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The Best 360 Camera for Most PeopleGoPro Max 2 360 CameraRead more$500 $419 (16% off)
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The Best Low Light 360 CameraInsta360 X5 360 CameraRead more$550 $465 (15% off)
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Best Beginner 360 CameraInsta360 X4 AirRead more$400 $300 (25% off)
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The Camera With the Best Audio AccessoriesDJI Osmo 360Read more$550 $357 (35% off)
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What if you could capture everything around you all the time? That's the promise of the best 360 cameras, which use two lenses to simultaneously record everything in a scene, stitching it together in software. The big advantage of 360 cameras over traditional action cameras is that you don't miss anything. Remember that time you were carving the fresh powder with a GoPro on your head and you missed the grizzly bear that lunged at you from the side? You would have had the shot if you'd been using a 360 camera.
Unedited 360 footage can be used in a VR headset, but for most of us, 360 footage will end up edited down to a traditional “flat” video. This is the primary scenario we've considered in testing and selecting these cameras. Be sure to check out our other camera buying guides, including the Best Action Cameras, Best Drones, Best Compact Cameras, Best GoPro, Best Mirrorless Cameras, and Best Camera Bags.
Updated March 2026: After months of testing, we've replaced the Insta360 X4 with the Insta360 X4 Air and updated prices and links throughout.
The Best 360 Camera for Most People
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
GoPro
Max 2 360 Camera
$500 $419 (16% off)Amazon
$500 $400 (20% off)GoPro
GoPro's Max 2 is the best 360 camera for most people. The dual 14 mm (35 mm equivalent) lenses of the Max 2 each record to a 1/2.3-inch chip, yielding what GoPro calls “True 8K” (10-bit) video. The short story is that GoPro's larger sensors mean more pixels are used for the actual image than competitors. The result is sharper, clearer footage. Couple this with support for 10-bit color in Log files and you have footage that the competition just can't match. If you don't want to post-process your videos to color Log files, fear not, GoPro's natural-looking color rendition in the default profile is the best I've tested. (Note that this is subjective, but I find DJI and Insta360's colors to hyper-saturated and unrealistic, particularly the sky on bright sunny days).
The triple mounting system of folding fingers, tripod hole, and magnetic system mean you can mount the Max 2 pretty much anywhere. Another big bonus: the lens covers are simple to replace—just twist them off with your fingers and pop new ones on. You get all the usual GoPro video modes here, including HyperSmooth video stabilization, horizon leveling, timewarp, and more. You can also activate single lens mode and it turns into a 4K Hero-style action camera with all the same features.
As good as the Max 2 is, there are a couple of issues. The big one in my opinion is the audio quality, which is not great. Luckily you can pair this with any Bluetooth mic and that problem is solved. The other issues are low light performance, which is not good—if low light video is on your list of must-haves, see the Insta360 X5 below —and finally, the video reframing workflow is very mobile-first. At the moment all the automated tracking and reframing tools (which are excellent) are limited to the mobile version of the Quik app. Hopefully GoPro will bring these to the desktop version in a future update.
SpecsVideo Resolution8K: (7680x3840) @ 30/25/24 fpsSingle-Lens: 4K: (16:9) (3840x2160) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fpsStill Image Resolution360: 29MP (7680x3840) Single-Lens: 12MP (4000x3000) (RAW) 12MP from 4K (4:3) VideoBattery Life55-60 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.Weight6.87 ounces (195 grams)StorageMicroSD class A2 V30 or higherWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Sharper, clearer footage
- Natural-looking color rendition
- Great accessories
- Audio is not so great
The Best Low Light 360 Camera
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Insta360
X5 360 Camera
$550 $465 (15% off)Amazon
$550 $465 (15% off)Adorama
$550 $465 (15% off)B&H Photo
Our former top pick, the Insta360 X5, is an excellent 360 camera. It uses twin 1/1.28" sensors to capture very near 8K video. The dynamic range is impressive, and the color science here is very good though it does tend toward the oversaturated. Skin tones on the other hand are very good, making it excellent for point-of-view shots. Insta360's PureVideo mode delivers very usable video in low-light situations. The image stabilization is good enough to use it on a drone (custom mounts required). While it's probably not the main use case for most people, the still image quality isn't too bad. I have printed 5 x 7 outtakes that look fine on the wall.
