GoPro has just unveiled the Max 2, a $500 360° camera designed to shake up the action cam market. Instead of following tradition with a new Hero Black, GoPro is doubling down on immersive video, making the Max 2 the brand’s flagship for 2025.

The Max 2 isn’t just another 360 cam. With true 8K resolution, 10-bit color, and a top bitrate of 120Mbps (boostable to 300Mbps via Labs firmware), GoPro has elevated video quality to rival – and in some cases outdo – Insta360’s X5 and DJI’s Osmo 360. The upgrade from the original 5.6K Max is a game-changer, offering sharper detail and increased color depth for creators seeking cinematic immersion.

Hardware refinements include a sleeker Hero-style design, centrally positioned dual lenses, and a new twist-off system for easy lens replacement – a must-have for anyone pushing gear to the limit. The six-mic directional audio setup, along with support for AirPods and Bluetooth microphones, adds professional sound capture to match the visuals.

GoPro hasn’t ignored the experience side either. New modes, such as Selfie/POV framing and 8K timewarp, streamline the editing process, while the Quik app offers intuitive reframing, motion effects, and AI-powered subject tracking. Paired with stabilization so smooth it borders on gimbal-like, the Max 2 is both a pro tool and a vlogger’s dream.

At $500, it undercuts rivals and makes high-end 360 video more accessible than ever. For creators looking to bend reality without breaking the bank, the GoPro Max 2 is the boldest move yet.

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