GoPro Max vs Insta360 One X2

VS

Overview of the GoPro Max

GoPro Max☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★GoPro Max
GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
  • Pros
  • Good stabilization
  • Cons
  • Average image quality
  • Ageing model
  • Still excessively expensive

Overview of the Insta360 One X2

Insta360 One X2☆☆☆☆☆★★★★★Insta360 One X2
Insta360's 2020 360 camera: 5.7K video at an affordable cost
The X2 is now an older 360 camera but it still offers great performance and most needed features at a relatively moderate cost. If you need spherical video on a budget, it is a great pick. It's successor is the Insta360 X3, released in 2022.
  • Pros
  • Great image stabilization
  • Good battery life
  • Freeze-proof
  • Cons
  • Better options for image quality
  • Average battery life
  • No official diving case

Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the X2

Weight and size

The GoPro Max is a slightly smaller camera. Both the GoPro Max and the X2 have similar weights.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
Insta360 One X2
46mm x 113mm x 30mm / 1.81in x 4.45in x 1.18in
5.26oz / 149g
Why size and weight matter: Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.

Battery life

The GoPro Max and X2 have similar battery capacities. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
Insta360 One X2
1630mAh
Removable
80min 5.7K30fps 360°
Why battery life matters: Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.

Storage

Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the X2 support SD cards.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
Insta360 One X2
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters: High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.

Video performance

Only the X2 offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
Insta360 One X2
4K video at 30fps
Yes

Camera and sensor technology

The GoPro Max and the X2 both feature 18MP. Both feature a 155° field of view. The X2 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
Insta360 One X2
18MP
155°
100Mbps

Camera settings

Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
Insta360 One X2
Feature missing
+/-4

GoPro Max vs X2 specifications

NameGoPro MaxInsta360 One X2
Year of release20192020
Width2.52in / 64mm1.81in / 46mm
Height2.72in / 69mm4.45in / 113mm
Depth0.98in / 25mm1.18in / 30mm
Weight5.43oz / 154g5.26oz / 149g
Waterproof16ft / 5m16ft / 5m
Min operating temperature14°F / -10°C-4°F / -20°C
Max operating temperature95°F / 35°C104°F / 40°C
Battery capacity1600mAh1630mAh
Removable batteryYesYes
Battery life85min 5.7K30fps 360°
105min at 1080p
80min 5.7K30fps 360°
Charging time120min85min
Storage formatmicroSDmicroSD
Storage rating requiredClass 10 or UHS-I RatingV30 or UHS-3
Maximun storage supported1TB1TB
Rear screen size1.69in1in
Field of view155°155°
Sensor1/2.3"1/2.3"
Pixels18MP18MP
ApertureF2.0F2.0
Focal length13-27mm-
ISO range100-3200-
Color Depth8bit8bit
Video bite rate78Mbps100Mbps
Exposure Compensation+/-4+/-4
360-degree videoYesYes
5.7K 360 video30fps30fps
4K 360 video-50fps
3K 360 video-100fps
360 video formatGoPro 360 fileINSV
4K video-30fps
2.7K video-60fps
1440p video60fps-
1080p video60fps60fps
Slow motion at 4K-4
Maximum slow motion2x4x at 1080p
HDR video-Yes
StabilizationMax HyperSmoothFlowState
Horizon lockYesYes
Video formatH.264 (AVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
H.265 (HEVC)
Live streaming1080p30Yes
Webcam mode-Yes
Timelapse modeYesYes
Starlapse mode-Yes
Timeshift modeYesYes
Loop recording modeYesYes
Subject trackingNoYes
Photo burst modeNoYes
RAW format supportedYesYes
Microphones64
Stereo audioYesYes
Noise reductionYesYes
Audio formatwavaac
Wifi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
BluetoothBLE 4.2BLE 4.2
USBType-C USBType-C USB
GPS integratedYesNo
GPS pairing-iOS Application
Android Application
Voice commandsYesYes
Gesture commandsNoNo