A 360 camera can capture everything in front, behind, above and below, letting you focus on what you’re doing instead of making sure a camera is recording the moment. Then, when you’re done, you can edit the photos and videos to only show the most interesting bits to share on social media or with friends and family. Their excellent image stabilization can help you take super-smooth, professional-looking videos during any vigorous activity, and they can even «magically» remove selfie sticks. I’ve been using 360 cameras for over a decade, taking them on countless adventures, and have reviewed nearly all of them. These are my picks for the best in 2025.
What is the best 360 camera overall?
The best 360 camera overall is the Insta360 X5. It has excellent image quality during the day and does better than most 360 (or action cameras) at night. It can take 72-megapixel images and 8K30-resolution spherical video. It’s waterproof down to 49 feet and, best of all, has user-replaceable lenses in case you scratch one. Its app is complex, but easy enough to use to get polished and interesting videos and photos. It’s not a huge step up from its predecessor, the X4, and is more expensive, but overall it does just about everything right.
For better image quality, the KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra is a small step up from the X5. It’s not quite as easy to use, and its app isn’t quite as powerful, but thanks to faster lenses and relatively large (though smaller than the X5’s) image sensors, its 96-megapixel photos are more detailed. It can shoot in 10-bit LOG for video, which gives anyone familiar with video post-processing/color correction more room for adjustments. Since it’s larger, heavier and a little more difficult to use, it’s not as user-friendly as the X5. It also can’t as easily double as an action camera. However, if image quality is your main goal, the QooCam 3 Ultra is a slight step up.
Best 360 cameras of 2025
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Easy to use
- Replaceable lenses
Cons
- Expensive
- X4 is cheaper and almost as good
Insta360 didn’t invent 360 cameras, but they definitely popularized and perfected them. The last few generations have shared a candy bar shape, but the overall performance has improved every year. The X5 is the best I’ve seen, though just barely. The X4 was, and still is, a fantastic camera.
Why I like it
Big, for the category, 1/1.28-inch sensors mean better low-light performance compared to older 360 cameras. While photo and video resolutions stay the same compared to the X4, overall image quality is a little better. More importantly, the X5 has user-replaceable lenses. That’s a big deal since the lenses on all 360 cameras stick out from the body. Overall, it’s easy to use, has a great app and has excellent image quality.
Who should get it
If you’re new to 360 cameras and want something to take on adventures, this is an action camera that can record everything at the same time. If you have a 360 camera like the X2 or earlier, the X5 will be a noticeable improvement, especially with video and when recording in lower light.
Who should avoid
There’s not enough improvement over the X4 to justify upgrading unless you regularly shoot in low-light situations. The X4 is cheaper and nearly as good. So, if the price tag of the X5 gives you pause, check out the X4 in the Other 360 Cameras We’ve Tested section below, or our budget pick, the even cheaper X3, which is nearly as good as the X4.
A Tiny Planet photo, another possible edit with 360 cameras. This is the same QooCam Ultra image as shown earlier, just edited differently.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Internal storage option
- Easy to use
Cons
- App is not as good as Insta360’s
- Heavy
KanDao has made some interesting, if not category-leading, 360 cameras for many years. With the QooCam 3 Ultra, it finally nailed all (well, almost all) the pieces. The image quality is fantastic, offering exceptional detail and contrast that rivals some cameras with much larger image sensors.
Why I like it
While the 8K30 video and 96-megapixel images don’t seem dramatically different compared with the Insta360 X5, thanks to its better lenses, large (though not quite as large as the X5’s) sensors and excellent processing, the images are noticeably sharper. Video looks great too, and you can record 10-bit LOG video, which gives anyone who does color correction/post-processing more range to adjust to their liking. It’s not as big a step up over the X5 as it was with the X4, and it might require a bit more editing to get it to look how you want, but there’s more room to get that result than there is with the X5. Directly out of the camera, X5 images/video might «pop» a bit more, but the 3 Ultra’s look more natural.
Who should get it
The 3 Ultra offers some of the best picture quality of any consumer 360 camera. So it’s for anyone, especially content creators/professionals, who want the best image quality possible. It’s hard to beat.
