Insta360 X5 Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this camera in person. This verdict is based on Tom's Guide's review and a one-year follow-up on Three Sixty Cameras, both listed at the end. The one-year piece is a single reviewer's experience, so broader long-term data is thin. Our method.
Excellent if you will edit 360 footage, overkill if you will not
Tom's Guide calls the X5 the best 360 camera available, citing 8K recording, larger sensors, better low light and replaceable lenses. A reviewer who used it for a year still recommends it, mainly for the lens design and software. The downsides are battery drain and heat at top settings, a complex app for newcomers, visible stitching below the camera, and a bulky body. It rewards people ready to edit, and less so anyone wanting simple point-and-shoot clips.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- want creative 360 angles and reframing after the shot
- will edit on a phone or desktop
- worry about scratching a fixed 360 lens
Skip it if you…
- want a simple camera with no editing step
- need all-day battery at top resolution
- want a small, light camera for helmet mounting
The Insta360 X5 is a waterproof 360-degree action camera with two lenses, 8K 360 video and single-lens 4K at 60 frames per second. Its lenses can be replaced if damaged.
Expert coverage is strong, but long-term owner evidence is limited to a handful of reports, so we flag where it is thin.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| 360 video | Up to 8K at 30 frames per second |
|---|---|
| Single-lens video | 4K at 60 frames per second |
| Sensors | 1/1.28-inch, up from 1/2-inch on the X4 |
| Waterproof | To 15 m |
| Weight | About 7 oz |
| Storage | microSD slot |
What reviewers love
What reviewers criticise
How it holds up over time
After a year of use, one reviewer reported no hardware failures or long-term build problems, but this is a single report. Accessories such as batteries and the microphone adapter are not compatible with the X4, which matters if you already own that model.
Tips from reviewers
- Buy a spare battery for all-day shooting.
- Use the desktop software for longer projects.
- Try InstaFrame to capture single-lens and 360 footage together.
- Consider a lens repair kit if you shoot without guards.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Top-rated 360 image quality with better low light
- Replaceable lenses reduce scratch risk
- Excellent phone app and editing tools
- Waterproof to 15 m without a case
- Very fast charging
What owners complain about
- Battery drain and heat at top settings
- Software can feel overwhelming to beginners
- Visible stitching below the camera
- Large and heavy
- Lens swaps are fiddly and accessories do not fit the X4
Other options owners compare
These are options often compared with the X5.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X5 (this review) | 360 action camera | You want 360 footage and will edit it | See on Amazon |
| GoPro HERO13 Black Read our review | Traditional action camera | You want a simpler, single-lens point-and-shoot camera | See on Amazon |
| Insta360 X4 | Previous 360 model | You want a cheaper, lighter 360 camera and can skip the new lenses | — |
Ready to shoot first and frame later?
Check the current price, bundles and accessories on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the X5 waterproof?
Yes, to 15 m according to Tom's Guide, without a separate case.
Can I replace a scratched lens?
Yes. The X5 uses replaceable lenses, and a repair kit is available, though swaps are described as a bit fiddly.
How long does the battery last?
Tom's Guide measured about 95 minutes of mixed footage, and Insta360 claims up to 185 minutes in Endurance mode.
Should X4 owners upgrade?
The one-year reviewer says probably not, unless replaceable lenses or low-light gains matter to you.
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Sources we analyzed
- Tom's Guide: Insta360 X5 review — specs, battery tests, lenses, app, cons
- Three Sixty Cameras: Insta360 X5 one year later — long-term use, battery and heat, software, who should buy
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.