GoPro Max was released back in 2019, a full five years before the launch of the new GoPro Hero 13.
 
While many are eagerly awaiting the anticipated release of the GoPro Max 2 next year, let’s take a closer look at how the GoPro Hero 13 compares to the GoPro Max.
 
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the GoPro Max compares to the Hero 13 and help you figure out which camera is the better option for you.
 

QUICK TAKE

  • The GoPro Hero 13, being the latest model, delivers a high 27MP photo resolution and boasts a battery life of up to 2.5 hours, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions.
  • On the other hand, the GoPro Max focuses on 360-degree footage, offering a 16.6MP photo resolution with a battery life of approximately 1.5 hours.

GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro Max: Specs Comparison Table


This is a specs comparison table between the GoPro HERO 13 Black and the HERO MAX:

SpecificationsGoPro Hero 13GoPro Max
Sensor Size1/1.9″ CMOS Sensor1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
Photo Resolution27 MP16.6 MP
Video Resolution5.3K605.6K30 (360-degree)
StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0Max HyperSmooth
Field of View (FOV)Up to 177° (with Max Lens Mod)360° FOV
Slow Motion400fps at 720p60fps (2x slow-motion)
Night EffectsLight Painting, Star Trails, Vehicle Light TrailsLimited low-light features
Lenses/AccessoriesUltra-Wide, Macro Lenses, ND Filters360° panoramic lens
Optical ZoomNoYes
WaterproofUp to 10m without housingUp to 5m without housing
Remote ControlNoYes (via app)
Battery LifeUp to 2.5 hoursUp to 1.5 hours
Mounting SystemMagnetic mounting systemTraditional mounts only
HDR VideoYes, enhancedNo
Night Lapse ModesLight Painting, Star Trails, Vehicle Light TrailsNo dedicated night modes

Current Price of GoPro HERO 13:

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
  • Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
  • Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...

Current Price of GoPro HERO MAX:

GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
  • Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
  • Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
  • Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...

GoPro Hero 13 


The GoPro Hero 13 is packed with features that make it a top-tier action camera.

gopro hero 13 macro lens view

Boasting a 27MP sensor, it produces crisp, high-quality photos and offers 5.3K video at 60fps, delivering smooth, cinematic footage in various conditions.

The standout feature of the Hero 13 is HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, which ensures buttery-smooth video even in the roughest activities like mountain biking or skiing.

gopro hero 13 ultra wide lens

The introduction of new lenses, including Ultra-Wide and Macro, opens up creative possibilities. The Ultra-Wide lens captures expansive landscapes, while the Macro lens is perfect for close-up details, adding more versatility to your shots. Learn more about GoPro Hero 13 FOV and its settings here>>>

The magnetic mounting system makes attaching and repositioning accessories quick and easy, perfect for action enthusiasts on the go.

gopro hero 13 star trails

It night, the Hero 13 really shines with its Night Lapse effects, including modes like Star Trails and Light Painting, which let you capture the magic of nighttime. For fans of slow-motion, the 400fps burst mode provides ultra-detailed shots of high-speed action, making it ideal for sports and other fast-paced activities.

gopro hero 13 battery

With waterproofing up to 10m and a durable, rugged design, the Hero 13 is built for all kinds of adventure.

Plus, the new Enduro battery guarantees around 2.5 hours, that is the longest gopros ever had.

SPECIAL SALE
GoPro HERO12 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
  • High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image...
  • Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than...
  • Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the...

GoPro MAX


The GoPro MAX offers a lot of creative potential by combining three cameras into one. You can capture traditional Hero-style video and photos or go all out with immersive 360-degree footage. 

gopro max display

One of its standout features is Max HyperSmooth stabilization, which keeps your footage steady through even the bumpiest adventures. The 180-degree capture gives extra stabilization to help fight against shakes and movement.

For live streaming, the HERO mode offers 1080p, which is great for decent-quality live broadcasts, and horizon leveling keeps your footage straight, even when your camera isn’t.

gopro max design

Features like PowerPano let you capture 270-degree panoramic shots without distortion, making it easy to take ultra-wide action selfies or landscape shots with a leveled horizon.

