Insta360 X5 Review Is It Worth The Hype 360 Rumors

Leo Migdal

-Dec 8, 2025, 3:34 AM

insta360 x5 review is it worth the hype 360 rumors

In this Insta360 X5 review, we dive deep into whether this new 360 camera truly lives up to the expectations set by its predecessors. With extensive side-by-side testing against the X4, Qoocam 3 Ultra, and even the iPhone 16 Pro, we explore image quality, stabilization, low-light performance, and more to determine if the upgrade is worth your investment. The Insta360 X5 has generated considerable buzz in the 360 camera community. But does it truly live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we will explore the X5’s performance in various real-world scenarios, comparing it against its predecessors—the X4 and Qoocam 3 Ultra—as well as the iPhone 16 Pro. From image quality to low-light performance, we’ll dissect every aspect to help you determine if this camera is worth your investment.

When it comes to image quality, the Insta360 X5 stands out, especially in fully automatic mode. Right off the bat, it delivers superior highlight retention, clean shadows, and minimal noise compared to its competitors. The X4 and Qoocam 3 Ultra, both capable of 8K, show similar sharpness, but the X5 edges ahead in overall quality. Interestingly, while the X5 performs admirably, the Qoocam 3 Ultra slightly outperforms it in sharpness, evident when zooming into text or intricate details. However, the X5’s advantages become clear when considering chromatic aberration and highlight handling. The Qoocam 3 Ultra exhibits some noticeable aberration, particularly in high-contrast areas, which compromises its realism.

One of the major selling points of the X5 is its HDR capability at 5.7K and 60fps. However, this “HDR” feature is misleading. Upon closer inspection of the raw files, it becomes clear that the X5 still operates within 8-bit color and is not true HDR as defined by industry standards. Insta360 already started in pole position with the brilliant X4, but has made some significant improvements to stay ahead of the game. These are a combination of subtle improvements that all mount up – battery life, 5.7K 60fps mode, new image sensors, more rugged glass, and better sound systems. It might not tempt me to upgrade from my X4, but were I coming to 360-degree new, this would make me very happy indeed!

Impressive performance even in low light 8K 360-degree video beats the competition Resolution hasn't increased from X4 (but is 8K) Removable lens guards are extra cost (were included in X4 standard bundle) Insta360 has a new top-of-the-line 360 camera, the X5, that can record 8K video, capture 72-megapixel still images, all in a sphere around the palm-size camera. It's an upgrade from the X4, currently my pick for best 360 camera, and from what I've experienced so far, the X5 could potentially dethrone it.

The headline improvement of the $550 X5 over the X4 is its larger, 1/1.28-inch image sensors. The X4 had 1/2-inch sensors; generally speaking, larger sensors absorb more light for better images at night or indoors. Insta360 saves you from doing the math and describes the new sensors as "144% larger." These are larger than the 1/1.7-inch ones found in the Kandao QooCam 3 Ultra, my current pick for best... There's also faster processing in the X5, thanks to a new "Triple AI Chip system" that Insta360 says reduces noise and improves image quality. "Tiny Planet" photos are one option possible with 360 cameras. This one was taken with the X5 at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Other improvements include a built-in wind guard for better audio outside, an "AI-powered" low-light mode and "ultradurable" glass lenses (always a concern with 360 cameras). The lenses are also user-replaceable, which is a huge benefit for anyone like me who has toasted a 360 camera with an ill-timed, or perhaps ill-advised, lens-ruining shot. The photo and video resolutions stay the same compared to the X4. For video, there's 8K30 and 5.7K60 or 5.7K30 HDR. Interestingly, the maximum bit rate is slightly lower, 180 Mbps to the X4's 200, but we'll have to see if that's noticeable or perhaps offset because of the larger image sensors. You can take 72-megapixel (11,904x5,952) and 18-megapixel (5,888x2,944) still images.

The latter can be used in the app to create swoopy animated short videos that work well on social media. The battery is marginally bigger, 2,400-mAh versus 2,290-mAh, which Insta360 says gets you a few extra minutes of 8K recording. I know you've probably watched every review of the Insta360 X5 on YouTube by now — most of which were sponsored by the exact same company they were reviewing. And let’s be real, many of them weren’t honestly evaluating whether this camera is actually better than what we had before. Well, I’ve reviewed every single 360 camera Insta360 has ever released. And not once have I accepted sponsorship for one of my reviews - which I firmly believe is unethical.

In this post, I’ll share my honest, unbiased, and unsponsored opinion of the X5 to help you decide whether you should buy it or wait for the next-generation camera to come out. To spoil this entire post upfront: I’ll say that the X5 is potentially the most flawless 360 camera I’ve ever reviewed and will be a very obvious upgrade for many of you. But don’t believe me just yet. First, let’s evaluate the pros and cons so you can come to that conclusion on your own. Insta360's X-series 360-degree cameras have long dominated the market. They have great video quality, an easy-to-use interface, and simple editing software, which makes these the most beginner-friendly 360 cameras around.

