The top two 360-degree cameras right now are the GoPro Max 2 and the Insta360 X5. Their headline specs and features are similar, but extensive hands-on testing reveals cameras that are good at different things and are ideal for different people. Don't get me wrong, they're both great cameras and there's no "wrong" choice between them.
I've been reviewing 360 cameras since they first hit the market. I've also used them in my own photography just as long. These versatile cameras allow you to capture everything around you at the same time, letting you focus on the moment and edit the video or photo later to highlight the most interesting parts. Here's which you should buy in 2025.
Photo resolution
Winner: Insta360 X5
The Insta360 is capable of 72-megapixel (11,904x5,952) images. These don't have the dynamic range (i.e., a main aspect of overall image quality) of the camera's 18-megapixel (5,888x2,944) setting, but if detail is paramount in what you're capturing, this mode is handy. For what it's worth, I rarely use the 72-megapixel setting when I'm using the X5, not least because the Insta360 app can't convert the images into little video clips like it can with 18-megapixel images.
GoPro has a single setting: 29 megapixels (7,680x3,840). This is indicative of the Max 2 versus the X5. There's more you can do with the latter, but if you don't want to mess with settings or features, the Max 2 is simpler and therefore easier. There's also more to image quality than just resolution, which I'll get to in a moment.
Video resolution
This is a close crop from 8K 360 videos. This is typically closer than you'd normally crop for posting and sharing as it's quite soft. It does show the X5's tendency to overexpose as well as the similar levels of sharpness between the cameras. Zoomed out slightly, both cameras look as sharp as you'll get with consumer 360 cameras.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETTie (sort of)
Both cameras are capable of 8K video at 30 frames per second. They can also do lower resolutions at higher framerates, like 5.7K60. The specifics are a little more nuanced. All consumer 360 cameras use two lenses with two image sensors that are mounted in the camera back-to-back. Each records slightly more than a 180-degree view. The resulting footage is "stitched" together to create a single photo- or videosphere.
GoPro says the Max 2 uses higher-resolution image sensors so that the resulting footage is "true 8K." It also says Insta360 and other 360 camera companies use "only" 4K sensors for each side, and so they have final footage that's less than 8K because some pixels are duplicated by each lens and "thrown out" in the stitching process.
At best, GoPro says the Max 2 has a 21% increase in resolution. That's not a lot, and in my testing, there wasn't a huge difference between the detail of the two cameras. There were other, far more important, differences that I'll discuss in the image quality section.
Image quality (photos and videos)
Max 2 on the left, X5 on the right, both unedited other than cropping. The X5 overexposes in most situations, making shadows more visible but making for a flatter, more washed-out image. You can always adjust the exposure in camera or adjust the results after shooting in the apps. It's worth noting that in person it looked more like the image on the left. Most phones would take images somewhere between these two.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETWinner (Daytime): GoPro Max 2 (with caveats)
Winner (Nighttime): Insta360 X5
Out of the camera, with no extra editing, the Max 2 tends to look a little better. The photos and videos are contrasty, colorful and look pleasing when posted on social media. Footage from a GoPro has a specific and recognizable aesthetic, and the Max 2 is no exception. Also, the X5 tends to overexpose, which makes shadows brighter and more visible, leading to a more artificial and often washed-out image.
Top: Max 2. Middle: X5 autoexposure. Bottom: X5 slightly "under" exposed according to the on-camera settings. Otherwise unedited.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETHowever, if you're willing to play with settings and spend a few extra moments during editing, you can get the X5's content to look as good, if not better than the Max 2. This is especially true for videos at night or other low-light situations. The X5 at night still isn't amazing, but the footage is usable. The Max 2's low-light performance is pretty bad. It's debatable if you can use it at night at all. The Max 2's maximum video bit rate is also lower, 120 to the X5's 180, but there are numerous variables that don't make that as big a factor as the numbers imply.
Both can shoot DNG raw images and Log color profile for videos, which should offer better dynamic range and more flexibility when editing.
Size
Tie
It may not look it, but these cameras are almost identical in volume. The X5 is less than 1% larger in overall volume than the Max 2 (46x124.5x38.2mm versus 64x69.7x48.7mm). They also weigh basically the same: 200 grams for the X5 and 195 grams for the Max 2.
