Insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max

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Overview of the Insta360 X3

Insta360 X3☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 X3
Insta360's 2022 360 camera: 5.7K video and a large touchscreen
The Insta360 X3 was released in 2022 and is a few years old now, but it still delivers exceptionnal performance and is the best pick if you are looking for the best value for money. The 5.7K30fps 360 video is more than sufficient for capturing amazing footage unless you need to zoom in aggressively. The X3 has since been replaced by the Insta360 X4 which introduces 8K 360 video.
  • Pros
  • Great performance
  • Good value for money
  • Diving case for underwater footage
  • Cons
  • Average battery life

Overview of the GoPro Max

GoPro Max☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★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

Comparison of the X3 vs the GoPro Max

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Video performance

Only the X3 offers HDR video. Both cameras feature slomo video. The two cameras have image stabilization.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
Max 360° resolution
5.7K 360 video at 30fps
4K video at 30fps
Max resolution
1440p video at 60fps
5.7K30fps 360°
HDR video
HDR video unsupported
4x at 1080p
Maximum slow motion
2x
FlowState
Stabilization
Max HyperSmooth
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 X3 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
1800mAh
Battery capacity
1600mAh
Removable
Removable battery
Removable
81min 5.7K30fps 360°
Battery life
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
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 X3 and the GoPro Max support SD cards. Both support up to 1TB.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
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 GoPro Max is a lot more compact than the X3. The GoPro Max weighs a little less than the X3.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
1.81in x 4.49in x 1.3in / 46mm x 114mm x 33.1mm
Dimensions
2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in / 64mm x 69mm x 25mm
6.35oz / 180g
Weight
5.43oz / 154g
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

The X3 is a lot more waterproof. The X3 is far better for extreme cold. The X3 beats the GoPro Max in high heat conditions.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
33ft / 10m
Waterproof
16ft / 5m
164ft / 50m
Waterproof with diving case
Feature missing
-4°F / -20°C
Min operating temperature
14°F / -10°C
104°F / 40°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 X3 features a much higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The X3 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
72MP
Pixels
18MP
155°
Field of view
155°
120Mbps
Video bite rate
78Mbps
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

Both the X3 and the GoPro Max have the same ISO range. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
Insta360 X3
GoPro Max
100-3200
ISO range
100-3200
+/-4
Exposure Compensation
+/-4
Why these settings matter: The ISO range and exposure compensation settings will mostly allow you to tweak your action camera for low light situations.

Insta360 X3 versus GoPro Max specifications

NameInsta360 X3GoPro Max
Year of release20222019
Width1.81in / 46mm2.52in / 64mm
Height4.49in / 114mm2.72in / 69mm
Depth1.3in / 33.1mm0.98in / 25mm
Weight6.35oz / 180g5.43oz / 154g
Waterproof33ft / 10m16ft / 5m
Waterproof with diving case164ft / 50m-
Min operating temperature-4°F / -20°C14°F / -10°C
Max operating temperature104°F / 40°C95°F / 35°C
Battery capacity1800mAh1600mAh
Removable batteryYesYes
Battery life81min 5.7K30fps 360°85min 5.7K30fps 360°
105min at 1080p
Charging time90min120min
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredV30 or UHS-3Class 10 or UHS-I Rating
Maximun storage supported1TB1TB
Rear screen size-1.69in
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/1.9"1/2.3"
Pixels72MP18MP
ApertureF1.9F2.0
Focal length6.7mm13-27mm
ISO range100-3200100-3200
Color Depth8bit8bit
Video bite rate120Mbps78Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoYesYes
5.7K 360 video30fps30fps
4K 360 video60fps-
3K 360 video100fps-
360 video formatINSVGoPro 360 file
4K video30fps-
2.7K video60fps-
1440p video-60fps
1080p video60fps60fps
Slow motion at 4K4-
Maximum slow motion4x at 1080p2x
HDR video5.7K30fps 360°-
StabilizationFlowStateMax HyperSmooth
Horizon lockYesYes
Video formatH.264 (MP4)H.264 (AVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
Live streamingYes1080p30
Webcam modeYes-
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse modeYes-
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingYesNo
Photo burst modeYesNo
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones46
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formataacwav
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 5.0BLE 4.2
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedNoYes
GPS pairingiOS Application
Android Application
-
Voice commandsYesYes
Gesture commandsNoNo