Which is Better in 2024?

This guide will walk you through an in-depth comparison between GoPro vs Insta360 action cameras, so you can pick the one that suits you the best.

When capturing your most epic adventures, the best action camera is precisely what you need.

These devices come with a rugged build quality and several unique features to help you jump in on the action where traditional cameras and smartphones can’t.

Two of the most popular brands to consider here are GoPro and Insta360, and in this guide, you’ll find out more about the two options, and what they have to offer.

Additionally, I’ll also compare the most popular models of each action camera with similar features to help you decide. Let’s dive in!

Which is Better: GoPro or Insta360?

GoPro and Insta360 are the two most popular action camera brands out there. Let’s start this comparison by having a quick look at the two cameras as well as their key features and weaknesses.

About GoPro

GoPro is one of the most popular action camera brands for content creators to capture things in stunning detail.

These cameras are incredibly durable, and waterproof, with a remarkable image sensor for better image quality.

Besides ruggedness, GoPro cameras are also known for providing high-end features and technologies in their models, such as active HDR, extended battery life, and decent sound quality.

In addition to extreme sports, you can also use GoPros as everyday travel cameras, or for vlogging, as they’re tiny and highly portable with excellent lenses for a wider field of view and decently high resolution.

Despite that, GoPros have some drawbacks. For starters, they can be a bit pricey compared to other options.

Also, they’re highly dependent on good lighting, as they can tend to suffer image noise in low-light conditions.

Pros

• Incredibly durable action camera for fast-paced and extreme content
• Allow you to choose between a variety of modes and settings, including automatic ones
• Extremely compact design for easy portability
• Highly versatile action camera that you can use for various purposes
• Lots of GoPro accessories available

Cons

• Poor performance in low light conditions
• Some models don’t have a proper digital zoom
• High end models can be pricey

About Insta360

Insta360 is another excellent option specifically designed for high-action footage, whether you’re shooting videos or photos.

Many of the Insta 360 camera’s models are remarkably small with excellent photo stabilization (FlowState stabilization technology) and other attractive features. These include invisible selfie sticks, horizon locks, high frame rates for slow motion, and much more.

Screenshot

Additionally, Insta360 cameras come with advanced AI-powered editor software that you can use to edit your videos with relative ease.

They are one of the best cameras for cycling, since the 360-degree capture allows you to select the best angle of footage after you get home from your ride.

These cameras are also sturdy but not as durable as GoPros. They lack a lens protector like the one in GoPros and many models are not fully waterproof.

Budget options also have a short battery life with limited recording capacity.

See more GoPro alternatives and iPhones vs GoPros

Pros

• A more attractive option for those on a tighter budget
• Excellent stabilization features
• Incredibly tiny and easy to carry around
• Ability to change camera angles after recording

Cons

• Poor battery capacity
• Not as durable as a GoPro

Comparing Popular GoPro and Insta360 Action Cameras

Now that you know more about the two cameras, here’s a deeper look at some of the most popular rival models of GoPro and Insta360 and how they perform against each other. Here’s the Insta 360 vs GoPro at a glance.

GoPro 11 vs Insta360 X4

GoPro 11 Specs

• Video – 5.3K
• Stabilization – HyperSmooth 5.0
• Lens Aperture – f/2.5
• Dimensions –  2.83 x 2 x 1.32″ (71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm)
• Weight – 5.4oz (154g)
• Battery – 1,720 mAh (up to 61 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

Insta360 X4 Specs

• Video – 8K
• Stabilization – FlowState Stabilization
• Lens Aperture – f/1.9
• Dimensions – 1.81 x 4.87 x 1.48″ (46 × 123.6 × 37.6mm)
• Weight – 7.16oz (203g)
• Battery – 2290 mAh (up to 135 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

GoPro 11 Key Features 

• Built-in Horizon Lock
• AutoBoost Stabilization
• High-resolution Photos from Videos
• 8x Slow Motion Capture
• 30-Second Pre-record
• Night Mode Effects (Light Painting and Star Trails)
• Voice Controls (11 Languages)
• Backed by GoPro’s Quik App

Insta360 X4 Key Features

• 360-Degree Horizon Lock
• 11K Timelapse Mode
• Bullet Time Slow-mo
• Invisible Selfie Stick Mode
• Large, Responsive Touch Screen
• Gesture and Voice Controls
• Fast WiFi Data Transfer

Image and Video Quality

With a larger camera sensor and higher resolution, the GoPro 11 is simply the superior option if output quality is what you’re looking for.

The GoPro 11 also has a wider aperture, which provides greater depth of field for a more crisp background.

The two cameras feature special video modes to create unique content, ranging from time lapses to slow-mo, light painting, and more.

That said, the Insta 360 camera X4 offers a wider variety of capture modes, so it’s the better option if you like to experiment with new techniques.

Battery Performance

Simply put, the Insta360 X4 has a larger battery and lasts significantly longer than the GoPro 11. With its removable 2290mAh battery, Insta360 improved battery life in the X4 by 67% over the X3.

This makes it the better pick if you don’t like continuous charging. The X4 also charges in 55 minutes, compared to 120 to 180 minutes for the GoPro.

