Hohem Action Camera Gimbal Review Best Stabilizer for Smooth Footage

The Hohem Action Camera Gimbal delivers ultra-smooth stabilization for action cameras, making it a top pick for creators chasing cinematic footage. With its lightweight design, quick setup, and impressive battery life, it outperforms rivals in its price range—ideal for vloggers, adventurers, and content creators who demand reliability on the move.

Key Takeaways

• Superior stabilization: Ensures ultra-smooth footage even during intense motion.
• Lightweight design: Easy to carry and ideal for on-the-go shooting.
• Quick setup: Mount and balance your camera in under a minute.
• Long battery life: Delivers up to 8 hours of continuous use.
• Versatile compatibility: Works with most action cameras, including GoPro.
• User-friendly controls: Intuitive buttons and app for seamless adjustments.

Hohem Action Camera Gimbal Review: A Game-Changer for Smooth Footage?

Ever filmed a video on your action camera and ended up with shaky, unusable footage? We’ve all been there. Whether you’re hiking a rocky trail, biking down a mountain, or just trying to capture your kid’s soccer game, motion can turn even the most exciting moments into a nauseating blur. That’s where a reliable stabilizer comes in—and the Hohem action camera gimbal might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

I first discovered the Hohem action camera gimbal during a weekend kayaking trip. I wanted to capture the serene views and the occasional splash of water, but my handheld GoPro footage was so shaky it looked like a horror movie. After some research, I stumbled upon Hohem’s gimbal, which promised smooth, professional-grade stabilization at a fraction of the cost of high-end competitors. Skeptical but hopeful, I took the plunge. Fast forward to today: I’ve tested it across multiple adventures—from city walks to trail runs—and I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. If you’re looking for a Hohem action camera gimbal review that cuts through the hype and tells it like it is, you’re in the right place.

Why Stabilization Matters for Action Cameras

The Problem with Handheld Action Camera Footage

Action cameras like GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, and Insta360 are built for adventure. They’re compact, rugged, and capable of capturing stunning 4K video. But they’re also small and lightweight—which means they pick up every bump, jostle, and shake. Even with electronic image stabilization (EIS), handheld footage often lacks the cinematic smoothness you see in professional videos. Think about it: have you ever watched a travel vlog and wondered how the shots looked so buttery smooth? Chances are, they used a gimbal.

How Gimbals Solve the Shaky Footage Dilemma

A gimbal is a motorized stabilizer that keeps your camera level, no matter how much you move. It uses a system of gyroscopes and motors to detect motion and counteract it in real time. Unlike EIS, which crops and digitally stabilizes footage, a gimbal stabilizes the camera itself. This means you retain full resolution and field of view, with far more natural-looking stabilization.

For action camera users, this is a game-changer. Whether you’re:

• Filming a mountain bike ride,
• Walking through a crowded market, or
• Shooting a time-lapse of a sunrise,

a gimbal ensures your footage stays steady and watchable. The Hohem action camera gimbal is designed specifically for these scenarios, offering portability, ease of use, and impressive stabilization performance.

Key Features of the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal

Compact and Lightweight Design

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Hohem action camera gimbal is how small it is. Weighing just 350 grams (about 12.3 oz), it’s easy to carry in a backpack or even a large pocket. The foldable design makes it even more travel-friendly—perfect for hikers, travelers, and content creators on the move.

I’ve taken this gimbal on several trips, from weekend getaways to week-long backpacking adventures. It never felt like a burden. In fact, I often forgot it was in my pack—until I needed it, and then it was a lifesaver.

3-Axis Stabilization with Smart Tracking

The gimbal uses a 3-axis stabilization system (pitch, roll, and yaw) to keep your camera steady. What impressed me most is how well it handles sudden movements. During a trail run, I accidentally tripped over a root, but the gimbal corrected the motion so smoothly that the resulting footage looked like a slow pan.

Hohem also includes smart tracking features. With the companion app (more on that below), you can set the gimbal to follow a subject automatically. I tested this with a friend walking ahead of me—the gimbal kept the camera locked on them, even as I moved side to side or up and down. It’s not perfect (it occasionally loses track in low light), but it’s a handy feature for solo vloggers or content creators who want hands-free operation.

Compatibility and Mounting Options

The Hohem action camera gimbal supports most popular action cameras, including:

• GoPro Hero 8–12,
• DJI Osmo Action 3/4,
• Insta360 One R/X3,
• and other models with standard mounting threads.

