Insta360 X5: an honest review and comparison with the X4 and GoPro Hero 13
The Insta360 X5 is the best 360° camera on the consumer market in 2026. It features a larger sensor, 8K video, PureVideo mode for low-light conditions and interchangeable lenses. But is it the camera you need? This review explains when the X5 is worth it compared to its predecessor, the X4, and the GoPro Hero 13, and what sort of content creators it’s really designed for.
The key point in a sentence
The Insta360 X5 is the right choice if you’re filming complex action where you can’t point the camera — motorcycling, parkour, skiing, vlogging without a tripod — and you’re willing to invest time in learning how to edit. If you’re filming sports with a clear direction and prefer a plug-and-play approach, a GoPro Hero 13 will serve you better for less money.
Price at Macys Digital Tenerife: €539 (can be booked)
Insta360 X5 Specifications
| Feature | Insta360 X5 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS |
| Maximum 360° video | 8K at 30fps · 5.7K at 60fps |
| Widescreen video | 4K at 120fps |
| Photo | 72 MP (360°) · 18 MP (single-lens) |
| Stabilisation | FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock |
| Submersible | IP68, up to 15 m without a casing |
| Screen | 2.5″ touchscreen LCD |
| Battery | 2,400 mAh · up to 185 mins in 5.7K power-saving mode |
| Audio | Built-in microphone with wind cancellation + USB-C external microphone support |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Interchangeable lenses | Yes, modular system |
| AI chip | Triple AI (low-light enhancement, stabilisation, editing) |
| PureVideo mode | Yes (improved low-light performance) |
| InstaFrame | Yes (records 360° and standard view simultaneously) |
| Weight | 200 g |
| Price at Macy’s | 539€ |
What makes the Insta360 X5 special
There are three things that set the X5 apart from any other 360-degree camera on the market:
1. 1/1.28″ sensor (larger than any previous 360 model)
The move from the X4’s 1/2″ sensor to the 1/1.28″ on the X5 This is evident in two critical situations: low light (it occurs much less frequently indoors, at sunset and in shaded areas) and dynamic range (greater detail in both light and dark areas simultaneously). For creators who film journeys in changing light conditions, this is a game-changer.
2. PureVideo mode
The PureVideo This is the AI-powered low-light mode. It reduces noise whilst preserving detail, enhances sharpness in dark areas and renders colours naturally. It works in dimly lit interiors, at sunset, in urban night scenes and underwater. The X4 already had a similar mode, but the X5 takes it to a whole new level thanks to the triple AI chip.
3. Modular interchangeable lenses
The X5 debuts a system that removable and replaceable lenses. If you scratch a lens (which can easily happen with 360-degree cameras that get knocked about), you simply replace it rather than bin the camera. The Premium (~€50) and Standard (~€33) lens protectors are almost essential accessories right from the start.
Buy lens protectors for the Insta360 X5 at Macy’s
4. InstaFrame: two videos in one recording
The mode InstaFrame It records both the full 360° video and a traditional widescreen shot simultaneously. This is useful for content creators who want both the immersive version and the «normal» version without having to record twice.
5. Improved audio with support for an external microphone
The X5 features built-in microphones with improved wind noise cancellation and, most importantly, supports an external microphone via a USB-C adapter. For vlogs or on-location interviews, this is the difference between amateur and professional audio.
Insta360 X5 vs X4: is it worth upgrading?
The X4 was launched in 2024 and the X5 in 2025. It is a recent generation — the changes are significant but not revolutionary.
| Feature | Insta360 X4 | Insta360 X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1/2″ | 1/1.28″ (larger) |
| Maximum 360° video | 8K at 30fps | 8K at 30fps |
| Widescreen video | 4K at 100fps | 4K at 120fps |
| Low-light mode | Active HDR | PureVideo (better) |
| Interchangeable lenses | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| AI chip | Yes | Triple AI (more powerful) |
| Submersible | 10 m | 15 m |
| Screen | 2.5″ touchscreen | 2.5″ touchscreen |
| InstaFrame | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery | 2,290 mAh | 2,400 mAh |
Should I upgrade from X4? Only if:
- You film a lot in low light, and PureVideo mode really comes into its own
- You’ve scratched lenses before and appreciate the modular system
- You need InstaFrame mode for your workflow
- You’ll get the most out of the larger sensor in challenging conditions
If you’re a casual user (occasional travel, recreational sports), the X4 is still excellent and it’s usually on offer for around €150–200 less.
