Insta360 Flow 2: AI-Powered Smartphone Gimbal Offers Advanced Features at a Lower Price Point

Insta360's new $110 Flow 2 gimbal sacrifices some useful pro features

Andrew Liszewski is a senior reporter who's been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Insta360 has announced a new version of its entry-level smartphone gimbal. The new Insta360 Flow 2 includes many of the upgrades introduced on the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro that launched earlier this year including multi person tracking and the ability to use the Apple Watch as a remote control. But you're also going to lose useful features like the ability to use alternate camera apps, including the iPhone's native one, by saving yourself $50. The original Flow launched in 2023 for $159.99 but has since dropped in price following the introduction of the company's pro models. The new Insta360 Flow 2 is available now through the company's online store and Amazon in stone grey and summit white color options for $109.99 on its own. It can also be purchased in a $129.99 bundle that includes Insta360's AI Tracker accessory that handles subject tracking so you can use any smartphone camera app you prefer. For those who don't need pro features the Flow 2 could be a more affordable alternative, but it's still more expensive than DJI's $89 Osmo Mobile 7 that launched last February. Like the pro version, the Insta360 Flow 2 features a built-in extending selfie stick, a set of short metal tripod legs so it can stand on its own, and up to 10 hours of use from its 1,100mAh battery which will be reduced when using the gimbal in handheld mode given it requires continuous stabilization. Using NFC the Flow 2 can automatically connect to smartphones over Bluetooth and launch the Insta360 app which features the company's Deep Track 4.0 technology that can keep individual subjects or groups of people in frame, even when temporarily obstructed by things like passing cars. The app also features a new teleprompter feature that will automatically scroll a script while recording and tracking you. So what are you sacrificing by choosing the Flow 2 over the Flow 2 Pro and saving $50? The cheaper gimbal doesn't have a selfie mirror on the back of the smartphone mount that lets you see yourself while recording selfie videos using a phone's rear camera, and it doesn't have the Pro's glowing ring light that makes it easier to see when tracking is working. The Flow 2 also doesn't have infinite 360-degree panning, so it can't keep you in frame while you're walking in circles around the gimbal. But the most notable omission is that it doesn't support Apple's DockKit framework which allows the Flow 2 Pro to track subjects using iOS' native camera app and third-party alternatives. You'll need to stick with Insta360's app when using the Flow 2, or pay an extra $20 for the dedicated tracking add-on if you want to use your preferred camera app.

Insta360 Flow 2 brings smarter tracking and tools at a friendlier price - Phandroid

Insta360 has officially launched the Flow 2, a more affordable and creator-friendly take on its AI-powered smartphone gimbal. The company says the new model builds on what creators loved about the original Flow, but now with smarter tracking, a better user experience, and a lower price tag. Flow 2 keeps the essentials: 3-axis stabilization, a selfie stick, a sturdy tripod, and Deep Track 4.0 with multi-person tracking. It also adds NFC One-Tap Shooting, a Pro Framing Grid with smart angle suggestions, and support for remote control via an Apple Watch or a second phone. Battery life remains strong at up to 10 hours, and it can even charge your phone on the go. One of the standout upgrades is Deep Track 4.0. The new version improves tracking even when subjects are blocked or move unpredictably. It's especially useful for group vlogs or active scenes where people shift around in the frame. Tap anywhere on screen, and Flow 2 will adjust the angle to keep your subject properly framed using Insta360's golden ratio tech. The gimbal also folds down to a compact size and integrates a metal tripod, selfie stick, and spotlight for night shots. NFC One-Tap Shooting lets supported phones skip the Bluetooth pairing process and dive straight into the app. Android users can also use Quick Launch to open their native camera instantly when unfolding the gimbal. There's even a teleprompter feature built into the Insta360 app, which lets creators script out product demos or cooking walkthroughs without memorizing lines. For better audio, Flow 2 works with the new Insta360 Mic Air, a wireless mic setup made for casual vlogging. And for third-party apps that don't support native tracking, Flow 2's AI Tracker steps in to help. Combined with the built-in light, it gives Android users more consistent tracking across different platforms. Alongside the standard Flow 2, Insta360 also launched a Flow 2 Pro model, which it announced earlier this year. Both versions share the same AI features and core experience, but the Pro adds a few premium touches: a selfie mirror, tracking ring light, transparent motor design, native Apple DockKit support, 360 Infinite Pan Tracking, and Free Tilt Mode. If you want the best hardware Insta360 offers, the Pro version has the edge. But if you're looking for the best value, the regular Flow 2 covers all the basics and then some. Flow 2 is available now starting at $109.99 for the Standard Bundle, or $129.99 with the AI Tracker Bundle. Both can be picked up from Insta360's official store, Amazon, and select retailers worldwide. NFC pairing is only available on select phone models, and you'll want to check Insta360's website for full compatibility details.