Looking for the best 360 action camera to capture your adventures from every angle? Whether you’re shredding mountain trails, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or just documenting everyday life with creative flair, a high-quality 360 camera lets you shoot first and frame later. With so many options on the market—offering 8K video, invisible selfie sticks, AI editing, and rugged waterproof designs—it can be tough to pick the right one. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the top contenders to help you find the perfect match for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 What Is The Best 360 Action Camera Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Insta360 X4 8K Waterproof 360 Action Camera with Invisible Selfie Stick and AI Editing
The Insta360 X4 is a game-changer for anyone serious about immersive content. With native 8K 360° video, Active HDR, and an invisible selfie stick effect, it delivers pro-level results without needing a film crew. Whether you’re mountain biking, skiing, or just exploring the city, this camera captures every moment in stunning detail.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 8K 360° video and 5.7K60fps for ultra-smooth, high-resolution footage
- ✓ Invisible selfie stick creates magical third-person POV shots
- ✓ AI-powered editing tools simplify post-production
- ✓ Fully waterproof up to 10m (33ft) without a case
- ✓ Long-lasting battery and rugged build for extreme conditions
Why We Recommend It
The X4 strikes the perfect balance between cutting-edge tech and real-world usability. Its 8K resolution future-proofs your content, while the intuitive app makes reframing and editing effortless—even for beginners. Plus, the invisible selfie stick effect adds a cinematic flair that’s hard to replicate with other cameras.
Best For
Adventure seekers, content creators, and travelers who want studio-quality 360° video with minimal setup. Ideal for action sports, vlogging, and family trips where you want to capture the full scene.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding 8K video quality with excellent color accuracy
- Invisible selfie stick enables unique angles without gear clutter
- User-friendly AI editing suite speeds up workflow
- Waterproof and durable for outdoor use
Cons:
- Premium price point may stretch tighter budgets
- Large file sizes require high-capacity, fast microSD cards
Customer Reviews
“I’m really impressed with this camera, and my husband even more so. We love the video quality; it’s crisp and clear, and the 360 degree features are a lot of fun. The battery life has also been good, enough for long outings. Overall, it’s easy to use, feels sturdy, and makes our activities look amaz”
“This camera amazes me on a daily basis, no joke. I wanted a 360 camera for years but couldn’t justify the price for the offerings at the time. A friend of mine has the X3 and his footage was amazing. When I compared the two, I just knew the X4 was the perfect fit for me. I bought this primarily for “
2. DJI Osmo 360 Camera with 1-Inch Sensor and Native 8K Video Recording
DJI’s reputation for imaging excellence shines through in the Osmo 360. Featuring a massive 1-inch sensor and native 8K recording, this camera excels in low-light conditions and delivers cinematic depth rarely seen in 360 shooters. It’s built for creators who demand top-tier image quality and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 1-inch sensor for superior low-light performance
- ✓ Native 8K 360° video with rich dynamic range
- ✓ Built-in 105GB storage for extended recording sessions
- ✓ 1.2m invisible selfie stick for dynamic follow shots
- ✓ Lightweight and compact despite premium specs
Why We Recommend It
The Osmo 360 stands out for its exceptional image clarity, especially in dim environments like caves, forests, or sunset rides. DJI’s engineering ensures smooth stabilization and color science that rivals professional rigs—making it ideal for serious videographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best For
Filmmakers, travel bloggers, and photographers who prioritize image quality and low-light capability. Great for snorkeling, night rides, or any scenario where lighting isn’t ideal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class low-light performance thanks to 1-inch sensor
- Native 8K recording preserves maximum detail
- Generous built-in storage reduces reliance on microSD cards
- Stable, smooth footage even during fast motion
Cons:
- Higher price than many competitors
- Limited third-party accessory ecosystem compared to Insta360
Customer Reviews
“The media could not be loaded.I live in a caribean island and i go snorkeling a Lot and I have always been tempted to acquire an action camera but it’s always been a bit out of My budget But this one is great Quality for a decent price with all it’s gadgets and an extra battery, beware i bought the “
“Not to heavy, so easy to use. I can mount on my Harley and the image comes out great, battery life is great too.”
