Compare the top 360 cameras available now
Why should you trust me?
What do I know about 360 cameras? Well for a start I personally own 10 of them (seriously) and have used even more. I’ve been writing about and testing these cameras for four years, and this website is one of the top 360 camera resources online. I’ve even had the opportunity to work with Facebook’s 360 division.
It’s safe to say I’ve had a lot of experience using 360 cameras, so I’m confident that I know the difference between one that’s worth buying and one that’s not. Hopefully my knowledge can help you make the right choice.
Best 360 camera for most people
Insta360 One R
insta360.com
Modular 360 Camera with 4K Action Cam Module. Amazing editing App and near perfect stabilization.
360 Cameras Comparison Table
Bare in mind that not all 360 cameras are made equal. The most important feature to look for in a 360 camera is the video and photo resolution. 360 degree photos and videos require a very large resolution to look as clear as a normal HD video, so when comparing 360 cameras make sure to look out for high video resolution (4K is ideal).
I’ve made it easy for you to compare the top 360 degree cameras available right now by creating this table which shows the main features and price of each camera.
Scroll sideways to see more
| Features | Insta360 One X2 | Insta360 One R | GoPro Max | QooCam 8K | Insta360 One X | Vuze XR | Mi Shere | Ricoh Theta V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Number of Lenses | 2 x f/2.0 |
| 2 x f/2.2 | 2 x 1/1.7“ Sensors | 2 x f/2.0 | 2 x f/2.4 | 2 x f/2.0 | 2 x f/2.0 |
| Video | ||||||||
| Max Video Resolution |
| 360 Module:
|
|
|
|
| 3840 x [email protected] 30fps | 3840×1920 @ 29.97fps |
| Stabilization | 6 Axis Stabilization (Flowstate) | 6 Axis Stabilization (Flowstate) | Hypersmooth 2.0 | 6 Axis Stabilization | 6 Axis Stabilization (Flowstate) | 6 Axis Stabilization | Yes - 6 Axis Image Stabilization | Horizon Correction |
| 360 Live-Stream | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes -4K | Yes - 4K | No | Yes - 4K |
| Photo | ||||||||
| Photo Resolution | 18.4 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels | 16.6 Megapixels | 30 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels | 23.8 Megapixels - 6912 x 3456 | 15 Megapixels |
| Design | ||||||||
| Shockproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes - 10 Metres | Yes - 5 Metres | Yes - 5 Metres | With Additional Case | 30m With Additional Case | No | Splashproof | 30 ft With additional case |
| Memory | MicroSD up to 256GB | MicroSD up to 128GB | MicroSD up to 128GB | 64GB Internal - Up to 265GB Micro SD | MicroSD up to 128GB | MicroSD up to 128GB | MicroSD up to 128GB | Internal only -19GB |
| Battery | 1400 mAh | 1200 mAh | 1400 mAh | 3600mAh | 1200 mAh | 1200 mAh | 1600 mAh | 80 Minutes Continuous Recording |
| Compatibility | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS | Android/iOS |
| Other Features |
|
|
|
|
| Dual 180 and 360 Mode | Timelapse mode | Spatial Audio, Auto HDR Photo Mode |
| Price | $479 | $479 - $749 | $449 | $399 | $429 | $230 | | |
| My Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | |
| Cheapest Place to Buy | Buy on Insta360 Website | Buy on Insta360 Website | Amazon | Buy from Kandao | Insta360 Website | Amazon | Gearbest | Check Amazon |
Summary and Latest Prices
GoPro MAX - Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live...
- Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot traditional HERO-style video and photos or capture immersive 360 footage. Vlog to the max with shotgun-mic performance and a front-facing screen.
GoPro Fusion — 360 Waterproof Digital VR Camera with Spherical 5.2K HD Video 18MP Photos
- Spherical video + photos - Capture incredible 5.2K videos and 18MP photos of everything around you by shooting in every direction at once
- OverCapture - Turn 5.2K spherical videos into traditional 1080p videos from any angle right on your phone. Full compatibility on iPhone 6s, iPad mini 4 and later devices; compatibility varies for earlier devices. See Technical Specifications below for Android compatibility
Free shipping
Vuze XR Dual VR Camera VR180 & 360° in 5.7K
- 3D 180⁰ or 2D 360⁰ Videos and Photos
- Compatible with Oculus GO, Youtube, Facebook and any VR headset or mobile device
- 5.7K 30fps Video
- 18MP photos
- Video Stabilization
Free shipping
Insta360 ONE 360 Video Action Camera, with FlowState Stabilization
- 360° Capture - The ONE shoots in every direction at once, capturing life in seamless 4K 360° video and 24 MP 360° photos. Once you've got your shot, re-frame the best parts, or share a full 360° experience straight from your phone.
