Insta360 Go 3 vs Go 3S

Body

I recently picked up the Insta360 Go 3 in black—finally, they made one! But then the Go 3S launched, so I had to check it out. Right off the bat, the image quality is a little better, and the build feels slightly improved in some areas, though the Go 3 was already solid. The new lens guard is bigger, which makes it easier to pull out of the case, but there’s a downside—it’s not compatible with Go 3 accessories. So if you already bought extra lens guards or an ND filter set, they’re now useless. This is one of the first real annoyances in the Insta360 Go 3 vs Go 3S comparison.

The biggest issue? The Go 3S loses the flexible recording aspect of its predecessor. On the Go 3, you could shoot however you wanted and adjust the framing later without much loss. Now, the Go 3S only records horizontally if the camera is physically positioned that way, which makes it awkward on the magnetic neck strap and nearly unusable on a side-mounted backpack clip. Cropping vertical footage into horizontal loses about 60% of the frame, which makes me think they ditched the square sensor from the Go 3. On top of that, Insta360 removed the option to disable the front LED indicator—something you could do on the previous model. These are important factors to consider in the Insta360 Go 3 vs Go 3S debate, especially for users who rely on the versatility of the older model.

Honestly, for a device Insta360 calls a "must-have upgrade," you’re really just getting slightly better image quality, a small speed boost in processing, and a handful of frustrating limitations. If you're already using a Go 3, I’d think twice before upgrading—you might end up losing more than you gain.

Insta360 Go 3

Top 3 Features
  • Resolution:
    Image Resolution
    3MP
  • Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
    Rec Time (1080p)
    45Min
  • Mobile App Compatibility:
    Mobile App
    Yes
Insta360 Go 3

Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera Based on initial feedback, the Insta360 Go 3 is making waves as an action camera. Right off the bat, people are talking about the camera itself, and it's compact portability. Early adopters are diving into real-world testing, with the main topics being battery life and the available accessories, so you can dial in the perfect setup. While most agree this tiny camera packs a punch, there's some chatter that it can be a little slow at times. All in all, if you're after an ultra-portable action cam and don't mind a few compromises, the Insta360 Go 3 is definitely one to keep your eye on.

$334.61 on Amazon

Insta360 Go 3 S

Top 3 Features
  • Resolution:
    Image Resolution
    12MP
  • Recording Time (1080p, minutes):
    Rec Time (1080p)
    38Min
  • Mobile App Compatibility:
    Mobile App
    Yes
Insta 360 Go 3 S

Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera Users report that the Insta360 Go 3S stands out for its incredibly compact design, making it an ultra-portable action camera. Right out of the box, many appreciate its versatility – the clever Action Pod and Hat Clip add unique shooting options. Performance-wise, the Go 3S holds its own, delivering great video and image quality perfect for social media content. AI editing capabilities add another level of convenience, streamlining your workflow. While battery life is a consideration, the ample 128GB of storage means you can still capture plenty of footage. The waterproof design adds to its usability across various environments. Keep in mind low light performance, but under the right conditions, the Go 3S delivers. If you’re looking for a versatile, pocket-sized action cam with user-friendly features, this one’s worth considering.

$379.99 on Amazon

Insta360 Go 3 VS Insta360 Go 3 S specification in the golden ring

Everything to know about Insta360 Go 3

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Insta360 Go 3

Insta360 Go 3

Score Value
63
 / 100
Insta360 Go 3 Score
Learn about our AI Engine

How Our Ai Engine Scores & Analyze

We worked very hard on our Ai engine, we analyzed tens of thousands of reviews, products & websites to gather enough data about action cameras to be able to conclude definitively which camera is better and why. We gave all our cameras tags that includes everything from video resolution to activity and weight in order to provide the best most accurate scoring and analysis possible
Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera
Based on initial feedback, the Insta360 Go 3 is making waves as an action camera. Right off the bat, people are talking about the camera itself, and it's compact portability. Early adopters are diving into real-world testing, with the main topics being battery life and the available accessories, so you can dial in the perfect setup. While most agree this tiny camera packs a punch, there's some chatter that it can be a little slow at times. All in all, if you're after an ultra-portable action cam and don't mind a few compromises, the Insta360 Go 3 is definitely one to keep your eye on.

  • Compact Form Factor: Weighing just 35 grams, the Go 3 is incredibly portable, making it ideal for travel and discreet filming.
  • Versatile Magnetic Mounting: The magnetic design allows for unique mounting options, enabling creative shots in various environments and positions.
  • Advanced Stabilization: Features Flow State stabilization, ensuring smooth video capture even in dynamic situations, perfect for action shots.
  • User-Friendly Action Pod: The Action Pod includes a flip-up screen for monitoring and controls, enhancing convenience for vlogging and other uses.
  • Limited Battery Life: Individual usage allows for only about 45 minutes of recording; while the Action Pod extends this, it's still less than some competitors.
  • No Expandable Storage: You must choose between fixed internal storage options (64GB or 128GB) without the flexibility of SD card support.
  • Lower 4K Frame Rate: 4K recording is capped at 30 FPS; higher frame rates require dropping resolution to 2.7K or 1080p, limiting shooting options.
  • Poor Low-Light Performance: Small sensor struggles in low-light conditions, leading to grainy videos; this could be a dealbreaker for many users needing versatile shooting capabilities.

Everything to know about Insta360 Go 3 S

Image
Image
Insta 360 Go 3 S

Insta360 Go 3 S

Score Value
76
 / 100
Insta360 Go 3 S Score
Learn about our AI Engine

How Our Ai Engine Scores & Analyze

We worked very hard on our Ai engine, we analyzed tens of thousands of reviews, products & websites to gather enough data about action cameras to be able to conclude definitively which camera is better and why. We gave all our cameras tags that includes everything from video resolution to activity and weight in order to provide the best most accurate scoring and analysis possible
Our AI did review analysis, here is what it think about this camera
Users report that the Insta360 Go 3S stands out for its incredibly compact design, making it an ultra-portable action camera. Right out of the box, many appreciate its versatility – the clever Action Pod and Hat Clip add unique shooting options. Performance-wise, the Go 3S holds its own, delivering great video and image quality perfect for social media content. AI editing capabilities add another level of convenience, streamlining your workflow. While battery life is a consideration, the ample 128GB of storage means you can still capture plenty of footage. The waterproof design adds to its usability across various environments. Keep in mind low light performance, but under the right conditions, the Go 3S delivers. If you’re looking for a versatile, pocket-sized action cam with user-friendly features, this one’s worth considering.