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Head-to-head · Best 360 Cameras

GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Insta360 X5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Creators and adventurers who want the best all-round 360 camera for action, travel and low-light reframing. — read the strengths below before deciding.

GoPro Max 2
Ranked #2 in Best 360 Cameras
GoPro Max 2
$499as of Jun 7

The GoPro Max 2 is the 360 camera for pros and daylight action shooters. It boasts the best bright-light image quality in the category, adds true 8K with 10-bit Log for serious post-production, and brings GoPro's rugged build and unmatched mounting ecosystem. It loses ground in low light and is waterproof to only 5m, so it is less suited to night and underwater work.

Strengths
  • — Best bright-daylight image quality of the current small 360 cameras
  • — True 8K capture with 10-bit color and Log for maximum post-production flexibility
  • — Tool-free replaceable lenses and the best built-in mounting options in the category
Watch-outs
  • — Low-light performance trails the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360
  • — Waterproof to only 5m, far less than the X5 and Osmo 360 at 15m
  • — Tool-free lenses can suffer condensation when conditions change rapidly
$499 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Insta360 X5
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 360 Cameras
Insta360 X5
$549.99as of Jun 7

The Insta360 X5 is the best overall 360 camera you can buy. Larger 1/1.28-inch sensors transform its low-light performance over the X4, it shoots 8K/30p that reframes to 2.7K flat, and it adds tougher waterproofing plus a replaceable-lens system. The trade-offs are the usual 360 ones: visible stitch lines on close subjects and heavy editing demands.

Strengths
  • — Larger 1/1.28-inch dual sensors deliver a dramatic leap in low-light image quality over the X4
  • — 8K/30p 360 capture reframes to a class-leading 2.7K flat output
  • — Best-in-class waterproofing to 15m and a reliable tool-based replaceable-lens system
Watch-outs
  • — Stitch line is still visible if a subject is too close to the camera
  • — Reframing and editing 8K footage demands a powerful phone or computer
  • — Battery drains quickly in the highest-resolution modes
$549.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

GoPro Max 2

Has the best daylight image quality in this group, beating the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360 in ideal light, but loses to both in low light and is waterproof to only 5m versus their 15m. Far more rugged and action-focused than the Ricoh Theta X, and a major upgrade over the original Max that preceded the Insta360 X4 era.

Insta360 X5

Beats the GoPro Max 2 in low light and waterproofing, and edges the DJI Osmo 360 on overall image quality and audio, though the Osmo 360 undercuts it on price. It is a clear generational step up from the Insta360 X4 thanks to larger sensors, and far more capable for action and video than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

Specs side-by-side

SpecGoPro Max 2Insta360 X5
CaptureTrue 8K 360 video8K/30p 360 video
Color10-bit, GP-Log—
Waterproof5m without housing15m without housing
LensesReplaceable (tool-free)Replaceable (tool-based)
MountingBuilt-in folding fingers—
CustomizationGoPro Labs firmware—
StabilizationHyperSmooth + 360 horizon lockFlowState + 360 horizon lock
EcosystemGoPro mounts and accessories—
Sensors—Dual 1/1.28-inch
Photo—72MP 360 stills
Reframed output—Up to 2.7K flat
Audio—Wind-guard 4-mic array
← See the full ranking of best 360 cameras