Free shipping
Rylo 360 Video Camera (iPhone Version) - Breakthrough stabilization, 4K Recording, Includes 16GB SD Card and Everyday Case
- 360 Video: Capture everything around you in 4K 360 video. Create a regular HD video by selecting a traditionally-framed view within the 360 footage, or share a fully immersive video in 4K 360.
- Breakthrough Stabilization: With breakthrough stabilization and horizon leveling automatically built in, Rylo makes your videos look like they were shot on a professional stabilization rig.
360 Camera, Xiaomi Mijia Mi Dual-Lens Sphere Action Cam Wifi Waterproof Panoramic Camera 3.5K HD Video Recording with Sony Image...
- 【HD Image Quality】360° field of view for an unlimited experience, 3.5K recording for the video adventurers out there, dual 1/2.3" Sony image sensors supports up to 3456×1728/30fps or 2304×1152/60fps
Garmin VIRB 360, Waterproof 360-degree Camera, 5.7K/30fps Resolution, 1-Click Video Stabilization up to 4K Resolution
- Resolution up to 5.7K/30fps with desktop stitching; 4K/30fps auto-stitched in-camera
- Up to 15-megapixel resolution provides high-quality, spherical photos
- HyperFrame Director Mode gives you the editing power to easily reframe content after filming - using smooth camera pans, incredibly wide angles and even tiny planets
Free shipping
YI 360 VR Camera Dual-Lens 5.7K HI Resolution Panoramic Camera with Electronic Image Stabilization, 4K in-Camera Stitching
- 5.7K Resolution: Records 360 videos in up to 5.7K resolution at 30 frames per second with the 'Auto-Stitch' option in the app or in the in-camera menu turned off, ready to stitch in the accompanying YI 360 Studio (Windows) （Note: Compatible devices and software is required to playback 5.7K videos).
Free shipping
Ricoh Theta V 4k 360 Spherical Camera
- Theta V shoots hi-def smooth 360 Degree video at 30 fps @ 3840 x 1920 pixels or 4K. It supports the H.264 file format for video recording ; Remote release: CA-3-compatible
- Hi-res 360 Degree spherical stills & video with improvements to the image quality. New Qualcomm Snapdragon processor has completely enhanced the exposure accuracy and white balance algorithm
Samsung Gear 360 (2017 Edition) Real 360° 4K VR Camera (US Version with Warranty)
- Tell the whole story with the 360° camera that captures every angle in 4K brilliance and share instantly
- Capture life as it happens in stunning 4K video and 15MP photos thanks to dual 180° lenses
- Gear 360 is easy to hold and take with you, and has an IP53 water-resistant rating*
Free shipping
360 Degree Camera Overview
360 degree cameras are a brand new type of photographic and video technology which allows you to capture full 360° panoramas in a single shot. These cameras use multiple lens’s to capture the full 360 degrees around the camera, instead of the usual 120 degrees on a normal camera. The images and video produced by these cameras is special because you are able to look in any direction you want, which is proving extremely popular on social media with even simple videos receiving millions of views.
Using 360 degree cameras you are able to capture more accurately what it feels like to experience a place or an event; for example a 360 video of Niagara falls is many times more immersive than a normal video. 360 cameras are likely to become popular along with VR headsets as 360 video is best viewed on these devices.
2016 is the year of the 360 Camera, when the first ever consumer 360 cameras become available at affordable prices. Previously these cameras have only been available to professionals and have costs thousands of dollars.
360 Degree Camera Comparison Analysis
The table above provides a quick overview of the main features of the major 360 degree cameras available now. 360 degree technology is in its infancy and these products represent the first generation of 360 cameras; never the less some of these cameras can produce very high quality 360 images and videos which are proving to be extremely popular on social media.
Which is the best 360 camera?
I’ve selected what I believe to be the top 4 360 cameras out right now. I’ve owned over 15 of these types of cameras and tested even more. Each of these cameras is great, but each has it’s positives and negatives. Keep reading to see which is best for you.
