GoPro Max 2 vs DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5: In-depth comparison guide.

This year, all major action camera manufacturers released their new 360° models for content creators. First, Insta360 released their fifth-generation X5 camera on April 22, followed by DJI with the Osmo 360 on July 31, and most recently GoPro with the second-generation Max 2 360 on September 23. In this article, I will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each of these cameras.

Before getting into details, let’s see why you should choose a 360 camera over a normal action camera. 360 cameras offer several clear advantages over standard action cameras. By capturing a full spherical view, they allow you to reframe shots after recording, giving you flexibility that traditional cameras simply can’t match. This makes it easier to create immersive footage, whether you’re filming extreme sports, travel adventures, or even FPV drone flights. Unlike standard action cams that limit you to a fixed perspective, 360 cameras let you explore every angle, correct composition in post, and produce cinematic content without missing a moment. For FPV pilots like me, they’re particularly valuable, as they capture the full environment around the drone without needing multiple cameras or complicated rigs.

Priced at $499.99, the GoPro Max 2 is the newest 360° camera on the market and brings several upgrades over its predecessor. The most notable improvement is the jump in video resolution from 5.6K to 8K. In addition, it offers better slow-motion recording, larger sensors, a bigger battery, more microphones, and a bigger touchscreen, making it a more versatile and capable 360° camera.

On the other hand DJI is proud of the relatively large 1/1.1-inch square sensors used in the Osmo 360, especially when compared to the 1/1.28-inch rectangular sensors in the Insta360 X5. These larger square sensors not only provide a bigger effective image area for each lens’s circular projection—9.6mm in diameter for the DJI versus 7.2mm for the Insta360—but also avoid the wasted sensor space that a traditional rectangular format leaves on the sides. This efficient use of the sensor likely helps explain the surprisingly good battery life of the Osmo 360.

360 Camera Comparison – 2025

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for 360 cameras. The GoPro Max 2, DJI Osmo 360, and Insta360 X5 all bring impressive specs and innovative features to the table, making it harder than ever to pick a favorite. Each camera has its strengths: the Max 2 continues GoPro’s tradition of reliable stabilization and intuitive controls, the Osmo 360 impresses with its compact design and smooth DJI software integration, while the Insta360 X5 offers flexibility with AI-assisted editing and high-resolution capture.

Despite their similarities, these cameras target slightly different users. The GoPro Max 2 is ideal for those who want a familiar, battle-tested ecosystem and strong 360 performance. The DJI Osmo 360 is perfect for lightweight, fast setups, whether for action or casual shooting. Meanwhile, the Insta360 X5 shines for users who prioritize image quality and advanced features like larger sensors and the Action Pod display, even if it comes at a slightly higher price. Comparing them side by side helps you see where each excels and where compromises might be made.

In terms of pricing, the new GoPro Max 2 appears to offer the best value. It is $100 cheaper than the Insta360 X5, a slightly older model that does not support True 8K resolution.