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Apptivo CRM is a cloud-based customer relationship management platform that aims to provide an all-in-one solution for managing sales, marketing, and customer service.

With a suite of over 65 integrated apps, Apptivo is one of the best CRM platforms on the market and offers a high degree of customization, allowing businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs. It also features very competitive pricing compared to other major CRM providers, with plans starting at just $15/user/month - making it a great CRM for small businesses and startups.

In this in-depth Apptivo review, I'll take a closer look at the platform's features, ease of use, customer support, and overall value to help you determine if it's the right CRM solution for your business. Let's dive in and see how Apptivo stacks up.

Apptivo core capabilities

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Just like any CRM, Apptivo provides contact and account management tools that allow me to store and organize all my customer data in one centralized location. During my first few minutes with the platform, I found it easy to import my existing contacts via CSV file.

Once contacts are in the system, Apptivo makes it simple to track all interactions and communication history. You can log emails, calls, meetings, and notes for each contact. I like how Apptivo pulls in email conversations automatically when synced with Gmail or Outlook, saving the manual work of logging those touchpoints.

I can also automate lead assignment based on predefined rules, ensuring my sales reps are always working the most promising opportunities. The software offers lead scoring, which helps me prioritize leads based on their likelihood to convert.

A visual sales pipeline provides a clear overview of all my deals, allowing me to quickly identify any bottlenecks or at-risk opportunities. I can drag-and-drop opportunities through each stage. Deal values and probability are clearly displayed. I can also create customized sales stages that align with my unique sales process. Apptivo's forecasting tools use predictive analytics to provide accurate revenue projections, giving me valuable insights to guide my decision-making.

For analytics, Apptivo comes with a wide range of pre-built reports covering sales, marketing, and customer service metrics. I can also easily create custom reports and dashboards to track the KPIs that matter most to my business. For example, I can filter data, change chart types, add custom fields, and save custom views. The ability to schedule reports and have them automatically delivered to my inbox is a nice time-saver.

Beyond the core CRM capabilities, Apptivo offers a suite of integrated business apps that cover everything from project management to billing and invoicing. While I primarily use the CRM features, it's great to know I can easily expand my usage as my business needs evolve. In terms of third-party integrations, Apptivo's app marketplace also offers a variety of third-party integrations to further extend the platform's functionality.

Unlike competitors with limited on-the-go capabilities, Apptivo offers mobile apps for iOS and Android that provide full access to the CRM's features. Whether heading into a client meeting or dabbling in a bit of hybrid work, I always have the most up-to-date customer information at my fingertips. Plus, the mobile app's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

While Apptivo checks the boxes for core CRM functionality, the depth of features in certain areas leaves something to be desired compared to more mature CRM systems such as Salesforce and Hubspot. For example, Apptivo lacks some of the advanced lead scoring and routing options found in enterprise platforms like Salesforce. Additionally, while the reporting and analytics are solid overall, some of the pre-built reports lack flexibility and the custom report builder has a bit of a learning curve. Apptivo also currently does not offer a sales assistant in the form of an AI tool or forecasting, like some of the leading CRM players.

How easy is Apptivo to use?

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Apptivo features a clean and clear — if slightly dated — user interface. It starts you off on your agenda page, which functions similarly to a calendar view of your upcoming tasks and appointments. I like how you can quickly switch between different views to filter for just upcoming or overdue tasks. The left sidebar contains several useful project management links for tasks, emails, notes, follow-ups, and more.

The top navigation menu is where Apptivo organizes the various apps you have installed, grouped by functions like CRM, marketing, financials, etc. It’s highly customizable and modular, but it does mean the top menu can get crowded if you activate a lot of apps.

Diving into the core CRM features, I found adding new records like contacts, accounts and opportunities to be straightforward. The data entry forms are clean and support custom fields. However, this is where the dated nature of the interface starts to show itself. For example, the save button is at the top of the record, requiring lots of scrolling on longer forms.