Insta360 One R – Dual 360 and Action Camera
- 5.7K 360 Video
- Modular Design – 3 Cameras in One
- 360 Module, 4K Module, One Inch Module
- Waterproof
- Touch Screen
- AI Editing App
- RAW Photos
- Cumbersome Design
- Poor Quality Touch Screen
The Insta360 One R is a new take on camera design. You can physically switch the lenses in the camera and completely change the functionality. You get two modules with your camera, 360 and 4K, which allows you to combine immersive footage with high quality linear video. This is the most adaptable camera ever and also comes with an excellent App that can automatically select the best parts of your video. The One R doesn’t have the absolute best quality video available but the number of shooting options and user friendly software makes it the best choice for anyone who wants an all-in-one system for all their video needs.
Buy from Insta360
GoPro Max – Best for Video
- 5.6K 360 Video
- Very High Quality
- Excellent Dynamic Range
- Durable Design
- Waterproof
- Touch Screen
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Hero Mode for “normal” video
- Poorer Photo Quality
- No HDR or RAW
- Desktop Software Lacking
The GoPro Max is an excellent action camera featuring high quality 360 video as well as “Hero Mode” which lets you shoot standard 1440p video too. With amazing stabilization and a durable body the Max is the best 360 action camera right now. The touchscreen makes the Max extremely user friendly and the App has a dozen ways to create unique video. You’ll not find as many photography options but for video this is the best around.
Buy on Amazon
Ricoh Theta Z1 – Best for Photography
- One Inch Sensors
- Variable Aperture
- Excellent Dynamic Range
- RAW File Type
- DSLR Technology
- Full Manual Control
- Limited Storage
- Expensive
- Limited to 4K Video
The Ricoh Theta Z1 has by far the best sensors of any 360 camera out now. One Inch sensors are three times larger than any other consumer 360 camera and allows it to capture super high quality images, even in low light. The Theta Z1 is designed primarily to shoot high quality 360 photos quickly and efficiently; it’s meant as a replacement for DSLR’s which require a lot of editing. While the photography capabilities of the Z1 are the best around it comes at a high price. The Z1 is the most expensive consumer 360 camera out right now but you should consider that it is a camera that’s designed for business use.
If you want the absolute best 360 camera for photography, particularly if you need to use 360 images for professional purposes, then the Z1 is definitely the best choice.
Check Price on Amazon
GoPro Fusion
- 5.2K 360 Video
- Excellent Dynamic Range
- Overcapture Software
- Stabilization Software
- Waterproof
- Desktop Software Slow
- Connection Issues
- Requires 2 MicroSD Cards
- Expensive
It’s not without its problems, but GoPro’s first ever all in one 360 camera is probably the best for video right now. The 5.2K camera can shoot near professional quality video with excellent colors and dynamic range. GoPro has also developed an overcapture software which allows you to create awesome non-360 video that is super smooth and almost cinematic in style.
The Fusion is built to survive in harsher environments and is able to keep shooting even when under water. If you want the best 360 video for under $1000 the this is the camera to get.
Check Price on Amazon
Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere – Best Cheap 360 Camera
- Shoots Excellent quality 23 megapixel 360 photos
- 360 video looks great
- Extensive manual controls
- Great value for money
- Compatible with iOS and Android
- No livestreaming
The Xiaomi Mijia Mi Sphere is the best cheap 360 camera out right now. If you are looking for a camera that works well, can shoot good quality video and photos and isn’t too expensive, this is the camera to get. The Mi Sphere can take stunning 360 photos, and high quality 4K video . I’d recommend the Mi Sphere to anyone who wants to start shooting in 360 but doesn’t want to break the bank doing so.
Garmin VIRB 360
- 5.7K 360 video
- Augmented data overlay
- Waterproof and Shockproof
- Half a dozen sensors
- Video stabilization
- Re-framing software
- Lower quality photos
- Poor battery life
- Expensive
Garmin are a world renowned action cam producer and this is their first ever 360 camera. The VIRB 360 lives up to its promise to let its users create stunning 360 video in locations where other cameras simply wouldn’t survive. The camera is waterproof to 10m and shock resistant. It has a host of accessories so, like a GoPro, there really is no limit to where you can attach this thing. The VIRB can shoot 360 video in 5.7K which is the highest of any consumer 360 camera.
The best thing about this camera is its ability to collect vast amounts of data using its many sensors; it then uses this data to create awesome augmented reality overlays on its videos. This is an awesome feature for those who wan to film action scenes.
