The Best 360 Camera for Every Shot: Our Top 5 Picks
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If you want effortless third-person shots, reframing after the fact, or fast virtual tours, the right 360 camera matters. What really separates them now are resolution (true 8K vs. upscaled), stabilization, low-light performance, battery life, waterproofing, and how smooth the editing app is.
How I researched
I compared late-2025 roundups, deep dives, and hands-on tests, prioritized resolution/sharpness, stabilization, low-light, battery/runtime, and waterproofing, and checked platform compatibility (tour apps, mounts, editing workflows). I verified dimensions/specs on maker pages and manuals, noted availability/EOL shifts, and focused on reliability and ownership experience—not just flashy specs. I weighed image detail, 1% low-style motion stability, thermals/runtime, and ease of editing.
Top picks
Insta360 X5 — Best for most creators
A pocketable flagship that nails image quality, stabilization, and workflow.
Why it wins: 8K 360 capture with larger sensors, user-replaceable lenses, and a bigger battery make it the most balanced option for action and everyday shooting.
- Rugged, Replaceable Lenses: Experience unparalleled durability with the X5's upgraded lenses with sapphire glass-level scratch resistance. Designed to provide peace of mind during every adventure. If accidents happen, easily swap damaged lenses on your own—no need for repairs. Enjoy uninterrupted adventures with quick and user-friendly lens replacements.
Pros
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8K 360 with crisp reframing
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Larger sensors improve low-light
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Replaceable lenses add durability
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Strong app with AI reframing
Cons
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Heavier than entry-level 360 cams
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Accessories add up fast
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Learning curve for new editors
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you only need simple tours or a light stick cam, X4 or Theta X may suit you better.
Scores: Performance 5/5 · Sharpness/Detail 5/5 · Ease of Use 4/5 · Value 4/5
GoPro Max 2 — Best for GoPro users & action sports
A rugged 8K 360 action cam with swappable lenses and classic GoPro ergonomics.
Why it wins: True 8K, a larger front screen, Bluetooth mic support, and tool-free replaceable lenses make it ideal for surfing, MTB, and POV content—plus it drops into GoPro mounts you may already own.
- MAX Never Misses With True 8K 360 Video: Never aim, but capture everything around you in amazing True 8K 360 video, resulting in up to 21% more resolution than the competition.1 Just hit the shutter button to start recording. There’s no need to frame the shot or think about where your camera’s positioned. MAX2 will get it all in stunning detail. Then switch over to the GoPro Quik app to Reframe your 360 footage into traditional 4K videos in just a few taps. These Ultra HD videos can be easily saved, shared and posted just like you would with any standard video or played back on your phone, TV and other devices.
- Invisible Mounting: Capture amazing pole-mounted footage where the pole completely vanishes. Attach MAX2 to an extension pole using the 1/4-20 mounting threads on the bottom of the camera. The pole will disappear out of your videos and photos as if by magic. You can easily create incredible invisible selfies that look as if you’re being recorded by another person, stunning drone-like videos that look like you’re being recorded from the air and other iconic 360 shots.
- The Best POV: Max out your creativity and get the widest, tallest, most- immersive point-of-view footage possible including selfies, follow-cam footage and more from the same 360 video. The GoPro Quik app makes it easy to Reframe your footage and create new videos from different angles and perspectives to get exactly the shots you want. You can also adjust video stabilization and Horizon Lock4 after recording.
Pros
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8K 360 with great daytime clarity
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Lenses twist off for easy swaps
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Familiar GoPro mounting system
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Solid in-camera horizon leveling
Cons
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Low-light trails behind X5
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Can overheat in hot sun
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Heavier than some rivals
Social proof
Early reviews highlight daylight clarity and rugged usability; see reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Night city laps or dim interiors? Prefer X5 or 1-Inch 360 Edition.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Stabilization 5/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 4/5
Insta360 X4 — Best value 8K 360
All the creative “invisible selfie stick” shots, now at an approachable price.
Why it wins: You get 8K30 360, 5.7K60 for smoother motion, a big 2.5″ screen, and 10 m (33 ft) waterproofing out of the box. The larger 2290 mAh battery helps for day-long shoots.
- Capture 360-degree with 8K. The magic of 360 capture is the ability to choose the best angle after the fact. Easy AI-powered reframing tools in the insta360 app make it easy to find the perfect angle, so you’ll never miss a shot again.
- Bigger battery and fast charge: X4 battery updated to 2290mAh, gives you 70min run time with 8K@30fps mode, charge time only 60 minutes at 9V 2A (charge to 80% in 36 minutes)
- Bigger Screen: 2.51'' touchscreen with tempered glass. A clearer and brighter screen gives you a better preview of your photos and videos, with an easier-to-use interface.
Pros
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8K 360; smooth 5.7K60
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10 m waterproof without a case
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Long battery for day trips
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Great mobile/desktop apps
Cons
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Smaller sensors than X5
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Low-light not its strength
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Protective lens guards recommended
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Creators prioritizing night scenes should consider X5 or 1-Inch 360.
