With 4K resolution, AI tracking and powerful microphones, the Insta360 Link 2 aims to outdo the competition from the best webcams. Our test clarifies whether this is possible and what the camera has to offer.
Technical data
| Model | Link 2 |
| Dimensions (without holder) | 71.3 x 58.9 x 38 mm |
| Weight (without holder) | 101,5 g |
| Weight (incl. holder) | 166,5 g |
| Connection port | USB type C |
| Max. Video resolution | 4K/30 frames per second |
| Supported resolutions | 4K 30/25/24 fps; 1080p 60/50/30/25/24 fps; 720p 60/50/30/25/24/ fps |
| Lens | 1/2 inch CMOS; f/1.8 Field of view: 79.5 degrees |
| software | Insta360 Link Controller |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 (64-bit) or higher, macOS 10.13 or higher |
| Microphones | 2x beamforming microphones with AI noise suppression |
| Mounting bracket | Magnetic; 1/4-inch thread |
| Special features | Autofocus, HDR, white balance, 2-axis gimbal, table mode, gesture control |
| price | € 229.99 * |
Insta360 Link 2 Review: design and workmanship
- Compact size
- low weight
- high-quality workmanship
The Insta360 Link 2 presents itself as a counterpart to the OBSBOT Tiny 2 (our test), as both webcams share many similarities. However, Insta360 takes a slightly different approach to the design. This is because the Link 2 has an elongated housing that is slightly larger at 71.3 mm x 58.9 mm x 38 mm. At 101.5 grams, the weight is also slightly higher than its competitor; with the magnetic mount, the webcam even weighs 166.5 grams.
But don’t get the wrong idea: The Insta360 Link 2 is still an extremely compact and lightweight camera. The graphite black housing looks great. At the back you will find the USB-C port for connecting to the PC. Commendable: The manufacturer includes a USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB-A dongle.
At the top of the cam is the large microphone, which promises crystal-clear voice transmission. We will find out later whether this is the case.
Commissioning, practice and software
- Plug and Play
- Practical gimbal
- reliable gesture control
The Insta360 Link 2 is quick and easy to set up. Simply use the magnetic holder, to which the camera can be attached magnetically (who would have thought it). Use the clamp on the back to position the network on the notebook or monitor, connect the USB-C cable and you’re ready to go.
Very practical: the front of the holder can be folded forward almost completely so that the Link 2 can also hold the (writing) table underneath it if desired. Perfect for unboxing videos or similar. Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity, the camera is then ready for use immediately under Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.13 or higher.
The webcam does not offer a privacy shutter, but the cam rotates downwards when not in use, which puts the camera into sleep mode. This is because the Link 2 sits on a movable 2-axis gimbal, which is responsible for AI-supported tracking, among other things.
If you don’t need the gimbal, the Insta360 Link 2C is a cheaper alternative that doesn’t compromise on image quality or functions.
The Link 2 also supports gesture control, which can be used to activate or deactivate AI tracking, activate whiteboard mode or zoom in and out of the image.
Software connection: Insta360 Link Controller
- Clear, intuitive software
- Detailed settings
The Insta360 Link Controller software is used as a companion app for the Insta360 Link 2, which is conveniently already stored on the cam and can be installed quickly and easily during commissioning.
The app impresses with a tidy, clearly structured interface and is divided into three categories. In the “Gimbal control” tab, for example, the gimbal can be aligned, zoomed into the image or the tracking settings can be used to influence the image composition.
The second tab, “Image”, allows you to adjust the image if you want to do it yourself. On the one hand, exposure, autofocus, brightness or contrast can be adjusted here. On the other hand, you can activate HDR and set the anti-flicker function here if you wish.
Virtual backgrounds can also be activated here, which you can use to blur the background or adjust the image with other images or animations, for example.
Various filters can also be used here to adjust the colors, for example. However, you cannot use your own presets, but you can create and call up various presets for the image parameters such as brightness, contrast and so on.
Under the “More” menu item, gesture control can be activated or deactivated, and you can also flip the image horizontally or vertically, switch on intelligent image adjustment or set the audio recording mode.
I find the companion app to be very intuitive and clear. Important settings can also be accessed at any time via the lower section of the software. There is also a virtual camera, which means that the filters set can also be used in third-party apps.
If you like, you can also control the Link 2 via smartphone. There is a QR code in the companion app that you can use to activate your smartphone as a remote control. This is a practical option, even if you can only adjust the gimbal and zoom.
Image and sound quality of the Insta360 Link 2
- 1/2-inch sensor with f/1.8 with very good image quality
- Quadruple digital zoom
- excellent autofocus; great tracking
The Insta360 Link 2 comes with a 1/2-inch sensor, which is slightly smaller than that of the OBSBOT Tiny 2, but is slightly brighter at f/1.8, while the field of view of 79.5° is somewhat narrower than the 85.5° of its competitor. The autofocus also achieves a close focusing distance of just 10 cm, which is ideal for product videos. The image can also be digitally zoomed in by a factor of up to 4x.
While the Tiny 2 is slightly ahead in terms of low-light capabilities, the Insta360 Link 2 impresses with its incredibly fast and precise autofocus, which finds the subject very quickly and focuses with pinpoint accuracy even without tracking.
Tracking also works excellently and quickly. It doesn’t get any better than this. Even fast movements are no problem for the Link 2. The group tracking mode for group calls is also particularly practical, allowing several people to be tracked reliably.
I really like the picture quality of the Insta360 Link 2. The colors look extremely natural and the dynamic range is really impressive, even without active HDR. Even with mixed lighting, the Link 2 really delivers very good results. Although image noise is undoubtedly visible, the colors of the person in focus and the background remain very realistic.
Nevertheless, I have to say that in a direct comparison, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 is ahead in my eyes, and more so in automatic mode (which most people will presumably use) than in manual mode.
Insta360 Link 2 Review: Conclusion
With the Insta360 Link 2, the manufacturer delivers a really convincing 4K webcam that shows its strengths particularly in terms of image quality, autofocus and AI tracking. The gimbal in particular proves to be extremely useful if you move around a lot or use the webcam to track several people.
There are also really good microphones with convincing noise suppression and intuitive software that is easy to use. Although the Insta360 Link 2 is anything but a bargain in terms of price, it is absolutely fair compared to the significantly more expensive OBSBOT Tiny 2, which has the edge in terms of functions and image quality. Anyone looking for an all-round coherent 4K webcam is guaranteed to be satisfied with the Insta360 Link 2.
- Great image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Strong AI tracking
- Slight image noise
- No voice control
- Tracking sometimes a little slow
Insta360 Link 2
Workmanship
Features
Picture quality
Audio quality
Software
Value For Money
93/100
Handy 4K webcam with convincing image quality, great autofocus and convincing AI tracking at a fair, albeit not cheap, price.
