Unlimited 360° panning tracking, integrated power bank function and precise tracking even for several people: The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal is right at the forefront in terms of functions. But is it really the best solution for smartphone creators? And what are its strengths and weaknesses? We clarify this in the detailed test.
Technical data
| The product | Flow 2 Pro |
| Type | 3-axis gimbal |
| Dimensions | 97.9 × 178.4 × 36.7 mm (folded); 121.1 × 282.1 × 54 mm (unfolded) |
| Weight | 357 grams |
| Tilt | -99° to 231° |
| Tilt | -390° to 180° |
| Pan | 360° |
| Number of modes | 4 |
| Battery life | up to 10 hours |
| Charging time | maximum 2 hours (80% in 55 minutes) |
| Cell phone weight | maximum 300 grams |
| Special features | 360° swivel tracking; multi-person tracking; power bank; selfie mirror; teleprompter; Apple DockKit |
| Price | € 135.00 * |
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Review: design and workmanship
The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro impresses with its compact and robust design, which is pleasantly simple and futuristic. When folded, the smartphone gimbal measures only around 97.9 x 178.4 x 36.7 mm and weighs just 357 grams (382 grams including the magnetic clamp mount), which makes it lighter than its predecessor, the Flow Pro. This is of course very convenient for use on the move.
The case is made of a hard-wearing, matt polymer material in Stone Grey or Summit White, which is very well protected against wear and tear and offers a comfortable grip. On the underside there are three fold-out tripod legs made of a thick aluminum alloy, which are not quite as robust as the solution of the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 (our test), but still serve their purpose.
The magnetic quick-release fastener for smartphones with a width of 64 to 84 mm and a weight of 130 to 300 grams fixes the device with an audible “click” and enables lightning-fast attachment. In addition, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro has a 21.5 cm extendable selfie stick for flexible shots and a free-tilt function in which the gimbal arm is physically swung out to allow extreme depth or height angles.
A unique and exciting feature is the small selfie mirror on the back, which makes it much easier to take pictures with the smartphone cameras on the back, as you can always keep an eye on yourself thanks to the mirror. An intelligent and well thought-out solution that improves the quality of the photos.
Setup and operation
The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro can be set up in seconds and stands out in particular thanks to the Apple DockKit integration, which enables seamless tracking in over 200 iOS apps such as the native camera, FaceTime, Blackmagic Camera or TikTok without launching the Insta360 app – a powerful feature that is unfortunately not available to Android users (who are dependent on the app).
Pairing with the smartphone takes just seconds thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 or NFC tap, meaning the Flow2 Pro is ready to use immediately. Operation is extremely intuitive and convenient: tactile buttons and mode LEDs at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions, a precise (but somewhat flat) joystick and a zoom dial enable quick and uncomplicated control.
There is also a pleasantly ribbed trigger on the back. A single tap on the trigger activates tracking (green LED), double-tap centers the smartphone, triple-tap rotates it 180 degrees for selfie-to-POV transitions, while the thumb joystick controls the pan/tilt function. It only takes a few minutes to internalize the intuitive operating concept. That’s how it should be.
If you like, you can even control the Flow 2 Pro via an Apple Watch app, although the range of functions here is limited. Here it is possible to start or stop tracking and make rough adjustments to the angle. Nevertheless, it is a great addition if, for example, you set up the gimbal and then want to adjust it slightly from a distance.
Practical test of the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
In the practical test, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro shines with excellent stabilization and intelligent features that enable dynamic content. With 4K 60fps recordings, it delivers butter-smooth recordings up to 3x digital zoom with noticeably improved stabilization compared to its predecessor.
The 360-degree rotatable pan axis in particular opens up completely new possibilities. The Flow 2 Pro was the first smartphone gimbal to be able to do this and impressively demonstrates how smoothly and fluidly rotations are possible with it. This allows special cinematic effects to be achieved, which is quite impressive.
Deep Track 4.0 recognizes and prioritizes targets (even with several people) in under 0.3 seconds, changes seamlessly in the event of shadows and also tracks groups extremely precisely, even with backlighting or complex backgrounds. In combination with the Free Tilt telescopic rod with foldable head, there are numerous creative possibilities such as deep ground shots or overhead videos. There are virtually no limits to creativity.
