Two of the biggest names in 360 cameras have just launched new flagships within weeks of each other, and it's clear that DJI's Osmo 360 II and Insta360's X6 are both aiming squarely at the same buyer.

I've reviewed both cameras individually, and on paper it looks like a tight contest. The Osmo 360 II arrives just a year after the original Osmo 360, fixing its biggest weaknesses while pushing image quality forward with the first native 8K/60fps 360 video on the market. Insta360 is no newcomer to this though: the X6 lands ten years after Insta360's first 360 model, and my review of a few weeks ago called it the best 360 camera on the market, with excellent image quality day and night.

If anything can knock the X6 off its perch, it's the Osmo 360 II. I've put both cameras through matched side-by-side testing — with the same settings and conditions — to find out which 5-star model is best in which area. Here's what I found.

1. DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Price and value

• Osmo 360 II: Standard Combo £509 / AU$921; Adventure Combo £639 / AU$1,096 (not launching in the US)
• Insta360 X6: Standard bundle $699.99 / £619.99 / AU$1,049.99; Essentials Bundle $799.99 / £709 / AU$1,159.99
• The Osmo 360 II undercuts the X6's entry price by over £100

The Osmo 360 II's Standard Combo costs £509 / AU$921, and includes the camera, one battery, a silicone lens cover, a neoprene case and a USB-C cable. The pricier Adventure Combo adds two extra batteries (three in total), a triple-battery charging case and a 1.2m selfie stick for £639 / AU$1,096. It isn't launching in the US for now, with DJI's regulatory authorization still pending.

The Insta360 X6 starts at $699.99 / £619.99 / AU$1,049.99 for its Standard bundle, which gets you the camera, battery, USB-C cable, protective pouch and lens cloth. Step up to the $799.99 / £709 / AU$1,159.99 Essentials Bundle and you add a second battery, a 114cm invisible selfie stick, a lens cap, a fast-charge case and an extended warranty.

Compare the two Adventure/Essentials bundles directly and the value gap narrows a little, since both throw in similar extras. But even then, the Osmo 360 II remains cheaper at every tier – if, of course, you live in a country where you can actually buy it.

• Price and value winner: DJI Osmo 360 II (unless you're a US resident)

2. DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Video quality

• Both cameras claim 14.5 stops of dynamic range
• In daylight the Osmo 360 II shoots 8K at up to 60fps versus the X6's 50fps
• X6 comes with PureVideo for 8K/30fps low light shooting, while the Osmo 360 II offers SuperNight 2.0 with 8K/60fps shooting

I shot matched daytime and nighttime footage on both cameras using a dual-camera mount rigged up to my car, exporting everything at matched settings (10-bit, 100Mbps for daytime and 160Mbps for the nighttime comparison) to keep things as fair as possible.

In daylight, using each camera's default Standard color profile and preset Dewarp reframing, the X6's footage is the cleaner, sharper and less distorted of the two. But the Osmo 360 II holds onto noticeably more detail in bright skies, where the X6's footage blows out around the sun.

Applying DJI Studio's noise reduction on export closes some of the gap for the Osmo 360 II, even in daylight, though pushing the bitrate up to 160Mbps made no further difference. Even with noise reduction applied, I'd still call the X6's daytime footage the more visually appealing of the two overall.

After dark, it's a closer contest. The X6 still has a bit more punch to its low-light footage, though it casts a slightly greener, yellower tint by default that's easy enough to correct in post. Insta360's PureVideo mode caps out at 30fps, while the Osmo 360 II's SuperNight 2.0 goes up to 60fps — worth factoring in if you're shooting motion after dark, sports especially. Both cameras are reliable low-light performers, but I'd give the X6 the edge here too, just.

• Video quality winner: Insta360 X6

3. DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Waterproofing and durability

• X6 waterproof to 20m case-free, versus the Osmo 360 II's 10m
• Both cameras are IP68 rated against water and dust ingress
• Both now offer user-replaceable lenses

The X6 wins on raw waterproofing, being rated to a depth of 20m case-free, versus the Osmo 360 II's 10m. DJI has a dive case of its own on the way, extending the Osmo 360 II to 50m once it launches alongside the camera in a couple of weeks, while Insta360's own case takes the X6 to 60m. That at least means neither camera is left behind for serious underwater use, if you're willing to buy the accessory.

Durability tells a similar story of both manufacturers addressing old weaknesses. The Osmo 360 II's lenses now use a tougher optical coating and are user-replaceable via a cheap kit — a direct fix for one of the original Osmo 360's main flaws. The X6's lenses are also user-replaceable, continuing the system Insta360 introduced with the X5.

• Waterproofing and durability winner: Insta360 X6

4. DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Battery, storage and thermal management

• X6 has a bigger battery (2,600mAh vs 2,150mAh)
• Both cameras can overheat when recording at their most demanding settings
• The Osmo 360 II has more than double the built-in storage of the X6

The X6 has the bigger battery, and it makes a difference: DJI rates the Osmo 360 II for up to 100 minutes of 8K/30fps recording, while Insta360 claims 140 minutes for the X6 at the same settings, and having tested both I can say those figures are largely accurate.

I ran both cameras through an overheating test side by side in the same room, at a mild 22°C, each set to its own maximum 8K frame rate (60fps for the Osmo 360 II, 50fps for the X6), 10-bit Standard color with Adaptive Tone active. The Osmo 360 II shut itself down to cool off after around 34 minutes; the X6 lasted about 40. Not a dramatic gap, but a gap nonetheless.

Storage flips the script, though. Both cameras have a microSD slot, but the Osmo 360 II offers 105GB of additional built-in space while the X6 has 47GB — which is only sufficient for 30 minutes of 8K/50fps footage.

• Battery, storage and overheating winner: Insta360 X6 (but the Osmo 360 II's storage win is a consolation prize)

5. DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Apps and ecosystem

• Both cameras have mobile and desktop companion apps
• Insta360 Studio supports ProRes export; DJI Studio doesn't, yet
• Both ecosystems now support 24-bit audio with their respective mic systems

Neither camera has a clear edge here. The DJI Studio desktop offers excellent subject tracking and a really impressive 64x slow motion mode, and I'd rate it the better desktop experience of the two, but the DJI Mimo mobile app's AI-assisted auto-editing tools left me unimpressed. On mobile, Insta360's app has historically had the edge, though I've found it to be unstable and crash-prone on my ageing iPhone, so you'll need a newer model to get the best out of it.

There is one interesting software difference on the desktop side: Insta360 Studio supports ProRes export, which DJI's desktop app doesn't yet offer — a real consideration if you're using a 360 camera for professional work, or want to in the future.

Both companies also now offer wireless microphones (DJI's Mic series and Insta360's own equivalents) that connect directly for 24-bit audio, so neither has a key advantage there either, although DJI's Mic range is significantly larger.

• Design and display winner: Tie

DJI Osmo 360 II vs Insta360 X6: Early verdict

Four rounds go to the X6, one goes to the Osmo 360 II, and one is a tie — but I think the margins tell a more complex tale than the overall score here. The X6 wins on image quality, waterproofing and battery life, but never by a giant margin, and the Osmo 360 II wins back some ground on price, storage and dynamic range in bright conditions.

Whether that adds up to the Osmo 360 II being the better buy overall depends heavily on what you value most. If outright image quality matters above all else, the X6 remains the camera to beat. If you want DJI's frame-rate advantage, extra built-in storage, and to spend significantly less getting them, the Osmo 360 II makes a serious case for itself.

I want to spend more time with both cameras across a wider range of real-world conditions before calling an outright winner — so consider this early verdict just that: early. But, for now, I'd say the Insta360 X6 is still the king of 360 cameras.

In our in-depth review, we said GoPro's 8K second-gen model was 'worth the wait', and it's now available for a new low price that further sweetens the deal over Labor Day. You can grab the GoPro Max 2 at Amazon for $299 — that's a full 40% off the original (already reasonable) $499.99 asking price.

Compare that deal to the current prices of rival models available in the US, which include the Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 and X6, and the Max 2 is easily the best value 360 camera that we've tested and recommend. If you're starting from scratch, the Max 2 Accessory Bundle at Adorama for $369.99 is an even better bet, adding a 1.2m extension rod, memory card and second battery.

Today's best GoPro Max 2 deal

We're in turbulent times for 360 cameras; DJI is banned from releasing new models in the US (including this week's Osmo 360 II), Insta360's prices keep going up as seen with the recent X6, while GoPro's financial decline was seemingly arrested this week after it 'merged' with an obscure brand that manufactures America's AI infrastructure — but who knows what'll happen with the action cam giant next.

A price cut for GoPro's latest 360 camera is, therefore, some light relief. After all, the Max 2 shoots some of the best-looking 8K 360 footage in daylight, offers versatile mounting options, plus tool-free lens replacements for a cost-effective fix should the bulbous lenses get damaged in the line of action.

Sure, the Max 2 is prone to overheating and its image quality suffers a little in low light, but overall it remains a superb 360 camera, and is now available for an unbeatable price. If you want the best bang for your buck, look no further than the above Max 2 deals.

Not in the US? You can find the best GoPro Max 2 deals via the links below.

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DJI has upgraded its original 360 camera, the Osmo 360, in typically swift fashion with the second-gen Osmo 360 II, which arrives almost exactly one year later in September 2026.

The Osmo 360 was a majorly impressive product considering it was DJI's first stab at a new market otherwise dominated by Insta360, and it stood shoulder to shoulder in 2025 with the Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max 2.

There was one major drawback versus its rivals, however (of which the X5 has since been updated with the Insta360 X6); where Insta360 and GoPro's cameras featured replaceable lenses for a cost-effective fix in the event of damage, the Osmo 360's were fixed.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that DJI has remedied the situation by introducing a replaceable lens design in the Osmo 360 II. Predictably, there are other tasty upgrades worth knowing about, too, and I will cover them all in this article, which also gives a fuller picture of the best 360 cameras now available.

1. DJI Osmo 360 II vs DJI Osmo 360: design

• The Osmo 360 II's lenses can be replaced
• Both cameras waterproof up to 10m and weigh 6.5oz / 183g

If recording action sports in 360 degrees is your thing, then the Osmo 360 II is the better pick over the Osmo 360; its lenses can be removed, should they ever get damaged, and replaced with new ones. This is, of course, a much more cost-effective fix than buying an entirely new camera.

Not only can the lenses be replaced, but DJI says that the surface of the lenses has a tougher 'Ultra-Hard' optical coating that's more able to withstand scratches. Again, this is a practical-use case win — the lenses in 360 cameras are bulbous and at high risk of scratches and knocks.

Besides the replaceable lens design, the squat, 6.5oz/183g cameras, each with 10m waterproofing, otherwise look and feel largely the same.

• Design winner: DJI Osmo 360 II

2. DJI Osmo 360 II vs DJI Osmo 360: Performance

• The Osmo 360 II's battery has a 10% capacity increase
• Despite the same 10m waterproofing, the 360 II shoots better underwater footage

Both cameras are waterproof up to 10m, but DJI actively discouraged actually using the original model underwater to shoot video. It seemed that at the processor level, it wasn't able to produce decent-looking 360 footage.

That situation has changed with the Osmo 360 II, with DJI encouraging its use for water-based video. We don't know the specifics, but presumably DJI has fixed any software/metering/stitching issues with the original, and the Osmo 360 II can now be used for recording underwater, rather than simply being waterproof.

If you're ever likely to shoot underwater 360 footage, then there's only one winner here: the Osmo 360 II. Other performance improvements include a higher-capacity battery — a 2,150mAh unit compared to 1,950mAh — and those batteries are interchangeable between cameras.

• Performance winner: DJI Osmo 360 II

3. DJI Osmo 360 II vs DJI Osmo 360: Image quality

• Same 1/1.1-inch sensors and f/1.9 lens
• Osmo 360 II ups 8K frame rates to 60fps, improves slow motion recoring, and shoots HDR photos
• Dynamic range has been upped one stop to 14.5EV
• Timelapse mode upped from 8K to 16K

Besides the major improvement in the quality of underwater footage, the Osmo 360 II is a modest upgrade regarding image quality. The boost in dynamic range from 13.5EV to 14.5EV stands out, while 8K frame rates have been upped from 50fps to 60fps for smoother motion. The maximum resolution for the 360-degree timelapse mode has been doubled to 16K, too.

Photo resolution remains the same at up to 120MP, but the latest model adds HDR capture to the mix. Ultimately, despite DJI touting a 'major leap' in 360 image quality, for land-based recording, there's not much to choose between the two cameras.

• Image quality winner: DJI Osmo 360 II

4. DJI Osmo 360 II vs DJI Osmo 360: price and availability

• Osmo 360 II Standard Combo costs £509 / AU$921, while the Adventure Combo costs £639 / AU$1,096
• The original Osmo 360 was £409.99 / AU$759, but its price has come down further a year later
• No US availability for the Osmo 360 II, but the Osmo 360 can be had for $549.99

With those new features comes a price hike. DJI has upped the price of the Osmo 360 II significantly compared to the original — it'll cost around 25% more when it's launched on September 15. It's also not available in the US.

Meanwhile, the Osmo 360 has come down in price since its launch and in some regions can be had for almost half the price of its successor. It's also available in the US, albeit for a higher relative price compared to other regions.

GoPro's Max 2 can be found for less than either DJI model, while Insta360's X6 is the priciest pick of the lot, by some margin.

• Price winner: DJI Osmo 360

DJI Osmo 360 II vs DJI Osmo 360: Early verdict

The Osmo 360 II is a minor update that addresses two major weak points of the Osmo 360; it introduces a replaceable lens design and improves the quality of underwater footage. These improvements alone will be worth it for those shooting underwater and action sports, but they result in a significant markup in price, especially since the Osmo 360 has also come down in price.

The GoPro Max 2 also costs much less than the latest DJI model, but the Osmo 360 II remains much cheaper than the Insta360 X6 and is, arguably, the most compelling of all 360 camera options (unless you're in the US where it's not available).

Ultimately, DJI has swiftly added the polish and durability needed to its original 360 camera with the Osmo 360 II, and it's a top option in this market.

For further details about each model, to check out our in-depth reviews, linked in the introduction.

Just a year after launching its debut 360 camera, the Osmo 360, DJI has delivered a sequel that addresses pretty much every complaint I had with the original — without asking you to pay through the nose for the privilege.

The Osmo 360 II looks and feels almost identical to its predecessor: same dimensions, same weight, same general shape. But DJI has used that 12-month gap wisely, fixing the two biggest issues I had with the original Osmo 360 in one swift update.

First, the lenses. They're now built with a tougher optical coating, and — far more importantly — they're user-replaceable if you crack or scratch one. For anyone using this camera to capture action sports, that alone might be worth the modest price increase.

Second, DJI's approach to underwater shooting has changed. The waterproof rating hasn't budged from 10m, but where DJI once actively discouraged submersion with the original Osmo 360, it now positions the Osmo 360 II as a viable sub-aqua option for snorkelers and scuba divers.

On the imaging side, the headline feature is native 8K video at 60fps — a first for any 360 camera, edging out even the freshly-launched Insta360 X6 (which tops out at 8K/50fps). Dynamic range, slow motion, timelapse resolution and SuperNight low-light performance have all improved too, though the underlying sensor appears to be physically the same as before, suggesting these are largely processing-driven gains rather than a major hardware leap.

Performance is solid across the board: battery life is roughly on par with the original, storage remains a generous 105GB built-in, and DJI's Mimo and Studio apps are dependable if unspectacular.

Is this a transformative upgrade? Not quite — image quality is a slight rather than dramatic step forward. But DJI has plugged the gaps that mattered, kept what already worked, and done it all while keeping this camera's price significantly below that of the Insta360 X6.

Against the GoPro Max 2, the Osmo 360 II's low-light performance is a clear win too. Right now, my instinct is that there's very little to separate the Osmo 360 II and the X6 on image quality alone — I'll be testing the two head-to-head in more depth soon to see which comes out on top overall — but as an all-rounder at this price, the Osmo 360 II is a seriously compelling 360 camera.

DJI Osmo 360 II specs

DJI Osmo 360 II: Price and availability

• Launches on September 15 2026, roughly a year after the original DJI Osmo 360
• Standard Combo costs £509 / AU$921, up from the original's £409.99 / AU$759
• The Adventure Combo (£639 / AU$1,096) throws in useful extras

The DJI Osmo 360 II arrives around 13 months after its predecessor, and it's more expensive: the Standard Combo will set you back £509 / AU$921, compared with £409.99 / AU$759 for the original Osmo 360 at launch. That's a pretty big jump, but it doesn't stop the Osmo 360 II being significantly more affordable than its biggest rival.

That rival is the Insta360 X6, which starts at £619.99 / AU$1,049.99 for its own Standard bundle. Not that the Osmo 360 II is the budget option in this category, though: the GoPro Max 2, now available for as little as £269.99 / AU$849.95, undercuts DJI comfortably if outright affordability is your main concern.

If you can stretch to it, the pricier Adventure Combo (£639 / AU$1,096) is worth consideration. It throws in two extra batteries (three in total), a charging case that holds three batteries at once, plus a 1.2m selfie stick — accessories that anyone shooting for extended periods will likely want anyway, and which would cost more bought separately.

As with several other recent DJI launches, the Osmo 360 II won't be arriving in the US for now, with the company's application for regulatory authorization still pending. American buyers will need to look elsewhere (or import through a third party) in the meantime.