It comes with a universal adapter, so you don’t need to buy extra accessories. I used it with my GoPro Hero 10, and the fit was secure—no wobbling or slipping during use.

One tip: always double-check that your camera is properly locked into the mount before starting. I learned this the hard way when my GoPro nearly took a dive during a bike ride (thankfully, the safety strap saved it).

Battery Life and Charging

The gimbal runs on a built-in 1800mAh battery, which Hohem claims lasts up to 8 hours. In real-world use, I got about 6–7 hours of continuous stabilization—enough for a full day of shooting. It charges via USB-C, which is a big plus. I was able to top it up using my phone’s power bank during a lunch break, so I didn’t have to carry a separate charger.

App Integration and Controls

The Hohem app (available for iOS and Android) unlocks additional features like:

• Remote control of pan, tilt, and roll,
• Gesture control (e.g., raise your hand to start recording),
• Customizable motion profiles (e.g., slow follow, fast pan),
• Firmware updates.

The app is intuitive and responsive. I used it to set up a time-lapse while I was setting up camp—no need to touch the gimbal once it was running.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking and Biking

I tested the Hohem action camera gimbal on a 10-mile mountain bike trail. The terrain was rough—roots, rocks, and sudden drops—and my GoPro was mounted on the handlebars. Without the gimbal, the footage would have been unwatchable. With it? Smooth, dynamic, and immersive.

The gimbal handled the vibrations well. Even when I hit a pothole at speed, the camera stayed level. The only issue was occasional motor noise in quiet scenes (more on that below), but that’s a minor trade-off for the stabilization quality.

Urban Exploration: Walking and Vlogging

In the city, the gimbal excelled at keeping footage steady while walking. I filmed a vlog-style video of a street market, and the result was far smoother than my usual handheld shots. The smart tracking feature came in handy when I wanted to film myself walking and talking—the gimbal kept me centered in the frame without any manual adjustments.

One thing to note: the gimbal works best when you move smoothly. If you’re prone to sudden jerks (like me when I spot a cool shop and suddenly turn), the motors might struggle to keep up. A pro tip: practice walking with a slight crouch to minimize vertical movement. It makes a big difference.

Low-Light and Night Shooting

Stabilization matters just as much in low light. Shaky footage is even more noticeable in dim conditions, where motion blur is more pronounced. The Hohem gimbal performed well during a sunset shoot and a nighttime city walk.

However, the motors are slightly louder in quiet environments. If you’re filming a quiet scene (e.g., a campfire), the whirring might be picked up by the camera’s mic. I recommend using an external microphone or adding ambient noise in post-production to mask it.

Time-Lapse and Panorama Modes

The gimbal supports time-lapse and panorama modes through the app. I set up a 10-minute time-lapse of a sunset, and the gimbal slowly panned across the sky without any hiccups. The result was a stunning, smooth time-lapse that looked professionally made.

For panoramas, the gimbal automatically rotates to capture multiple frames, which the app stitches together. It’s not as seamless as a dedicated panoramic camera, but it’s a great option for casual users who want to experiment with creative shots.

Pros and Cons: What I Loved (and Didn’t Love)

The Good: Why the Hohem Gimbal Stands Out

• Excellent stabilization: The 3-axis system delivers smooth footage in most scenarios.
• Portable and lightweight: Easy to carry and use on the go.
• Broad compatibility: Works with major action camera brands.
• Intuitive app: Remote control, smart tracking, and firmware updates are a breeze.
• Long battery life: 6+ hours is plenty for most shooting sessions.
• Affordable price: Significantly cheaper than premium gimbals like DJI or Zhiyun.

The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement

• Motor noise: Audible in quiet environments, which can affect audio quality.
• Limited payload capacity: Best for lightweight action cameras; not ideal for heavier rigs.
• App connectivity: Occasionally loses connection, requiring a restart.
• No built-in mic or screen: You’ll need to rely on your camera’s audio and viewfinder.
• Learning curve: Beginners might need time to master balance and settings.

Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons—especially for users who prioritize portability and affordability. If you’re looking for a Hohem action camera gimbal that delivers smooth footage without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice.

Comparing Hohem to Other Action Camera Gimbals

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how the Hohem gimbal stacks up against two popular competitors: the DJI Osmo Action 3/4 gimbal and the Zhiyun Smooth 5S.

