Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Insta360 - X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 m |
| Max video | 5.7K | 8K |
Between the MAX 2 and X4, the MAX 2 comes out ahead in several specs, while the X4 wins on waterproof depth / max video. Overall, the MAX 2 scores 73.8 and the X4 scores 76.4 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (73.8 vs 76.4). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
The MAX 2 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 X4 if you care most about waterproof depth / max video. Its strongest claims are waterproof depth, max video. The single most decisive one: Waterproof depth — 100.00% more. 10 m vs 5 m.
Both ship with comparable max 4k fps, stabilization, horizon lock, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: GoPro - MAX 2 or Insta360 - X4?
Insta360 - X4 leads the current Mars Score by 2.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare max video, waterproof depth against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose GoPro - MAX 2 if…
GoPro - MAX 2 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Insta360 - X4 if…
Insta360 - X4 has the measurable edge on water depth m, 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 - MAX 2 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Insta360 - X4 wins
- ▲Waterproof depth — 100.00% more. 10 m vs 5 m.
- ▲Max video: 8K (vs 5.7K).
Spec comparison
Video
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Insta360 - X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Max video | 5.7K | 8Klead |
| Max 4K fps | 60 | 60 |
| HDRⓘ | true | true |
| Log profileⓘ | truelead | false |
Stabilization
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Insta360 - X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon lock | true | true |
| Stabilization | gimbal-class | gimbal-class |
Durability
| Spec | GoPro - MAX 2 | Insta360 - X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 mlead |
| Weight | 165 glead | 203 g |
| Removable lens | false | false |