• Price score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo 360 II: Design

• Same 61 x 36.3 x 81mm dimensions and 183g weight as the original
• Lenses are now tougher and user-replaceable if damaged
• Still 10m waterproof case-free, but DJI now encourages underwater use

Hold the Osmo 360 II next to its predecessor and there's very little physical difference. DJI has kept the same 61 x 36.3 x 81mm body and 183g weight, and the overall silhouette — a squat, screen-fronted block with two bulging lenses, one on either side — is unchanged. The screen, connectivity options and mounting hardware, including the 1/4-inch tripod thread and DJI's own magnetic quick-release mount, all carry over unaltered from the original too.

The main changes here are on the lenses themselves. DJI says the Osmo 360 II's lenses use a tougher optical coating that better resists scratches, and if you do manage to crack or damage one, it's now a user-replaceable part via DJI's own lens replacement kit (£35 / AU$50 — and if you prefer, there's also the option of taking or sending it to an authorized repair spot to get someone else to fix it). It sounds like a modest tweak on paper, but it's the biggest change DJI has made this generation from a peace-of-mind perspective, particularly for anyone shooting the kind of high-impact action footage where dinging the lenses is a real risk.

DJI hasn't increased the Osmo 360 II's case-free waterproof rating, which remains at 10m (half of the 20m offered by the Insta360 X6). What has changed is the company's own confidence in the camera underwater: where DJI previously discouraged underwater capture on the original Osmo 360, it now positions the Osmo 360 II as a viable option for snorkelers and scuba divers working within that 10m limit.

• Design score: 4.5/5

DJI Osmo 360 II: Performance

• Battery capacity increased slightly, and format stays interchangeable across the Osmo range
• DJI's claimed 100 minutes of 8K/30fps recording held up in testing
• Extended 8K/60fps recording can cause overheating

DJI has nudged the Osmo 360 II's battery capacity up from 1950mAh to 2150mAh, but real-world battery life is roughly on a par with the original. The batteries themselves remain interchangeable across both Osmo 360 generations and recent Osmo Action-series cameras, so anyone already invested in DJI's action camera ecosystem can use batteries across their various devices.

DJI claims you get 100 minutes of continuous 8K/30fps recording on a full charge. In my testing, I used 25% of the battery to capture 25 minutes of 8K/30fps footage, which backs up DJI's figure almost exactly.

Push the Osmo 360 II to its most demanding setting, 8K at 60fps, and a warning prompt appears letting you know that overheating is a possibility. How long you actually get before that happens depends on ambient conditions, with airflow and temperature both playing a part, but in my testing indoors at room temperature, with no fan or breeze to help cool the camera, it lasted around 19 minutes before shutting itself down to cool off. If you're planning extended 8K/60fps sessions, especially somewhere warm, it's worth considering that limitation.

Storage carries over unchanged from the original Osmo 360, with a generous 105GB of usable built-in space, plus a microSD card slot if you need more.

Already own a DJI Mic? There's a good chance it'll connect wirelessly to the Osmo 360 II for 24-bit audio, as part of DJI's OsmoAudio ecosystem. If you don't, the camera's four built-in microphones do a decent job of capturing usable sound on their own.

Editing and reframing your 360 footage means going through one of DJI's two companion apps: the mobile DJI Mimo app, or desktop-based DJI Studio. I tested both, and found them solid and dependable overall, if not spectacular. Mimo's AI-assisted auto-editing tools left me distinctly unimpressed, so if you were hoping to shoot all day and wake up to a finished edit, temper your expectations — but for anyone willing to manually cut, reframe and tweak their own clips, both apps get the job done without drama. DJI Studio stood out in particular for its excellent subject tracking and the impressive 64x slow-motion mode, which uses interpolation to smooth out footage.

• Performance score: 4/5

DJI Osmo 360 II: Image quality

• First 360 camera offering native 8K/60fps video recording
• SuperNight low-light mode now runs at up to 60fps
• 120MP still photos with HDR

The Osmo 360 II is the first 360 camera on the market to offer native 8K video at 60fps — even the just-released Insta360 X6 tops out at 8K/50fps. That's not the only imaging upgrade either: DJI has added a stop of extra dynamic range, bumped slow-motion up to 4K/240fps (from 4K/100fps), pushed timelapse resolution to 16K/30fps (from 4K/30fps), and introduced HDR support for the 120MP photo mode. Edit your footage in DJI Studio and you can also access up to 64x slow-motion via frame interpolation.

Then there's SuperNight 2.0, DJI's low-light shooting mode. I wasn't blown away by the original Osmo 360's version of SuperNight — it was decent, no more — but here the results look significantly cleaner and sharper, and you can now record at up to 60fps rather than being capped at 30fps. There is one catch: you still can't shoot in D-Log M with SuperNight 2.0 active, so you're restricted to the standard color profile (Adaptive Tone remains available, however).

Interestingly, the image sensor itself appears to be physically identical to the one in the original Osmo 360, which suggests that all of the above gains have come via processing and software refinement rather than new hardware. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean these image quality improvements are evolutionary rather than the product of some new imaging leap.

All the usual 360-camera fundamentals — stabilization, stitching, selfie stick removal and flare handling — are brilliantly handled here. It's a slick camera that can capture good-looking footage while requiring very little effort from the user.

Taken as a whole, image quality is excellent, if perhaps not a huge leap over the original — more a slight but real improvement on what was already a very good setup built around a large, capable sensor. For the sample video embedded in this review, I shot footage using the default Standard color profile, D-Log M (graded afterward using DJI's own LUT plus some manual color tweaks), and SuperNight 2.0, all recorded at 10-bit. Everything was reframed in DJI Studio on my Mac, then edited in DaVinci Resolve.

Video is, understandably, still noticeably sharper, more detailed and more impactful in daylight, but shoot with a bit of care and it's absolutely possible to capture excellent after-dark footage too.

Photos are perfectly fine too, though I've never considered still photography much of a draw on a 360 camera personally — it feels like a secondary feature here rather than a primary selling point.

• Image quality score: 5/5

DJI Osmo 360 II: testing scorecard

Should I buy the DJI Osmo 360 II?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

How I tested the DJI Osmo 360 II

• I tested the DJI Osmo 360 II Adventure Combo ahead of its official release
• I shot video across a long weekend trip to northeast England, plus my hometown
• I used the included 1.2m selfie stick and a car mount, in daylight and at night

I was sent a DJI Osmo 360 II Adventure Combo a few days ahead of its official release for testing. I put the camera through its paces on a long weekend trip to the northeast of England, as well as around my Kent coast hometown, mounting it on the included 1.2m selfie stick for on-foot shooting and attaching it to my car for vehicle-mounted footage. I tested it across a range of lighting conditions, from strong daylight to full nighttime darkness, and also shot a handful of 120MP stills alongside my video testing. I also tested both DJI's desktop and mobile companion apps, using them to reframe footage and photos.

• First reviewed September 2026

10 years after Insta360 launched its first 360 camera, the X6 arrives as the anniversary flagship — and it arrives in a much, much busier 360 camera market. This time, Insta360 is defending its home turf against a resurgent GoPro Max 2 and a highly capable debut from DJI in the Osmo 360. There's a feeling, then, that the X6 has to be something more than just an annual refresh.

For the most part, it delivers. The squat body houses a pair of larger 1/1.1-inch sensors, and while I wouldn't call the resulting jump in image quality dramatic when set directly against the X5's footage, its effect on where the X6 sits against the wider field is significant.

The GoPro Max 2 has owned daylight sharpness in this category since launch, and the Insta360 X5 has owned the night. The X6 is the first small 360 camera I've tested that doesn't ask you to pick one or the other — it's excellent in both conditions, which makes it, in my view, the best-performing 360 camera you can currently buy.

It's a similar story with durability. Waterproof to 20m without a case and 60m with one, the X6 comfortably out-swims both the Osmo 360 and the Max 2, and its lenses remain just as easy (and now cheaper) to replace if you scratch one . Battery life is another strong point: Insta360's 140-minute claim at 8K/30fps held up closely in my testing, with zero overheating during continuous filming.

Where things get messier is the software. The X6 introduces some exciting additions for serious creators, like 10-bit color across every shooting mode including low light, native Dolby Vision, and forthcoming native DaVinci Resolve support, but the mobile app I tested struggled badly, crashing repeatedly during editing and export. I'm hoping the launch app is a lot more robust. The desktop app fared much better, but lacks the AI auto-editing tools that make the mobile experience so appealing on paper.

All of this comes at a premium price, too: the X6 is comfortably the most expensive small 360 camera around. Whether that premium is worth paying will come down to how much you value best-in-class image quality and hardware.

I've also directly compared the Insta360 X6 and Insta360 X5 in real video recording scenarios — check out my early verdict.

Insta360 X6 specs

Insta360 X6: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on August 12, 2026
• Standard bundle costs $699.99 / £619 / AU$1,049.99
• Essentials Bundle is $799.99 / £709 / AU$1,159.99

The Insta360 X6 launched on August 12, 2026, priced from $699.99 / £619 / AU$1,049.99 for the Standard bundle. This gets you the camera itself, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, a lens cloth and a quick-start guide, but nothing else.

Also available is the Essentials Bundle, priced at $799.99 / £709 / AU$1,159.99. This adds a second Xtreme battery, a 114cm invisible selfie stick, a rubber lens cap, a fast-charge case and an extended warranty, and it might be a sensible starting point if you think you'll use those accessories.

It's quite a price jump over where the X5 launched ($549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99 for its own Standard bundle), and it also puts real distance between the X6 and rivals like the DJI Osmo 360 (priced from £409.99 / AU$759 at launch) and GoPro Max 2 ($499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95). The X6 is the priciest small 360 camera on the market.

One thing worth budgeting for regardless of which bundle you choose: while the X6 has 47GB of usable built-in storage, 8K footage eats through that fast (more on this in the Design section), so factor in a high-capacity microSD card if you don't already have a spare lying around.

• Price score: 3.5/5

Insta360 X6: Design

• IP68-rated and waterproof to 20m (60m with optional dive case)
• Replaceable lenses claimed to be 5x more scratch-resistant than X5's
• 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen with always-on support

The X6 weighs 6.9oz / 196g, and is noticeably squatter and squarer than its X4 and X5 predecessors, a change I'd put down to the need to accommodate the larger 1/1.1-inch sensors inside. That extra width also allows room for a wider screen (albeit one that's slightly smaller than the X5's): a 2.32-inch OLED display that supports an always-on mode, a step up from the screens on the last couple of Insta360 X cameras.

That screen also introduces a pressure-sensitive, haptic touch interface, requiring a firmer press to access certain options. It's a clever party trick, but in practice I didn't find it added much to the experience — it feels more like a gimmick for now than a true usability upgrade.

For mounting purposes, you get the same setup as the X5: a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread and Insta360's proprietary magnetic clip mount on the bottom. Between these and adapters for GoPro-style mounting fingers, you can securely bolt the X6 to pretty much anything. During testing, I used the supplied selfie stick for on-foot and cycling footage, and also tested the SmallRig Vehicle Suction Cup Support Kit for car-mounted shots, both of which worked brilliantly.

On the durability front, the X6 is IP68-rated and waterproof to 20m without any additional housing, rising to 60m with Insta360's official dive case (which costs a whopping $179.99 / £158.99 / AU$269.99). This comfortably outclasses the competition: the DJI Osmo 360 tops out at 10m (and DJI itself discourages underwater use, citing stitching issues), while the GoPro Max 2 manages just 5m. If unhoused underwater shooting matters to you, the X6 is the clear class leader.

Insta360 says the X6's lenses are five times more scratch-resistant than the X5's, and cheaper to replace, too. I didn't manage to scratch mine during testing — which speaks well of that durability claim — so I didn't get to experience the swap process, but the X6 offers the same easy-replacement design as the X5, with the replacement kit including all the tools you need to quickly remove the old lens, clean up any debris and attach a new one.

Alongside the usual microSD card slot, the X6 packs 47GB of usable built-in storage — enough for around 50 minutes of 8K/30fps footage, and a useful safety net if you forget a card or fill one up mid-session. Getting footage off the camera is quick, too: Wi-Fi 6.0 supports wireless transfers of up to 100MB/s, while wired USB 3.0 hits 450MB/s. Both speeds are worth having, because as I found out during testing, the X6's video files get enormous very quickly (more on that in the Performance section).

• Design score: 5/5

Insta360 X6: Performance

• Insta360 claims 140 minutes of 8K/30fps recording; I got 136 minutes in testing
• On-device AI Director auto-edits your day's footage overnight
• The mobile app was prone to crashing during testing, especially on older phones

The X6's 2600mAh Xtreme battery is rated for 140 minutes of continuous 8K/30fps recording, a claimed 51% improvement over the X5. I put that figure to the test, and got 136 minutes before the battery gave out, so Insta360's number holds up well in practice. I also didn't experience any overheating during that stretch, which is impressive given that I was testing through an unusually hot UK summer. Charging is fast, too: Insta360 claims 0 to 80% in 24 minutes with a fast charger, and I found those figures accurate.

Insta360 positions the X6 as "three cameras in one": a 360 camera, a single-lens action cam, and a subject-tracking gimbal-style vlogging camera. In practice, I gravitated almost entirely toward the 360 mode. The X6's size and shape make it a bit unwieldy for hardcore action-camera use compared to something like a GoPro Hero or Insta360's own Ace Pro 2, so I'd treat that mode as a useful fallback rather than a primary draw. The vlogging mode fares better: InstaFrame 2.0 does a genuinely good job of replicating a gimbal-mounted vlogging camera, keeping a chosen subject framed, horizon-levelled and stabilized regardless of how the X6 itself is positioned. You select your subject with a simple double-tap on the screen.

On the color and post-production side, the X6 supports the 10-bit I-Log flat profile, and — significantly for demanding creators — that 10-bit depth now carries across every shooting mode, including the PureVideo low-light mode, which wasn't the case on the X5. It's also the first 360 camera with native in-camera Dolby Vision. Perhaps the biggest software win here is native DaVinci Resolve compatibility, a first for a 360 camera — though this requires Resolve 22, which wasn't available at the time of testing, so I wasn't able to try it pre-launch. As a Resolve user myself, I'll be checking this out as soon as it lands.

The headline software feature is AI Director, an on-device auto-editing system clearly designed around a simple pitch: shoot footage throughout the day, plug the X6 in to charge overnight, and wake up to a finished (but still adjustable) vlog ready to watch in the app.

Unfortunately, my experience with the Insta360 app itself was rocky. I tested beta versions on both an iPhone 13 and a OnePlus Pad Android tablet, and on the iPhone the app struggled badly, crashing repeatedly during anything demanding — including simply exporting an edited video. This isn't a new problem in my experience reviewing Insta360 cameras, but it was pronounced here; Insta360's own reviewer notes suggest an iPhone 15 is the oldest model considered capable of running the app properly, which is a tough ask given that not everyone upgrades their phone every couple of years.

The app fared somewhat better on the OnePlus Pad, letting me test AI-assisted editing of individual clips, though longer clips took a while to process. Results were generally solid, if not something I'd say beats a hand-edited video. I wasn't able to test the app's other AI editing trick — stitching together multiple shorter clips automatically, complete with transitions and music — on either device: it crashed the iPhone app outright, and simply refused to let me add clips to the editor on Android.

One other app frustration: there's no way to switch between color profiles remotely. If you want to shoot in I-Log or Dolby Vision rather than the standard profile, you have to make that change on the camera itself, which is annoying if, say, the X6 is mounted on a pole on top of your car, as it was during part of my testing.

The desktop Insta360 Studio app, run on my M2 MacBook Air, offered a much more stable experience, though it lacks the AI auto-editing tools found on mobile. What it does offer is more precise manual editing on a larger screen, which I personally find easier to work with regardless of stability. I was able to trim, reframe and export finished clips directly from the X6 to my SSD without needing to move the original files off the camera first, which was a lifesaver given the next issue.

That issue is file size: 8K/30fps footage eats through roughly 1GB of storage per minute, so the X6's 47GB of built-in storage fills up fast, and I ran into storage problems fitting longer clips onto both my phone and my laptop. Factoring in the mobile app's instability — which I do expect to be much improved after launch — I found it far easier to manage and trim footage using the desktop app instead.

Audio is handled by a new 360-degree windproof mic array that "actively filters" wind noise, plus a dedicated hidden mic built specifically for motorcycle riders, designed to cut wind further and clarify engine sound — a niche inclusion, but I suppose a welcome one if it applies to you.

I tested the built-in wind filter, and it works, up to a point: noise was noticeably reduced compared with other modes, but not eliminated. For that, I'd recommend pairing the X6 with Insta360's Mic Pro, which I also tested alongside the camera — it essentially eliminates wind noise altogether, and offers the best noise-cancelling I've experienced from a small wireless mic.

• Performance score: 4/5

Insta360 X6: Image quality

• Dual 1/1.1-inch sensors, up from the X5's 1/1.28-inch pair
• 360 video now tops out at 8K/50fps
• 10-bit available across all video modes, including the PureVideo low-light mode

The X6's biggest hardware change is its new dual 1/1.1-inch square sensors, up from the 1/1.28-inch sensors in the X5; that's 33% more sensor area, and around four times the light intake per frame versus its predecessor. That upgrade also brings a higher frame-rate ceiling in 360 mode, with 8K now available at up to 50fps, versus the X5's 30fps cap. Photo resolution climbs too, topping out at 120MP for 360 shots and 42MP in flat mode.

In good lighting, the difference between X5 and X6 footage is there, but it's incremental rather than transformative. I do have to mention AdaptiveTone 2.0 though, which captures two exposures per frame for noticeably better handling of bright skies and high-contrast scenes than I've seen from Insta360 before. I would have previously said the GoPro Max 2 offered the best 360 image quality in good lighting, but now I think the X6 might have equalled or possibly even bettered it.

