Insta360 X5 Review: Is the New 360 Action Camera Worth It?

The Insta360 X5 is more than just an upgrade — it redefines what a compact 360 action camera can do. Whether you're skiing down a slope, diving into the ocean, or vlogging your daily adventures, the X5 is designed to make capturing, editing, and sharing jaw-dropping content easier and more powerful than ever before.

In this breakdown, we’ll explore the most important technical innovations of the X5 and analyze how it stacks up against its predecessor. Plus we’ll cover real-world usage, app updates, and more.

Key Features of the New Insta360 X5

From cyclists strapping it to their handlebars to skiers chasing the perfect shot, the Insta 360 X5 fits into real-life adventures effortlessly. The camera turns on and starts recording with one press, and with the app, you can effortlessly reframe clips post-shoot — a must-have if you’ll be producing content solo.

Keep in mind, the learning curve is real, especially for new 360 shooters. But once you’ve mastered them, features like keyframing, automatic horizon leveling, and template-based edits will unlock absolutely jaw-dropping content, granting you total creative freedom. Let’s take a look at everything you can expect.

1. Massive Sensor Upgrade

The Insta360 X5 introduces larger dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, enhancing the image quality compared to the X4’s smaller 1/2-inch sensors. This gives you significantly better low-light performance, richer detail, and 144% more light intake — crucial for night shoots and dynamic environments.

2. Triple AI Chip System

Behind the lens is a brainy upgrade: one AI chip and two Pro Imaging Chips that work together to sharpen visuals, reduce noise, and keep your shots looking cinematic, even in chaotic settings.

3. PureVideo Mode for Low-Light Magic

Borrowed from Insta360’s Ace Pro, the PureVideo Mode utilizes AI to improve clarity and reduce noise in low-light conditions, enhancing your nighttime and indoor footage. Expect cleaner, more vibrant footage, even under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

4. InstaFrame: Record Twice at Once

This new mode is a game-changer for creators: You can capture a share-ready flat video and an editable 360 video simultaneously. Whether you're biking or broadcasting, InstaFrame delivers flexibility without any extra steps.

5. Swappable Lenses Mean Self-Repair

For just $30, Insta360 offers a DIY lens swap kit. Scratched or cracked a lens? Replace it on the go. This dramatically improves your field usability — especially if your thing happens to be adventure sports or travel.

6. HDR Gets a Boost

The X5 now supports 5.7K at 60fps with Active HDR, doubling what was previously possible. Your footage will shine with an expanded dynamic range, sharper contrast, and vivid realism.

7. Better Waterproofing, Built-In Ruggedness

Certified IP68 waterproof down to 49 feet, the Insta360 X5 is ready for dive missions and rainy hikes alike. The new steel mesh Wind Guard also doubles as a wind-noise filter, which is a major plus.

8. Improved Audio Capture

Moto-vloggers and cyclists in particular will be thrilled to hear that Insta360 has redesigned its mic housing, adding AI-enhanced noise reduction and multi-layer wind protection, so your voice cuts through wind.

9. Smarter, Sleeker App

With new AI-powered presets, one-tap edits, and a “Dewarp” button to remove the fisheye effect, the Insta360 app now balances simplicity with sophistication. Still, some bugs remain. But more on that in a minute.

10. Beefier Battery, Faster Charging

The new 2,400mAh battery gives you up to 185 minutes of 5.7K footage or 88 minutes in 8K. Charging is zippy too: hit 80% in just 20 minutes. But a word of caution — your old X4 batteries won’t fit.

Insta360 X5: All the Specifications at a Glance

Trying to decide between an Insta360 and a GoPro? Or between an Insta360 and an Osmo? Familiarizing yourself with the X5’s specs is a good place to start.

Field Test: How the X5 Performs in Action

To truly understand what the Insta360 X5 brings to the table, we took it out into the real world — on hikes, ski slopes, bike rides, and even into the water. The dual 1/1.28-inch sensors made a clear difference in low-light environments, especially when we were transitioning from sunlight to shade or filming under overcast skies. It handled highlights gracefully, and shadows retained detail even without us having to tweak any settings.

The PureVideo mode was absolutely invaluable in dim environments, reducing noise and boosting clarity without requiring manual post-processing. Audio also saw a practical boost — the new windscreen design filtered out some harsh gusts while still capturing voice clearly, even when we were biking or moving quickly.

From a usability standpoint, the X5 powered on and began recording in seconds. Switching modes was intuitive via the responsive 2.7-inch touchscreen, and the InstaFrame feature provided plenty of peace of mind. We could rest easy knowing we were capturing both traditional and 360 views simultaneously.

