Insta360 X4 vs X5 Review: Which 360° Camera Is the Best for Creators?
- gear4greatness
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Last updated: August 2025
Insta360 X4 vs X5 Review: Which 360° Camera Is the Best for Creators?
If you’re looking to create immersive, cinematic, and scroll-stopping content, Insta360 has been the name to watch. In 2024, the Insta360 X4 impressed creators with 8K 360° video, huge stability upgrades, and a bigger screen. But in 2025, Insta360 took things further with the X5, raising the bar again for action and 360° shooters.
After testing both cameras in real-world shoots — from snowy ice trails and riverside bike rides to indoor content setups — here’s my honest breakdown. No fluff. Just how the X4 and X5 perform when it matters.
📦 First Impressions & What’s in the Box
Both cameras feel premium out of the packaging. The X4 is rugged and reliable, while the X5 refines the formula with sleeker design choices.
Insta360 X4 box includes:🎥 Insta360 X4 camera🛡️ Removable lens guards🔌 USB-C charging cable👜 Protective pouch🔋 High-capacity battery
Insta360 X5 box includes:🎥 Insta360 X5 camera🛡️ Updated removable lens guards (slimmer design)🔌 USB-C charging cable👜 Travel pouch🔋 Extended battery (even longer life than the X4)
The X5’s larger and brighter touchscreen is the first thing you’ll notice. It feels more responsive outdoors compared to the already excellent X4.
⚙️ Ease of Use & Setup
Both models are creator-friendly:✅ Quick power-on → Ready to shoot in seconds✅ Intuitive menus → Easy navigation, even for first-time 360° users✅ App pairing → Fast Bluetooth/Wi-Fi sync✅ Auto previews → Live monitoring and reframing in the app
The X5 improves file management and transfers, making it noticeably faster when offloading big 8K+ clips.
🎬 Video Quality & Stabilization
Here’s where the big jump happens.
Insta360 X4✅ Shoots 8K 360° video with FlowState Stabilization✅ Horizon Lock keeps your footage perfectly level✅ Excellent reframing tools for editing flexibility
Insta360 X5✅ Upgraded to 8K60fps — smoother, sharper, and more flexible for creators✅ Better low-light handling, with improved dynamic range✅ Faster rendering and AI-assisted reframing in the Insta360 Studio app
Both crush action scenarios, but the X5 is clearly the new flagship for smoothness and detail.
📸 Photo Performance
Both cameras deliver sharp stills, but again the X5 edges ahead.
X4 Photos:✅ 72MP stills — clean, detailed, great for panos or VR tours✅ HDR mode helps balance tricky lighting
X5 Photos:✅ Improved color science and clarity✅ Noticeable low-light improvements✅ Better noise handling, especially indoors
If you shoot lots of stills, the X5 gives you more flexibility in post.
💡 Features I Love
X4 Highlights
8K 360° Video (still impressive)
FlowState Stabilization
Rugged build + removable lens guards
Big, bright touchscreen
Voice control and extended battery life
X5 Highlights
8K60fps video for smoother playback
AI editing tools baked into the app
Improved low-light performance
Slimmer lens guards
Faster file transfer + better heat management
⚠️ Things I Don’t Love
X4 Cons
Bulky lens guards
File size demands big storage
Editing 360° still has a learning curve
X5 Cons
Pricey (it’s the new flagship)
No ND filters available yet (as of Aug 2025)
Still large file sizes to manage
👤 Who These Are Best For
🎥 YouTubers & Creators – Add unique, scroll-stopping shots to your content🏞️ Travelers & Vloggers – Lightweight, versatile, and immersive🛹 Action Sports Filmmakers – Perfect for biking, skiing, skating, kayaking🏠 Real Estate & VR Pros – High-res tours, immersive storytelling
Insta360 X4 vs X5 Review: Which 360° Camera Is the Best for Creators?
📦 Buy on Amazon USA
✅ Final Verdict: X4 or X5?
💥 My rating:
📷 X4: 8.5/10 – Still a fantastic buy in 2025 if you want pro 360° performance on a slightly lower budget.📷 X5: 9.5/10 – The new gold standard for creators who want the very best.
The Insta360 X4 continues to be one of the smartest value choices for creators, packing pro-level quality at a more accessible price. But if your goal is the sharpest, smoothest, and most future-proof 360° camera available today, the X5 is the clear winner.
Whichever you choose, both cameras unlock creative possibilities you simply won’t get with traditional action cams — giving you the freedom to tell stories from every angle.
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