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
Geoffrey Morrison/X5
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/CNET
Tie (sort of)
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