The six built-in microphones provide high-quality, true-to-life 360-degree audio, and in HERO mode, you can pick from four digital lenses—Narrow, Linear, Wide, and Max SuperView—to get the exact angle you want for any shot.

insta360 x3 vs gopro max

However, the GoPro MAX feels outdated in the 360-camera landscape, especially with the Insta360 X4 offering more advanced tech like better image resolution, superior low-light performance, and a more compact, user-friendly design.

Plus, the GoPro MAX still holds a relatively high price tag for what it offers, which makes it less appealing compared to more modern and feature-packed alternatives like the Insta360 X4

GoPro MAX — Waterproof 360 + Traditional Camera with Touch Screen Spherical 5.6K30 HD Video 16.6MP 360 Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
  • Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot...
  • Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture...
  • Live Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live...

 

GoPro HERO 12 vs GoPro MAX: In-Depth Look


 In this section, we’ll take a head-to-head look at the GoPro Hero 13 vs GoPro MAX:

Design

The GoPro Hero 13 measures 72 x 51 x 34 mm and weighs 154g, making it compact and rugged for action-packed activities. In comparison, the GoPro MAX is bulkier at 69 x 48 x 25 mm and 154g, due to its dual-lens system for 360° footage.

GoPro waterproof underwater

Waterproof Capabilities

The Hero 13 can be submerged up to 10 meters, while the MAX is limited to 5 meters, making the Hero 13 more suitable for deeper water activities like diving without needing additional housing.

GOPRO HERO MAX

Field of View (FOV)

The Hero 13 offers a FOV up to 177° when using accessories like the Max Lens Mod 2.0 and Ultra Wide Lens. The GoPro MAX has an impressive 360° FOV for spherical video, but with Hero 13’s wide lens options, you get a similar immersive experience with better stabilization.

Photo and Video Quality

The Hero 13 delivers crisp 27MP photos and can record in 5.3K at 60fps, while the GoPro MAX takes 16.6MP photos and shoots 5.6K at 30fps in 360° mode. The Hero 13 has the edge with higher video and photo resolutions, perfect for detailed captures.

gopro hero 13 magnetic mount

Mounting System

The Hero 13 introduces a magnetic mounting system, making setup quicker and more secure, especially with accessories. The MAX relies on traditional GoPro mounts but lacks the magnetic ease of the Hero 13.

Sound Quality

The GoPro MAX excels with its six-microphone array, providing 360-degree audio, which is more immersive for VR and 360° content. The Hero 13, with its three microphones, still captures great sound but focuses more on standard action video use.

gopro hero 13 black battery

Battery Life

The Hero 13 uses the Enduro battery, providing up to 2.5 hours of use, while the GoPro MAX only offers around 1.5 hours, making the Hero 13 better for longer shoots.

gopro night lapse set up

Night Modes

The Hero 13 has advanced night modes such as Star Trails and Vehicle Light Trails, making it a better option for nighttime or creative low-light shots. The MAX lacks these specialized night modes, reducing its versatility in night photography.

gopro slow motion snowboarding

Slow Motion

The Hero 13 can capture 400fps at 720p and 120fps in 5.3K, offering a wide range of slow-motion capabilities. In contrast, the GoPro MAX is limited to 60fps, which restricts its slow-motion potential.

HyperSmooth Stabilization

The Hero 13’s HyperSmooth 6.0 offers unmatched stabilization across all types of footage. The MAX HyperSmooth is great for 360° video, but the Hero 13 delivers superior stabilization across more formats.

Price

The GoPro MAX is typically more affordable, but with fewer modern features, it’s starting to feel outdated, especially compared to the Hero 13, which is packed with the latest tech, higher resolutions, and better stabilization, justifying its higher price.

 

 

Which One Should You Get?


If you’re torn between the Hero 13 and GoPro Max right now, it’s a no-brainer—the Hero 13 all the way!

It offers unmatched ruggedness and HyperSmooth stabilization that blows everything else out of the water. Plus, the Hero 13 now comes with awesome new lens options like the macro and Ultra-Wide 177-degree lenses.

However, if you’re focused on 360-degree shooting, I’d suggest either waiting for the Max 2 or getting an Insta360, which really excels in that category.

More comparisons you might find interesting:

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about the GoPro HERO 13 vs GoPro MAX  🙂

 

Sharing is Caring ❤️

If you found this article useful, please share it on social media with your family and friends!


Related Articles: