Insta360 X5 vs DJI 360: Which 360° Camera Should You Choose in 2025?

Insta360 X5 vs DJI 360: Which 360° Camera Should You Choose in 2025?

I still remember when 360° cameras were more of a curiosity — fun little gadgets to play with but not something you’d rely on for real work. Fast forward to now, and they’ve become essential creative tools. Whether you’re shooting vlogs, travel videos, or cinematic B-roll, these cameras give you something traditional setups can’t — total freedom to capture every direction and reframe it later.

In 2025, the competition has never been tighter. The Insta360 X5 and the DJI 360 are both powerhouses — compact, 8K-ready, and smarter than ever. But depending on your style, one might fit your workflow far better than the other. I’ve spent enough time with both to know their strengths, their quirks, and which one earns a permanent spot in your creator kit.

⚙️ Design & Build Quality

When you hold both side by side, you can instantly feel the difference in personality.

• Insta360 X5: Sleek, minimalist, and incredibly portable. The matte finish feels premium, and its IPX8 waterproof rating means you can shoot right out of the box — no dive case needed. It’s the kind of design that feels made for spontaneous creators who like to travel light.

• DJI 360: A bit larger, but it radiates confidence. The ruggedized shell and reinforced port covers make it feel ready for sand, dust, and rough handling. It’s clearly inspired by DJI’s action camera DNA — less “toy,” more “tool.”

💡 Creator insight: I noticed the X5 slips easily into a jacket pocket — perfect for quick shoots or city walks. But when I’m heading into unpredictable terrain, the DJI 360’s grip and protection give me peace of mind.

Verdict: The X5 wins on portability and pocketability, while the DJI 360 edges ahead on toughness and outdoor durability.

🎞️ Video & Photo Quality

Both cameras deliver stunning results, but their “feel” is different.

• Insta360 X5: Shoots 8K at up to 60fps, and its sharpness is genuinely impressive. Colors are neutral and true to life, with crisp contrast. Its AI reframing tools make editing a joy — you can extract cinematic shots you didn’t even plan in the moment. Low-light handling has improved drastically, too, with less grain and more detail.

• DJI 360: Also shoots 8K, but with DJI’s signature warmer color science — slightly golden tones that look straight out of a cinematic LUT. Its HDR mode shines when filming under tricky lighting: harsh sun, backlit scenes, or moving shadows.

💡 Creator insight: I tend to reach for the X5 when I want flexibility in post, but DJI’s tones are gorgeous right out of camera. Sometimes I skip color grading altogether on those clips.

Verdict: A tie. Choose Insta360 if you want editing control, or DJI if you prefer instant cinematic color.

🧭 Stabilization

Both brands have nailed stabilization, but in slightly different ways.

• Insta360 X5: Features FlowState 2.0, which smooths out walking, biking, or handheld motion effortlessly. Even when you’re moving through crowds or uneven terrain, it keeps footage looking as if it’s on a gimbal.

• DJI 360: Introduces RockSteady 360, tuned specifically for high-speed movement. Horizon leveling is exceptionally accurate — ideal for motorsports, downhill biking, or fast drone-style movements.

💡 Creator insight: On my last bike shoot, the X5 gave smoother transitions over bumps, but the DJI 360 held the horizon more consistently when banking around corners.

Verdict: DJI 360 wins for high-speed sports, X5 for mixed-action or walking movement.

🧩 App & Editing Experience

Editing is where the experience really diverges.

• Insta360 X5: Comes with Insta360 Studio, a polished, AI-driven editor. It automatically tracks subjects, creates reframed edits, and even suggests shot highlights. The desktop and mobile versions sync beautifully.

• DJI 360: Uses DJI’s new 360 Editor App, which feels fast and modern but lacks some of Insta360’s advanced presets — at least for now. Still, DJI’s transfer speeds are incredible, and the interface feels cleaner overall.

💡 Creator insight: For quick reels and social edits, Insta360’s AI saves tons of time. But if you’re used to DJI’s workflow from drones or Action cameras, their new app will feel instantly familiar.

Verdict: X5 takes the lead for now with smarter software and better auto-editing tools.

🎤 Accessories & Ecosystem

This category depends on what kind of creator you are.

• Insta360 X5: Has a massive ecosystem — invisible selfie sticks, dive cases, mounts, ND filters, even mic adapters. The variety of third-party accessories is unmatched.

• DJI 360: Taps into DJI’s existing accessory line, which includes excellent mounting options and mic systems, like the DJI Mic 2. However, the 360 ecosystem is still catching up — expect more releases later in the year.

💡 Creator insight: If you already own DJI gear, the ecosystem synergy feels natural. But if you love experimenting with different mounts and creative rigs, Insta360 has you covered.

Verdict: Insta360 X5 wins for variety and expansion, while DJI 360 earns points for professional-grade mic integration.

🔋 Battery Life

Both are efficient for 8K capture, but there’s a small gap.

• Insta360 X5: Lasts about 90 minutes at 8K 30fps, with swappable batteries that charge quickly.

• DJI 360: Slightly larger battery offers around 100 minutes, depending on ambient temperature and settings.

💡 Creator insight: I tend to carry two X5 batteries on long shoots — they’re smaller and recharge faster via USB-C.

Verdict: DJI 360 edges ahead for runtime, but both are reliable enough for real-world shoots.

💰 Price & Value

• Insta360 X5: Starts lower and often includes bundles with accessories or invisible selfie sticks — great value if you’re starting fresh.

• DJI 360: Costs a bit more, but the premium build and color science justify it for pros who need consistency across DJI gear.

💡 Creator insight: For creators who prioritize flexibility and creativity, the X5 feels like more bang for your buck. But if you want bulletproof reliability, DJI’s ecosystem earns its premium.

Verdict: X5 wins on affordability, DJI 360 wins on professional polish.

Insta360 X5 vs DJI 360: Which 360° Camera Should You Choose in 2025?

📦 Buy on Amazon USA

📷 Insta360 X5

📷DJI Osmo 360 Camera

🌄 Final Thoughts

🩵 Emotion:Both of these cameras represent how far 360° tech has come — and how creative it’s become. There’s something almost emotional about watching the world curve around you in 8K clarity, realizing you’re capturing time and space in every direction. When I rewatch a good 360° clip, it doesn’t just show where I was — it feels like being there again.

💭 Insight:After weeks of switching between the Insta360 X5 and DJI 360, I realized this choice isn’t just about specs — it’s about personality. The X5 is for explorers, experimenters, and storytellers who love to play with angles and edits. The DJI 360 is for creators who want color accuracy, strength, and consistency in every shot. Both can deliver cinematic footage — it just depends on how you like to work.

🎬 Reflection:I found myself using the X5 for everyday creative shoots — bike rides, walks, quick vlogs — and the DJI 360 for more serious, high-speed projects. The truth is, both cameras push creativity in different ways. One invites spontaneity, the other reliability. Together, they show how 360° storytelling has matured into a real art form.

🌅 Takeaway:If you’re stepping into the 360° world, start with what inspires you more. Do you want freedom and flexibility? Go Insta360 X5. Want rugged performance and cinematic tones? Go DJI 360. Either way, you’re not just buying a camera — you’re unlocking a completely new way to see and share your world. 📷🌍✨

Buy on Amazon Canada

📷 Insta360 X5

📷 DJI 360