It's after dark that the X6 really separates itself from the pack, though. The PureVideo low-light mode was already a strength of the X5, but the combination of the larger sensors and 10-bit color now being supported across every shooting mode — including PureVideo itself — pushes noise levels down further still. Neither the DJI Osmo 360's SuperNight mode nor the GoPro Max 2's standard mode (which lacks a dedicated low-light option entirely) come close. I can comfortably say the X6 is the best 360 camera for low-light shooting currently available.

So that's daylight footage that rivals the sharpest in the category, and the best low-light performance by a mile. The X6 is the first small 360 camera I've tested that doesn't force you to accept a trade-off between the two. Where I'd previously have pointed daylight shooters toward the Max 2, and night owls toward the X5, the X6 simply offers the best all-round image quality on the market, in any light.

• Image quality score: 5/5

Insta360 X6: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Insta360 X6?

Buy it if...

You want the best 360 camera image quality around
The X6 delivers the sharpest, cleanest footage overall of any small 360 camera I've tested — no more choosing between daylight sharpness and low-light performance.

You need serious underwater durability
IP68-rated and waterproof to 20m without a case, or 60m with Insta360's official dive housing, the X6 comfortably out-swims both the DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2.

You're a demanding video creator
10-bit color across every shooting mode, native Dolby Vision, and forthcoming native DaVinci Resolve support make the X6 suited to serious post-production work.

Don't buy it if...

You're on a budget
At $699.99 / £619 / AU$1,049.99, the X6 is now the most expensive small 360 camera around, and by some margin. The DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 both undercut it significantly.

You own an older phone
Insta360's guidance recommends an iPhone 15 or newer to get a stable experience from the mobile app. I found it crashed repeatedly on my iPhone 13, particularly when editing or exporting footage.

You want flawless software out of the box
Between the app's instability and its inability to switch color profiles remotely, the X6's hardware is currently running ahead of its software. This should improve post-launch, but it's worth going in with realistic expectations.

Also consider

How I tested the Insta360 X6

• I tested a full production unit (with beta firmware and software) for three weeks
• I shot day and night footage during a hot English summer
• I tested the X6 with and without Insta360's Mic Pro wireless microphone

I tested the Insta360 X6 for three weeks, shooting throughout an unusually hot English summer to see how it handled sustained use in warm conditions. I recorded both day and night footage across a range of situations, mounting the camera on the supplied selfie stick for on-foot and cycling shots, and on a SmallRig suction cup mount for car-mounted clips.

I tested audio both with the X6's built-in mics and paired with Insta360's Mic Pro wireless microphone, to compare the camera's own wind reduction against a dedicated external solution.

For editing, I reframed and trimmed footage using the Insta360 Studio desktop app before exporting for final edits and color grading in DaVinci Resolve.

• First reviewed August 2026

The Insta360 X5 has sat at the top of TechRadar's best 360 camera guide since its arrival in the spring of 2025, fending off strong challenges from the DJI Osmo 360 and the GoPro Max 2 along the way. Despite the competition, it's been the 360 camera to beat for well over a year.

Now in steps another model, this time from within Insta360 itself; the X6, which arrives as the company's tenth-anniversary flagship. On paper the X5's successor is a significant step up across almost every major spec: bigger sensors, faster frame rates, tougher waterproofing, longer battery life, and a set of pro-video tools the X5 doesn't have.

I've spent time testing both 360 cameras extensively — check out my Insta360 X6 review — and while the X6 isn't a wholesale reinvention of the formula, the upgrades it does bring are real and, in several cases, substantial. Here are the five biggest differences you need to know about if you're deciding between them, followed by my early verdict on which one deserves your money.

1. Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Sensors and image quality

• New 1/1.1-inch sensors on the X6, up from 1/1.28-inch on the X5
• X6 shoots 360 video at up to 8K/50fps, versus the X5's 8K/30fps ceiling
• 120MP 360 photos on the X6, versus 72MP on the X5

The headline hardware change between these two cameras is sensor size. The X5 introduced dual 1/1.28-inch sensors that were a big step up from the X4's, and the X6 goes further still with a new pair of 1/1.1-inch sensors. Insta360 says that's 33% more sensor area, and around four times the light intake per frame.

In practice, I'd say the difference this makes in good daylight conditions is real but subtle, and not as dramatic a jump as the X4-to-X5 upgrade was. Where the X6 really pulls ahead is in low light. The X5's PureVideo mode was already the best low-light performer in its category, but the X6 pushes noise reduction and detail retention further still, helped by 10-bit color depth now being supported across every shooting mode — including PureVideo, which wasn't the case on the X5.

The maximum frame rate and resolution have both gone up too. The X6 shoots 360 video at up to 8K/50fps, compared with the X5's 8K/30fps cap, giving smoother results at the top resolution. And 360 photo resolution has increased from 72MP on the X5 to 120MP on the X6.

None of this makes the X5's image quality suddenly look poor; it remains excellent for its generation. But if outright image quality, in any light, is your priority, the X6 is a genuine step forward rather than an incremental one.

• Sensors and image quality winner: Insta360 X6

2. Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Waterproofing and durability

• X6 waterproof to 20m as standard versus the X5's 15m
• Both reach 60m with their respective official dive cases
• X6's lenses 5x more scratch-resistant and cheaper to replace

Both cameras were already rugged by 360 camera standards, but the X6 pushes things further – and deeper. It's IP68-rated and waterproof to 20m without any additional housing, compared with the X5's 15m — a significant improvement if you regularly shoot unhoused underwater footage rather than reaching for a case every time. Both cameras reach 60m with their respective official dive cases, so we can call it even for serious diving use.

Lens durability has improved too. Insta360 says the X6's lenses are five times more scratch-resistant than the X5's, and cheaper to replace on top of that (from $26.99 US / £20.99 UK / AU$35.99 opposed to from $29.99 US / £29.99 UK / AU$54.99). I didn't manage to put either camera's lenses to a real scratch test during my reviews, but the X5's tool-based replacement system was already reliable and affordable, so this looks like a refinement of something that wasn't broken rather than a fix for something that was.

Body design plays into durability too, if less directly. The X6 is squatter and lower-profile than the X5's familiar candy-bar shape (DJI and GoPro rivals are squatter-still), which may make it a more comfortable, less obtrusive fit for helmet mounts or other body-worn setups, and slightly less exposed to knocks in the process.

For anyone whose priority is unhoused underwater shooting, or who's simply hard on their gear, the X6's improvements here feel quite meaningful.

• Waterproofing and durability winner: Insta360 X6

3. Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Battery life and storage

• X6 rated for 140 minutes at 8K/30fps, X5 at 93 minutes
• X6 showed no overheating in testing while the X5 shut down after 47 minutes
• X6 boasts 47GB of built-in storage, X5 has none

Battery capacity has slightly grown from 2,400mAh on the X5 to 2,600mAh on the X6, but the difference in real-world runtime is substantial. At identical recording settings of 8K/30fps, Insta360 rates the X5 for 93 minutes and the X6 for 140 minutes. I tested the X6 myself and recorded 136 minutes before the battery ran out, closely matching Insta360's claim and representing around a 50% improvement over the X5's figure.

Heat management tells an equally clear story. When I tested the X5, it shut down due to overheating after 47 minutes of continuous 8K/30fps recording at room temperature. The X6, by contrast, showed no overheating at all during my testing. Now, I won't say this'll always be the case, as real-world conditions change, but it does seem worth bearing in mind if you plan on recording for extended periods without a break.

Charging speed is a rare category where the X5 retains the edge: it fast-charges from empty to 80% in 20 minutes, compared with 24 minutes for the X6. It's a minor trade-off against everything else the X6 gains here, but worth knowing if quick top-ups between shoots matter to you.

Overall, the X6 offers a leap in both runtime and heat resilience, with only a slightly slower charge time to show for it.

On the storage front, both cameras carry a microSD card slot, but the X6 also comes with 60GB of built-in storage, 47GB of which is usable for videos and photos. It's a nice little bonus bit of space.

• Battery life and storage winner: Insta360 X6

4. Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Pro-friendly video features

• X6 supports 10-bit color across every shooting mode, including low light
• X6 is the first 360 camera with native in-camera Dolby Vision
• X6 offers native DaVinci Resolve compatibility (once Resolve 22 arrives)

Beyond the headline sensor and battery upgrades, the X6 introduces a step change for anyone editing footage seriously rather than just sharing clips straight from the app. The X5 supports the flat I-Log color profile for grading, but 10-bit color depth is limited to its standard shooting modes — it isn't available in the PureVideo low light mode. The X6 removes that restriction entirely: 10-bit color now carries across every shooting mode, low light included, giving colorists more to work with regardless of the conditions the footage was shot in.

The X6 is also the first 360 camera with native in-camera Dolby Vision, layering dynamic metadata onto footage frame by frame for wider highlight and shadow detail straight out of the camera. The X5 has nothing equivalent.

Another noteworthy addition for professional workflows is native DaVinci Resolve compatibility, a first for a 360 camera and something the X5 simply can't do (it does have a plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro, and you can expect the same for the X6). This requires Resolve 22, which wasn't available at the time of my testing, so I haven't been able to verify it firsthand yet — but if it works as promised, it should speed up the workflow of any Resolve user who currently has to bounce footage through Insta360 Studio before it's usable.

None of this will matter much if you mostly rely on the Insta360 app's auto-editing tools or straight-from-the-camera videos. But for creators who already work in Resolve, or who want to push their footage hard in post, the X6 offers tools the X5 simply doesn't have.

• Pro-friendly video features winner: Insta360 X6

5. Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Design and display

• X6 is squatter and lower-profile than the X5's candy-bar shape
• X6's 2.32-inch OLED screen is smaller in diagonal size than the X5's 2.5-inch display
• X6 supports an always-on display; the X5 doesn't

Insta360 has departed from its long-running candy-bar design with the X6, and the change is more than cosmetic. The squatter, lower-profile shape gives up a little of the X5's comfortable in-hand feel, but it's arguably better suited to being worn or mounted — on a helmet, say, or in any setup where the X5's longer body would stick out and catch on things more easily. Both weigh around 200g, though.

The screen tells a similar story of trade-offs rather than a straightforward upgrade. On paper, the X6's 2.32-inch OLED display is slightly smaller than the X5's 2.5-inch screen. But the X6's panel is squarer in shape, where the X5's is more elongated, and in practice I found the X6's screen more comfortable to view and to navigate via touch — menus and framing previews both feel like they have more room to breathe, despite the smaller diagonal measurement. The X6 also adds always-on support, letting you check status or framing without waking the display, which the X5 can't do.

The X6's screen additionally introduces a pressure-sensitive, haptic touch interface for certain functions, though in my testing this felt more like a novelty than a genuine improvement over the X5's straightforward touch controls.

Neither camera is dramatically better designed than the other. It's more a case of Insta360 optimizing for a different set of priorities with the X6, some of which will suit certain shooters better than others.

• Design and display winner: Insta360 X6

Insta360 X6 vs Insta360 X5: Early verdict

Five rounds, five wins for the X6 — though one of those, design and display, was close enough that "win" undersells how competitive the X5 remains.

The upgrades that matter most are the sensors, battery life and pro-video features. Better image quality in any light, and close to 50% more real-world runtime (with none of the overheating I experienced testing the X5), are big gains. What I can't yet fully compare are the software experiences, since I ran into lots of instability in the Insta360 app during X6 testing, and I want to see how it improves once the retail version arrives before judging it properly.

Price is another factor worth considering. The X6's Standard bundle costs $669.99 / £619 / AU$1,049.99, which is quite a step up from the X5's $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99 launch price. And I suspect the X5 is about to get cheaper due to no longer being the company's flagship camera, so it could be a great choice for anyone looking for good all-round performance at a bargain price.

If you already own an X5, the upgrades the X6 brings are real but not so dramatic that you should trade it in right away. If you're buying a 360 camera for the first time, though, things are simpler: the X6 is the better camera, and worth the extra outlay if your budget stretches to it.

I reviewed the Insta360 X5 last year, and its low-light performance was the standout feature for me. It remains, in my view, the best all-rounder Insta360 makes. At 21% off ($434.99, down from $549.99 for the Standard Bundle, a $115 saving), it's a pretty tempting buy in the Prime Day Sale.

But my colleague Peter Fenech has since put the newer Insta360 X4 Air through its paces, and with Prime Day discounts of 25% on the Standard Bundle ($299.99 at Amazon, down from $399.99) and 26% on the Starter Bundle ($324.99, down from $439.99, also a $115 saving), I think it's the smarter buy for most people.

A baby X5, in the best sense

The X4 Air inherits a lot of what made the X5 so appealing. It uses the same easy-to-swap lens replacement system (which can be a real lifesaver if you scrape a lens on the ground), and it's waterproof to the same 15m depth without a housing.

At 165g, it's also noticeably lighter than the X5's 200g. It's not a huge number on paper, but you'll feel the difference after an hour of holding a selfie stick overhead.

The real divergence is in sensor size. The X5 uses larger 1/1.28-inch sensors, while the X4 Air steps down to 1/1.8-inch (still bigger than the original X4's sensors, for context). In daylight, you'd struggle to tell the two apart. It's only once the light fades that the gap opens up, with the X5's PureVideo mode giving it around a two-stop low-light advantage over the X4 Air.

That sounds like a point in the X5's favor, and it is. But I think that the vast majority of 360 footage gets shot in daylight — think travel clips, bike rides, beach days, family get-togethers — and the X4 Air handles all of that with ease. Peter was impressed by its image quality overall, and found its low-light performance better than expected even without PureVideo on board.

On the battery life front, the X5's larger 2,400mAh battery wins out for marathon sessions: its Endurance Mode can run for over three hours at 5.7K, versus around 105 minutes for the X4 Air with the same settings. But at 8K/30fps (the resolution most people will actually shoot in), both cameras land at roughly 90 minutes.

If you're a professional creator, you regularly shoot in low light, or you simply want the best 360 camera Insta360 currently makes, the X5 at 21% off remains an easy recommendation.

But if this is your first 360 camera, or you want something that genuinely disappears into a pocket, the X4 Air gives you almost everything that made the X5 special, for $100 to $135 less. That's where my money would be going this Prime Day.

Today's best Insta360 X4 Air and X5 deals (US)

Today's best Insta360 X4 Air and X5 deals (UK)

More of today's best Insta360 deals

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I quizzed Max on everything from branching out into a new market dominated by DJI, to what Insta360's competitive advantages are and how a surprising number of Insta360 fans are using their action cams for photography.

There's still a lot we don't know about the Luna cameras ahead of their full unveil, and I'm restricted with what I can share because of a staggered embargo. Nonetheless, my conversation with Max shed a little light on where the innovative camera manufacturer is heading.

Rivalling DJI

Insta360 and DJI are launching new action cameras and compact video cameras at breakneck speed, seemingly leaving the likes of GoPro behind when it comes to innovation, even if GoPro recently announced its trio of Mission 1 cameras.

The 360 camera space is very much dominated by Insta360, who commands almost 70% market share, despite DJI announcing its own Osmo 360, and GoPro, its Max 2.

And the same can be said for DJI and compact vlogging cameras — its Pocket series has sold by the bucketload for years, the latest model being the Pocket 4, with no obvious competition. That was, until the Luna.

I expect the vlogging camera market to be a tough nut to crack for Insta360, but I believe it has the necessary software to give it a go, and now, finally, the hardware with the new Luna Pro and Luna Ultra.

"Luna is a new space for us, because it's going to be the first time and we actually have a real vlogging tool on the market," Max tells me.

"It's going to be seriously considered by prosumers or professional creators. This market category is quite big already, right? But we think there's space that we bring some new things to it. A little bit of competition to it.

"At the same time, though, what we're not going to do is to compete on the price. It's definitely gonna compete more on the on the product itself. It's a higher-end solution. It's not price competition, we really want to compete on the product."

And how will Insta360 compete on product? For one, the Luna seemingly matches the latest DJI Pocket cameras, at least where headline features are concerned.

The single-lens Luna Pro rivals the Pocket 4, while the dual-lens Luna Ultra, which I am testing, squares up to the upcoming Pocket 4P.

Like DJI, both Luna cameras utilize a 1-inch sensor and 10-bit video recording, while the Ultra features a second 3x camera, as the Pocket 4P will. All these cameras are supported with 3-axis gimbal stabilization, too.

And while Insta360 is coming into this space years after DJI, it now has its five-star Mic Pro wireless mic to rival the DJI Mic 3. So far, the Shenzen-based pair looks evenly matched.

Purely matching DJI while not competing on price is clearly not going to cut it, though, especially for an unproven first-generation product. That's where the Luna's neat modular screen gives it the hardware edge.

I've tested the unique feature, and it is truly brilliant. The rotating touchscreen is part of a removable component which also includes the main camera controls; the zoom lever, gimbal joystick, and record button.

You can use the screen to view and control the camera remotely, complete with subject tracking, giving the impression of having a cameraperson. What's more, the unit is fitted with a microphone, meaning you can view, record, track subjects, and present to camera.

That's what 'competing on product' looks like, and this game-changing feature alone could be enough to tempt first-timers and DJI fans to switch.

Powering the hardware

Insta360 is coming into the space fresh, but behind the scenes, it has long made cutting-edge software the foundation of its camera tech, which is crucial, especially in the 360 camera space.

“The new generation of content creators want convenience, ease of use, simple sharing on TikTok, Instagram, and so on, and that’s where Insta360 excels due to the software excellence,” says Max.

"Software is the key reason why you choose our products. Not everybody has the time to go into the mobile app and edit their videos, reframe the moment — that’s an extra step in the workflow that a lot of people are not willing to spend time on. We think AI will ultimately be a solution to that.

