Best SD Cards for Insta360 X5 – Capacity, Speed & Brand Recommendations

Compared to the X4, the Insta360 X5 significantly improves SD card writing efficiency: It creates files that are about 20% smaller, extending shooting time and reducing reliance on large-capacity cards. Based on my three years of panoramic camera experience, this guide offers cost-effective and convenient X5 memory card recommendations to boost shooting efficiency and backup management.

First of all, you need to understand the following 3 key points before purchasing an SD card.

• What capacity memory cards can be used on the Insta360 X5?
• What’s the Difference in Recording Capacity Between the Insta360 X5 and X4?
• Do you need a subscription? Insta360+

SD Memory Card Capacity for Insta360 X5

First, let’s take a look at the sd card capacities that are compatible with the Insta360 X5.

I personally recommendSanDisk Extreme SeriesThe SD memory card or theInsta360 officialSD CardsPlease note that for SanDisk,the entry-level series is “Ultra”, not “Extreme”.Instead of 'Extreme'.

The main difference between the Extreme and Ultra series is their read/write speeds. According to Insta360,memory cards compatible with the X5 should have a V30/U3 speed rating or higher, making the Extreme series more suitable for reliable 360° video recording., so it is more suitable for Extreme series memory cards.

Recommended: UHS-I microSD cards with a V30 speed class or higher, formatted in exFAT (FAT64), with a maximum storage capacity of up to 1TB.

X5 Official Service and Support

The “Ultra” series memory cards are more affordable, which makes them tempting for many users. However, their specifications are lower than the standard, and there’s no guarantee that 360° panoramic videos will be recorded reliably. 

Some reviews recommend using V30 or higher speed-grade cards for 4K recording, and V90 or higher for 8K videos to ensure smooth performance. However, the video size of X5 has been automatically slimmed down, so choosing a card with V30 speed class and above is sufficient.The

Note: UHS-II cards are not compatible with the Insta360 X5.The

Differences between Insta360 X5 and X4 in terms of video reading and writing

One significant improvement in the Insta360 X5 is the new Video Slim feature.Even at 8K resolution, it provides about 20% more storage capacity compared to the X4.By reducing file size and lowering the bit rate,this feature not only saves storage space but also dramatically improves editing efficiency and smoothness during post-production.As the size of the movie becomes smaller, the bit rate is reduced, which not only reduces storage space, but also dramatically improves the smoothness and efficiency of post-editing.

After comparing 30-minute 8K videos recorded under the same conditions,it was found that the X4 produces files 1.21 times larger than the X5.The

Shooting with the Insta360 X5 not only saves storage space but also improves video transfer and editing efficiency. This technological breakthrough is highly valuable, offering creators both high-quality footage and greater workflow efficiency.

Subscribe to Insta360+Say goodbye to memory anxiety.

The Insta360+ service offers cloud storage ranging from 200GB to 2TB.Insta360+When purchasing a camera, you may want to consider whether to subscribe to a paid cloud plan. Even with just 200GB of cloud storage, you can reduce your reliance on large-capacity SD cards, potentially saving money on higher-capacity memory cards.Whether or not to subscribe to a paid cloud solution can also be taken into consideration before purchasing a machine.. Even with 200GB of cloud space, the need for SD card capacity can be reduced to some extent, thus saving the cost of purchasing a larger capacity memory card.

Compared to 64GB or 128GB, my personal recommendation is for 2–3 day short trips, a 256GB SD card is often the most suitable choice for the Insta360 X5. Even if you plan to subscribe to cloud storage, I would still recommend getting a 256GB SD card, as it provides a good balance between storage capacity and flexibility in use.

Insta360 X5 SD Memory Card Capacity Options Explained -- How to choose from 64GB to 512GB?

Insta360 X5 SD Card Capacity Guide: 64GB to 512GB For casual shooting or short clips, 64GB–128GB cards are sufficient. For high-resolution, long-duration recordings—like 5.7K 360° videos, dashcam footage, or travel vlogs—256GB or 512GB cards are recommended to avoid frequent swaps and ensure uninterrupted filming.

One important point to note is that about 10% of a standard SD card's capacity is typically unavailable, so the actual usable space is around 90%. This is a normal characteristic of SD cards, not a software error, so there’s no need to worry. Next, I will evaluate the recording time of different SD card capacities based on various video resolutions.

Recommended Panorama Camera Setup - 8K 30fps Recording

Performance at 8K 30fps: The Insta360 X5, with its 2400mAh battery, can record continuously for 1 hour 25 minutes. Compared to the X4, the X5's Video Slim feature allows longer recording times under the same conditions, improving both battery life and storage efficiency.

64GB microSD memory card

64GB SD Card: Not enough for a full battery cycle; not recommended even for Insta360+ subscribers.
128GB SD Card: Good for casual shooting and short trips; may need occasional swaps for 8K recording.
256GB SD Card: Ideal for 2–3 day trips or high-resolution 8K/5.7K videos; balances storage and flexibility.
512GB SD Card: Best for professional or long-duration shoots; ensures uninterrupted recording and maximum storage efficiency.

128GB microSD memory card

When shooting with a 128GB SD card on the Insta360 X5, approximately 25% of the card’s capacity remains once the battery is fully depleted.

