GoPro cameras have monopolized the action camera market for years, but that’s changing. Companies are starting to produce better quality cameras at lower prices than GoPro, forcing them to step up their game.

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The GoPro Max and Hero 11 are two of the newest models in this fight, each with unique features that make them stand out from their competitors. This guide will highlight the differences between the GoPro Max and Hero 11 so you can decide which one is right for you.

Let’s get started and compare these two action cameras!

GoPro Max vs. Hero 11: A Side-by-Side Comparison

6 Must-Know Facts About the GoPro Max and Hero 11

  • The GoPro Max, costing approximately $499.99, is a far more user-friendly 360-degree action camera than the Fusion, the company’s first model.

  • The software tools for working with 360-degree video are much better now, twin memory cards are unnecessary, and the camera features a touch screen making it convenient to change the settings.

  • The Max can record 360-degree video at 5.6K total spherical resolution at 30 frames per second; actually, it can record at an astonishing 6K, converted to 5.6K after stitching together the two video streams.

  • GoPro Max was launched in October 2019, and GoPro Hero 11 was launched in September 2022.

  • The GoPro Hero 11 and GoPro Max are waterproof, but the Hero 11 can go up to 10 meters at a maximum, and GoPro Max can only go up to 5 meters.

  • The Hero 11 and Max have a higher battery video runtime of 137 minutes and 105 minutes, respectively.

GoPro Max vs. Hero 11: What’s the Difference?

The GoPro Hero 11 and the GoPro Max are today’s most popular action cameras. There are many factors to consider when deciding which is best suited for your needs, including size, design, durability, weight, price, battery life, and waterproofing. Let’s break it down below.

Size 

The Hero 11 has a smaller form factor, making it more comfortable to wear around the neck or wrist or clip onto your helmet while mountain biking or snowboarding. The GoPro Max has a more significant form factor that can stand up better against harsher conditions like high winds, heavy rains, and dirtier environments like bike trails or hiking trips. 

Durability

It’s everyone’s joy to own a durable camera. These action cams have some water resistance ability but vary in how well they withstand impacts from hard surfaces like rocks or cement walls. The GoPro Max stands up much better to these types of drops. It also has an updated display that is easier to see in direct sunlight and underwater due to its brighter screen.

Waterproof Case

Having a waterproof case for your camera is a plus because it will play a big role in its durability. While the GoPro Max and the GoPro Hero 11 are both equipped with waterproof cases, it’s important to note that only the GoPro Max has a waterproof case that can dive as deep as 5 meters. The GoPro Hero 11’s waterproof case can reach up to 10 meters below sea level.

Battery Life

The GoPro Max‘s battery video runtime can last up to 105 minutes, while the Hero 11 lasts up to 137 minutes. Although the GoPro Max doesn’t have as much battery life as the Hero 11, this may be due to its slightly larger screen and additional features. Also, their battery capacity is different. The GoPro Max‘s battery capacity is 1600 mAh, and the Hero 11 towers above it at 1720 mAh.

Price

Everyone will always consider their budget before adding a product to a cart. The GoPro Max costs $499.99, and the Hero 11 costs $499.99, so they are even in price. But, key differences like bit rate and megapixels might make one a better choice than the other, depending on what you plan to do with your action camera. 

Weight

It is always important to consider the weight of your camera. The lighter the camera, the more portable it is. The GoPro Max weighs around 164 relatively light grams. The Hero 11 weighs 153 grams which makes it lighter than the GoPro Max.

  • Three Cameras in One: Maximize your creative freedom. With MAX you can shoot traditional Hero-style video and photos or capture immersive 360 footage. Vlog to the max with shotgun-mic performance and…Max HyperSmooth: MAX gives you unbreakable stabilization by using 180-degree capture as the ultimate bufferLive Streaming in 1080p: Shoot in HERO mode and share while you’re there. Live stream in 1080p on social, get Max HyperSmooth stabilization as you broadcast via the GoPro app and save footage to…Horizon Leveling: In HERO mode, game-changing horizon leveling gives you that silky-smooth cinematic look whether you’re getting sideways, flipping through the air or chasing your kidsPowerPano: Pano without the pan. Take incredible 270-degree distortion-free panoramic photos without having to scan the horizon. Take PowerPano selfies, action shots and vertical pics—all with a…

  • Revolutionary New Image Sensor: expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera out of the box. This gives you an extra-large canvas for your creativity by capturing more of the sky and horizon in every…Unbelievable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO11 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image…High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate: HERO11 Black’s new image sensor boosts photo resolution up to an incredible 27MP while delivering 5.3K60 video with amazingly fluid motion that you can use…Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth Stabilization: HyperSmooth has never been better. And now it’s won a huge award for its insanely smooth footage—a 2021 Emmy for In- Camera Sensor and Software…What’s Included: HERO11 Black Camera, Enduro Battery, Carrying Case, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable

Also, their dimensions differ, so that is why the Hero 11 is lighter. The GoPro Max measures 2.7mm x 2.5mm x 1.6 inches, while Hero 11 measures 2.79mm x 2.16mm x 1.32 Inches.

Pros and Cons of the GoPro Max

Pros and Cons of the GoPro Hero 11

GoPro Max vs. Hero 11: Which One is Better?

It’s a headache for most users to figure out whether the GoPro Max or Hero 11 is better. The GoPro Max and Hero 11 are currently hitting the headlines, with both products tabling unique features to users. Both cameras are effective and serve the intended purpose.

The Hero 11 will be on top of the list regarding battery lifespan. When it comes to using a camera in dusty and windy areas, the GoPro Max will be ideal.

All these features are essential, but when you sum up all the advantages and usage, the Hero 11 will stand out. The Hero 11 will offer you some of the features lacking in the GoPro Max. For example, its megapixels are higher at 27 than the GoPro Max, which offers 16.6 megapixels.

Also, the Hero 11 weighs 153 grams, less than the 164 grams of the GoPro Max. This weight makes it easy for the user to move around with the camera and carry it without struggle. Additionally, the battery capacity of the Hero 11 is 1730 mAh, which is higher than the 1600 mAh of the GoPro Max.

So, going for the Hero 11 will likely be better due to its higher capacities for resolution and battery.

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