“The software or AI can choose the best moment or the best shot, or even be trained to know what is your preference in terms of editing. It’s getting better and better. I recently used it [Insta360's app] for diving videos when I didn’t have time to do a lot of reframing, but it perfectly got me the right frame on the sharks and turtles and on myself, that I couldn’t have done better in this short amount of time.

"On the hardware side, you’re not able to iterate so fast, but on the software side, I think we can play out our advantage; we can move very fast.

"To be honest, I see camera technology going in this direction. In the future, it will be hard to differentiate yourself on the hardware side; you also need to invest in the software, because the software can also balance out a lot of the hardware deficiencies."

I've personally used Insta360's app for videos shot with its 360 cameras, such as the X5, and can testify how much it simplifies the editing process. The same software is being used for the Luna vlogging cameras and might just take out pain points for editing vlogging content.

Max talked up Insta360's software credentials, but in a way, he's also doing the Luna a disservice — my first impressions of the camera itself are very positive, and it's great to see some competition for the DJI Pocket series.

What is currently unknown is pricing — just how uncompetitive will the Luna be? We'll find out soon enough.

Take the Photography Grip for the Insta360 X5. It transforms my favorite 360 degree action cam into a point-and-shoot — a use case that I wouldn’t necessarily have otherwise considered.

Or how about the optical viewfinder for the Insta360 Go 3S, which is now available in a Retro Bundle? This, again, changes its primary function as a tiny 4K camera into a waist-level stills shooter.

Third-parties are in on the act too — SmallRig makes a cage for the DJI Osmo Action 6, which significantly improves its handling for photography, and our reviewer Sam Kieldsen loved it.

I was curious about these accessories that turn some of the best action cams into point-and-shoots — are they simple novelties, or are they genuinely useful? How suited are action cams really for photography? I had to find out for myself...

Getting a grip

Photography with action cameras is certainly possible, but there’s no doubt that these types of cameras are primarily designed and equipped for video. However, the Insta360 X5 Photography Grip — which costs $49.99 / £47.99 / AU$87.99 and is available in black or white at Insta360's store — certainly improves the camera's handling for photography.

It fixes to the tripod mount on the camera's underside, and connects through the USB-C port — all you need to do is open the X5's USB-C door to 90-degrees and then pull the cover completely off (and find a safe place for it as you'll need it again for regular use!).

The X5's Photography Grip is comfy to hold and features a simple shutter release button. It aids shooting at awkward angles and framing elements such as leading lines, because it’s positioned away from the camera and gives an easy hold to frame shots in vertical and horizontal perspectives.

I especially enjoyed holding the camera vertically with the grip at the top. And given the X5 is fully waterproof (to 16ft / 5m), its lens can be submerged in water too — this very feature enables creative shot such as above and below water simultaneously with the lens half-submerged. (Given the USB-C door needs to be removed to attach the grip, however, you can’t fully submerge the camera with grip because that port is consequently exposed.)

Besides design, many action cameras actually have decent specs for photography; the Insta360 X5 is able to shoot 72MP stills that cover 360-degrees, or 36MP stills in a single lens mode, which was my primary concern with the grip.

Most action cameras have a wide-angle FOV, the X5 even more so. If you want telephoto shots, then action cams aren’t for you, period. However, for scenes that feature a point of interest close to the camera, they can offer truly dynamic perspectives. The X5 specifically has Ultra, Dewarp and Linear options — the latter corrects image distortions and was my top pick for everyday photography.

And the latest action cameras typically major on attractive color science, such as the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 with its Leica-inspired looks (for which there's an Xplorer Grip Pro kit like the one SmallRig makes for DJI, which costs $99 / £99 / AU$180). The X5's range of color profiles, however, are much more limited, but it can shoot in RAW format to make color grading easier after the event. I'd like to see more photography-first features added by a firmware update.

Action cameras are also small and discreet, making them somewhat suited to street photography. So, with its wide-angle perspective, waterproof design and small body, the X5 with grip can actually be a surprisingly powerful every day photography camera. That said, it needs to process photos faster too to be taken seriously as a stills camera.

A niche accessory worth trying?

The Insta360 X5 will still primarily be a video camera for me. The same can be said for the Insta360 Go 3S even with the cutesy optical viewfinder that comes in the new Retro Bundle (and which can be purchased separately if you already own the camera).

However, don’t write these cameras off for photography, especially action cams such as the Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 6, which are better equipped for stills. If you want an altogether different use for your action camera, and enjoy shooting a wide perspective with the freedom of a small, lightweight and rugged build, you might just discover a new niche with the help of one of these accessories.

I’m not the only one trying action cameras specifically for photography, with these new accessories; photographer Geit Eero has demonstrated the Xplorer Grip Pro kit in action on Instagram (see above).

Peruse the links above for the best deals on the weird and wonderful world of action cam photography accessories — you might just find a new use for your action cam.

Would you use a GoPro, DJI or Insta360 action camera for photography? Do these accessories sway your thinking? Have your say in the poll and comments below.

It's all down to a process known as 3D Gaussian Splatting, made more accessible than ever by a cloud platform called Splatica. And I've tried it, using both my Antigravity A1 360 drone and Insta360 X5 360 camera to recreate rooms in my house and landmarks in my hometown. Here's how it works, how easy it is to use, how much it costs – and what I think of it.

How 3D Gaussian Splatting works

At its core, 3D Gaussian Splatting is a method for reconstructing a real-world environment as a fully navigable 3D scene, using nothing more than video footage as its raw material. When you feed footage into the system, it first analyses the frames to work out where the camera was positioned at each moment – a process called structure-from-motion. From that, it builds a rough point cloud: a sparse, skeletal map of the space.

The clever part comes next. Rather than trying to construct traditional polygon meshes and textures the way a game artist would, the algorithm instead populates that point cloud with millions of tiny mathematical shapes called Gaussian ellipsoids. You can think of them as small, semi-transparent blobs, each precisely sized, oriented, and colored to represent a fragment of the scene's geometry and lighting. Stacked together in their millions, these ellipsoids collectively "paint" a photorealistic picture of the environment.

What makes 3DGS stand out from earlier techniques is how efficiently it handles the rendering side. A previous approach called Neural Radiance Fields, or NeRF, could produce stunning results but was notoriously slow to process and render. Gaussian Splatting sidesteps many of NeRF's bottlenecks by using a highly parallelizable architecture, meaning modern GPUs can tear through the calculations at speed.

The result is real-time rendering of scenes that look almost indistinguishable from the original footage – complete with accurate lighting, reflections, and fine surface detail. And crucially for Splatica's workflow, 360-degree cameras are an ideal capture tool for this process: their full-sphere field of view means the algorithm has data from every angle of a space simultaneously, leaving far fewer gaps or blind spots in the final model than a standard camera pass could ever achieve.

What do you need to create your own scenes?

Which brings me neatly to a discussion of the gear you can use to create your own Splatica scenes. Currently, it supports Insta360 cameras and the Antigravity A1 (which uses Insta360 tech). I used the Insta360 X5 camera as well as the A1 to create scenes, but the Insta360 X2, X3, X4 and One RS will also do the job.

Splatica's website gives detailed information on the camera settings you should use for the best results, and on the camera moves you should attempt while capturing the scene. Slow, even movements are recommended for the best results, with the camera recording multiple passes of the same subject at different heights. The idea is to capture your chosen subject from several angles to cover any potential blind spots.

Crucially, each scene must be created from a single, continuous clip – ideally two to four minutes long when using an Insta360 camera, or three to five minutes long while using the Antigravity A1. Longer clips are supported, but aren't described as optimal – perhaps because they'll take longer to process?

For my first Splatica scene, I decided to keep things simple. I grabbed my Insta360 X5, mounted it on its selfie stick, tweaked the camera settings to the tutorial's suggestions and proceeded to record a single 8K 30fps video of my living room, skirting it in an anti-clockwise direction three times at three different heights (chest level, hip level and overhead), as well as walking diagonally across the center of the room, then capturing one final skirt of the room at chest height in a clockwise direction.

The resulting clip was three minutes long, and a chunky 4.29GB in size. I uploaded it to the Splatica website, which took about an hour on my rather sluggish copper wire broadband, then waited. Splatica takes a few hours to create scenes, but it's possible to get a rough idea of how the process is going by viewing your gallery page on the site, which shows a progress bar over the scene. Being that it was late afternoon when I uploaded the video, I decided to return the next morning to check.

The next day, when I clicked on my living room scene, my first feeling was one of disappointment: the Splatica site threw up an error message. But thankfully it seems to be a Chrome browser issue (as no other scenes would load on Chrome, either); when I cut and pasted the link into Safari everything loaded up just fine – and the result was far more impressive than I'd been expecting.

Splatica had rendered a crisp and detailed 3D replica of my room, with accurate colors, where text on bookends and magazine covers was easily legible. All trace of me, meanwhile, was removed – the software appears trained to recognise moving people and erase them from the creation process.

You can view the scene here.

Visually, there's certainly an element of patchiness to things rather than true-to-life detail across the whole scene – it's quite painterly, in my eyes – but given how fast and painless the creation process is, I think that's totally acceptable. I can see now why Splatica is such a hit in the real estate community.

In a web browser, Scenes can be "flown" through with your mouse or keyboard, to be viewed from different angles. You can save up to 10 of your favorite angles, or "poses" as Splatica calls them, then fly through these as an animated sequence. It's also possible to download the scenes in PLY file format, for viewing in 3D model software on your computer, where they'll appear as a ghostly apparition displaying every single point of reference captured by the camera.

Up, up and away

My second test was a little more ambitious – I decided to strap on the FPV goggles and take the Antigravity A1 for a flight around a local landmark: the small lighthouse at the mouth of Ramsgate's Royal Harbour (UK). Because of the goggles (annoyingly, there's no other way to fly the A1 than using them), UK drone laws meant I had to bring along a spotter. So that's one aspect of this process that I don't particularly like – hopefully Splatica adds support for the DJI Avata 360 soon, so that I can create more aerial scenes without the need to bring a companion along.

The recording process is a little more challenging here, due to the increased verticality of the scene and the A1's idiosyncratic motion-based flight controls, which even as a highly experienced drone pilot, I've always found awkward and unintuitive. Now, having to pilot the drone at a steady speed along a relatively narrow flight path, I found them even more of a challenge.

Feeling that the A1's waypoint-based flight mode might come to my rescue, I built my ideal flight path first, dropping key waypoints, then had the drone autopilot along it – the idea being that this would keep things smooth and even while recording the video.

Sadly, this didn't work out: the drone's close proximity to the lighthouse – Splatica advises you to fly as close as safety allows to your subject, in order to capture the most detail – caused the autonomous flight to immediately cancel itself. So in the end I had to fly it manually, spiralling around the lighthouse several times in FPV mode before completing a wider loop of the scene and landing. You can see the results below, or view the scene in your browser here.

So, is Splatica worth it?

Splatica isn't cheap, and unless you really need it for some commercial purpose or have oodles of disposable income to play with, it's going to be hard to justify the cost. Otherwise, it feels like yet another expensive monthly subscription that'll part you from cash which is probably best spent on essentials like food and bills.

Still, I can't deny that the process of creating these scenes has been a lot of fun, as well as opening my eyes to just how powerful our modern day cameras can be. If your 360 camera is gathering dust right now, Splatica is probably the best excuse to pull it off the shelf and get back outside with it.

Until very recently, 360 cameras and drones occupied entirely separate corners of the imaging market. Then, in late 2025, Antigravity, a new drone brand incubated by Insta360, launched the A1, a sub-250g quadcopter with a pair of fisheye lenses built into its airframe and the ability to capture full spherical 8K video in a single flight.

It was a truly innovative product; drones had been used to carry 360 cameras before, but never with this level of integration, this small a footprint, or with this kind of "fly first, frame later" workflow baked in.

DJI's response wasn't long in coming. The Avata 360, launched in March 2026, is the drone giant's first purpose-built 360 flyer, and it takes a markedly different approach, being larger, heavier, faster, and with higher spec cameras. It also costs considerably less.

So which of these two pioneering drones is actually worth your money? I've put both through extensive real-world testing to find out.

1. Price and availability

• DJI Avata 360 starts at £409 / AU$799 (not officially available in US)
• Antigravity A1 starts at $1,599 / £1,219 / AU$2,199

The DJI Avata 360 is the considerably more affordable of the two 360 drones, no matter which package you choose — and given the relative specification of the two drones, I'm impressed that DJI has managed to keep the price so accessible. DJI's size as a company, and its position as the world's leading producer of consumer drones, seems to have allowed it to drastically undercut its competitor, despite the Avata 360 having significantly higher camera specs.

In the US, the Avata 360 is available from third-party retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo from approximately $549 for the drone alone – though it's worth noting that, like several recent DJI products, it isn't officially sold through DJI's own US channels. If you want to fly with FPV goggles and a motion controller, the Motion Fly More Combo comes in at around $999; the RC 2 Fly More Combo costs the same. In the UK, the drone-only option is priced at £409, with the RC 2 controller bundle at £639 and the two Fly More Combos at £829 each. Australian buyers can pick it up from AU$799.

The Antigravity A1, by contrast, comes as an all-in-one proposition. In other words, you can't buy the drone without the Vision Goggles and Grip controller, which means the $1,599 Standard Bundle is the entry point in the US. That's nearly three times the cost of the Avata 360's cheapest drone-only option. In the UK, the A1's Standard Bundle costs £1,219, with Explorer and Infinity Bundles at £1,399 and £1,499 respectively. In Australia, expect to pay AU$2,199 for the Standard Bundle, AU$2,799 for the Explorer and AU$2,899 for the Infinity.

2. Design and build quality

• DJI Avata 360 weighs 455g, has a flat cinewhoop-style design and is classed UK1 / C1
• Antigravity A1 weighs 249g, has a folding design and is classed C1 or Open A1

The A1 and Avata 360 are drastically different in size, shape and weight. Antigravity has concentrated on keeping the A1 as compact and lightweight as possible: its four prop arms fold in for easy transport (there's a nice hard-sided case to keep it in) and it weighs 249g, making it subject to few flight restrictions.

By contrast, the Avata 360 is a flat, non-folding drone that weighs almost twice as much – but thanks to falling into the UK's new UK1 category, I was thankfully able to fly it in exactly the same locations as the sub-250g A1 while testing. And, despite its inability to fold up, the design incorporates built-in prop guards and seems, to me at least, far more aerodynamic than the A1's. So there are some key boons to DJI's choices here.

Both drones are built solidly enough for safe flight, but the A1's lightweight design and lack of prop guards (as standard, anyway) means it feels a lot daintier than its rival. I'd back the Avata 360 to survive a minor collision with a tree pretty much unscathed; I couldn't confidently say the same about the A1.

A quick word about the drones' respective FPV goggles. Both have internal lenses that can be adjusted for different eye distances and types, and both are nicely lightweight and comfortable to wear.

The A1's Vision Goggles are the smaller and more technically impressive of the two, with a useful exterior display that allows your spotter to follow the A1's live camera feed, plus an exterior camera enabling the wearer to "look through" to the outside world. However, I found the separate battery pack a pain to deal with, and the fact that I had to take my glasses off every time I put the goggles on even more annoying.

The DJI Goggles N3 that come in the Avata 360's FPV Fly More Combo are a much simpler affair, with no display and no front camera, but I found them much more practical due to their integrated battery pack (built into the headband) and the fact I could keep my specs on while wearing them. Sometimes these little touches are more important than cool features.

3. Camera performance

• DJI Avata: 2 x 1/1.1-inch sensor with 8K recording up to 60fps and D Log M color profile
• Antigravity A1: 2 x 1/1.28-inch sensor with 8K recording up to 30fps, standard color profile only

While both drones capture their 360 footage at 8K resolution, there's a marked difference between the results. You can watch the embedded videos below to see for yourself, but in my opinion the DJI Avata 360 offers much sharper, cleaner and smoother video than the Antigravity A1.

This shouldn't be a surprise, really: the Avata 360 camera's two sensors are 1/1.1-inch in size, while the A1's are smaller at 1/1.28-inch. This might not seem a huge difference, but there's a lot more noise visible in the A1's footage than the Avata 360's. The Avata 360 also supports 60fps recording at full 8K resolution, while the A1 is restricted to 30fps at 8K, and must drop to 5.2K in order to hit 60fps.

Additionally, the Avata 360 supports 10-bit recording and the flat D-Log M color profile, catering to the kind of user who's happiest color grading and correcting footage. The A1's 8- bit footage can be tweaked somewhat in the companion app, but currently there's no log color profile available. It also has Single Lens mode, allowing it to record 4K/60fps footage from just one front-facing camera, which effectively turns it into a "normal" camera drone, albeit one without a proper 3-axis gimbal.

To my eyes, the Avata 360 also seems to offer truly seamless stitching, while it's possible to see a slight "ripple" in the A1's footage where the two video hemispheres have been joined.

Both drones can take still photographs too, and while I didn't make much use of this feature on either (I find 360 drone photos underwhelming compared to video), the Avata 360 is again superior, both in terms of specs (120MP resolution versus the A1's 55MP) and real-world results.

Finally, a quick word on storage for photos and videos. Both drones have built-in storage (20GB on the A1, 42GB on the Avata 360), plus support for microSD cards of up to 1TB capacity. So, while the Avata 360 offers a little more space out of the both, the differences are quite small once you consider expandability.