The X5 has great battery life and the ability to replace the lenses should you damage them (this is an action camera, to some extent). Insta360 has a replacement lens kit for $35, which will get you back up and running without needing a new camera, though the replacement process is more difficult than with the Max 2. The gesture controls mean you don't need the screen much, but when you do, it's big and bright and reasonably responsive as a touchscreen. As with most of these cameras you can use the Insta360 X5 in single-lens mode, which turns it into a traditional, 4K-capable action cam. The video quality isn’t GoPro-level, but it’s decent enough that casual users won’t need two cameras.
If all that's not enough, the biggest reason to get the X5, if you're new to 360 cameras, is the Insta360 app. Insta360’s excellent editing software, which is free and available for desktop, iOS, and Android devices, makes it quick and easy to get your raw 360 footage reframed and converted to formats suitable for posting online, whether you’re vlogging or just posting to social media.
SpecsVideo Resolution8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens modeStill Image Resolution72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supportedBattery Life80 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.Weight7.05 ounces (200 grams)StorageMicroSD up to 1 terabyteWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- 1/1.28" sensor offers much better video quality
- User-replaceable lenses
- Better low-light footage
- Longer battery life
- Magnetic mounting system
- No 8K log video
Best Beginner 360 Camera
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Insta360
X4 Air
$400 $300 (25% off)Amazon
$400 $300 (25% off)Adorama
Insta360's X4 Air isn't just an older X4 repackaged. In fact it's an entirely different camera, with very nearly the same video quality as the X5 (8K). The body is smaller and lighter, making it better for mounting on a helmet or anywhere else you're going to notice the weight. There are some compromises made to keep down weight and price. The twin sensors are 1/1.8-inch vs the X5's two 1.28-inch sensors. I haven't noticed a huge quality difference between the two unless you go pixel peeping, but there are times when it matters. The far bigger difference is that X4 Air does not offer Insta360's low light PureVideo Mode. If you're planning to shoot in lower-light scenarios—say, your ride home from work in the evenings—the X5 is worth the extra money. If, on the other hand, you primarily shoot in bright sunlight (as most of us do) the X4 is an excellent value, giving you 90 percent of what you get in the X5 at very nearly half the price (we've seen the X4 Air on sale for as low as $300).
The other major trade off the X4 Air makes is battery life. The smaller body can't hold as big of a battery and all you're going to get here is a little over an hour of shooting time. Insta360 does have a Starter Bundle that ships with a second battery, but the price jumps up quite a bit. I've been getting by by plugging it into a portable battery pack.
While there are a couple shortcomings to be aware of, the Insta360 X4 is a fantastic little camera, with the emphasis on little. The ability to slip this in the pocket of my jeans means I'm more likely to bring it with me. In some respects, that's the most important quality of any camera: Are you willing to carry it everywhere?
