Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max: Is GoPro Losing?
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
360 cameras are the future of video capture. They don't only offer immersive footage, but also allow for greater flexibility with post-production reframing and editing. It is especially valuable for content creators, as they can now produce multiple videos for various social media platforms with a single 360 footage instead of taking multiple videos purposed for different platforms.
Insta360 X4 and GoPro Max are two of the leading 360 cameras on the market. Both cameras offer impressive features, but there are key differences that make one a better choice over the other depending on the user's needs and preferences. Let's examine both cameras in detail and find out which one is the better choice for you!
Key Takeaways
Insta360 X4 is generally winning over GoPro Max in terms of video and photo quality, more comprehensive features, and longer battery life. However, GoPro Max has more microphones for better audio capture and supports live streaming, which the X4 doesn't support.
Insta360 X4
The Ultimate 360 Camera
✓ 8K + 72 MP 360 Capture
✓ 4K Single-lens Footage
✓ Water & Winter Sports Friendly
✓ 135 min Runtime
GoPro Max
More Affordable 360 Camera
✓ 5.6K + 16.6 MP 360 Capture
✓ 1440p Single-lens Footage
✓ Live Streaming
✓ Premium 360 Audio from 6 Mics
#1 Price
GoPro Max
Released in April 2024, the Insta360 X4 is the latest flagship model of Insta360's 360 cameras lineup, so it comes at a hefty price tag of US$499.99.
GoPro Max also retails at US$499.99 when it was first released in October 2019. However, being quite an old model, the GoPro Max can now be found at a lower price point of US$399.99. It is the exact same price that the previous generation Insta360 X3 is currently being sold for.
Read also: Insta360 X3 vs GoPro Max
#2 Design, Display, & Durability
Insta360 X4
Both cameras are compact and portable, but the Insta360 X4 has a candy bar-like design that is slightly larger than GoPro Max's square form factor. This is because the X4 boasts a larger touch display at 2.5", while the GoPro Max has a smaller 1.7" touch display. A larger screen makes viewing and controlling the camera much easier, which gives the Insta360 X4 an advantage over the GoPro Max.
In terms of durability, the Insta360 X4 has another advantage. The lenses are made of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, and the included removable Lens Guard adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and impacts.
The Insta360 X4 is also waterproof to 10m and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C. Meanwhile, the GoPro Max is only waterproof to 5m and has a more limited temperature range of 10°C to 35°C. That means, GoPro Max is not suitable for winter sports like the Insta360 X4.
GoPro Max
Another difference worth noting is their mounting mechanism. While the Insta360 X4 has a 1/4 screw hole for mounting, GoPro Max uses its built-in folding fingers to attach to various mounts and accessories. As long as you use the mounting accessories from the respective brands, both cameras will work seamlessly.
However, I personally think that the mounting mechanism of the Insta360 X4 is much easier and quicker. I only need to screw in the camera to a compatible accessory. With GoPro's folding fingers, I would need to unfold them, attach the included mounting buckle to the finger, secure them with the included thumb screw, then mount the camera to the accessory.
#3 Video & Photo Quality
Insta360 X4
In terms of video and photo quality, the Insta360 X4 is a better choice. It supports up to 8K resolution for 360 videos, 4K for single-lens videos, and 72 MP for photos. Meanwhile, the GoPro Max is limited to 5.6K for 360 videos, 1440p for single-lens videos, and 16.6 MP for photos.
Insta360 X4 also supports HDR mode for videos and photos, while GoPro Max has no HDR. HDR improves image quality by capturing a wider dynamic range, resulting in better details in both highlights and shadows. It helps especially in high-contrast scenes, such as when shooting outdoors with bright skies, during sunrise, or sunsets.
In terms of low-light performance, the X4 is also winning. Its larger 1/2” image sensor and improved image processing algorithms allow it to capture better quality footage in dimly lit environments compared to the GoPro Max with a 1/2.3" sensor.
#4 Audio Quality
Insta360 X4
As 360 cameras, both the Insta360 X4 and GoPro Max can capture 360 audio that matches the immersive video footage. That means, the audio will adjust to the viewer's perspective as they explore the 360-degree video.
Both cameras also support wind reduction to improve the audio quality when recording outdoors. However, the Insta360 X4 features an Active Wind Reduction for more effective noise cancellation during high-wind conditions.
The GoPro Max features 6 microphones, which is more than the 4 microphones that the Insta360 X4 offers. More microphones can potentially capture more detailed and immersive 360-degree audio.
#5 Features
GoPro Max
Both cameras support reframing, so you can capture a 360-degree video and then choose the best angle or viewpoint during post-production. You can do this with the Insta360 mobile app or Insta360 Studio for the X4, or use the Quik app in both mobile or desktop for the GoPro Max.
These tools also allow offer various editing features, but the Insta360 app is generally more robust than GoPro's Quik app. Its free AI-powered editing features make it easier to produce creative professional-looking videos. For example, Sky Swap automatically replaces the sky in your footage, while Deep Track intelligently focuses on the subject and keeps them centered in the frame.
Insta360 X4
Both camera also support the Invisible Selfie Stick, which is a feature that allows you to use a selfie stick to take videos without it showing up in the footage. However, the Insta360 offers an Extended Invisible Selfie Stick at 3m length, which enables drone-like aerial shots. Meanwhile, GoPro's longest selfie stick accessory (Extension Pole) only extends up to 48 inches (122 cm), so the Insta360 X4 provides more flexibility for aerial and creative shots.
In addition, the Insta360 X4 offers many more features, such as Pre-Recording, Cancel Recording, Voice Control, Gesture Control, Auto Dash to use as a dashcam for motorcycles, Stats Dashboard to overlay data from compatible Garmin devices or Apple Watch, and more. However, the X4 doesn't support live streaming, a feature that the GoPro Max offers.
#6 Battery Life
Insta360 X4
With a large battery capacity of 2290 mAh, the Insta360 X4 can capture up to 135 minutes of 5.7K video on a single charge, outperforming the GoPro Max's 80 minutes of approximated battery life with its 1600 mAh battery.
Despite its larger battery capacity, the Insta360 X4 also charges quickly. You can get a full charge in 55 minutes or reach 80% in just 38 minutes. The GoPro Max, on the other hand, takes about 3 hours to fully charge, which is over 3 times longer than the Insta360 X4.
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max
Final Thoughts
GoPro Max
Insta360 X4 is winning over the GoPro Max in various aspects: video and photo quality, more comprehensive features, longer battery life, and an easier mounting system. However, it comes at a hefty price tag.
Despite losing on many aspects, the GoPro Max is cheaper and has a slight advantage with its more compact form, more microphones for better audio capture, and live streaming capability.
Ultimately, the choice between the Insta360 X4 and GoPro Max will depend on your specific needs and budget.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 X2 vs X4
Insta360 X3 vs X4
Insta360 X4 vs Ace Pro
Insta360 X4 vs ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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