GoPro Max 2

New features of the GoPro Max 2

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• Improved technology The Max 2 offers 8K 360 footage over it's predecessor's 5.7K resolution, as well as 4K60fps single camera video over the GoPro Max's 1440p60fps. The Max 2 also supports HDR and offers and amazing 180° FOV instead of 155°, and 120Mbps video bitrate over the 78Mbps of the Max.
• Replaceable lenses The Max 2 features replaceable lenses, whereas the Max and many other 360 cameras have fixed lenses and are vulnerable to permanent damage.
• Better battery The GoPro Max 2 has a much larger capacity and features a GoPro "Enduro" battery.

Reasons to buy the GoPro Max 2

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• High performance GoPro claim the GoPro Max 2 is the first "real" 8K 360 camera, with 20% more pixels, firing shots at Insta360 and DJI's cameras, but it also features a 180° field of view and offers 10-bit color depth and GP-Log.
• Replaceable lenses The GoPro Max 2 solves the biggest drawback of 360 cameras (fragile lenses) with durable and replaceable screw-on lenses. The system is easy and tool free and can be done anywhere, whereas the Insta360 X5 lens replacement kit not aimed at being used in the field.
• Form factor The GoPro Max 2 has a smaller and more compact shape than it's competition at Insta360, which makes it better suited for some use cases like when attached to a helmet.
• GoPro Ecosystem Existing GoPro users will be able to share accessories as well as the cloud services, which makes the GoPro Max 2 a compelling choice for them.
• Integrated GPS The GoPro Max 2 has integrated GPS, whereas it's main competition requires using an app to sync GPS data. If you want to add overlays with stats to your footage regularly, the GoPro Max 2 is probably the best pick.

Reasons to avoid the GoPro Max 2

• Not great for underwater filming The GoPro Max 2 has modest waterproofing, being only rated up to 16ft / 5m which makes it safe for most above watersports, but not very capable underwater. Furthermore, there is currently no diving case for usage at lower depths. If you are looking to capture Snorkeling or Scuba Diving, consider the Insta360 X5 or Insta360 X4 which have better waterproofing and have diving cases.
• Poor performance in low light GoPro claim to have favored performance in bright conditions by design and indeed the low light footage is poor compared to the Max 2's main rivals. If you plan on capturing night footage, consider the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5.

Better alternatives to the GoPro Max 2

The Max 2 is an excellent action camera but some competitors do better at certain jobs. Here are some suggestions.

Best overall☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 X5Insta360's flaghship 360 camera with new replaceable lensesBetter in low light☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★DJI Osmo 360DJI's first 360 cameraBetter for underwater usage☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 X4Insta360's 2024 360 camera model: 8K30fps video and great battery life

Cheaper alternatives to the GoPro Max 2

The Max 2 is a premium action camera and quite expensive. Here are some cheaper alternatives.

Insta360's previous model☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 X4Insta360's 2024 360 camera model: 8K30fps video and great battery lifeOld but premium model☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 X3Insta360's 2022 360 camera: 5.7K video and a large touchscreenCheapest 360 camera☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Akaso 360Akaso's first 360 camera

If you are looking for even cheaper action cameras, you should read our dedicated guide: Best budget action camera.

Other GoPro action cameras

GoPro has a wide range of action cameras you should consider. Here are a few of their products.

GoPro's flagship action camera☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Hero 13 BlackGoPro's latest camera featuring 5.3K video, lens mods, super slomo2023 model☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Hero 12 BlackGoPro's 2023 camera: 5.3K video, HDR video, great stabilization2022 model☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Hero 11 BlackGoPro's 2022 camera: 5.3K video, improved stabilizationGoPro's budget camera☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Hero 4K (2024)GoPro's 2024 budget action camera: 4K video, slomo & photosGoPro's previous 360 camera☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro MaxGoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video

GoPro Max 2 specifications