The rugged, low-profile Max 2 offers amazing 360 video quality in the right conditions, but struggles to deliver after dark.
Pros
- Superb “true 8K” image quality
- Tool-free lens replacements
- Flexible mounting options
Cons
- Poor image quality in low light
- Condensation can enter lens
- Prone to overheating
A rugged and reliable 360 camera that makes the process of making great 360 videos extremely simple.
Pros
- Larger image sensors improve video quality
- Improved sound capture
- Easily replaceable lenses
Cons
- Battery life can drain fast
- X4 owners might struggle to find enough changes for an upgrade
The GoPro Max 2 is finally here – but it’s turning up at a party that’s already getting crowded. Back in 2019, when the original Max arrived, there wasn’t much in the way of competition for the action camera market leader, but things are very different today.
DJI has just launched its debut 360 camera, the impressive DJI Osmo 360, while Insta360 has quietly established itself as the go-to manufacturer for this type of twin-lens camera.
The Insta360 X5, in fact, has been TechRadar’s top-rated 360 camera since it landed in April of this year, and despite the Osmo 360 running it close, remains so. Could the GoPro Max 2, which GoPro claims is the only 360 camera offering “true 8K” video capture, be the challenger to knock it off its throne?
To find out, we’ve pitted these two premium 360 action cameras against each other across a range of categories: design and build quality; performance and usability; image quality; sound quality; and companion apps. Which 360 camera will emerge victorious? Read on to find out…
1. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Design and ruggedness
- Both cameras have multiple mounting options
- GoPro Max 2 weighs 195g; Insta360 X5 weighs 200g
- GoPro Max 2 waterproof to 5m; Insta360 X5 to 15m
At first glance, these cameras couldn’t look more different. The GoPro Max 2 sticks with the brand’s signature squat, square design language – think of it as a beefed-up version of the original Max. The Insta360 X5 maintains the distinctive candy-bar shape synonymous with the X series. While the X5 is more comfortable in the hand, the Max 2’s low-profile shape feels more conducive to mounting on various body parts.
Both cameras offer multiple mounting options – the X5 includes GoPro-compatible quick-release points alongside its standard tripod thread, while the Max 2 goes all-in with three systems: the classic GoPro mounting fingers, a standard tripod thread, and GoPro’s recent magnetic latch system. It’s a slightly more flexible setup.
The two cameras feel reassuringly solid, but their approaches to ruggedness differ somewhat. The X5 is the clear winner on paper when it comes to water resistance – it’s IP68-rated and waterproof to an impressive 15m, compared to the Max 2’s more modest 5m rating. That’s a substantial difference if you’re planning underwater adventures, and while GoPro tells me a dive housing is in development, the X5 is ready for serious sub-aqua shooting out of the box.
Both models offer user-replaceable lenses in a move that addresses the biggest weakness of 360 cameras: those bulbous fisheye lenses, sticking out like targets begging to be scratched or shattered. Here, both cameras take slightly different approaches, and both have merit.
The Insta360 X5 pioneered easy lens replacement, with just a simple twist-off mechanism using a tool. It’s reliable, affordable, and has proven its worth in real-world use. GoPro has gone a step further with the Max 2, offering completely tool-free lens replacement: its lenses’ rubber barrel enables them to be twisted off with just your fingers.
This makes replacements even quicker and easier than on the X5, but seems to come with a trade-off. During my testing, I noticed condensation appearing inside the Max 2’s lenses when moving between different temperature environments – affecting image quality and requiring removal and cleaning of the lens to fix. I suspect it’s related to the removable lens design creating a less-than-airtight seal.
The X5 edges this category thanks to its superior waterproofing, and proven lens replacement system that doesn’t seem prone to the condensation issues I experienced with the Max 2. While the Max 2’s triple-mount system and lower-profile shape are key plus points, the fundamental ruggedness advantage goes to Insta360’s offering.
- Design and ruggedness winner: Insta360 X5
2. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Performance and usability
- GoPro Max 2 has built-in GPS
- Insta360 X5 has bigger battery and longer running time
- Both cameras prone to overheating during 8K capture
When it comes to day-to-day usability, both cameras excel in different areas, though neither is without its quirks. The user interfaces are both well designed and intuitive; GoPro’s famously simple two-button approach paired with a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen will feel instantly familiar to anyone who’s used an action camera, while the X5’s 2.5-inch display and swipe-based menu system is equally straightforward once you get the hang of it. I give the edge to GoPro in the UI stakes, though.