4. Editing and apps

• DJI Avata 360 uses DJI Studio desktop and DJI Fly mobile apps for re-framing and editing videos
• Antigravity A1 uses Antigravity Studio desktop and Antigravity mobile apps for the same

Capturing 360 videos and photos is one thing – but the real magic arguably happens in the editing process, where the raw 360 files can be re-framed into "normal" video clips and photos for sharing with others.

Both Antigravity and DJI make impressive mobile and desktop apps dedicated to this process, and they each work in similar ways: you import your fresh 360 file, then choose viewpoints and set keyframes accordingly. The app then adds transitions between keyframes.

There are some differences between the DJI Studio and Antigravity Studio desktop apps, but in general I found them both to be nicely designed and intuitive to use.

On the mobile app side of things, both the DJI Fly and Antigravity apps offer AI-assisted auto-edits, which quickly create shareable videos from a selection of your clips, complete with filters, transitions and backing tracks. I wouldn't say it comes close to beating a human editor, and thankfully there's also full manual editing included in both apps, but it's a fun feature to play with.

5. Safety and flight features

• DJI Avata 360 features front-facing LiDAR plus all-round vision and IR sensors
• Antigravity A1 offers only front- and down-facing vision and IR sensors

If you're worried about crashing your 360 drone on your maiden flight, you can relax: both of these models come with some clever safety features that make collisions and accidents much more unlikely.

The A1 uses front- and down-facing vision sensors and a down-facing infrared sensor for obstacle detection, but the Avata 360 takes things a little further thanks to front-facing LiDAR alongside full 360-degree vision sensors, and downward infrared sensors. It also has built-in prop guards due to its design, while prop guards are an optional extra on the A1.

Overall, I'd be much happier flying the Avata 360 through tightly confined spaces than I would the A1 — although it's worth noting that both drones support user-replaceable lenses, so if you do scratch the camera while flying the repair is relatively cheap and painless.

Both drones feature automatic take-off, landing and GPS-powered return-to-home, and the A1 also comes with a waypoint mode allowing you to set a flight path and have the drone automatically follow it. Something similar is reportedly coming to the Avata 360 via a firmware update, too.

The drones' battery lives are pretty much the same, at around 20 minutes of flight time on a fully charged battery.

6. Flight experience and controls

• DJI Avata 360 supports both FPV and standard controller flight
• Antigravity A1 supports only FPV flight

The DJI Avata 360 can be flown via two control methods: the RC 2 two-stick touchscreen controller or an RC Motion 3/Goggles FPV setup. That means you can fly it like any traditional camera drone, or like a motion-controlled FPV drone. You'll need to bring a spotter (yes, another person) along for FPV flight, but are free to use the RC 2 while on your own.

The Antigravity A1 is only controllable via FPV mode, using its Vision Goggles and motion-sensitive Grip; there's no twin-stick controller option at the time of writing. That means you'll need a companion with you at all times, should you want to fly within the law. That's a big minus point in my book, because it's not always easy to bring along a buddy. Sometimes you just want to go out and fly, and that's much easier to do with the Avata 360.

The first thing I noticed about the DJI Avata 360 in flight is that it's loud – more akin to a swarm of irate hornets than I would have expected given its size. While most wouldn't find this a deal-breaker when buying a drone, if discreet and unobtrusive flying is important to you, I can attest that the A1's rotor soundtrack is much less bothersome. Interestingly, the drones' official noise ratings are only six decibels apart — 81dB and 76dB for the Avata 360 and A1 respectively — but the real-world difference feels much greater.

Aside from that, though, the Avata 360 seems to me the more enjoyable drone to fly and the easier drone to control. The A1's somewhat woolly controls, slower air speed, lighter weight (and subsequent lesser wind resistance) and insistence on FPV and motion-controller flight make flying it a strangely sedate experience. It's quite relaxing, in fact, while the Avata 360 in FPV mode feels a lot nippier, more responsive and precise, and much more thrilling.

DJI Avata 360 vs Antigravity A1: Verdict

The Antigravity A1 may have been the world's first 360 camera drone, but with the arrival of the Avata 360, it's no longer the best. DJI's drone is more flexible, more enjoyable to fly, and delivers better image quality — and, to top it off, it's cheaper too.

I suspect Antigravity's next drone will take a lot of cues from the Avata 360 — probably offering an alternative control method to FPV and a more affordable price, at least — but for now, the DJI Avata 360 is the 360 drone I'd pick. Its only real issue in my mind is the amount of noise it makes, which I suspect is unlikely to put too many people off.

That’s even cheaper than GoPro’s budget brand rival, the Akaso 360 for £169 at Amazon (was £199). Despite being six years old now, the Max for £149 is a steal, especially considering the twin sensor and stabilization tech inside.

But, is it a deal you should snap up? After all, the Max was recently supplanted by the Max 2 (which, by the way, is also on sale – grab the Max 2 for £349 from WEX). I’ve got into much greater depth about which 360 camera is best for you in my Black Friday 360 camera deals roundup if you’d like to find out more.

In addition to that roundup, you should check out my best 360 cameras guide which is packed with buying advice and which cameras I rank the highest. If you’re also on the hunt for other consumer tech deals, be sure to swing by TechRadar’s live Black Friday coverage. Happy shopping!

(Not in the US or UK? See today's best deals in your region below)

Today's best GoPro Max Black Friday deal

Should I buy the GoPro Max?

It might be six years old, but the GoPro Max was ahead of its time in 2019, delivering full 360–degree coverage in 5.3K resolution, supported GoPro’s incredible HyperSmooth stabilization, and a huge range of accessories for various shooting scenarios, including car mounts and selife sticks.

GoPro announced a 2025 version of the original Max with a couple of tweaks and a more competitive list price, but that has now been obliterated by this Max deal. Since then, the Max 2 has entered the fray, and it's a meaty upgrade with industry-leading 8K quality.

There’s no doubt that 360 camera tech has moved on since 2019, and this year has been a particularly busy one with the new GoPro Max 2 and DJI Osmo 360 challenging the Insta360 X5 to be the best of them all.

You won't get the best quality 360-degree video with the Max, for that you'll want one of the latest GoPro Max 2, DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 flagships. But, what you do now get with this huge price cut is the best value option available.

Other Black Friday 360 camera deals

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales in the UK

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

So which you 360 camera should buy? That decision is hardly any easier since all the cameras are on sale over Black Friday, although your wallet will be thanking you if you act this week rather than delaying. If we're purely talking price, it's a win for DJI right now – the DJI Osmo 360 costs $357.49 at Amazon (was $549.99), while it's £298 at Amazon in the UK (probably the best deal of all).

In the US, there's $100 off for the GoPro Max 2 which is now $399 (was $499) - while it sinks to a record low in the UK: $349 at WEX (was $449). Meanwhile, the Insta360 X5 drops to $464.99 in the US (was $549.99) and to just £409.99 in the UK (was £519.99) – both of those are record-low prices, and it's available for that price in black or white colorways. Oh, and there are even bigger price cuts on older models.

I've rounded up the very best 360 camera deals below, together with price tracking so you can get a feel for the deals. And if you're not sure where to start, do check out the Which 360 camera should you buy? section below. And for more tech deals, be sure to check out TechRadar's live Black Friday coverage.

(Not in the US or UK? You can find the best prices for the best 360 cameras via the links at the end of this roundup.)

Today's best 360 camera deals in the US

Today's best 360 camera deals in the UK

Which 360 camera should you buy?

DJI and GoPro revealed stunning 360 cameras this year – the Osmo 360 and Max 2 respectively – that both shoot 8K video with full 360-degree coverage. They present a serious challenge to the Insta360 X5 – the top pick in my best 360 camera guide, and while I reckon the X5 remains the best camera of its kind overall, DJI's Osmo 360 and GoPro's Max 2 have certain advantages of their own.

So should you be looking for the best deal or the best value? Based on the deals above, surely DJI is the option to go for? Not exactly – prices only tell one side of the story (and they do regularly change).

The Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max 2 both have a trick up their sleeves that DJI's Osmo 360 wishes it had – and that's cost-effective replacement lenses. Should either of the lenses get damaged, say in a nasty tumble – which is quite likely depending on what kind of use the camera gets and the bulbous design of those optics – you can swap them out with a low-cost replacement. Not so with the Osmo 360.

On this basis and with the slight price differences in the UK and US over Black Friday, I'm tempted to recommend the GoPro and Insta360 cameras over DJI's right now.

That's one feature covered, but you should also consider when and where you are likely to use each camera. In our in-depth reviews, we said the Insta360 X5 is the best overall package, that the Max 2 excels in bright daylight with its 'true' 8K image quality, while the Osmo 360 is a low-light champion. As you can see, the choice also comes down to how you'll use a 360 camera – thankfully we've reviewed each model and distilled that advice into our best 360 cameras guide.

Here's how each of the latest flagship 360 camera's key specs square up:

One more thing – do you actually need the latest gear at all? I'm asking because there are even bigger savings on older models, such as the Insta360 X4 and Go Pro Max (I've also included those deals above too), plus budget brand Akaso. For example, UK shoppers can now take advantage of a £200 saving on the GoPro Max now just £149 at Amazon.

However you look at it, it's a great time to be shopping for a 360 camera. For years, there was only one choice – Insta360 – but now we are spoiled with alternatives from GoPro, DJI, and Akaso.

Prices change regularly over Black Friday, so I've included live prices below for the best deals for all of these 360 cameras at the end of this article, for wherever you live.

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

There are currently no deals on the Insta360 X5, which means it is considerably pricier than rivals. But which of the two excellent value 360 camera alternatives would I pick? If we're purely talking price, it's a win for DJI right now – the DJI Osmo 360 costs $410 at Amazon (was $549.99), while it's £298 at Amazon in the UK (probably the best deal of all).

• Shop all early Amazon US Black Friday deals
• Shop all early Amazon UK Black Friday deals

The GoPro Max 2 remains at full price in the US – $499 - while it sinks to a record low in the UK: $349 at WEX (was $449). I'm keeping an eye on prices, which could change at any point over Black Friday.

So surely it's a home run for DJI then? Not precisely, because prices only tell one side of the story and they do regularly change...

Best deal or best value?

GoPro's Max 2 has a trick up its sleeve that DJI's Osmo 360 wishes it had – cost-effective replacement lenses. Yes, should you damage either of the bulbous lenses in the Osmo 360 – which is quite likely depending on what kind of use it gets – it'll need to go in for repair or get replaced.

Not so with the Max 2, because you can easily remove a damaged lens should your camera take a particularly nasty tumble and swap it out with a low-cost replacement. The Insta360 X5 has this feature too, by the way.

On this basis and with the slight price difference in the UK, I'm tempted to recommend the Max 2 to UK shoppers right now. There's a bigger price difference in the US currently, so it's a closer call.

And then there's the matter of when you are likely to use each camera. In our in-depth reviews, we said the Max 2 offers the best 'true' 8K image quality in bright daylight, but that the Osmo 360 is a low-light champion. So again, the choice comes down to how you'll use a 360 camera.

Here are how each camera's key specs square up:

Either way, it's a great time to be shopping for a 360 camera. For years, there was only one choice – Insta360 – but now we are spoiled with alternatives from GoPro, DJI, and even budget brand Akaso with the Akaso 360 (just $199 / £199, plus there has been deals for it every seasonal sale so far, so I expect a price cut is coming).

Prices change regularly, so I've included live prices below for the best deals for all of these 360 cameras, wherever you live.

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 in the US

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 deals in the UK

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

That's an amazing deal wherever you live, especially considering the Osmo 360 already beats the GoPro Max 2 and Insta360 X5 for value. DJI seems well and truly intent on pricing out its rivals (though GoPro is already discounting its new 360 camera too in the UK – the Max 2 is now just £349 at WEX).

You get a lot of camera for your money, as our Osmo 360 review points out: class-leading 1.1-inch sensors, 8K 360 video recording, versatile mount options and built-in storage. Want a complete package? You get a charging hub, two additional batteries, quick release adapter mount and a 1.2m selfie stick in the Osmo 360 Adventure Combo for £395 at Amazon (was £539.99) or the Osmo 360 Adventure Combo costs $524.99 at B&H Photo (was $699.99) – that's the package to get if you're starting out or regularly doing long video sessions.

• Shop all early Amazon US Black Friday deals
• Shop all early Amazon UK Black Friday deals

(Not in the US or UK? Check out the best DJI Osmo 360 deals below)

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 deal in the US

Today's best DJI Osmo 360 deal in the UK

Should you buy the DJI Osmo 360?

Despite recent DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 arrivals, it is in fact the Insta360 X5 that remains my favorite 360 camera. To get the lowdown, check out our Osmo 360 vs X5 article, where Insta360's offering comes out on top overall.

That said, it was hardly a comprehensive victory for the X5. The Osmo 360 has plenty going for it, including class-leading 1.1-inch sensors for superb low light quality. It also serves audiophiles well with a seamless wireless connection to one of DJI's remote mics, such as the Mic Mini.

DJI probably wishes its Osmo 360 featured swappable lenses, given both the Max 2 and X5 allow for this cost effective fix should either lens get damaged. Overall though, the Osmo 360 isn't far behind the X5 or Max 2 at all.

It feels like rivals have the hardware edge in terms of ruggedness, but DJI clearly wins in the value department. The Osmo 360 already cost much less than its competitors, and now with this major price cut, it is clearly the value 360 camera to get. Similarly priced models such as the older Insta360 X4 can't compete, and the Osmo 360 in another league to the budget Akaso 360.

If you're starting out from scratch, the Osmo 360 feels like the best 360 camera deal to get, though I would opt for the pricier Adventure Combo mentioned above, because a selfie stick is pretty much an essential accessory. Still, that bundle with numerous accessories even costs less than the Insta360 accessory-less bundles. Top deal, DJI.

Shop more of today's best US Black Friday sales

• Amazon: 45% off TVs, AirPods, air fryers & vacuums
• Apple: iPads, AirPods & MacBooks from $119
• Best Buy: $1,000 off TVs, laptops & headphones
• Dell: laptop deals from $249.99
• Home Depot: 40% off appliances, furniture, grills & tools
• Lenovo: 45% off laptops & tablets
• Lowe's: up to 30% off appliances, holiday decor & tools
• Samsung: up to $2,000 off appliances, TVs & phones
• Target: 40% off Christmas decor, clothing & furniture
• T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off latest iPhone 17
• Walmart: furniture, cheap TVs & vacs from $69
• Wayfair: 54% off Christmas, furniture & decor

Shop more of today's best UK Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion

If you’re looking to buy a 360-degree action camera, there has never been a better time to take the plunge. There are more options than ever before, catering to every budget. Insta360 has quickly risen to become a household name in this market, and we’ve consistently rated the company’s products among the best 360 cameras available.

The Insta360 X5 is currently top of the list, and in our rave review, we commented on the exceptional image quality the camera can deliver from its large sensor. Meanwhile, in my in-depth review of the brand new Insta360 X4 Air, I was swept away by the blend of price, portability, and professional features.

When two similar cameras are released only a few months apart, it always raises the question of how different they can be and what truly sets them apart in terms of performance. On paper, there isn’t too much to separate the X5 and the X4 Air, other than the headline differences. Having spent the last decade reviewing cameras for my job, I’ve come to realize that this usually means the biggest divergence between two models is in their target audience rather than the absolute specs.

In other words, they aren’t meant to directly compete against each other – no sensible manufacturer would cannibalize their product range intentionally – and instead they aim to complement each other, providing a tailored experience for specific user requirements.

That’s why I was so looking forward to taking these Insta360 siblings together for a spin, to find out exactly who each camera is aimed at, if there is enough of a difference between them under the skin, and which one gives you the greatest value.

1. Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 Air: Build quality and ruggedness

• Both cameras are waterproof to 49ft (15m)
• Insta360 X4 Air weighs 5.8oz / 165g, Insta360 X5 weighs 7oz / 200g
• The X5 is 10.7mm taller than the X4 Air (124.5mm vs 113.8mm)

Despite being around $150 / £190 less expensive than the X5, the ruggedness and design of the X4 Air hold up well under scrutiny. Both cameras are superbly well-constructed, showing no real give in the body material under pressure. When tapped with a finger, the shells give back a dull thud rather than a hollow rattle, which really lends the impression of solidity. That’s more than I can say for many recent mirrorless cameras that you’d pay considerably more to own.

I never thought I’d see the day when I compared an action camera to a Leica rangefinder, but hear me out on this before you scoff into your coffee, as I’m going somewhere with it. While they clearly don’t have the metal feel of, say, a Leica M EV1, with regards to the handling, the X5 and X4 Air give a similar sensation of being crafted from a single piece of material. There are few perceptible joins and seams beyond the accessible battery and USB compartments, and the waterproof rubberized bodies instill serious confidence that your camera would outlast you in a tumble from your mountain bike or skis.

I know the X4 Air is lighter on paper, but I must admit I didn’t notice the difference much out in the field. I had expected there to be more of a size difference too, somewhere between the tiny Insta360 Go Ultra and the X5. I’m not saying being more portable is not welcome, merely that it feels less like a little brother and more like a younger cousin to the X5.

The biggest indicator that both cameras are from the most recent generation is their mutual compatibility with Insta360’s lens replacement system. It’s hard to quantify how reassuring it is to know that you can swap out a damaged lens on-the-go, whereas on previous cameras, a misjudged or poorly timed movement could have ended a shoot before it began. I don’t want to tempt fate, but I have yet to need a new lens, however an inspection of the kit confirms it’s relatively easy to use, at least with some practice.

Impressively, both the X5 and X4 Air are rated as waterproof to 49ft / 15m, a significant upgrade to the original X4 body which was limited to a 10m dive. Although I didn’t get the chance to go diving while I had the cameras, both got significantly wet during a rainstorm while I was out shooting.

