Which 360° camera to choose in 2025? Insta360 X5, X4 Air, X4, DJI Osmo 360, GoPro Max 2, Akaso 360
360° filming is no longer just for professionals: travelers, vloggers, athletes, and content creators are increasingly adopting it. Thanks to technological advancements from brands like Insta360 , DJI, and GoPro, it’s now possible to capture the world from every angle, in 8K, with incredible stabilization and simplified AI editing. But with so many models available, which 360° camera should you choose in 2025 ?
This article compares the six most important 360 cameras on the market: the Insta360 X5 , the Insta360 X4 Air , the Insta360 X4 , the DJI Osmo 360, the GoPro Max 2 and the Akaso 360. You will discover their strengths, their differences, and above all which one best suits your use — travel, sport, content creation or simply the pleasure of filming differently.
Comparative table of the most popular 360 cameras in 2025
Before delving into the details of each model, here is a general overview of the main technical characteristics.
This table will help you quickly compare the performance, weight, battery life and value for money of each 360 camera.
| Model | Maximum resolution | Sensor | Stabilization | Autonomy | Weight | Airtightness | Indicative price | Replaceable Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X5 | 8K at 30 fps | 1/1.28″ (x2) | FlowState | 115 min (endurance mode) | 200 g | 15 m | €589.99 | ✅ |
| Insta360 X4 Air | 8K at 30 fps | 1/1.8″ (x2) | FlowState | 88 min | 165 g | 10 m | 399 € | ✅ |
| Insta360 X4 | 8K at 30 fps / 5.7K at 60 fps | 1/2″ (x2) | FlowState | 135 min | 203 g | 10 m | 475 € | ❌ |
| DJI Osmo 360 | 8K at 50 fps / 6K at 60 fps | 1/1.1″ (x2) | RockSteady 3.0 | 190 min | 183 g | 10 m | €479.99 | ❌ |
| GoPro Max 2 | 8K at 30 fps / 5.6K at 60 fps | 1/2.3 (x2) | HyperSmooth Max | 120 min | 195 g | 5 m | 520 € | ✅ |
| Akaso 360 | 5.7K at 30 fps | 1/2.3″ (x2) | 6-axis gyro | 90 min | 185 g | 5 m | 299 € | ❌ |
👉 Tip : the Insta360 X4 Air is currently the lightest on the market with true 8K capture, while the Insta360 X5 remains the absolute benchmark for professional creators.
Detailed presentation of 360 camera models
🎥 Insta360 X5 – The ultimate reference in 360° 8K
The Insta360 X5 is the brand’s flagship model, and arguably the most advanced 360 camera currently available. With its two 1/1.28″ sensors and triple AI chip (two imaging chips plus a 5nm AI chip) , it delivers exceptional image quality both day and night. Footage is sharper, shadows are better rendered, and low-light noise reduction is impressive.
It records in 8K at 30 frames per second with extended dynamic range and a revolutionary PureVideo mode for night scenes. For slow motion, it goes up to 4K at 120 fps , perfect for capturing fast-paced action like skiing, mountain biking, or surfing.
Its FlowState stabilization ensures ultra-smooth video, while 360° horizon lock keeps your shots perfectly straight, even while rotating. The X5 is also waterproof to 15 meters without a housing, and its interchangeable lenses make it far more durable than the competition.
For demanding creators, this is a camera designed for post-production: I-Log and full compatibility with professional software.
In short, the Insta360 X5 is aimed at those who want the very best: cinematic quality, perfect stability and optimized workflow thanks to the Insta360+ ecosystem.
🌍 Insta360 X4 Air – The lightest and most affordable 8K
The Insta360 X4 Air perfectly embodies the concept of “less is more.” Weighing in at a mere 165g , it’s the lightest 8K 360° camera on the market. Its compact size, elegant design, and replaceable lenses make it an ideal companion for travel, vlogging, or everyday outings.
Beneath its minimalist body lies a dual 1/1.8″ sensor paired with a 5nm AI chip , identical to the one in the X5. The result: sharper images, improved light management, and optimized noise reduction. The X4 Air records 8K video at 30fps and features Action HDR 8K , capable of rendering precise details in both shadows and bright areas.
