Insta360 Flow Review 2025 – A Handy Smartphone Gimbal?
Welcome to our insta360 Flow review! If you’re looking for a great smartphone gimbal that helps you shoot smooth videos with some fantastic features, stick around! We’ll explore how this device stands out in the crowded market of video recording accessories.
In this review, I’ll share what makes the Insta360 gimbal so useful, including its cool 3-axis stabilization and handy AI tracking. I’ll also go over how easy it is to use, the battery life, and why it could very well be the best gimbal for your smartphone. So, grab a snack, and let’s jump right in!
Pros and Cons of Insta360 Flow
Pros
- ✅ 3-axis stabilization for smooth footage
- ✅ Built-in selfie stick and tripod
- ✅ Long battery life up to 12 hours
- ✅ Portable and lightweight design
Cons
- ❌ Limited compatibility with older smartphones
- ❌ Charging time is relatively long
Written by:
I have been travelling now for nearly three years. I left my 9-5 job in the UK and have never looked back. The one thing I would always advise anybody considering a nomad lifestyle is to just go for it! It will change you for the better. Music is my passion and I love to attend concerts of any variety but I do have a sweet spot for rock music.
Key Takeaways
- It’s really compact and portable, plus it’s got a selfie stick and tripod built right in!
- AI-powered tracking for different filming environments
- The 3-axis gimbal keeps your shots smooth
- Battery life up to 12 hours with 2900 mAh capacity
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices via Insta360 app for remote control
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
Specifications of the Insta360 Flow
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Insta360 Flow |
| Gimbal Rotation Range | Pan: 360 degrees, Roll: 330 degrees, Tilt: 180 degrees |
| Folded Dimensions | 79.6 x 162.1 x 36 mm |
| Unfolded Dimensions | 73.6 x 269.4 x 69.9 mm (including handheld tripod) |
| Weight | 369 g |
| Battery Type and Capacity | Built in lithiumion / 2900 mAh |
A Quick Look at the Insta360 Flow
As we kick off this Insta360 Flow review, it’s clear that this smartphone gimbal is packed with features designed to cater to travel photographers and videographers. This AI-powered stabilizer offers a wealth of functionalities that can significantly bring a new level to your filming experience. The Insta360 Flow has a really impressive AI tracking system at its core. It makes sure your subject stays in focus, even when things are moving around.
No matter if you’re capturing a busy street scene or a landscape, the AI tracking adjusts seamlessly to keep your footage smooth. Another great thing about it is the three-axis stabilization technology.It cuts down on shakes and jitters, so you get that buttery-smooth video which is perfect for professional use.This makes it one of the best gimbals for smartphones available today.
You can really see the just how versatile the Flow is with the built-in selfie stick and tripod features. With these features, you can get all kinds of angles without needing to lug around extra gear. Perfect for solo travelers looking to document their adventures comprehensively. Battery life is crucial for filming, but with up to 12 hours of use on one charge, the Insta360 Flow helps you capture every important moment.
Please note: The Insta360 Flow has been succeeded by the Flow Pro, luckily we have already covered this in our insta360 flow pro review.
Let’s take a quick look at the main features of the Flow:
- Stabilization: Three-axis gimbal technology
- Shooting Modes: Autotracking, hyperlapse, timelapse
- Additional Functions: Built-in selfie stick and tripod
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours on a single charge
The compact design means it’s easy to pack along wherever your travels take you.
Pick Up Your Insta360 Flow From the Insta360 Store Today!
Loading… (Instance: 2)
Build Quality and Design
After examining the Insta360 Flow, I found it to be a sleek and user-friendly product that really shines. It has a sturdy and strong build quality with a smart design. It is made mostly of a high-grade aluminum alloy which feels solid in your hand. Despite this, it is still lightweight at just 369 grams. Balancing durability and portability is key – it’s something every traveler needs.
This gimble is ergonomically designed, the Insta360 Flow offers a comfortable grip that minimizes fatigue during extended filming sessions. The built-in tripod unfolds seamlessly, providing stability for steady shots without the need for additional equipment. The Flows foldable design means you can easily tuck it into your backpack or even a large pocket, this is a big plus for those spontaneous travel moments. When folded the dimensions are just 79.6 x 162.1 x 36 mm and even though it doesn’t have full weather sealing, it’s tough enough for light rain or dusty places you might find yourself in on your adventures.
Performance of the Insta360 Flow
Moving onto performance, the Insta360 Flow has an AI-powered tracking mechanism which ensures that your subject remains sharp and in focus, even during rapid movements. Depending on your use case you will find that this handy gimbal is quite adept. You could be capturing a fast-paced sports event, a busy street, or a music festival but in my tests it rarely lost focus. The AI seems to do a good job of keeping everything sharp and stable.
