I test 360 cameras for a living and the new Insta360 X6 is my favorite — but the price is hard to swallow

The Insta360 X6 marks a decade since the company launched its first 360 camera, arriving as the flagship for its anniversary. In a crowded 360 camera market, the X6 faces competition from resurgent GoPro Max 2 and DJI's Osmo 360. The X6 aims to stand out with significant improvements over its predecessor, the X5. The 360 camera houses larger 1/1.1-inch sensors, resulting in improved image quality that outperforms both the GoPro Max 2 and DJI Osmo 360, particularly in daylight and night conditions.

It offers waterproofing to 20m without a case, extending to 60m with an optional dive case. The X6 also boasts replaceable lenses, and a 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen with always-on support, making it highly durable. The battery life, rated at 140 minutes at 8K/30fps, holds up well during continuous filming with no overheating issues.

However, the software, including the mobile app, has room for improvement, crashing frequently during editing and export. Despite the premium price, the X6 offers exceptional image quality and hardware, making it a strong contender in the 360 camera market.