GoPro
HERO
Smallest GoPro with a screen — 86g rugged body with 4K30 video, 2.7K60 slo-mo, 12MP photos, built-in Enduro battery, and 5m waterproofing at an entry price.
$200
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
GoPro
MAX2
True 8K 360 action camera with twist-and-go replaceable lenses, 29MP 360 photos, 4K100 spherical slo-mo, 10-bit GP-Log, six mics, and 5m waterproof rugged body.
$500
Launch priceReleased Sep 2025
MAX2 is 1 year newer.
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Wins
HERO
Wins
MAX2
9 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BMAX2 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 0 stops)
- BMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 12 MP)
- BMAX2 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BMAX2 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BMAX2 has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 11 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareHERO
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
MAX2
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
HERO and MAX2 share virtually identical body dimensions.
HERO and MAX2 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm HERO · 72mm MAX2
Sensor size, to scale
HERO
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
MAX2
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
HERO
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
MAX2
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Resolution
29 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only MAX2 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only MAX2 supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only MAX2 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only MAX2 supports it
Weather sealing
Only MAX2 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
HERO
Pros
- ✓Smallest/lightest GoPro with screen (86g)
- ✓4K30 + 2.7K60 slo-mo
- ✓Built-in mounting fingers
- ✓5m waterproof rugged body
- ✓Simple 3-mode interface
Cons
- –No removable battery
- –HyperSmooth via Quik app only
- –No 4K60 or 5.3K modes
- –Not compatible with HB-Series lenses
MAX2
Pros
- ✓True 8K 360 video (21% more pixels vs rivals)
- ✓Field-replaceable twist-on lenses
- ✓4K100 360 slo-mo + 5.6K60 360
- ✓10-bit GP-Log + 300Mbps (GoPro Labs)
- ✓4K60 single-lens + 180° HyperView POV
Cons
- –360 workflow needs reframing in Quik
- –$100 more than HERO13 Black
- –1/2.3-inch dual sensors
- –8K runtime shorter than 5.6K modes
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the HERO and MAX2 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro HERO
GoPro MAX2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, HERO or MAX2?
MAX2 scores 5.0/10 versus 0.0/10 for HERO — Weather sealed for outdoor conditions.
What's the resolution difference between the HERO and MAX2?
HERO is 12 MP and MAX2 is 29 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the HERO and MAX2 have in-body image stabilization?
HERO does not have IBIS, while MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the HERO or the MAX2?
HERO reaches 11 fps electronic. MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the HERO and MAX2?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the HERO and MAX2 record 4K video?
HERO: 4K up to 60p. MAX2: 4K up to 60p.
Are the HERO and MAX2 weather sealed?
HERO: No. MAX2: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the HERO and 640 shots for the MAX2, giving the MAX2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
HERO launched at $200 and MAX2 at $500. The HERO is $300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way HERO vs MAX2 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.