Insta360 X5
(Credit: Craig Wilson)
Editors’ Note, February 25, 2026: With this update, our lineup of recommended 360 cameras remains unchanged. The existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
Most action cameras use a single lens to record video, but 360-degree cameras employ a matched pair to capture everything around them. These types of recordings can give viewers a sense of space when viewed in a VR headset, while creators can crop, zoom, and pan through footage in the editing room to capture shots and camera moves that simply aren’t possible with a regular video camera. We’ve been reviewing 360-degree cameras at PCMag since the first models hit the market in 2016, and we find that the Insta360 X5 is the best option for creators and vloggers, while specialty models from Ricoh and Matterport are more suitable for real estate photography and other commercial applications.
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360 Cameras for Video
Before you buy a 360-degree camera for video, think about how you plan to use it. If you’re an adventurer, for example, you need a waterproof, mountable model with support for fast frame rates like the Insta360 X5 or X3, or the GoPro Max2. Vloggers may prefer a convertible option between dual and single-lens capture; the Insta360 One RS is a good pick there. Creators who make content for headsets, cinema, or commercials will want to consider a studio-grade camera like the Insta360 Pro 2 ($4,999) or Titan ($15,278) instead, but both require expertise to use. We don’t review high-end options, but it’s good to know they’re available if you get a gig making video for the Sphere.
It takes more pixels to get a sharp image out of a 360-degree camera simply because the video takes up a 360-degree sphere, not a small 16:9 window. If you want footage that holds up to reframing and edits and looks good on smartphone screens, target the 5.7K Insta360 X3 at a minimum, and step up to 8K capture with the X5 or GoPro Max2 if you want to show off your videos on a big TV. Both Insta360 and GoPro’s smartphone apps have a full set of intuitive editing tools so you can get creative with 360-degree video.
Insta360’s app has editing tools to trim and reframe footage (Credit: Insta360/PCMag)
The Insta360 X5 is our favorite 360-degree video camera, in part, thanks to its support for 8K30 or 5.7K60 recording and improved low-light quality versus the older X4. HDR capture comes in handy for environments with mixed lighting, while slow-motion bullet time and time-lapse features allow for lots of creativity. The camera is waterproof and can survive rough handling, too, so it’s suitable for mounting and capturing action. Insta360’s software tools put the X5 over the top because they make it easy to edit and reframe spherical video in novel ways, though they do come with a learning curve.
MSRP $549.99
The GoPro Max2 brings major improvements over its predecessor, including sharper video and greater post-production flexibility. It’s a powerful 360-degree alternative to traditional single-lens action cameras, and a compelling alternative to the Insta360 X5. Most notably, it boosts video resolution from the 5.6K of the original Max to 8K. It also improves slo-mo recording and has larger sensors, a bigger battery, additional microphones, and a larger touch screen, and GoPro’s improved the editing experience to make it far more intuitive. If you subscribe to GoPro’s cloud storage service, you’ll also get daily highlights reels sent directly to your phone.
MSRP $499.99
The Insta360 X3 is a good alternative to the X5 for creators who find its 5.7K30 recording rate to be good enough and want to get into 360 degree video for fewer dollars. Aside from the resolution, the X3 is very similar to newer models. Its twin lenses capture the entire world around the camera, and its companion app lets you creatively reframe and edit video so you can view it on a screen. It’s the best 360-degree camera for creators on a budget.
MSRP $449.99
The Insta360 One RS sets itself apart from dedicated 360-degree cameras because of its modular design. You can use its dual-lens 360 cam to roll 5.7K spherical footage, or swap in the 4K Boost lens for digitally stabilized 16:9 at up to 60fps, 6K CinemaScope at 24fps, and 48MP Quad Bayer stills.
MSRP $549.99
Production companies and VR pros should consider buying the $5,000 Insta360 Pro II. It records 8K footage, supports 3D, and can live stream at 4K quality.
MSRP $5,251.00
360 Cameras for Photography
Although you can snap stills with made-for-video 360 cameras, a few models work well specifically for photography.
Cameras in Ricoh’s Theta family, for instance, can stand up by themselves or attach to a tripod, making them versatile choices for interior and environmental shots. Realtors can use them to help craft virtual tours, too—photos transfer easily to a smartphone, and Ricoh’s Virtual Tour software enables simple sharing.
Specialists should also consider Matterport’s MC250 Pro2. It can create 360-degree scans of environments, useful for building virtual worlds, constructing 3D models, and presenting real estate properties. Matterport also sells the outdoor-ready Pro3 for around $6,000.
The slim Theta X features a color display for phone-free setups and quick image reviews. It snaps 60MP images, records video at 5.7K quality, and includes 46GB of internal storage. It’s a good fit for real estate and other 360-degree imaging applications.
MSRP $799.95
Both of the Theta Z1’s lenses use a big, Type 1 sensor, so it produces better low-light photos than cheaper alternatives. Whether that advantage or the quality 23MP photos justify the camera’s high price depends on your needs.
MSRP $1,046.95
Realtors and 3D model makers should consider the Matterport MC250 Pro2. It’s a pro tool that requires a subscription to use, but it’s invaluable for creating 3D models and all-around photos of interior spaces. If you want to create 3D models outdoors, the more durable Matterport Pro3 is a step-up option for $5,995.
MSRP $3,395.00
MSRP $3,395.00
$2,695.00
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B&H Photo Video
Beyond 360
GoPro Hero12 Black (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Regardless of how you intend to use your 360-degree recordings, it’s important to look at these cameras as just another tool in your kit. They are certainly not the best option for every shot, or even for every project. Check out our roundups of the best action cams, drones, and full-frame cameras for buying advice on those other categories.
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