Verdict
Head-to-head · Best 360 Cameras

DJI Osmo 360 vs GoPro Max 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

DJI Osmo 360 and GoPro Max 2 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

DJI Osmo 360
Ranked #4 in Best 360 Cameras
DJI Osmo 360
3 sources$389as of Aug 1

The DJI Osmo 360 is a remarkable debut that challenges the category leaders on its first try. A large square sensor gives it the best low-light 360 image quality here, it shoots 8K/50p with 120MP stills, and its battery life is class-leading, all at a price that undercuts the Insta360 X5. The caveats: weaker audio, slightly softer stabilization, and non-replaceable lenses.

Strengths
  • Large square 1-inch-class sensor delivers the best low-light 360 image quality of the group
  • 8K/50p 360 capture plus 120MP stills and a generous 105GB of built-in storage
  • Phenomenal battery life, the best of any 360 camera tested
Watch-outs
  • Weaker internal audio than the Insta360 X5
  • Stabilization is slightly less competent than the X5's FlowState
  • Lenses are not user-replaceable, unlike the X5 and Max 2
GoPro Max 2
Ranked #3 in Best 360 Cameras
GoPro Max 2
4 sources$299as of Aug 1

The GoPro Max 2 is the 360 camera for pros and daylight action shooters. Bright-light image quality is the best in the category, and it adds true 8K with 10-bit Log for serious post-production alongside GoPro's rugged build and unmatched mounting ecosystem. It loses ground in low light and is waterproof to only 5m, which limits night and underwater work.

Strengths
  • Best bright-daylight image quality of the current small 360 cameras
  • True 8K capture with 10-bit color and Log for maximum post-production flexibility
  • Tool-free replaceable lenses and the best built-in mounting options in the category
Watch-outs
  • Low-light performance trails the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360
  • Waterproof to only 5m, far less than the X5 and Osmo 360 at 15m
  • Tool-free lenses can suffer condensation when conditions change rapidly

How they stack up

DJI Osmo 360

Leads the Insta360 X5 and GoPro Max 2 in the darkest low-light scenes thanks to its larger square sensor, and undercuts the X5 on price, but loses to the X5 on audio and stabilization. Unlike the X5 and Max 2 its lenses are not user-replaceable. Far more capable for action and low-light video than the photo-focused Ricoh Theta X.

GoPro Max 2

Has the best daylight image quality in this group, beating the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360 in ideal light, but loses to both in low light and is waterproof to only 5m versus their 15m. Far more rugged and action-focused than the Ricoh Theta X, and a major upgrade over the original Max that preceded the Insta360 X4 era.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDJI Osmo 360GoPro Max 2
Capture8K/50p 360 videoTrue 8K 360 video
SensorSquare 1-inch-classDual 1/1.28-inch
Photo120MP 360 stills29MP 360 stills
Storage105GB built-inmicroSD expandable
Waterproof15m without housing5m without housing
BatteryClass-leading, shared Osmo Action cellsLong-life removable
AudioBuilt-in mics + DJI Mic 2 support6-mic array
StabilizationRockSteady + 360 horizon lockHyperSmooth + 360 horizon lock
Single-lens mode5K/60p4K/60p
Video8K/30p or 6K/24p8K/30p or 4K/60p 360
StitchingReal-time in-camera, no processingReal-time in-camera, no processing
Display2.0-inch touchscreen2.25-inch touchscreen
Color10-bit, GP-Log
LensesReplaceable (tool-free)
MountingBuilt-in folding fingers
CustomizationGoPro Labs firmware
EcosystemGoPro mounts and accessories
Reframed outputUp to 2.7K flat
BodyMagnesium alloy with built-in GPS
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