Apptivo's interface is very customizable, which is a double-edged sword when it comes to ease of use. On one hand, you can tailor the account to your preferences, like reordering the top nav apps, adjusting page layouts, and creating custom fields and views. On the flip side, the initial setup and customization process has a bit of a learning curve. You'll likely need to invest some time upfront to optimize your account.

Luckily, Apptivo provides a variety of onboarding and training resources. There's a comprehensive knowledge base with articles and videos covering the main features. But for a guided walkthrough, Apptivo offers paid training packages and professional services to help with implementation, data migration, and one-on-one training. These services typically cost extra, but can be helpful for those struggling with the interface.

Despite its datedness, Apptivo’s web-based CRM is usually quite responsive, even when dealing with a large database. When tested, the interface scored an impressive 91/100 for desktop speed on Google PageSpeed Insights. The mobile apps for iOS and Android are also well-designed and offer access to most key CRM functions on the go.

Despite a few shortcomings, I've found Apptivo to be a user-friendly CRM overall, especially considering its extensive feature set and customization options. The modular app structure and customizable interface do require an initial time investment to set up and learn. But once configured to your liking, Apptivo is intuitive to navigate and the core CRM features are straightforward to use.

Apptivo integrations

Out of the box, Apptivo provides integrations with a limited number of popular business apps and services. The most notable of these are the Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrations, which allow for the smooth syncing of contacts, calendar events, and emails. Apptivo also offers pre-built integrations with a few other business tools like Quickbooks for accounting, Mailchimp for email marketing, and RingCentral for phone systems.

For situations where a pre-built integration isn't available, Apptivo provides an open API that allows for custom integrations with other software. The API documentation is comprehensive and the platform supports industry-standard REST and SOAP protocols. However, building custom integrations does require significant technical expertise, so most businesses will likely need to engage a developer for help.

Compared to some other CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot, Apptivo has a much more limited selection of third-party app integrations available. While the core bases are covered, businesses that rely heavily on niche software may find they need to build custom integrations more often with Apptivo.

I was also a bit disappointed to discover that Apptivo does not yet offer a direct data sync with any major social media platforms. The ability to automatically pull in lead and customer interactions from social channels can be very valuable for sales and service teams. While you can manually import social data or build a custom integration, a pre-built option would be a welcome addition.

That said, for the integrations it does offer, I've found the data syncing to be generally reliable and performant. When configured properly, data flows seamlessly between systems without any noticeable lag or errors. Apptivo also provides detailed logs that allow you to monitor the status of integrations and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Unlike most other CRMs, however, you can also set up automated workflows that span multiple apps. For example, you can configure a workflow that automatically creates a task in Apptivo when a lead fills out a form on your website, then sends a personalized email follow-up via Mailchimp, and finally alerts the assigned sales rep in Slack. These cross-app workflows can significantly boost productivity and ensure no leads slip through the cracks.

For most small to midsize companies, Apptivo's integration capabilities should be more than sufficient to streamline data flow and processes across their key software tools. However, enterprise customers with strong data centralization needs may want to look elsewhere.

How good is Apptivo's customer support?

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Apptivo provides multiple channels for customer support, including live chat, email, and phone. The live chat is available 24/7 for all paid plans, which is a huge plus for businesses operating across different time zones or outside of regular business hours. For more complex issues or detailed inquiries, Apptivo offers email support. User reviews from around the internet mention fast response times, friendly support agents, and quick resolutions.

Apptivo also offers an extensive self-service knowledge base called "Apptivo Answers" that includes detailed user guides, video tutorials, and FAQs covering all aspects of the platform. I've found this resource to be well-organized and easy to search, with most of the usual questions answered without contacting support. The articles are clear and include helpful screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

For users who prefer a more hands-on approach, Apptivo provides live webinars you can attend on a regular basis. These cover topics ranging from getting started with Apptivo to advanced features and best practices in the CRM. If you’d prefer one-on-one training, Apptivo offers 60-minute paid sessions starting at $125 USD covering different modules and use cases. You can also enlist company professionals to migrate your existing data or implement the entire system for you for an additional fee.

