Researched review

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro Review: Is This DockKit Gimbal Worth It?

A researched look at Insta360's top Flow 2 gimbal: Apple DockKit tracking, 360-degree pan, built-in tripod and selfie stick, and how it compares with the cheaper Flow 2 models and rivals.

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8.1/ 10
Our rating

The verdict

The bottom line: The Flow 2 Pro is Insta360's most capable phone gimbal, and its native Apple DockKit support and unlimited 360-degree pan make it a strong pick for iPhone owners who film themselves. Android users and anyone who wants tracking in third-party apps on any phone should note that the AI Tracker accessory is not included.

What we like

  • Apple DockKit tracking works in the iPhone camera and, per Insta360, 200+ iOS apps
  • 360-degree continuous pan and free tilt mode, unlike Flow 2 and Flow 2 Plus
  • Built-in tripod, selfie stick and rear-camera selfie mirror in one folding unit
  • Rated 10-hour battery that can also charge your phone
  • Insta360 app's Deep Track 4.0 tracks people, animals and objects, the brand says

What we don't

  • AI Tracker for any-app tracking on Android is sold separately
  • DockKit currently tracks people only, not pets or objects
  • At about 357g (12.6oz), it is slightly heavier than Flow 2 and Flow 2 Plus
  • Many advanced features need the Insta360 app or a recent iPhone
Best foriPhone 12 or later owners who vlog, livestream or video call solo and want native tracking with full 360-degree pan.
Skip it ifYou mainly use an Android phone with third-party apps and don't want to buy the AI Tracker, or you just need basic stabilization at a lower cost.
On this page
  1. Quick specs
  2. How we researched
  3. What the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is
  4. Tracking: DockKit, Deep Track 4.0 and the AI Tracker
  5. Key features and design
  6. Price and value
  7. Who it suits
  8. How it scored
  9. Alternatives
  10. FAQ
  11. Final verdict

Quick specs

WeightApprox. 357g (12.6oz) gimbal; 25g (0.9oz) phone clamp
Folded size97.9 x 178.4 x 36.7mm (3.6 x 7 x 1.4in)
Battery1100mAh, 8.5Wh; rated up to 10 hours
Charging80% in 55 min, full in 2 hours (5V/2A), USB-C
Pan range360° continuous rotation
Built-in selfie stick210mm (8.3in)
Phone compatibility130–300g, 64–84mm wide, 6.9–10mm thick
WirelessBluetooth 5.0, NFC

How we researched

This review is based on Insta360 Flow 2 Pro's official product page, its published specifications and pricing, and a comparison with leading alternatives in tech & gadgets. We have not used this product ourselves; scores reflect how it compares on paper.

What the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is

The Flow 2 Pro is a 3-axis smartphone gimbal and the top model in Insta360's Flow 2 series. Insta360 pitches it as an all-in-one filming tool, with a built-in tripod, extendable selfie stick, power bank function and teleprompter folded into one pocketable unit.

Its headline feature is Apple DockKit support. That means an iPhone can track subjects using Apple's own system-level tracking, without the Insta360 app. Insta360 says this works with the native iPhone camera and more than 200 iOS apps, including video calls and streaming apps.

The Pro also adds hardware the cheaper Flow 2 and Flow 2 Plus lack: a selfie mirror for framing shots with the rear camera, a tracking ring light, a transparent motor design, 360-degree infinite pan and a free tilt mode.

Tracking: DockKit, Deep Track 4.0 and the AI Tracker

There are three ways to track with the Flow 2 Pro, and the difference matters. DockKit requires an iPhone 12 or later (excluding iPhone SE 3rd generation and iPhone 16e) on iOS 17 or higher, and iOS 18 unlocks more camera modes and SmartWheel controls. Insta360 notes that DockKit currently tracks people only.

Inside the Insta360 app, Deep Track 4.0 handles people, animals and objects, and the brand says it is its most reliable option for fast-moving scenes. The app also enables Active Zoom Tracking, Multi-Person Tracking and Smart Framing, plus sport modes for tennis, basketball and dancing.

