A 360-degree drone boasts an entirely different kind of camera, offering a complete, uninterrupted view of the world around the aircraft, which can be redirected and have its perspective or crop changed in post, after the flight, just like the best 360-degree cameras.
As a drone expert, I've tried both the 360-degree camera drones out there (including the different control options), and I've got a lot to say about them both, but don't worry – I'll keep it to the important bits! (I'm also a 360-degree camera expert, so I've thoroughly tested many more of the cameras that can't fly, like the DJI Osmo 360 and the Insta360 X5).
Crucially, they are distinct designs, bringing advantages and disadvantages of their own, so if you're looking at joining this exciting new bandwagon, it's definitely worth taking a moment. I will explain which is best for you, depending on what you want to do (and how much you want to spend).
As a drone expert and Digital Camera World's 360-degree camera expert, I've spent years using the technology here in real-world environments.
The Quick List
The DJI Avata 360 has large image sensors and the option to fly with standard DJI controllers OR FPV – meaning one-person creatives are just as welcome as enthusiasts. It shoots 8K HDR video 10-bit video, and has impressive range and performance, not to mention a rugged framed design.
Folding down to a tiny size, compact, and below the crucial 250g threshold, making it easier for beginners to use without paperwork, this drone is no slouch either, boasting Insta360's 8K camera tech and a brilliantly immersive FPV flight experience.
Oh, and you can buy this in the USA!
The best 360 drones
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Best 360 drone for creatives
This drone is a fine choice for anyone keen to get into 360-degree drones, flying drones in general. It looks like a slightly bigger version of the Avata 2 (DJI's most recent acrobatic FPV drone), but this can be flown without any FPV skills – and still get the results.
All that is needed is to put a bit of time in following the flight with or DJI studio to simulate a roll or other clever piloting trick, and all those are included in the software. Not to mention so many more reframing features.
It isn't perfect – you will still see stitching lines occasionally in the exported video, an issue with all 360-degree cameras – but DJI also offers a solution. You can tell the drone to operate in 1-camera mode and a whole lens points forward; by surrendering the possibility of re-framing, you can get
All this makes for a very smart drone, and the camera's capabilities
If you've got the latest DJI Goggles 3 / Motion Controller / RC2 – perhaps from the DJI Avata 2 or DJI Neo series drones – then there is an opportunity to add the 360 to your setup at only the cost of the drone.
Read my full DJI Avata 360 review, including sample video
Features ★★★★★ | DJI has managed to get everything, and the kitchen sink, into this drone – what with the forward or dual camera modes, and extensive studio app. |
Design ★★★★ | The extra weight costs a star for beginners, but for everyone else this is a brilliant and rugged design; the camera module is an especially smart bit of design. |
Performance ★★★★ | Fast and responsive in flight, glorious 1080P live view that doesn't seem to drop out, and fine video even in low light performance, all good, though DJI Studio (the computer app) was definitely a bit clunky in places. |
Value ★★★★ | On the spec-sheet the 8K camera is not very different from the Antigravity A1, but (for the very many DJI customers) the value is boosted by the compatibility and the prices are relatively attractive anyway. |
Best lightweight 360 degree drone
The first-ever 360-degree drone also happened to be from a brand incubated by the biggest brand in 360-degree cameras: Insta360 (a consistent winner in my best 360-degree camera guide for good reason).
The cunning design is small and light – under the crucial 250g threshold that sidesteps a lot of rules – which is quite an achievement. It uses tiny automatic landing gear to protect the lens, and this worked in my testing.
I found flying it with the Grip controller profoundly satisfying. The maximum speed is good given the weight category,
The Antigravity A1's cool steampunk-looking goggles also solve an issue that many places have; that any friends or colleagues accompanying you can't see anything. Given it's often a requirement to have a 'spotter' with you when you fly using immersive FPV goggles, you want the world to be as interesting as possible when you invite them out.
Antigravity's solution – an outward-facing screen in one of the 'eyes' – is novel and useful, though the fact the goggles are essential make the drone less affordable than the Avata as you need three devices (you can buy the Avata with a standard two-stick controller, which is still fine for collecting 360-degree content).
This drone has the advantage that Insta360 provided its slightly more refined Studio app, making life a little easier when post-processing, which is useful for beginners.
Read my full Antigravity A1 review, including sample video
Features ★★★★★ | From the FPV, waypoint missions and feature-packed goggles, it's hard to dispute the brilliance of this flexible system |
Design ★★★★★ | Clever design keeps weight down while feeling premium and stylish – hard to identify complaints, while the goggles are brilliant in their design. |
Performance ★★★★ | Flight is good, with only range, speed and resolution (although as good as any other) being slight quibbles. |
Value ★★★★ | If you understand what you're buying, you'll appreciate the value of the tech (not to mention the fun) but the need to bundle FPV goggles too means Antigravity hasn't been able to make it as cheap as you might hope. |
Which is best?
In this case, it isn't a simple answer because both drones are better at different things. The video quality from the DJI Avata 360 is slightly better, and it can be flown that bit faster (with a little bit more confidence) thanks to its extra weight and "cinewhoop" frame design.
The Antigravity A1, however, comes in below the 250g limit, meaning you can use it in more places, with less or no paperwork or fees. The marginal speed difference seems less of a problem there, and the place list seems even longer, given how small the drone folds up.
If you want the 360 FPV experience in a way that most people can enjoy it – in fact, if you want the FPV experience in perhaps the most impressive way there is – then I'd recommend the A1. The content you create will also be very striking.
However, if you're thinking more about the after-the-fact content generation, then the Avata 360 does have a better camera (60fps 10-bit beating 30fps 8K), and the ability to be operated more flexibly. It might also be cheaper.
So, my instinct is to suggest the Avata 360 is the choice for YouTubers, TikTokers, and Instagrammers – and the A1 is more for drone enthusiasts.
All can slightly change with the software, however; in the land of 360 post-processing tools really matter as you'll need to use them. Here, actually, while both have good tools, Antigravity does slightly have the edge on usability.
Creators, though, will still be at home with DJI's features, so I doubt it's a huge issue, but if anything, this situation supports my creators v hobbyists distinction between these two amazing drones.