I deliberately left them out of my camera bag, after double checking that all of the latches were properly sealed – there's an orange indicator on the various port doors and battery, which disappears when the latches are sealed. As expected, neither camera was upset by the inclement weather and a rub-down with a lens cloth was all that was needed to dry them off.

• Ruggedness winner: draw

2. Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 Air: Performance and usability

• Smaller X4 Air battery limits recording to 88 minutes in 8K, the X5's can run up to 208 minutes for 5.7K
• Both listed 2.5-inch screens, but the X5's is bigger

Other than the overall sensor size, it’s battery life where the biggest compromises of the smaller body of the X4 Air are most noticeable. With a smaller design comes a smaller battery pack, and the example found on the X4 Air has a capacity of 2,010mAh, compared to the X5’s larger 2,400mAh unit. This drastically reduces the operating duration of the X4 Air, limiting it to 88-minutes of 8K recording at 30fps, or 100 minutes at 6K24p.

The 208-minute runtime of the X5, set to 5.7K24p in Endurance Mode, is far more workable for an average day of shooting, and that’s not taking things like air temperature into account – in hot or extremely cold locations, the maximum runtime could be reduced further. While I’d always advise carrying a backup battery when shooting away from home, I found it an absolute requirement when out with the X4 Air. Both cameras charged quickly using a USB-C cable though, assuming you have access to power while out shooting.

Both cameras benefit from being paired with a host smartphone and controlled via the Insta360 app. Not only does a phone screen provide a much better preview image, the larger area also makes it easier to access the various setting controls. There isn’t much to separate the on-camera main LCDs, though if I had to choose, I think the X5’s is sharper to my eye and less mushy. The auto brightness control behaved a little more predictably than the X4 Air, keeping the preview true-to-life more effectively, although I admit I’m being picky here.

If there’s one thing about a camera that will make a good first impression on me out of the box, it’s an efficient menu system. Happily, both Insta360 cameras have a simple and sensible user interface. Features are all grouped together as they should be; a swipe up reveals resolution and frame rate control for movies, a right-left swipe gives access to camera settings, swiping down brings down system settings like screen brightness and gesture control (just like many phones), and playback is found by swiping left-to-right.

This layout is shared between the cameras and is pleasingly functional. Given the larger LCD size of the X5, I did enjoy working on this camera more than on the X4 Air, which I kept paired to app almost all of the time.

• Performance and usability winner: Insta360 X5

3. Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 Air: Image quality

• The Insta360 X5 features an I-log mode
• The Insta360 X4 Air relies on a flat color profile with no log option
• The X5 uses a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor type, the X4 Air features two 1/1.8-inch sensors

The X5 uses larger 1/1.28-inch type sensors, so going into this comparison, I was already expecting a big quality difference between the cameras. It was no surprise that the greatest differences can be seen in low-light footage, where the X5 produces clips that are visibly cleaner and with more definition of finer detail. Colors look more natural and retain a certain ‘pop’ that is missing from X4 Air video at the highest sensitivities.

The X4 Air lacks the dedicated PureVideo Mode of the X5, which Insta360 describes as using “Advanced AI Noise Reduction”. Exactly what’s going on behind the scenes, I’m not certain, but video is noticeably brighter from the X5 without astronomical levels of image noise. That being said, the X4 Air still performed admirably under poor indoor lighting and during the fading light of a landscape at sunset, but with more blocked-up shadow detail.

The dynamic range of both cameras was impressive; their respective combinations of sensor and processor power punch above their weight in high-contrast light. The HDR modes on both models worked well, producing usable clips out-of-camera, although once again, the X4 Air couldn’t quite keep up in the harshest contrast. This is where I missed the I-Log support the most. Being able to have full grading control of footage from the X5 was helpful, and the X4 Air’s Flat Profile didn’t natively capture as much data in highlight areas.

The Auto White Balance systems of both models behaved almost identically, and in a positive way. They weren’t easily confused by brightly colored objects in-frame, and produced natural skin tones. I had to intervene during the sunset seen in the video above, switching to manual so that I could select a custom color temperature to retain the warm tone, but you’d encounter this on many cameras.

Overall, the X5 wins on for pro videography uses

• Image-quality winner: Insta360 X5

4. Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 Air: Sound quality

• Auto Wind Reduction modes are present on both models
• Both cameras are compatible with the first-party Insta360 wireless mic

On the subject of audio, no action camera is going to be able to capture movie-theater quality sound straight in-camera. Still, both the X5 and X4 Air made good attempts, and I couldn’t detect much difference between the sound captured with their built-in mics. Both of them feature on-body wind protection which was about as effective as I could hope for in devices such as these. I’d recommend an external mic like the Insta360 Mic Air Insta360 kindly supplied me with for testing, which makes a significant improvement to audio quality

• Sound-quality winner: Draw

Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 Air: Early verdict

Unlike comparisons between cameras from different brands, I knew this one was going to be a tough call. The Insta360 X5 and X4 Air were brought to market within months of each other, so a lot of the general design elements are shared. I’ll start with the obvious differences...

The X5 noticeably outperformed on image quality. Noise characteristics in fading light, color reproduction, and dynamic range all benefited from the PureVideo Mode that is missing on the X4 Air. Equally, high-end users will appreciate the Log mode support on the larger camera for advanced grading work. In 360 mode, the X5 also provides the option to shoot up to 60fps, while the X4 Air is limited to 50fps.

Footage from the X4 Air was by no means bad, however, and it managed to impress me in some fairly tricky lighting conditions. Yes, there is more noise visible and fine detail does suffer from in-camera noise reduction, but for many users the results will be more than acceptable. Considering the price difference, you’d expect the X5 to lead on professional features and performance in the most extreme conditions.

Portability is an interesting proposition in this case. The X4 Air is smaller and more lightweight than the X5, but it’s marginal, at least in practise. Neither camera is going to weigh you down much, and I’m not sure this metric is one I’d use to choose between them. Given the price difference, I feel it’s more specifications than physical dimensions that the X4 Air goes light on. It’s more of an entry-level camera than a smaller version of the X4 or X5, and if you look at it as such, it’s actually far more impressive.

The X4 Air gives you a lot of features for the money, and it represents a fantastic entry point to the Insta360 ecosystem. The X5, meanwhile, is the best choice for outright image quality and professional features. If I had to pick one, I’d save up for the higher-end X5 to use as my main 360 camera, but if you buy the X4 Air as your first foray into this medium, it will do everything you want it to.

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It’s been just over six months since the release of the Insta360 X5, which showed up bang on cue to replace the highly praised X4 from 2024. The TechRadar team loved both of these models, placing them amongst the best 360-degree cameras, and you’ll see quite a few of them around the office. Now, in what may feel like Christmas come early for 360 video devotees, Insta360 has released the X4 Air, a smaller and even more portable package designed to fill a gap in the market.

Viewing the X4 Air side-by-side with the X5 – or the X4 for that matter – there are some fairly noticeable differences. Firstly, given the name, it’s no surprise to find that the X4 Air is smaller and more lightweight. If the X4 could fit easily into your coat pocket, the X4 Air can find a home in the pocket of your jeans, making it possible to travel through busy locations and be ready to capture video on the go without being noticed.

Despite the shrunken proportions, the body of the X4 Air retains the solid feel of the X4, and I was confident that the camera would fare better than I would in the city center rainstorm I was caught in during my testing.

The camera is quick and easy to set up and use, even if you have limited experience with videography or 360 capture. The screen is a little fiddly to use, given its small size, but this can be remedied by pairing the X4 Air with your smartphone and using the feature-packed Insta360 app to control the camera remotely. All of the menus are easy to navigate, and I had the camera customized to my requirements in no time.

The dual sensors in the X4 Air are smaller than those in the X5, but larger than the 1/2-inch units on the X4. I was greatly impressed by the dynamic range and noise performance of these chips in high-contrast and low-light settings. Colors were still punchy and shadows clean, despite the X4 Air not having the PureVideo Mode seen on the X5. The 8K footage looked fantastic straight out of the camera, and reframing using the app or Insta360 Studio desktop software was quick and easy.

There might not be enough reasons for X4 users to switch to the X4 Air, but assessed by itself, the camera is a great 360 shooting machine that made me fall back in love with the format. If you’re an avid explorer, or even a pro videographer looking to capture some more exciting angles, the X4 Air is a solid choice.

Insta360 X4 Air specs

Insta360 X4 Air: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on October 28 2025
• Standard edition costs $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99
• Starter Bundle available for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99

The Insta360 X4 Air was released on October 28 and is priced $399.99 / £359 / AU$639.99, which is quite a bit below the price of the X4 / X5 at launch ($499.99 / £499 and $549 / £519 respectively). Considering that the X4 Air is technically an update to the X4, this seems a fair price to pay for the larger sensor and access to the replacement lens system.

Beyond the standard bundle above, Insta360 is also offering the X4 Air in a Starter Bundle, which includes the camera, a 114cm Invisible Selfie Stick, Lens Cap, and an extra battery which, given the limited battery life, is definitely a useful backup. This option can be picked up for $439 / £389 / AU$699.99, which is good value to get you up and running.

• Price score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Design

• 45 x 112 x 35mm in size, 5.8oz / 165g in weight
• Waterproof to 49ft / 15m
• 2.5-inch screen, USB-C 3.0 input and microSD card slot

If you’ve used an Insta360 camera before, you’ll fall right into step with the X4 Air. It shares much of the design philosophy with its stablemates, just in a smaller package. Let’s not forget that the Insta360 X4 is by no means a large piece of equipment, so I was initially concerned that by minimizing the body further it would result in some impractical control layout compromises. However, the changes that have been made are sensible ones, and feel more like refinements of the X4’s layout than unappealing but necessary drawbacks.

The front of the X4 Air looks simple, and not unlike a compact smartphone, albeit with an oversized camera lens. The area is dominated by the 2.5-inch touchscreen, and below that a single round button that's assigned to shutter triggering by default. This replaces the dual-control design of the X4 and X5, giving the X4 Air a more streamlined feel.

I actually think I prefer having one large shutter button in the bottom-center of the camera body to the X4’s smaller shutter control at the bottom-left. During testing, I found it easier to find and press the large button without looking, a minor advantage to many prospective users, perhaps, but as a regular street and travel photographer, being able to get a camera up and running immediately as I pull it out of its case is something I’ve come to appreciate greatly.

As you’d hope for in an action camera, the build quality is robust, and capable of withstanding a few knocks and scrapes. Despite the reduced weight, the X4 Air doesn’t feel noticeably flimsier than the X4, another area I was concerned about, although I suppose Insta360 could only change the construction integrity so far before the camera stopped being fit for purpose.

I really like the textured grip pattern adorning the sides of recent Insta360 cameras. It gives the impression of solidity, and makes them feel like true tools made for outdoor use. On paper, I know action cams are often waterproof, but I often still have trust issues with submerging a valuable piece of technology; the X4 Air will go a long way to easing your nerves if you're like me.

Another major upgrade over the standard X4 is the replaceable lens system. New to the latest generation of Insta360 cameras, the ability to easily swap out a cracked or scratched lens for a new one yourself, without having to send the whole camera away for an off-site repair, saves both money and time. It’s a very neat concept that frees you to take a few more risks with your camera, placing it in some more extreme positions for exciting angles, for example, with less concern that you are about to write off your Insta360 completely. It’s a multi-step process that requires some practice to do confidently, but the additional $29.99 (£29.99) cost for a replacement kit is good value for the peace of mind it provides.

The X4 Air weighs exactly the same as an iPhone Air – surely no mistake on Insta360's part from a marketing point of view. At 165g, it’s not going to add a perceptible amount of extra load to your camera bag, and can even be transported in a coat pocket with ease when heading out for a day of exploring. Due to its size, I found myself taking the X4 Air with me everywhere, on the off chance a shooting opportunity presented itself.

• Design score:4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Performance

• Quick focusing
• Intuitive reframing
• Disappointing 88-minute battery life

I was a little slow to embrace 360 video shooting, probably because I was put off by how fiddly I thought processing and editing footage would be (I’ve had some bad experiences creating virtual tours for assignments, which left me traumatized, obviously). Right from the off, working with the Insta360 X4 Air via the mobile app was a breeze, however. Once you go through the usual activation and connection processes, which require Bluetooth for two-way communication between your smartphone and the camera, you can use the phone screen to preview the scene in far more clarity than on the camera monitor.

It’s easy to pair your devices, and preview clips and images stored in the camera roll, while there's also the option to download files to your phone for editing. It is possible to work on files stored on your memory card mounted in the X4 Air, but this can slow down processing considerably. The app interface is fairly user-friendly, although some of the more advanced functions could feel a bit overwhelming to beginners.

In use, the X4 Air is highly responsive, being quick to start up and begin shooting. The audible ‘beep’ as the camera boots up is quite loud out of the box, potentially drawing some unwanted attention in quieter environments such as a museum or church; you can adjust the volume once the camera is on, although even after I'd muted it the tone still sounded on startup, which maybe have been an issue with my sample unit.

The touchscreen is nicely sensitive, and I experienced little to no lag when swiping to reframe 360-degree footage while recording. Admittedly, the preview image isn’t the highest quality you can find on a camera; it looks comparatively low-resolution if you’re accustomed to using a recent phone screen or interchangeable lens camera. Equally, the small size means tapping icons on-screen is a challenge if, like me, you have hands that are on the large side. This is why I’d recommend using your X4 Air paired to a phone instead, where practical.

The stated battery life of 88 minutes isn’t especially impressive, so carrying multiple replacements is a good idea if you’re away from home for any length of time. The charging time is fast though, meaning it’s easy to top up on power during a short coffee break at a cafe using the supplied USB-C cable. In my review sample, I found the USB connection quite loose, and some jiggling was required to ensure stable charging.

I did notice the X4 Air’s body heated up quite rapidly, even when not recording. I liked that the screen switches off automatically when not in use, to save battery, but keeping the camera on and at the ready for shooting means it still gets warm in the hand. It’s nothing extreme, but I do wonder how the camera would perform over extended shooting times in hot environments.

The camera is quick to focus, although again I’d recommend using a connected phone screen for assessing critical sharpness. The on-camera screen is too small for you to be completely confident that you have the subject in focus, although with such a deep depth of field at this focal length and given the smaller sensor, you don’t have to worry too much about obvious back-focusing.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: Image quality

• New dual 1/1.8-inch sensors
• Can record 8K 30fps or 6K 50fps video or 72MP photos (360-degree)
• No PureVideo mode for low-light

With a sensor more than 1.6x smaller than the Insta360 X5's, you would expect a tradeoff in absolute image quality. Smaller pixels are the necessary compromise that allows the X4 Air’s diminutive size, and if you buy one, you’re likely doing so because a manageable size and weight are your top priorities. Considering the compact proportions of the camera body, Insta360 has done well to optimize the internal engineering, and the sensor is actually larger than the chip used in the X4 by almost a millimeter.

I jumped in at the deep end when testing the X4 Air, taking it to the low-light conditions of a Christmas-themed market at a local garden center. Despite the limited ambient light, footage was clean and detailed. Straight out of the camera there was very little discernible noise in shadow areas, and the image seemed sharp, free from the excessive mushiness that is the tell-tale sign of harsh in-camera noise reduction. Colors were also vibrant without being unnatural.

I genuinely think the video was superior in this area to that from my older semi-professional APS-C format DSLR cameras, which either made colors flat and dull in high-ISO footage, or wildly overcompensated by making them glow like a Tim Burton movie. This clip was quickly edited in the Insta360 Studio desktop app, which comes supplied with royalty-free music for social media use.

The dynamic range was perfectly acceptable, and while highlights tended to clip quickly in high-contrast lighting, the X4 Air did a good job of capturing shadow detail. I loved that a Log mode is available on the X5: I-Log produces a much flatter profile, allowing for more advanced color grading during post-processing while retaining more shadow and highlight data. This worked well, and although Netflix is unlikely to certify the camera any time soon, it does open up a wealth of cinematic styling opportunities. While this is not available on the X4 Air, there is a flat profile in its place, which isn't quite the same, but serves a similar function. Edited footage still offered more scope for color control than clips with pre-applied contrast and color profiles.

Meanwhile, the Active HDR mode and Adaptive Tone setting are highly effective at preserving highlights. It’s worth mentioning that HDR shooting isn’t possible above 30fps. The frame rate is also limited to 50fps rather than the higher 60p available on the X4.

Shooting outside in good light produced the best results. The automatic white balance system also copes well in direct sunlight, although taking full control over the color temperature is possible through the menu, giving you more consistency between clips. This gives 360 footage a truly immersive and life-like feel, perfect for capturing the essence of a location while traveling.

• Image quality score: 4.5/5

Insta360 X4 Air: testing scorecard

Should I buy the Insta360 X4 Air?

Buy it if...

You value portability above all else
There may not be much of a reason to switch from another recent Insta360 camera model, but if you regularly travel and want to be discreet in how you shoot, the X4 Air is a truly pocket-friendly video camera.

You need 8K video
Arguably, 8K is overkill for many users, but it does open up cropping and reframing possibilities. Getting 8K capability in such a portable package is great for high-end videography purposes on the go.

You're new to 360 video
The reduced price point compared to the X4 and X5 means the X4 Air represents an affordable entry point into the Insta360 system. You get many of the same great features, but with less investment, making it a good choice to test the water and see if this type of videography is your thing.

Don't buy it if...

You just bought an Insta360 X5
....unless you want both! While I wouldn't necessarily say the X4 Air is worth changing to if you already own an X5, which is the higher-end model, you might still consider owning both if you're a 360 fanatic and want a smaller backup body.

