GoPro or Insta360 for Travel? The Best Action Camera for You

We pit the GoPro against the Insta360 and see which works best for travellers

GoPro vs Insta360 for Travel: Which Action Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re trying to decide between GoPro vs Insta360 for travel, you’re not alone.

These two brands dominate the action camera world, and both produce impressive footage. But after using GoPro and Insta360 cameras across several trips, I can honestly say that they’re both pretty different. 

For me, a content creator with work published by National Geographic, neither brand completely replaces the other.

Instead, they solve slightly different problems.

For years, my default choice was GoPro. My older GoPro Hero models travelled everywhere with me, from diving in the Maldives to road trips through Canada.

More recently, though, I’ve increasingly used Insta360 cameras, particularly for cycling and kayak adventures, where the invisible selfie stick creates footage that simply wasn’t possible before.

And now, the Insta360 X4 Air is the world’s lightest 8K 360° camera, weighing only 165g and capable of producing 8K 30fps 360° video. This, plus the promises of improved windproof audio meant it was time for me to sit down and review the collection of cameras I use.

So, if you’re wondering whether to buy an action camera or a 360 camera, here’s my experience comparing the cameras in real-world travel situations.

The Cameras I Used

Technology changes quickly, and newer models appear every year. Current camera comparisons often focus on the Insta360 X5 vs GoPro Hero 13 Black, while older travellers may still be using the Insta360 X3, Insta360 X4, Insta360 One X2 or GoPro Hero 10 and GoPro 11.

I’ve used several generations over the years, but most of my recent experience comes from:

• GoPro for underwater videography and road trips
• Insta 360 x series for cycling and solo travel

So, while it’s worth checking the exact model of each before you buy, the basic principles are the same between the two.

Setup and Ease of Use

One reason GoPro became so popular is that it’s incredibly straightforward, making it the flagship action camera.

Insert the battery, choose your settings and start recording. The camera will pick up what you would expect to see through a viewfinder, but in a knockproof, waterproof case. 

Insta360‘s approach is slightly different.

Because a 360 camera captures everything around you, there are more options to consider. In fact, that’s so important, I’ll say it again. The 360 camera records everything around you, so don’t need to worry quite so much about composition.

As a result, you have a huge video file that needs to be edited before you can see it or use it properly. The first time I used Insta360’s editing tools, I definitely experienced more of a learning curve.

However, that additional complexity also creates more creative possibilities.

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Real Life Example: Cycling & Driving with the GoPro

It’s relatively easy to clip a GoPro to your bike helmet, handlebars or clothing through one of the accessory bundles. On a road trip, you can attach it a mount on your car, so it doesn’t interfere with driving. This is a quick and easy set up but if the action jolts the camera out of position, you’re left with useless footage of, say, the dashboard, or the road beneath the bike.

Real Life Example: Cycling & Driving with the Insta360

Driving, the Insta360 didn’t really have a role. On the bike, though, Insta360 became much more interesting.

The invisible selfie stick effect made it appear as though another cyclist was filming me, even though I was travelling alone. I could wedge it in a bag on the handlebars and simultaneously record the scenery ahead, on both sides, and me on the bike. Whatever happened, I knew I’d have something on camera that I could use.

That’s one of the biggest differences between a normal action camera and a 360 action camera.

Image Quality and Low-Light Performance

Image quality has improved dramatically over the years.

The latest Insta360 X5 and GoPro Hero 13 both produce excellent 4K footage, with larger sensors and improved low-light capabilities.

During bright conditions, I found little difference between the two cameras.

But in lower light, both still struggle compared with larger mirrorless cameras.

That said, for travel content and social media, the quality is more than good enough.

Mounting Accessories: GoPro and Insta360 Compared

One of the reasons both brands have become so popular is the sheer number of accessories available.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated an alarming collection of mounts, clips and extension poles. Some I use constantly. Others have spent years gathering dust in a drawer.

GoPro Accessories

GoPro accessories are generally designed around traditional action filming, which is a fancy way for saying, you can strap them to just about any part of your body or your kit.

Popular options include:

• Chest mounts
• Floating hand grips
• Suction mounts for road trips
• Handlebar mounts
• Head straps

• Helmet mounts

I used several of these while diving in the Maldives and during our Nova Scotia road trip. A suction mount attached to the car produced some of my favourite coastal driving footage.

The system is simple and reliable.

Insta360 Accessories

Insta360 takes a slightly different approach.

Its ecosystem focuses more heavily on creative filming and solo travel.

Popular accessories include:

• The invisible selfie stick
• Backpack mounts
• Helmet mounts
• Bike handlebar mounts

For cycling from Venice to Croatia and during my ride through Albania, the invisible selfie stick transformed the footage.

Instead of looking like a traditional action cam recording, the video appeared as though someone else was cycling alongside me with a drone or follow camera.

For solo travellers, that’s a remarkable advantage.

But my favourite, has to be the drone like effect you can get with the Insta360. I love the shot below from kayaking in Nova Scotia: produced by squeezing a selfie stick between my knees and using the Insta360.

SHOP THE INSTA360 HERE

Which Accessory System is Better?

If your priority is traditional adventure sports, GoPro accessories probably remain the most straightforward option. You can pick up monster bundles of accessories on Amazon at a really low cost because it’s been around longer. For the Insta360, you’re more likely to have to go through their store, where the cost of accessories can really add up.

If you want a no-drone drone, then the Insta360 is the best action camera for that with the additional extra-long selfie stick. 

In fact, let’s talk a little more about that.

