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
Insta360
X4
8K 360 action camera with dual 1/2-inch sensors, 72MP photos, 4K60 single-lens mode, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproofing.
$499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2024
X4 is 4.5 years newer.
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Wins
MAX
Wins
X4
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BX4 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 16.6 MP)
- AMAX has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- BX4 has lower Weight (203 g vs 580 g)
- BX4 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AMAX has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
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
X4
46 × 124 × 38 mm
203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
MAX is 33mm shorter than X4 but it is also 88mm wider and 34mm thicker.
MAX is 377 g heavier than X4.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX · 38mm X4
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
MAX
134 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4
46 × 124 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
MAX
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4
46 × 38 mm
Sensor size, to scale
MAX
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
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only MAX supports it
Eye AF
Only MAX supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only MAX supports it
Internal RAW video
Only MAX supports it
Reasons to choose
X4
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 123.6, 37.6
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
72 MP vs 16.6 MP — higher is better
Weight
203 g vs 580 g — lower is better
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 200 Mbps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Battery life (CIPA) — Both 640 shots
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
X4
Pros
- ✓8K 360 video
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓4K60 single-lens mode
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –360 workflow needs reframing
- –8K runtime ~75 min
- –Larger than Ace Pro
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the MAX and X4 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 X4
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, MAX or X4?
MAX scores 8.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for X4 — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the MAX and X4?
MAX is 16.6 MP and X4 is 72 MP, so the X4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the MAX and X4 have in-body image stabilization?
MAX has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while X4 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic).
Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX or the X4?
MAX reaches 15 fps electronic. X4 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the MAX and X4?
MAX weighs 580 g and X4 weighs 203 g, so the X4 is 377 g lighter.
Do the MAX and X4 record 4K video?
MAX: 4K up to 60p. X4: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the MAX and X4 weather sealed?
MAX: Yes. X4: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX and 640 shots for the X4, giving the X4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
MAX launched at $500 and X4 at $499. The X4 is $1 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way MAX vs X4 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of GoPro and Insta360 press materials.