SpecsVideo Resolution8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens modeStill Image Resolution72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supportedBattery Life80 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.Weight5.6 ounces (165 grams)StorageMicroSD up to 1 terabyteWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Smaller and lighter
- Excellent value
- Does not have low light PureVideo Mode
- Shorter battery life
The Camera With the Best Audio Accessories
- Photograph: Sam Kieldsen
- Photograph: Sam Kieldsen
- Photograph: Sam Kieldsen
- Photograph: Sam Kieldsen
DJI
Osmo 360
$550 $357 (35% off)Amazon
$550 $357 (35% off)Adorama
$550 $357 (35% off)B&H
DJI jumped into the 360 camera market with the DJI Osmo 360 camera. DJI has plenty of camera pedigree, making both drones and action cameras, and the new Osmo 360 impressed our UK reviewer. It produces excellent video, integrates tightly into the DJI ecosystem (pairing directly with the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini and offering frame rates and codecs that will mix well with drone footage), and the editing apps are solid, with both desktop, iPhone, and Android versions available. The rear two-inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, the three-button control layout is simple to use, and it can work with accessories that use both a standard tripod mount and DJI’s magnetic quick-release system. There's 128 GB of built-in storage and a microSD card slot. The main downside is that DJI doesn't recommend shooting under water. The camera is plenty waterproof (it's rated to 10 meters), but the water apparently causes video stitching issues, something that Insta360 long ago solved. (I've shot both the X4 and X5 underwater with excellent results.)
SpecsVideo Resolution8K 50 fps / 4K 120 fps in single-lens modeStill Image Resolution30 MP (4:3, 6400 × 4800) / Panoramic Photo 120 MP (2:1, 15520 × 7760)Battery LifeAbout 85 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutionsWeight6.6 ounces (183 grams)StorageInternal 128 GB plus MicroSD up to 1 terabyteWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Reliable 360 video performance in most lighting conditions.
- 128-GB Built-in storage.
- Pairs directly with DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini.
- Water- and dustproof.
- Solid mobile and desktop companion apps.
- Underwater stitching is glitchy.
- No user-replaceable lenses.
- No official US launch in sight.
Great for Still Photos
Courtesy of RicohSave to wishlistSave to wishlistRicoh
Theta X
$597Amazon
$597B&H
Ricoh's Theta camera started the 360 camera craze over a decade ago, and the Theta X remains a groundbreaking camera. Normally 360 cameras take the view from both lenses and where they overlap, use software to “stitch” the video or photos together. The Theta X does this in real time so when you're done shooting, you export your video or image and you're done. That makes the Theta X the easiest camera to use. At least in theory.
The outstanding use case of the Theta X is still images. The twin 1/2-inch sensors allow you to capture 11K JPG images (roughly 60 MP), which is far and away better than the competition. My favorite feature of the Theta X is combining these huge, still image files with the Time Shift feature. Stick the Theta X on a tripod and have it take two images. Move yourself a little between shots and the software will use face recognition to edit you right out of the image, including your shadow. This is super handy for landscapes or interior architectural photos where you don't want yourself in the image. The Theta X also shoots well in low light, with very little noise. The one letdown is that still images are JPG only, not RAW, which is a real shame.
While I've picked it for the awesome stills feature, the Theta X is a capable video camera too. Resolution tops out at 5.7K video at 30 frames per second. The stabilization is good though not quite as good as what Insta360 offers. What I don't like about the Theta X is the software. The Ricoh mobile app isn't bad, but it's limited, and to get files off the camera you'll need to connect to a desktop machine.
