The Insta360 GO Ultra, which came out on August 21, 2025, changes the game for small action cameras. This new version builds on the legacy of the GO series by adding a bigger sensor, better video capabilities, and a modular design. It delivers flagship-level performance in a pocket-sized package. The GO Ultra is a little bigger than its predecessors, but its improvements make it a great choice for content creators, adventurers, and anyone who wants creative POV footage. This is a detailed look at what makes the Insta360 GO Ultra stand out from other action cameras.
Design and Build: Small but Strong
Insta360 GO Ultra keeps the modular design that makes the GO series so popular. It has a separate camera and an Action Pod. The camera unit is about the same size as a smartwatch, measuring 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.7 inches and weighing only 1.87 ounces (53g). Even though it’s bigger and heavier than the GO 3S (39g), it’s still very small compared to other action cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. The Action Pod, which has a 2.5-inch flip-up touchscreen and an extra battery, makes the total weight 5.7 ounces (161g).
The camera’s square shape, which is different from the pill-shaped GO 3S, makes it feel sturdy and comfortable to hold. The grip is rubberized to make it easier to hold. The base is now stronger than ever, so you can attach it securely to metal surfaces or accessories like the Magnetic Pendant and Easy Clip that come with it. The pendant now has adjustable tilt, which lets users change the angles to get flattering POV shots. This is a feature that is especially useful for filming while wearing it. The standalone camera is IPX8 waterproof to 33 feet (10m), which makes it great for underwater fun. The Action Pod, on the other hand, is only IPX4 splashproof.
The addition of a microSD card slot (up to 2TB) is a big improvement over the built-in storage of earlier models. This makes it easier to change the way you work, but it can be hard for people with bigger hands to put the card in. The camera also comes with a quick-release safety cord and works with Apple Find My, which lowers the chance of losing it during action-packed shoots.
Performance: A lot of great features in a small package
The GO Ultra’s performance boost comes from a 5nm AI chip and a 1/1.28-inch sensor that is 221% bigger than the GO 3S’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. These improvements make it possible to record video at 4K60fps (up from 4K30fps on the GO 3S), use Active HDR at 4K30fps, and use PureVideo mode for better performance in low light. The 156-degree field of view (FOV) gives you a full view of the scene, and you can switch to linear mode for vlogging without any distortion.
The video quality is great, with clear, bright footage that rivals that of bigger action cameras. The AI-powered PureVideo mode cuts down on noise in low light, so the GO Ultra works surprisingly well at night or inside. Active HDR makes highlights and shadows equal, which makes colors pop even in bad lighting. The stabilization is great, with three levels of image stabilization and horizon locking (up to 360 degrees in FreeFrame mode). This makes sure that the footage is smooth when you’re doing things like biking or running.
The audio quality is good, with clear voice capture and a mode that cuts down on wind noise. However, for professional-grade sound, you should use external microphones like Insta360’s Mic Air or Bluetooth mics from other companies. The camera can take 50MP photos (8192×6144), which is a big step up from the GO 3S’s 12MP. However, it’s not very good at taking pictures; smartphones are often better at it.
Features: Creators can use it in many ways
The GO Ultra has a lot of shooting modes, such as standard video, FreeFrame (for cropping and framing later), Timelapse, Starlapse, Slow Motion (up to 2.7K120fps or 1080p240fps), and Loop Recording. The Toddler Titan mode, which is for kid-level POV shots and comes with an optional clip, is a fun family-friendly feature. The Insta360 app uses AI to make editing easier. It has features like AI Family Moments and portrait enhancements that make clips look better.
It’s easy to switch between modes and settings on the Action Pod’s 2.5-inch touchscreen, which is bright and responsive. The app lets you control things from a distance, see live previews, and send files quickly. However, Wi-Fi transfers can be slow for big files. The interface is easy to use and has presets for things like vlogging, biking, and skiing. However, the long list of modes could use some customization options.
Battery life is great for its size.
The battery life is good; the camera lasts about 70 minutes at 4K30fps and up to 200 minutes when used with the Action Pod. But recording in 4K60fps cuts the standalone runtime down to about 40 minutes, and the device can overheat after 30 minutes of use. This is less of a problem because the camera charges to 80% in 12 minutes and the Action Pod in 18 minutes. The fact that the batteries can’t be replaced is a downside compared to competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, which lets you swap out batteries.
Cost and Worth: A High-End Compact
The Standard Bundle, which comes with the camera, safety cord, Magnetic Pendant, Easy Clip, USB-C cable, and lens guard, costs $449.99/£389/€429. The Creator Bundle, which adds a tripod, quick-release mount, and pivot stand, costs $499.99/£429/€479. The GO Ultra is more expensive than the GO 3S ($399.99) and even some of the best action cameras, like the GoPro Hero 13 Black ($359.99). The camera doesn’t have built-in storage, so you’ll need to buy a microSD card. However, the camera’s unique shape and performance make it worth the extra money for people who value portability and versatility.
The verdict: This is a game-changer for POV creators
The Insta360 GO Ultra is a great balance between size and performance. It has almost flagship video quality in a small, wearable design. It has a bigger sensor, can shoot in 4K60fps, and works better in low light. The modular design and magnetic mounting system give you a lot of creative freedom. But the bigger size, the fact that the Action Pod isn’t waterproof, and the high price might turn some people off, especially those who are happy with the GO 3S or want a more traditional action camera.
The GO Ultra is a great camera for content creators, vloggers, and adventurers who want a light, flexible camera for unique POV shots. This is not only a great small action camera; it’s a great action camera in general. The Insta360 GO Ultra is available now at Insta360’s online store and major retailers like Amazon. If you’re ready to pay for its features, you can get it now.