The four classic gimbal modes are offered: Follow (follows both the user’s pan and tilt movements, but keeps the roll axis fixed); Pan mode (similar, but keeps both the tilt and roll axes fixed); and FPV (follows the user’s movements on all three axes). There is also an automatic mode that automatically and sensitively adjusts the movements of the gimbal in real time.
Unique effects and transitions can be achieved, especially in conjunction with the creative shots in the Insta360 app. The tracking also works very precisely and reliably, whether automatically, via trigger or gesture control.
iOS users naturally benefit from DockKit support: to activate it, simply hold your smartphone to the NFC area of the Flow 2 Pro and it will connect. Tracking can then be used in all other apps such as the native camera app, BlackMagic Camera and many more.
However, I have noticed that the tracking here is not quite as precise and fast as in the Insta360 app. This can be counteracted with the optional AI Tracker, which is available at an RRP of around 50 euros. It not only improves tracking in other apps, but also brings the benefits to the Android ecosystem and also comes with a customizable fill light. A useful addition, in my opinion.
Another ingenious feature of the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is the teleprompter feature. Within the companion app, you can open a teleprompter onto which you can simply insert (or record) text, which is then displayed and played back on the screen. Very practical for solo creators who don’t want to lose sight of the camera when speaking and recording videos.
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro vs DJI Osmo Mobile 8
In combination with the somewhat small but still practical selfie mirror, I think the Flow 2 Pro is superior to the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 for solo creators. Otherwise, however, I think the DJI solution is currently slightly ahead in terms of handling and the joystick (or joysticks).
The Osmo Mobile 8 is also slightly ahead in terms of tracking, especially when you zoom in or out of the image. For everyday tasks, however, both gimbals deliver flawless tracking and are absolutely on a par.
However, the Flow 2 Pro is much more versatile when it comes to connectivity and operation. Not only does Insta360 have an Apple Watch app for control, you can also easily pair a second smartphone via QR code to operate the gimbal.
Insta360 also has the edge when it comes to formats and creative modes. Native Apple ProRes and Dolby Vision support, more (and much better) creative shots – the possibilities are almost limitless. Another unique selling point is the multi-person tracking, which DJI does not even offer. There is also an exclusive dual-view mode, which allows videos from the front and rear cameras to be recorded simultaneously.
Overall, both the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro and the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 are outstanding smartphone gimbals that score points with their excellent operation and convincing tracking. In my eyes, however, the Flow 2 Pro is slightly ahead.
Battery life
The battery life of the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is specified as up to 10 hours, which is on a par with the competition. In practice and with active tracking, the gimbal lasts for around seven hours, which is also noticeably longer than its DJI counterpart. All-day vlogs are therefore no problem with the gimbal.
Very practical: fast charging via USB-C PD provides 80 % charging capacity in just 55 minutes, while a full charge takes just under two hours. The Flow 2 Pro can also be used as a power bank for the smartphone and charges it.
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Review: Conclusion
Especially in the Apple cosmos, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is the best smartphone gimbal currently available to buy in my opinion. The device impresses with excellent tracking, convincing DockKit support and successful features (such as selfie mirror, teleprompter, multi-person tracking and many more) that make it unique.
Combined with the versatile and reliable app and flawless operation, you get pretty much everything you could wish for. For Android users, we recommend the additional purchase of the AI Tracker, which also comes with a Fil-Light – which is already included in the price of the competition. Anyone looking for a convincing, handy and versatile smartphone gimbal will definitely get their money’s worth with the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro.
- Horizontal 360° tracking
- Tracking of multiple targets
- Intuitive operation
- Excellent app
- Selfie mirror; teleprompter
- Apple DockKit
- Practical tripod
- Fill light only optional
- Fewer features under Android
- Joystick very flat
- Controls difficult to read
Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
Design & Workmanship
User comfort
Features
App & operation
Value For Money
94/100
Excellent smartphone gimbal that can unfold its full potential, especially under iOS. Excellent tracking and clever features make it a convincing option at a fair price.