Low-light situations can be tricky, the Insta360 Flow uses your smartphones camera but as a lot of phone cameras are now quite adept in low light. As a positive note the improved stabilization tech helps cut down on blurriness from unsteady hands or movement, so night scenes look clearer but remember that the gimbal is limited by the quality of your smartphone camera. If you have a budget smartphone, then you may encounter issues in particularly low light situations.
As it utilizes 3-axis stabilization technology. The gimbal smooths out any jittery movements remarkably well, making your videos look polished and professional even if you’re shooting while walking or running. The selfie stick and tripod ensures you’ve got everything you need for steady shots in different places. We found Insta360’s commitment to smooth and stable footage is echoed across it’s entire lineup as we discovered in our insta360 one rs review.
Battery Life and Storage
When it comes to battery life, the Insta360 Flow impresses with its longevity. According to the Insta360, you can expect up to 12 hours of continuous usage on a single charge, thanks to its built-in 2900 mAh lithium-ion battery. In real life, I found I could shoot all day without needing to recharge which is ideal for those of us who dont want to be weighed down by heavy camera gear. Charging is also straightforward with a USB-C port, it takes about two hours to fully recharge the device. This means you won’t be waiting long to get back to filming your adventures but this reviewer would prefer to see a quicker charge time. If my mobile phone can charge to 100% in 30 mins, I am sure this technology could be applied here. That being said, for an accessory at the price point of $159 – it’s a minor gripe.
Storage Options
The Insta360 Flow gimbal does not come with built-in storage options but relies on the storage capacity of your smartphone. This setup means you won’t need to worry about managing another memory card or external drive but you do need to make sure your phone has enough space if you’re planning to shoot a lot. While the gimbal doesn’t take memory cards, the Insta360 app has great cloud storage options to back up your videos via the dedicated Insta360 app. This feature does allow you to access and edit your videos from anywhere which adds an extra layer of convenience for content creators on the go.
Top 3 Insta360 Cameras
Loading… (Instance: 3)
Portability
No Insta360 Flow review would be complete without discussing portability. This gimbal is truly a game-changer for anyone on the move. Weighing in at just 369 grams and to re-mention the folded dimensions of 79.6 x 162.1 x 36 mm, it slips easily into your backpack or even a large pocket. The compact design makes it easy to take with you without feeling bogged down, and it’s one of the best gimbals for smartphones out there directly competing with the DJI Osmo Mobile.
Picture this – you’re wandering through narrow cobblestone streets in Europe or hiking up a beautiful mountain trail but don’t you hate the thought of heavy gear slowing you down? Thanks to its lightweight design, the Flow lets you capture those amazing moments with ease, while still giving you great stabilization and video quality. Plus, its foldable design makes it more compact than those bulky gimbals, which is super helpful when you’re trying to manage all your travel gear.
Device Compatability
Let’s talk about device compatibility, the Insta360 Flow works with a bunch of popular smartphones. It works with both iOS and Android devices which means it’s available for all kinds of users.
Supported Devices
The Insta360 Flow works seamlessly with most modern smartphones. It supports iPhones running iOS 12.0 or later and Android devices with OS 8.0 or later. Specific models include recent releases from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other major brands but remember that foldable phones will likely struggle here due to weight and size limitations.
Size Compatibility
A great thing about this is how well it adapts to different phone sizes using the clamp. The Insta360 Flow fits phones that are between 65mm and 90mm wide and up to 9mm thick. This means even bigger phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will fit in its clamp. Just remember that anything over 300 grams of weight, you’re going to run into issues.
Other Insta360 Reviews
Connectivity Options
The Insta360 Flow has a bunch of connectivity options that make it really easy to use. As the gimbal connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, enabling control via the dedicated Insta360 app is pretty easy. Even though it doesn’t have Wi-Fi or infrared, the Bluetooth connection keeps your device linked to the gimbal smoothly.
Insta360 has a companion app that really makes using it better. The app lets you pick shooting modes like hyperlapse and dolly zoom, so you can really get creative with your shots.With real-time previews and easy-to-use controls, filming becomes a lot smoother and if you like editing on a computer, Insta360 has software that works with both Windows and macOS. The desktop software is designed for in-depth editing, providing tools for stitching, color correction, and other post-processing needs.
Quick Tips to using Insta360 Flow
If you want to make the most of the Insta360 Flow, here are some useful tips and tricks:
Before you start filming, ensure your smartphone is balanced on the gimbal. This not only saves battery life but also optimizes stabilization.
Extend the built-in selfie stick to add variety to your shots.This feature is handy for group selfies or shots from up high
Activate AI tracking through the Insta360 app to keep subjects in focus effortlessly. This is great for capturing dynamic movements without losing the subject.
Use modes like hyperlapse, timelapse, and slow motion to enhance your video content creatively. Each mode offers unique perspectives that can elevate your travel videos.
Turn on gesture control to shoot hands-free.ple gestures can start or stop recording, making it easier when you’re on the go.
Pick Up Your Insta360 Flow From the Insta360 Store Today!
