Immersive video is no longer a gimmick: in 2025, it’s become a veritable playground for content creators, athletes, and travelers. Two models dominate this category: the GoPro Max 2 , announced as GoPro’s first true 8K camera, and the Insta360 X4 , successor to the hugely popular X3. But which one really deserves to take the top spot in your backpack?
Let’s dive into this detailed comparison to find out what sets these two 360 heavyweights apart.
GoPro Max 2: The New Era of 360 at GoPro
The GoPro Max 2 marks a major turning point for the American brand. After falling behind its competitors, GoPro returns with a real promise: offering 360 video in native 8K .
GoPro Max 2 Highlights:
- 8K video at 30 fps , 5.6K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps.
- HyperSmooth Max stabilization with Horizon Lock 360°.
- 6 built-in microphones with advanced wind reduction.
- Interchangeable lenses, easy to replace.
- Creative modes: Tiny Planet, Spin, Flip, Light Painting, GP-Log and LUTs.
- Battery life of approximately 90-100 minutes .
- Price: €519.99 .
In short, the GoPro Max 2 is aimed at both thrill seekers and content creators who want usable image quality even for professional projects.
Insta360 X4: Creative power in 8K
The Insta360 X4 is the logical evolution of the X3, which had already won over millions of users. It maintains the Insta360 philosophy: a compact camera, packed with creative features and designed for vloggers and explorers alike.
Highlights of the Insta360 X4:
- 8K video at 30 fps , 5.7K at 60 fps, and enhanced HDR.
- FlowState stabilization with Horizon Lock.
- 4 microphones with intelligent audio processing.
- Signature modes: Me Mode , Bullet Time, 8K Timelapse, HDR photo and video.
- 1350 mAh battery (up to 135 minutes of battery life).
- IPX8 waterproof, 10 m without housing.
- Price: €389.99 .
With the Insta360 X4 , everything is designed to push the limits of creativity: smooth slow motion, immersive timelapses, and even the famous Bullet Time which always has its effect.
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GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X4 Technical Comparison
Resolution and image quality
- GoPro Max 2 : Native 8K 30 fps, 5.6K 60 fps.
- Insta360 X4 : 8K 30 fps, 5.7K 60 fps, HDR.
👉 The Insta360 X4 stands out with its improved HDR, while the GoPro Max 2 highlights a “purer” 8K, with less software processing.
Stabilization
- GoPro Max 2 : HyperSmooth Max + Horizon Lock 360°.
- Insta360 X4 : FlowState, smooth and versatile.
👉 Both systems are excellent, but HyperSmooth stays ahead in extreme sports.
Audio
- GoPro Max 2 : 6 microphones + advanced wind reduction.
- Insta360 X4 : 4 microphones + AI optimization.
👉 The advantage goes to the GoPro Max 2 for more immersive and richer sound.
Creative Modes
- GoPro Max 2 : Tiny Planet, Light Painting, Spin, Flip, GP-Log.
- Insta360 X4 : Me Mode, Bullet Time, Timelapse 8K, HDR photo/video.
👉 The Insta360 X4 wins for creators looking for originality, while the GoPro Max 2 seduces with its pro features like GP-Log.
Battery life and battery life
- GoPro Max 2 : ≈ 90-100 min.
- Insta360 X4 : ≈ 135 min.
👉 The battery life is clearly better on the Insta360 X4 , a real plus for travelers.
Design and robustness
- GoPro Max 2 : Reinforced design, interchangeable lenses.
- Insta360 X4 : removable lens covers, waterproof to 10 m without housing.
👉 The Insta360 X4 offers better waterproofing, but the GoPro Max 2 is more designed for lens durability.
Price
- GoPro Max 2 : €519.99.
- Insta360 X4 : €389.99.
👉 The €70 difference can be significant if you’re on a tight budget.
GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X4 Comparison Chart
| Characteristics | GoPro Max 2 | Insta360 X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 8K at 30 fps, 5.6K at 60 fps, 4K at 100 fps | 8K at 30 fps, 5.7K at 60 fps, HDR |
| Stabilization | HyperSmooth Max + Horizon Lock 360° | FlowState + Horizon Lock |
| Audio | 6 microphones + wind reduction | 4 microphones + audio AI |
| Optical | Interchangeable, easy replacement | Removable lenses + protections |
| Creative Modes | Tiny Planet, Spin, Flip, Light Painting, GP-Log | Me Mode, Bullet Time, Timelapse 8K, HDR |
| Autonomy | ≈ 90-100 min | ≈ 135 min |
| Airtightness | 5 m | 10 m (IPX8) |
| Price | €519.99 | €389.99 |
Who is the GoPro Max 2 the best choice for?
The GoPro Max 2 is aimed at:
- Extreme athletes (skiing, mountain biking, surfing) who want infallible stabilization.
- Creators who focus on audio quality.
- Image pros who use GP-Log and LUTs.
- Those who want a durable camera with easy-to-change lenses.
Who is the Insta360 X4 the best choice for?
The Insta360 X4 is ideal for:
- Travelers who need a lot of autonomy.
- Content creators who love original modes like Bullet Time or Me Mode.
- Those who want a rugged, 10m waterproof camera without accessories.
- Editing enthusiasts who appreciate Insta360 Studio’s tools and mobile integration.
Verdict: GoPro Max 2 or Insta360 X4?
If we compare only the technical specifications, both cameras hold up:
- The GoPro Max 2 impresses with its robustness, HyperSmooth Max stabilization and pro options like GP-Log.
- The Insta360 X4 impresses with its longer battery life, creative modes and 10m waterproofing.
But the gap really widens in terms of price :
👉 €389 for the Insta360 X4 , compared to €519.99 for the GoPro Max 2 .
With equivalent performance (or even superior in some areas like battery life and creative versatility), the Insta360 X4 becomes the most attractive option for the majority of creators. The GoPro Max 2 remains an excellent choice for those who prioritize GoPro simplicity and reliability, but it’s hard to ignore the Insta360’s very aggressive price/performance ratio.
And you, which one would you choose?
Between the GoPro Max 2 and the Insta360 X4 , the decision is between two philosophies: robustness and pro workflow on the GoPro side, creativity and unbeatable price on the Insta360 side. So, are you more Team Max 2 or Team X4?
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