Another major advantage is Insta360’s exclusive AdaptiveTone mode , which automatically adjusts color, white balance, and exposure to produce balanced videos without the need for editing. There’s also Portrait mode , designed for selfies and scenes with faces, offering a natural and bright result.
It shares the X5’s accessory ecosystem (invisible poles, bike mounts, Mic Air, underwater housing), and also benefits from a free one-year subscription to Insta360+ (200 GB) for cloud backup and editing.
Accessible, high-performing and ultra-portable, the Insta360 X4 Air stands out as the best 8K option for getting started in 360° without compromising on quality.
⚡ Insta360 X4 – The most versatile 360° action camera
The Insta360 X4 marks a key milestone in the evolution of the X series. It combines power, endurance, and creativity, while remaining easy to use. Capable of shooting 8K at 30 frames per second , it also offers 5.7K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps , providing exceptional flexibility for slow motion or sports footage.
Its two 1/2″ sensors guarantee excellent detail reproduction, while FlowState stabilization and 360° horizon lock ensure perfectly smooth footage, even in the most dynamic situations. Whether on a helmet, in a car, or on an invisible selfie stick, the shots remain impressively stable.
In terms of battery life, the X4 features a 2290 mAh battery , offering up to 135 minutes of recording time , a significant improvement over the previous generation. Waterproof up to 10 meters without a case, cold-resistant (-20°C), and equipped with a bright 2.5″ touchscreen, it’s ready for any adventure.
The user experience is enhanced by the Insta360 app, which allows for intelligent cropping, automatic AI-powered editing, and access to a gallery of creative templates.
In summary, the Insta360 X4 is an all-terrain camera , ideal for athletes, vloggers and explorers looking for a balance between performance, robustness and creativity.
🚀 DJI Osmo 360 – The first 360° camera from DJI, built for performance
With the DJI Osmo 360 , the Chinese video giant finally enters the world of 360° video. And for a first attempt, the result is stunning. This compact camera is equipped with a dual 1/1.1″ HDR CMOS sensor , larger than most of its competitors, capable of filming in 8K at up to 50 frames per second or in 6K at 60 fps .
What’s most impressive is the image quality : the level of detail is remarkable, the colors are natural, and the dynamic range is very wide thanks to the 10-bit D-Log M profile. On the photography side, the DJI Osmo 360 reaches 120 megapixels , enough to produce exceptionally sharp panoramas.
It also boasts a record-breaking 190-minute battery life (in 6K24p) and excellent water resistance up to 10 meters thanks to its IP68 certification. RockSteady 3.0 stabilization combined with HorizonSteady delivers perfectly smooth videos, even during fast-moving footage.
Its seamless integration with the DJI Mimo app allows for quick and intuitive editing, and gesture controls make it very natural to use: a simple hand gesture is all it takes to start or stop recording.
Starting at €479.99 , the Osmo 360 is a serious alternative to the Insta360 X5 , especially for users already familiar with the DJI ecosystem (Osmo Action, Mini, Mavic, etc.).
In short, the DJI Osmo 360 combines power, ergonomics and endurance — a robust and high-performance 360° camera, tailored for creators who want to film without limits.
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🌀 GoPro Max 2 – The most powerful 360° camera ever created by GoPro
After several years of waiting, GoPro is back with a vengeance with the GoPro Max 2 , a completely redesigned 360° camera. It now films in 8K at 30 frames per second , a significant improvement over the first Max, while also benefiting from even more effective and fluid HyperSmooth Max stabilization .
Under the hood, there are two 12-megapixel sensors capable of producing 29MP 360° photos with rich and natural color reproduction. The GoPro Max 2 also allows for easy extraction of standard videos from 360° footage, a major advantage for vloggers and reel creators.
On the image side, it records in 10-bit with Log encoding, which facilitates color grading for a cinematic look. The “Tiny Planet”, “Spin” and “Flip” effects are still present, but the interface has been simplified for smoother use in the field.
