Head-to-head · Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X4 vs Ricoh Theta X

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

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Insta360 X4 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Budget-minded creators who want flagship-level 8K 360 capture and stabilization without paying for the latest X5. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X4

4.8

3 sources$424.99as of Jul 1

The Insta360 X4 was the best 360 camera of its generation and remains a superb value now that the X5 sits above it. It shoots 8K/30p that reframes to 2.7K, adds a genuinely useful single-lens 4K/60p mode, and pairs excellent stabilization with strong battery life. Against the X5, its one real limitation is weaker low-light performance from the smaller sensors.

Strengths

— 8K/30p 360 capture that reframes to a sharp 2.7K flat output
— Excellent FlowState stabilization with 360 horizon lock for smooth action footage
— Useful single-lens 4K/60p mode that competes with standalone action cameras

Watch-outs

— Smaller sensors than the X5 mean weaker low-light performance
— 8K editing is demanding on phones and laptops
— Superseded as the flagship by the X5

$424.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best 360 Cameras

Ricoh Theta X

4.5

2 sources1 derived$596.95as of Aug 1

The Ricoh Theta X is the 360 camera for photographers and virtual-tour creators rather than action shooters. It captures enormous 60.5MP spherical stills, stitches photos and 5.7K video in real time so they are ready to use instantly, and adds practical touches like a big touchscreen, swappable battery, and expandable storage. Less 8K action video, more fuss-free immersive imaging.

Strengths

— Massive 60.5MP (up to 11K) spherical stills with excellent color and detail
— Real-time in-camera stitching means photos and 5.7K video are ready to use with no processing
— Large 2.25-inch touchscreen, interchangeable battery and expandable microSD storage

Watch-outs

— 5.7K video tops out below the 8K action cameras here
— No RAW capture for stills
— Less rugged and not as waterproof-focused as the action-camera rivals

$596.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Insta360 X4

The previous-generation flagship below the Insta360 X5, which it trails mainly in low-light image quality due to smaller sensors. Cheaper than the X5, GoPro Max 2 and DJI Osmo 360, making it the value 8K pick, and far more action-capable than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

Ricoh Theta X

The photo-and-virtual-tour specialist of this group, prioritizing 60.5MP spherical stills and real-time stitching over the 8K action video of the Insta360 X5, GoPro Max 2, Insta360 X4 and DJI Osmo 360. Its video resolution is lower than those four, but its still-photo resolution and instant-use workflow stand above them.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Insta360 X4	Ricoh Theta X
Capture	8K/30p 360 video	—
Single-lens mode	4K/60p	4K/60p
Photo	72MP 360 stills	60.5MP (up to 11K) 360 stills
Stabilization	FlowState + 360 horizon lock	In-camera image stabilization
Waterproof	10m without housing	—
Reframed output	Up to 2.7K flat	Up to 2.7K flat
Battery	Long-life removable	Interchangeable
Lenses	Replaceable lens guards	Replaceable lens guards
Mounting	1/4" Mounting Point	Tripod mount hole
Sensor	1/2-inch	1/2.0-inch-class
Storage	Micro SD card (UHS-I V30 or higher speed class is supported)	microSD expandable
Video	5.7K/60p or 4K/60p 360	5.7K/30p or 4K/60p 360
Stitching	Real-time in-camera, no processing	Real-time in-camera, no processing
Display	2.5-inch touchscreen	2.25-inch touchscreen
Body	—	Magnesium alloy with built-in GPS
Audio	—	Monoaural Recording
Customization	—	Android-based system
Ecosystem	—	THETA+ editing app

← See the full ranking of best 360 cameras