Check Price on Amazon
Rylo
- Amazing Stabilization
- 4K 360 Video with High bitrate
- Excellent Overcapture Software
- High Quality Materials
- 180 mode
- No live preview
- Need to plug into phone to download images
The Rylo is without a doubt the best 360 camera for shooting moving video. The software stabilization is so good that it rivals physical stabilizers. Check out my Rylo review to see examples of what I mean. The Rylo can shoot 4K 360 video, which is fairly standard but still looks pretty great. The best thing about the Rylo is its software, which works nearly flawlessly. You can re-frame your 360 video into a cinematic flat video with just a few taps of your screen, and the resulting video looks great. If you want to shoot any kind of moving 360 video then the Rylo could be your best bet.
Check Price
Insta360 One
- 4K 360 video
- Large 23 megapixel photos
- Video stabilisation
- Unique video modes
- Great value for money
- Awesome for vlogging
- No live preview
- Buggy Software
The Insta360 One is one of the most innovative 360 camera yet. It can shoot full 360 video and photos in great quality, but the main attraction is the 3 unique video modes, overcapture, smart track and bullet time. These allow you to manipulate your 360 video in specific ways. Overcapture allows you choose where the viewer will see the action, smart track locks onto an object and follow it and bullet time lets you create a matrix style video. These features make the Insta360 one a tempting choice for vloggers and social media buffs.
Ricoh Theta V – Great all-rounder
- 4K 360 video
- Works well in low light
- Fantastic design
- 4K livestream
- Extensive manual controls
- Limited photo resolution
- No stabilization
The Ricoh Theta V is the sequel to the extremely popular Ricoh Theta S. Ricoh upgraded the video capability of its 360 camera, so now it can shoot stunning 4K 360 video. The lenses use DSLR technology so they can work well in low light and capture great detail. The design of the camera is perfect and it’s compatible with both iOS and Android. Lack of stabilization is the main drawback of this camera.
Other 360 cameras
These 360 cameras aren’t the best, but they aren’t necessarily bad either. These are the cheaper 360 cameras that don’t have as many features, but can still create good quality 360 content. Best for those who just want to try it out.
Samsung Gear 360 (2017 edition)
- 4K video resolution
- Can Live Stream 360 video
- Large external memory capacity
- Excellent design
- Compatible with Samsung Phones and iPhone
- Cheap
- Poor 360 photos
- Video quality not as good as more recent competitors
The second generation Samsung Gear 360 is a decent choice if you want a 360 camera just for video. The Gear 360 2017 is capable of filming in 4K resolution resulting in decent video quality and it can live stream 360 video to Facebook or YouTube wirelessly. The accompanying app is intuitive and connects seamlessly with the camera and is now compatible with iPhone’s as well as Samsung phones.
Check Price on AmazonSamsung Gear 360 (2016 edition)
- 4K video resolution
- Bright and clear photos
- Intuitive app
- Large external memory capacity
- Stitching sometimes visible
- App only compatible with Samsung Phones
The original Samsung Gear 360 was the top 360 camera last year and has only just been overtaken by its newer version. The Gear 360 2016 can shoot very close to 4K 360 video and image resolution is huge at 30 megapixels, which is better than the newer 2017 version. If you are most interesting in shooting 360 photos (and not so much video) then this is still the best 360 camera to buy right now, although you will have to own a Samsung phone to use it.
Save 47% on Samsung Gear 360 on Amazon.com
Check Price on Amazon
LG 360 Cam
- Only $200
- Produces clear 360 photos
- Portable and easy to use
- Compatible with most Android phones
- Limited to 2K video resolution
- Video quality lackin
- Limited external memory capacity
The LG 360 cam is the best 360 camera for those on a budget. At only $170/£150 the LG 360 cam is one of the cheapest 360 cameras available, yet it still produces decent quality 360 media. 360° photo’s taken with the LG 360 Cam are clear and sharp while video is better than some its more expensive competitors. This camera is still a step down from the Samsung, but still good for those wanting to experiment with 360° media.
Check Price on Amazon
360 Fly 4K
- Shoots 4K 360 Video
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Dustproof
- Compatible with many mounts
- Blind spot below the camera.
- On the expensive side.
The 360 Fly 4K was the first 360 360 camera that came with any serious protection against the elements. Designed to be an action camera that can shoot 360 degree video, the 360 Fly 4K is waterproof, shockproof and dust-proof, so if you want to film your sporting activities in 360 degrees this is the perfect camera for you.