Feature	Hohem Action Camera Gimbal	DJI Osmo Action 3/4 Gimbal	Zhiyun Smooth 5S
Price	$129	$199	$159
Weight	350g	450g	480g
Battery Life	6–8 hours	6 hours	7 hours
Compatibility	GoPro, DJI, Insta360, etc.	DJI Osmo Action only	GoPro, DJI, Insta360, etc.
App Features	Smart tracking, gesture control, time-lapse	DJI Mimo app, ActiveTrack	ZY Play app, motion control
Portability	Foldable, compact	Non-foldable, bulky	Semi-foldable, moderate size

The Hohem gimbal wins on price and portability, while the DJI option is more limited in compatibility but offers tighter integration with its own cameras. The Zhiyun model is a middle ground, with slightly better build quality but a higher price tag. For most users, the Hohem action camera gimbal offers the best balance of features, performance, and value.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hohem Gimbal

Balancing Your Camera Properly

Proper balance is key to smooth stabilization. If your camera is too front-heavy or back-heavy, the motors will strain, leading to shaky footage and reduced battery life.

Here’s how I balance mine:

1. Loosen the roll axis knob and slide the camera mount until the gimbal stays level when released.
2. Adjust the pitch axis by moving the camera forward or backward until it doesn’t tip up or down.
3. Tighten all knobs securely.

It takes a few tries, but once it’s balanced, the gimbal works like a dream.

Using the App for Creative Shots

The Hohem app is more than just a remote control. Experiment with:

• Motion profiles: Try “slow follow” for cinematic tracking shots.
• Gesture control: Use it to start/stop recording hands-free.
• Panorama mode: Capture wide landscapes with minimal effort.

I’ve used these features to create dynamic shots for my YouTube videos, and the results always impress.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Gimbal

After using the gimbal in dusty or wet conditions, wipe it down with a dry cloth. Avoid spraying water directly on the motors. If sand or dirt gets into the joints, use compressed air to clean it out.

Store the gimbal in its case when not in use. I keep mine in a padded camera bag, which protects it from bumps and scratches.

Maximizing Battery Life

To get the most out of the battery:

• Turn off the gimbal when not in use (it has an auto-shutoff feature).
• Use the app to monitor battery level.
• Charge it before long shooting sessions.

I’ve found that using the gimbal in “eco mode” (available in the app) extends battery life by up to 15%.

Final Verdict: Is the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal Worth It?

After months of testing, I can confidently say that the Hohem action camera gimbal is one of the best stabilizers in its price range. It delivers smooth, professional-quality footage, is incredibly portable, and offers features you’d expect from more expensive models. While it has a few minor drawbacks—like motor noise and occasional app glitches—the overall performance is impressive.

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, travel vlogger, or content creator who wants to elevate your video quality, this gimbal is a worthwhile investment. It won’t magically turn you into a cinematographer, but it will give you the tools to capture stable, engaging footage that stands out.

At the end of the day, the Hohem action camera gimbal does exactly what it promises: it stabilizes your shots, so you can focus on the story, not the shake. And for that, it earns a solid thumbs up from me.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal stand out from other stabilizers?

The Hohem Action Camera Gimbal combines lightweight portability with advanced 3-axis stabilization, ensuring buttery-smooth footage even during high-motion activities like biking or skiing. Its quick-release design and compatibility with popular action cameras (GoPro, DJI, etc.) make it a versatile choice for content creators.

Is the Hohem gimbal compatible with my GoPro Hero 11?

Yes, the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal supports GoPro Hero 11, 10, 9, and other models via its adjustable mounting system. It also works with DJI Osmo Action and similar-sized action cameras.

How long does the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal battery last?

The built-in 2500mAh battery delivers up to 8 hours of continuous use, depending on usage intensity. A quick 2-hour USB-C recharge ensures minimal downtime during shoots.

Can the Hohem gimbal handle outdoor adventures in rough conditions?

Absolutely. Its rugged, anti-slip design and shock-absorbing joints provide stability on uneven terrain, while the ergonomic grip ensures steady handling in windy or rainy conditions.

Does the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal have a follow mode for tracking subjects?

Yes, it features a responsive follow mode (via the companion app) that smoothly tracks moving subjects—ideal for vlogging, sports, or dynamic scenes. The app also allows gesture control for hands-free operation.

What accessories come with the Hohem Action Camera Gimbal?

The package includes a mini tripod, USB-C charging cable, carrying case, and multiple mounting brackets for seamless setup. These accessories enhance portability and expand shooting options straight out of the box.