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Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra: two-minute review
Hohem’s new smartphone stabilizer, the iSteady V3 Ultra, is the latest in the manufacturer’s long-running range of mobile gimbals. Like most products of this type, clamping your phone onto the arm will keep its movements smooth and level while you’re filming content – but here, the main selling point is the built-in AI-assisted tracking functionality.
The iSteady V3 Ultra comes with a tracking module that, through the use of a built-in 2MP camera, is able to keep the attached phone constantly pointing at a tracked subject, no matter how much they move. The V3 Ultra’s handle has 360 degrees of motion so, when set up on its built-in mini tripod, it can track a moving subject even if they circle right around it multiple times. And, unlike some of the other tracking modules, this one is able to follow not only human faces and bodies, but other objects too.
I should also note that all of the above applies not only when capturing content using Hohem’s own camera app, but also first-party and third-party camera apps like Zoom, TikTok, and Instagram. And, because the tracking module can be pointed forwards or backwards, it’ll work with both the main rear camera(s) and front-facing camera of any smartphone.
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While testing the iSteady V3 Ultra, I found this tracking to be the clear standout feature. It’s accurate and reliable, and surprisingly adaptable too.
I was able to use the gimbal’s joystick to manually adjust my position in the frame, and the module would continue tracking me while keeping me in the new position rather than just in the dead center of the frame, which is brilliant for those times you want to use the rule of thirds and keep yourself off-center.
I should point out that you can also track using software, via the Hohem Joy app – but it will keep subjects centered at all times. I much preferred the versatility and adaptability of the module-based tracking. And as a nice bonus feature, the AI tracker module doubles as a fill light with a choice of cool, warm, and neutral tones, plus fully adjustable brightness.
There’s a lot to like about this stabilizer besides its tracking capabilities, too. The compact, folding design of the device isn’t anything I haven’t seen before on competitors or Hohem’s own range, but it’s easy to unfold and set up. The built-in mini tripod, which consists of three metal rods that are pulled out of the handle, is sturdy, and a standard tripod thread mount on the base means you can attach the entire thing to an even sturdier full-size tripod or similar should you wish.
An extension rod, concealed in the handle, provides up to about 20cm of extra reach on the gimbal arm. It’s useful if you want to fit more in the frame while using the iSteady V3 Ultra handheld.
I’m also a big fan of the removable remote control module, which comes with a 1.22-inch touchscreen. I first encountered one of these on the Hohem iSteady M7, a bigger and pricier smartphone stabilizer, and was happy to see the idea transferred down the vary to a extra transportable and reasonably priced mannequin.
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The controller has a wi-fi vary of as much as 10m / 33ft, and its joystick, button, and touchscreen allow you to alter the gimbal arm angle, change settings, and cease/begin recording from a distance. The display screen additionally offers a reside view from the AI tracker module’s digital camera, so you may set monitoring topics remotely too.
In my time with the Hohem iSteady V3 Extremely, I’ve solely encountered one main situation: sound from the gimbal’s motor will get picked up by my iPhone 13’s mic. This ends in a quiet, however noticeable, background noise in all of the movies I’ve recorded utilizing the built-in mic; after I recorded utilizing the DJI Mic 3 as a substitute, the noise wasn’t audible.
It’s an irritating situation, but it surely’s not unique to this mannequin. I went again and re-tested the Hohem iSteady M7 and Insta360 Flow Pro 2 with the identical cellphone, and located the noise obtained picked up on these gimbals too. Nonetheless, in case you’re going to depend on your smartphone’s built-in mic to report movies whereas utilizing the iSteady V3 Extremely, do bear in mind that you just’ll seemingly hear this sound within the background. I’ve included a brief video clip beneath to be able to hear it for your self.
Whereas it’s actually the one main drawback I’ve with the iSteady V3 Extremely, it’s a reasonably notable one. Should you’re utilizing an exterior microphone for vlogging, it’s not going to be a problem for you; in case you’re relying solely in your cellphone’s mic, you might wish to look elsewhere.
The one different potential flaw with the V3 Extremely is that it makes use of a regular grip on the arm quite than a quick-release magnetic grip of the sort seen on the latest DJI and Insta360 smartphone gimbals. That is extra of a desire factor, nevertheless – some might desire having the grip constructed into the gimbal arm, because it reduces the variety of parts required.
All in all, I’m typically impressed with the Hohem iSteady V3 Extremely. Its standout monitoring expertise and distant management make it one of the best small stabilizer round in the intervening time – though I count on the likes of DJI and Insta360 to supply sturdy competitors within the close to future.
Hohem iSteady V3: price and availability
- Priced from $169 / £169
- Black and white color finishes available
- Available to order now
The iSteady V3 Ultra has an MSRP of $169 / £169 / AU$299 and is available to order now at Amazon or the Hohem online store. I’m also told by Hohem’s PR representative that it will be sold at Best Buy from September 14, 2025. An Australian launch will follow – expect an update to this review once it’s confirmed.
Given the gimbal’s specs and features, that feels like a competitive price to me. In comparison, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro currently retails for $159.99 / £144.99 / AU$199.99, and the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is $149 / £135 / AU$219, so you’ll pay a slight premium for the iSteady V3 Ultra, but in my opinion, its tracking capabilities and remote control module make it worth the extra outlay.
Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra: specs
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Dimensions: |
98 x 44 x 160.5mm (folded) |
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Weight: |
428g / 15.1oz |
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Compatible phone weight: |
Up to 400g / 14.1oz |
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Compatible phone thickness: |
Up to 12.5mm |
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Compatible phone width: |
58 to 98mm |
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Connectivity: |
Bluetooth, USB-C |
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Battery life: |
4 hours (with AI tracking and fill light) / 9 hours (balanced and stationary) |
Should I buy the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra?
Buy it if…
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Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra review: Also consider
How I tested the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra
- One week of use
- Tested with an iPhone 13
- Used for B-roll and vlogs
I used the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra for around a week in total, testing it out both handheld and set up on its built-in mini tripod. It was used with my Apple iPhone 13’s front-facing and rear cameras, both indoors and outdoors, and I recorded video using a range of apps (the iPhone camera, Hohem Joy, Instagram) and both the iPhone’s own microphone and a DJI Mic 3.
First reviewed September 2025