Best Insta360 X5 Mounts and Accessories: 10 Essential Upgrades for 360 Video

Introduction

The Insta360 X5 is a capable 360-degree action camera, but its true potential emerges when paired with the right mounts and accessories. Different shooting scenarios demand different rigs, and understanding which tools solve which problems makes the difference between ordinary footage and the kind of creative shots that stand out.

This guide covers the essential protective gear every X5 owner should have, then walks through ten of the most useful mounts and accessories in reverse order, finishing with the most versatile and impactful tools.

Essential Protective Gear

Before diving into mounts, every X5 owner should invest in basic protection. The camera’s weak points are the large display and the protruding lenses, both vulnerable during transport and storage.

Start with the protective pouch that comes in the standard package, then add a rubber lens cap for safe storage. A screen protector is worth using given the size of the display. For transport, a well-made carry case keeps the camera and smaller accessories organized, though note that the standard 114 cm selfie stick is too large to fit inside most cases.

A lens replacement kit is useful insurance if a lens does get damaged, and a fast microSD card is essential for 8K recording. Insta360 recommends UHS-I cards with V30 speed rating or faster.

The Standard Selfie Stick: Your Foundation

The 114 cm Extended Edition Selfie Stick serves as the baseline mount for most X5 users. At this length, it extends far enough for creative framing but collapses small enough to carry easily. The threaded base allows attachment to tripods and other mounts, making it the foundation for many other setups. It is available in black or gold, with a shorter 85 cm version also offered.

Number 10: Extended Edition Selfie Stick

The 3-meter Extended Edition Selfie Stick opens up unusual and creative shot possibilities. You can move the camera through spaces, simulate drone perspectives, or create dynamic motion shots that would be impossible with shorter rigs. The length is adjustable, so you do not always need full extension.

The trade-off is weight and bulk. The stick is heavy, the handle often appears in shots, and carrying it is not always convenient. Despite these drawbacks, the creative results justify the investment for serious videographers.

Number 9: Tripod Integration

There will be times when you want to set the X5 on a stable, stationary rig for self-filmed content or time-lapse work. A tripod base can be permanently attached to any selfie stick, adding length and stability. Alternatively, the Throwpod integrates a tripod directly into the stick itself, eliminating the need for separate components.

The Throwpod extends to 114 cm like the standard stick but is slightly longer when collapsed, making it less portable. For a more compact solution, a 2-in-1 foldable selfie stick with integrated tripod folds to the side for easy storage and even fits in a pants pocket with the X5 attached. This model also features an indentation at the top for mounting the Mini Remote, and is available bundled with that accessory.

Number 8: Mini Remote and Preview Remote

When the camera is mounted on a long pole or in a position you cannot easily reach, a physical remote becomes essential. The Mini Remote is small, can be attached to compatible sticks, or secured to any selfie stick with a strap. It lets you start and stop recording without touching the camera.

For more control, the Preview Remote allows you to change recording modes and view the preview image. It can be worn like a watch or attached to a stick, and it captures GPS data to display speed and route information in your recordings. The Preview Remote is more expensive but offers significantly more functionality.

Number 7: External Microphone Solutions

The X5 has good built-in audio for an action camera, and the wind guard reduces wind noise effectively. However, if you plan to vlog or record speech frequently, an external microphone delivers noticeably better quality.

The Insta360 MicAir is the best choice for X5 users because it doubles as a remote control for starting and stopping recording, and it delivers excellent audio quality for the price. If you prefer other options like the DJI Mic Mini or DJI Mic 2, use them with the receiver connected via the X5’s USB-C port for optimal audio quality. The Utility Frame from Insta360 provides a convenient mounting solution for the receiver, and it also offers additional lens protection and a GoPro mount on the bottom.

View more details for Insta360 MicAir

Number 6: Third Person Backpack Mount

The Third Person Backpack Mount attaches securely to a backpack and lets you film yourself from behind while keeping both hands free. The camera mounts to a carbon fiber pole that extends from the backpack rig. This setup is excellent for action sports and has produced some of the most compelling footage possible with the X5.