Loading… (Instance: 4)
Price and Value
At $159, the Insta360 Flow is a great option if you need a smartphone gimbal that suits many different situations. As we have already covered in our review of the Insta360 Flow, we noted the features like 3-axis stabilization, a built-in selfie stick, a tripod, and power bank functions really make it stand out against the pack.
When comparing this to other smartphone gimbals in the same price range, the Flow stands out due to its AI-powered tracking and various shooting modes such as hyperlapse and timelapse. Many cheaper options lack these advanced functionalities and often compromise on build quality or battery life. You should think about any extra costs you might have, especially if you don’t already own a phone with a good enough camera. If this is the case then as we discovered in our review of the Insta360 X3, it could be more cost effective to switch to a 360 solution.
But in all honesty, If you’re wanting great stabilization and lots of shooting modes without spending a ton, the Insta360 Flow gives you a real bang for your buck in the smartphone gimbal world.
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Insta360 Flow | DJI OM 4 SE | Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Combo | Hohem iSteady V2 |
| Price | $159 | $139 | $159 | $129 |
| Weight (g) | 369 g | 390 g | 370 g | 259 g |
| Battery Capacity | 2900 mAh | 2600 mAh | 2000 mAh | 2800 mAh |
| Gimbal Rotation Range | Pan: 360°, Roll: 330°, Tilt: 180° | Pan: 250°, Roll: 90°, Tilt: 180° | Pan: 360°, Roll: 180°, Tilt: 180° | Pan: 320°, Roll: 320°, Tilt: 320° |
| Phone Compatibility | iOS 12.0 or later, Android 8.0 or later | iOS 11.0 or later, Android 7.0 or later | iOS 9.0 or later, Android 6.0 or later | iOS 10.0 or later, Android 7.0 or later |
| Width Range | 65 mm – 90 mm | 67 mm – 84 mm | 60 mm – 90 mm | 58 mm – 90 mm |
DJI OM 4 SE
The DJI OM 4 SE is a great option thanks to its magnetic phone clamp, you can easily mount your smartphone and the magnetic provides a sturdy fit. It also features 3-axis stabilization and a range of creative shooting modes similar to the Insta360 Flow. However it doesn’t come with the built-in selfie stick and power bank features that the Flow offers. It is priced at about $139, which makes it a bit cheaper in terms of the rest of the market.
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Combo
Zhiyun’s Smooth Q4 Combo gives you similar 3-axis stabilization and includes a cool extendable rod for better selfies, just like the Insta360 Flow’s built-in selfie stick. This model is 370 grams compared to Flow’s 369 grams, I know – 1 gram difference makes all the difference right? At about $159, it’s priced close to the Insta360 Flow but lacks the AI-powered tracking features.
Hohem iSteady V2
The Hohem iSteady V2 packs impressive AI vision sensor technology for face tracking and gesture control, these are features that match those of the Insta360 Flow. While it offers robust performance with 12 hours of battery life just like the Flow, its build quality feels less premium. For about $129 however, it’s a great deal, but it does miss out on extras like a built-in tripod and power bank.
Final Thoughts of This Insta360 Flow Review
The InstIn this review of the Insta360 Flow, I’ve gone through all the things that stand out on this handy smartphone gimbal.xis stabilization ensures your videos remain smooth, even during high-energy activities. The integrated selfie stick, tripod, and power bank functions make it a multifaceted tool for content creators on the go.
Its compact design and long battery life really highlight how portable and convenient it is.ntuitive controls via the dedicated app, the Insta360 Flow offers AI-powered tracking and various shooting modes like hyperlapse and timelapse. These feThese features make filming more enjoyable and give you the freedom to capture exciting footage.re looking for the best gimbal for smartphones, this device’s mix of functionality and ease of use positions it as a standout option among video recording accessories.
Pick Up Your Insta360 Flow From the Insta360 Store Today!
Loading… (Instance: 5)
Insta360 Flow Review – FAQs
The Insta360 Flow offers 3-axis stabilization, a built-in selfie stick, and tripod functions. It also includes AI-powered tracking, multiple shooting modes like hyperlapse and timelapse, and integrates with a smartphone app for intuitive control.
The built-in lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 2900 mAh and can last up to 12 hours depending on usage and environmental conditions. Charging takes about 2 hours via USB-C.
The gimbal is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 12.0 or later and Android devices running Android 8.0 or later. Specific compatibility may vary, so it’s best to check before purchasing.
In our Insta360 Flow review we discovered that this gimbal has advanced AI tracking capabilities, gesture control for hands-free operation, and supports creative modes like Dolly Zoom.
The package typically includes the gimbal itself along with a built-in tripod and selfie stick. Additional accessories like extra mounting options may be available separately.
– Next Article
Insta360 X4 Review – Is This 360 8K Action Cam Worth It in 2025?
Insta360 X4 Review – Is This 360 8K Action Cam Worth It in ? The Insta360 X4 was released early…
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
