GoPro Max vs GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
VS
Overview of the GoPro Max

GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
Overview of the GoPro Hero 4K (2024)

GoPro's 2024 budget action camera: 4K video, slomo & photos
The Hero 4K (2024) is GoPro's new entry level action camera, offering very decent performance at less than half the price of their flagship GoPro Hero 13 Black. The resulting product is extremely simple, with only 3 modes (video, slomo and photo), but for most casual usage, it's 4K video will be good enough to capture the fun and action of the moment and share it with your friends.
- Pros
- Simple & straightforward
- Lightweight
- Replaceable lens guard
- Cons
- Limited functionality
- Stabilization only in app
- Only waterproof down to 16ft / 5m
- Battery not removeable
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Hero 4K (2024)
Quick links:
Video performance
Neither camera offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
Feature missing
1440p video at 60fps
Max resolution
4K video at 30fps
HDR video unsupported
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
2x
Maximum slow motion
2x at 2.7k
Max HyperSmooth
Stabilization
Hypersmooth in Quik Application
Why it matters:
A high resolution will give you crisp footage but also allow you to reframe your video without losing too much quality. A higher framerate (fps) will result in smoother video and is important when filming action scenes or fast moving subjects. Image stabilization is a crucial feature for an action camera, as it removes camera shake, vibrations, rotation and other movements that deteriorate your final footage.
Battery life
The GoPro Max offers a much larger battery capacity. The GoPro Max has a removable battery whereas the Hero 4K (2024)'s battery is not removable
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
1600mAh
Battery capacity
1225mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Battery life
75min at 4K30fps
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Hero 4K (2024) support SD cards. Both support up to 1TB.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
No built-in storage
Built-in storage
No built-in storage
microSD
Storage format
microSD
1TB
Maximun storage supported
1TB
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Weight and size
The Hero 4K (2024) is a slightly smaller camera. The Hero 4K (2024) is a lot lighter than the GoPro Max.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
Dimensions
2.23in x 1.88in x 1.16in / 56.6mm x 47.7mm x 29.4mm
5.43oz / 154g
Weight
3.03oz / 86g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be difficult or uncomfortable to film with. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Waterproofing and usage conditions
Both the GoPro Max and the Hero 4K (2024) are waterproof to 16ft / 5m. Both cameras have the same minimal usage temperature. Both cameras have the same maximum usage temperature.
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
16ft / 5m
Waterproof
16ft / 5m
Feature missing
Waterproof with diving case
Feature missing
14°F / -10°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
95°F / 35°C
Max operating temperature
95°F / 35°C
Why it matters:
Most action cameras are waterproof for accidental splashing or use above water, but if you plan on Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, we recommend choosing a camera which offers a diving case and always using it for underwater footage. If you plan on filming Snowboarding, Skiing or other wintersports in extremely cold conditions, you should pick a camera that is rated for those temperatures, most cameras are only rated down to 14°F / -10°C. Many action cameras are prone to overheating, even in ordinary conditions, so if you plan on filming in hot environments, you should choose a camera that can function at high temperatures.
Camera and sensor technology
The GoPro Max offers a slightly higher resolution. The field of view of the GoPro Max is a little better than the Hero 4K (2024)'s. The GoPro Max features a much higher bit rate than the Hero 4K (2024)
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
18MP
Pixels
12MP
155°
Field of view
140°
78Mbps
Video bite rate
50Mbps
Why it matters:
A higher amount of pixels will offer better quality footage and higher resolution photos. A higher field of view means that the camera captures over a wider angle and therefore more action can be seen in the final footage. Some cameras require accessories to enable the maximum FOV. A higher bitrate at a similar resolution will offer higher quality video.
Camera settings
GoPro Max
GoPro Hero 4K (2024)
100-3200
ISO range
Feature missing
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
Feature missing
Why these settings matter:
The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.
GoPro Max versus GoPro Hero 4K (2024) specifications
Name | GoPro Max | GoPro Hero 4K (2024) |
Year of release | 2019 | 2024 |
Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 2.23in / 56.6mm |
Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 1.88in / 47.7mm |
Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.16in / 29.4mm |
Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 3.03oz / 86g |
Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | 16ft / 5m |
Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | 14°F / -10°C |
Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 95°F / 35°C |
Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1225mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | No |
Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 75min at 4K30fps |
Charging time | 120min | 60min |
Storage format | microSD | microSD |
Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 1TB |
Rear screen size | 1.69in | 1.76in |
Front screen size | - | No |
Field of view | 155° | 140° |
Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/2.8" CMOS |
Pixels | 18MP | 12MP |
Aperture | F2.0 | F2.3 |
Focal length | 13-27mm | 15mm |
ISO range | 100-3200 | - |
Video zoom | - | 2x |
Color Depth | 8bit | 8bit |
Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 50Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | - |
360-degree video | Yes | No |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
360 video format | GoPro 360 file | - |
4K video | - | 30fps |
2.7K video | - | 60fps |
1440p video | 60fps | - |
1080p video | 60fps | 30fps |
Maximum slow motion | 2x | 2x at 2.7k |
Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | Hypersmooth in Quik Application |
Horizon lock | Yes | No |
Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | 1080p30 | - |
Timelapse mode | Yes | - |
Timeshift mode | Yes | - |
Loop recording mode | Yes | - |
Subject tracking | No | - |
Photo burst mode | No | Yes |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 6 | 2 |
Stereo audio | Yes | - |
Noise reduction | Yes | - |
Audio format | wav | - |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.2 |
USB | Type-C USB | USB-C |
GPS integrated | Yes | No |
Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
Gesture commands | No | - |