For several years, GoPro has remained a go-to for anyone who wants to film their adventures in style. In 2019, the GoPro Max made a splash by popularizing 360° video. But time has passed, and competitors like Insta360 have largely shaken up the market. To regain the advantage, the Californian brand launched the new GoPro Max 2 in 2025.
So, is this just a cosmetic update or a real revolution? Let’s take a look at what’s really different between the GoPro Max and the GoPro Max 2 .
The GoPro Max 2 in a few words
The GoPro Max 2 is the brand’s first 360° camera to offer true 8K . This means the image isn’t artificially enlarged by algorithms: you get a much more detailed native definition. For content creators who like to crop in post-production, this is a real game changer.
But that’s not all:
- Even smoother HyperSmooth Max stabilization.
- 6 microphones for immersive sound.
- Interchangeable optics, easier to replace.
- Boosted creative modes (Light Painting, Spin, Flip).
- Introductory price: €519.99 .
In short, the GoPro Max 2 is designed to compete with the best 360 cameras on the market while maintaining GoPro’s ease of use.
A quick reminder about the GoPro Max
Released in 2019, the GoPro Max was a real breath of fresh air. At the time, 360° video was still a somewhat niche gadget. GoPro had managed to make the technology more accessible thanks to a compact, robust camera capable of filming in 5.6K at 30 fps .
It offered fun modes like Tiny Planet and TimeWarp , decent stabilization, and robustness that’s true to GoPro’s DNA. But today, its resolution and features are showing their limits when it comes to the needs of creators. Fortunately, its price has dropped significantly, and it can now be found between €350 and €400 , which still makes it an interesting option for those on a budget.
GoPro Max 2 vs GoPro Max: Key Differences
To see things more clearly, here is a point-by-point comparison between the GoPro Max and the GoPro Max 2 .
Image resolution and quality
- GoPro Max : 5.6K at 30 fps.
- GoPro Max 2 : 8K at 30 fps, but also 5.6K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps.
👉 Huge advantage for the GoPro Max 2 : more details, more fluidity, more creative possibilities.
Stabilization
- GoPro Max : “Max” stabilization correct but dated.
- GoPro Max 2 : HyperSmooth Max with 360° horizon lock.
👉 Even in ultra-dynamic scenes, the GoPro Max 2 keeps videos smooth and perfectly horizontal.
Audio
- GoPro Max : 4 built-in microphones.
- GoPro Max 2 : 6 microphones with advanced wind reduction.
👉 For vlogging or outdoor sound recording, the difference is clear.
Optics
- GoPro Max : fixed lenses, fragile if dropped.
- GoPro Max 2 : Interchangeable lenses, easy to replace without recalibration.
👉 A key improvement in terms of durability.
Creative Modes
- GoPro Max : Tiny Planet, TimeWarp, some basic effects.
- GoPro Max 2 : Tiny Planet, Light Painting, Spin, Flip, GP-Log, integrated LUTs.
👉 The GoPro Max 2 is aimed at both amateur and professional creators.
Autonomy
- GoPro Max : about 80 minutes in 5.6K.
- GoPro Max 2 : about 90-100 minutes in 8K.
👉 Slightly better battery life despite a heavier resolution.
Waterproofing and robustness
- GoPro Max : Waterproof up to 5 m.
- GoPro Max 2 : still 5m, but with a reinforced design and better shock management.
Price
- GoPro Max : €350-400 (often on sale).
- GoPro Max 2 : €519.99.
👉 Price remains a determining factor.
GoPro Max vs GoPro Max 2 Comparison Chart
| Features | GoPro Max | GoPro Max 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Video resolution | 5.6K at 30 fps | 8K at 30 fps, 5.6K at 60 fps, 4K at 100 fps |
| Stabilization | Classic Max Stabilization | HyperSmooth Max + Horizon Lock 360° |
| Audio | 4 built-in microphones | 6 microphones with wind reduction |
| Optics | Fixes | Interchangeable, easy replacement |
| Creative Modes | Tiny Planet, TimeWarp | Tiny Planet, Light Painting, Spin, Flip, GP-Log |
| Autonomy | ≈ 80 min (5.6K) | ≈ 90-100 min (8K) |
| Waterproofing | 5 m | 5 m, reinforced design |
| Price | 350-400 € | €519.99 |
Who is still satisfied with the GoPro Max?
Even though it’s a bit dated, the GoPro Max remains an excellent 360° camera for:
- Beginners who want to discover immersive video.
- Travelers looking for an affordable solution.
- Casual creators who want to have fun with Tiny Planet and TimeWarp.
If you’re on a budget and not aiming for technical perfection, it’s still a great option.
Who is the GoPro Max 2 a better choice for?
The GoPro Max 2 is aimed at a more demanding audience:
- Advanced content creators.
- Vloggers and YouTubers who want professional quality.
- Image professionals who use Log and 10 bits.
- Sportsmen and adventurers who want a more robust and durable camera.
If you want a 360 camera that’s ready for 2025 and beyond, the GoPro Max 2 is clearly the best choice.
Verdict: Should you upgrade to the GoPro Max 2?
The difference between the two models is striking. The GoPro Max remains attractive for those on a tight budget, but it’s starting to show its age. The GoPro Max 2 , on the other hand, clearly redefines what a modern 360 camera should be: native 8K, better stabilization, improved audio, more creative modes, and a reinforced design.
So, should we move on to the new generation?
👉 If you just want to have fun on a budget, the GoPro Max still does the trick.
👉 But if you’re looking to produce immersive, high-quality content, the GoPro Max 2 is undoubtedly the best choice.
And you, which one do you choose?
Now that you know all the differences between the GoPro Max and the GoPro Max 2 , the question is simple: would you rather save money with the older generation or invest in the future of 360 video?
Leave a Reply