GoPro Hero (2024) vs Insta360 GO 3S: Tiny Siblings with Different Strengths

By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2024

Action cameras are known to be compact and lightweight, but the GoPro Hero (2024) and Insta360 GO 3S take portability to a whole new level. Not only that they weigh less than 100 grams, but they also offer a more affordable entry into the world of high-quality action cameras. But how do these two models differ and which one best suits your needs?

Key Takeaways

GoPro Hero (2024) offers only the basics – 4K video in 16:9, slow motion, and 12 MP photo capture – without much room for settings or adjustments. In contrast, the Insta360 GO 3S offers more flexibility in modes, settings, and mounting. It also offers more pro-level controls like ISO, EV, and WB that the Hero lacks.

On our list

#1 Price

#2 Design & Durability

#3 Video & Photo Features

#4 Audio Features

#5 Other Features

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero (2024)

Small & Simple

✓ 4K/30 Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ 2x Slo-Mo
✓ Voice Control
✓ Lightweight at 86g

Buy on Amazon

Insta360 GO 3S

Tiny & Mighty

✓ 4K/30 Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ Action Pod

Buy on Amazon

#1 Price

GoPro Hero (2024)

Insta360 GO 3S is available as a standalone and as a bundle with the Action Pod. The standalone costs US$239 for the 64GB and $269 for the 128GB storage, while the bundle version costs US$399 for the 64GB and $429 for the 128GB. The Action Pod functions as a display, remote control, and extra power for the Insta360 GO 3S, so purchasing the bundle is highly recommended.

Meanwhile, the GoPro Hero (2024) is much more affordable. It retails at US$199, which is 50% cheaper than the Insta360 GO 3S 64GB bundle model. If budget is a key factor in your decision, then the Hero (2024) is the clear option.

#2 Design & Durability

Insta360 GO 3S

We often hear the Insta360 GO 3S as the world's smallest action camera, and that title seems to be just right. Measuring 25.6 x 54.4 x 24.8 mm and weighing only 39 g, the camera is as small as a thumb, making it extremely portable and discreet.

The GoPro Hero (2024) is slightly larger at 56.6 x 47.7 x 29.4 mm dimensions and 86 g weight, but the camera integrates a 1.76" touch display on the back.

The GO 3S is too small to feature a screen, so the 2.2" flip touch display is separated in the Action Pod, which adds 96 g of more weight into the total package.

While both cameras are rugged and durable, the Hero (2024) offers waterproofing only up to 16ft (5m) compared to the Insta360 GO 3S which is waterproof up to 33ft (10m). However, note that only the GO 3S camera unit is waterproof up to 33ft (10m), while the Action Pod is only splash-proof.

For mounting to various accessories, the Hero (2024) features GoPro's iconic built-in mounting fingers, which involves securing the camera's fingers to the mounting buckle with a thumb screw. It is secure but can be a bit cumbersome to set up.

In comparison, the Insta360 GO 3S offers easier and quicker mounting options. First of all, the camera is magnetic, so we can easily snap it onto the included magnet pendant or anywhere with a metal surface. An easy clip accessory is also included to clip on the Insta360 GO 3S to your cap or pet's collar. The third mounting option is a pivot stand, which can easily be stuck onto any surface to position the camera at the desired angle.

#3 Video & Photo Features

GoPro Hero (2024)

Interestingly, GoPro Hero (2024) and Insta360 GO 3S share the same resolution specs, which are 4K/30 fps for videos and 12 MP for photos. The apparent difference is that the GO 3S offers many more video and photo modes, like HDR, Timelapse, Pre-Recording, Loop Recording, Interval Photo, and Interval Video modes.

Interval Video is a particularly unique mode worth mentioning. When using this mode, the camera auto-captures at a set interval throughout the set duration, then Auto Edit in the Insta360 app combines the highlights into a ready-to-share video. It is a truly hassle-free way to create a daily vlog without the need to manually record and edit the footage.

Flexibility is another aspect where the GoPro Hero (2024) falls short. Aspect ratio in the Hero is limited to 16:9 for videos and 4:3 for photos, while the FOV is fixed at 165°. Meanwhile, the GO 3S more varying FOV and aspect ratio options.

The Insta360 GO 3S even features a FreeFrame Video mode, which records in a flexible aspect ratio that can be chosen later during editing. That means, we can take one video and later choose to export it in 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1 to suit different social media platforms.

Insta360 GO 3S

While the Insta360 GO 3S and GoPro Hero offer equally reliable video stabilization – FlowState Stabilization for the GO 3S and HyperSmooth for the Hero – the GO 3S also supports Horizon Lock, which keeps the horizon level even when the camera is fully tilted. Horizon Lock is not offered by the Hero (2024).

Both cameras are also different in the extent of control they offer for adjusting shooting settings. The Insta360 GO 3S offers more pro-level control with the ability to adjust shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation value (EV), white balance, sharpness, and more.

For the GoPro Hero (2024), aside from swapping modes and adjusting resolution/frame rates, there is not much to control. This makes the Hero (2024) perfect to use for beginners or casual users who don't want to fiddle too much with camera settings, while the GO 3S is better suited for those who want more advanced control over their video and photo captures.

#4 Audio Features

GoPro Hero (2024)

While both the GoPro Hero and Insta360 GO 3S offer two built-in microphones, the GO 3S offers more flexibility with 3 audio mode options – Stereo, Wind Reduction, and Direction Focus. The Stereo mode is the most natural, while the Wind Reduction mode helps to minimize wind noise and the Direction Focus mode is optimized for capturing clear audio from a specific direction, such as when recording a vlog or interview.

GoPro Hero (2024) doesn't offer such options. It captures audio in mono. Stereo audio isn't supported and there is also no dedicated noise reduction to improve audio quality in windy conditions.

One limitation that both cameras have is the lack of support for external microphone connections, which can be a drawback for users who want to capture high-quality audio for professional-grade content creation.

#5 Other Features

Insta360 GO 3S

Both action cameras offer voice control for hands-free operation, allowing users to start/stop recording, take photos, and more with just voice commands. The Insta360 GO 3S goes further with an added gesture control feature, so simple hand gestures can also control the camera when voice control is not ideal, such as when in a noisy environment.

Another feature that makes operating both cameras easy peasy is the QuickCapture (or QuikCapture in the GoPro), which allows instant recording by simply pressing a button even when the camera is off.

Insta360 GO 3S is also trackable using Apple Find My, so we can easily locate it if it ever gets lost or misplaced.

#6 Battery Life

GoPro Hero (2024)

GoPro Hero (2024) is powered by a 1255mAh Enduro battery, which is rated for 100 minutes of runtime at 4K/30 fps.

Due to its tiny size, the Insta360 GO 3S can only pack a 310mAh battery, which allows it to last for up to 38 minutes at 1080p/30. The Action Pod gives an additional 1270mAh battery to extend the total battery life up to 140 minutes at 1080p/30.

Therefore, the Hero (2024) is the longer-lasting option between the two in terms of battery life.