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GoPro MAX2vsGoPro HERO13 Black: Which to Buy
Deciding between these GoPro action cameras comes down to capture formats and cost. The MAX2 focuses on ultra-high-resolution 360-degree capture, while the HERO13 Black delivers traditional framing with higher slow-motion frame rates at a lower launch price of $399.99 USD compared to $499.99 USD.
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GoProBest for 8K 360-degree video capture
7of 16 specs better- MOST WINS
GoProBest for Traditional action shots and slow motion
9of 16 specs better
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Biggest differences
Waterproof depth
GoPro HERO13 Black leads
2×
higher is better
- GoPro MAX25 m
- GoPro HERO13 Black10 m
Max video bitrate
GoPro MAX2 leads
2.5×
higher is better
- GoPro MAX2300 Mbps
- GoPro HERO13 Black120 Mbps
Max frame rate
GoPro HERO13 Black leads
2.4×
higher is better
- GoPro MAX2100 fps
- GoPro HERO13 Black240 fps
Depth
GoPro HERO13 Black leads
−31%
lower is better
- GoPro MAX248.7 mm
- GoPro HERO13 Black33.6 mm
Where each one wins
GoPro MAX2
- Aperture
- Max video resolution
- Max video bitrate
- Max photo resolution
- Width
- Battery capacity
- External microphone
GoPro HERO13 Black
- Launch price
- Sensor size
- Max frame rate at 4K
- Max frame rate
- Rear screen size
- Weight
- Height
- Depth
- Waterproof depth
What both have
- Video codecsHEVC
- Color bit depth10-bit
- Log profile✓
- Image stabilizationIn-camera
- Horizon lock✓
- Rear touchscreen✓
- Removable battery✓
- Memory card slot✓
- GPSBuilt-in
- Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6
- Live streaming resolution1080p
Every spec
Red marks the better value in each row.
| Spec | GoPro MAX2 | GoPro HERO13 Black |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Release date | 2025-09 | 2024-09 |
| Launch price | 499.99 USD | 399.99 USD |
| Sensor & lens | ||
| Sensor size | 0.43 in | 0.53 in |
| Aperture | 1.8 f | 2.5 f |
| Field of view | Not published | 156 °1 |
| Video | ||
| Max video resolution | 8K | 5.3K |
| Max frame rate at 4K | 100 fps | 120 fps2 |
| Max frame rate | 100 fps | 240 fps3 |
| Max video bitrate | 300 Mbps4 | 120 Mbps |
| Video codecs | HEVC | HEVC |
| Color bit depth | 10-bit | 10-bit5 |
| Log profile | Yes | Yes |
| HDR video | Not published | Yes6 |
| Time-lapse modes | Time-lapse, night-lapse, star trails, light painting | Hyperlapse |
| Pre-recording | Not published | Yes |
| Max digital zoom | Not published | 2 x |
| Photo | ||
| Max photo resolution | 29 MP | 27.13 MP |
| RAW photos | Not published | Yes |
| Stabilization | ||
| Image stabilization | In-camera | In-camera |
| Horizon lock | Yes | Yes |
| Screens | ||
| Rear screen size | 1.82 in | 2.27 in |
| Front screen size | Not published | 1.4 in |
| Rear screen brightness | Not published | Not published |
| Rear touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Front touchscreen | Not published | No |
| Body & durability | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 159 g7 |
| Width | 64 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Height | 69.7 mm | 50.8 mm |
| Depth | 48.7 mm | 33.6 mm |
| Waterproof depth | 5 m | 10 m |
| Waterproof depth with case | Not published | 60 m |
| Min operating temperature | Not published | -10 °C |
| Max operating temperature | Not published | 35 °C |
| Battery | ||
| Battery capacity | 1,960 mAh | 1,900 mAh |
| Claimed max recording time | Not published | 150 min8 |
| Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
| Claimed recording time at 4K | Not published | 90 min9 |
| Storage | ||
| Built-in storage | Not published | 0 GB |
| Memory card slot | Yes | Yes |
| Max memory card size | 1,024 GB | Not published |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Live streaming resolution | 1080p10 | 1080p |
| Audio | ||
| External microphone | Built-in11 | Accessory12 |
Notes on 12 values — test conditions and caveats
- 1GoPro HERO13 Black, Field of view: The widest 156° view is in the full-sensor 8:7 mode; other aspect ratios are narrower.
