Insta360 GO 2 vs GO 3S: Tiny Mighty Cameras Compared
By Naila Syifa
Updated June 2024
If you're looking for a tiny action camera that can capture great footage with high flexibility, the Insta360 GO lineup is an excellent choice, offering impressive features in a compact form factor.
The 2024-released Insta360 GO 3S model offers the latest features and improvements among the GO series, but the older 2021-released Insta360 GO 2 is a great affordable alternative that still delivers solid performance and value.
In this article, we'll compare the Insta360 GO 3S and GO 2 head to head across several important aspects, so you can decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 GO 2 has a maximum clip length for recording while the GO 3S doesn't, but the GO 2 has a longer runtime than GO 3S. Primary benefits that GO 3S has over the GO 2 include 4K resolution, no clip length limit, and a touchscreen on its Action Pod. The GO 3S also has more modes, FOV options, and control options, but the GO 2 can be a budget-friendly choice if you don't need the latest features.
Insta360 GO 2
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 1440p Video + 9 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FlowState Stabilization
✓ Charge Case
Insta360 GO 3S
Tiny Mighty 4K Cam
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ FreeFrame & Interval Video Mode
✓ Action Pod
#1 Price
Insta360 GO 3S
As the latest addition to the GO lineup, the Insta360 GO 3S is the most expensive model, with a retail price of $399 for the 64GB edition and $429 for the 128GB edition.
First launched in March 2021, the Insta360 GO 2 has a release price of $299 for the 32GB edition and $329 for the 64GB edition. It doesn't have a 128GB edition like the GO 3S.
Comparing both models' 64GB models, the price difference may not be very significant at $70, but the 32GB edition of the GO 2 offers an even more affordable entry point for budget-conscious buyers. Especially, considering that the GO 2 is a really old model, you may find even better deals and discounts on it now.
#2 Design & Durability
Insta360 GO 2 with the Charging Case
The camera units of both Insta360 GO 2 and GO 3S are nearly identical, with thumb-sized dimensions and a lightweight, pocketable design. The more recent GO 3S is slightly heavier at 39 grams compared to the GO 2's 26.5 grams, but the difference is barely noticeable for such tiny devices.
The more noticeable difference lies in their companion unit, with the GO 2 coming with an earbuds-case-look-alike 'Charging Case' while the GO 3S offers a boxy 'Action Pod' reminiscent of a typical action camera.
Insta360 GO 3S with the Action Pod
Both the Charging Case and Action Pod serve as additional battery and remote control for their respective camera units, but the Action Pod also features a 2.2" flip touchscreen for live preview and playback, which the Charging Case lacks.
However, the Charging Case of the Insta360 GO 2 has built-in tripod legs and can be used as a grip for selfies, whereas the Action Pod of the GO 3S requires additional accessories (like a tripod stand or a selfie stick) for these functions.
Insta360 GO 2 with the Magnet Pendant
Both Insta360 GO 2 and GO 3S have a magnetic design, allowing them to be attached to various metal surfaces without additional mounts. If needed, both cameras also come with 3 mounting accessories: the magnet pendant, an easy clip, and a pivot stand, all of which allow for versatile mounting options to capture unique perspectives.
Both cameras are also waterproof, though the GO 3S has a better waterproofing capability. While the Insta360 GO 3S is waterproof to 33ft (10m), the GO 2 is only waterproof to 13ft (4m). If you plan to use your camera for deeper water activities, the GO 3S is the better choice.
#3 Video & Photo
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 GO 3S boasts a 4K resolution, a standard for modern action cameras, while the GO 2 maxes out at 1440p. When it comes to still images, the GO 3S also wins for a higher resolution at 12MP compared to the GO 2's 9MP.
The GO 2 poses limitations in its clip length (10-30 minutes depending on the mode), while the GO 3S allows for unlimited recording time as long as the battery and storage permit. Clip limitations can be a great inconvenience if you want to continuously capture long events or activities without interruptions, but if you often record short clips to be stitched together later, the GO 2's maximum clip length may suffice.
Insta360 GO 2
Compared to GO 2, the GO 3S offers more recording modes to choose from. Pre-Recording (like HindSight in GoPro) captures a few seconds of footage before you hit the record button, so you never miss a critical moment. Loop Recording continuously records video and overwrites the oldest footage when the memory is full. Interval Video allows the camera to automatically record footage at set intervals, which can be used to record an activity throughout the day without having to manually start and stop the recording each time.
Insta360 GO 3S also offers FreeFrame Video mode, which allows you to export the footage in any aspect ratio during post-production, giving you more flexibility in editing and sharing your content across various platforms. In the Insta360 GO 2, the FreeFrame Video mode is known as Pro Video, so both cameras essentially have this feature, just under different names.
FreeFrame Video Mode
Both mini action cameras also feature a Slow Motion mode, which records at a high frame rate and plays back the footage in slow motion for dramatic effect. The Insta360 GO 3S supports up to 200fps for a super slow-motion effect, while the GO 2 tops out at 120fps.
Insta360 GO 3S also offers more FOV options, including MegaView, ActionView, UltraWide, Dewarp, and Narrow, while the GO 2 only has ActionView, UltraWide, Linear, and Narrow FOV. The MegaView FOV is the new kid on the block that offers a large edge-to-edge field of view, allowing you to capture more of your surroundings in a single shot.
#4 Features
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 GO 2 and GO 3S are similar in that both models are compatible with the Insta360 app, allowing you to remotely preview your shot in real-time and access a range of AI-powered editing tools for easy, quick, and creative video creation on your mobile device.
The Insta360 GO 3S has a few advantages with additional features, including Voice Control and Gesture Control for hands-free operation, compatibility with Apple Find My to locate your lost camera, and Easy Switch for easy aspect ratio change simply by rotating your camera.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 GO 2
Insta360 GO 3S has a larger battery capacity than the GO 2, offering 310mAh battery for the camera unit and 1270mAh for the Action Pod. In comparison, the Insta360 GO 2 comes with a 210mAh camera and 1100mAh charge case.
However, the older GO 2 interestingly has a longer runtime. In the Video mode, it can last for up to 30 minutes with the camera unit and can be extended to up to 150 minutes with the Charging Case.
Meanwhile, the Insta360 GO 3S can record for up to 38 minutes with the camera unit alone and up to 140 minutes with the Action Pod. A shorter battery life despite the larger battery capacity is likely due to the higher resolution and capability of the GO 3S.
Insta360 GO 2 vs GO 3S
Final Thoughts
Insta360 GO 3S
Both the Insta360 GO 2 and GO 3S offer impressive capabilities in a tiny, lightweight form factor. While the GO 3S boasts higher resolution video and photo, a touchscreen display, more video modes and FOV options, and additional control options, the GO 2 is more affordable and provides longer recording times on a single charge.
Ultimately, the choice between these two action cameras will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you require the absolute best video quality and newest features, the GO 3S is the clear winner. However, if maximum battery life is your top concern, the GO 2 may be the better option for your adventures.
If you’d like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 GO 3S vs GO 3
Insta360 GO 3S vs X4
Insta360 GO 3S vs X3
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
Recommended reading
