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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.

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The short answer

Insta360 X4 and Insta360 X5 score essentially the same (4.8 vs 4.8). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Insta360 X4
Ranked #2 in Best 360 Cameras
Insta360 X4
3 sources$424.99as of Jul 1

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. Against the X5, its one real limitation is weaker low-light performance from the 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  • — Superseded as the flagship by the X5
$424.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Insta360 X5
Ranked #1 in Best 360 Cameras
Insta360 X5
3 sources1 derived$549.99as of Aug 1

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 AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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

SpecInsta360 X4Insta360 X5
Capture8K/30p 360 video8K/30p 360 video
Single-lens mode4K/60p—
Photo72MP 360 stills72MP 360 stills
StabilizationFlowState + 360 horizon lockFlowState + 360 horizon lock
Waterproof10m without housing15m without housing
Reframed outputUp to 2.7K flatUp to 2.7K flat
BatteryLong-life removable—
LensesReplaceable lens guardsReplaceable (tool-based)
Mounting1/4" Mounting Point1/4" Mounting Point
Sensor1/2-inch1/1.28 inches
StorageMicro SD card (UHS-I V30 or higher speed class is supported)microSD expandable
Video5.7K/60p or 4K/60p 360—
StitchingReal-time in-camera, no processing—
Display2.5-inch touchscreen—
Audio—Wind-guard 4-mic array
Color—Graphite Black and Arctic White
← See the full ranking of best 360 cameras