Back in late 2024, I reviewed the Insta360 Link 2 and its more traditional (read: no gimbal) Link 2C webcams. You can read the review here. Earlier this month at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Insta360 introduced the Link 2 Pro (and the gimbal-free Link 2C Pro), the company's new flagship AI 4K webcams.
Physically, there's not much difference between the earlier models and the upgraded Pro models. That's a good thing. The Link 2 Pro (of course I tested the one with the gimbal) is still compact with a convenient magnetic base (that fits perfectly atop the new Insta360 Wave speakerphone) and a clip that's wide enough to accommodate most monitors.
Gesture control is still in play as well, so you can zoom in or out, activate whiteboard mode, or have the camera track you around your work area. (The Link 2C Pro uses Auto Framing to keep you centered.) Insta360 and I still differ on how much headroom is too much headroom, but as long as you aren’t trying to play virtual dodgeball—bobbing and weaving to try and fool the AI tracking—the Link 2 Pro will do a solid job keeping you in frame without jerky/distracting camera moves. And you still have very fast auto-focus with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF).
So, what’s the compelling argument for upgrading to the Link 2 Pro? Well, Insta360 has boosted the video with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which the company said offers "next-gen" HDR and improved low-light performance. I can attest to the low light performance. I literally shut off every light in my office and put on a black hoodie. Lit only by my ViewSonic widescreen monitor displaying a Word document, I still had a usable picture that was detailed enough to show off some of my gray "highlights." It was even able to deliver an image (albeit one with more noise) when I went full screen with the camera image, which severely limited the light in the room.
Then, I turned on my Brightline ZELo desktop studio lights, changed into a light sweater (not an easy test for any camera considering my, ahem, fair-skinned complexion), plugged in both the original Link 2 and the Link 2 Pro, and compared. I did not use filters or effects. The original Link 2 delivered a great, slightly warmer picture. But give credit to HDR: The Link 2 Pro offered more detail and provided a more lifelike image.
Don’t have a speakerphone? No worries, the Link 2 Pro has a new dual mic system with beamforming and AI-based noise cancellation, plus a handful of pickup modes. To test it, I read a few paragraphs of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, an appropriate choice considering this year marks the Semiquincentennial of the United States. I was looking down, so I did not speak directly into the camera for most of it, but the Link 2 Pro delivered very solid audio. No, I’m not giving up my podcasting mic, but this is one of the better webcam mics out there.
Some upgrades to the Insta360 Link Controller app bring new functionality to the Link 2 Pro. For example, you can adjust the camera using your mouse, accessing controls through the Insta360 Link Controller app, or even using your phone (a handy function if you’re not near your computer). Plus, Insta360 has added integration with Elgato Stream Deck, so you can control your webcam(s) through a tactile control panel. Yes, you can even shoot in native 9:16 portrait mode for social media. Clearly Insta360 is positioning the Link 2 Pro as a content creation tool, not just a videoconferencing camera.
That said, lecturers have not been forgotten. Arguably the most significant upgrade to the Insta360 Link Controller app is the integration of Insta360 InSight, a cloud-based AI meeting assistant introduced alongside the Wave last year.
Once you've registered for an account and linked your camera, you can record your meetings, lectures, and other presentations locally while automatically uploading the audio to InSight, which can generate transcripts, summaries, and customized reports. The transcription of my reading of Common Sense wasn't flawless, of course, but it was very accurate—and didn't even get tripped up with the word "hath." Check out the Insta360 store for pricing.
Speaking of pricing, the Link 2 Pro sells for about $250 or $300 in the Get-Set Bundle, which includes a mini tripod and carrying case. The Link 2C Pro is $200 ($250 with the bundle). If you're just using it for videoconferencing and don't pace during meetings, the Link 2C Pro is probably the model for you. But if you're looking to capture more dynamic content, consider the Link 2 Pro. Neither camera is the least expensive option out there, but the outstanding video quality, along with surprisingly strong audio and integrated access to Insta360 InSight, easily justify the extra investment.