There are pros and cons to each design, though. The candybar design of the X5 makes it a little easier to fit in pockets or in a bag, but the square shape of the Max 2, similar to a traditional action camera, makes it easier to handle. It also has a lower profile when mounted on a helmet. So overall, I'll call this a wash. Subjectively, I prefer the X5, but part of that is because the shutter button, which is on the bottom of the back panel, is easier to reach while the camera is perched on a selfie stick. The Max 2's shutter button is on its top.
Apps
The GoPro Quik mobile app. Left: Camera controls. Middle: Photo editing and reframing. Right: Video editing and reframing.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETTie (Sort of)
There is more you can do in Insta360's app, including combining multiple 360 video clips, extensive AI editing features and more. GoPro's Quik app is less elaborate, but that makes it easier to use for beginners. So once again, if you want to do more, the Insta360 is the better option. If you want something easier to use, or you're a beginner, go with the GoPro.
The Insta360 desktop app.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETThis includes the desktop apps, too. The Insta360's is easier if you have a lot of footage to edit and there's more you can do with it. GoPro's is simpler, but gets the job done.
Accessories
The folding "fingers" allow mounting to the myriad GoPro accessories. The ¼-20 mount allows mounting to just about any selfie stick or tripod.
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETTie
Insta360 has been dominating the 360 camera market for years and has a whole stable of accessories to show for it. GoPro, on the other hand, is GoPro. The number of GoPro accessories from them and third-party companies is basically infinite.
Neither camera is particularly proprietary when it comes to accessories, though. Both have standard tripod mounts to fit on any selfie stick, and while the GoPro has retractable fingers to fit traditional GoPro gear, adapters to add that functionality to the X5 are cheap. And they both have clip-in magnetic mounts, making it quick and easy to remove the cameras from one mount and put them on another.
To put it another way, you can use nearly all the accessories with one another.
Price
Winner: GoPro Max 2
The list price of the X5 is $50, or 10%, more than the Max 2. That feels about right. That $50 gets you a little more flexibility both in what you record, when and where. If you expect to use the camera at night or inside, the X5 is the better option, even though it costs more. It's also worth noting that the X5 regularly goes on sale, and as of this writing, it's the same price as the Max 2.
There are more budget options, if you're just looking to get into 360 cameras and don't want to spend a lot, not least the Insta360 X4 and the original (but updated in 2025) Max.
The overall winner
For most people: Insta360 X5
For beginners or anyone who wants a simpler experience: GoPro Max 2
Having used 360 cameras for over a decade, I'd be content with either of these cameras. It's less about which one is "better" and more about what niche (within the tiny 360 camera niche) they fill. There's more you can do with the X5 in general, not least because of its larger sensors, higher potential photo resolution and better app.
However, as someone who's been trying to reduce the amount of editing I do at the end of a day's adventure, I'm enticed by the GoPro's better out-of-camera footage. There's just less time needed to get something I can post on social media. That said, if you tend to put together more elaborate videos, especially if you're a content creator, the greater versatility of the X5 is still the better pick.
So I'm picking the X5 overall because of that flexibility, as well as its superior low-light performance. For beginners and those who don't think they'll do any sort of elaborate editing, go for the Max 2.
Like
- Excellent image quality
- Lots of useful photo and video modes
- Replaceable lenses
Don't like
- Expensive
- X4 is cheaper and almost as good
For most people, the X5's larger image sensors, advanced app and overall performance make it the best 360 camera. As with any 360 camera, there's a bit of a learning curve, but the various features are laid out well, and the menus are easy to understand.
Like
- Great out-of-camera photos and videos (for an action camera)
- Easy-to-use app
- Replaceable lenses
Don't like
- Lacks some of the features of the Insta360 X5
- Poor low-light performance
- An update for sure, but not a huge one
The GoPro Max 2 is easy to use, takes photos and videos that look great direct from the camera, and its apps are easy to use. The more action cam-like design can make mounting less awkward. It doesn't have some of the X5's bells and whistles, but it is a highly capable camera that's great for beginners, and anyone who wants something a bit simpler to use that potentially requires less editing.
X5 at Reichenbach Falls
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETIn addition to covering cameras and display tech, Geoff does photo essays about cool museums and other stuff, including nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, 10,000-mile road trips.
Also, check out Budget Travel for Dummies, his travel book and his bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube.
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