In this video I put what’s probably the best consumer 360 camera right now—the Insta360 X5—up against what’s probably the cheapest option—the AKASO 360. This is completely unsponsored and unbiased, and I’ll say it up front: the X5 is definitely the better camera. The point here isn’t to argue “which is best,” it’s to show you a real side-by-side comparison so you can decide if the AKASO is good enough for you at around $200, or if it’s worth stretching to the X5 at about $550. I walk through the cameras physically (size, screen, buttons, ports, battery/microSD access, and mounting points), then hit the real-world stuff I noticed using them: touchscreen responsiveness, how you preview angles on the screen, single-lens mode, and especially low-light performance. I also share footage comparisons from a cloudy day at the park, including stabilization and audio tests. The AKASO surprised me with stabilization and selfie-stick hiding, but low light is not even close. Then I talk apps and workflow. The Insta360 app is smoother and faster, while the AKASO app forces you to download clips before editing, which I find really annoying. My final take: battery life, accessories, and repairability (lens replacement kits) are big reasons it’s hard for me to recommend the AKASO—even at the price. If the X5 is out of reach, I’d look at the Insta360 X3 as a better value middle ground.