- 2GoPro HERO13 Black, Max frame rate at 4K: 4K at 120 fps is in the 16:9 aspect ratio; the full-sensor 8:7 4K mode tops out at a lower frame rate.
- 3GoPro HERO13 Black, Max frame rate: 240 fps is the top continuous rate; Burst Slo-Mo goes higher but only records 15-second clips at 720p.
- 4GoPro MAX2, Max video bitrate: 300 Mbps recording needs the optional GoPro Labs firmware; out of the box the maximum is 120 Mbps.
- 5GoPro HERO13 Black, Color bit depth: 10-bit colour is available when recording at 4K and higher resolutions.
- 6GoPro HERO13 Black, HDR video: HDR video works only up to 5.3K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps, not in high-frame-rate modes.
- 7GoPro HERO13 Black, Weight: GoPro's figure includes the battery and the built-in mounting fingers; the camera weighs 125 g without the battery.
- 8GoPro HERO13 Black, Claimed max recording time: GoPro's claim is 'more than 2.5 hours' recording 1080p30 on the Enduro battery; 4K30 and 5.3K30 last about 1.5 hours.
- 9GoPro HERO13 Black, Claimed recording time at 4K: GoPro claims over 1.5 hours of continuous 4K30 recording on one Enduro battery.
- 10GoPro MAX2, Live streaming resolution: Live streaming on the Max2 requires a paid GoPro subscription.
- 11GoPro MAX2, External microphone: External mics pair directly over Bluetooth (e.g. AirPods); the body has no 3.5mm mic jack.
- 12GoPro HERO13 Black, External microphone: An external mic needs GoPro's Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, sold separately.
Video and Capture
The GoPro MAX2 reaches an 8K max video resolution and records up to a 300 Mbps max video bitrate with the optional GoPro Labs firmware, alongside 29 MP max photo resolution. In contrast, the GoPro HERO13 Black tops out at 5.3K video resolution and a 120 Mbps bitrate while capturing 27.13 MP photos.
For high-speed action, the HERO13 Black handles fast movement better with up to 240 fps max frame rate for continuous recording, whereas the MAX2 limits its top speed to 100 fps. The HERO13 Black also includes RAW photo support and HDR video for balancing high-contrast scenes.
Body, Handling, and Screens
The GoPro HERO13 Black weighs 159 g with its mounting fingers and battery, making it lighter than the 195 g GoPro MAX2. The HERO13 Black features a larger 2.27-inch rear screen compared to the 1.82-inch rear touchscreen on the MAX2, plus a 1.4-inch front screen.
For durability, the HERO13 Black offers a 10 m waterproof depth out of the box and reaches 60 m with an optional case, while the MAX2 provides a 5 m waterproof depth. The HERO13 Black also operates in temperatures down to -10 °C.
Audio and Power
The GoPro MAX2 pairs directly with external microphones over Bluetooth like AirPods without needing extra accessories. The GoPro HERO13 Black requires a separate Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter to attach an external microphone.
Power stats are close, with the MAX2 packing a 1,960 mAh battery against the 1,900 mAh cell in the HERO13 Black. The HERO13 Black claims up to 150 minutes of recording time and 90 minutes specifically at 4K.
The Verdict
Buy the GoPro MAX2 if you want 8K resolution and direct Bluetooth mic pairing. Buy the GoPro HERO13 Black if you need high continuous frame rates, a lighter body, and a lower price.
Where to buy
GoPro MAX2
Best for 8K 360-degree video capture
GoPro HERO13 Black
Best for Traditional action shots and slow motion
FAQ
Can I record RAW photos on both cameras?
Only the GoPro HERO13 Black supports RAW photos, while that spec is not published for the GoPro MAX2.
Do both cameras include built-in GPS?
Yes, both the GoPro MAX2 and GoPro HERO13 Black feature built-in GPS.
Which camera has a larger memory card capacity?
The GoPro MAX2 supports memory cards up to 1,024 GB, whereas the maximum card size for the GoPro HERO13 Black is not published.
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