Selfie Pod vs 360 booth: which is right for your event?

“Should we get the photo booth or the 360?” is a question we’re often asked. They sound similar, but they do quite different jobs on the night. One gives guests a photo, and a print if you want one. The other gives them a slow-motion video they’ll post before the song ends.

We’re Snazzy Photo Booths, based in Coventry, and we run one of each. Here’s an honest comparison to help you choose.

Side by side

	Selfie Pod	360 Booth
What guests get	A photo on their phone by QR code	A slow-motion or boomerang video clip on their phone by QR code
Prints	Optional: unlimited 6×4 prints as an add-on	No, it’s video only
People per go	Four or five in frame comfortably	Up to five on the platform, depending on build
Time per go	Tap, countdown, shot; a print (if added) a few seconds later	About 30 seconds to spin, then a minute or two to get the clip
Space needed	About 2m x 2m	Roughly 3m x 3m, plus head height and room to gather round
Starting price	From £200 digital, or £375 with unlimited prints	From £300 for 3 hours
Best for	Keepsakes, guest books, branded prints, smaller rooms	Dance floors, big moments, content people share

Both include setup and pack-down outside your hire time, props, a custom overlay, unlimited goes, a gallery the next day and travel within 30 miles of Coventry. The 360 Booth comes with an attendant all evening, and on the Selfie Pod an attendant is optional and free.

The Selfie Pod: the one that can print

The Selfie Pod is a sleek standing booth that turns any corner of your venue into a photo studio. Guests walk up, the screen starts them off, they tap it, the camera counts down, and they scan a QR code to get the photo on their phone. Digital is standard. Add unlimited 6×4 prints and a print comes out a few seconds later, every time.

Why people choose it:

Something to take home. If you want guests leaving with a print in their hand, or a guest book filling up through the night, it has to be the pod.
It fits almost anywhere. About 2m x 2m against a good wall or corner, or in front of a backdrop.
Everyone can use it. The screen prompts guests through each step, so older relatives and younger guests manage it fine, and if you’d like someone there to show people how it works, an attendant is optional and free.
Branding. For work events, your logo goes on every photo.

We took the Selfie Pod with prints to an 18th at Ivy House in Coventry, and the pod to a 60th at Broadstreet RFC in Coventry.

The 360 Booth: the one that spins

The 360 Booth is a low, raised platform with a camera on an arm. Up to five people step on, the arm makes three full rotations in about 30 seconds, and the clip comes back in slow motion or as a boomerang. Guests scan the QR code and the video is on their phone.

Why people choose it:

It’s an event in itself. While one group is on the platform, everyone else stands round the edge watching, which pulls people off their seats.
Shareable video. Clips are made to be posted, so your event ends up on people’s stories the same night.
Great for groups. Friends, teams and families go on together.

We took the 360 to a 40th at The Clarence in Hinckley; read about that night. We’ve also run both booths at charity events at Dhillon’s Brewery in Coventry.

Are 360 booths worth it?

It depends on what you want from the night. Here’s the honest version.

A 360 booth is worth it if:

You’ve got a dance floor or a party crowd who’ll get involved.
You care more about atmosphere and shareable clips than about printed keepsakes.
You’ve got the space: roughly 3m x 3m, a bit of head height and room for people to gather.
You want something guests haven’t necessarily seen at every party.

It’s probably not the right pick if:

You want prints or a guest book; the 360 is video only.
Your room is tight, or the only free spot is a corridor.
Your event is mostly seated and formal, such as a long dinner with speeches. The pod sits more quietly in the corner.
It has to be outdoors with no cover. Marquees with solid flooring are fine, but the kit has to stay dry and level.

On price, the 360 starts from £300 for three hours. That sits between our digital Selfie Pod (from £200) and the pod with unlimited prints (from £375). So it’s not automatically the more expensive option; it’s a different one. For the full breakdown, see how much photo booth hire costs in Coventry.

Quick decision guide

18th or 21st birthday: either works. Choose the pod with prints if they want keepsakes, or the 360 if it’s a dance-floor crowd.
40th, 50th or 60th: the 360 if people will dance, and the pod with prints if you want a guest book of the night.
Work Christmas party or corporate event: the pod for branded prints and team photos, or the 360 after the speeches. See corporate photo booth hire and our Christmas party photo booth ideas.
Charity night or fundraiser: both have worked for us; the choice comes down to space and whether you want prints. See party photo booths.
Smaller room or home party: the Selfie Pod, as it needs about 2m x 2m.

If you’re still torn, compare them on our photo booths page or just tell us about the event. We’ll give you a straight answer, even if that means the cheaper one.

Can you have both?

Yes. At bigger events, the pod and the 360 do different jobs, so they don’t compete for guests. Many hosts put the pod near the bar and the 360 by the dance floor. Combined bookings are priced on request, and we’ll give you one figure.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a Selfie Pod and a 360 booth?

The Selfie Pod takes photos, sent to guests’ phones by QR code, with optional unlimited 6×4 prints. The 360 Booth is a platform where a camera circles guests and makes a slow-motion video clip. It doesn’t print.

Are 360 photo booths worth it?

They are if you have a party crowd, a dance floor and around 3m x 3m of space, and you want shareable video rather than prints. If you want keepsakes or have a tight room, the Selfie Pod is usually the better choice.

Which is cheaper?

Our Selfie Pod starts from £200 digital, and the 360 Booth from £300 for three hours. With unlimited prints, the pod starts from £375.

How much space do I need?

About 2m x 2m for the Selfie Pod and roughly 3m x 3m for the 360 Booth, plus a standard socket and a flat floor. We’re happy to check with your venue.

Is the 360 booth safe?

Yes. The platform sits low to the ground with a non-slip surface, and the attendant is beside it for every go.

Still deciding? Check your date and tell us about your venue and guests. We’ll reply the same day with availability, a price and an honest recommendation. Or call or WhatsApp 07825 089792. No deposit until you’re sure.