GoPro
MAX
Dual-lens 360 camera with 5.6K30 spherical video, 16.6MP 360 photos, Max HyperSmooth, front-facing display for vlogging, and in-camera stitching to one microSD card.
$500
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
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 5.9 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
MAX
Wins
MAX2
10 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BMAX2 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 16.6 MP)
- BMAX2 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
- BMAX2 has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 15 fps)
- BMAX2 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 6 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareMAX
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)
MAX and MAX2 share virtually identical body dimensions.
MAX and MAX2 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX · 72mm MAX2
Sensor size, to scale
MAX
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
MAX
No major advantages on measured specs.
Reasons to choose
MAX2
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Resolution
29 MP vs 16.6 MP — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
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
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
MAX
Pros
- ✓5.6K30 360 with in-camera stitch
- ✓Front display for vlogging
- ✓Max HyperSmooth + Horizon Lock
- ✓PowerPano 270° stills
- ✓Three cameras in one (360 / HERO / vlog)
Cons
- –Superseded by MAX2 (no 8K)
- –Single-lens capped at 1440p60
- –Lower resolution than Insta360 X4/X5
- –Discontinued — used market only
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 MAX and MAX2 at major authorized retailers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, MAX or MAX2?
MAX2 scores 5.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for MAX — Weather sealed for outdoor conditions.
What's the resolution difference between the MAX and MAX2?
MAX is 16.6 MP and MAX2 is 29 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the MAX and MAX2 have in-body image stabilization?
MAX has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX or the MAX2?
MAX reaches 15 fps electronic. MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the MAX and MAX2?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the MAX and MAX2 record 4K video?
MAX: 4K up to 60p. MAX2: 4K up to 60p.
Are the MAX and MAX2 weather sealed?
MAX: Yes. MAX2: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX and 640 shots for the MAX2, giving the MAX2 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $500.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way MAX vs MAX2 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.