Insta360 GO 3S vs Ace Pro: Same Price, Which is a Better Investment?
By Naila Syifa
Updated June 2024
With the recent release of Insta360 GO 3S, many are wondering how this tiny action camera compares to other Insta360 models like the Insta360 Ace Pro.
Especially, with the same price tag of $399, the decision between the two can be tricky. To help you consider which camera is a better investment for your specific needs and use cases, we'll dive into the key differences and similarities between the Insta360 GO 3S and the Insta360 Ace Pro.
Key Takeaways
Ace Pro is superior to the GO 3S in terms of imaging capabilities, audio support, and additional features. However, the tiny size and magnetic body of GO 3S make it an attractive option for users who want to capture hands-free unique perspectives and angles.
Insta360 GO 3S
Tiny Mighty Action Cam
✓ 4K Video + 12 MP Photo
✓ Compact, Lightweight, Magnetic
✓ Interval Video Mode
✓ Action Pod
Insta360 Ace Pro
True Action Camera
✓ 8K Video, 48MP Photo
✓ 1/1.3” Sensor with PureVideo
✓ Wireless Microphone Support
✓ AI Selfie Stick Eraser
#1 Price
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 GO 3S costs US$399.99 for the 64GB version, while the 128GB version will set you back at US$429.99. The camera is also available as a standalone (which doesn't include the Action Pod) at a more affordable price of US$239.99 for the 64GB and US$269.99 for the 128GB.
However, the Action Pod serves many useful, important functions as a companion, so we don't recommend getting the standalone version unless you have a specific use case in mind that doesn't require the Action Pod.
Insta360 Ace Pro had a price tag of US$499.99 when it was first released in November 2023. However, only around 5 months after its initial launch, the price dropped to US$399.99, making it now the same price as the Insta360 GO 3S 64GB version.
#2 Design & Durability
Insta360 Ace Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro is a full-sized action camera, coming in a boxy form factor with a 2.4" flip touchscreen display that can be adjusted for framing and reviewing footage. Action cameras are typically compact and lightweight, and the Ace Pro is no exception, measuring 71.9 x 52.15 x 38.5 mm and weighing 179.8 g.
However, compared to the nearly-thumb-sized Insta360 GO 3S, which measures just 25.6 x 54.4 x 24.8 mm and weighs only 39 g, the Ace Pro is considerably larger and heavier. The GO 3S' tiny form factor gives it an advantage in terms of flexible mounting and placement, allowing it to fit into tight spaces and be easily concealed.
Especially, Insta360 GO 3S has a magnetic design, which makes it incredibly versatile for mounting and attaching to various surfaces. The box also includes 3 mounting accessories (magnet pendant, easy clip, and pivot stand) for unique placement and angles like a POV chest or pet's collar. Meanwhile, Ace Pro comes with a standard mount and a flexible adhesive mount for more conventional mounting.
Insta360 GO 3S
Due to its ultra-compact size, the camera unit of Insta360 GO 3S only features the camera and the operating button. For framing, previewing, and more control, the Action Pod serves as a necessary companion that can operate the GO 3S remotely or be used together. The 2.2” flip touchscreen on the Action Pod is smaller than the Ace Pro's screen, but it should be sufficient for framing and reviewing footage.
Despite those differences, Insta360 GO 3S and Ace Pro are comparable in terms of durability. Both are rugged and designed to withstand the rigors of active use. They can operate at extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C and are waterproof to 33ft (10m) out of the box. Note that the Action Pod of the GO 3S is only splashproof and will require a Dive Case for underwater use.
#3 Video & Photo
Insta360 Ace Pro
In terms of imaging, Insta360 Ace Pro is the clear winner. It boasts 8K/24 fps maximum video resolution, 48MP maximum photo resolution, a Leica co-engineered lens, and a flagship 1/1.3" sensor that delivers superior image quality and low-light performance compared to the Insta360 GO 3S.
Insta360 Ace Pro also features a special PureVideo mode for low-light shooting, which employs a 5nm AI chip to deliver exceptional imaging in challenging lighting conditions.
The image quality of the GO 3S maxes out at 4K/30 fps video resolution and 12 MP photo resolution, which is far more limited compared to the Ace Pro's capabilities but is still impressive for its size.
