GoPro vs Insta360: Which is Better in 2023?

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.

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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 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.

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.

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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.

GoPro 11 vs Insta360 X3

Specifications	GoPro 11	Insta360 X3
Stabilization	HyperSmooth 5.0	FlowState Stabilization
Lens Aperture	f/2.5	f/1.9
Size and Weight	71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm | 5.4 oz	46 x 114 x 33 mm | 6.3 oz
Battery	1,720 mAh (up to 61 Minutes)	1,800 mAh (up to 81 Minutes)
Waterproof	Up to 33 ft	Up to 33 ft
Top 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	– 360-Degree Horizon Lock – Timelapse up to 8x – Bullet Time Slow-mo – Invisible Selfie Stick Mode – Large, Responsive Touch Screen – Vibration Feedback 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 higher 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 X3 offers a wider variety of capture modes, so it’s the better option if you like to experiment with new techniques.

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Battery Performance

Simply put, the Insta360 X3 has a larger battery and lasts up to 20 minutes longer than the GoPro 11. This makes it the better pick if you don’t like continuous charging. The X3 also charges in 90 minutes, compared to 120 to 180 minutes for the GoPro.

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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.

Value for Money

Since the GoPro is fairly more affordable than the Insta360 X3, 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 X3 can be a serious option to keep in mind.

• Insta360 X3 review

GoPro 10 vs Insta360 X2

Specifications	GoPro 10	Insta360 X2
Stabilization	HyperSmooth 4.0	FlowState Stabilization
Lens Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.0
Size and Weight	71.8 x 50.7 x 33.6 mm | 5.6 oz	46.2 x 113 x 29.8 mm | 5.25 oz
Battery	1,720 mAh (up to 120 Minutes)	1,630 mAh (up to 80 Minutes)
Waterproof	Up to 33 ft	Up to 33 ft
Top 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	– HDR Mode – Timelapse and Bullet Time – 360 Direction Focus – Wind Reduction Audio – 6-Axis Gyroscope – Shoots up to 5.7K at 30 fps

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 360-degree capture of the X2 provides a much wider field of view but with relatively lower quality, so you should pick the winner here depending on your preferences.

Battery Performance

The GoPro is a clear winner here, as it can last twice as long with a larger battery. However, the X2 charges in a much shorter time, so it’s still a worthy choice to consider.

Durability and Portability

While the two options are fairly similar in terms of size, the Insta360 X2 is a bit lighter with a sleeker design. 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 and shoots at better quality, but also because it’s slightly more affordable.

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Insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max

Specifications	Insta360 X3	GoPro Max
Stabilization	FlowState Stabilization	Max HyperSmooth
Lens Aperture	f/1.9	f/2.8
Size and Weight	46 x 114 x 33 mm | 6.3 oz	65 x 69 x 25 mm | 5.43 oz
Battery	1,800 mAh (up to 81 Minutes)	1,600 mAh (up to 105 Minutes)
Waterproof	Up to 33 ft	Up to 16 ft
Top Features	– 360-Degree Horizon Lock – Large, Responsive Touch Screen – Bullet Time Mode – Timelapse up to 8x – Invisible Selfie Stick Mode – Vibration Feedback and Voice Controls	– 360 Capture + Standard Action Camera Capture – 2x Slo-Mo Mode – Voice Controls – GP1 Chip – TimeWarp – Wind-noise Reduction System

Image and Video Quality

Both the GoPro Max and the Insta360 X3 offer excellent quality with exceptional max resolution of 5.7K at 30fps. However, the image resolution of the X3 is slightly higher as it’s 23 megapixels, compared to GoPro’s 16.

Battery Performance

Despite having a smaller battery, the GoPro energy-saving system allows it to draw less power while lasting longer without impacting the performance of the camera software.

You can also charge the cameras at a fairly similar time, so it’s generally a win for the GoPro Max.

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.

Despite that, a content creator who takes a lot of shots underwater should pick the Insta360 one, 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 3 vs GoPro Hero 11

Specifications	Insta360 Go 3	GoPro Hero 11
Stabilization	FlowState Stabilization	HyperSmooth 5.0
Lens Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.5
Size and Weight	25.6 x 54.4 x 23.2 mm | 1.2 oz	71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm | 5.4 oz
Battery	310 mAh + 1,270 mAh Action Pod (45 Minutes + 170 Minutes)	1,720 mAh (up to 61 Minutes)
Waterproof	Up to 16 ft (Splashproof Action Pod)	Up to 33 ft
Top Features	– One of the Smallest Action Cameras in The World – Magnetic Action Pod Mounting – 2.7K Resolution at 30 fps – Slow Motion, TimeShift, TimeLapse, and FreeFrame Video Modes.	– 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 3. The Hero 11 can hit up to 6K resolution while the Go 3 is limited to 2.7K. 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 comes with 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.

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 2 vs GoPro HERO10 Black

Specifications	Insta360 Go 2	GoPro HERO10 Black
Stabilization	Basic and FlowState Stabilization	HyperSmooth 4.0
Lens Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.8
Size and Weight	52 x 23.6 x 20.5 mm | 0.9 oz	71.8 x 50.7 x 33.6 mm | 5.6 oz
Battery	210 mAh + 1,100 mAh Chagrin Case (30 Minutes + 150 Minutes)	1,720 mAh (up to 120 Minutes)
Waterproof	Up to 13 ft	Up to 33 ft
Top Features	– Slow Motion, TimeShift, TimeLapse, and FreeFrame Video Modes – Super Lightweight – Features a Fast Charging Case for Longer Lasting Performance	– Built-in Mounting – HDR SuperPhoto – TimeWarp 3.0 and Night lapse – Voice Control – 8x Slo-Mo mode

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 2. It also features a far better image stabilization mode with extra effects and capture modes.

Battery Performance

The Insta360 Go 2 has a disappointing battery performance and requires continuous charging, despite having a larger total capacity. For that reason, the GoPro Hero10 wins this round in my books.

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 2, so it depends on your preferences here.

Value for Money

While both cameras are older models of their respective series, I find the GoPro more technologically advanced and equipped with more power.

This justifies its price and makes it a better investment if you don’t want to spend a fortune on an action camera.

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 will typically offer a relatively higher capture quality than their respective Insta360, although this also comes at a price.

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.