Best 360 Camera – GoPro Max 2 Vs. DJI Osmo 360 Vs. Insta360 X5

GoPro has launched their brand new 360 camera, the Max 2, an upgraded version of the original Max released about five years ago. In my latest video, I put it head-to-head against the Insta360 X5 and the DJI Osmo 360 to see which camera delivers the best value for drone pilots and content creators. All three cameras capture spherical video and single lens mode, but each has distinct advantages depending on your priorities. If you’re in the market for a 360 camera, this comparison covers the key aspects that matter most.

Lens Replacement and Build Quality

The GoPro Max 2 and Insta360 X5 both feature user-replaceable lenses, though the GoPro wins for convenience. You can simply twist and pull off the GoPro lenses in the field, while the X5 requires tools and calibration. The Osmo 360 lacks user-replaceable lenses entirely, but DJI offers a lens replacement service that’s actually cheaper than buying replacement lenses yourself. The only downside is your camera will be gone for several days during repair.

For mounting, all three cameras support magnetic systems. The Osmo 360 works with DJI’s magnetic mounts and includes a 1/4-20 thread. The X5 is compatible with Ace Pro magnetic mounts plus 1/4-20. The GoPro Max 2 goes furthest, offering Hero 13 Black magnetic compatibility, 1/4-20 thread, and fold-out traditional GoPro mounts—three mounting options in one.

Battery Life and Overheating Performance

Charging speed varies significantly. Both the Insta360 X5 and Osmo 360 support quick charging, reaching approximately 80% in just over 20 minutes. The Max 2 has an Enduro battery but lacks quick charging, taking considerably longer to recharge.

I conducted overheating tests filming 8K30 at high bitrate on my desk with no air movement. The GoPro Max 2 overheated first at 25 minutes and 28 seconds. The Osmo 360 lasted 66 minutes and 49 seconds—more than double the GoPro. The Insta360 X5 dominated the test, recording for 93 minutes and 25 seconds before the battery died. In real-world use with air movement, I haven’t experienced overheating issues with any of these cameras.

Audio Capabilities and Microphone Options

The DJI Osmo 360 offers the most robust audio system with Osmo Audio support, allowing direct connection of the Mic 2, Mic Mini, or other DJI microphones. The Insta360 X5 supports their Air Mic for wireless audio. The GoPro Max 2 can pair with Bluetooth microphones like AirPods, but the quality isn’t as good.

Testing the built-in microphones, I found the GoPro Max 2 produced more muffled audio compared to the X5 and Osmo 360, which both delivered clearer sound quality.

Pricing and Value Comparison

Price is a major differentiator. The DJI Osmo 360 currently sells for $365 USD, making it well over $100 cheaper than competitors. The Insta360 X5 is on sale for $499 (regularly $549), while the GoPro Max 2 lists at $499. If you’re budget-conscious, the Osmo 360 delivers incredible value at $365.

Video Quality: 360 vs Single Lens Mode

GoPro claims the Max 2 has “true 8K” with approximately 20% more resolution than competitors. However, in side-by-side testing of reframed 360 footage, I found the X5 and Osmo 360 produced sharper results. All three cameras filmed at 8K30 with high bitrate enabled, exported at maximum quality.

In single lens mode, the results changed dramatically. The GoPro Max 2 performed much better, offering comparable or even slightly more detail than the other cameras, especially in cloud definition. The Osmo 360 has an advantage here with 5K single lens capture compared to 4K maximum on the X5 and Max 2.

For low-light performance, the GoPro Max 2 struggled due to its smaller sensor and dated GP2 processor. The footage appeared noisy and underexposed, while the X5 and Osmo 360 handled dark conditions much better.

Final Verdict

After extensive testing, if I had to choose one camera, it would be the DJI Osmo 360. The Osmo Audio system is crucial for my workflow, and the reframing process felt more intuitive using keyframes. That said, the Insta360 X5 offers compelling features like ND filter support, Instaframe mode, and adaptive tone that some creators will prefer.

The GoPro Max 2 performs well in single lens mode and offers unmatched mounting versatility, but falls short in 360 video quality and low-light performance compared to its competitors. At current pricing, the Osmo 360 at $365 represents exceptional value for most users.