Best Insta360 X5 Cases & Lens Guards (2026)
A 360 camera fails differently from a GoPro: it’s not the body that breaks, it’s the two bulging lenses. Here’s how to protect them.
At a glance
| Need | Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lens protection (essential) | Insta360 X5 Lens Guards (standard) | ~$25 |
| Lens protection (premium/low-flare) | Insta360 X5 Premium Lens Guards | ~$50 |
| Carry & transport | PGYTECH Carrying Mini | ~$12–20 |
| Most storage | Smatree hard case | ~$15–40 |
June 2026 US street prices; verify at the live link.
Lens guards: the essential buy
Insta360 X5 Lens Guards (~$25, verified) — buy these first. The X5’s two lenses protrude and can’t be capped in use, so they’re the most vulnerable and most expensive-to-replace part of the camera. Clip-on guards take the scratches instead of the glass. The standard set adds a slight flare against bright light; the Premium set (~$50) reduces it if you shoot into the sun a lot. Either is a fraction of a lens replacement — this is the single best accessory purchase for the X5. Check price
Carry: the case that fits an X5
PGYTECH Carrying Mini (~$12–20) — the one that actually fits. Many action-cam cases are cut for GoPro-sized bodies and won’t close over the taller X-series — especially with lens guards mounted. The Carrying Mini is a rare cross-brand case that fits the X5 alongside an Osmo Action 6, Pocket 3 or HERO13, so it’s ideal if you shoot on more than one system. Check price
For a bigger kit — extra batteries, the invisible selfie stick, mounts — a Smatree hard case (~$15–40 by size) holds the most for the money, though the foam fit takes some nitpicking. Check price
Do you need a dive housing? Usually not
Unlike a GoPro, the X5 is waterproof to 15 m on its own — no housing needed for snorkelling, pools or rain. A dedicated dive case only makes sense for deeper diving, and even then the lens guards do the everyday work. Don’t spend housing money you don’t need; put it into lens protection.
How to choose
- Lens guards are non-negotiable. On a 360 camera the exposed lenses are the whole ballgame — protect them first, everything else second.
- Check the case fits with guards on. Many action-cam cases are too tight for the X-series once guards are mounted — the Carrying Mini is sized for it.
- Skip the dive housing unless you’re actually diving deep — the X5’s native 15 m rating covers most water use.
- Standard vs Premium guards: standard is fine for most; go Premium if you regularly shoot toward bright light and want less flare.
FAQ
Do I really need lens guards on the Insta360 X5?
Practically, yes. The dual lenses protrude and can’t be protected any other way; one scratch shows in every 360 shot. Guards are the cheapest insurance in action-cam.
Is the Insta360 X5 waterproof without a case?
Yes — to 15 m as standard, so most water use needs no housing. A dive case is only for deeper diving.
Will a GoPro case fit the X5?
Often not, especially with lens guards on — the X-series is taller. Use a case sized for it, like the PGYTECH Carrying Mini.
Standard or Premium lens guards?
Standard for everyday shooting; Premium if you shoot into bright light and want to minimise flare.