By TechRadar | April 30, 2025
The Insta360 X5 is here, and it’s nothing short of an evolutionary leap in 360-degree video. Building on the massive success of 2024’s X4, the X5 keeps the same iconic design while introducing meaningful upgrades—especially in low-light performance, durability, and lens maintenance.
🔍 Key Upgrades at a Glance
- New 1/1.28-inch sensors – 144% larger than the X4’s for enhanced image quality
- Replaceable lenses – A game-changer for long-term use and outdoor shooting
- Improved waterproofing – Now rated IP68, usable underwater up to 15m without a case
- Enhanced AI-assisted editing – Great videos in minutes via Insta360’s mobile app
📷 Image Quality That Excels in the Dark
Insta360’s biggest innovation with the X5 lies in its low-light video performance. Thanks to larger sensors and dedicated AI-powered image processing chips, the camera delivers remarkably clear, noise-free footage even at night. The new PureVideo mode allows for 8K 30fps recording in low light—something its predecessor and competitors couldn’t match.
For daytime use, the camera shines with sharp 8K or 5.7K HDR video, vivid colors, and wide dynamic range. While final exports are capped at 1440p, the base footage gives creators excellent material for reframing and editing.
⚙️ Design and Durability
The X5 sticks to the tried-and-tested “chocolate bar” form factor of the X4, weighing just 200g and sized to fit in your pocket. However, it now boasts improved drop resistance and waterproofing. The lenses are tougher, and in case of damage, can now be replaced at home using Insta360’s new lens repair kit.
A small but useful design tweak is the addition of Quick Release Mount lock-on points, making it easier to attach the X5 to accessories like tripods, helmets, or bike mounts.
🎞️ Performance and Software
Using the Insta360 app, editing your 360 footage is almost effortless. The AI-powered templates make social media-ready clips in minutes. For more control, the desktop-based Insta360 Studio lets pros tweak every angle.
Battery life can reach up to 185 minutes, though that varies with resolution and ambient temperature. Fast-charging support allows an 80% recharge in just 20 minutes.
🎧 Audio Enhancements
The built-in microphones now include wind mufflers that drastically reduce interference during high-speed or blustery activities. It’s not perfect, but a big step up from the X4.
💰 Pricing and Availability
The Insta360 X5 launched globally on April 22, 2025, priced at:
- $549.99 (standard bundle)
- $659.99 (Essentials bundle with selfie stick, extra battery, case, and lens guards)
Compared to the X4’s launch price of $499.99, the increase is reasonable given the added features and global inflation.
✅ Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Insta360 X5?
Rating: 4.75/5
The Insta360 X5 is the new gold standard in 360 action cameras. Whether you’re a vlogger, extreme sports enthusiast, or just love high-quality immersive video, this camera delivers. Owners of the X4 may find the upgrade marginal unless they need better low-light performance—but for everyone else, the X5 is simply the best 360 camera money can buy in 2025.
👍 Buy It If:
- You shoot videos in low-light or night settings
- You want fast, high-quality video editing with minimal effort
- You value durability and modular lens replacement
👎 Skip It If:
- You already own an Insta360 X4 and don’t shoot in low-light often
- You need 4K+ resolution output (final exports max at 1440p)
How I tested the Insta360 X5
- Tested for several days, full production model running release firmware
- Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick
- Recorded videos on foot, on bicycle and in a car
I’ve only had a few days to test the Insta360 X5, but as a frequent user of all its predecessors it felt immensely familiar – meaning I was able to get out and shoot video with it almost immediately. I mounted it on the company’s invisible selfie stick and shot short videos while walking and riding my bike during different times of the day and even stuck it out of the window of a moving car. I used the Insta360 app running on my iPhone 13 to edit the sample videos you see above.
