Hohem iSteady M7 Review: Is This the Best Smartphone Gimbal for Vloggers and Creators?
If you’re looking for a powerful smartphone stabilizer that combines AI tracking, a detachable touchscreen controller, and pro-level stabilization, you’ve probably come across the Hohem iSteady M7. In this Hohem iSteady M7 review, I’ll share my real experience after testing it during travel and family shooting sessions.
This isn’t just a spec rundown—it’s a hands-on review highlighting where it shines and where it might not fit every creator.
Table of Contents
We Like
Excellent stabilization for smooth, cinematic footage
AI tracking works reliably, even in crowded environments
Gesture recognition is fast and responsive
Touchscreen remote is easy to use and practical
Extension rod adds creative, drone-like shooting angles
Built-in fill light is handy for indoor/close-up filming
Long-lasting battery for multi-day trips
We Don't Like
Heavy and bulky; not ideal for casual or long handheld sessions
Carrying case requires extra packing space
Reverse charging is limited in real use
Fill light can’t replace professional lighting gear
Stabilization Performance
One of the biggest promises of the Hohem iSteady M7 is its iSteady 9.0 anti-shake technology. In my experience, the stabilization works very well. Even when walking or panning, the footage stayed smooth and cinematic. I didn’t test it while sprinting, but for everyday shooting scenarios, the results were solid.
If you’re a vlogger or content creator looking for stable video recording on the go, this gimbal does its job well.
AI Tracking Accuracy
For me, the AI tracking feature was the star of this Hohem iSteady M7 review. I tested it in a large, crowded shopping mall while filming my kid. Despite the busy environment, the gimbal consistently locked onto the subject and never lost focus.
Gesture recognition also worked great—fast, responsive, and with no noticeable lag. This makes it a perfect tool for solo vloggers, travel filmmakers, and parents who want reliable subject tracking without needing a cameraman.
Touchscreen Remote & App Experience
The 1.4-inch detachable touchscreen controller is surprisingly responsive. Even from a distance (within visible range), I could control the gimbal without issues.
The Hohem app was stable and user-friendly, with no complicated setup required. If you’re new to smartphone gimbals, you’ll appreciate how quick it is to get started.
Weight & Portability
Here’s the trade-off: the Hohem iSteady M7 is on the heavier and bulkier side. For short shoots, it’s fine, but holding it for extended periods can get tiring if you’re not a professional videographer.
The carrying case is also quite large, so you’ll need dedicated space in your bag when traveling. If portability is your top priority, this might be a downside to consider.
Battery Life & Reverse Charging
While I didn’t run a full endurance test, I used the gimbal on and off for 2–3 days during a trip without recharging, which shows the battery life is reliable.
As for the reverse charging feature, it’s more of a backup option. Since the gimbal’s own battery isn’t huge, charging your phone with it is handy in emergencies but not something I’d rely on often.
Extension Rod & Creative Angles
Another highlight in this Hohem iSteady M7 review is the built-in extension rod. Fully extended, it stayed stable even when I used it for overhead shots. It really does create drone-like perspectives without needing an actual drone—a big plus for travel or creative filming.
As for the reverse charging feature, it’s more of a backup option. Since the gimbal’s own battery isn’t huge, charging your phone with it is handy in emergencies but not something I’d rely on often.
Fill Light & RGB Lighting
The fill light is useful for close-up shots and improves visibility in indoor environments. However, at night or in very dark conditions, it doesn’t compare to professional lighting equipment.
That said, for vloggers and casual creators, having a built-in light is super convenient and reduces the need to carry extra gear.
Compatibility & Payload
The gimbal handled my large-screen smartphone with no issues. I didn’t test it with external microphones or lenses, but with a 1.1 lbs (500g) payload capacity, it should handle most typical accessories.
Final Verdict: Is the Hohem iSteady M7 Worth It?
To wrap up this Hohem iSteady M7 review, I’d say this gimbal is a semi-professional tool best suited for vloggers, travel filmmakers, and creators who need reliable stabilization and smart tracking.
It’s not the most portable option due to its weight and size, but the AI tracking, extension rod, and detachable remote make it stand out from other smartphone gimbals. If you’re serious about mobile videography and want pro-level features without stepping up to a camera gimbal, the Hohem iSteady M7 is definitely worth considering.