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GoPro MAX 2 review: buy or skip?

Consider8.0/10 research score

Quick answer

Consider it, if you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem. Why: goPro's 360° camera for reframing. The catch: expensive.

By Buyrskip Editorial Team Updated 1 min read

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GoPro MAX 2

Our verdict on the GoPro MAX 2

Buy it if
you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem.
Skip it if
you want a standard action cam.
Best for
360° GoPro
Key feature
GoPro's 360° camera for reframing
Typical price
$499
Check Price on Amazon Paid link

Key specifications

Video8K 360°
Stabilization360 horizon lock
Waterproof16 ft
BatteryVaries

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

A good fit if you

  • you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem
  • value 360° capture
  • can spend around $499

Skip it if you

  • you want a standard action cam
  • mind this: expensive
  • mind this: editing needed

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 360° capture
  • GoPro app
  • Rugged

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Editing needed

The verdict in one breath

The GoPro MAX 2 is a good action camera for the right buyer, not an automatic pick. Its strength: goPro’s 360° camera for reframing. Check the skip-if line before you order.

Reasons to buy

  • 360° capture
  • GoPro app
  • Rugged

Reasons to skip

  • Expensive
  • Editing needed

The specs that matter

  • Video: 8K 360°
  • Stabilization: 360 horizon lock
  • Waterproof: 16 ft
  • Battery: Varies

Worth knowing

Reframe any angle after you shoot.

Buy it or skip it?

Consider it if you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem. Skip it if you want a standard action cam; the Insta360 X5 is the better buy then. Everything else is in our list of the best action cameras.

Alternatives worth considering

Insta360 X5

Insta360 · Action Cameras

Insta360 X5

Buy it if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
360 video
Typical price
$499–$549

Pros

  • 360 video
  • Replaceable lenses

Cons

  • Big files
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review
DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI · Action Cameras

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Buy it if you vlog or film travel.

Verdict
Buy
Best for
Vlogging
Typical price
$519–$669

Pros

  • 1-inch sensor
  • 3-axis gimbal

Cons

  • Not waterproof
Check Price on Amazon Paid linkRead our review

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy the GoPro MAX 2?

Consider it, if you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem. Why: goPro's 360° camera for reframing. The catch: expensive.

When should I skip it?

Skip it if you want a standard action cam. The Insta360 X5 is the better buy then.

What does the GoPro MAX 2 cost?

Usually $499 on Amazon.com. It tends to dip during Prime Day and Black Friday.

Buyrskip Editorial Team

Part of the Buyrskip research team. We compare specifications, documentation and real-world trade-offs so you can decide faster.

How we research products Editorial policy

GoPro MAX 2: the full buy-or-skip review

Is the GoPro MAX 2 worth buying? Short answer: consider it, if you want 360° capture in the GoPro ecosystem. This review explains what this GoPro model gets right, where it falls short, what it usually costs in the US and which action camera to buy instead if it is not the right fit for you.

What the GoPro MAX 2 does well

The headline: goPro's 360° camera for reframing. Key specs: Video: 8K 360°; Stabilization: 360 horizon lock; Waterproof: 16 ft; Battery: Varies. In our list it is the pick for: 360° GoPro. It usually sells for $499.

Reframe any angle after you shoot.

The trade-offs

Good: 360° capture, goPro app, rugged. Not so good: expensive, editing needed. Read the skip-if line before you order: skip it if you want a standard action cam.

What to buy instead

Instead, consider the Insta360 X5 ($499–$549): shoot everything in 360 and reframe later. Better if you want 360 video and the invisible selfie stick effect.

Instead, consider the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ($519–$669): gimbal camera with 1-inch sensor. Better if you vlog or film travel.

Instead, consider the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($399–$449): large sensor action cam with flip screen. Better if you film at dusk and night.

Before you buy

Stabilization keeps footage smooth without a gimbal. Waterproofing to 10 m+ without a case. Batteries drain fast in cold weather; carry spares.

US buyer tip

GoPro bundles with extra batteries and a case are usually cheaper than buying separately.

Prices on Amazon.com move in a pattern. The deepest cuts land on Prime Day in July, Prime Big Deal Days in October and the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week, with smaller drops around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and back-to-school. Judge a deal against the usual price we show, never against the crossed-out list price.

Order from Amazon itself or the brand's official storefront so the US manufacturer warranty applies, keep your order confirmation and register the product with the brand. Most items can be returned within 30 days, and holiday purchases often get an extended return window into January.