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In a hurry?
- Most spectacularInsta360 X58.7Check price
- Longest battery lifeDJI Osmo Action 5 Pro8.6Check price
- Best in low lightInsta360 Ace Pro 28.5Check price
- AlternativeDJI Osmo 360 II8.5Check price
- AlternativeGoPro MAX28.4Check price
- AlternativeGoPro HERO13 Black8.3Check price
- Best-value 360Insta360 X48.4Check price
Filming your rides is easier than ever, but choosing a camera is still confusing. The first question is not which brand to buy, but what kind of video you want.
360 camera or action camera
An action camera (GoPro, DJI Osmo Action) records what is in front of it, like your eyes. The footage is ready to watch and share. It is perfect for filming the road from your helmet.
A 360 camera (Insta360) records in every direction at once. Afterwards you choose the framing: the road, your face, the bike from behind… With a selfie stick that disappears from the image, it looks as if a drone is following you. The catch: you almost always need to edit.
- You want to film and share quickly: action camera.
- You want spectacular social media videos: 360.
- You want to record a long trip without worrying: action camera with a big battery.
Where to mount it
- Helmet chin: the most natural and stable point of view.
- Top or side of the helmet: easier to fit, but more movement and more leverage in the wind.
- Handlebars or tank: ideal for 360 cameras on a stick. Easier on your neck, but more engine vibration.
Some helmet makers warn that stick-on mounts may affect the warranty. Check your helmet’s manual or use mounts that do not need adhesive.
Battery: the most misleading figure
Stated battery life is measured at 25 °C, at low resolution and with the screen off. In the cold, at 4K and with Wi-Fi on, expect a lot less. For long rides, prioritise battery life or plan to charge while you record.
Memory card
For 4K and above use a V30 or faster microSD card. A slow card is the most common cause of footage that cuts out.
Our ranking
Insta360 X5
Insta360The camera that makes your rides look like they were filmed by a drone. The invisible selfie stick effect has no rival.
- Type
- 360°
- Max resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 185 min
- Waterproof without case
- 15 m
Ideal for: Riders who want spectacular third-person videos for social media without anyone else filming.
The most spectacular. If you make videos for social media, no other camera gets those third-person shots with so many motorcycle accessories.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJIThe action camera with the longest battery life. It records a whole ride without running flat.
- Type
- Action
- Max resolution
- 4K at 120 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 240 min
- Waterproof without case
- 20 m
Ideal for: Riders who want to film long rides from the helmet without worrying about the battery.
The best choice for most riders: easy to use, great image and the longest stated battery life in the group.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2
The action camera with the best low-light image. Leica lens, 8K and a very handy flip screen.
- Type
- Action
- Max resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 180 min
- Waterproof without case
- 12 m
Ideal for: Riders who film at dawn, dusk or through tunnels and want the best possible image.
The best image in low light. Ideal if you ride at dawn, dusk or through lots of tunnels.
DJI Osmo 360 II
The second generation fixes what the first one lacked: 8K at 60 fps, replaceable lenses and 105 GB of built-in storage.
- Type
- 360°
- Max resolution
- 8K at 60 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 100 min
- Waterproof without case
- 10 m
Ideal for: Riders who want the best 360 image in low light and often ride at night, at dawn or through tunnels.
The direct rival to the Insta360 X5, renewed in 2026: 8K at 60 fps and the best 360 image in low light, but fewer motorcycle accessories.
GoPro MAX2
GoPro's 360 camera: true 8K, lenses that twist off and the biggest range of mounts. In exchange, less battery in 8K.
- Type
- 360°
- Max resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Waterproof without case
- 5 m
- Weight
- 154 g
Ideal for: Riders who already own GoPro mounts and want a light 360 camera with good sound.
GoPro’s 360 camera: true 8K, twist-off lenses and just 154 g. Ideal if you already own GoPro mounts; in 8K, carry a spare battery.
GoPro HERO13 Black
The highest resolution and the biggest range of accessories. The choice if you already live in the GoPro world.
- Type
- Action
- Max resolution
- 5.3K at 60 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 150 min
- Waterproof without case
- 10 m
Ideal for: Riders who want the best resolution or already own GoPro mounts and accessories.
The highest resolution among action cameras and the biggest mount ecosystem. Best if you already own GoPro accessories.
Insta360 X4
Insta360The previous-generation X5: 8K, plenty of battery and the same motorcycle accessories, for less money.
- Type
- 360°
- Max resolution
- 8K at 30 fps
- Max stated battery life
- 135 min
- Waterproof without case
- 10 m
Ideal for: Riders who want 360 videos of their rides without paying X5 money.
The previous-generation X5, for less: 8K, plenty of battery and the same motorcycle accessories.
FAQ
Is it legal to film while riding in the UK?
Filming your own ride is legal. Just make sure the camera does not distract you, and set it up before you set off. If you publish footage, consider blurring faces and number plates.