GoPro has officially unveiled the Max 2, the company’s long-awaited refresh of its 360-degree action camera line.
GoPro is taking a serious step forward with the Max 2, a camera built to capture 8K 360 video while keeping the brand’s rugged, portable DNA intact. Positioned as the successor to the 2019 GoPro Max, the new model brings sharper recording, bigger screens, and smarter stabilization that looks designed to rival Insta360’s growing dominance.
8K makes its debut on GoPro
The standout spec is, of course, 8K 360 video recording – a huge leap from the 5.6K cap on the original Max. That means higher clarity when cropping into footage, opening new creative options for vloggers and action sports enthusiasts. You can also shoot in 5.3K single-lens mode if you prefer a more traditional wide-angle action cam setup.
GoPro has added dual 2.1-inch touchscreens, making it easier to frame shots no matter how you’re holding the camera. Meanwhile, Max HyperSmooth stabilisation promises gimbal-like steadiness, even when mounted on a helmet or bike.
Battery life also gets a welcome boost, with GoPro claiming up to two hours of continuous 360 recording at 5.6K. That’s nearly double what the older model could manage.
If ruggedness is a concern, the Max 2 stays true to GoPro’s DNA with waterproofing up to 16ft without a case. For divers, an optional case extends that much further.
You can check out the GoPro Hero 12 Black review or browse the guide to the best action cameras to see where it might fit in.
GoPro fights back against Insta360
The 360 action cam market has been heating up thanks to Insta360’s One X3 and Ace Pro. By bringing 8K into play, GoPro is signalling it doesn’t want to be left behind. For creators, that means sharper, more flexible footage when reframing clips for YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok.
Still, higher resolution comes at a cost. Expect larger file sizes, heavier editing requirements, and a premium price tag that puts it above some of the best GoPro mainline cameras.
Opinion
The GoPro Max 2 feels like the 360 camera upgrade users have been waiting for. With 8K resolution, longer runtimes, and dual displays, it looks ready to compete with Insta360 head-on. But the real test for GoPro will be whether it can turn those headline specs into a camera that still feels simple and reliable out in the wild./
