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
Insta360
GO 3
Thumb-sized magnetic POV camera with 2.7K30 video, 12MP photos, Action Pod flip-screen remote, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproof 35g body.
$399
Launch priceReleased Jun 2023
MAX2 is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
MAX2
Wins
GO 3
10 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AMAX2 has higher Resolution (29 MP vs 12 MP)
- AMAX2 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AMAX2 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
- AMAX2 has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 15 fps)
- AMAX2 has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 6 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareMAX2
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
GO 3
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
MAX2 and GO 3 share virtually identical body dimensions.
MAX2 and GO 3 weigh the same.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm MAX2 · 72mm GO 3
Sensor size, to scale
MAX2
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
GO 3
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
MAX2
Resolution
29 MP vs 12 MP — higher 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
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
GO 3
No major advantages on measured specs.
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.
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
GO 3
Pros
- ✓35g magnetic thumb camera
- ✓Action Pod with 2.2-inch flip screen
- ✓170 min runtime with Action Pod
- ✓FlowState + Horizon Lock
- ✓IPX8 waterproof (camera body)
Cons
- –Max 2.7K30 (no 4K vs GO 3S)
- –Built-in storage only (32/64/128GB)
- –Tiny sensor limits low light
- –Superseded by GO 3S / GO Ultra
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the MAX2 and GO 3 at major authorized retailers.
GoPro MAX2
Insta360 GO 3
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, MAX2 or GO 3?
MAX2 scores 5.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for GO 3 — Weather sealed for outdoor conditions.
What's the resolution difference between the MAX2 and GO 3?
MAX2 is 29 MP and GO 3 is 12 MP, so the MAX2 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the MAX2 and GO 3 have in-body image stabilization?
MAX2 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while GO 3 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the MAX2 or the GO 3?
MAX2 reaches 20 fps electronic. GO 3 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the MAX2 and GO 3?
Both bodies weigh roughly 580 g.
Do the MAX2 and GO 3 record 4K video?
MAX2: 4K up to 60p. GO 3: 4K up to 60p.
Are the MAX2 and GO 3 weather sealed?
MAX2: Yes. GO 3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the MAX2 and 640 shots for the GO 3, giving the GO 3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
MAX2 launched at $500 and GO 3 at $399. The GO 3 is $101 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way MAX2 vs GO 3 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.