3. Insta360 X3 5.7K 360 Action Camera with HDR Video and Touchscreen Display
The Insta360 X3 proves you don’t need to break the bank for excellent 360° video. With 5.7K resolution, Active HDR, and a responsive touchscreen, it offers nearly all the core features of premium models at a more accessible price. It’s the sweet spot for casual creators and weekend adventurers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5.7K 360° video with Active HDR for balanced exposure
- ✓ Large 2.29-inch touchscreen for easy framing and playback
- ✓ Dual 48MP sensors deliver sharp photos and smooth video
- ✓ Waterproof up to 10m without additional housing
- ✓ Supports 4K single-lens mode for traditional action cam use
Why We Recommend It
The X3 delivers outstanding value by combining high-end features like HDR and reframing with a user-friendly interface. The touchscreen makes it easy to preview shots on the go, and the included editing tools let you create polished clips without needing advanced skills.
Best For
Beginners, families, and budget-conscious travelers who want reliable 360° recording without sacrificing quality. Perfect for road trips, beach days, or capturing kids’ sports games.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Intuitive touchscreen simplifies operation
- Versatile modes: 360° and standard 4K action cam
- Solid battery life and durable construction
Cons:
- Not true 8K—limited for ultra-high-res projects
- AI editing suggestions can feel gimmicky at times
Customer Reviews
“The media could not be loaded.If you’re interested in capturing your sports, activities, or even just your daily life, the Insta360 X3 is probably the best and most versatile option to look at. I would go so far to say that this is the best action camera i’ve ever had. I’ve had so much fun with it; “
“EATS THROUGH BATTERIES IN A SNAP. It’s a nice piece of technology; it has a lot of features. I think its use of AI is interesting, some seriously awful music/video editing combos – you really need to spend a good amount of time experimenting with this and to me that defeats the point of some AI tech”
4. Insta360 X5 8K 360 Action Camera with Low Light Performance and Rugged Design
The Insta360 X5 pushes the envelope with triple AI chips, enhanced low-light sensors, and 8K30fps recording. Designed for pros and tech enthusiasts, it handles challenging environments with ease while delivering crisp, noise-free footage—even at dawn or dusk.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual 1/1.28″ sensors optimized for low-light clarity
- ✓ Triple AI chip design reduces noise and boosts detail
- ✓ 8K30fps 360° video with invisible selfie stick effect
- ✓ Rugged build with replaceable lens protectors
- ✓ Advanced stabilization for smooth handheld shots
Why We Recommend It
If you frequently shoot in dim conditions—like forest trails, caves, or evening rides—the X5’s low-light prowess is unmatched. The modular lens system also means you can swap damaged glass easily, extending the camera’s lifespan and reducing long-term costs.
Best For
Outdoor professionals, 3D content creators, and tech-savvy users who need reliable performance in variable lighting. Ideal for Gaussian splatting, VR content, or documentary-style filming.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional low-light performance beats most rivals
- Modular lens design allows easy repairs
- True 8K output suitable for professional workflows
- Robust build withstands drops and impacts
Cons:
- Requires high-speed SD cards (SanDisk Extreme Pro recommended)
- Complex settings may overwhelm casual users
Customer Reviews
“These are awesome cameras, I bought 3 x5’s for Gaussian Splatting and the x5 works great. I love that I can replace the lenses myself if they break or get scratched up. BUY YOUR OWN, GOOD SD CARDS! I did have an error about slow speeds with the SanDisk Extreme, but never any issues with the Extreme “
“amazing technology that provides clear, crisp, excellently reproduced video in an ingenious 360 format up to 8K resolution…. when you consider all of the things this tiny device can do, the price tag while not cheap, is certainly reasonable. we picked this thing up and took it overseas and within”
5. Insta360 X3 360 Action Camera with 5.7K HDR Video and 4K Single-Lens Mode
This variant of the popular X3 emphasizes versatility with its dual-mode design: full 360° capture or standard 4K single-lens shooting. It’s perfect if you want one device that can switch between immersive panoramas and traditional action cam footage depending on the scene.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5.7K 360° Active HDR video for balanced highlights and shadows
- ✓ Switch to 4K30fps single-lens mode for wide-angle shots
- ✓ Dual 1/2″ 48MP sensors deliver crisp photos and smooth video
- ✓ Wind noise reduction improves audio quality during outdoor use
- ✓ Compact and lightweight for easy mounting on bikes, helmets, or handlebars
Why We Recommend It
The ability to toggle between 360° and single-lens modes makes this X3 ideal for mixed-use scenarios. Record a full-circle skate park run, then switch to 4K for a clean POV shot—all without changing cameras. The wind noise reduction is a subtle but valuable upgrade for cyclists and motorcyclists.
