hohem iSteady M6 Kit vs hohem iSteady V3 Ultra

The hohem iSteady M6 Kit was the top of the line before the M7 and is now the better deal for a phone-and-mic rig. The 400 g payload takes a phone, a case, a mic receiver and a small light without strain, the battery runs about 18 hours, and it charges the phone.

The kit adds a magnetic fill light that snaps onto the clamp. It is bright enough to light a face on a dark street at arm's length, which the small lights on the cheaper gimbals cannot. AI tracking is built into the gimbal and works in any app.

It is bigger and heavier than the V3 line and does not fold as small. Owners rate it 4.2 across more than 1,300 reviews.

The hohem iSteady V3 Ultra takes the V3 and fixes its two complaints. The handle gains a built-in extension rod for a higher angle or a longer arm, and the battery can charge the phone over USB-C while you film. The motors are stronger, which shows as a steadier horizon with a heavier phone.

The tracker is the same magnetic module as the V3, so tracking works in any app. The price is about $26 over the V3, which is fair for the rod and the charging.

Owners rate it 4.3 across about 270 reviews.