Skip to content
Compare products

Review Action Cameras

Insta360 X5 review: buy or skip?

Buy8.6/10 research score

Quick answer

Buy it, if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect. Why: shoot everything in 360 and reframe later. The catch: big files.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

We research products independently. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we earn money

Insta360 X5

Our verdict on the Insta360 X5

Buy it if
you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect.
Skip it if
you want simple point-and-shoot.
Best for
360 video
Key feature
Shoot everything in 360 and reframe later
Typical price
$499–$549
Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Key specifications

Video8K 360
StabilizationFlowState
Waterproof49 ft
Battery2,400 mAh

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

A good fit if you

  • you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect
  • value 360 video
  • can spend around $499–$549

Skip it if you

  • you want simple point-and-shoot
  • mind this: big files
  • mind this: editing needed

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 360 video
  • Replaceable lenses
  • Great app

Cons

  • Big files
  • Editing needed

The verdict in one breath

The Insta360 X5 is an action camera we would point most people to. What earns it the buy: shoot everything in 360 and reframe later. In our list it is the pick for: 360 video.

Reasons to buy

  • 360 video
  • Replaceable lenses
  • Great app

Reasons to skip

  • Big files
  • Editing needed

The specs that matter

  • Video: 8K 360
  • Stabilization: FlowState
  • Waterproof: 49 ft
  • Battery: 2,400 mAh

Buy it or skip it?

Buy it if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect. Skip it if you want simple point-and-shoot; the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the better buy then. Everything else is in our list of the best action cameras.

Alternatives worth considering

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI · Action Cameras

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Buy it if you vlog or film travel.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Vlogging
Typical price
$519–$669

Pros

  • 1-inch sensor
  • 3-axis gimbal

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Insta360 · Action Cameras

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

Buy it if you film at dusk and night.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Low light
Typical price
$399–$449

Pros

  • Great low light
  • Flip screen

Cons

  • Pricey
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the Insta360 X5?

Buy it, if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect. Why: shoot everything in 360 and reframe later. The catch: big files.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if you want simple point-and-shoot. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the better buy then.

What does the Insta360 X5 cost?

Usually $499–$549 on Amazon.com. It tends to dip during Prime Day and Black Friday.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

Insta360 X5: the full buy-or-skip review

Is the Insta360 X5 worth buying? Short answer: buy it, if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect. This review explains what this Insta360 model gets right, where it falls short, what it usually costs in the US and which action camera to buy instead if it is not the right fit for you.

What the Insta360 X5 does well

The headline: shoot everything in 360 and reframe later. Key specs: Video: 8K 360; Stabilization: FlowState; Waterproof: 49 ft; Battery: 2,400 mAh. In our list it is the pick for: 360 video. It usually sells for $499–$549.

Who it suits: people who want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect.

The trade-offs

Good: 360 video, replaceable lenses, great app. Not so good: big files, editing needed. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you want simple point-and-shoot.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ($519–$669): gimbal camera with 1-inch sensor. Better if you vlog or film travel.

Instead, consider the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($399–$449): large sensor action cam with flip screen. Better if you film at dusk and night.

Instead, consider the GoPro HERO13 Black ($349–$399): best-in-class stabilization with a huge mount ecosystem. Better if you want the most versatile action camera.

Before you buy

Stabilization keeps footage smooth without a gimbal. Waterproofing to 10 m+ without a case. Batteries drain fast in cold weather; carry spares.

US buyer tip

GoPro bundles with extra batteries and a case are usually cheaper than buying separately.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.