While Apptivo doesn't publicly disclose its average resolution times or customer satisfaction scores, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and ratings from users speak to the effectiveness of its support. On customer review sites like Capterra and G2, many users praise Apptivo's customer service as one of its strongest assets, frequently citing the responsiveness, expertise, and friendliness of the support team.

Apptivo pricing and plans

(Image credit: Apptivo)

Plan

Lite

Premium

Ultimate

Enterprise

Price

$15/user/month

$25/user/month

$40/user/month

Custom pricing

Best for

Small sales teams managing deals and quotes

Fast-growing teams needing an all-in-one CRM

Large teams requiring automation and integrations

Enterprise organizations with complex integration needs

Features

18 apps; 100 custom fields per app; 24/7 support

46 apps; 250 custom fields per app; 3rd party integrations

57 apps; 350 custom fields per app; Advanced automation

65 apps; 500 custom fields per app; Dedicated account manager

Limitations

Lacks some advanced features and integrations.

Higher price than Lite plan but fewer features than Ultimate.

Significantly more expensive than lower tier plans.

Requires custom price quote and implementation.

Apptivo offers four pricing tiers — Lite, Premium, Ultimate, and Enterprise — which allows businesses to choose a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budget. Apptivo does offer a free starter plan, but it's important to note that this plan is very limited in terms of features and functionality. It's really more of an extended trial than a viable long-term solution for most businesses. That said, Apptivo's 30-day free trial for paid plans is on par with the industry standard, with ample time to test the system before committing.

As for the paid plans, the Lite plan starts at just $15 per user per month when billed annually, making it one of the most cost-effective options on the market for a fully functional CRM. Even at the Lite tier, Apptivo includes essential CRM capabilities like contact management, opportunity tracking, and customizable dashboards. As you move up to the higher-priced plans, you gain access to more advanced features and a greater number of integrated apps.

For businesses that need more advanced features, Apptivo's Premium plan at $25 per user per month (billed annually) offers a significant step up in functionality. This tier includes additional apps for project management, invoicing, and email marketing, as well as more advanced customization options and integrations. This is followed by the Unlimited plan at $40 per user per month, which also includes relationship management and inventory tracking. But in my opinion, the Premium plan provides the best balance of features and value for most small to medium-sized businesses using Apptivo.

Compared to other popular CRM platforms, Apptivo's pricing is highly competitive. For example, Salesforce's Sales Cloud starts at $25 per user per month for the Essentials plan but includes fewer features than Apptivo's Premium tier at the same price point. Similarly, Zoho CRM's Standard plan is priced at $20 per user per month, while Apptivo offers more advanced features for just $5 more.

I also appreciate that Apptivo doesn't lock you into a long-term contract, unlike some enterprise-grade CRMs. All plans are available on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to adjust as your business needs change. But opting for annual billing does provide a significant discount of 20% compared to the monthly rates.

Still, I think Apptivo could improve its pricing by offering more bundled discounts or add-on packages. While the pricing for individual plans is competitive, there are fewer options for bundling multiple apps or features compared to some other CRM providers. However, it does offer custom enterprise pricing for larger organizations with more complex needs.

Apptivo CRM FAQWhat are Apptivo CRM's core features?

Apptivo is a cloud-based business management platform that offers a suite of over 65 integrated apps. As such it offers a wide range of features - both in the core platform and through these integrations.

The core features include tools for managing contacts, leads, and sales pipelines. It also offers features like email marketing, customer segmentation, lead scoring, and automated lead assignment.

Does Apptivo CRM have a mobile app?

Yes, Apptivo is accessible through all mobile phones, including dedicated apps for iOS and Android.

Aide from the costs, what are the differences between Apptivo's plans?

Apptivo's different pricing tiers vary significantly in terms of the number of available apps, custom fields, workflows, and storage space. Higher-tier plans also offer advanced features like email sequencing, notification builders, and custom applications. Annual billing offers a discount compared to monthly payments.