The rugged construction remains true to GoPro’s DNA: waterproof housing up to 5 meters, replaceable lenses, and a color touchscreen. In addition, the camera now boasts a battery life of approximately 120 minutes in FullHD and improved thermal management .
Compatible with the GoPro ecosystem (mounts, tripods, or the Fluid Pro AI stabilizer ), the GoPro Max 2 stands out as a serious option for creators looking for versatility, robustness and effortless 8K rendering.
👉 Ideal for: athletes, vloggers and users already equipped with GoPro.
💡 Akaso 360 – The affordable alternative for getting started in 360°
For those looking to get into 360° video without investing hundreds of euros, the Akaso 360 is an excellent entry point. While it doesn’t compete with giants like the Insta360 X5 or the DJI Osmo 360, it offers a decent experience at a much more accessible price , often under €300 .
The camera features two 1/2.3″ sensors capable of shooting 5.7K video at 30 frames per second , with 6-axis gyroscopic stabilization. The image quality is clean in good lighting conditions, perfect for travel videos, outings with friends, or simple VR experiences.
The interface is clear, the menus are easy to understand, and the connectivity (Wi-Fi + mobile app) allows for quick sharing on social media. The battery life of approximately 90 minutes is decent considering the price, and its waterproof casing (up to 5 meters) makes it suitable for outdoor use or at the beach.
While it may not offer advanced features like 10-bit color depth, log profiles, or interchangeable lenses, the Akaso 360 gets the job done for a first foray into 360° video. It’s a simple, compact, and affordable way to discover the immersive world without breaking the bank.
🎯 Which 360° camera is right for you?
Not all 360 cameras are for the same audience. Depending on your intended use, budget, and desired level of performance, some will be much more suitable than others. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
- 🧳 Beginner / Traveler → opt for the Insta360 X4 Air .
Lightweight, simple to use and native 8K, it’s the best entry point for effortlessly capturing immersive memories. - 🎬 Regular content creator → choose the Insta360 X4 or the DJI Osmo 360.
These two models are perfect for filming vlogs, action shots or creative 360° sequences, while benefiting from stabilization and a professional finish. - 🎥 Professional, videographer or perfectionist → bet on the Insta360 X5 .
It is the only one to offer cinema-level image quality, a complete workflow, and unparalleled color accuracy. - 🏄 Loyal GoPro user or sports enthusiast → the GoPro Max 2 is your ally.
Solid, waterproof and intuitive, it integrates perfectly into the GoPro ecosystem and remains one of the most reliable for the field. - 💰 Small budget / Curious about 360° → the Akaso 360 will allow you to experience immersive capture without breaking the bank.
👉 In summary:
Insta360 dominates the market thanks to its ecosystem, image quality and AI editing tools, while DJI and GoPro offer solid alternatives for users already attached to their brands.
📸 Comparison of photos, videos, and stabilization
To help you make your choice, here is an overview of the real-world performance on the essential criteria.
| Category | The most powerful camera | For what ? |
|---|---|---|
| 🎥 Overall image quality | Insta360 X5 | Its dual 1/1.28″ sensors and triple AI chip offer cinematic rendering, even at night. |
| 🎬 Smoothest video | Insta360 X5 | Ultra-efficient FlowState stabilization and 360° locked horizon. |
| 🏔️ Extreme Action Stabilization | Insta360 X5 / DJI Osmo 360 / GoPro Max 2 | RockSteady 3.0 + HorizonSteady for stable shots, even in fast motion. |
| 🌙 Best nighttime performance | Insta360 X5 | AI-powered PureVideo mode to capture dark scenes without noise. |
| 🕐 Longest battery life | DJI Osmo 360 | Up to 190 minutes of continuous recording. |
| 🧳 Lightest camera | Insta360 X4 Air | Only 165g, perfect for travel and nomadic vlogging. |
| 💾 Best value for money | Insta360 X4 Air | A true 8K for under €400, with cloud subscription included. |
| 🧠 The most complete ecosystem | Insta360 | Various accessories, integrated AI, Insta360+ cloud, complete application. |
| 💪 Most robust camera | GoPro Max 2 / Insta360 X5 | Solid design, interchangeable lenses and compatibility with the Fluid Pro AI stabilizer. |
👉 Interim conclusion:
The Insta360 X5 excels in image quality and low-light performance, while the DJI Osmo 360 shines with its battery life and smooth operation. For travelers, the Insta360 X4 Air remains the smartest choice.
