Head-to-head · Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X4 vs Insta360 X5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Insta360 X5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about Creators and adventurers who want the best all-round 360 camera for action, travel and low-light reframing. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X4

4.5

$360.99as of Jun 7

The Insta360 X4 was the best 360 camera of its generation and remains a superb value now that the X5 sits above it. It shoots 8K/30p that reframes to 2.7K, adds a genuinely useful single-lens 4K/60p mode, and pairs excellent stabilization with strong battery life. Its main limitation versus the X5 is weaker low-light performance from its smaller sensors.

Strengths

— 8K/30p 360 capture that reframes to a sharp 2.7K flat output
— Excellent FlowState stabilization with 360 horizon lock for smooth action footage
— Useful single-lens 4K/60p mode that competes with standalone action cameras

Watch-outs

— Smaller sensors than the X5 mean weaker low-light performance
— 8K editing is demanding on phones and laptops
— Superseded as the flagship by the X5

$360.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 360 Cameras

Insta360 X5

4.8

$549.99as of Jun 7

The Insta360 X5 is the best overall 360 camera you can buy. Larger 1/1.28-inch sensors transform its low-light performance over the X4, it shoots 8K/30p that reframes to 2.7K flat, and it adds tougher waterproofing plus a replaceable-lens system. The trade-offs are the usual 360 ones: visible stitch lines on close subjects and heavy editing demands.

Strengths

— Larger 1/1.28-inch dual sensors deliver a dramatic leap in low-light image quality over the X4
— 8K/30p 360 capture reframes to a class-leading 2.7K flat output
— Best-in-class waterproofing to 15m and a reliable tool-based replaceable-lens system

Watch-outs

— Stitch line is still visible if a subject is too close to the camera
— Reframing and editing 8K footage demands a powerful phone or computer
— Battery drains quickly in the highest-resolution modes

$549.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Insta360 X4

The previous-generation flagship below the Insta360 X5, which it trails mainly in low-light image quality due to smaller sensors. Cheaper than the X5, GoPro Max 2 and DJI Osmo 360, making it the value 8K pick, and far more action-capable than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

Insta360 X5

Beats the GoPro Max 2 in low light and waterproofing, and edges the DJI Osmo 360 on overall image quality and audio, though the Osmo 360 undercuts it on price. It is a clear generational step up from the Insta360 X4 thanks to larger sensors, and far more capable for action and video than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Insta360 X4	Insta360 X5
Capture	8K/30p 360 video	8K/30p 360 video
Single-lens mode	4K/60p	—
Photo	72MP 360 stills	72MP 360 stills
Stabilization	FlowState + 360 horizon lock	FlowState + 360 horizon lock
Waterproof	10m without housing	15m without housing
Reframed output	Up to 2.7K flat	Up to 2.7K flat
Battery	Long-life removable	—
Lenses	Replaceable lens guards	Replaceable (tool-based)
Sensors	—	Dual 1/1.28-inch
Audio	—	Wind-guard 4-mic array

← See the full ranking of best 360 cameras