GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5, comparison of 360° underwater cameras

Comparison of the Two Titans of Immersive 360° Imagery: GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5

The action camera market has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from linear capture tools to immersive devices capable of recording the entire environment. This evolution has been driven by 360° cameras, which offer the freedom to “shoot first, frame later.” This unique capability is especially advantageous for dynamic and unpredictable activities like underwater diving, where action can happen in any direction. Rather than being limited to a narrow field of view, the user can capture their entire underwater surroundings, ensuring that no crucial moment is missed.

In this emerging domain, two major players stand out: the Insta360 X5 and the highly anticipated GoPro Max 2. The Insta360 X5 is already an established presence on the market, recognized for its 8K video performance and mature software ecosystem. On the other side, the GoPro Max 2 is a product that has sparked much speculation, with a “confirmed” release slated for 2025. This confrontation is not just a simple comparison of specs; it represents a battle for supremacy in the 360° camera segment, and the demanding world of underwater diving is a relevant proving ground.

It is essential to emphasize that the nature of the information used for this analysis is varied. The report relies on official specifications and real user feedback for the Insta360 X5, which is already commercially available. For the GoPro Max 2, however, the data comes primarily from preliminary announcements that have not yet been confirmed by real-world testing. This disparity in information is accounted for throughout the report to maintain an objective perspective and to distinguish what is verified from what is speculative.

Technical Comparison (Insta360 X5 vs GoPro Max 2)

Launch Dates and Pricing Positioning

The Insta360 X5 is already available on the market, giving it an immediate advantage in user feedback and established ecosystem presence. The GoPro Max 2, on the other hand, is currently in pre‑order. Rumors of GoPro’s product launches suggest a possible release as early as September 2025, consistent with the company’s traditional release schedule for flagship models.

A key element in this confrontation is pricing. The GoPro Max 2 has a slightly lower price than the Insta360 X5, with a cost of around €519.99 for the GoPro versus €589.99 for the Insta360. This difference of about thirty euros is not insignificant. It suggests a deliberate GoPro strategy to compete not on raw performance, but on perceived value for the consumer. By offering a more affordable option, GoPro could aim to attract budget-conscious customers or existing GoPro users looking to explore 360° video without bearing the higher cost of the Insta360. It’s a strategic approach to regain market share and broaden the user base, acknowledging the maturity and strength of the Insta360 offering in this segment.

Key Specifications: Resolution, Sensor, and Image Quality

In terms of specifications, the Insta360 X5 is a powerful device. It enables capturing 360° video in 8K at 30 frames per second (fps) and offers slow-motion options at 5.7K at 60 fps and 4K at 100 fps. It is equipped with a 1/2‑inch sensor and an aperture of f/1.9, allowing it to capture a significant amount of light, and it can take 72-megapixel photos.

The specifications of the GoPro Max 2 seem designed to directly compete with the market leader. Leaks indicate a "True 8K" video resolution and a 29-megapixel sensor, with some sources suggesting that the Max 2’s video quality might have a "slight advantage" over the X5.

However, a simple comparison of resolution numbers does not tell the whole story, especially for underwater applications. A high resolution on a small sensor can produce digital noise, a major problem in diving where light is limited. Additionally, capturing in 8K may cause overheating, as has been observed with the Insta360 X5, which may automatically stop recording if the temperature rises too much. The Max 2 could potentially address this with an “improved cooling system” mentioned in some sources. For divers, noise handling and low-light performance are more important than maximum resolution. The X5’s f/1.9 aperture gives it a theoretical advantage in capturing more light than previous GoPro models. The efficiency of image processing algorithms (GoPro’s new GP3 chip vs. Insta360’s AI 5nm chip) becomes a more relevant criterion than raw resolution numbers.

Battery Life

Battery life is a critical factor for divers. The Insta360 X5 is equipped with a 2290 mAh battery, offering up to 208 minutes of recording in 5.7K at 30 fps, a 67% increase compared to its predecessor. For the GoPro Max 2, rumors mention a “larger battery” and an “improved cooling system,” suggesting enhanced autonomy though exact figures are not yet available.

Durability is also an essential aspect. The GoPro Max 2 is described as “rugged and durable” with replaceable lenses. The Insta360 X5, meanwhile, features removable lens protections that have already proven themselves helpful in saving the camera from permanent scratches.

What Matters for the Diver: Underwater Capabilities and Dedicated Ecosystem

Native Waterproofing and Dive Housing

For a diver, waterproofing and protection are primary concerns. The Insta360 X5 is inherently waterproof up to 15 meters depth, making it suitable for swimming or snorkeling. However, for scuba diving, the official dive housing is an absolute necessity. Priced at €119.99, the “Invisible Dive Case” enables depth up to 60 meters. It’s important to note that this housing is not just a protective accessory; it’s optically engineered to account for light refraction under water and prevent stitching errors, i.e. incorrect merging of the two images captured by the lenses.

