Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | GoPro - HERO13 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Max 4K fps | 60 | 120 |
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 m |
| Max video | 5.7K | 5.3K |
Between the MAX 2 and HERO13 Black, the MAX 2 comes out ahead in max video, while the HERO13 Black wins on max 4k fps / waterproof depth. Overall, the MAX 2 scores 73.8 and the HERO13 Black scores 81 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The HERO13 Black edges ahead on the Mars Score (73.8 vs 81), but the 7.2-point gap is small enough that the right pick comes down to which spec advantages matter to you.
Pick the MAX 2 if you care most about max video. The biggest gaps in its favor are max video. The single most decisive one: Max video: 5.7K (vs 5.3K).
Pick the HERO13 Black if you care most about max 4k fps / waterproof depth. Its strongest claims are max 4k fps, waterproof depth. The single most decisive one: Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 120 vs 60.
Both ship with comparable stabilization, horizon lock, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the HERO13 Black 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 - MAX 2 or GoPro - HERO13 Black?
GoPro - HERO13 Black leads the current Mars Score by 7.2 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, max 4k fps, waterproof depth against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - MAX 2 if…
GoPro - MAX 2 has the measurable edge on max video.
Choose GoPro - HERO13 Black if…
GoPro - HERO13 Black has the measurable edge on max fps 4k, water depth m.
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 - MAX 2 wins
- ▲Max video: 5.7K (vs 5.3K).
Why GoPro - HERO13 Black wins
- ▲Max 4K fps — 100.00% more. 120 vs 60.
- ▲Waterproof depth — 100.00% more. 10 m vs 5 m.
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | GoPro - HERO13 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 5.7Klead | 5.3K |
| Max 4K fps | 60 | 120lead |
| HDRⓘ | true | true |
| Log profileⓘ | true | true |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | GoPro - HERO13 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | true | true |
| Stabilization | gimbal-class | gimbal-class |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | GoPro - HERO13 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 mlead |
| Weight | 165 g | 159 glead |
| Removable lens | false | truelead |