Insta360 X5
Exact average 88.2 · 5 printed, 6 estimated · printed scores only: 88
Image: Insta36011 professional reviewers tested the Insta360 X5, and 11 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and ease of use. Most common complaint: price.
Reviewed by Digital Camera World, SlashGear, PCMag Middle East and 8 more
The catch: It costs more than the X4, and the battery drains fast at 8K.
6 of these 11 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 11 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90Digital Camera World
After a month of use the reviewer calls the X5 the best 360 camera available, with better low light and rugged replaceable lenses.
Read Digital Camera World review - 90SlashGear
The reviewer considers the X5 by far the best 360 camera on the market, with a better sensor, a tougher build and user-replaceable lenses.
Read SlashGear review - 90PCMag Middle East
PCMag calls the X5 a staggeringly versatile and rugged 360 camera and gives it an Editors' Choice award.
Read PCMag Middle East review - 89CNET
The reviewer calls the X5 the best consumer 360 camera, thanks to larger sensors, replaceable lenses and better low light.
Read CNET review - 80The Verge
The best 360 camera in a market with little competition, with a larger sensor, better low light and user-swappable lenses.
Read The Verge review - 92est.Tom's Guide
The reviewer calls the X5 easily the finest 360 camera money can buy, with great video, microphone and app.
Read Tom's Guide review - 89est.T3
The reviewer calls the X5 the best 360 camera available, thanks to low-light gains, smarter editing and swappable lenses.
Read T3 review - 89est.ZDNET
The writer used the X5 for underwater video on a Hawaii trip and came away delighted with the footage and the new AquaVision colour restoration.
Read ZDNET review - 89est.Macworld
The reviewer finds the X5 a versatile and powerful action camera with the best image quality in its class.
Read Macworld review - 89est.Trusted Reviews
A step up from the X4 with much better low-light video, tougher build and replaceable lenses, making it the default choice for 360 video.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 83est.RedShark News
The reviewer finds the X5 a meaningful step up from the X4, with replaceable lenses, better low light and longer battery life.
Read RedShark News review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs GoPro Max 283
- CNET picks the Insta360 X5.
- RedShark News (2025): it depends. Choose this one if: you want lens flexibility and strong, balanced all-round performance.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other action cameras critics rate highly
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- DJI Osmo 360 II · 3 reviews so far
- GoPro Mission 1 Pro ILS · 3 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the Insta360 X5 worth it?
Most critics think so: 11 of 11 recommend it. It costs more than the X4, and the battery drains fast at 8K.
Do critics agree about the Insta360 X5?
Critics agree: scores range from 80 (The Verge) to 92 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 12 points across 11 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Insta360 X5?
Price (5 of 11 reviews), Battery life (3 of 11 reviews), Software and app (2 of 11 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Insta360 X5?
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4 (critic score 90), top pick, narrowly.