Best For
Cyclists, motorcyclists, and multi-sport athletes who want flexibility in framing. Also great for parents recording kids’ activities where both wide context and focused action matter.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual-mode functionality increases creative options
- Effective wind noise reduction enhances audio clarity
- Solid build survives falls and rough handling
- Easy setup and mounting process
Cons:
- Battery drains faster in 360° mode
- Touchscreen can be hard to see in direct sunlight
Customer Reviews
“Really nice video and pictures while riding a bicycle.Qaulity is very good, and camera is strong, i have fell off the bike few times and the camera doesnt even notice it.its really easy to set up and to moint it.Its king of big for the helmet so i mout it on the handlebars. Price is ok, but now ther”
“After having used the camera for more time now and having tested the video editing software, I am updating my review with a better score.First of all the recording quality is great, both video and audio and can be viewed on a big screen TV with crystal clear image.The camera has a wind noise cancela”
Complete Buying Guide for What Is The Best 360 Action Camera
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best 360 action camera, we evaluate resolution (8K vs. 5.7K), low-light performance, stabilization, waterproof rating, battery life, ease of editing, and unique features like invisible selfie sticks or AI tools. The ideal camera should match your primary use case—whether that’s extreme sports, travel vlogging, or family memories—while fitting your technical comfort level.
Budget Planning
Prices range from under $300 for entry-level models like the Insta360 X3 to over $700 for flagship 8K cameras like the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5. Factor in additional costs like high-speed microSD cards, spare batteries, and protective cases. For most users, the mid-range X3 or X4 offers the best balance of cost and capability.
Final Thoughts
The best 360 action camera isn’t just about specs—it’s about how well it fits your lifestyle. If you want future-proof 8K and don’t mind the price, go for the Insta360 X4. Need pro-grade low-light performance? Choose the DJI Osmo 360. On a budget? The Insta360 X3 delivers incredible value. Whichever you pick, you’ll unlock a whole new way to capture and relive your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a 360 action camera underwater?
A: Yes! Most top models like the Insta360 X4, X5, and DJI Osmo 360 are waterproof up to 10m (33ft) without a case. For deeper dives, check manufacturer guidelines or use a dedicated dive housing.
Q: Do I need special software to edit 360 videos?
A: Not necessarily. Cameras like the Insta360 X4 and X3 come with free mobile and desktop apps that simplify reframing and editing. However, advanced users may prefer Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for finer control.
Q: What’s the difference between 5.7K and 8K in real-world use?
A: 8K offers sharper detail and more flexibility when cropping or reframing, but file sizes are much larger. For social media and casual viewing, 5.7K is often sufficient. Choose 8K if you plan to print stills or edit for large screens.
Q: How long does the battery last during recording?
A: Typically 60–90 minutes of continuous 360° recording, depending on resolution and settings. Bring spare batteries for all-day adventures.
Q: Is the invisible selfie stick really invisible?
A: Yes! The camera digitally removes the stick during 360° stitching, creating a floating effect. It works best when the stick is fully extended and not tilted.
Ready to capture your world in full 360° glory? Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or quiet moments, the right camera makes all the difference. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and start filming your next story today!