How do I integrate Apptivo with other tools?

Apptivo offers integrations with a number of third-party business tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, PayPal, and Slack. It also provides an open API for building custom integrations, which may require technical expertise

How secure is the data stored in Apptivo?

Apptivo employs several layers of security to protect user data, including 256-bit encrypted SSL connections for data transfer and encryption of sensitive information stored in the database.

Apptivo review: Final verdict

Apptivo delivers a robust set of core CRM features, including contact management, lead tracking, opportunity management, and sales forecasting. While some advanced features may be lacking compared to enterprise CRMs, Apptivo covers all the essentials for small to midsize businesses.

24/7 live chat, responsive email support, extensive knowledge base, and regular training webinars ensure that users can get help whenever they need it. The support team is knowledgeable, friendly, and consistently goes above and beyond to resolve issues and answer questions. While there are some areas for improvement, such as expanding the third-party app marketplace and simplifying the setup process for non-technical users, Apptivo's overall impression is a promising one.

For small to midsize businesses seeking an affordable, customizable, and user-friendly CRM with excellent support, Apptivo is a strong choice.

The chatbot's agent has the computer do things for you. Paying for the pizza, however, is all on you.

Less Annoying CRM is a straightforward platform designed with simplicity in mind, making it one of the best CRM platforms for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. It was founded in 2009 by two brothers, who focused on making it as easy to use as possible - or in other words ‘less annoying’ than other platforms on the market.

The platform keeps things simple with a single-tier pricing plan: $15 per user, per month. You get all the features, no surprises or extras to buy. You'll find essentials like contact management, task tracking, and sales pipeline visualization — just the basics without overloading you.

It's not the most advanced CRM out there, but a user-friendly interface and great customer support make up for it. The company clearly prioritizes small businesses, from its product design to its business practices, making it a great fit for those seeking a hassle-free CRM.

Less Annoying CRM: Core capabilities

Less Annoying CRM provides a straightforward approach to customer relationship management, emphasizing essential features without adding unnecessary complexity. The contact management interface is user-friendly, making it easy to add custom fields to meet specific business needs.

The platform integrates leads within its pipeline management feature, helping users track them from initial contact to final sale, offering a visual representation of the sales process. During my testing, I found the pipeline view clear and easy to understand. However, the customization options for the pipeline are limited compared to more advanced CRM solutions, which may be a drawback for businesses with complex sales processes. If advanced features are what you need, I recommend checking out our Salesforce CRM review for a complete CRM platform, or our HubSpot CRM review for a free option.

Less Annoying CRM also includes basic sales forecasting and reporting tools. Users can create simple reports on pipeline status and sales performance, but it lacks the advanced analytics and predictive features present in some enterprise CRMs. For small businesses and solopreneurs, this level of reporting might suffice, but those needing deeper data analysis may find it lacking.

Less Annoying CRM's cloud-based platform is accessible from any device with internet access, removing the need for separate mobile apps. I found the mobile interface responsive and easy to navigate, allowing quick updates and access to customer information while on the go. However, there are no downloadable apps for iOS or Android.

I liked how Less Annoying CRM handles task management and calendar integration. It sends daily email digests with upcoming tasks and events, but syncing with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook turns the CRM into a central hub for managing customer interactions and personal schedules.

Email integration is another core capability that Less Annoying CRM manages well. Users can BCC a unique email address to automatically log correspondence with contacts in the CRM. This simplifies keeping communication records current without needing manual data entry after each interaction.

While it covers the basics of contact management, lead tracking, and simple reporting, Less Annoying CRM lacks some advanced features of larger CRM systems. For example, it does not have built-in marketing automation tools or extensive third-party integrations.

The platform balances flexibility and simplicity in customization. Users can add custom fields and adjust pipelines to some degree, but the options are not as extensive as those of more complex systems. This level of customization is likely adequate for many small businesses, but those with specific or evolving needs might feel restricted.

