Insta360 Xplorer Grip Kit Review

When Insta360 announced it was expanding its accessory lineup for the Ace Pro 2, I questioned whether the additions could truly bridge the gap between an action camera and an everyday mirrorless-style device. After spending time with the Xplorer Grip Kit and putting it through its paces, I can say it meaningfully changes how users interact with the camera. The accessory feels both practical and surprisingly intuitive, transforming the Ace Pro 2 into a far more versatile piece of tech.

Readers familiar with Joe Findlay’s review of the Ace Pro 2 will know that we at CGMagazine are big fans of what the compact camera can do. It boasts impressive specifications, captures striking footage across a wide range of scenarios and can even handle still photography when needed. The Leica optics elevate what could have been a solid but standard action camera experience, while the companion app makes the overall workflow easy to navigate. Despite all that technology, however, the Ace Pro 2 is still bound by the limitations of its action camera form factor. That is, at least, until Insta360 decided to rethink how it is used.

That rethink comes in the form of the Xplorer Grip Kit. This collection of accessories reimagines the Ace Pro 2 as something closer to a compact point-and-shoot camera, complete with tactile controls, expanded mounting options and a more comfortable form factor. The Insta360 Xplorer Grip Kit includes a protective utility frame, an ergonomic grip handle, a cold shoe shutter button, a decorative cold shoe cap and a wrist strap. Weighing 201.67 grams and measuring 118.3 by 67.5 by 45 millimetres, the kit adds noticeable bulk, but it never feels cumbersome during extended shooting sessions.

It may sound simple, but Insta360 has taken what already works with action cameras and elevated the overall experience. Despite its straightforward design, the accessory delivers meaningful improvements. What makes it effective is how it addresses a core limitation of action cameras. They are designed primarily for mounting, not for handheld use. Despite how simple it all is, the Insta360 Xplorer Grip Kit changes the fundamental experience of using the Ace Pro 2, providing a stable platform that feels natural in the hand. Its ergonomic design allows users to shoot comfortably for longer periods, reducing the hand fatigue that often comes from holding a bare action camera body.

“The Insta360 Xplorer Grip Kit includes a protective utility frame, an ergonomic grip handle, a cold shoe shutter button, a decorative cold shoe cap and a wrist strap.”

Much like the camera cages many content creators use on their phones or mirrorless cameras, the utility frame adds a level of protection that goes beyond simple scratch resistance. It helps shield the camera from impacts and vibrations while maintaining full access to essential ports and controls. The cold shoe mount also opens up new possibilities, allowing creators to attach external microphones or lighting. This turns the Ace Pro 2 into a more versatile content creation tool and is particularly useful for those who want improved audio quality without the need to manage multiple devices.

I was shocked at how easy Insta360 made it all, with assembly taking minutes and requiring no special tools. The frame clicks into place around the camera body, the grip attaches securely to the bottom, and the shutter button screws into the cold shoe mount. Once assembled, the configuration can be quickly broken down if users need to access the battery door or switch to traditional action camera mounting. That flexibility means the kit adapts to different shooting situations rather than locking users into a single use case. It is also easy to throw in your bag, giving a new way to use a camera you may be bringing along anyway. 

I will admit that I appreciate physical buttons, even if that preference feels slightly out of step with today’s touch-first world. The cold shoe shutter button is a feature I genuinely enjoy, and it meaningfully improves how I use the Ace Pro 2 across a range of shooting situations. Placing camera controls exactly where your index finger naturally rests makes the device feel more like a dedicated camera than a mounted action cam.

Paired with the grip’s comfortable handle, the shutter button helps create a shooting experience that feels intentional and well considered. Rather than appearing pieced together from generic accessories, the setup comes across as refined and purpose-built.

Insta360 also offers the Xplorer Grip Pro, which adds extra battery capacity and additional tactile controls that further expand the Ace Pro 2’s potential, although it comes at a premium price. I hope to spend time with the Pro Grip in the future. For dedicated content creation, those added features do bring an extra level of control that the standard grip lacks. Even so, the non-Pro Xplorer Grip still feels excellent in the hand, and after testing it, I cannot imagine using the Ace Pro 2 for photography without it.

You may be asking whether the Xplorer Grip is worth the added cost, and whether the Ace Pro 2 works as a content creation tool beyond its role as an action camera. In my view, the answer to both questions is yes.

This combination shines in everyday shooting situations where mounting the camera is not practical or desirable. Walking through city streets, capturing moments while travelling or recording casual vlogs all become easier when the camera feels like a camera rather than a gadget. The wrist strap adds a layer of security during active shooting, reducing the risk of drops without requiring the commitment of a helmet or chest mount. I used the setup to take photos and quick videos around the office, including shots of tech products, and it delivered consistently striking results.

The kit is designed to maintain compatibility with both the Ace Pro 2 and the original Ace Pro, giving owners of either camera access to the same shooting experience. That backward compatibility adds to its value and makes it a sensible investment for users who may be planning an upgrade in the future.

The protective cage can also be used on its own, offering side mounting options while still providing impact protection. This modular approach allows users to tailor their setup to specific needs rather than committing to an all-or-nothing configuration. Whether shooting action footage or more casual content, the kit adapts easily without requiring a full teardown. Overall, the system feels thoughtfully designed and visually cohesive. It comes across as a natural extension of the Ace Pro 2, and something worth serious consideration for anyone picking up the camera.

When I first heard about the Xplorer Grip, I will admit I was skeptical. It sounded like a gimmick that would add little to the overall experience. After spending time with it and testing what it can do, however, it is clear that Insta360 is onto something with this setup. It is the kind of camera configuration I could see myself bringing to events such as CES, where constant movement is required but capturing high-quality photos still matters.

It will not replace a mirrorless camera, but once you become comfortable with how everything works, it proves to be a valuable addition to a content creator’s toolkit. The kit delivers strong results without the bulk that larger camera systems often introduce. For creators looking to expand how they use their cameras beyond traditional mounting scenarios, the Xplorer Grip provides tangible improvements to the shooting experience and is well worth considering.