GoPro has dominated the action camera market with its rugged design and reliable performance. Yet, every so often, a challenger emerges with a fresh take on what an action cam can be. Insta360 has long positioned itself as that disruptor. From its panoramic 360-degree cameras to the quirky magnetic Insta360 Go 3, the company has consistently attempted to push the boundaries of compact video capture.
Now, with the release of the Insta360 Go Ultra a $450 detachable, cube-shaped action camera the brand may have finally found the perfect balance between versatility, portability, and performance. Designed to deliver 4K recording at 60 fps while maintaining its trademark modular design, the Go Ultra aims to challenge the perception of what a thumb-sized camera can achieve.
But can it truly unseat the GoPro Hero 13 Black or the DJI Osmo Action 5? After hands-on testing, here’s what we’ve learned.
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From Pod to Cube: A Design Overhaul
The Insta360 Go 3 and its magnetic camera pod were fun experiments in miniaturization, but they often left users wanting more in terms of image quality and battery life. The Go Ultra solves some of those limitations by ditching the slimmer pod design for a slightly larger cube form factor.
- Weight: 53g (still impressively light)
- Sensor: 1/1.28-inch, enabling better low-light performance
- Lens: f/2.85 aperture, 14.27mm focal length
- Photo Resolution: Up to 50 megapixels
Though larger than its predecessors, the cube shape makes room for better optics, improved stabilization, and enhanced low-light shooting, making the trade-off worthwhile.
Shooting Performance: 4K at 60 fps
The headline feature is clear: 4K video at 60 fps, a step up from the Go 3S, which maxed out at 4K 30 fps. Combined with the new sensor, this makes the Go Ultra a real competitor for anyone serious about smooth, cinematic-looking action footage.
Additional video features include:
- PureVideo Mode: Optimized for low-light recording (limited to 4K at 30 fps).
- Adaptive HDR: Improves contrast in tricky lighting conditions (also frame-rate limited).
- Independent Shooting: Up to 70 minutes at 1080p without its housing, or 40 minutes at 4K.
- Battery + Charging: Around 90 minutes total, with fast charging to 80% in just 12 minutes.
While it doesn’t quite reach GoPro Hero 13 Black’s 5.3K, the Go Ultra’s strengths lie in its magnetic modularity and flexibility, something GoPro simply doesn’t offer.
Versatility: The Magnet Advantage
What makes the Go Ultra stand out is not just its video quality but its versatility in mounting and usage. Unlike a traditional GoPro or DJI Osmo Action, which rely heavily on bulky mounts, the Go Ultra embraces its magnetic design:
- Magnetic Pendant: Slip it under your shirt, and the camera attaches to your chest.
- Hat/Helmet Clip: Lightweight and less restrictive than GoPro’s chest rigs.
- Custom Mounting: Since the pod is magnetic, users can invent new DIY rigs.
During testing, attaching the Go Ultra to a fencing mask during historical sword fighting practice showcased how effective this design could be. The footage was clearer in low light compared to multiple past attempts with GoPro models.
That said, the magnet isn’t invincible. Mounting directly to a bike frame or other vibrating surfaces may not hold under rough conditions. Additional mounts or magnetic stabilizers are recommended.
Storage and Connectivity
One controversial change is Insta360’s decision to remove internal storage altogether. Unlike the Go 3S, which had built-in memory, the Go Ultra requires a microSD card (up to 2TB). The card slots directly into the cube module rather than the housing, which means users must be careful not to misplace it.
Other noteworthy features:
- Apple Find My support: Helps track the device if misplaced.
- USB-C fast charging and data transfer.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for Insta360’s mobile app.
While some may lament the loss of built-in storage, expandable microSD options arguably give more flexibility—especially for creators working with large 4K files.
Image and Video Quality in Practice
Low-Light Performance
The Go Ultra’s larger 1/1.28-inch sensor is its secret weapon. Footage in dimly lit environments, such as gyms or evening outdoor settings, is noticeably cleaner compared to both older Go models and GoPros at equivalent resolution.
Daylight and HDR Shooting
In bright conditions, the Adaptive HDR mode provides balanced exposures with improved highlights and shadows. The trade-off is a lower frame rate, which may disappoint action purists who demand consistent 60 fps.