For security-conscious users, Less Annoying CRM offers 256-bit encryption following industry best practices. While this provides a solid data protection foundation, businesses in regulated industries should further evaluate whether these security measures meet their compliance requirements.

How easy it Less Annoying CRM to use?

Less Annoying CRM lives up to its name with a user interface focused on simplicity and easy navigation, making a one of the best CRM for small businesses. Upon logging in, I noticed the clean design that presents key information without overwhelming users. The main dashboard gives a quick view of upcoming tasks, recent activities, and pipeline status, allowing easy access to essential data without sifting through multiple menus.

The interface has a logical layout, with clearly labeled tabs for contacts, calendar, tasks, and settings. During my testing, I found most features within a few clicks, showcasing the thoughtful design. The muted yet professional color scheme creates a distraction-free environment for users to concentrate on their work.

Less Annoying CRM 's web-based platform adapts well to different screen sizes and devices, allowing users to access data from desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. However, I noticed that advanced accessibility features like screen reader optimization or high-contrast modes are not present, suggesting room for improvement.

Customization options in Less Annoying CRM balance flexibility with simplicity. Users can add custom fields to contacts and companies for tailored data collection. Creating custom pipelines is also straightforward, easier than in some complex CRM systems. While this level of customization suits many small businesses, those needing specialized workflows might find options somewhat limited.

Onboarding resources are a strong point for Less Annoying CRM. The platform offers a comprehensive help center with detailed articles and video tutorials on various system aspects. These resources are well-organized and easy to follow. The company provides free phone and email support to all users, including trial users, which is helpful for small businesses without dedicated tech support.

An intuitive design and focused features contribute to a fast learning process. In fact, I was able to navigate core functions of the CRM comfortably within a couple of hours. For most small business users, I estimate full proficiency can be achieved within a few days to a week of regular use, depending on specific needs.

But while the simplicity of Less Annoying CRM is a strength for many, some users may see it as a limitation. Those used to more feature-rich CRM systems might find the streamlined interface lacking advanced functionalities. However, this simplicity is intentional and aligns with the platform’s goal of providing an easy-to-use solution for small businesses.

Less Annoying CRM integrations

Less Annoying CRM offers a small number of integrations, however through Zapier you can unlock many more. (Image credit: Less Annoying CRM )

Less Annoying CRM provides a limited selection of integrations to meet essential business needs, falling short of larger CRM platforms. It offers a few pre-built integrations focusing on key functionalities like email syncing, calendar management, and data import/export. But my evaluation showed that these native integrations cover basic requirements for most SMBs.

But, Less Annoying CRM's integration with Zapier significantly enhances possibilities, allowing users to link it with thousands of other applications. I found creating Zaps to be easy, enabling automated workflows with tools I frequently use.

For advanced users and developers, Less Annoying CRM offers an API for custom integration and data synchronization with third-party applications. API documentation is thorough and well-structured, providing detailed explanations and examples for different endpoints. I appreciated the inclusion of OAuth 2.0 support, which improves security for API integrations.

In terms of reliability and performance, Less Annoying CRM shows a commitment to high data management standards. During my testing, I found data synchronization to be consistent and timely, with no noticeable delays or discrepancies. The company also utilizes "Uptime Robot" to monitor their site and quickly resolve downtime issues.

Less Annoying CRM’s integration options are adequate for many small businesses, but those seeking a broader range of pre-built connectors might find the selection limited. Ironically, the focus may lead some users to rely more on Zapier or custom API integrations to connect with their complete suite of business tools, increasing complexity.

While the help center provides basic information, I also found myself wanting more detailed guides and best practices for setting up and maintaining connections with other software. Some additional information could be particularly useful for users new to integrating various business applications.

