GoPro Just Did Something Insta360 Hasn’t…
The GoPro Max 2 arrives five years late to the 360-camera party, modernizing the original Max with better processing, 8K video, and a glove-friendly record button, but it falls short of dethroning the Insta360 X5 due to smaller sensors, shorter battery life, and workflow hassles.
Long-awaited upgrades
GoPro finally delivers on the Max 2 with dual-lens 360 video up to 8K/24fps (or 5.7K/60fps), single-lens 4K, improved stabilization, wider dynamic range, and better low-light performance compared to the original. A brighter 1.82-inch touchscreen matches the Hero series interface, while six redesigned microphones capture 360 spatial audio with strong wind rejection. It’s waterproof to 16 feet without a case, retains fold-out mounting fingers and a standard thread for accessories like selfie sticks, and includes a front heatsink to manage heat from intensive H.265 processing.
Cameras in this test
Sensor and performance gaps
Despite 8K claims, the Max 2 sticks with a small 1/2.3-inch sensor—about half the size of the Insta360 X5’s larger 1/1.28-inch sensor—which limits dynamic range, shadow detail, and low-light noise compared to competitors. Real-world battery tests show roughly 60 minutes on the Max 2’s 1960mAh Enduro pack versus 90 minutes on the X5’s 2400mAh unit, and overheating has been reported in warmer conditions. Lens swaps are faster and easier on the Max 2, but daylight image quality is comparable across brands without clear advantages.
Usability wins and frustrations
The standout upgrade is the large, mechanical shutter button with tactile click feedback—perfect for gloved riders to confidently start/stop recording without screen checks or misses. However, the small red record light is hard to spot when mounted screen-backward, menus are fiddly with lens interference causing accidental mode switches (like photo instead of video), and audio quality lags behind the X5. At $549 retail (versus X5 at $499 on sale), these quirks hurt in direct comparisons.
Software and editing workflow
GoPro’s desktop app works but feels clunky for keyframing, imports, and horizon resets, requiring extra exports to MP4 with 360 metadata before Adobe Premiere use or the Reframe plugin. Insta360’s mobile and desktop apps excel with intuitive AI tools for reframing and editing, making them faster for pros handling long-form content. Both GoPro and DJI add unnecessary transcoding steps that waste time, pushing creators toward Insta360 for seamless professional workflows.
Verdict for riders and creators
The Max 2 ranks second behind the X5—better than DJI thanks to usability tweaks—but “almost as good” doesn’t cut it at flagship prices when the X5 offers superior endurance, sensors, and software. It’s a solid upgrade for GoPro loyalists or casual shooters, but content creators chasing clean low-light footage and efficient edits will stick with Insta360. Grab discounted older models like the X4 ($425) for better value if budget matters.