Who should avoid
While the results are great, the QooCam 3 Ultra has a few drawbacks that keep it from taking the top spot overall. First, it’s quite heavy. While 336 grams might not seem like a lot, that’s more than 50% heavier than the X5. At the end of a selfie stick, it’s very noticeable. Also, because it’s a little shorter than the X5 but much wider, overall, it feels bulky. It doesn’t feel as “go anywhere” action cam-y as the X5, but the trade-off is better image quality. So, depending on the situation or how you intend to use the camera, that might be worth it. The app and desktop software aren’t as full-featured as Insta360’s, either, so it’s not quite as good for beginners. If you’re new to 360 cameras, the X5 is the better choice.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great size
- Good image quality
Cons
- Low-light performance isn’t great
- The X4 is right there
The X3 is the best budget 360 camera because it can do just about everything the X5 can, just dialed back a few steps.
Why I like it
Pretty much everything that makes the Insta360 X4 and X5 good came from the X3. The candy-bar design, the big screen, the high-resolution video — all of it. The X3 was a leap forward for 360 cameras. At nearly 3 years old, it’s still an excellent camera.
Who should get it
If you’re not sure about 360 cameras in general or the idea of spending $500-600 on one gives you pause, the X3 is a great camera overall and one I enjoyed using.
Who should avoid
Beyond its lower video resolutions, framerates and maximum bit rate, the X3 is just more sluggish to use. For me, the X5 wins out overall, despite its higher price, as its image quality, especially at night, is a worthwhile step up. That and its faster processors and user-replaceable lenses. However, the X5 itself is only a small step up over the X4, which was our previous overall pick. Personally, between the two, I’d get the X4 over the X3, but if you’re considering a budget 360 camera, that jump in price isn’t trivial.
Pros
- Simple and compact
- Photo quality is very good
- Internal storage
Cons
- Lacks the features of newer cameras
- Sort of a one-trick pony
Ricoh essentially invented the 360 camera market, but it’s been outpaced by upstarts like Insta360 and KanDao. The Theta X, first released in 2022, is the best option for real estate virtual tours, but only just. Matterport, the main company that facilitates these tours, only has a handful of compatible 360 models, the Theta X being one.
Why I like it
The Theta X offers great image quality with photos, but is the best option because of its simplicity. It has a large screen, simple menus, internal storage and a big shutter button. For non-techy people, these aspects can make it easier to use compared with, say, the Insta360 X3, which has the same size image sensors and is also compatible with Matterport.
Who should get it
Anyone making virtual tours for real estate isn’t interested in video and wants something simple to use.
Who should avoid
Unfortunately, the X’s simplicity is a result of the Theta X having far fewer features and capabilities compared with other 360 cameras. Its app is also far less capable. This is to say, it’s the best option for Matterport virtual tours, but the X3 is close behind. Its image quality isn’t quite as good, but it’s significantly cheaper. If you’re OK with a bit more complexity, the X3 will save you a lot of money with only a slight decrease in image quality.
Best 360 cameras specs compared
| Brand | Model | Price | Sensor size | Photo resolution | Video Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta360 | X3 | $300 | 1/2.0-inch (x2) | 72MP (11,968×5,984) | 5.7K30 |
| Insta360 | X4 | $425 | 1/2.0-inch (x2) | 72MP (11,904×5,952) | 8K30 |
| Insta360 | X5 | $550 | 1/1.28-inch (x2) | 72MP (11,904×5,952) | 8K30 |
| KanDao | QooCam 3 Ultra | $600 | 1/1.7-inch (x2) | 96MP (13,888×6,944) | 8K30 |
| Ricoh | Theta X | $600 | 1/2.0-inch (x2) | 60MP (11,008×5,504) | 5.7K30 |
Other 360 cameras we’ve tested
GoPro Max (2025 refresh): The GoPro Max, first released in 2020, received a mild refresh in 2025. The body, lenses and sensors are unchanged, still capable of 5.6K video at 30fps and 16.6MP photos. The most notable difference on the outside is GoPro’s new mount, which adds to the typical GoPro “folding fingers.” Between them is now a standard 1/4-20 tripod screw mount. Yhe battery has the same capacity but is the more robust Enduro design found in other GoPro cameras. The biggest change is in the Quik app, which adds AI-assisted tracking that works well, plus easy-to-use transitions and camera movements. Broadly speaking, the Insta360 app can do more, but the GoPro app gets you something that looks good quite easily. The new lower price of $350 puts it more or less in direct competition with the Insta360 X3, which can capture higher-resolution still images and is a little cheaper but physically larger. If you’re already in the GoPro ecosystem, especially if you like the typically vibrant GoPro video color and contrast, the Max (2025) is a decent value if you don’t want the better-performing Insta360 X4 or X5.