Less Annoying CRM AI functionality

Unsurprisingly for a platform that values simplicity, Less Annoying CRM does not have native, built-in AI capabilities. Its core philosophy is to provide a simple, straightforward, and affordable CRM solution without the complex features found in enterprise-level software. This focus on simplicity means it deliberately omits advanced functionalities like AI-powered lead scoring, sales forecasting, or contact enrichment.

Even so, Less Annoying CRM can't completely avoid AI tidal wave. It can be integrated with third-party AI services and automation platforms to add some of these functionalities. The primary way to achieve this is by using platforms like Zapier.

How good is Less Annoying CRM customer support?

Less Annoying CRM is known for its strong customer support. The company provides two main support channels: email and phone, available from 9 am to 4:30 pm US Central Time, Monday to Friday. While this schedule may not suit all time zones or after-hours needs, it covers standard business hours for many small business clients.

I personally found email support to be prompt and helpful. Phone support offers immediate help for urgent matters. However, Less Annoying CRM currently does not provide live chat support, which could be a drawback for those who prefer instant messaging for quick questions.

Self-service resources include a help center, which is thorough and well-organized, with numerous articles and guides on various platform features. During my search, I found the search function effective, quickly guiding me to information. There are also video tutorials, which are especially beneficial for visual learners or those who like step-by-step instructions.

I liked that customer support is entirely free, even for trial users. Less Annoying CRM's commitment to accessible assistance aligns well with the company's goal of being user-friendly. It's a refreshing change in an industry where premium support usually incurs extra costs.

While it does not publicly share specific response and resolution times, user testimonials suggest that email responses are generally quick, often within a few hours. Resolution times may vary based on issue complexity, but the support team appears focused on providing timely solutions.

A key limitation is that customer support is currently available only in English during CST working hours. This could be a significant issue for users from different locations and cultures. As the company grows, addressing this gap would be a big help when expanding to international markets.

Less Annoying CRM plans and pricing

Less Annoying CRM offers one price, making a picking a plan incredibly simple. (Image credit: Less Annoying CRM )

Plan

All inclusive

Price

$15/user/month

Best for

Small businesses and solopreneurs seeking a simple and affordable CRM solution

Key features

Unlimited contacts and companies; Custom fields and pipelines; Integrated calendar and tasks

Limitations

Limited to 10 users; larger teams need to contact for enterprise pricing.

Less Annoying CRM FAQHow much does Less Annoying CRM cost and is there a free trial?

Staying true to its name, the pricing of this CRM is straightforward and "less annoying." Eschewing the complexity of the pricing plans offered by other CRMs, here there is a flat rate of $15 per user per month, with no additional fees, tiers, or contracts. There is also a 30-day free trial with full access to all features. You don't need to provide payment information until the trial is over.

What are its core features of Less Annoying CRM?

Less Annoying CRM provides many of the essential CRM functionalities small businesses require. For instance, the platform comes with contact and company management so users can store and organize all their contact information, notes, files, and interactions in one place. It's also possible to create and manage customized workflows to track leads, sales processes, and projects.

It also becomes easier to manage communications. Users can schedule and track events and tasks, with the ability to share calendars with their team. Email logging is also straightforward, with individuals able to automatically log emails from their connected email accounts, such as Gmail or Outlook, to their contact records.

Does Less Annoying CRM have a mobile app

No, Less Annoying CRM does not have a native mobile app - which is a little disappointing. Many of the other CRM platforms we've reviewed do have one. However, the web application is designed to be mobile-friendly and can be accessed from any device with a web browser.

What features would many users complain are missing?

While it excels at simplicity, Less Annoying CRM is not a full-featured enterprise solution. As such, it may not be suitable for larger companies that require advanced functionalities, such as complex sales analytics or forecasting, extensive workflow automations, or role-based permissions beyond basic levels. It's a balance between simplicity and complexity. Less Annoying leans heavily towards the former, which will be fine for some businesses but insufficient for others.

Less Annoying CRM: Verdict

Less Annoying CRM truly lives up to its name by providing a simple and user-friendly solution designed for small businesses. I found its simplicity to be its strongest asset, offering essential features without the complications of larger systems.