The latest version, the Insta360 X5, continues that tradition while bringing larger sensors with even better-looking video. The X5 is a worthy upgrade; video quality is better, battery life is improved, and new features like the PureVideo lowlight mode and replaceable lenses make the X5 the most compelling 360 camera on... The big news in the X5, and the reason to consider upgrading even if you already have the X4, are the new twin 1/1.28-inch sensors. They're a considerable step up from the 1/2-inch sensors in the X4. At the same time, the video specs have not changed much at all, with 8K 30 fps and 5.7K 60 fps at the high end. A larger sensor with the same resolution means more detail in that footage, which is exactly what you get here.

This is without a doubt the best-looking footage I've seen from a 360 camera. Keep in mind that the 8K refers to the overall 360-degree shot. When you actually frame that footage in the app, the highest resolution you'll be able to export is 4K. But the 4K footage you'll get is markedly better than what the X4 delivers. The footage coming out of the X5 is great for a 360 camera. Bear in mind, though, that almost any other newer action camera is going to have somewhat better video quality.

The appeal of the 360 camera is that it can capture what's behind you, whereas Insta360's traditional action cam, the Ace Pro 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), cannot. This makes 360 cameras perfect for filming when you don't know exactly how you want to frame your shot, for example while riding a bike, skiing, skateboarding, and so on. In the past, to get this kind of shoot-everything, frame-later flexibility, you had to give up some video quality. While that's still true to an extent, with the X5 you're giving up very little in terms of video quality. All of the videos embedded in this review are 1080p or 4K, so if they look low-resolution, try adjusting the quality using the cog icon. The Insta360 X5 ($549.99) is the latest in the company's ever-expanding range of 360-degree and action cameras.

While the core shooting specifications remain largely unchanged from its predecessor, the Insta360 X4 ($499.99), the X5 has larger image sensors, user-replaceable lenses, improved waterproofing, a new wind guard, and longer battery life. Its mobile and desktop apps have received facelifts and added a number of AI-powered templates for swiftly editing and exporting stills and video. The X5 is a staggeringly versatile creative tool that can produce remarkable outputs with little effort, or breathtaking ones if you're willing to learn how to get the most from it, earning it our... The standard version of the Insta360 X5 costs $549.99 and includes the camera, a USB-C cable, a soft case, and a lens cloth. The Essentials Bundle ($659.99) adds an additional battery, a fast charge case, a hard carry case, a lens cap, lens guards, and a 44.9-inch version of the Invisible Selfie Stick that Insta360 is famous... The camera's software recognizes the selfie stick and erases it (although shadows often betray its presence), which makes for the top-down, over-the-shoulder, and birds-eye view footage Insta360 products are known for.

Insta360 offers a range of accessory bundles for the X5, as it does for its other cameras. These include mounts for bicycles and motorcycles, body and head straps, and diving cases and floatation devices. Visually, the X5 is little changed from the X4. It has the same pair of lenses on the front and rear for 360-degree image and video capture, and largely the same button layout. However, the ribbed front of the X4 has been replaced by a geometric pattern, and instead of a pinhole microphone, the X5 has a new, hexagonal wind guard covering the front-facing microphone. On the rear, the touch screen has increased in size from 2.5 inches on the X4 to 2.7 inches on the X5.

Insta360 doesn't supply resolution or brightness metrics for the display, but it's more than bright enough for outdoor use even in bright sunlight. The Insta360 X5 is a sizeable improvement over its predecessor, the Insta360 X4, which was already the finest 360 camera on the market. 8K/30p 360 recording allows for 2.7K reframed footage — still the best res you can get in 360 degrees. Thanks to larger sensors, low light performance is much better than ever before, while a new microphone wind guard allows clean audio free from wind buffeting. 360 -degree battery life has been boosted over the previous model, and Insta360 has introduced a replaceable lens system to remove the need for lens guards. The best just got even better.

Decreased single-lens battery life versus X4 Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. The Insta360 X5 is the latest and supposedly greatest flagship 360-degree camera from Chinese action camera manufacturer Insta360. And it's a camera the brand didn't need to make. See, the X5's predecessor, the Insta360 X4, was already better than every other 360 camera out there.

And it wasn't even a close contest. Just like the new model, the X4 offered 8K 360-degree capture. Its closest competitor, the GoPro Max, could only shoot at 5.6K. The Insta360 X4 was a fantastic product when it came out only a year ago, and its successor is even better. The X5 may look virtually identical, but a number of meaningful improvements make it an all-round superior camera to the X4. The biggest upgrade comes in the form of larger sensors, improving image quality in all conditions but particularly in low-light situations – an area where the X4 felt lacking.

These enhancements, added to the same great usability and design we've seen in previous generations of the X series, make the X5 the best overall 360 camera currently on the market. Larger image sensors improve video quality X4 owners might struggle to find enough changes for an upgrade Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Almost precisely a year on from the launch of the Insta360 X4, its successor the X5 has arrived – and at first glance it’s hard to tell the difference.

Insta360 X5 Review Is It Worth The Hype 360 Rumors

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