Editing Experience on Mobile and Desktop

The editing process with the Insta360 X5 offers something for everyone — from first-time users to experienced editors. On mobile, the revamped Insta360 app includes a variety of AI templates that automatically edit clips into shareable content. Features like “Quick Edit,” “AI Edit,” and the new “Dewarp” button simplify the process, even if you’re someone who has minimal editing experience.

However, deeper creative control lies in the desktop version. Here, timeline-based editing, multi-clip management, and precise keyframe placement allow for professional-grade output. You can also install the optional Adobe Premiere plugin if you’re looking for seamless integration into a more advanced workflow.

Despite the improved UI, some quirks remain: occasional export limitations (such as frame rate lock-ins) and UI bugs can interrupt the flow. That said, the X5’s combination of robust mobile features and powerful desktop tools gives the 360 action camera a flexible and well-rounded editing ecosystem.

Available Accessories & Bundles

Insta360 offers a comprehensive suite of accessories and bundles to support a wide range of creative and action-driven needs. The standard X5 package includes the action camera, a soft carry case, a lens cloth, and a USB-C cable. If you’re looking to go further, the Essentials Bundle adds:

• A spare battery

• Fast charge case

• Lens guards and lens cap

• A hard-shell carrying case

• 44.9-inch Invisible Selfie Stick

Insta360’s proprietary selfie stick continues to erase itself from your footage, enabling drone-like perspectives with minimal setup. Additional mounts are available, too, including mountain bike helmet chin mounts, ebike helmet mounts, surfboard mounts, and even scuba rigs. Whether you're a casual traveler or an action sports enthusiast, Insta360’s accessories ecosystem can easily enhance what’s already a highly versatile camera.

Insta360 X5 vs. Insta360 X4: A Side-by-Side Comparison

If you’ve already been using the Insta360 X4, deciding whether or not to upgrade to the X5 will likely come down to a few key differences. While the X5 maintains the same core shooting formats as its predecessor, it brings notable improvements in sensor size, low-light capability, and overall durability. 

Which features are most important to you? Take a look at the comparison table below.

Pros & Cons of the Insta360 X5

Like any high-end gadget, the Insta360 X5 isn't without its trade-offs. Here's a quick rundown of its standout strengths …  as well as a few things probably worth keeping in mind.

Pros

• Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors deliver stunning low-light and high-detail performance.

• Swappable lenses make in-field repairs easy and cost-effective.

• 8K video + 5.7K HDR at 60fps = broadcast-worthy quality.

• Improved mic housing cuts wind noise and boosts clarity.

• Longer battery life and rapid charging (80% in 20 mins).

• Powerful mobile and desktop app with AI editing tools.

• Triple AI chip architecture ensures smoother, sharper results.

• Waterproof to 49 ft and rugged enough for serious adventure.
  

Cons

• Premium price at $550, especially if you already own an X4.

• Slightly heavier than previous models — noticeable on helmets.

• X4 battery compatibility is gone, so you’ll need new spares.

• App still has some bugs and limitations with frame rate exports.

• Those brand-new to 360 video editing may find it challenging at first.

Limitations & Considerations

While the X5 brings substantial improvements over its predecessor, there are a few limitations worth keeping in mind. First, the new larger sensor, while excellent, still produces minor flare when you point it toward intense angled light — an unavoidable trade-off with a fisheye-style lens. Stitching between the two lenses can also be challenging in scenes with heavy contrast, such as a bright sky next to a shaded forest.

The app, though improved, occasionally suffers from export bugs, incomplete feature labels, or locked settings that might feel severely limiting if you’re an advanced user. We’ve heard of a few rare cases in which the software prematurely baked effects or music into clips, so navigate the whole editing process with careful attention.

Lastly, the increased size and weight may be noticeable if you have to hold the camera for a long time, or if you’ve mounted the Insta360 on a helmet or a chin mount for an extended period. And because the X4 batteries are no longer compatible, you’ll need to set aside your old X4 batteries and instead invest in a new set of spares.

Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade?

In our opinion, the Insta360 X5 is a serious powerhouse vs. a minor refresh. With professional-grade video quality, unmatched flexibility, and exceptional durability, it’s arguably the most well-rounded 360 action camera ever made. We’ll leave you with some final thoughts …

The Insta360 X5 Is Great For:

• Content creators who need quality and speed.

• Athletes and travelers looking for rugged reliability.

• Anyone upgrading from an X3 or earlier.
  

But Maybe Think Twice If:

• You already own the X4 and aren’t chasing better low-light or audio performance.

• You prefer ultra-light gear (the X5 is slightly heavier).

• You're on a tight budget — at $550, this is definitely premium pricing.

Our Verdict

If you often shoot in low light, want more control over your audio and repairability, or need better waterproofing and app features, the X5 is a worthwhile investment. However, if you're satisfied with your X4's performance and don’t frequently push it in challenging environments, the upgrade may not be essential.