The platform features an easy-to-navigate interface, clear pricing, and responsive customer support, making it appealing for businesses wanting a straightforward approach to customer relationship management. While it may not include some advanced functions typical of enterprise CRMs, Less Annoying CRM delivers core features in an easy-to-understand way.

I think Less Annoying CRM is ideal for small businesses, startups, and individual entrepreneurs who value ease of use and cost over extensive customization and detailed analytics. Its clear approach to contact management, pipeline tracking, and task organization allows users to quickly adopt a CRM system without a difficult learning curve or hefty financial commitment.

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Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra: two-minute review

Hohem’s new smartphone stabilizer, the iSteady V3 Ultra, is the latest in the manufacturer’s long-running range of mobile gimbals. Like most products of this type, clamping your phone onto the arm will keep its movements smooth and level while you’re filming content – but here, the main selling point is the built-in AI-assisted tracking functionality.

The iSteady V3 Ultra comes with a tracking module that, through the use of a built-in 2MP camera, is able to keep the attached phone constantly pointing at a tracked subject, no matter how much they move. The V3 Ultra’s handle has 360 degrees of motion so, when set up on its built-in mini tripod, it can track a moving subject even if they circle right around it multiple times. And, unlike some of the other tracking modules, this one is able to follow not only human faces and bodies, but other objects too.

I should also note that all of the above applies not only when capturing content using Hohem’s own camera app, but also first-party and third-party camera apps like Zoom, TikTok, and Instagram. And, because the tracking module can be pointed forwards or backwards, it’ll work with both the main rear camera(s) and front-facing camera of any smartphone.

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(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

While testing the iSteady V3 Ultra, I found this tracking to be the clear standout feature. It’s accurate and reliable, and surprisingly adaptable too.

I was able to use the gimbal’s joystick to manually adjust my position in the frame, and the module would continue tracking me while keeping me in the new position rather than just in the dead center of the frame, which is brilliant for those times you want to use the rule of thirds and keep yourself off-center.

I should point out that you can also track using software, via the Hohem Joy app – but it will keep subjects centered at all times. I much preferred the versatility and adaptability of the module-based tracking. And as a nice bonus feature, the AI tracker module doubles as a fill light with a choice of cool, warm, and neutral tones, plus fully adjustable brightness.

There’s a lot to like about this stabilizer besides its tracking capabilities, too. The compact, folding design of the device isn’t anything I haven’t seen before on competitors or Hohem’s own range, but it’s easy to unfold and set up. The built-in mini tripod, which consists of three metal rods that are pulled out of the handle, is sturdy, and a standard tripod thread mount on the base means you can attach the entire thing to an even sturdier full-size tripod or similar should you wish.

An extension rod, concealed in the handle, provides up to about 20cm of extra reach on the gimbal arm. It’s useful if you want to fit more in the frame while using the iSteady V3 Ultra handheld.

I’m also a big fan of the removable remote control module, which comes with a 1.22-inch touchscreen. I first encountered one of these on the Hohem iSteady M7, a larger and pricier smartphone stabilizer, and was pleased to see the concept transferred down the range to a more portable and affordable model.

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The controller has a wireless range of up to 10m / 33ft, and its joystick, button, and touchscreen let you adjust the gimbal arm angle, change settings, and stop/start recording from a distance. The screen also provides a live view from the AI tracker module’s camera, so you can set tracking subjects remotely too.

In my time with the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra, I’ve only encountered one major issue: sound from the gimbal’s motor gets picked up by my iPhone 13’s mic. This results in a quiet, but noticeable, background noise in all the videos I’ve recorded using the built-in mic; when I recorded using the DJI Mic 3 instead, the noise wasn’t audible.

It’s an irritating issue, but it’s not exclusive to this model. I went back and re-tested the Hohem iSteady M7 and Insta360 Flow Pro 2 with the same phone, and found the noise got picked up on these gimbals too. Still, if you’re going to rely on your smartphone’s built-in mic to record videos while using the iSteady V3 Ultra, do be aware that you’ll likely hear this sound in the background. I’ve included a short video clip below so that you can hear it for yourself.

