Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | GoPro - MAX 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max 4K fps | 30 | 60 |
| Horizon lock | false | true |
| Max video | 4K30 | 5.7K |
| Stabilization | advanced | gimbal-class |
Between the HERO (2024) and MAX 2, the HERO (2024) comes out ahead in several specs, while the MAX 2 wins on max 4k fps / horizon lock. Overall, the HERO (2024) scores 52.1 and the MAX 2 scores 73.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The MAX 2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 21.7 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The HERO (2024) does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the MAX 2 if you care most about max 4k fps / horizon lock. Its strongest claims are max 4k fps, horizon lock, max video, among others. The single most decisive one: Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 60 vs 30.
Both ship with comparable waterproof depth, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the MAX 2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: GoPro - HERO (2024) or GoPro - MAX 2?
GoPro - MAX 2 leads the current Mars Score by 21.7 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, max 4k fps against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - HERO (2024) if…
GoPro - HERO (2024) does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose GoPro - MAX 2 if…
GoPro - MAX 2 has the measurable edge on max fps 4k, has horizon lock, max video.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why GoPro - HERO (2024) wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why GoPro - MAX 2 wins
- ▲Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 60 vs 30.
- ▲Has Horizon lock.
- ▲Max video: 5.7K (vs 4K30).
- ▲Stabilization: gimbal-class (vs advanced).
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | GoPro - MAX 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 4K30 | 5.7Klead |
| Max 4K fps | 30 | 60lead |
| HDRⓘ | false | truelead |
| Log profileⓘ | false | truelead |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | GoPro - MAX 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | false | truelead |
| Stabilization | advanced | gimbal-classlead |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - HERO (2024) | GoPro - MAX 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 5 m |
| Weight | 86 glead | 165 g |
| Removable lens | false | false |