DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Comprehensive Review: Does It Outperform More Expensive Smartphone Stabilizers like Hohem and Insta360?

TechRadar Summary

DJI with the Osmo Mobile 8 has delivered an impressive evolution of its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 7P, addressing key shortcomings and adding advanced tracking capabilities, all while maintaining its competitive price. This smartphone stabilizer is the optimal choice for most users, unless you own a very large or heavy phone.

Pros

• Integrated tracking system based on DockKit, the Multi-Functional Module, and the dedicated app.
• Now supports 360-degree horizontal tracking for dynamic shots.
• Works seamlessly and effectively with DJI wireless microphones, ensuring excellent audio quality.

Cons

• Does not include a built-in remote control.

Detailed Review of DJI Osmo Mobile 8

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8, to our current knowledge, is the first smartphone stabilizer to offer three unique target tracking modes. It not only tracks faces, bodies, and other objects when using the DJI Mimo app on the mounted phone, but it can also track via third-party applications. This is achieved either through compatibility with Apple DockKit, a framework that allows external accessories to intelligently interact with camera apps on iOS devices, or via the new Multi-Functional Module, a small add-on equipped with a camera and a fill light.

To clarify, these technologies are not entirely new; we have previously seen stabilizers supporting DockKit and those using modules for tracking. However, what sets the Osmo Mobile 8 apart is its combination of both options in a single device, offering the best of both worlds. This innovative approach is one of the key factors that places the Osmo Mobile 8 in a unique position compared to its numerous competitors in the smartphone gimbal market.

Another factor where the Osmo Mobile 8 excels is its attractive price. At just £135 or A$219, it is significantly more economical compared to competing products like the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra (£169 / A$299) and the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro (£144.99 / A$289.99). It is worth noting that the US dollar price is not listed here, as, like other recent DJI product launches, it will not be officially available in US stores.

Design and Performance

In terms of design, the Osmo Mobile 8 closely resembles any other compact smartphone gimbal, which is a positive aspect. It folds down to pocket size, making it easy to carry in a coat pocket, for instance. It powers on automatically when deployed, securing your smartphone via a magnetic clamp that accommodates a wide range of device sizes and weights (though not as wide as the Hohem iSteady V3). The clamp is easier to deploy than fixed clamps. The arm also includes a USB-C output, allowing you to charge your phone from the gimbal's internal battery.

The Osmo Mobile 8's handle includes a retractable extension rod that adds up to 21.5 cm / 8.5 inches of extra distance between the user and the phone, which is very useful for selfies to include more in the frame. It also comes with a small plastic tripod for stabilizing the gimbal on flat surfaces for hands-free use. There is also a standard tripod thread at the bottom of the handle for mounting on third-party tripods.

I found the handle comfortable in hand, and the controls were simple and ergonomically easy to use; I was able to reach all of them with one hand, including the zoom/focus wheel. The front trigger offers various functions, such as rotating the phone 180 degrees or enabling/disabling tracking. There are dedicated buttons for starting/stopping recording and switching between your phone's front and rear cameras, as well as a joystick for manual control of the gimbal arm, and a mode button for cycling through the four tracking modes.

These modes are PTF (Pan and Tilt Follow), PF (Pan Follow), FPV (First Person View – Pan, Tilt, and Roll Follow), and SpinShot (a special mode that rotates the phone approximately 360 degrees for creative shots). Essentially, this smartphone gimbal offers everything content creators expect, especially considering its enhanced tracking capabilities.

I previously mentioned that the Osmo Mobile 8 added DockKit tracking to the module-based or Mimo app-based tracking that was available in the Osmo Mobile 7P. I should also note that the Multifunctional Module now tracks dogs and cats in addition to people, and it can wirelessly connect to DJI Mic Mini, Mic 2, and Mic 3. While the Osmo Mobile 7P only worked with the Mic Mini, the Osmo Mobile 8 can connect to two microphones simultaneously.

Another upgrade over the Osmo Mobile 7P is 360-degree horizontal rotation, allowing the Osmo Mobile 8 to track a subject "infinitely" as it rotates. This feature was present in competing stabilizers, and it's good to see DJI keeping up with the competition to provide a comprehensive tracking experience.

Overall, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is another impressive and thoughtfully designed smartphone gimbal that should be on the radar of content creators looking for smooth, stable footage. With battery life and tracking performance similar to its competitors, it cannot be said that it is worth ditching your current Hohem or Insta360 stabilizer. However, if you are buying your first stabilizer and already own a DJI wireless microphone, it represents a very logical choice, especially considering its affordable price.

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Price and Availability

• The price starts from £135 / A$219.
• Available in a bundle with the DJI Mic Mini.
• The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 was announced on November 5, 2025, and is available for order now worldwide – excluding the United States.

It is sold in a standard package that includes the gimbal itself, the Multi-Functional Module, a magnetic clamp, and a soft canvas carrying bag for £135 / A$219, which represents excellent value considering the features and build quality it offers.

It can also be purchased in a bundle with one DJI Mic Mini transmitter for £165 / A$274, which, oddly enough, does not represent a discount on the transmitter (it costs the same when purchased separately).

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Technical Specifications

• Dimensions (folded): 190 × 95 × 46 mm.
• Weight: 370 g / 13.1 oz.
• Compatible phone weight: 170 to 300 g / 6 to 10.6 oz.
• Compatible phone thickness: 6.9 to 10 mm.
• Compatible phone width: 67 to 84 mm.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C.
• Battery Life: 4 hours (with tracking and fill light usage) / 10 hours (balanced and stable).

Should you buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 8?

Buy it if...

• You already own a DJI Mic Mini, Mic 2, or Mic 3. With built-in support for the OsmoAudio ecosystem, the OM 8 works great with DJI wireless microphones – except for the first generation.
• You want an affordable and compact stabilizer. The Osmo Mobile 8 is smaller and cheaper than the Hohem iSteady V3, so if you want to travel light and save some money, it's the better option.

Don't buy it if...

• You own a heavy phone. If your smartphone weighs more than 300 grams or is thicker than 10 mm, the Osmo Mobile 8 will not be able to stabilize it effectively.
• You want to control the gimbal's movements remotely. Except for basic gesture controls, there is no way to fully control the Osmo Mobile 8 remotely.

Alternatives to Consider

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro

The main feature of the Flow 2 Pro is its native support for object tracking in hundreds of third-party iPhone camera apps, in addition to an included LED fill light. However, Android users are excluded due to the lack of a tracking module, and trackable targets are limited to people and pets.

Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra

At a slightly higher price than the Osmo Mobile 8, the Hohem stabilizer offers excellent module-based tracking and a touchscreen remote control. It lacks a quick-release mounting option, but it can accommodate heavier and larger phones than the Osmo Mobile 8.

How we tested the DJI Osmo Mobile 8

• Extensive testing was conducted on the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 for one week.
• Testing was performed using an iPhone 13.
• It was used to shoot B-roll footage and in vlogging style.

I tested the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 for several days, using it handheld and mounted on its small built-in tripod. It was used with both the front and rear cameras of an iPhone 13, indoors and outdoors, and I recorded video using a range of apps (including the iPhone camera, DJI Mimo, and Instagram).

First reviewed in November 2025.