One feature on the Max 2 that the X5 simply can’t match is built-in GPS. This enables automatic geotagging of all your footage and photos without you needing to tether to a smartphone or purchase additional modules. It’s a potentially useful feature for adventure shooters who want to recall exactly where that perfect shot was captured.
On paper, the X5’s larger 2400mAh battery should comfortably outperform the Max 2’s 1960mAh unit. In practice, for 8K 30fps recording, it manages about 90 minutes on a full tank, while the Max 2 tops out at just over 60 minutes.
Both cameras struggle with heat management. During my testing, both regularly shut themselves down to prevent overheating when recording 8K 30fps footage, with the Max 2 managing just under 30 minutes and the X5 47 minutes before calling it quits at room temperature. This could prove frustrating for users planning longer recording sessions, but dropping down to less demanding resolutions, or using the cameras in cooler or breezy environments, does definitely improve recording times.
Connectivity is solid on both cameras, with Wi-Fi 6 support on the Max 2 providing potentially faster wireless transfers, though in practice I found little difference between the two when moving files to a smartphone for editing. Both cameras support fast charging via USB-C. On the storage front, both have no built-in space and use microSD cards.
I’m going to call this round a draw, but you may feel differently depending on your priorities. While the Max 2’s built-in GPS is nice USP and its UI slightly superior, the X5 has better battery life and better heat management.
- Performance and usability result: Draw
3. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Image quality
- Both cameras can record video at up to 8K 30fps
- GoPro Max 2 has higher-resolution 8K capture
- Insta360 X5 offers dedicated low-light PureVideo mode
This is where the battle gets most interesting, because on paper these cameras take quite different approaches to achieving high-quality 360 footage. GoPro trumpets the Max 2’s “true 8K” capability, claiming Insta360 uses upscaling or counts overlapped pixels in order to achieve 8K. The Insta360 X5, meanwhile, leans on its large sensors and AI processing to deliver punchy results in challenging lighting conditions.
In bright daylight, both cameras produce excellent video, with the Max 2 edging things for me thanks to GoPro’s signature engagingly vibrant color science, nigh-on perfect stitching and selfie stick removal – and that aforementioned true 8K resolution. I’m truly impressed with the general clarity and detail, which support GoPro’s true 8K claims.
The Insta360 X5’s daylight footage is also impressive, with rich colors, wide dynamic range, and excellent detail retention, plus stitching that’s almost (but not quite) as well hidden. The X5 pulls ahead in low-light performance, however: its PureVideo mode is designed for night-time and low-light shooting, processing footage to keep things remarkably clean and crisp in conditions where most 360 cameras – including the Max 2, unfortunately – produce grainy and smeary results.
Both cameras capture high-resolution stills too – 29MP on the Max 2, 72MP on the X5 – though for me these are closer to novelty features than genuinely practical photography tools. You might snap the odd photo, but video is the main attraction here.
Frame rate options differ, but only slightly: the Max 2 tops out at 8K 30fps, 5.6K 60fps, or 4K 100fps for high-speed effects, while the X5 offers 8K 30fps, 5.7K 60fps and 4K 120fps. The X5 also supports Active HDR in certain resolutions and frame rates, while the GoPro lacks anything of the sort. Happily, both cameras can record in flat color profiles (GP-Log on the Max 2, I-Log on the X5) for users who want more control in post-production.
This is another extremely close category, but due to the X5’s low-light capabilities I’m going to give it the nod. The Max 2 is better in daylight, but without more rigorous testing I can’t say it’s enough for me to recommend it over the X5, which is good in the day and very usable at night. The Max 2’s in-camera low-light video is disappointing, although I plan on testing more settings and post-production tricks to see if I can improve things through manual tweaks.
- Image-quality winner: Insta360 X5
4. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Sound quality
- GoPro Max 2 has six built-in mics, Insta360 X5 has two
- Both cameras record audio at 48kHz / 16-bit quality in AAC format
- Insta360 X5 can be paired with Mic Air accessory
The Insta360 X5 has two built-in microphones, while the GoPro Max 2 offers six. This gives the latter a distinct edge when it comes to capturing directional audio, and I think that’s something you may well desire on a 360 camera.