Photography
While not its main focus, the Go Ultra can snap 50-megapixel stills, offering decent detail for casual photography. However, anyone serious about still imagery will still prefer a dedicated camera or even a smartphone.
Battery Life and Usability
Battery performance is a mixed bag:
- Independent pod use: 40 minutes (4K) or 70 minutes (1080p).
- With housing: About 90 minutes total.
- Charging: 80% in 12 minutes (impressively fast).
For short bursts of creative shooting, the Go Ultra’s battery life is sufficient, but long adventure days may require backup power.
Price and Value: Is It Worth $450?
At $450, the Go Ultra is more expensive than:
- GoPro Hero 13 Black: $399
- DJI Osmo Action 5: $350
Insta360 also offers a Creator Bundle at $500, which includes:
- Mini 2-in-1 tripod
- Quick-release mount
- Pivot stand
The premium pricing reflects the innovation in form factor, magnetic design, and sensor upgrades, but buyers will need to decide whether those advantages justify the extra cost.
Insta360 Go Ultra vs. Competitors
| Feature | Insta360 Go Ultra | GoPro Hero 13 Black | DJI Osmo Action 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 4K @ 60 fps | 5.3K @ 60 fps | 4K @ 120 fps |
| Sensor | 1/1.28-inch | 1/1.9-inch | 1/1.3-inch |
| Weight | 53g | 154g | 145g |
| Storage | microSD (up to 2TB) | microSD | microSD |
| Special Feature | Magnetic modular design | Enduro battery, HyperSmooth | Dual touchscreen |
The comparison shows that GoPro still leads in resolution, while DJI dominates in high-frame-rate slow-motion. But the Go Ultra stands apart for its lightweight build and modularity, making it the most experimental option.
Final Verdict: A Promising New Direction
The Insta360 Go Ultra is not a GoPro killer, but it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it represents a different philosophy of action cameras—one that emphasizes portability, creativity, and versatility over raw specs.
For creators who want to capture unique perspectives, POV shots, or who value lightweight gear, the Go Ultra is a game-changing tool. For those who prioritize maximum resolution, long battery life, or traditional rugged durability, GoPro and DJI still hold the edge.
At $450, the Go Ultra is an investment. But if you’re drawn to the idea of a camera that can magnetically attach to your chest, helmet, or fencing mask—and still deliver 4K60 quality video—then this is one of the most innovative options on the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Insta360 Go Ultra?
The Insta360 Go Ultra is a detachable, cube-shaped action camera with magnetic mounting, capable of shooting 4K video at 60 fps. It is designed to be lightweight, versatile, and ideal for capturing unique POV shots.
How much does the Insta360 Go Ultra cost?
The Insta360 Go Ultra is priced at $450, while the Creator Bundle with extra accessories costs $500.
How does the Insta360 Go Ultra compare to GoPro?
While GoPro Hero 13 Black can shoot up to 5.3K, the Insta360 Go Ultra focuses on portability and versatility. Its magnetic design allows for creative mounting options that GoPro does not offer.
What resolution and frame rates does it support?
The Go Ultra records video at 4K 60 fps. In low-light PureVideo mode, it shoots at 4K 30 fps. Photos can reach up to 50 megapixels.
Does the Insta360 Go Ultra have internal storage?
No. Unlike its predecessor, the Go Ultra does not include internal storage. Instead, it supports microSD cards up to 2TB.
Is the Insta360 Go Ultra waterproof?
Yes, the Go Ultra is water-resistant (exact depth rating depends on housing), making it suitable for outdoor and adventure use.
Can I use the Insta360 Go Ultra for sports like cycling or running?
Yes. Its lightweight design (53g) and magnetic mounts make it excellent for cycling, running, fencing, or other POV sports. However, for high-vibration activities like mountain biking, stronger mounts may be required.
Conclusion
The Insta360 Go Ultra proves that innovation in the action camera space doesn’t always have to be about bigger sensors or higher resolutions—it can also be about rethinking how we use cameras in everyday adventures. By adopting a cube-shaped, magnetic modular design, Insta360 has created a camera that is not only compact but also versatile enough to capture perspectives that GoPros and DJIs often struggle to achieve without bulky mounts.