Check Price on Amazon
Insta360 Nano – Best 360 camera accessory for iPhone
- Tiny, Portable Camera
- Shoots High Quality 360 Photos
- Cheap
- Integrates with App Flawlessly
- Share 360 Video/Images on Social Media Instantly
- Only works with iPhones
- Lower Quality Video
The Insta360 nano is a tiny 360 camera that attaches itself to your iPhone. Using the Insta360 App, you can take 360 degree photos on your iPhone and upload them to social media instantly. The image quality is actually very good for a camera of this size and price and it even features stabilization software which is critical for good 360 video. The camera takes full 360 images and video, however video quality is slightly lacking compared to stand alone units. This is a very cheap and easy way to step into the world of 360 degree media.
Check Price on Amazon
Giroptic iO
- 4K 360 photos
- Stabilization
- Easy to use
- Available for iOS and Android
- Lower quality 360 video
- More expensive than competitors
- Stabilization limited to iOS (for now)
The Giroptic iO is another 360 camera accessory and the only one that’s compatible with both Android and iPhone, it even works with iPads. This is Giroptic’s second generation 360 camera and they’ve learned a thing or two from their initial experiences. The camera can take 4K 360 photos, among the best for a camera of this size, and features stabilization software (limited to iOS until a future update). Unfortunately video resolution is lower which
Check Price on Amazon.com
Insta360 Air
- Shoots full 360 3K Video
- Bright, crisp images
- Tiny and portable
- Cheap
- Can Livestream 360 video
- Can be used as a webcam for PC/Laptop
- Only compatible with android
- No dedicated memory (uses phone memory)
The Insta 360 Air is another 360 camera designed to attach to your phone, this time exclusively for Android devices. This is a tiny but powerful camera that can shoot 3K 360 video and take large, crisp and clear 360 photos. If you want a portable, easy to use 360 camera for sharing on social media then this is the perfect camera. The camera can also be used independently from your phone and can be plugged into your laptop to use used as a 360 webcam. Another unique feature includes the ability to live-stream 360 video directly to facebook, allowing you to share moments with your friends in the most immersive way possible.
Check Price on Amazon.com
Ricoh Theta S
- Reasonably cheap
- Excellent photo quality
- Great app
- Video quality is poorer than competitors
- No external memory
- Only 8GB internal memory
- Recording time limited
The Ricoh Theta S is another great choice if your looking for an inexpensive camera from one of the top 360 camera producers. The Theta S is one of the most popular 360 cameras of 2016 thanks to the high quality still images it can take and the premium materials used in the design. The candy bar shape makes it very use to hold and shoot and the app is intuitive. Video resolution is not as good as competitors, but if that isn’t an issue for you then you will likely be very happy with the Theta S; just check the glowing reviews it receives!
Check Price on Amazon.com
Conclusions
It’s my opinion that the Insta360 One X is the best value 360 camera available right now. The One X can shoot excellent quality video and photos, not to mention it’s reasonably cheap. The video looks great and features excellent stabilization, this makes it great for action shots and vlogging. The App is intuitive and allows for dynamic reframing of 360 video. The One X is certainly the most feature packed 360 camera out right now, however there are a few cameras with superior quality video and more so with less vulnerable lenses.
Other 360 cameras available include the GoPro Max and QooCam 8K. The QooCam is currently the 360 camera with the best quality video as well as similar RAW photo capabilities. The GoPro Max is a much more durable camera thanks to its shockproof body and water tight design.
You do need to own a Samsung Phone to use the accompanying App, so if you don’t own a Samsung Phone then the LG 360 Cam could be a suitable replacement. The LG 360 camera is compatible with most modern smartphones and shoots great quality 360 images; the video quality is slightly lacking but the camera is also significantly cheaper.
If you are wondering what you should be looking for when choosing a 360 degree camera, then check out my post: The 360 degree camera buying guide.
360 Camera Reviews
Here are links to all my reviews, so you can get even more information on each camera. Each review includes a thorough analysis of the cameras capabilities as well as video and photo examples.
360 Camera Comparisons
I often create comparisons between 360 cameras that are similar. These comparisons often include video and photo side by side shots and tables that allow you to compare the specs of each camera easily.
2017 Gear 360 vs 2016 Gear 360
2017 Gear 360 vs Ricoh Theta S
Ricoh Theta S vs Ricoh Theta SC
If you want to stay up to date with the latest 360 camera releases, optin to my 360 camera email alerts:
OPT-IN TO HEAR ABOUT NEW 360 CAMERAS
Join Over 1000 360 Camera Enthusiasts