The Invisible Selfie Stick Changed How I Film

This is probably the feature that convinced me to buy the Insta360.

The invisible selfie stick sounds like a gimmick until you actually try it.

Because the stick disappears automatically from 360 footage, the resulting video creates a floating third-person perspective (or drone)

Stabilisation: Both Cameras Perform Brilliantly

Modern stabilisation technology is astonishing.

Years ago, walking footage often looked shaky and uncomfortable to watch. Today, both GoPro and Insta360 produce remarkably smooth results.

Battery Life on the Road

Battery life matters far more when travelling than it does at home.

A camera that lasts two hours in your living room feels very different when you’re cycling all day or exploring remote areas.

In my experience, both cameras benefit from carrying spare batteries.

For longer trips, I normally pack:

• Spare batteries
• Spare power banks
• Charging cables

In my experience, the Insta360 is a clear winner for battery life.

That said, the GoPro has pretty good voice activation, so you can save battery life that way if you’re cycling, driving or skiing and don’t want to keep stopping and starting just to activate the camera.

Editing: GoPro Quik App vs Insta360 App

Don’t gloss over this part because it’s more important than you think. Both rely heavily on apps on your phone. You can then export files to edit in more detail on a desktop.

Both offer AI versions to streamline this – but in my experience, you still need to do a hefty amount yourself before you even get anything half decent to look at.

GoPro Quik App

For years, the GoPro Quik App was amazing. It gathered your clips, formatted them into a great compilation, added music and that was that.

Then it switched to a more complicated subscription service that was really never quite as good. 

Still, there’s no getting around it. It is still much easier to edit GoPro videos than those from Insta360 action cameras. 

Insta360 App

The Insta360 App is much more powerful. But with that power comes complexity.

The ability to reframe 360 footage after filming is extraordinary. You can essentially decide on the camera angle after the shoot by dragging your fingers around a screen. 

If you’ve never tried it before, the closest I can compare it to is moving Google street view around to look at what you want.

The downside is that editing takes longer and it does take a while to get used to it. 

There is an AI Auto Frame feature that can save time. It’s pretty good but for the best results, you’re still going to have to do it yourself.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE INSTA360

Which App Do I Prefer?

Insta360 hands down. Yes, you need to learn how to use it but it really doesn’t take that long. While I’m sure I could do more with the features, you only need 10 – 15 minutes to get started and export what you need. Don’t let talk about editing and app complexity put you off. 

Waterproof Performance

This becomes crucial for beaches, snorkelling, boat trips, rainy conditions and diving.

And any trip to Ireland.

The GoPro feels rugged, dependable and purpose-built for adventure – so rainy days are a breeze.

Insta360 cameras are also waterproof, but personally I still instinctively trust the GoPro more when water is involved because of how easily my first Insta360 snapped.

GoPro Underwater: Why I Still Use It

Some of my favourite travel footage still comes from older GoPro cameras.

While diving in the Maldives, the waterproof design and wide field of view made it easy to capture marine life without worrying about complicated settings.

For underwater travel, I still instinctively reach for GoPro.

It feels robust, reliable and purpose-built for adventure.

Insta360 promises to be waterproof but the battery fastener snapped on my first trip to Nova Scotia, meaning that it no longer was. To be completely fair, my older GoPro also failed during a waterfall in the Amazon River but it did take a lot longer to reach that point.

So, it depends how cavalier you can be with your equipment, because the idea of a 360 video underwater is still very tempting. But, for now, the GoPro wins for me. 

How Do DJI Osmo Cameras Compare?

I love my DJI Osmo Pocket for standard vlogging. The gimbal is so smooth, it’s small and unobtrusive, the battery life is incredible and the microphone accessory is one of the best I’ve ever tried. But it’s not built for action – at all. It’s quite delicate and I’m not sure it’s going to survive another year of tough travel conditions. 

I have my eye on the Insta360 Luna Ultra as a replacement but I haven’t tested it out yet.

But I haven’t tested out the DJI 360 – yet. But I probably will. It will take a long time before I’m ready to try a new GoPro – partly because I hate the app so much.

Which Camera Do I Actually Pack?

After years of carrying cameras around the world, I’ve realised that the answer changes depending on the trip.

For Scuba Diving and Water Activities

GoPro.

For Road Trips

Usually GoPro.

For Solo Travel

Increasingly Insta360.

For Cycling Adventures

Definitely Insta360.

For Creative Storytelling

Insta360.

For Simple Family Holidays

Insta360.

For YouTube and Vlogging

Insta360 (but really the DJI Pocket.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GoPro better than Insta360?

Not necessarily. GoPro is easier to use, while Insta360 offers more creative flexibility.

Which camera is best for solo travellers?

In my experience, Insta360 has the advantage thanks to the invisible selfie stick and ability to create third-person footage.

Is GoPro better underwater?

For diving and water sports, I still prefer the GoPro.

Should I buy an action camera or a 360 camera?

It’s hard. If your action is going to be super hard action, go for the GoPro. If you want nice group shots of you and little kids without getting everyone posing when you’re out and about, go for the insta 360. 

Would I switch completely from GoPro to Insta360?

No. At least not yet.

After years of travel, I still think these two cameras complement each other more than they replace each other. So, I will still travel with both and pick and choose for the situation. 

Ready to Buy?

The Insta360 X4 Air is newer and lighter than the one I was using last summer. It also comes with a spare battery, which is a great help. You need to buy the “drone” selfie stick separately but it comes with a normal selfie stick which can be screwed on to standard tripod accessories like the gorilla pod. 

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