The main disadvantage is that it is somewhat awkward to attach, and it is bulky to store. However, the results justify the effort for anyone who wants hands-free rear-perspective shots.

Number 5: Dive Case for Underwater 360 Video

Underwater 360 video presents a unique challenge: lens stitching does not work properly underwater due to the angle of light incidence, making standard 360 footage unusable. The Insta360 Dive Case solves this by adjusting the light entry angle, allowing you to capture proper 360 video with the invisible selfie stick effect even underwater.

The case is well-balanced and does not sink, though attaching a wrist strap to the selfie stick is recommended to prevent loss in the water. If you plan to use the X5 frequently underwater, this case is a worthwhile investment.

Number 4: Ski Pole Mount and Action Invisible Selfie Stick

The Ski Pole Mount is small, well-made, and extremely stable when attached to a rigid pole. It produces striking footage when used while skiing, and it works equally well on any pole or stick. However, when a selfie stick is attached to a rigid mount like this, vibrations and forces can damage the standard stick over time.

The solution is the Action Invisible Selfie Stick, made from carbon fiber with a reinforced threaded base. It is significantly more stable than the standard stick and designed to withstand the vibrations of skiing, motorcycling, or bicycle riding. If you plan to frequently attach the X5 to rigid mounts, this stick is essential.

Number 3: Bike Kit with Chest and Handlebar Mounts

The Bike Kit includes a high-quality chest mount and handlebar mount, both compatible with the X5 and other action cameras like the Ace Pro. Although a chest mount is not typical for 360 shots, it excels for action footage whether biking, skiing, or on a roller coaster.

On a chest mount, the X5 can shake noticeably during mountain biking. A horizontal mount reduces this shake, and a dedicated POV chest mount (X5-only) provides even more stability. The handlebar mount from the kit attaches quickly to various bar types, though it should not be used with extensions.

Insta360 offers additional bike-specific mounts: a Third Person Bike Handlebar Mount with dual screws for more secure attachment and compatibility with extension poles, a Bike Tail Mount that attaches to the seat post, and a Bike Headset Cap Mount that screws permanently to the bike frame for the most stable front-facing shots. The headset cap mount is a must-have for cyclists who frequently film themselves from the front.

Number 2: Back Bar Mount

Many of the best X5 shots come from the Back Bar Mount, a waist strap that lets you attach the camera with a pole, filming yourself from behind while keeping both hands free. You can control recording via hand gesture, voice command, smartphone, or remote.

The Back Bar Mount is expensive and looks unusual in use, plus it is large and awkward to store. Despite these drawbacks, it produces some of the most compelling footage possible with the X5, and it is the mount people ask about most often when they see the results.

Number 1: Heavy Duty Clamp

The Heavy Duty Clamp is the most versatile mount in the X5 ecosystem. It securely attaches the camera to poles of various sizes, from ski poles to bicycle handlebars, and comes with a wrench for extremely firm attachment. Because it is so stable, you can safely attach extensions like poles for filming yourself in diverse situations.

The clamp is small, easy to store, not expensive, and works reliably in countless scenarios. It is the perfect all-purpose mount.

Honorable Mentions

Several other accessories deserve consideration depending on your specific needs. The Utility Fast Charge Case lets you charge two batteries quickly and doubles as a power bank for extended recording sessions. The FOMO Power Handle includes the Mini Remote and an integrated battery to charge the X5 while recording. A Quick Release Mount with dual buttons speeds up camera attachment and removal.

For Bullet Time mode, Insta360 offers three options: a handle with mini tripod and rotating side-mounted stick, a Bullet Time Cord with an extendable cord for swinging the camera in a circle, or the Bullet Time Selfie Stick at 120 cm with an integrated rotating mechanism. All three work well depending on your preference for portability versus ease of use.

Conclusion

The Insta360 X5 becomes a far more capable tool when paired with the right mounts and accessories. Start with protective gear and a standard selfie stick, then add specialized mounts as your shooting style develops. The Heavy Duty Clamp and Back Bar Mount offer the most versatility and creative potential, while the Bike Kit and Dive Case solve specific use cases effectively. With these tools, the X5 can capture footage that rivals much more expensive equipment.