You want maximum image quality
While the image quality is impressive, the X5 has the larger sensor and benefits from PureVideo mode for low-light and night shooting. For professional use, you might value absolute image integrity over diminutive size.

Also consider

How I tested the Insta360 X5

• I tested a full production model running release firmware over several days
• I use the camera both mounted on an invisible selfie stick and handheld
• I recorded videos in varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outside

Having reviewed action cameras on and off for several years, I went into this test with high expectations. I spent roughly a week using the Insta360 X4 Air alongside an X5 for the purposes of a comparison. I shot footage on both cameras under the same conditions to evaluate how each camera handled noise and tonal range, then examined both out-of-camera footage and color-graded I-Log clips to evaluate image quality.

• First reviewed October 2025

The GoPro Max 2 is finally here – but it's turning up at a party that's already getting crowded. Back in 2019, when the original Max arrived, there wasn't much in the way of competition for the action camera market leader, but things are very different today.

DJI has just launched its debut 360 camera, the impressive DJI Osmo 360, while Insta360 has quietly established itself as the go-to manufacturer for this type of twin-lens camera.

The Insta360 X5, in fact, has been TechRadar's top-rated 360 camera since it landed in April of this year, and despite the Osmo 360 running it close, remains so. Could the GoPro Max 2, which GoPro claims is the only 360 camera offering "true 8K" video capture, be the challenger to knock it off its throne?

To find out, we've pitted these two premium 360 action cameras against each other across a range of categories: design and build quality; performance and usability; image quality; sound quality; and companion apps. Which 360 camera will emerge victorious? Read on to find out…

1. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Design and ruggedness

• Both cameras have multiple mounting options
• GoPro Max 2 weighs 195g; Insta360 X5 weighs 200g
• GoPro Max 2 waterproof to 5m; Insta360 X5 to 15m

At first glance, these cameras couldn't look more different. The GoPro Max 2 sticks with the brand's signature squat, square design language – think of it as a beefed-up version of the original Max. The Insta360 X5 maintains the distinctive candy-bar shape synonymous with the X series. While the X5 is more comfortable in the hand, the Max 2's low-profile shape feels more conducive to mounting on various body parts.

Both cameras offer multiple mounting options – the X5 includes GoPro-compatible quick-release points alongside its standard tripod thread, while the Max 2 goes all-in with three systems: the classic GoPro mounting fingers, a standard tripod thread, and GoPro's recent magnetic latch system. It's a slightly more flexible setup.

The two cameras feel reassuringly solid, but their approaches to ruggedness differ somewhat. The X5 is the clear winner on paper when it comes to water resistance – it's IP68-rated and waterproof to an impressive 15m, compared to the Max 2's more modest 5m rating. That's a substantial difference if you're planning underwater adventures, and while GoPro tells me a dive housing is in development, the X5 is ready for serious sub-aqua shooting out of the box.

Both models offer user-replaceable lenses in a move that addresses the biggest weakness of 360 cameras: those bulbous fisheye lenses, sticking out like targets begging to be scratched or shattered. Here, both cameras take slightly different approaches, and both have merit.

The Insta360 X5 pioneered easy lens replacement, with just a simple twist-off mechanism using a tool. It's reliable, affordable, and has proven its worth in real-world use. GoPro has gone a step further with the Max 2, offering completely tool-free lens replacement: its lenses' rubber barrel enables them to be twisted off with just your fingers.

This makes replacements even quicker and easier than on the X5, but seems to come with a trade-off. During my testing, I noticed condensation appearing inside the Max 2's lenses when moving between different temperature environments – affecting image quality and requiring removal and cleaning of the lens to fix. I suspect it's related to the removable lens design creating a less-than-airtight seal.

The X5 edges this category thanks to its superior waterproofing, and proven lens replacement system that doesn't seem prone to the condensation issues I experienced with the Max 2. While the Max 2's triple-mount system and lower-profile shape are key plus points, the fundamental ruggedness advantage goes to Insta360's offering.

• Design and ruggedness winner: Insta360 X5

2. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Performance and usability

• GoPro Max 2 has built-in GPS
• Insta360 X5 has bigger battery and longer running time
• Both cameras prone to overheating during 8K capture

When it comes to day-to-day usability, both cameras excel in different areas, though neither is without its quirks. The user interfaces are both well designed and intuitive; GoPro's famously simple two-button approach paired with a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen will feel instantly familiar to anyone who's used an action camera, while the X5's 2.5-inch display and swipe-based menu system is equally straightforward once you get the hang of it. I give the edge to GoPro in the UI stakes, though.

One feature on the Max 2 that the X5 simply can't match is built-in GPS. This enables automatic geotagging of all your footage and photos without you needing to tether to a smartphone or purchase additional modules. It's a potentially useful feature for adventure shooters who want to recall exactly where that perfect shot was captured.

On paper, the X5's larger 2400mAh battery should comfortably outperform the Max 2's 1960mAh unit. In practice, for 8K 30fps recording, it manages about 90 minutes on a full tank, while the Max 2 tops out at just over 60 minutes.

Both cameras struggle with heat management. During my testing, both regularly shut themselves down to prevent overheating when recording 8K 30fps footage, with the Max 2 managing just under 30 minutes and the X5 47 minutes before calling it quits at room temperature. This could prove frustrating for users planning longer recording sessions, but dropping down to less demanding resolutions, or using the cameras in cooler or breezy environments, does definitely improve recording times.

Connectivity is solid on both cameras, with Wi-Fi 6 support on the Max 2 providing potentially faster wireless transfers, though in practice I found little difference between the two when moving files to a smartphone for editing. Both cameras support fast charging via USB-C. On the storage front, both have no built-in space and use microSD cards.

I'm going to call this round a draw, but you may feel differently depending on your priorities. While the Max 2's built-in GPS is nice USP and its UI slightly superior, the X5 has better battery life and better heat management.

• Performance and usability result: Draw

3. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Image quality

• Both cameras can record video at up to 8K 30fps
• GoPro Max 2 has higher-resolution 8K capture
• Insta360 X5 offers dedicated low-light PureVideo mode

This is where the battle gets most interesting, because on paper these cameras take quite different approaches to achieving high-quality 360 footage. GoPro trumpets the Max 2's "true 8K" capability, claiming Insta360 uses upscaling or counts overlapped pixels in order to achieve 8K. The Insta360 X5, meanwhile, leans on its large sensors and AI processing to deliver punchy results in challenging lighting conditions.

In bright daylight, both cameras produce excellent video, with the Max 2 edging things for me thanks to GoPro's signature engagingly vibrant color science, nigh-on perfect stitching and selfie stick removal – and that aforementioned true 8K resolution. I'm truly impressed with the general clarity and detail, which support GoPro's true 8K claims.

The Insta360 X5's daylight footage is also impressive, with rich colors, wide dynamic range, and excellent detail retention, plus stitching that's almost (but not quite) as well hidden. The X5 pulls ahead in low-light performance, however: its PureVideo mode is designed for night-time and low-light shooting, processing footage to keep things remarkably clean and crisp in conditions where most 360 cameras – including the Max 2, unfortunately – produce grainy and smeary results.

Both cameras capture high-resolution stills too – 29MP on the Max 2, 72MP on the X5 – though for me these are closer to novelty features than genuinely practical photography tools. You might snap the odd photo, but video is the main attraction here.

Frame rate options differ, but only slightly: the Max 2 tops out at 8K 30fps, 5.6K 60fps, or 4K 100fps for high-speed effects, while the X5 offers 8K 30fps, 5.7K 60fps and 4K 120fps. The X5 also supports Active HDR in certain resolutions and frame rates, while the GoPro lacks anything of the sort. Happily, both cameras can record in flat color profiles (GP-Log on the Max 2, I-Log on the X5) for users who want more control in post-production.

This is another extremely close category, but due to the X5's low-light capabilities I'm going to give it the nod. The Max 2 is better in daylight, but without more rigorous testing I can't say it's enough for me to recommend it over the X5, which is good in the day and very usable at night. The Max 2's in-camera low-light video is disappointing, although I plan on testing more settings and post-production tricks to see if I can improve things through manual tweaks.

• Image-quality winner: Insta360 X5

4. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Sound quality

• GoPro Max 2 has six built-in mics, Insta360 X5 has two
• Both cameras record audio at 48kHz / 16-bit quality in AAC format
• Insta360 X5 can be paired with Mic Air accessory

The Insta360 X5 has two built-in microphones, while the GoPro Max 2 offers six. This gives the latter a distinct edge when it comes to capturing directional audio, and I think that's something you may well desire on a 360 camera.

With their built-in microphones, both cameras record audio at 16-bit quality, and both claim to have methods of tackling that great bane of action cameras: wind noise. In practice, if you need completely clean audio quality outdoors you're going to have to add some kind of external microphone with a physical windshield in anything but the calmest of conditions.

I've tested their wind-reduction modes on a blustery coastal walk, so that you can hear the results for yourself.

For those who want to use external mics, the Insta360 X5 works with the company's own Insta360 Mic Air, as well as all the models mentioned on this list – some connect wirelessly, some via USB-C. The GoPro Max 2 disappointingly doesn't support external mics at launch, but it can be paired with Bluetooth headsets for users who want to record clear voiceover audio. The list of current compatible models can be found here.

Comparing the two audio offerings, I'm minded to pick the X5 over the Max 2. While I think the Max 2's six mics make it a better performer indoors, I think the X5's better wind noise reduction and support for more external mics put it in a better overall position sound-wise.

Whatever your camera choice, I'd suggest you get an external mic if you want clear voice recordings while shooting outdoors.

• Sound-quality winner: Insta360 X5

5. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Companion apps

• Both cameras have mobile and desktop apps with rich 360 editing tools
• Insta360 mobile app offers AI-assisted editing
• Insta360 desktop app features subject tracking, GoPro Player does not

The companion app experience is crucial for 360 cameras, since the whole point of shooting 360-degree footage is the ability to reframe and edit it into compelling traditional videos. Both cameras come with established mobile and desktop editing solutions, but their approaches and capabilities differ significantly.

The Insta360 X5 benefits from the company's years of experience in 360 camera software development. The mobile app is mature, feature-rich, and genuinely impressive in its AI-assisted auto-editing capabilities. Feed it a few clips and it'll intelligently select highlights, add transitions and background music, and output a polished short video that's ready for social media sharing.

The AI editing isn't perfect – the music choices can be a bit cheesy and it sometimes misses the best moments – but it's remarkably effective at creating engaging content with minimal human input. Manual editing in the Insta360 app is equally impressive, with intuitive keyframe controls, subject tracking, and a wide range of creative effects and filters.

The desktop Insta360 Studio software is similarly accomplished, offering comprehensive editing tools, better performance on complex projects, and support for higher-resolution exports.

GoPro has looked to its existing ecosystem rather than building 360-specific software from scratch. The Quik mobile app has been updated to support 360 editing, and while it's competent it can't quite match the sophistication of Insta360's offering. The manual editing tools are solid enough for basic reframing and trimming, but the AI-assisted features feel less refined and reliable than Insta360's. More advanced features are locked behind a GoPro subscription, while Insta360 keeps its features free.

The updated GoPro Player desktop application supports keyframe reframing, but lacks the AI-assisted tracking and image enhancement features found in the mobile app. GoPro has promised that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will receive plug-ins for direct 360 file import soon, which could be a significant advantage for users familiar with those workflows.

If you're already a GoPro user with established editing habits and media management systems, the Max 2 slots in seamlessly. The familiar interface and consistent file naming conventions make it easy to incorporate 360 footage alongside traditional action camera clips. However, for users new to 360 cameras, or those who want the most capable editing experience possible, Insta360's software suite remains more comprehensive and user-friendly.

• Companion apps winner: Insta360 X5

GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Early verdict

We've reviewed each of these cameras in-depth separately, and each is a very capable product that's well worth its purchase price. So, whichever you pick, you'll be getting a good deal.

But this is a battle of the cameras, and you haven't read all this way just to be told they're pretty much as good as each other. And the truth is, they're not – each has its strong points and weak points.

The GoPro Max 2 delivers superb image quality in good daylight conditions, with the best hemisphere stitching and selfie stick removal in the business. It also has a nice simple UI, three great built-in mounting options, and tool-free replaceable lenses. If I had to wear one of these two cameras on my body or my head, I'd rather it were the Max 2.

The Insta360 X5's image quality isn't quite as good during the day, but its dedicated low-light mode makes it the easy winner if you're shooting after dark. It also has the better software tricks, longer battery life and support for external microphones, and just feels a bit more fully-featured than the Max 2.

It's an extremely close-run thing, but at this point I feel like the Insta360 X5 is overall the better of the two 360 cameras. I think GoPro has done a fantastic job giving the Max 2 some compelling characteristics that make it a real 360 cam contender, but if I could only own one of these, it would be the X5.

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The GoPro Max 2 is GoPro's long-awaited return to the 360 camera arena, and it arrives with the rugged build quality and intuitive design philosophy that has made the brand synonymous with action cameras for over a decade.

It's a compact, square-bodied camera that takes clear design inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating lessons learned from rivals like the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The Max 2 is built tough – waterproof to 5m without additional housing and ready to handle the kind of punishment that extreme sports can dish out. What sets it apart from the competition is GoPro's decision to make the lenses fully user-replaceable without tools, a smart move given how vulnerable 360 camera lenses are to damage.

At $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95, the Max 2 is priced between the DJI Osmo 360 and the premium Insta360 X5, offering a middle-ground option that should appeal to GoPro loyalists and newcomers alike.

The standout feature here is what GoPro calls “true 8K” recording; the Max 2 delivers genuine 8K capture with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis, and the results are undeniably sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions.

Design-wise, there's plenty to appreciate too: a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen, GoPro's famously simple two-button control scheme, built-in GPS, and compatibility with three separate mounting systems: the classic GoPro fingers, standard tripod threads, and the newer magnetic latch system. The camera feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced, whether in your hand or mounted on some other part of your body.

Video tops out at 8K 30fps in 360 mode, with 5.6K 60fps and 4K 100fps options for slow-motion work. The Max 2 also captures 29MP 360-degree stills and supports 10-bit color recording plus GP-Log flat profile for post-production color grading.

Performance is strong in daylight, delivering the punchy, colorful footage GoPro is known for, with minimal distortion, effective automatic stitching and selfie stick removal. However, the camera struggles more noticeably in low-light conditions compared to rivals that offer dedicated night modes, and thermal management can be an issue during extended recording sessions.

The Max 2 pairs with GoPro's established Quik mobile app for quick editing and sharing, plus the updated GoPro Player desktop software for more comprehensive post-production work. Both offer solid 360 video editing tools, though at present neither quite matches the sophistication of Insta360's software suite.

Ultimately, while the Max 2 doesn't revolutionize the 360 camera market, it delivers exactly what I’d expect from GoPro. This is a well-built, user-friendly camera that produces excellent results in the right conditions, and it’s backed up by an ecosystem of accessories and editing tools that make the whole experience relatively painless. GoPro is well truly back in the 360 camera game.

• Look out for my in-depth GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5 comparison, based on real tests, coming soon

GoPro Max 2 specs

GoPro Max 2: Price and availability

• Launched worldwide on 23 September 2025
• Pre-orders shipping 30 September 2025
• Priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95

GoPro officially launched the Max 2 on September 23 2025, and it’s available to pre-order right away, with orders shipping from September 30.

It’s priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95 in a bundle that includes the camera and a single battery. At the time of writing I’ve not been informed of any bundles including accessories such as selfie sticks, microSD cards or extra batteries, but this section will be updated if that becomes the case.

This list price, which sits between the pricier Insta360 X5 and more affordable DJI Osmo 360, feels just about right to me. The Max 2 is a quality product and while being any cheaper would be a surprise, it’s clearly priced to compete with its closest rivals.

• Price score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Design

• Waterproof to 5m / 16ft plus replaceable lenses
• Mountable via tripod, magnetic latch or mounting fingers
• 1.82-inch rear touchscreen

The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to the original Max, favoring a squat, square design over the narrower candybar shape used by some 360 cameras. Constructed from tough plastic, it’s pretty discreet and unassuming, with the bright blue flashes of the GoPro logo and “Max 2” the only deviation from all-business dark grey. It’s slightly smaller than its closest recent rivals, the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, but not to what I’d consider a significant degree.

As you’d expect from a GoPro camera, the Max 2 feels rugged and ready for adventure. While there’s no specific IP rating, GoPro says it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m and able to operate in cold temperatures. While the waterproof depth isn’t quite as impressive as on some rival cameras, GoPro told me a dive housing accessory offering more robust underwater protection is currently in development.

Crucially, GoPro has also made its lenses fully user-replaceable – and without the need for a tool, either, in a move that beats even the Insta360 X5’s lens replacement system. With 360 cameras’ lenses protruding so far out of the body, they’re highly vulnerable to damage, so making them simple (and relatively cheap) to swap out if something goes wrong is a great move from GoPro.

That being said, I did notice some condensation inside the lens when I went from indoors to outdoors, and it affected image quality (you can see it in the cycling sections of the videos embedded below). This could be fixed by removing the lens and wiping it with a microfiber cloth, then replacing it, but I found it an annoying issue to deal with. It’s not something I’ve encountered on other 360 cameras, and I suspect it might be due to the removeable lens design.

The Max 2 is small and lightweight enough for easy mounting on everything from helmets to bikes to selfie sticks, and GoPro has thoughtfully made it compatible with three mounting options. You have classic GoPro mounting fingers, a rock-solid way to fix the camera to a huge range of first- and third-party mounts, as well a standard tripod thread and the newer GoPro magnetic latch mount.

Controls are beautifully simple. There are two large rubber buttons – one for power and switching shooting modes, another for image capture – and a bright and sharp 1.82-inch touchscreen for everything else. The Max 2’s UI is extremely simple and easy to get to grips with, even for someone (like me) who doesn’t shoot on GoPro cameras particularly often, and I doubt anyone even slightly familiar with action camera menu screens will struggle to master it quickly.

• Design score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: Performance and features

• Editing via Quik and GoPro Player apps
• Built-in GPS
• 1,960mAh battery offers around an hour of 8K 30fps capture

With no built-in storage, footage and photos captured on the Max 2 are stored on microSD card, and can be quickly transferred wirelessly to a mobile device running the Quik app for editing and sharing.

I think Quik’s 360 video editor is pretty good, and I was able to swiftly reframe clips using manual keyframes or AI-assisted object tracking, plus tweak the image settings to achieve the look I wanted. Finished videos and photos can be saved to a phone’s camera roll, directly shared to social media or exported to other devices.

It’s also possible to edit on desktop, of course, and the updated GoPro Player app supports keyframe reframing but not, interestingly, AI-assisted tracking or image tweaking. GoPro says it’s getting a new denoise setting too, but this was greyed out and unavailable when I tested the app due to my M2-powered MacBook Air being not quite up to the task.

GoPro has informed me that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will be getting plug-ins allowing users to directly import the Max 2’s 360 files. Premiere support is due to be live by the end of 2025, with Resolve to follow later on.

One thing the Max 2 has that its DJI and Insta360 rivals don’t is built-in GPS, enabling users to embed location data in their footage and photos. Most other cameras either require an optional module or tethering to a smartphone for geotagging, so the Max 2, like the original Max, offers an edge there.

Despite the large vent on one side, the Max 2 does get warm during use. When I left it recording video, it turned itself off to avoid overheating with both 8K 30fps and 5.6K 30fps recording. With the 8K footage, it recorded just under 30 minutes of footage before shutting down; it lasted almost 58 minutes when recording 5.6K footage. This was indoors at room temperature, and I did find that setting it up outdoors on a chilly autumn day allowed it to record for longer, as would actual outdoor pursuits scenarios.

GoPro doesn’t specify battery life from the 1,960mAh battery, but I managed to get just over an hour of 8K 30fps footage recorded when leaving the camera running outdoors. I think this performance is quite good given the bit rate and resolution of the videos being recorded, but those planning a long day of 360 shooting might want to invest in one or two extra batteries.

The Max 2, like the original Max, features six separate built-in mics, but here they offer directional audio capture. Neither the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 offer six mics, but despite this I wouldn't necessarily say the Max 2 outright beats its rivals here: audio sounds absolutely fine in good conditions, but when the wind picks up the built-in wind reduction tech can't do much to suppress the noise.

GoPro says the Max 2 can be used with Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds for wireless mic input, and this may help avoid the wind issue, but bringing out a dedicated DJI Mic-style wireless mic may be the best solution the company could offer further down the line.

• Performance score: 4/5

GoPro Max 2: Image quality

• Captures 10-bit 8K 30fps / 5.6K 60fps / 4K 100fps video
• 29MP 360 photos and 12MP single-lens photos
• Up to 300Mbps video bit rate with GoPro Labs

GoPro has been keen to point out that the Max 2 is the only 360 camera that records what it calls “true 8K” resolution 360 video. The company claims rivals like Insta360 and DJI are essentially fudging the numbers in order to claim 8K capture – either by counting unused or overlapped pixels, or by upscaling output to 8K from lower resolution sources – whereas the Max 2’s 360 output is truly 8K with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis for both sensors.

Video can be shot at up to 10-bit quality and in either a standard color profile or the flat GP-Log mode for post-shoot grading, and the maximum video bit rate is 120Mbps, or 300Mbps for users of GoPro Labs. For the purposes of this review, I stuck with 120Mbps. I did try out GP-Log, but GoPro has yet to release a LUT at the time of writing and I found grading the footage more of a slog than I'd like. Once the LUT is out things should get a lot easier there.

Video quality is generally very strong, whether recording in 8K (which is capped at 30fps) or 5.6K (which can go up to 60fps, offering users the potential to use 2x slow-motion; a 4K 100fps option is also available for those who want even more slow-motion potential). GoPro has established itself as delivering colors that look good straight out of the camera, as well as minimal distortion and flare.

Mostly that’s the case here, although I found that some of my 360 videos looked a touch overexposed and washed out in bright skies – likely as a result of having to set exposure for a full 360º view rather than in a single direction. User intervention, by setting the exposure manually, could improve things here, but in general the results are strong.

Still photos are similarly good-looking, and while I tweaked the below example slightly using the Quik app, it’s basically fresh out of the camera.

At night, the Max 2 isn’t as impressive. Both the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 have dedicated low light modes for 360 video, but with the Max 2 you’re left with the standard mode, and it’s noisy and smeary after dark. It’s possible that using GP-Log and some clever settings before editing in post could yield better results; I didn’t have time to delve into this, so I can’t say for sure – but what I can say is that both the Osmo 360 and X5 make capturing usable low light footage very easy, while the Max 2 doesn’t.

So, if low light footage is a priority for you, the Max 2 may not be the ideal 360 camera. If, however, you're capturing footage in daylight and want the very cleanest, sharpest 8K around, I think it's the best at doing it.

The camera includes a wide range of capture modes besides standard 360 videos and photos: time lapse modes, dedicated single-lens shooting modes and more. I've included a quick clip I captured using the Night Lapse mode in the sample video above.

• Image quality score: 5/5

GoPro Max 2: testing scorecard

Should I buy the GoPro Max 2?

Buy it if...

You're invested in the GoPro ecosystem
Got boxes of GoPro mounts and a subscription? The Max 2 slots right into the GoPro range, so if you're already a fan you'll be at home immediately.

You're a risk-taker
The Max 2 is small and rugged, making it ideal for extreme sports. Its lenses are also very easy to replace in the field – no tool required.

You like things simple
The Max 2's minimal controls, simple app and great out-of-the-camera image quality make it one of the easiest 360 cameras to use.

Don't buy it if...

You shoot after dark or indoors
While it shines in broad daylight, the low light performance of the Max 2 just can't match that of its DJI and Insta360 rivals.

You want built-in storage
A small thing, but the Osmo 360's built-in storage means you don't need to fumble for microSD cards – with the Max 2, you do.

Also consider

How I tested the DJI Osmo 360

• Tested camera running v01.09.71 firmware for four days
• Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick, helmet, bike and chest harness
• Recorded videos day and night on foot and cycling

GoPro sent me a review sample of the Max 2 a week ahead of the launch date, and it was updated to run v01.09.71 firmware. This meant full launch features, as far as I'm aware, enabling me to test all the shooting modes and image quality – which I did by taking the camera out in the field mounted to various things (bike, head, helmet, chest, selfie stick).

I tested it in various lighting and weather conditions, editing the resulting videos and photos using both GoPro apps: the Quik mobile app and the GoPro Player desktop app (the latter on my M2 MacBook Air, which sadly wasn't powerful enough to make use of the app's Denoise feature).

• First reviewed September 2025

It's been a long wait for the GoPro Max 2, because the original GoPro Max 360-degree camera launched all the way back in 2019. Now we know that the device will be launched on Tuesday, September 23, along with another new GoPro camera.

Head to the official GoPro social media channels to see the announcement of a launch date, and a teaser of what's coming. One of the cameras we can see in the teaser matches up with official images of the GoPro Max 2 that have already been released.

It's not so clear what the second camera in the teaser image is. According to New Camera (via Notebookcheck), it's the GoPro Lit Hero, a budget 4K action camera – so it's not, as might have been expected, the GoPro Hero 14 Black.

It seems the new model is a successor to the GoPro Hero that launched last September, with the addition of some bright LED lights on the front of the device. You can see these are featured in the teaser clip that GoPro has posted.

Specs appeal

While we count down the hours until Tuesday, well-known tipster Igor Bogdanov has been posting a ton of spec and image leaks for the GoPro Max 2, adding to information that's previously made its way out into the world.

We're apparently getting an 8K video resolution with the new GoPro Max 2, with 10-bit color and slow motion modes available. Video stabilization features are also mentioned, along with a 29-megapixel camera sensor.

The GoPro Max 2 is said to have a total of six built-in microphones for 360-degree stereo sound, with waterproofing up to five meters without any additional housing. There's going to be support for Bluetooth microphones for audio recording too.

Add in all the images as well, and this upcoming GoPro camera has now been comprehensively leaked. Everything gets underway at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST / 11pm AEST, and we will of course bring you all the news as it breaks.

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The battle for 360-degree supremacy is heating up, and two heavyweights are squaring off in the battle to be the best 360 camera: the DJI Osmo 360 and the Insta360 X5.

Each of these 8K 360 cameras promises jaw-dropping immersive footage, smart stabilization, and pro-grade editing features, and you can read our in-depth verdicts on both in our DJI Osmo 360 review and Insta360 X5 review – but which of them truly deserves a spot in your gear bag?

DJI's entry – its 360 camera debut, no less – brings the company’s signature engineering and image-quality finesse, while Insta360 pushes boundaries with bold features and software integration.

On paper, it’s a close match, but when you dig into real-world design, usability and raw performance, distinct differences between the two cameras start to show.

Whether you're a content creator chasing more cinematic shots, or a hobbyist capturing your adventures, you’ll want to know how the two stack up where it counts. I’ve had the chance to test them head to head in the real world – here’s what I found.

1. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Build quality and ruggedness

• Both cameras are IP68-rated
• DJI Osmo 360 weighs 184g, Insta360 X5 weighs 200g

Both cameras are lightweight, comfortably pocket-sized, dark grey, and fairly austere in their looks. Each has a small touchscreen, three physical buttons, tripod and magnetic mounting options on the bottom, and the bulbous twin-lens arrangement that marks them out as 360 cameras. So far, so similar. In fact, the only clear difference at first glance is the shape: the Osmo 360 is squatter and squarer than the candy bar-shaped X5.

Both are also IP68-rated, meaning they're protected against dust and immersion in fresh water over a meter deep. You’d think this would make them similarly rugged, but they aren’t – the Osmo 360 is water-resistant to 10m, the X5 to 15m. And while the X5 is designed with underwater use in mind, DJI advises against using the Osmo 360 for sub-aqua 360 video capture due to technical issues.

The real differentiator for me, though, is the fact that while the Insta360 X5 supports cheap and simple user-replaceable lenses, the DJI Osmo 360 doesn’t. This means that if you scratch or shatter a lens (easily done with a 360 camera, as the fisheye lenses poke out) on the Osmo 360 you'll need to replace the whole camera. With the X5, it’s far less of an issue.

You can, however, buy lens protectors for both cameras that will help prevent damage – but they feel like more of an essential purchase for the Osmo 360.

• Ruggedness winner: Insta360 X5

2. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Performance and usability

• Osmo 360 has built-in storage while X5 relies solely on microSD card
• Osmo 360 has 2-inch touchscreen, X5 has 2.5-inch tall touchscreen
• Real-world tests show that battery life is roughly the same on both cameras

On the connectivity front, both cameras support fast data transfer via USB-C 3.0, but the Osmo 360 edges wireless transfer speed thanks to having Wi-Fi 6 versus the X5’s Wi-Fi 5. In practice, I didn’t notice much difference in speed, but if you’re pressed for time the Osmo 360 will suit you a little better.

Moving on to battery life, I assumed the X5’s 2,400mAh-capacity battery would comfortably outperform the Osmo 360’s, which is 1910mAh, but in practice I found almost no difference between the two. I set both cameras to their power-saving Endurance modes and 8K 30fps 360 video recording, and left them running to see how long they lasted.

Both filled up their available storage before shutting down. The Osmo 360 recorded around 100 minutes of footage before it was full, leaving it with 16% of its battery power. The X5 recorded 105 minutes of video and was left with 11%. So, in their power-saving modes at least, there’s barely anything between them.

Both cameras have simple but very usable touchscreen interfaces, with swiping from different screen edges opening different menus. There’s nothing between the two in terms of UX and operation, so I can’t call either one the winner here – both do things very well.

Storage-wise the Osmo 360 has a real edge thanks to its 128GB of built-in capacity, around 105GB of which is usable for footage and photos, and which can be bolstered by a microSD card up to 1TB.

The X5 has no built-in storage, so you’ll need a microSD card to record anything (it also supports cards up to 1TB). The built-in storage might seem like a small thing, but it meant I could start shooting with the Osmo 360 right out of the box.

• Performance and usability winner: DJI Osmo 360

3. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Image quality

• DJI Osmo 360 has 1/1.1-inch sensor with 2.4μm pixels, supporting 10-bit video
• Insta360 X5 has 1/1.28-inch sensor with 1.2μm pixels, supporting 8-bit video

On paper, the DJI Osmo 360 should handily beat the Insta360 X5 for image quality. The Osmo 360 has larger sensors with larger pixels, making it the more sensitive of the two cameras, and supports 10-bit video, while the X5 only goes to 8-bit. The Osmo 360 also supports a higher frame rate for 360 video: up to 50fps as opposed to 30fps on the X5.

In real-world tests, however, I found that the two cameras deliver very similar results. The most fastidious of pixel peepers may disagree, but looking at video clips captured in identical conditions I can’t really see anything that suggests the Osmo 360 has the beating of its rival. In fact, I find the X5’s low-light footage more appealing and punchier than the Osmo 360’s – although that may be more of a personal preference.

Both cameras support log video capture, however, and skilled color graders might appreciate the higher bit rate of the Osmo 360's video when processing things in post. For those who just want to use the video straight out of the camera, like me (and I suspect most users), though, I found little to differentiate between the two.

• Image-quality winner: Draw

4. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Sound quality

• DJI Osmo 360 has four built-in mics, Insta360 X5 has two
• Both cameras record audio at 48kHz / 16-bit quality in AAC format
• Both cameras are compatible with first-party wireless mics

When using their internal microphones, both cameras record audio at 16-bit quality, and both include a selection of modes for 'improving' the quality of audio captured. In reality, any user demanding excellent audio quality outdoors is going to have to use an external audio source, because both cameras' built-in mics are highly susceptible to picking up wind noise.

I tested their wind-reduction modes in the video below, and as you can hear, neither camera can really deal with a blustery day on the coast adequately. I think the DJI Osmo 360 ever so slightly edges it, though.

The good news is that, as I mention in the video, both are compatible with external wireless mics, enabling much better audio capture. The Insta360 X5 works with the company's own Insta360 Mic Air, which I recently reviewed and found to be excellent for its price, while the DJI Osmo 360 can be used with the DJI Mic Mini or DJI Mic 2, both of which offer superb 24-bit capture.

Whichever camera you buy, I'd highly recommend you get a wireless mic if you intent to use it for vlogging or outdoor use.

• Sound-quality winner: DJI Osmo 360

5. DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Companion apps

• Both cameras have mobile and desktop apps with rich editing tools
• Insta360 mobile app has slightly better AI-assisted editing tools

For most people, the real selling point of 360 cameras is that they allow for post-shoot reframing of the image. That requires an editing app that’s compatible with the 360 video format, and which includes the tools for trimming footage, setting view angles, tracking subjects, adjusting fields of view and more. Both DJI and Insta360 offer such apps, both for desktop and mobile.

Insta360 has a lot more experience in this area, of course, having been in the 360 camera game for some years now. Its Insta360 mobile app and Insta360 Studio desktop app are robust, easy to use, and quick to master. I found the mobile app’s AI-assisted editing particularly impressive at turning out short videos with interesting highlights, transitions and background music – you just feed it a few clips and it does the rest, and it’s ideal when you don’t have time to manually edit a video (although manual edits are still the way to go if you need things to look as tight and professional as possible).

DJI, a newcomer to 360 cameras, uses its existing Mimo mobile app for 360 edits. Its manual editing capabilities are roughly the same as the Insta360 app’s, but its auto editing function, while outwardly similar, isn’t quite as dependable, at least not yet – I suspect it’ll improve over time as updates to the app are released. The DJI Studio desktop app, meanwhile, may be new, but I found it a joy to use, and I had no issues using it to edit videos, add music and export good-looking results.

• Companion apps winner: Insta360 X5

DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: Early verdict

We've reviewed the DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5 in-depth separately, and each is a very capable product that's well worth its purchase price. I can't say you'll be disappointed, whichever camera you choose.

That's not why you're reading this article, though, is it? What you want to know is which of the two is the superior 360 camera. Is the Insta360 X5 still the brightest and best in the business, or does the upstart DJI Osmo 360 steal its crown by virtue of its bumper-sized image sensors?

The truth, unfortunately, isn't as simple as that. I think the Insta360 X5 is a tough camera to beat on the image quality front, despite the specs being in the DJI Osmo 360's favor. Its mobile app is slightly better when it comes to AI-powered auto-editing too.

The X5 is also clearly the more rugged and adventure-ready of the pair, mainly thanks to its easy-to-replace lenses. The Osmo 360 needs to be handled with a lot more care, and that's not a great thing if you're into extreme sports (or want to film 360 footage underwater, which DJI doesn't want you to attempt).

On the other hand, I love the Osmo 360's built-in storage, and having compatibility with the DJI Mic Mini and Mic 2 (plus the same batteries as the Osmo Action 5 Pro) means those already invested in the DJI ecosystem have good reason to pick it over the X5.

In other areas, like battery life and user-friendliness, there's less than a cigarette paper between the two. Like I said, these are both excellent cameras, and neither will let you down on the 360 video front – but if I was an Insta360 X5 owner I wouldn't be swapping it out for an Osmo 360 right now, large sensor or not.

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