Should I upgrade from X3 or an earlier version? Yes, without a doubt. The leap forward in sensor technology, processing and stabilisation is generational.
Insta360 X5 vs GoPro Hero 13: the real choice
This is the most important comparison because both cost around €400–540 and are in the same price bracket.
| Feature | Insta360 X5 | GoPro Hero 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 360° camera | Traditional action camera |
| Top video | 8K at 30fps in 360° | 5.3K at 60fps in one direction |
| Front-facing pixel quality | Lower (divided between 2 lenses) | Top |
| Stabilisation | FlowState (excellent) | HyperSmooth 6.0 (the best) |
| Edition | You need an app + a curve | Minimum |
| How do you take aim? | Capture everything, decide later | You’ve got to aim carefully |
| Size | 200 g, stick-shaped | 154 g, tub |
| Submersible | 15 m | 10 m |
| Best for | Vlogs, motorbikes, parkour, immersive content | Surfing, cycling, skiing, snorkelling |
| Learning curve | Real (takes time) | Minimum |
| Price at Macy’s | 539€ | 389€ |
Buy the Insta360 X5 if:
- Film complex movements where you can’t aim (skateboarding, parkour, motorcycling in the city)
- You make vlogs without a tripod (the selfie stick is automatically removed from the shot)
- Are you interested in cinematic effects that are impossible to achieve with traditional cameras?
- Are you willing to invest time in learning how to edit?
- Do you want the flexibility to «decide on the framing later» in post-production?
Buy the GoPro Hero 13 if:
- You film sports with a clear direction (downhill skiing, surfing, road cycling)
- Do you want the very best front-facing image quality, with no compromises?
- You’re a beginner and you want a plug-and-play camera
- Do you appreciate the vast range of GoPro accessories?
- You don’t have time to learn complex editing
Read the full review of the GoPro Hero 13 Black
The Inconvenient Truth
For serious creators, the correct answer is both. The GoPro is mounted on the helmet, chest or handlebars to capture the action from the front in top quality. The X5 is mounted on a pole or tripod to capture the surroundings, cinematic shots and immersive footage. The two together cost around €930, but the results are unrivalled.
For casual creators or those on a tight budget, Choose according to your main use. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Real-world use cases: when the X5 really shines
Motorcycling on the open road
This is where the Insta360 X5 clearly outperforms any GoPro. A 360-degree camera mounted in an elevated position simultaneously captures: the road ahead, the rider from behind, the scenery to the side, the rear-view mirrors, and reactions to anything happening behind. A single camera does the job of three GoPros.
Read the complete Insta360 guide for motorbikes
Vlog without a cameraman
The X5’s selfie stick automatically disappears from the final shot thanks to 360° stitching. The result: vlog videos that look as though they were filmed by a camera following you, when in fact it’s just you with a selfie stick. It has completely transformed the economics of on-the-go vlogging.
Skateboarding, parkour, urban sports
Complex movements where you’re constantly changing direction. The camera captures everything; in the editing stage, you choose the best angles for each moment. Impossible to replicate with a stationary GoPro.
Property and tourism
360° tours of properties, hotels and restaurants. The X5 produces professional-quality immersive content with just one operator. For Tenerife — where there are thousands of Airbnbs, hotels and restaurants — it’s a brilliant marketing tool for the local industry.
Skiing and snowboarding
Capture the descent from the front (the rider’s view), from behind (the surrounding scenery) and groups of friends all at the same time. During editing, you can select the most epic angle for each moment.
When NOT to buy the Insta360 X5
- Filming simple sports from a front-facing angle — You’re spending money on flexibility you won’t use. The GoPro Hero 13 is better value for money.
- If you’re not going to edit it — The raw 360° video is unusable. Without editing it in the Insta360 app, you won’t get anything you can actually see. Set aside some time to learn the workflow.