With their built-in microphones, both cameras record audio at 16-bit quality, and both claim to have methods of tackling that great bane of action cameras: wind noise. In practice, if you need completely clean audio quality outdoors you’re going to have to add some kind of external microphone with a physical windshield in anything but the calmest of conditions.
I’ve tested their wind-reduction modes on a blustery coastal walk, so that you can hear the results for yourself.
For those who want to use external mics, the Insta360 X5 works with the company’s own Insta360 Mic Air, as well as all the models mentioned on this list – some connect wirelessly, some via USB-C. The GoPro Max 2 disappointingly doesn’t support external mics at launch, but it can be paired with Bluetooth headsets for users who want to record clear voiceover audio. The list of current compatible models can be found here.
Comparing the two audio offerings, I’m minded to pick the X5 over the Max 2. While I think the Max 2’s six mics make it a better performer indoors, I think the X5’s better wind noise reduction and support for more external mics put it in a better overall position sound-wise.
Whatever your camera choice, I’d suggest you get an external mic if you want clear voice recordings while shooting outdoors.
- Sound-quality winner: Insta360 X5
5. GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Companion apps
- Both cameras have mobile and desktop apps with rich 360 editing tools
- Insta360 mobile app offers AI-assisted editing
- Insta360 desktop app features subject tracking, GoPro Player does not
The companion app experience is crucial for 360 cameras, since the whole point of shooting 360-degree footage is the ability to reframe and edit it into compelling traditional videos. Both cameras come with established mobile and desktop editing solutions, but their approaches and capabilities differ significantly.
The Insta360 X5 benefits from the company’s years of experience in 360 camera software development. The mobile app is mature, feature-rich, and genuinely impressive in its AI-assisted auto-editing capabilities. Feed it a few clips and it’ll intelligently select highlights, add transitions and background music, and output a polished short video that’s ready for social media sharing.
The AI editing isn’t perfect – the music choices can be a bit cheesy and it sometimes misses the best moments – but it’s remarkably effective at creating engaging content with minimal human input. Manual editing in the Insta360 app is equally impressive, with intuitive keyframe controls, subject tracking, and a wide range of creative effects and filters.
The desktop Insta360 Studio software is similarly accomplished, offering comprehensive editing tools, better performance on complex projects, and support for higher-resolution exports.
GoPro has looked to its existing ecosystem rather than building 360-specific software from scratch. The Quik mobile app has been updated to support 360 editing, and while it’s competent it can’t quite match the sophistication of Insta360’s offering. The manual editing tools are solid enough for basic reframing and trimming, but the AI-assisted features feel less refined and reliable than Insta360’s. More advanced features are locked behind a GoPro subscription, while Insta360 keeps its features free.
The updated GoPro Player desktop application supports keyframe reframing, but lacks the AI-assisted tracking and image enhancement features found in the mobile app. GoPro has promised that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will receive plug-ins for direct 360 file import soon, which could be a significant advantage for users familiar with those workflows.
If you’re already a GoPro user with established editing habits and media management systems, the Max 2 slots in seamlessly. The familiar interface and consistent file naming conventions make it easy to incorporate 360 footage alongside traditional action camera clips. However, for users new to 360 cameras, or those who want the most capable editing experience possible, Insta360’s software suite remains more comprehensive and user-friendly.
- Companion apps winner: Insta360 X5
GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5: Early verdict
We’ve reviewed each of these cameras in-depth separately, and each is a very capable product that’s well worth its purchase price. So, whichever you pick, you’ll be getting a good deal.
But this is a battle of the cameras, and you haven’t read all this way just to be told they’re pretty much as good as each other. And the truth is, they’re not – each has its strong points and weak points.
The GoPro Max 2 delivers superb image quality in good daylight conditions, with the best hemisphere stitching and selfie stick removal in the business. It also has a nice simple UI, three great built-in mounting options, and tool-free replaceable lenses. If I had to wear one of these two cameras on my body or my head, I’d rather it were the Max 2.
The Insta360 X5’s image quality isn’t quite as good during the day, but its dedicated low-light mode makes it the easy winner if you’re shooting after dark. It also has the better software tricks, longer battery life and support for external microphones, and just feels a bit more fully-featured than the Max 2.
It’s an extremely close-run thing, but at this point I feel like the Insta360 X5 is overall the better of the two 360 cameras. I think GoPro has done a fantastic job giving the Max 2 some compelling characteristics that make it a real 360 cam contender, but if I could only own one of these, it would be the X5.
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