GoPro
HERO
Smallest GoPro with a screen — 86g rugged body with 4K30 video, 2.7K60 slo-mo, 12MP photos, built-in Enduro battery, and 5m waterproofing at an entry price.
$200
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
Insta360
GO 3
Thumb-sized magnetic POV camera with 2.7K30 video, 12MP photos, Action Pod flip-screen remote, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproof 35g body.
$399
Launch priceReleased Jun 2023
HERO is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
HERO
Wins
GO 3
12 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BGO 3 has higher IBIS effectiveness (6 stops vs 0 stops)
- BGO 3 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BGO 3 has higher Burst (electronic) (15 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareHERO
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
GO 3
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
HERO and GO 3 share virtually identical body dimensions.
HERO and GO 3 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HERO · 72mm GO 3
Sensor size, to scale
HERO
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
GO 3
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
HERO
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
GO 3
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only GO 3 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only GO 3 supports it
Internal RAW video
Only GO 3 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only GO 3 supports it
Weather sealing
Only GO 3 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Touchscreen
Only GO 3 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 12 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 6 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HERO
Pros
- ✓Smallest/lightest GoPro with screen (86g)
- ✓4K30 + 2.7K60 slo-mo
- ✓Built-in mounting fingers
- ✓5m waterproof rugged body
- ✓Simple 3-mode interface
Cons
- –No removable battery
- –HyperSmooth via Quik app only
- –No 4K60 or 5.3K modes
- –Not compatible with HB-Series lenses
GO 3
Pros
- ✓35g magnetic thumb camera
- ✓Action Pod with 2.2-inch flip screen
- ✓170 min runtime with Action Pod
- ✓FlowState + Horizon Lock
- ✓IPX8 waterproof (camera body)
Cons
- –Max 2.7K30 (no 4K vs GO 3S)
- –Built-in storage only (32/64/128GB)
- –Tiny sensor limits low light
- –Superseded by GO 3S / GO Ultra
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HERO and GO 3 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO
Insta360 GO 3
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, HERO or GO 3?
GO 3 scores 6.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for HERO — 15fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO and GO 3?
Both cameras share the same 12 MP resolution.
Do the HERO and GO 3 have in-body image stabilization?
HERO does not have IBIS, while GO 3 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO or the GO 3?
HERO reaches 11 fps electronic. GO 3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO and GO 3?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the HERO and GO 3 record 4K video?
HERO: 4K up to 60p. GO 3: 4K up to 60p.
Are the HERO and GO 3 weather sealed?
HERO: No. GO 3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HERO and 640 shots for the GO 3, giving the GO 3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HERO launched at $200 and GO 3 at $399. The HERO is $199 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO vs GO 3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.