hohem iSteady V3 vs hohem iSteady V3 Ultra

The hohem iSteady V3 is the model that made the line worth recommending. The payload rating went up to 300 g, which is the number that lets a phone wear a case and a wireless mic receiver at the same time without the motors complaining. The AI tracker is a small module that magnets onto the phone clamp and follows a face with its own sensor, so it works in the camera app, in a streaming app, in anything.

The handle hides a fold-out tripod and the battery runs about 13 hours, long enough for a full day of clips. Gesture control starts and stops recording with a raised palm, which is more useful than it sounds when the phone is at arm's length.

The catch is the extension: there is none, so a higher angle means a longer arm. Owners rate it 4.4 across more than 500 reviews, the best score in the line.

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.