Zhiyun Smooth XFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 38 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment33%
PROS 33%
CONS 67%

Rank based on 38 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want the cheapest, most compact gimbal for casual selfie or walking video
  • You mainly shoot with a phone that already has good OIS and just need extra smoothing
  • You don't mind registering the device through an app before use

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're uncomfortable granting a Chinese app location and hardware access
  • You need reliable 4K recording or full 3-axis tilt stabilization
  • You want a gimbal that won't crash or drop footage during long recording sessions

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
DJI Pocket 2
Discreet, pocketable size
DJI Pocket 2
Discreet, pocketable size
2Mid
Zhiyun Crane 2S
Quick-release plate convenience
Zhiyun Crane 2S
Quick-release plate convenience
Best value
3Mid
Zhiyun Weebill 3S
Beginner-Friendly SetupSmooth, Fluid StabilizationComfortable Wrist Support and Sling GripCamera Record-Button Compatibility IssuesBalancing and Tensioner ProblemsFootage Not Always Smooth Despite Balance
Zhiyun Weebill 3S
Beginner-Friendly Setup
Smooth, Fluid Stabilization
Comfortable Wrist Support and Sling Grip
Camera Record-Button Compatibility Issues
Balancing and Tensioner Problems
Footage Not Always Smooth Despite Balance
4Premium
DJI RS 4 Pro
Smooth, refined performanceWorthy upgrade from older gimbalsEasy one-button locking systemLidar sold separately at extra costMarginal upgrade over RS3No built-in active tracking
DJI RS 4 Pro
Smooth, refined performance
Worthy upgrade from older gimbals
Easy one-button locking system
Lidar sold separately at extra cost
Marginal upgrade over RS3
No built-in active tracking
5Mid
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Beginner-friendly with guidanceBuilt-in lightSmooth motor performanceCamera record button issuesAuto-tune and setup failuresBalance and clamp mechanical problems
Zhiyun Weebill 3
Beginner-friendly with guidance
Built-in light
Smooth motor performance
Camera record button issues
Auto-tune and setup failures
Balance and clamp mechanical problems
6Budget
DJI Osmo Mobile 3
Easy To Use After TutorialsFoldable, Portable DesignGood Compatibility With iPhone LensesLimited Android CompatibilityInconsistent Active Track / Face TrackingSteep Learning Curve / No Manual
DJI Osmo Mobile 3
Easy To Use After Tutorials
Foldable, Portable Design
Good Compatibility With iPhone Lenses
Limited Android Compatibility
Inconsistent Active Track / Face Tracking
Steep Learning Curve / No Manual
7Mid
Zhiyun Weebill S
Lightweight and portableRemovable, swappable batteriesImproved smoothness with tuned settingsBalance issues with heavier or front-heavy setupsPoor customer service and supportFragile locking mechanisms and mount
Zhiyun Weebill S
Lightweight and portable
Removable, swappable batteries
Improved smoothness with tuned settings
Balance issues with heavier or front-heavy setups
Poor customer service and support
Fragile locking mechanisms and mount
8Mid
Zhiyun Crane M3S
Handles demanding camera/lens combosLightweight yet handles full-frame gearConvenient USB port and quick disconnectFrequent rebalancing requiredInconsistent camera control compatibilityProprietary plate, no Arca-Swiss support
Zhiyun Crane M3S
Handles demanding camera/lens combos
Lightweight yet handles full-frame gear
Convenient USB port and quick disconnect
Frequent rebalancing required
Inconsistent camera control compatibility
Proprietary plate, no Arca-Swiss support
9Mid
Zhiyun Crane M3
Handles APS-C and light full-frame kitsUltra-compact and lightweightEasy to balance with good tutorialsBalance struggles with heavier or full-frame setupsLimited camera control without extra modulesFirmware and sleep-mode bugs
Zhiyun Crane M3
Handles APS-C and light full-frame kits
Ultra-compact and lightweight
Easy to balance with good tutorials
Balance struggles with heavier or full-frame setups
Limited camera control without extra modules
Firmware and sleep-mode bugs
10Mid
DJI RS 3
Lightweight and portable designImproved stabilization performanceAutomatic lock/unlock mechanismInconsistent Bluetooth camera controlDifficult tilt axis balancingMandatory app activation and software dependency
DJI RS 3
Lightweight and portable design
Improved stabilization performance
Automatic lock/unlock mechanism
Inconsistent Bluetooth camera control
Difficult tilt axis balancing
Mandatory app activation and software dependency
You are here
28Budget
Zhiyun Smooth X
Very affordable priceCompact and portableWorks well after initial setupMandatory app registration and privacy concernsOnly 2-axis stabilizationReliability and crashing issues
Zhiyun Smooth X
Very affordable price
Compact and portable
Works well after initial setup
Mandatory app registration and privacy concerns
Only 2-axis stabilization
Reliability and crashing issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

App activation and privacy concerns dominate the discussion. Many commenters were caught off guard that the Smooth X requires registering through the ZY Cami app with an email, password, and location access before it works at all. Several call this unnerving for a Chinese product, citing broad permission demands, packets sent to multiple servers, and CCP ties, though others note DJI products require similar registration and see it as standard modern practice.

Reliability is inconsistent across users. Some owners report smooth operation for a year with only minor app nagging, while others describe frequent crashes, lost Bluetooth connections, dropped footage mid-recording, failed auto-calibration, spinning out of control, or units that stopped working after just a couple of uses. A few needed replacements from Amazon after malfunctions, suggesting quality control varies unit to unit.

Price and portability are the clearest strengths, with 2-axis limits as the tradeoff. At about $59, commenters repeatedly call it crazy cheap and a good value, especially praising its compact, lightweight build versus bulkier 3-axis gimbals they'd previously carried. However, several note the lack of a tilt axis causes visible jerkiness while walking, video is limited to 1080p30, and some felt the stabilization gain over handheld footage was minimal.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?