GoPro Max 2 Launched: Price, 8K 360 Video Features, and Where to Buy
posted Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM EDT
GoPro has officially launched the Max 2, its first true 8K 360 action camera and successor to the original 2019 Max. Entering a market now defined by the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5, the Max 2 is aimed at creators who want the highest-resolution immersive video available.
GoPro claims the Max 2 is the only action camera capable of capturing “True 8K 360 video,” delivering 21% more resolution than rival models for sharper details and greater flexibility when reframing.
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GoPro Max 2 Pricing and Availability
The GoPro Max 2 is available for preorder now at $499.99, with shipping set to begin on September 30, 2025. It is compatible with 16 GoPro mounts and accessories designed for 360 cameras, all sold separately.
Key Features of the GoPro Max 2
The Max 2 brings major upgrades in video quality, stabilization, and audio, making it GoPro’s most advanced 360 camera yet.
- 8K 30p 360 video recording
- 5.6K 60p and 4K 100p 360 modes
- Single-lens mode: Up to 4K 60p or 1080p 60p
- 29MP 360 photos and 12MP single-lens stills
- GP-Log + 10-bit recording across modes
- HyperSmooth stabilization in both 360 and single-lens modes
- Specialized capture modes: 360 TimeWarp, Night Mode, Time Lapse
- Advanced features via GoPro Labs, including dual-hemisphere capture, 300Mbps high-bitrate recording, and expanded exposure tools
Audio and Connectivity
One of the Max 2’s standout features is its six-microphone array, which GoPro says delivers industry-leading audio performance.
- Supports ambisonic audio capture
- Works with wireless mics, including Bluetooth earbuds and Apple AirPods
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C 3.0
- Cloud uploads available via GoPro’s Auto Upload (subscriber feature)
- Storage: Single microSD card slot
#GoProMAX2 is here �� Industry-leading, true 8K 360 video delivers 21% more resolution than the competition, resulting in unmatched image quality that you only get from #GoPro.
— GoPro (@GoPro) September 23, 2025
✔️ Emmy® Award-Winning 360 technology
✔️ The only true 8K 360 camera. No misleading upscaling, no… pic.twitter.com/elwuBFABUb
Rugged Design and Battery Performance
The GoPro Max 2 is designed for durability while maintaining a compact profile:
- Weight: 195 grams, slimmer and more aerodynamic than the original Max
- Waterproof: Up to 5m (16ft) without a housing
- Folding mounting fingers + standard ¼-20 mount
- Twist-off, replaceable lens covers for quick field repairs
- Powered by the GoPro Enduro battery, optimized for cold environments
- Built-in GPS tracking
New Fluid Pro AI Gimbal
Alongside the Max 2, GoPro introduced the Fluid Pro AI Gimbal, a three-axis stabilizer designed for GoPro cameras, smartphones, and compact cameras up to 400 grams.
- AI subject tracking from both front and rear
- Interchangeable mounts for different devices
- Integrated fill light for low-light shooting
- 18-hour runtime on a single charge
- Launching October 21, 2025 for $229.99
GoPro Max 2 vs DJI Osmo 360 vs Insta360 X5
With three flagship 360 cameras launching in 2025, creators now have more choice than ever. Here’s how they compare:
- GoPro Max 2: The only 360 action camera with true 8K video, making it ideal for those who want maximum detail and flexibility when reframing. Its six-mic array also gives it an edge in audio quality.
- DJI Osmo 360: Focuses on portability and smart features, with strong stabilization and AI-driven shooting modes, but tops out below 8K resolution.
- Insta360 X5: Known for its creative software ecosystem, it offers powerful editing tools and AI reframing options, though resolution is slightly lower than the Max 2.
Bottom line: If resolution and audio are your priorities, the GoPro Max 2 leads the pack. If you value software flexibility, the Insta360 X5 shines, while the DJI Osmo 360 appeals to those who want ease of use and portability.
Price and Availability of the GoPro Max 2 (Affiliate Section)
The GoPro Max 2 is available for preorder now at $499.99, with shipping starting September 30, 2025. The Fluid Pro AI Gimbal will be available beginning October 21, 2025, priced at $229.99.
GoPro Introduces the Max 2, Its First True 8K 360 Action Camera
GoPro is stepping back into the 360 action camera race with the launch of the Max 2, a follow-up to its original 2019 Max. The new model enters a competitive market now defined by DJI’s recently released Osmo 360 and Insta360’s flagship X5, with all three cameras targeting creators who want high-resolution immersive video.
GoPro says the Max 2 is the only action camera in the category capable of capturing “True 8K 360 video,” a claim that positions it ahead of rivals on paper. The company explains that this gives it 21% more resolution than competing models, which should result in sharper details and greater flexibility when reframing footage.
Higher Resolution 360 Video
At the core of the Max 2 is a 1/2.3-inch sensor paired with a 14mm f/1.8 lens. The camera can record 8K video at 30p, 5.6K at 60p, and 4K at 100p in 360 mode. In single-lens mode, shooters can capture up to 4K 60p or 1080p 60p footage. It also supports GP-Log and 10-bit recording across modes.
GoPro’s Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth stabilization is included, whether shooting in 360 or single-lens mode. The Max 2 also brings several specialized shooting options like 360 TimeWarp, Night Mode, and Time Lapse. Through GoPro Labs, users can unlock advanced experimental features such as dual-hemisphere capture, high-bitrate recording up to 300Mbps, and additional exposure tools.
Still photography hasn’t been overlooked. The Max 2 captures 29-megapixel 360 photos or 12-megapixel stills in single-lens mode, with options like burst, night, and time-lapse.
Audio and Connectivity
One of the highlights of the Max 2 is its six-microphone array, which GoPro says offers industry-leading audio performance. The system supports ambisonic audio and works with wireless mics, including Bluetooth earbuds and Apple AirPods.
For storage, the Max 2 uses a single microSD card. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and USB-C 3.0 connectivity. Cloud uploads are available for subscribers through GoPro’s Auto Upload feature.
Rugged Design
Weighing 195 grams, the Max 2 has a slimmer, more aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor. It is waterproof up to five meters, built to handle drops and scrapes, and features GoPro’s folding mounting fingers along with a standard ¼-20 mount. The company has also introduced twist-off, replaceable lens covers so damaged glass can be swapped in the field without tools.
Powering the camera is GoPro’s “Enduro” battery, designed for efficiency in cold environments. GPS tracking is also built in.
Pricing and Availability
The GoPro Max 2 is available to preorder now for $499.99 and will begin shipping on September 30, 2025. It is compatible with 16 mounts and accessories made for GoPro’s 360 cameras, sold separately.
New Fluid Pro AI Gimbal
Alongside the Max 2, GoPro also unveiled the Fluid Pro AI gimbal, an AI-powered three-axis stabilizer designed for GoPro cameras, smartphones, and point-and-shoots weighing up to 400 grams. The gimbal features interchangeable mounts, AI subject tracking from both front and rear, an integrated fill light, and up to 18 hours of runtime.
The Fluid Pro AI will be available starting October 21, 2025 for $229.99.