Although a 128GB SD card can theoretically store about 2 hours of video, in practice it is just barely sufficient. The Insta360 X5’s fast-charging support and the option to use an optional battery management accessory significantly extend shooting time, allowing you to record longer and more frequently.

If you’re shooting during a 2–3 day trip, a 128GB SD card will likely fill up quickly. This means you’ll need to frequently organize, delete, or back up files, which is not only inconvenient but may also cause you to miss real-time shooting opportunities. Therefore, if you plan on long-duration shooting or multi-day travel recordings, it is recommended to choose a 256GB or larger SD card to ensure a worry-free and more enjoyable shooting experience.

256GB microSD memory card

Although 256GB offers twice the capacity of 128GB, the price difference is minimal. A 256GB SD card for the Insta360 X5 can handle roughly three full battery cycles, providing plenty of space for extended 8K or 5.7K recording sessions and meeting the needs of most creators.

It’s worth noting that the Insta360 X5 Standard Kit and All-in-One Kit come with a 256GB SD card, emphasizing it as the officially recommended capacity. Considering both storage size and value, a 256GB microSD card is the ideal choice for Insta360 X5 users.

512GB microSD memory card

A 512GB SD card lets the Insta360 X5 record over 8 hours at 8K, but due to the high cost and frequent stock shortages, I still recommend a 256GB SD card as the best balance of storage and value.

However, for users who don’t plan to subscribe to Insta360+ cloud storage and need to manage a large number of video files in one place, a 512GB SD card is an excellent choice.

5.7K + 30fps recording

The X5’s 5.7K+ setting delivers near-8K quality with smaller file sizes, making it highly practical. For frequent 5.7K+ use, a 128GB SD card is usually enough, though the excellent value of a 256GB card makes it an appealing choice.

Thoughts after 1 year of using Insta360 X4

With the X4, a 512GB SD card easily covered a full year of shooting. I mainly recorded cycling and travel vlogs, with clips from a few seconds up to 10 minutes for activities like skiing or long rides.

I’ve been using 360 degree cameras since the Insta360 X3 and ONE RS, recording my daily life for over three years. I’m familiar with the selfie stick angles and the 360-camera workflow, which allows me to anticipate the final shot. As a result, most of my recordings can be completed in just a few seconds to minutes.

For longer activities like skiing or biking, I usually record about 10 minutes per clip, though motorcycle rides often run longer. I even produced a four-season video from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 using the Insta360 X4, compiling a variety of clips.

By efficiently shooting and deleting footage, I managed to compress a full year of recordings onto a 512GB SD card. For those who don’t regularly clear their SD cards, I highly recommend subscribing to the Insta360+ cloud service.

Access your footage easily on a PC or smartphone, while keeping your SD card clutter-free. Organizing a full year of recordings centrally boosts editing efficiency and enhances the Insta360 360 camera experience.

Even if you don’t subscribe to the cloud service, as long as your data is saved on a PC or SSD, you can still edit it using desktop software. However, performing these tasks on a smartphone is more difficult.

How to Install SD Memory Card on X5

After removing the X5’s battery, insert the SD card until it clicks. To remove it, just press it again and it will pop out automatically.

microSD Memory Card FAQs

Is there a difference in the actual capacity of SD memory cards?

*Since the SD card is not only used to store the material, it also needs to reserve some space to store the buffer during the recording process, which takes up about 1-2GB.

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The actual usable capacity of an SD card is usually less than the labeled capacity. Generally speaking, the actual usable capacity of an SD card is less than the labeled capacity.The actual capacity is approximately 90% of the manufacturer's labeled capacity.The

Do I need to format the SD card periodically?

SD cards are storage media that undergo frequent data writing and deletion. Compared to hard drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), which are mainly used for long-term storage, SD cards are more prone to "residual" or "junk" data during frequent recording and deletion. This can affect read/write efficiency and stability. It is recommended to regularly format your SD card to clear storage space, maintain optimal performance, and ensure smooth recording and secure data storage.

If you continue to use it in an uncleaned state, it may burden the SD card and even affect the recording performance. According to Insta360 officialIt is recommended that the SD card in X5 should be formatted regularly to extend the life of the SD card to maintain long-term stable operation.The

It is recommended that you periodically transfer your camera files to your phone or computer for backup and format the camera's memory card to avoid abnormal storage problems.

Are there fake microSD cards for the Insta360 X5?

Although Insta360 officially recommends using their official memory card or SanDisk memory cards, other manufacturers have released a wide variety of affordable SD memory cards.So please be aware that there are many fake cards on the market.When buying a card, you need to check the print on the card carefully, the font of the genuine card will be thicker, if you want to completely eliminate the fake card, buying a SD card from the official Insta360 pipeline is the safest choice.

Conclusion

360° cameras and action cameras often have different storage requirements. While some inexpensive SD memory cards may advertise compatibility with specific models like "Ace Pro 2" or "Insta360 action cameras," this does not necessarily mean they are compatible with models such as the X4 and X5. It's important to read product descriptions carefully. Choosing the wrong SD card could result in your important videos not being recorded properly.

I mistakenly bought a cheap memory card before, and it failed to save videos during a trip abroad. To avoid this, buy an SD card for the X5 from SanDisk or Insta360's official site for better reliability and compatibility.