Scores: Performance 4/5 · Battery Life 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 5/5
Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition — Best for low-light quality
Dual 1-inch sensors for cleaner shadows and richer tones.
Why it wins: This modular rig records detailed 6K 360 video and high-res photos with better dynamic range than smaller-sensor cams. It’s splash-resistant, but add a dive case for real water work.
- Bundle Includes: Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition, Sandisk Extreme 128GB MicroSDHC Memory Card, High Speed USB Memory Card Reader, 50 Piece Accessory kit for Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition
- Stunning 6K 360 Video: The ultimate creative tool. Easily capture impossible shots with 6K 360-degree capture, the invisible selfie stick and 360 reframing.
- 21MP 360 Photos: Capture the world around you in sharp definition with seamlessly-stitched 21MP 360 stills. New PureShot HDR mode for a higher dynamic range powered by AI.
Pros
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Excellent low-light and dynamic range
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Interchangeable, upgradeable RS ecosystem
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LOG profile for grading
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Solid desktop workflow
Cons
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Not natively waterproof
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Bulkier on a selfie stick
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Heavier than action-first cams
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you mainly shoot water sports or rough action, X5/X4 are simpler.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Low-Light 5/5 · Ease of Use 3.5/5 · Value 4/5
Ricoh Theta X — Best for virtual tours & real estate
A slim, touch-screen 360 stills/video camera that plays nice with scanning apps.
Why it wins: 60MP stills, 5.7K/30 video, swappable battery, and on-body touchscreen make fast room-to-room captures easy.
- 11K HIGH RESOLUTION & 360° 5.7K VIDEO - Equipped with a newly designed image sensor, processor, and lens system, this device captures stunning 11K high-resolution 360-degree still images (up to 60 megapixels) and immersive 360-degree videos at 5.7K resolution (5760 × 2880 pixels at 30 fps), featuring enhanced image stabilization for smooth, vivid shooting—ideal for vlogging, sports, and storytelling.
- PROFRESSIONAL SHOOTING, RAW - High Dynamic Range Digital Negative (HDR-DNG) recording, allowing you to save images in RAW (HDR-DNG 16-bit) format for professional editing. In addition to JPEG, enjoy full-scale image editing capabilities similar to those of a typical DSLR camera with Adobe DNG support.
- EMBEDDED GPS DATA - The built-in GPS (QZSS) and A-GPS compatibility allow for accurate location information to be embedded in your 360-degree photos and maps, creating Google Blue Line tours thanks to its internal GPS.
Pros
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60MP photos for clean tours
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Touchscreen speeds setup
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Replaceable battery & microSD
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Widely supported in tour apps
Cons
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Not an action cam
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5.7K video only
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Limited low-light video
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you want action-style third-person shots, pick X4/X5 instead.
Scores: Performance 3.5/5 · Tour Speed 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4.5/5 · Value 4/5
Quick compare
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Insta360 X5 — Best for most: 8K + bigger sensors + replaceable lenses; a bit heavier.
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GoPro Max 2 — Best for action: True 8K, swappable lenses, easy mounts; low-light just okay.
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Insta360 X4 — Best value 8K: Long battery, 10 m waterproof; smaller sensors.
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ONE RS 1-Inch 360 — Best low-light: Dual 1-inch sensors; not natively waterproof.
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Ricoh Theta X — Best for tours: 60MP photos + wide app support; not for action.
Buying guide
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If you’ll reframe for socials: Prioritize 8K 360 and sensor size. X5 gives the cleanest crops; Max 2 is excellent if you live in the GoPro ecosystem.
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If you shoot water sports: Look for native waterproofing (10 m on X4; Max 2 is 5 m/16 ft). For snorkeling/diving, use the maker dive housing regardless.
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If you film at night: Bigger sensors win. The ONE RS 1-Inch 360 outperforms small-sensor cams in shadow detail.
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If you need virtual tours: Check tour-app support (Matterport, etc.). Theta X is a safe pick; X4/X5 also have broad support.
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If you want the cheapest decent option: Consider the older Insta360 X3 as an entry-level pick; just know you’re capped at 5.7K.
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Couldn’t verify safety marks (UL/ETL) on these cams; for travel chargers and batteries, use official accessories.
FAQs
Q: Do I really need 8K?
A: For reframing to 16:9/9:16, 8K files give you more crop latitude before things look mushy. It’s most noticeable with fast action and fine detail.
Q: Which works with Matterport and similar tour apps?
A: X5, X4, and Ricoh Theta models (including Theta X) are commonly supported. Always confirm your app version before a paid shoot.
Q: How waterproof are these without a case?
A: X4 is rated to 10 m; Max 2 is 5 m (16 ft). The ONE RS 1-Inch 360 is splash-resistant unless you add a dive case.
Q: Any strong alternatives?
A: Power users chasing detail beyond the mainstream brands can look at Kandao’s 8K options; just know the apps/workflows are less polished and availability varies.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.