One thing that the GO 3S can beat the Ace Pro on is its slow-motion mode. Though the Ace Pro supports slow motion in 4K while the GO 3S is limited to 2.7K, the GO 3S can record slow-motion footage at up to 200 fps at 1080p, whereas the Ace Pro is capped at 100 fps.
Interval Video in the Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 GO 3S also introduces a unique Interval Video mode that's never before seen on an Insta360 camera, allowing the camera to automatically record clips at set intervals, then stitch them together with the AI-powered Auto Edit to create a highlight video of an all-day activity like a hike or a road trip. This innovative mode allows effortless creation of cinematic videos without manual recording and editing.
One important thing to note is both cameras already offer FreeFrame Video mode, which records footage in a flexible aspect ratio that you can choose later in post-production. In today's era where sharing videos across multiple social media platforms has become the norm, this flexibility is invaluable, and we're glad that both Insta360 GO 3S and Insta360 Ace Pro offer this feature.
#4 Audio
Insta360 Ace Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro wins again over the GO 3S in terms of audio features. The Ace Pro is equipped with 3 built-in microphones that provide better audio capture than the 2 built-in microphones of the Insta360 GO 3S.
In addition, the Ace Pro supports an external microphone connection. With the Insta360 Mic Adapter, you can connect Ace Pro with various external microphone brands, and you can even pair it with Bluetooth earbuds like AirPods or motorcycle helmet headsets for versatile audio recording and voice control.
Meanwhile, Insta360 GO 3S doesn't support external microphones. It relies only on its built-in microphones for audio capture.
#5 Features
AI Warp in the Insta360 Ace Pro
Beyond the core imaging and audio capabilities, Insta360 GO 3S and Insta360 Ace Pro offer a range of unique features that may sway your decision.
Both are compatible with the Insta360 app for remote preview, control, and access to a range of AI-powered editing tools. However, the Ace Pro also offers an exclusive AI Warp generative AI feature that can transform footage simply with a text prompt, and an AI Selfie Stick Eraser tool that can automatically remove the selfie stick from your videos. Selfie stick removal is a common capability that all 360 cameras from Insta360 offer, but the Ace Pro's version allows the selfie stick removal effect to be applied even to non-360 videos.
Insta360 GO 3S
If you plan to use the camera to record sports activities like cycling or skiing, both cameras offer a Stats Dashboard feature, which allows you to overlay stats from Garmin devices or Apple watches to create data-rich footage.
Insta360 Ace Pro also offers Auto Dash, which turns the camera into a dash cam when paired with a compatible vehicle, automatically recording driving footage.
Meanwhile, Insta360 GO 3S stands out with Apple Find My integration, allowing you to locate the camera if it gets lost or misplaced.
#6 Battery Life
Insta360 Ace Pro
Insta360 Ace Pro boasts a large battery capacity of 1650 mAh, which allows the camera to last for up to 100 minutes of continuous recording at 4K/30 fps. Despite the large capacity, the Ace Pro charges quickly in 46 minutes and can reach 80% in just 22 minutes.
Insta360 GO 3S is inferior in this regard. The camera unit can only last for up to 38 minutes while using it with the Action Pod will extend the battery life to a total of up to 140 minutes at 1080p/30 fps. Charging the Action Pod also takes longer at 65 minutes to fully charge, while reaching 80% requires around 47 minutes, the time that the Ace Pro takes to fully charge.
Insta360 GO 3S vs Ace Pro
Final Thoughts
Insta360 GO 3S
At the same price tag, the Insta360 Ace Pro offers more advanced imaging capabilities, comprehensive audio support, and additional exclusive features compared to the Insta360 GO 3S. It is a versatile full-sized action camera that delivers superior performance and caters to a wide range of use cases.
Insta360 GO 3S falls behind the Ace Pro in terms of overall imaging and wireless microphone support, but its ultra-compact size, magnetic design, versatile mounting support, and innovative Interval Video mode may be worth the trade-offs for certain users who prioritize convenience, ease of use, and unique perspectives over raw technical specifications.
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 GO 2
Insta360 GO 3S vs X4
Insta360 GO 3S vs GoPro Hero 11 Mini
Insta360 GO 3S vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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