The AI Tracker accessory adds tracking in any app on iOS or Android, along with gesture control and a built-in spotlight. It comes with the Flow 2 Plus but not with the Flow 2 Pro, so Android users who want tracking outside the Insta360 app will pay extra.

Key features and design

The 360-degree continuous pan is a real step up from the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Plus, whose pan axis rotates from -210 to 120 degrees. For tracking someone walking around you, or a player moving across a court, that removes a hard stop.

Other features Insta360 lists include Apple Watch control, using a second phone as a remote, Dual View recording on iPhone 12 and later, 360 panoramas, motion timelapse, dolly zoom and barrel roll effects via the SmartWheel. The app also supports Apple ProRes, Dolby Vision, and ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported flagship phones.

Insta360 rates the battery at 10 hours with the ring light off. It folds to roughly 3.6 x 7 x 1.4 inches and weighs about 12.6 ounces, a little more than the standard Flow 2. Check your phone fits: the clamp supports phones from 130 to 300g and 64 to 84mm wide.

Price and value

Insta360's product page does not list a price, so check current pricing at retailers before buying. The standard bundle includes only the Magnetic Phone Clamp; the AI Tracker, Throwpod, carry case and other accessories are sold separately.

Value depends on your phone. For iPhone users, DockKit gives you tracking in most apps out of the box, which is the main reason to pick the Pro over the Flow 2 Plus. For Android users, the Flow 2 Plus, which bundles the AI Tracker, may be the more sensible buy unless you specifically want the 360-degree pan and free tilt.

Who it suits

Solo creators, vloggers and people who livestream or take lots of video calls on an iPhone are the clearest fit. Hands-free tracking with the built-in tripod means you can move around without a second person.

Parents filming kids' sports and pet owners may also benefit from the Insta360 app's long-distance zoom tracking and animal tracking. Remember that DockKit alone will not follow pets.

If you only want smooth handheld video and rarely track yourself, a simpler, cheaper gimbal will likely cover your needs.

How it scored

Performance
8.2
Features
8.8
Build quality
7.9
Ease of use
8.0
Value
7.3

Alternatives

ProductBest for
Insta360 Flow 2 ProThis reviewiPhone 12 or later owners who vlog, livestream or video call solo and want native tracking with full 360-degree pan.Check price
Insta360 Flow 2 PlusAndroid users wanting any-app tracking
DJI Osmo Mobile 7PShoppers who prefer DJI's ecosystem
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand ProDesk-based DockKit tracking, no gimbal

FAQ

What is the difference between Insta360 Flow 2 Pro and Flow 2 Plus?

The Flow 2 Pro adds Apple DockKit support, 360-degree infinite pan, free tilt mode, a selfie mirror and a tracking ring light. The Flow 2 Plus is the standard Flow 2 bundled with the AI Tracker, which enables tracking in any app on iOS or Android.

Does the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro work with Android?

Yes. Insta360 says the Flow 2 series works with Android phones, with only a small number of features unsupported. DockKit is iPhone-only, so Android tracking outside the Insta360 app requires the separately sold AI Tracker.

Which iPhones support Apple DockKit tracking on the Flow 2 Pro?

Insta360 lists iPhone 12 or later on iOS 17 or higher, excluding iPhone SE 3rd generation and iPhone 16e. iOS 18 adds tracking in more native camera modes, though not Pano or Timelapse.

How long does the Flow 2 Pro battery last?

Insta360 rates it at up to 10 hours, measured at room temperature with the gimbal balanced on a flat surface and the ring light off. It charges to 80% in 55 minutes and fully in about 2 hours.

Is the AI Tracker included with the Flow 2 Pro?

No. Insta360 states the AI Tracker is included only with the Flow 2 Plus and must be bought separately for the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro.

Can the Flow 2 Pro track pets?

Yes, through the Insta360 app's Deep Track 4.0, which Insta360 says tracks dogs, cats and even horses. Apple DockKit tracking currently supports people only.

Final verdict

For iPhone owners who film themselves, the Flow 2 Pro's DockKit tracking and unlimited pan make it one of the more complete phone gimbals on paper. Android users, or anyone mainly using third-party apps without an iPhone, should compare it closely with the Flow 2 Plus before buying.

Insta360 Flow 2 Pro8.1 / 10
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