360 cameras are gaining popularity, and it's no surprise, they are some of the most versatile filmmaking and photographic tools that money can buy.

Whether you're looking to capture epic action shots with an invisible selfie stick or create virtual tours for a real estate business, 360 is the way to go. What's more, you can even relive moments in VR, if that's your kind of thing.

There is a wide range of capable cameras available at wildly different budgets. Each has its own appeal, so the choice really comes down to what you want to spend and what you want the camera for. Something small you can slip in your pocket, take on a jaunt, or an action camera that can survive being dropped, bashed and used underwater?

Take a look at our list of the best 360 cameras available, whatever your budget is.

Our Top Picks:

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Insta360 X3
1. Best 360 camera overall

Insta360 is the brand to beat when it comes to 360 cameras, and the X3 is its most refined, feature packed and easy-to-use option to date.

Pros
  • Class-leading software
  • Great video and photo fidelity
  • Improved low light and UI
Cons
  • Not a huge leap in video performance over the One X2

The Insta360 X3 is extremely easy to recommend. A combination of a practical form factor, superb software and a much-improved user interface makes it a great starting point for just about anyone.

It has massively improved photo capabilities compared to its predecessor, and video fidelity is up there with the best options on the market. It's waterproof and rugged, making it an ideal companion for your next adventure.

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GoPro MAX
2. An excellent 360 camera
$399 $499 Save $100

GoPro does action cameras better than anyone, and it turns out to be pretty good at 360-degree video too. The Max is a beastly option.

Pros
  • The user-friendly video editing system
  • Waterproof and durable build
  • Excellent footage results
  • Touchscreen so that you can see what you're capturing
Cons
  • One of the more expensive 360 camera options

The GoPro Max has been around for a while now, but that doesn't mean that it's outdated. GoPro's imaging expertise means that the video and photo quality is still up there with the best of them.

As you might expect from the brand, it features hardy construction and waterproofing, too. This model can withstand submersion at up to 16 feet, making it a great option for watersport filming.

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Insta360 One RS
3. Most feature-rich 360 camera

The Insta360 One RS manages to pull off being a jack of all trades without much in the way of compromise.

Pros
  • A multitude of capture modes and footage options
  • Easy to use free editing software
  • Swappable lenses and mounting options
Cons
  • The 360-module itself hasn't seen any upgrades

The Insta360 One RS improves further on the modular marvel that is the One R. The 360 module itself remains unchanged, which is no bad thing, as it was already superb. However, the new model adds an additional microphone, a beefier battery pack and faster Wi-Fi connectivity.

If you can't decide between an action camera and a 360 camera, the Insta360 One RS is the model for you. It gives you the best of both worlds at a reasonable price, without compromising on quality.

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Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 Edition
4. Best 360 camera for professionals

The Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 edition is a more premium offering, co-engineered with Leica, but still maintaining compatibility with Insta360's modular system.

Pros
  • Excellent low light performance
  • Sharper video with better colours
  • Clever use of the modular system
Cons
  • The microSD card is hard to access

When it comes to low-light performance, the 1-Inch 360 Edition takes things to the next level. The results are dramatically better than the standard One RS 360 module, and that's the main draw of this new version.

With the higher price point, it's a bit of a niche camera. However, if you're shooting anything commercially, especially real estate and virtual tours, then the upgraded image quality is well worth the price of admission.

Ricoh Theta SC2
Ricoh Theta SC2
5. Best budget 360 camera

Coming in at just under $300, the Ricoh Theta SC2 is one of the most accessible ways to get into 360 video.

Pros
  • Excellent 360 stills
  • Stylish lightweight design
  • 14GB built-in storage
Cons
  • Software isn't great
  • No proper screen

The Ricoh Theta SC2 has a slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry with you, and it's available in a range of colours to match your personal tastes.

We'd say it's not quite on Insta360's level when it comes to video features or software, but if you want to take some excellent 360 photos without breaking the bank, the Ricoh Theta SC2 is well worth looking into.

How we chose the best 360 cameras

We've spent countless hours shooting 360 videos and photos using the cameras on this list, and we try to factor in as many aspects as possible when adding a product to our recommendations.

This includes things like build quality and durability, as well as image fidelity and software features. There are many ways to use a 360 camera, so there's not a singular solution that will be the best for everyone. With this in mind, we've featured options that are video-focused, as well as cameras with a more photographic slant and even low-light performers.

Here at Pocket-lint, we focus on consumer goods, so we haven't delved into the world of massive professional 360 imaging machines, instead, everything you see here is beginner-friendly and portable, as well as remaining relatively affordable.

How to decide on a 360 camera

With such a variety of cameras to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your choices and find the best 360 camera for you. If you're having trouble deciding, we recommend asking yourself a few questions to help hone in on the right camera.

How will you use a 360 camera?

When you decided to get a 360 camera, what was it that drew you in? Do you like the idea of shooting first and framing later? Is it the invisible selfie stick for videos? Or do you need to create virtual tours and 360 photos for work?

Thinking about how will use the camera should help you narrow down your options. If it's mainly going to be used for still images, then you'll want to pay more attention to the image resolution and dynamic range than things like frame rates and stabilisation, for example. On the flip side, if you'll be filming action sports then stabilisation and robust construction will be high on your list of priorities.

Where will you use a 360 camera?

Now that you've thought about how you're using it, next you should think about where it will be used. For example, if you want a 360 camera for a skiing holiday, then you'll want some level of water resistance, as well as assurance that it'll work in cold temperatures.

If you'll be using it to shoot home interiors, then you'll care more about how it handles dynamic range and low-light shooting.

How will people view your content?

Finally, it's worth thinking about how your content will be delivered. If you're shooting for YouTube and Instagram, then you'll be reframing your 360 footage into traditional video, so you'll want a camera that has great software that allows you to do this with ease.

If you'll be uploading to a 360 photo viewer, or sharing your content as an immersive VR experience, then you'll want to do your research and make sure that your chosen camera is compatible with the relevant applications that you wish to use. We tend to find that opting for a more popular model can be helpful, as you'll find a lot more tutorials and guides that are aimed at users of that specific camera.