Insta360 One RS: The One RS is an action camera with interchangeable lenses, including a 360 option. Swapping the lenses is a bit fiddly, and the image quality for both 360 and “flat” regular photos and videos isn’t as good as a dedicated camera.
Insta360 One RS 1-inch: The One RS 1-inch pairs the body of the One RS with two huge 1-inch sensors. The image quality is excellent, but in most situations not that much better than the X4, X5 or KanDao QooCam 3 Ultra. It’s quite expensive and not as easy to use as those cameras. It’s no longer sold by Insta360 but if you can find a cheap used one, it can do great in low light. However, it can’t do the 8K video of the newer cameras.
Insta360 X2: The X2 is cheaper than the X3, but the X3 is far more capable and worth the additional cost.
Insta360 X4: The X4 was our previous top pick. It is still an excellent camera, with the same video and photo resolutions as its successor, the X5. It has slightly smaller sensors, so its image quality isn’t quite as good, especially in low light. It also doesn’t have the new modes like PureVideo and InstaFrame that make the X5 a little easier to use. It also doesn’t have user-replaceable lenses. However, for most people, the X4 will work nearly as well as the X5 and is, as of this writing, 30% cheaper. Get some of Insta360’s lens covers and you’re good to go.
Kandao QooCam 3: The non-Ultra version of the QooCam 3 roughly matches the performance of the X3, but it’s not as easy to use.
Kandao QooCam Fun: This inexpensive 360 camera connects directly to your phone via USB-C. It’s a fun accessory but lacks the quality of a dedicated camera. Since you’d typically hold the phone to shoot/record, your hand will always be in the image.
How we test 360 cameras
Despite their additional lenses and sensors, 360 cameras mostly function like traditional cameras. To test them, we shot lots of photos and videos on each camera in the same place, so we could compare detail, noise and color accuracy. We tested during the day and in low-light conditions. Since most 360 cameras use relatively small image sensors, they all struggle to some degree in dim and dark lighting. Additionally, for video, we walked and jogged to test the image stabilization.
One of the main differences in how 360 cameras work is that they need to “stitch” the images recorded by each sensor together into one seamless image. Generally speaking, Insta360, Kandao and Ricoh, are all pretty good at this as long as there isn’t anything within a foot or so of the camera. In some situations, there might be artifacts or blurring at the seams. No camera is perfect, but we looked for egregious issues, especially in “simple” situations like a bright day outside.
We also test the camera’s apps. These are vital in the overall experience of a 360 camera since you’ll typically need to edit the photos and videos into something “flat” to display on social media.
Factors to consider
If you’ve never used a 360 camera, the variety of prices, shapes and sizes can be intimidating. While not expensive compared with a “real” camera, these are all still hundreds of dollars and not an impulse buy for most people. Before you dive in, here are some factors to consider.
What you want to capture
When 360 cameras first came out they were a bit of a novelty. Their spherical images could be seen on Facebook, and eventually, their videos could be seen there and on YouTube. While engaging, they were quite niche. As phones got more powerful, the apps got more useful. These days, the vast majority of 360 content is edited in apps to create 16:9 or 9:16 content for social media. If you’ve ever seen a video and wondered “How was this recorded? Drone? Daredevil cameraperson?” it was probably a 360 camera on a selfie stick (with today’s cameras, that gets automatically deleted during the editing process).
Which is to say, do you want the 360 camera to replace an action camera, or do you want to elevate what you can capture compared with your phone’s camera? The Insta360 X3, X4 and X5 can easily double as an action camera, though I’d recommend some protective lens covers since the lenses themselves stick out from the body (which is the case with all 360 cameras).
Phone performance
The better 360 cameras record at least 5.7K video, with some models able to record 8K at 30 frames per second. These are huge files and need a fairly modern phone to be able to edit them in any way. If your phone is a few years old, it’s worth checking the company’s website for compatibility info. You’ll at least need a fair amount of storage space available for the files.
Computer performance
For the highest quality videos, you’ll want to do the editing on a reasonably powerful laptop or desktop computer. This certainly isn’t required, but it’s something worth considering if you want the best image quality.
Accessories cost extra
Mounting accessories make a world of difference when it comes to how and what you can shoot. Camera makers will sometimes bundle a mount or two with the camera, but in general, you’ll have to get them separately. The only must-have accessory is a selfie stick. This is because for the best results, you want the camera to be at least some distance away from you. The camera’s software will “delete” the selfie stick, so it will look like the camera is hovering near you. If you’re holding the camera, it will mangle your fingers and look weird. Any object within a foot or so of the edges of the camera will get this treatment, so it’s best to keep things at least a short distance away.