- If you want the very best photo quality — The 72 MP are distributed across 360°. The quality of a single photo is lower than that of a modern mobile phone.
- If you’re on a tight budget — The camera costs €539, but the lens protectors, spare battery and selfie stick easily add up to an extra €100–200 for practical use.
Essential accessories
Lens protector (~€33–50): Buying the X5 without a protective cover is like playing Russian roulette. The first time you drop it on a table, a stone or the handlebars, the lens will get scratched. With a protective cover, you just replace the cover, not the camera.
Spare battery (€54.99): 185 minutes of battery life sounds like a lot, but it runs out quickly when recording in 8K. For long shoots, a spare battery is essential.
Invisible selfie stick: specifically designed to make the tripod disappear from the final video. Insta360 sells the official version, but there are cheaper alternatives that work just as well.
Invisible diving case (€599 → check price): If you’re going to use the X5 for snorkelling or diving in the Canary Islands, the special case keeps the 360° view intact at depths of up to 50 metres. For casual use, the 15 metres without the case is sufficient.
Browse all Insta360 accessories at Macy’s Digital
The advantage of Tenerife
The Canary Islands charge 7% IGIC, compared with 21% VAT on the mainland or 19–21% in the rest of Europe. In the X5, the difference is noticeable:
| Market | Price of the Insta360 X5 |
|---|---|
| Insta360.com Spain | ~599€ |
| Insta360.com UK | £549 (~645€) |
| Amazon ES | ~579€ |
| Macys Digital Tenerife | 539€ |
For British tourists, buying it in Tenerife saves you around €106 compared to the UK price including VAT. It easily falls within the duty-free allowance of £390 / €430.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Insta360 X5 record underwater without a case?
Yes, IP68-rated up to 15 metres without a case. For greater depths (up to 50 m), you’ll need the special invisible diving case.
How long does it take to learn how to edit 360-degree footage?
For basic videos (a trip, an outing, casual content), an afternoon is enough to get to grips with the app. For professional workflows involving keyframes, transitions and complex reframing, it takes weeks. There is a learning curve, but it isn’t as steep as many people fear.
Is the quality of 360° 8K video really 8K?
Yes, but bear in mind that this resolution is spread across 360 degrees. When you crop it down to a traditional widescreen aspect ratio, the effective resolution is equivalent to ~4K. For social media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), that’s more than enough.
Does it work with Apple Vision Pro and other VR headsets?
Yes. The X5 records directly in a format compatible with Vision Pro, Meta Quest 3 and other VR headsets. It is one of the few consumer cameras designed for this workflow.
Is the stabilisation really gimbal-free?
Electronic stabilisation + 360° horizon lock produces a result that is virtually identical to that of a gimbal. You save €200–400 on the gimbal and reduce the size of your setup.
Is the Insta360 X4 worth buying if the X5 is available?
If you can find the X4 for €200–250 less than the X5, then yes, it’s still an excellent camera. The X5 is better, but the X4 already covered 85% of the use cases. For beginners in 360, the X4 at a reduced price is a very reasonable way to get started with the format.
Verdict
Insta360 X5 — 9/10
The best consumer 360 camera of 2026. A sensor larger than any previous 360 camera, a game-changing PureVideo mode for low-light conditions, modular interchangeable lenses, enhanced audio and a triple AI chip for in-camera processing.
It only loses one point because It’s not the right camera for everyone. If you’re filming straightforward sports from a front-facing angle, a GoPro Hero 13 will serve you just as well for €150 less. But for content creators filming complex movements, handheld vlogs or high-quality immersive content — the X5 is the best tool on the market.
For €539 at Macys Digital Tenerife, with the IGIC discount from 7%, is the best 360 buy in Europe for serious users.
The Insta360 X5 and all official accessories (batteries, cases, protective covers, motorbike mounts) are available at Macys Digital, in the Parque Santiago 3 shopping centre (Playa de las Américas, Tenerife). Read our Review of the GoPro Hero 13 Black If you’re torn between a 360° camera and a traditional action camera, for a comprehensive guide to cameras, see our Guide to the best value-for-money compact cameras in 2026.