SlashGear90
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.
Insta360 X5
10 expert reviews#2 of 7 action camerasChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Insta360 X5 has a critic score of 89 out of 100 from 10 professional reviews, including SlashGear, Digital Camera World and PCMag Middle East. 10 of 10 recommend it, and scores range from 83 (RedShark News) to 92 (Tom's Guide). 4 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 6 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: picture quality (2 of 10); sound (2 of 10). Most common complaints: price (4 of 10); battery life (2 of 10). It ranks #2 of the 7 action cameras we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best for: Best overall
Our verdict
10 professional reviewers tested the Insta360 X5, and 10 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and sound. Most common complaint: price.
The catch: It costs more than the X4, and the battery drains fast at 8K.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 83 to 924 printed scores, 6 estimated · printed scores only: 90
6 of these 10 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Insta360 X5?
Digital Camera World90
After a month of use the reviewer calls the X5 the best 360 camera available, with better low light and rugged replaceable lenses.
PCMag Middle East90
PCMag calls the X5 a staggeringly versatile and rugged 360 camera and gives it an Editors' Choice award.
CNET89
The reviewer calls the X5 the best consumer 360 camera, thanks to larger sensors, replaceable lenses and better low light.
Tom's Guide92est.
The reviewer calls the X5 easily the finest 360 camera money can buy, with great video, microphone and app.
TechRadar92est.
The reviewer calls the X5 the best all-round 360 camera available, thanks to much larger sensors and strong low-light results.
T389est.
The reviewer calls the X5 the best 360 camera available, thanks to low-light gains, smarter editing and swappable lenses.
Macworld89est.
The reviewer finds the X5 a versatile and powerful action camera with the best image quality in its class.
ZDNET89est.
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.
RedShark News83est.
The reviewer finds the X5 a meaningful step up from the X4, with replaceable lenses, better low light and longer battery life.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Picture quality2 of 10
Sound2 of 10
Build quality2 of 10
What critics dislike most
Price4 of 10
Battery life2 of 10
Alternatives
Not sure about the Insta360 X5?
Photo coming
Best for battery life
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro89
4 reviews · agreement mediumPhoto coming
Best for wearing
DJI Osmo Nano86
7 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best for mountain biking
Insta360 Ace Pro 285
6 reviews · agreement highPhoto coming
Best 360 for daylight
GoPro Max 285
10 reviews · agreement highCommon questions
Is the Insta360 X5 worth it?
Most critics think so: 10 of 10 recommend it. It costs more than the X4, and the battery drains fast at 8K.
Do critics agree about the Insta360 X5?
Agreement is high: scores range from 83 (RedShark News) to 92 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 9 points across 10 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Insta360 X5?
Price (4 of 10 reviews), Battery life (2 of 10 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Insta360 X5?
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (critic score 89), best for battery life.