SpecsVideo Resolution5.7K 30 fps 360, 4K at 30 fps in single lens modeStill Image Resolution60 MP, 11,008 x 5,504Battery LifeAround 25 minutes at 5.7K, more at lower resolutions.Weight6 ounces (170 grams)StorageInternal 64 GB (46 GB available) plus MicroSD up to 1 terabyteWIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED- Twin 1/2-inch sensors capture 11K JPG images (~60 MP)
- Time Shift feature
- 5.7K video at 30 frames per second
- No RAW image capability
- Editing software is subpar
Top 5 360 Cameras Compared
GoPro Max 2Insta360 X5Insta360 X4 AirDJI Osmo 360Ricoh Theta XPrice (sale)$500 ($400)$550$400 ($300)$550$597Max Video Specs8K: (7680x3840) @ 30/25/24 fps4K (16:9) (3840x2160) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fps in single lens mode8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode8K 30 fps 360, 4K 60 fps in single lens mode8K 50 fps / 4K 120 fps in single-lens mode5.7K 30 fps 360 / 4K 30 fps in single lens modeSingle Lens ModeYesYesYesYesYesPhoto Resolution360: 29MP (7680x3840) Single-Lens: 12MP (4000x3000) (RAW) 12MP from 4K (4:3) Video72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported72 MP (11,904 x 5,952), 18 MP (5,888 x 2,944). RAW (DNG) supported30 MP (4:3, 6400 × 4800) / Panoramic Photo 120 MP (2:1, 15520 × 7760)60 MP, 11,008 x 5,504Battery Life55-60 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.80 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.88 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutions.About 85 minutes at 8K, more at lower resolutionsAround 25 minutes at 5.7K, more at lower resolutions.Video Modes360: Video, POV, Selfie, LoopingSingle-Lens: VideoNormal, PureVideo (Low light video)—Normal, SuperNight (low light)—Lens GuardIncludedSold separatelySold separatelyIncluded—Honorable Mentions
-SOURCE-Scott-Gilbertson.jpg)
Photograph: Scott GilbertsonInsta360 X4 for $340: I'd recommend skipping this one unless you can get it on sale for under $300. The X4 Air is (usually) cheaper, smaller, and more capable, though the X4 does have a larger screen and the battery life is better (though again, the video quality is not as good as the X4 Air). If you can find a killer deal under $300, the X4 is worth nabbing. Otherwise though, stick with the X4 Air.
Qoocam 3 Ultra for $539: It's not widely available, and we have not had a chance to try one, but Kandao's Qoocam 3 Ultra is another 8K 360 camera that looks promising, at least on paper. The f/1.6 aperture is especially interesting, as most of the rest of these are in the f/2 and up range. We'll update this guide when we've had a chance to test a Qoocam.
360 Cameras to Avoid
Insta360 One RS: Insta360's interchangeable-lens action-camera/360-camera hybrid was a novel idea that just didn't seem to catch on. Now it's a bit dated. The video footage isn't as good as the other cameras in this guide, but you can swap the lens and have an action camera in a moment, which is the major selling point. Ultimately I'd say skip this, get the X4 Air and if you want to use it like a GoPro, just shoot in single lens mode.
GoPro Max: You'll still run across GoPro's original Max sometimes, but again, there are better options.
Insta360 One X3: Insta360’s older X3 is not worth buying at this point.
Insta360 One RS 1 360 Edition: Although I still like and use this camera, it appears to have been discontinued, and there's no replacement in sight. The X5 delivers better video quality in a lighter, less fragile body, but I will miss those 1-inch sensors that managed to pull a lot of detail, even if the footage did top out at 6K. These are still available used, but at outrageous prices. You're better off with the X5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Buy a 360 Camera?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronThere are two reasons you'd want a 360-degree camera. The first is to shoot virtual reality content, where the final viewing is done on a 360 screen, e.g., VR headsets and the like. So far this is mostly the province of professionals who are shooting on very expensive 360 rigs not covered in this guide, though there is a growing body of amateur creators as well. If this is what you want to do, go for the highest-resolution camera you can get. Either of our top two picks will work.
For most of us though, the main appeal of a 360 camera is to shoot everything around you and then edit or reframe to the part of the scene we want to focus on, or panning and tracking objects within the 360 footage, but with the result being a typical, rectangular video that then gets exported to the web. The video resolution and image quality will never match what you get from a high-end DSLR, but the DSLR might not be pointed at the right place, at the right time. The 360 camera doesn't have to be pointed anywhere, it just has to be on.
This is the best use case for the cameras on this page, which primarily produce HD (1080p) or better video—but not 4K—when reframed. I expect to see 12K-capable consumer-level 360 cameras in the next year or two (which is what you need to reframe to 4K), but for now, these are the best cameras you can buy.
