The Best Insta360 Alternatives in 2025

The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini strips away the extras to deliver a compact version of GoPro’s flagship model—without compromising too much on performance. But does it hold its own against creative-centric alternatives like the Insta360?

Let’s start with expectations. The “Mini” badge might lead you to believe this camera is dramatically lighter or smaller—but the difference is marginal. At 131g, it’s just 23g lighter than the full-size Hero 11. So if weight savings are your top priority, you might actually find better alternatives in the Akaso Brave 8.

That said, the Hero 11 Mini has its own niche. It delivers the same excellent video quality as the standard Hero 11—up to 5.3K60—with GoPro’s class-leading HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization. For mounting in tight spaces or on helmets, it’s a dream. Dual mounting fingers on both the bottom and rear give you great versatility. And yes, it’s rugged, waterproof, and ready to be punished.

But there are trade-offs. No screen—front or back—means you’ll be relying on the GoPro Quik app for framing and settings, which isn’t ideal in fast-paced shooting. It also lacks audio inputs and onboard playback—features Insta360 embraces in even its smaller form factors.

What’s clear is that the Mini is for set-it-and-forget-it action shots. If you’re the type to hit record and let the camera do its thing on a helmet, bike, or drone, it excels as an Insta360 alternative. But for vloggers, creators who value framing control, or those who want post-shoot creativity, Insta360 cameras still takes the cake with its 360 capture, reframing, and AI editing tools.

In the end, the Mini isn’t for everyone—but for specific use cases, it’s exactly right.

The Akaso Brave 8 aims to punch above its weight in the crowded budget action cam arena—and for the most part, it lands a few solid hits. As the follow-up to the surprisingly capable Brave 7, this camera sets out to prove that “affordable” doesn’t have to mean “cheap.”

Out of the box, the Brave 8 feels like a significant step up. The build quality is noticeably more premium than previous Akaso models, with better materials and a sleeker design. It’s waterproof without a case, has dual screens (front-facing for vlogging), and even includes a decent spread of accessories—something Insta360 tend to skimp on unless you pay extra.

Video quality is good for the price—4K 60fps looks crisp in daylight, though it starts to fall apart in low light. Colors lean a bit oversaturated, and stabilization is serviceable but nowhere near Insta360’s FlowState. Still, for action-packed daytime shots or family adventures, it does the job.

What’s more impressive is Akaso’s effort to improve usability. The touchscreen is more responsive, menus are simpler, and features like voice control and slow motion (at lower resolutions) give it a premium feel. Battery life is respectable, and with two batteries in the box, you're not left hanging on a hike or bike ride.

But here's the reality check: it lacks the polish and flexibility to be in the top three Insta360 alternatives. There’s no 360 capture, no modular creativity, and post-editing tools are almost nonexistent. While Insta360 offers a connected, AI-powered ecosystem, the Brave 8 sticks to the basics—solid, but uninspired.

For under $300, though, it might just be the best “traditional” action cam in its price range. It’s not an Insta360 killer—but it doesn’t try to be.

The SJCAM C100+ doesn’t pretend to compete with high-end flagships. Instead, it’s designed for users who want a super compact, wearable camera for daily use—think of it as an affordable, minimalist Insta360 alternative for casual shooting.

This tiny camera, not much bigger than a USB stick, is all about portability. It’s lightweight, magnetic (yep, it can stick to metal surfaces), and built to be clipped or mounted discreetly—great for commuters, vloggers, or POV content creators on a budget. While it doesn’t feature 360 capture like an Insta360 GO 3 or One X2, it’s a simple, no-fuss way to document daily life or short-form content.

Out of the box, the C100+ is fairly well-equipped. You’ll find a magnetic mount, charging cable, and some basic accessories. Setup is straightforward, though the app interface (SJCAM Zone) can feel clunky and dated. It connects via Wi-Fi and lets you adjust settings or preview footage—a helpful feature since the camera itself lacks a screen.

Video quality? It’s decent for the price. You get Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, with acceptable sharpness in daylight but a noticeable drop in low-light conditions. There’s no advanced stabilization, so footage can get shaky with movement. Audio is passable, but not something you’d want for professional voice work.

One upside is battery life—surprisingly solid for such a small device. Expect around 2 hours of continuous recording, which puts it ahead of many micro-cams in this category. And while it’s not waterproof without a case, it can handle light splashes with care.

Ultimately, the SJCAM C100+ is far from a powerhouse, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want an Insta360 alternative that won’t break the bank and does the basics well enough, it’s a compelling option for very casual or beginner users.

When searching for the best Insta360 alternatives in 2025, the field of traditional action cameras offers plenty of excellent choices. 

GoPro’s Hero series continues to set the benchmark with top-tier image quality, stabilization, and an unmatched accessory ecosystem – a go-to alternative for almost any use case. 

Meanwhile, DJI’s Osmo Action series has emerged as a formidable competitor, often delivering equal performance with added reliability (no overheating) and value pricing, making it arguably the best all-around alternative for most people. 

For budget-minded users, cameras like the Akaso Brave 8 and older GoPros present a cost-effective path to capturing your adventures, albeit with some trade-offs in refinement.

In summary, you don’t have to stick with Insta360 to get amazing action shots. If 360° panoramas aren’t your priority and you want a trusty single-lens shooter, the alternatives above have you covered. Evaluate your budget and use cases, leverage the user feedback and specs we’ve outlined, and you’ll be able to choose an action camera that matches or exceeds what Insta360’s models can do – so you can record all your epic moments with confidence.

Featured image by Eduardo Gorghetto.