compact and DSLR cameras as well as action cameras. But what if you like to stick with your smartphone for all your video content creation? Well Hohem has the answer for that too with its iSteady M6 smartphone gimbal.

The question is: how does the iSteady M6 measure up against other smartphone gimbals out there, and is it the right choice for your personal and/or professional videography needs? Read on to find out.

Hohem iSteady M6 gimbal specs

Dimensions	6.5L x 2.1W x 11.8H inches
Weight	1.3lbs
Payload	400g (or about o.88lbs)
Package contents	iSteady M6 smartphone gimbal AI vision sensor with fill light Tripod Carrying case USB-C charging cable USB-C to USB-C cable User manual
Battery	22600mAh/19.24Wh capacity Up to 18 hours battery life (6-8 using AI tracking and fill light) 3 hours charge time
Mechanical range	Pan: 360° infinite rotation Roll: 335° Tilt: 335°
Special features	0.91-in. OLED display iSteady 7.0 Anti-Shake System AI tracking  Fill light with color options 3-axis stabilization Hohem App compatibility

Summary

To start, the Hohem iSteady M6 is a premium piece of equipment. The build quality here is very good on all accounts. The gimbal feels light but sturdy when using it. While it may not be quite as rugged as Hohem’s MT2 or other heavy-payload gimbals, it doesn’t need to be, keeping in mind that this is exclusively for smartphones.

All the button controls, multifunctional control wheel, zoom lever, latches and trigger all feel well-built and not once did I worry about breaking anything while using the gimbal. Note however that the AI tracking sensor/fill light component (which attaches to the gimbal magnetically) can be knocked off easily enough if you aren’t careful. The OLED display is clear and easily readable. Battery life is ample enough that you can easily use the gimbal all day and without worrying about charging it. Reverse charging for your smartphone is also available.

Overall I found using the gimbal comfortable and ergonomic. And as a nice bonus, the generous payload means you can attach additional accessories such as microphones and lenses, etc.—just be careful not to overdo it as you’ll overload the gimbal and hurt its stability.

Mounting your smartphone onto the M6 should be relatively painless, especially with the help of this video tutorial from Hohem. For beginners, there will be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to mastering the various controls and functions of the M6, though this is true of any gimbal. Not to worry though—there are plenty of resources online dedicated to teaching owners all about this particular model, like this video guide and others like it—and you’ll be using your M6 like a pro in no time. These will cover everything from charging the gimbal to balancing your smartphone to using the AI tracking and the Hohem Joy App.

And speaking of the app, it has a few extra features for those who want to try it out, though the app is not necessary to use the gimbal or even the AI tracking feature. On that last point, the gesture-controlled AI tracking means you can operate the gimbal completely remotely.

The verdict

DISCLAIMER: A sample unit was provided for an honest review

Say yes to smoother shots and breathtaking landscapes with iSteady M6 kit on a new #HappyMonday!????????????
@raz_kind is showing off his beautiful Florence trip????????????#hohem #hohemgimbal #hohemm6 #hohemisteadym6kit #gimbal #stabilizer #smartphonegimbal #vloggers #travel #travelvlog pic.twitter.com/mif2FOsjOo

— Hohem (@Hohem_tech) August 22, 2023

There are plenty of cheaper smartphone gimbals out there than the Hohem iSteady M6? Sure; but you won’t be getting the same array of features or overall quality. Is the M6 the king of smartphone gimbals right now? Probably. And it’s what I would recommend for anyone who is really serious about using their smartphone for videography and content creation.

Cons:

• One of the more pricey smartphone gimbals

Pros:

• Lots of control features, which means…
• …Versatile shooting possibilities
• Works with a wide range of smartphones
• Can accommodate additional accessories
• Lightweight and comfortable to use
• Compatible with optional Hohem Joy App
• Excellent stabilization tech means your videos will look better than ever

The Hohem iSteady M6 gimbal is available on Amazon or on the Hohem website for $209 (USD).

Featured image via Hohem.