Whether you're shooting virtual tours or your kid's birthday, the basic premise of a 360 camera is the same. The fisheye lens (usually two very wide-angle lenses combined) captures the entire scene around you, ideally editing out the selfie stick if you're using one. Once you've captured your 360-degree view, you can then edit or reframe that content down to something ready to upload to YouTube, TikTok, and other video-sharing sites.
Why Is High Resolution Important in 360 Cameras?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronCamera makers have been pushing ever-higher video resolution for so long it feel like a gimmick in many cases, but not with 360 cameras. Because the camera is capturing a huge field of view, the canvas if you will, is very large. To get a conventional video from that footage you have to crop which zooms in on the image, meaning your 8K 360 shot becomes just under 2.7K when you reframe that footage.
How Does “Reframing” Work?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronReframing is the process of taking the huge, 360-degree view of the world that your camera capture and zooming in on just a part of it to tell your story. This makes the 360 footage fit traditional movie formats (like 16:9), but as noted above it means cropping your footage, so the higher resolution you start with the better your reframed video will look.
If you're shooting for VR headsets or other immersive tools, then you don't have to reframe anything.
How We Tested
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronI've been shooting with 360 cameras since Insta360 released the X2 back in 2020. Early 360 cameras were fun, but the video they produced wasn't high enough resolution to fit with footage from other cameras, limiting their usefulness. Thankfully we've come a long way in the last five years. The 360 camera market has grown and the footage these cameras produce is good enough to mix seamless with your action camera and even your high end mirrorless camera footage.
To test 360 cameras I've broken the process down into different shooting scenarios, especially scenes with different lighting conditions, to see how each performs. No camera is perfect, so which one is right for you depends on what you're shooting. I've paid special attention to the ease of use of each camera (360 cameras can be confusing for beginners), along with what kind of helpful extras each offers, HDR modes, and support for accessories.
The final element of the picture is the editing workflow and tools available for each camera. Since most people are shooting for social media, the raw 360 footage has to be edited before you post it anywhere. All the cameras above have software for mobile, Windows and macOS.
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Scott Gilbertson is Operations Manager for the WIRED Reviews Team. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED’s Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. You can reach him at luxagraf.net. ... Read MoreSenior Writer and ReviewerTopicsShoppingcamerasbuying guidesPhotographyaction camerasWhich Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?From smart speakert so soundbars, Sonos makes the best streaming speakers you can buy. These are my personal favorites.Ryan WaniataThe Best Portable Chargers for All Your DevicesKeep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.Simon HillThe Best Headphones for Working Out, Traveling, and Putzing AroundRock your inner jock with a pair of sturdy, sweatproof, and tangle-proof headphones. Here are our favorites.Adrienne SoThese Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan WaniataLooking for a Massive Screen? Here Are My Favorite Large TVs at Every PriceTVs are bigger and better than ever. These are my favorite screens that come in extra-large sizes, from affordable to ostentatious.Ryan WaniataThe Best Laptop Docking Stations to Supercharge Your WorkstationLaptop docking stations expand what your laptop can do, and I’ve been testing the best of the best to see which you should buy.Luke LarsenThe Best Kindles to Take Your Library AnywhereHere’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you. Nena Farrell The Best USB Flash Drives for Easy File Transfer and StorageThese WIRED-tested memory sticks are a virtual filing cabinet in your pocket.Simon HillThe Best Camera Bags, Straps, and BackpacksTote your photo and video gear around in style. We tested more than 100 packs and rounded up our favorites.Julian ChokkattuThe Right Mattress Can Erase Your Back PainIf you're struggling with chronic back or shoulder pain, these mattresses could change your life Nena Farrell The Best Pillows for Every Style of SleeperWe’ve spent over a year testing the best pillows to support your noggin, whether you snooze on your side, on your back, or in a tangle of blankets. Nena Farrell The Best Phones You Can’t Buy in the USWondering what you’re missing out on? Here are our favorite smartphones that aren’t officially sold stateside but are available in markets like the UK and Europe.Simon Hill
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