Compared with the previous-generation X4, the Insta360 X5 delivers a major improvement in SD card writing efficiency. Real-world tests show that under identical shooting settings, X5 video files are about 20% smaller than those from the X4. This means longer recording times, lower storage pressure, and less dependence on ultra-large cards.
With over three years of hands-on experience using 360 cameras, this guide focuses on real-world usability and cost-performance to help you choose the best SD card for Insta360 X5 quickly and confidently.
- X5 supports 64GB–1TB microSD cards
- Minimum spec: UHS-I + V30 or higher
- Best overall capacity → 256GB
- Avoid cheap or unbranded cards
- X5 files are ~20% smaller than X4
What SD Cards Are Compatible with Insta360 X5?
The X5 requires:
✔ UHS-I microSD card
✔ V30 / U3 speed class or higher
✔ exFAT format
✔ Max capacity: 1TB
⚠️ Important:
UHS-II cards are NOT supported and may cause recording errors.
Best SD Cards for Insta360 X5 (Recommended Picks)
Based on testing, stability, and reliability:
Best Overall → SanDisk Extreme Series
Safest Choice → Official Insta360 SD Card
❌ Avoid SanDisk Ultra series
These cards are cheaper but below the recommended speed requirements and may cause recording interruptions when shooting 360 video.
X5 vs X4 Storage Performance Difference
One of the biggest upgrades in the X5 is its built-in video compression engine.
| X5 | X4 | |
| 1-min 8K video | 1.2GB | 1.5GB |
| Bitrate | 120 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
| 30-min 8K video | 28.4GB | 34.4GB |
That’s roughly 20% more storage efficiency.
This improvement means:
- longer recording per card
- faster transfers
- smoother editing workflow
For creators, this is a major real-world upgrade.
Best SD Card Capacity for Insta360 X5
Supported sizes:
64GB / 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Here’s real recording time:
| Capacity | 8K30 | 5.7K30 | 4K60 |
| 64GB | 61m | 1h29m | 2h03m |
| 128GB | 2h03m | 3h00m | 4h07m |
| 256GB | 4h07m | 6h00m | 8h15m |
| 512GB | 8h27m | 12h18m | 16h55m |
H3 — Best Choice for Most Users → 256GB
A 256GB card is the best SD card size for Insta360 X5 because:
- enough storage for multi-day trips
- ideal for 8K recording
- minimal price difference vs 128GB
- officially included in many bundles
This is the sweet spot between price, capacity, and convenience.
When to Choose 128GB
Choose 128GB if you:
- shoot short clips
- vlog daily
- transfer footage often
- don’t film in 8K much
When 512GB Makes Sense
Consider 512GB if you:
- shoot professionally
- record long continuous footage
- don’t offload files often
- don’t use cloud backup
Should You Subscribe to Insta360+ Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage ranges from 200GB–2TB and can reduce your need for larger SD cards.
However, even if you use cloud storage, a 256GB card is still recommended for flexibility and uninterrupted shooting.
Real-World Usage Experience (From X3 → X5 User)
I’ve used Insta360 cameras for over four years, starting from X3 and ONE RS. In most cases, my clips last only seconds to a few minutes because I understand framing and camera positioning well.
Even for sports like skiing or cycling, my longest clips are around 10 minutes.
By shooting efficiently and regularly deleting files, I managed to fit an entire year of footage onto a 512GB card.
If you don’t manage files often → cloud backup is highly recommended.
V30 vs U3 — Which Is Better?
Both guarantee minimum 30MB/s write speed.
Difference:
- V30 → video speed class
- U3 → bus speed class
In real-world use → performance is essentially identical.
Do You Need Multiple SD Cards?
Yes. Recommended: at least two
Reason:
- backup safety
- prevents missed shots
- protects against card failure
Do SD Cards Need Formatting?
Yes. Formatting regularly:
- clears residual files
- improves write stability
- extends card lifespan
Best practice: backup → format → shoot again
Beware of Fake SD Cards
Counterfeit cards are common online.
Signs of fake cards:
- extremely cheap price
- thin printed fonts
- incorrect packaging
- slow benchmark speeds
Safest purchase method → official store or trusted retailer.
Final Verdict — Best SD Card for Insta360 X5
If you want the safest and most reliable option:
⭐ Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme V30 256GB
🛡 Safest Choice: Insta360 Official Card
Choose based on:
Brand + Speed Class + Capacity, Get these three right, and your X5 will perform perfectly.