Durability and Portability

Both cameras are exceptionally compact and lightweight, making them perfect for the lightest of packers. However, the GoPro 11 is remarkably sturdier and can withstand harder shocks, making it a perfect pick for extreme sports footage.

The new Insta360 X4 boasts a more rugged exterior, removable lens guards, and a larger 2.5″ Gorilla Glas touch screen.

Value for Money

Since the GoPro is fairly more affordable than the Insta360 X4, it’s a far better value for money, especially if you keep video and audio quality in mind. Yet, if you’re looking for versatility and a variety of features, the X4 can be a serious option to keep in mind.

GoPro 10 vs Insta360 X4

GoPro 10 Specs

• Video – 5.3K
• Stabilization – HyperSmooth 4.0
• Lens Aperture – f/2.8
• Dimensions –  2.83 x 2 x 1.32″ (71.8 x 50.7 x 33.6mm)
• Weight – 5.6oz (158g)
• Battery – 1,720 mAh (up to 61 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

Insta360 X4 Specs

• Video – 8K
• Stabilization – FlowState Stabilization
• Lens Aperture – f/1.9
• Dimensions – 1.81 x 4.87 x 1.48″ (46 × 123.6 × 37.6mm)
• Weight – 7.16oz (203g)
• Battery – 2290 mAh (up to 135 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

GoPro 10 Key Features 

• Built-in Mounting
• HDR SuperPhoto
• TimeWarp 3.0 and Night lapse
• Voice Control
• 8x Slo-Mo
• Touch Screen with On-screen Shortcuts
• Face Detection

Insta360 X4 Key Features

• 360-Degree Horizon Lock
• 11K Timelapse Mode
• Bullet Time Slow-mo
• Invisible Selfie Stick Mode
• Large, Responsive Touch Screen
• Gesture and Voice Controls
• Fast WiFi Data Transfer

Image and Video Quality

While the two action cameras are fairly different in terms of capture mode, you can easily notice the crisp detail of video and image footage in the GoPro 10.

However, the X4’s 360-degree capture provides a much wider field of view while retaining high-quality footage, so you should pick the winner here based on your preferences.

Battery Performance

While the GoPro delivers great battery life, the X4 is a clear winner here. The Insta360 X4 can record 5.7K 30 360° video for up to 135 minutes and in 8K 30 mode for up to 71 minutes.

Durability and Portability

While the two options are fairly similar in terms of size, the Insta360 X4 is heavier. Alternatively, the GoPro 10 is a better pick if you need a tough camera that could take a beating. Remember that something as small as these action cameras means they’re easier to lose – see how to find a lost GoPro.

Value for Money

The GoPro 10 offers more value for money than the Insta360, not only because it’s more durable but also because it’s slightly more affordable.

Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max

GoPro MAX Specs

• Video – 5.3K
• Stabilization – Max HyperSmooth
• Lens Aperture – f/2.5
• Dimensions –  2.56 x 2.72 x 0.98″ (65 x 69 x 25mm)
• Weight – 5.43oz (155g)
• Battery – 1,600 mAh (up to 105 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

Insta360 X4 Specs

• Video – 8K
• Stabilization – FlowState Stabilization
• Lens Aperture – f/1.9
• Dimensions – 1.81 x 4.87 x 1.48″ (46 × 123.6 × 37.6mm)
• Weight – 7.16oz (203g)
• Battery – 2290 mAh (up to 135 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 16 ft (5m)

GoPro MAX Key Features 

• 360 Capture + Standard Action Camera Capture
• 2x Slo-Mo Mode
• Voice Controls
• GP1 Chip
• TimeWarp
• Wind-noise Reduction System

Insta360 X4 Key Features

• 360-Degree Horizon Lock
• 11K Timelapse Mode
• Bullet Time Slow-mo
• Invisible Selfie Stick Mode
• Large, Responsive Touch Screen
• Gesture and Voice Controls
• Fast WiFi Data Transfer

Image and Video Quality

Both the GoPro and the Insta360 X4 offer excellent quality with exceptional resolution. However, the image resolution of the X4 is much higher as it captures 8K video and a staggering 72-meapxiels of image resolution. The GoPro Max tops-out at 5K 30p.

Battery Performance

The Insta360 X4 wins over the MAX as it can record 5.7K 30 360° video for up to 135 minutes and in 8K 30 mode for up to 71 minutes.

You can also charge the Insta360 X4 faster and achieve longer record times overall.

Durability and Portability

Insta360 vs GoPro Max: The GoPro Max is slightly smaller and sturdier than the Insta360, which makes it a better pick for portability and durability.

However, the new Insta360 X4 boasts a more rugged exterior, removable lens guards, and a larger 2.5″ Gorilla Glas touch screen.

Despite that, a content creator who takes a lot of shots underwater should pick the Insta360, as it has a better waterproof rating while being fairly rugged as well.

Value for Money

Both the GoPro Max and the Insta360 are highly reliable options that come in the same price range.

That being said, I find the GoPro Max better bang for the buck because it’s both an action camera and a 360 camera. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re looking for something lighter and smaller.

Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 11

Insta360 GO 3S Specs

• Video – 4K
• Stabilization – FlowState Stabilization
• Lens Aperture – f/2.8
• Dimensions – 2.14 x 1 x 1″ (54.4 x 25.6 x 24.8mm)
• Weight – 1.4oz (39g)
• Battery – 2290 mAh (up to 135 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 16 ft (Splashproof Action Pod)

GoPro 11 Specs

• Video – 5.3K
• Stabilization – HyperSmooth 5.0
• Lens Aperture – f/2.5
• Dimensions –  2.83 x 2 x 1.32″ (71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6mm)
• Weight – 5.4oz (154g)
• Battery – 310 mAh + 1,270 mAh Action Pod (38 Minutes + 140 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

Insta360 GO 3S Key Features

• Lightweight and wearable
• Waterproof to 33′ (10m)
• UHD 4K video and photos
• 2 hours of battery life
• Action pod extends usability

GoPro 11 Key Features 

• AutoBoost Stabilization
• 8x Slow-mo Mode
• 30-Second Pre-record Feature
• Night Special Effects
• Compatible with GoPro Quik App
• Supports Voice Controls in 11 Languages

Image and Video Quality

The image quality of the GoPro Hero 11 is quite superior to the GO 3S. The Hero 11 can hit up to 6K resolution while the Go 3s is limited to 4K. However, both models offer a decent variety of modes and effects to add a unique perspective to your footage.

Battery Performance

Comparing the cameras alone, the GoPro will have a much larger battery capacity. However, the Insta360 has an action pod that massively boosts its uptime.

Additionally, the battery on the Insta360 charges to 80% in under 30 minutes, so we must give this one to the Go 3.

The GO 3S’s power management is supported by a 1270mAh battery that grants up to 38 minutes of action recording. However, if you pair the camera capsule with the Action Pod, the recording time jumps to 140 minutes.

Durability and Portability

Portability is another aspect that the Insta360 easily wins, as it’s one of the lightest and most compact action cameras in the world!

However, if you value durability more than portability, you should simply go with the GoPro. Besides being quite sturdy, it’s also fairly small, so it doesn’t fare badly regarding space efficiency as well!

Value for Money

Both cameras come at similar price tags, so the choice here highly depends on whether you’re prioritizing performance or portability and battery performance.

That said, the GoPro Hero 11 is a generally more complete package, so it’s my pick for this section.

Insta360 Go 3S vs GoPro HERO10 Black

Insta360 GO 3S Specs

• Video – 4K
• Stabilization – FlowState Stabilization
• Lens Aperture – f/2.8
• Dimensions – 2.14 x 1 x 1″ (54.4 x 25.6 x 24.8mm)
• Weight – 1.4oz (39g)
• Battery – 2290 mAh (up to 135 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 16 ft (Splashproof Action Pod)

GoPro 10 Specs

• Video – 5.3K
• Stabilization – HyperSmooth 4.0
• Lens Aperture – f/2.8
• Dimensions –  2.83 x 2 x 1.32″ (71.8 x 50.7 x 33.6mm)
• Weight – 5.6oz (158g)
• Battery – 1,720 mAh (up to 61 Minutes)
• Waterproof – Up to 33 ft (10m)

Insta360 GO 3S Key Features

• Lightweight and wearable
• Waterproof to 33′ (10m)
• UHD 4K video and photos
• 2 hours of battery life
• Action pod extends usability

GoPro 10 Key Features 

• Built-in Mounting
• HDR SuperPhoto
• TimeWarp 3.0 and Night lapse
• Voice Control
• 8x Slo-Mo
• Touch Screen with On-screen Shortcuts
• Face Detection

Image and Video Quality

The GoPro Hero10 Black is a superior camera with a 5.3K resolution compared to only a 4K resolution for the Insta360 GO 3S. It also features a far better image stabilization mode with extra effects and capture modes.

Battery Performance

The GO 3S’s power management is supported by a 1270mAh battery that grants up to 38 minutes of action recording. However, if you pair the camera capsule with the Action Pod, the recording time jumps to 140 minutes.

In comparison, the GoPro offers a 120-minute run time.

Durability and Portability

GoPros are known for their superior durability, as they come with lens guards and rugged frames to protect the camera from the elements.

However, if you’re more concerned about portability, you won’t find many cameras lighter than the Insta360 GO 3S, so it depends on your preferences here.

Value for Money

The GoPro Hero 10 Black is an older model now, and while it offers better image resolution, it’s aging tech that demands an update.

Depending on the internal storage size, the Insta360 GO 3S is excellent value for money!

FAQs: Insta360 vs GoPro

Is GoPro’s Image Quality Better Than Insta360?

This highly depends on the camera model in question. However, most GoPro cameras typically offer a relatively higher capture quality than their respective Insta360 cameras, although this also comes at a price.

However, Insta360 is quickly catching up with advanced image resolution, features, and overall performance.

Can You Extend the Storage Capacity of Insta360 and GoPro?

The short answer is yes! You can extend both camera’s storage capacity using microSD cards. Additionally, you can use cloud services to digitally store your content online.

However, it should be noted that the Insta360 GO 3S offers either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.