Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | Insta360 - GO 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 m |
| Horizon lock | false | true |
Between the HERO (2024) and GO 3S, the HERO (2024) comes out ahead in several specs, while the GO 3S wins on waterproof depth / horizon lock. Overall, the HERO (2024) scores 52.1 and the GO 3S scores 62.2 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The GO 3S is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 10.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The HERO (2024) does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the GO 3S if you care most about waterproof depth / horizon lock. Its strongest claims are waterproof depth, horizon lock. The single most decisive one: Waterproof depth — 100.00% more. 10 m vs 5 m.
Both ship with comparable max video, max 4k fps, stabilization, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the GO 3S is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: GoPro - HERO (2024) or Insta360 - GO 3S?
Insta360 - GO 3S leads the current Mars Score by 10.1 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare waterproof depth against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - HERO (2024) if…
GoPro - HERO (2024) does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Insta360 - GO 3S if…
Insta360 - GO 3S has the measurable edge on water depth m, has horizon lock.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why GoPro - HERO (2024) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Insta360 - GO 3S wins
- ▲Waterproof depth — 100.00% more. 10 m vs 5 m.
- ▲Has Horizon lock.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | Insta360 - GO 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K30 | 4K30 |
| Max 4K fps | 30 | 30 |
| HDRⓘ | false | false |
| Log profileⓘ | false | false |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | Insta360 - GO 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | false | truelead |
| Stabilization | advanced | advanced |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | Insta360 - GO 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 mlead |
| Weight | 86 g | 39 glead |
| Removable lens | false | truelead |