FAQs
What is a 360 camera?
A 360 camera is a device that uses two or more lenses and image sensors to record a 360-degree sphere around the camera.
What can you do with 360 videos and photos?
There are two main options for the content you can capture with 360 cameras. The first, and most common, is to edit the videos and photos into “flat” versions that can be posted to any social media platform. So, for example, you record a 360 video of you hiking, and later you edit that video into a 9:16 format for TikTok or Instagram that shows just the highlights of your hike. The video will be highly stabilized (no shaking), and can feature pans and zooms that are far smoother and more professional-looking than what’s possible with a traditional camera. Because the camera captures everything, you don’t need to worry about where the camera is pointed.
The other option is to use the 360-degree content as 360-degree content. This is more limited in where you can post and share it. Facebook and YouTube are the biggest platforms that support 360 content. The photo spheres and spherical videos can be viewed on any phone, often by moving the phone around like a viewfinder “inside” the image. Or, they can be viewed using a virtual reality headset where you can “look around” like you’re there. Google’s Street View uses an advanced 360 camera mounted on a vehicle, but anyone can upload 360 photos to add to the coverage.
Are 360 cameras difficult to use?
In some ways 360 cameras are easier to use than traditional cameras. There’s no “aiming.” You don’t “point-and-shoot” so to speak. You hold the camera up and it records everything. That’s not to say there isn’t a learning curve to get the best results, but anyone can start taking 360 photos and videos immediately. Insta360 and Kandao offer tutorials in their apps to help you get the most from their cameras.
Why is the video resolution so high? My TV is only 4K
Because the camera records everything, the additional resolution is vital for the result to look good. Look at it this way: Your TV offers 4K to reproduce a window-sized image. The 360 camera is recording that plus everything above and below the TV, and everything else around it, so it needs a lot more pixels. Typically, this recording is edited in the camera’s app into something that can be displayed on any phone or TV. The 16:9 portion of an 8K 360 video might be 4K, or it might be even less, depending on how you choose to edit the video.
Is a 360 camera required for virtual tours?
No. A 360 camera is an option for Matterport-style virtual tours for real estate. Because they’re able to capture everything around the camera, they’re typically faster than using a motorized mount for your phone.
Is it easy to damage the lenses?
Yes! I have destroyed several 360 cameras with small falls that wouldn’t have bothered a phone or action camera. Because of how they work, the lenses protrude from the body of the camera. So if it falls on a hard surface, there’s a good chance you’ll crack or scratch the lens, and then that will show up in all your photos and videos as a smudge or dark spot or worse, basically ruining everything you capture.
Some models, like the Insta360 X4, offer removable lens protectors. These are well worth it if you want to protect your investment or you’re occasionally clumsy. Most come with soft cases, but it’s worth finding a hard shell case if you want to throw the camera in a backpack. One of the biggest improvements with the X5 is it has user-replaceable lenses.
When is the best time to buy a 360 camera?
Like many products, cameras typically get discounted for Black Friday and Amazon Prime Days (even if you shop at other stores like Walmart and Best Buy). Usually, the cameras get cheaper later in their life too, so six to eight months after release, you’ll start to see deeper discounts. Insta360 also has a history of keeping its older cameras in its lineup at lower prices. For example, the X3 that’s our current budget pick was released in 2023 and is still a great camera at a lower price than when it first came out.
What are the best 360 camera companies?
The 360 camera market is very small. There are effectively three main companies: Insta360, KanDao and Ricoh. Ricoh essentially invented the category but has lagged behind Insta360 and KanDao in recent years. KanDao has made some interesting cameras in the last few years, but it wasn’t until the QooCam 3 Ultra recommended above that all the pieces fell into place. Insta360 is by far the category leader and has been for many years.
Other companies have dabbled in the space, including Nikon, Kodak and action camera heavyweight GoPro with the Hero Max.
What about 360 cameras with more lenses and sensors?
The cameras we recommend are all consumer cameras. There are professional models with additional lenses and sensors that offer higher-resolution photos and videos. These are all significantly more expensive and beyond the scope of this guide.
In addition to covering cameras and display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips and more.
Also, check out Budget Travel for Dummies, his travel book, and his bestselling sci-fi novel about city-sized submarines. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube.
What we’ve updated
May 2025: Added the Insta360 X5 as our new top pick. Moved the previous pick, the X4, to the Other 360 Cameras We’ve Tested section. (It’s still good, though!)