The GoPro Max 2 is rumored to be waterproof up to 5 meters natively. This capacity is lower than that of the Insta360 X5 and makes use of a dive housing even more critical. The absence of an official dive housing for the original GoPro Max was a major frustration for divers, who had to rely on third‑party solutions of varying quality and reliability. A diving instructor even expressed disappointment about the inability to film 360° underwater with the prior model. The diving community eagerly awaits an official dive housing for the Max 2. Insta360 has already addressed this expectation with a dive housing design that counters refraction and stitching issues, and the GoPro Max 2 must deliver something equally reliable to be a viable underwater 360° option.

Underwater Image Quality and Color Rendering

User and diver feedback on the Insta360 X5 is generally positive regarding underwater image quality. The Insta360 mobile app includes an automatic color correction mode called “AquaVision 3.0”, which uses AI to correct dominant blue and cyan tones, making underwater colors more vibrant and true to life. Some divers have noted that colors remain impressive down to about 12 meters depth. Additionally, the invisible dive housing for the Insta360 compensates for light refraction, preventing optical distortion. Nevertheless, some users have reported noise and suboptimal image quality under low-light conditions, a challenge the camera has not fully overcome yet.

GoPro’s philosophy has traditionally been different. GoPro cameras often require use of external color filters or intensive post-production to correct the color and contrast loss that occurs underwater. This divergence in image processing reflects a difference in target audience: Insta360 aims at the content creator who wants a simple solution and “ready-to-publish” results for social media, whereas GoPro addresses the videographer who wants full control over color grading and adjustments in post. For the recreational diver, the Insta360 solution is more intuitive and demands fewer technical skills, significantly reducing processing time and the learning curve.

Stitching Issues and Image Noise

Light refraction is a physical phenomenon that poses a unique problem for 360° cameras under water. Without a specialized housing, light bending from water to air through bulging lenses can cause pronounced stitching errors, where the two images do not align correctly. Insta360’s dive housing is optically designed to counter this issue. However, even with this accessory, some users have reported stitching flaws and surface reflections in certain conditions. One user even reported that the underwater video of the X5 was grainier than the previous model, the X3, and sometimes “unusable” in low-light conditions.

GoPro Max 2’s new GP3 processor could potentially improve noise handling and low-light performance, but this information remains speculative and must be verified via real-world tests.

User Experience and Software Ecosystem

Stability

Video stabilization is one of the pillars of action video. Insta360 uses its “FlowState” stabilization, while GoPro employs “HyperSmooth.” Though both are considered excellent, some sources suggest that the stabilization of the Insta360 X5 could be “slightly inferior” to that of the Max 2.

However, the true advantage of a 360° camera lies in post-production, since framing is not fixed at capture time. The Insta360 app is widely praised for its ease of use and AI tools. Features like “FlashCut” allow automatic video montage creation, and the re-framing tools are extremely intuitive. A particularly relevant feature for divers is integration with Suunto dive watch data. It enables automatic display of metrics such as depth, dive duration, and water temperature in the video, turning a simple recording into an interactive dive log. The GoPro Quik app also offers automatic editing features and syncing with music, but does not appear to include tools as specialized and integrated for diving.

This divergence illustrates a fundamental difference in approach between the two companies. Insta360 holds an advantage by providing software features that solve diving-specific problems. The ability to synchronize depth or temperature data directly into the video from a dive watch turns a simple recording into an enriched viewing experience. These features aren’t mere gimmicks; they add a layer of analysis and authenticity that sets the Insta360 X5 apart and makes it a more specialized and attractive tool for diver‑videographers.

Accessories and Complementarity

The concept of the “invisible selfie stick” is a flagship feature that enables third‑person shots and drone‑like effects underwater without any visible accessory in the frame. It’s a major creative advantage for the Insta360 X5. Rumors suggest the GoPro Max 2 will also support this effect and add a standard ¼″ thread on its base for increased compatibility with other brands’ accessories. The existing GoPro accessory ecosystem is vast, with numerous mounts and attachments, though less specialized in 360° underwater diving than Insta360’s offering.

Which Camera for Which Diver?

The choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s profile. For the diver who is also a content creator and wants to quickly produce immersive and engaging videos for social media, the Insta360 X5 is the most reliable and obvious choice. Its mature software ecosystem, AI features, proven dive housing, and integration of diving data make it a comprehensive, “ready‑to‑use” solution for creating immersive content.

For the diver traditionally loyal to the GoPro brand, choosing the GoPro Max 2 is riskier and speculative. Such a decision is based on trusting the brand and the promise of future performance. The report should stress that buying the Max 2 only makes sense if GoPro releases an official, high‑performance dive housing—something the original Max lacked, which severely limited its underwater 360° capabilities.