🧩 The ecosystem and accessories: a major asset for creators
Beyond the technical specifications, what makes a 360° camera truly powerful is the entire ecosystem that accompanies it. In this area, Insta360 remains unbeatable.
🎒 Insta360 Ecosystem
The brand’s cameras (X5, X4 Air, X4, etc.) share a large number of universal accessories , making the equipment modular depending on the use:
- Invisible selfie sticks (standard, action, or 2-in-1 foldable)
- Mic Air for a clear and directional sound
- Invisible diving housings for filming underwater without distortion
- Bicycle/motorcycle stands , tripods and universal 1/4″ adapters
- 3-pin GoPro adapters for full compatibility
The Insta360 App and Insta360+ Cloud service simplify the entire process: automatic backup, AI editing, instant sharing, and online editing.
👉 Discover all the official Insta360 accessories .
🪶 DJI Ecosystem
The DJI Osmo 360 integrates seamlessly into DJI’s existing ecosystem, including:
- The 1.2m invisible pole included in the Adventure pack
- The Extreme Plus 1950 mAh batteries offer record-breaking battery life.
- The multi-function case for charging three batteries at once
- The DJI Mic Mini , ideal for professional sound
Everything is controlled from the DJI Mimo application, which offers a simple and fast interface, perfect for those already familiar with DJI products (drones, Osmo Pocket, Action Cam…).
💪 GoPro Ecosystem
The GoPro Max 2 remains compatible with all existing GoPro mounts : helmet mounts, harnesses, clamps, tripods or poles.
But the most striking new feature is the GoPro Fluid Pro AI stabilizer , a smart 3-axis gimbal with automatic tracking, AI module and integrated lighting.
👉 Perfect for smooth and professional shots, even indoors.
💰 Akaso Ecosystem
Akaso takes a simpler approach, relying on universal third-party accessories: tripods, generic poles, and waterproof cases. This is a plus for those on a budget, but it means sacrificing the comprehensive software features of major brands.
👉 In summary:
If you want a seamless and creative end-to-end experience, Insta360 clearly stands out thanks to its comprehensive ecosystem, integrated cloud, and modular accessories . DJI and GoPro follow with solid but more specialized solutions.
🏆 Our final verdict: the Insta360 X5 and Insta360 X4 Air dominate the 360° market
If we had to keep only two 360° cameras in 2025, they would undoubtedly be the Insta360 X5 and the Insta360 X4 Air .
The Insta360 X5 embodies technological perfection.
It’s the only 360° camera to combine two 1/1.28″ sensors , a triple AI chip , a PureVideo 8K mode , and cinematic color rendering . It’s aimed at videographers, professional creators, and adventurers who want the very best .
- Unparalleled image quality, even at night.
- Perfect 360° stabilization for sports, travel or professional productions.
- Complete ecosystem (Insta360+, accessories, AI application).
In short, it’s the ultimate 360° camera , designed for those who want to produce high-end content without limits.
But if you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight and easy-to-use 8K camera , the Insta360 X4 Air is a gem.
It takes the essentials of the X5 and puts them in a more compact format, at a much more affordable price.
- Ultra-light (165 g)
- Replaceable lenses
- Automatic AdaptiveTone Mode
- Free Insta360+ subscription for 1 year (200 GB)
It stands out as the best value for money on the 8K market , ideal for travellers, vloggers or creators who want to film simply and efficiently.
In short:
- 💎 Insta360 X5 → absolute power and professional quality.
- 🪶 Insta360 X4 Air → lightness, simplicity and intelligence at an affordable price.
👉 Whatever your level, you will find what you are looking for in the Insta360 ecosystem, which remains today the most complete, the most stable and the most creative on the market .
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