While it’s really the only major problem I have with the iSteady V3 Ultra, it’s a fairly notable one. If you’re using an external microphone for vlogging, it’s not going to be an issue for you; if you’re relying solely on your phone’s mic, you may want to look elsewhere.

The only other potential flaw with the V3 Ultra is that it uses a standard grip on the arm rather than a quick-release magnetic grip of the type seen on the recent DJI and Insta360 smartphone gimbals. This is more of a preference thing, however – some may prefer having the grip built into the gimbal arm, as it reduces the number of components required.

All in all, I’m generally impressed with the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra. Its standout tracking skills and remote control make it the best small stabilizer around at the moment – although I expect the likes of DJI and Insta360 to offer strong competition in the near future.

Hohem iSteady V3: price and availability

• Priced from $169 / £169
• Black and white color finishes available
• Available to order now

The iSteady V3 Ultra has an MSRP of $169 / £169 / AU$299 and is available to order now at Amazon or the Hohem online store. I’m also told by Hohem’s PR representative that it will be sold at Best Buy from September 14, 2025. An Australian launch will follow – expect an update to this review once it's confirmed.

Given the gimbal's specs and features, that feels like a competitive price to me. In comparison, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro currently retails for $159.99 / £144.99 / AU$199.99, and the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is $149 / £135 / AU$219, so you’ll pay a slight premium for the iSteady V3 Ultra, but in my opinion, its tracking capabilities and remote control module make it worth the extra outlay.

Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra: specs

Dimensions:

98 x 44 x 160.5mm (folded)

Weight:

428g / 15.1oz

Compatible phone weight:

Up to 400g / 14.1oz

Compatible phone thickness:

Up to 12.5mm

Compatible phone width:

58 to 98mm

Connectivity:

Bluetooth, USB-C

Battery life:

4 hours (with AI tracking and fill light) / 9 hours (balanced and stationary)

Should I buy the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra?

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)Buy it if...

You want the best small stabilizer for tracking
Not only does the AI module offer the best tracking we've seen on a compact gimbal, it lets you track more than just people and pets.

You like to shoot from a distance
The tracking talent, combined with the remote control unit, makes this a great gimbal for remote shooting. It's basically a camera operator that fits in your pocket.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a tight budget
The V3 Ultra is a little pricier than its DJI and Insta360 flagship rivals, and a lot pricier than entry-level alternatives.

You don't want to use an external mic
If you don't want unwanted gimbal motor noise in your videos, you'll need some kind of external microphone.

Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra review: Also consider

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
The Flow 2 Pro’s big party trick is native support for subject tracking in hundreds of third-party iPhone camera apps, plus an included LED fill light. With no tracking module, Android users are left out in the cold, however, and trackable subjects are limited to people and pets. The iSteady V3 Ultra is a little more advanced in this regard.

Read our in-depth Insta360 Flow 2 Pro review

DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The Osmo Pocket 3 is a self-contained camera rather than a smartphone gimbal, but offers much of the same functionality – superbly stabilized 4K capture and subject tracking – in a much more compact and easier to deploy package. You’ll pay a little more for it, but it’s a great all-in-one alternative for vlogging.

Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

How I tested the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra

• One week of use
• Tested with an iPhone 13
• Used for B-roll and vlogs

I used the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra for around a week in total, testing it out both handheld and set up on its built-in mini tripod. It was used with my Apple iPhone 13's front-facing and rear cameras, both indoors and outdoors, and I recorded video using a range of apps (the iPhone camera, Hohem Joy, Instagram) and both the iPhone's own microphone and a DJI Mic 3.

First reviewed September 2025

Hohem's latest smartphone gimbal is the best small stabilizer we've seen when it comes to subject tracking ability, and also brings with it a touchscreen remote control.

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