Experts recommend GoPro Hero 9 Black more than GoPro Max
As of 15 Jan 2025, experts prefer GoPro Hero 9 Black over GoPro Max, but both Action Cameras have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, GoPro Hero 9 Black received 2 recommendations: from Camera Jabber (1 Oct 2022) and T3 (1 Jan 2025). By contrast, GoPro Max received only 1 recommendation from PCMag (22 Nov 2024).
| Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera | PCMag  | WIRED  | Camera Jabber  | Tom's Guide  | Wirecutter  | Popular Science  | T3  | TechRadar  | Digital Camera World  | Pocket-lint  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | - | $286 |  GoPro Hero 9 Black The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for capturing action-packed footage and creating high-quality videos. | - | - | 11 | - | - | - | 7 | - | - | - |
| 19 | N/A | $850 |  GoPro Max The GoPro Max is a highly recommended 360-degree camera that offers excellent video quality, image stabilization, and durability, making it ideal for capturing immersive footage in action-packed scenarios or for creating virtual reality content. | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Action Video Cameras ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 1 Oct 2022 Camera Jabber ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black as #11
Rank Action Camera ... ... #11 out of 17 GoPro Hero 9 Black ... ... Source: camerajabber.com - On 1 Jan 2025 T3 ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black as #7
Rank Action Camera Comment ... ... ... #7 out of 9 GoPro Hero 9 Black Best budget GoPro action camera... ... ... Source: www.t3.com - On 22 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked GoPro Max as #6
Rank Action Camera Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 8 GoPro Max Best Audio in a 360 Cam... ... ... Source: www.pcmag.com
After counting and adding up the 79 expert endorsements of the January rankings, GoPro Hero 9 Black outranks GoPro Max. This is not to say that GoPro Max is a bad option. Like GoPro Hero 9 Black, it is recommended by experts, but less.
As can be seen below, GoPro Hero 9 Black is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while GoPro Max is not.
| Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera | PCMag | WIRED | Camera Jabber | Tom's Guide | Wirecutter | Popular Science | T3 | TechRadar | Digital Camera World | Pocket-lint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | $319 |  GoPro Hero12 Black The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings. | 2 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | - | - | 1 |
| 2 | - | $349 |  DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | - |
| 3 | - | $500 |  GoPro Hero13 Black | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | - |
| 4 | - | Check price |  Insta360 X4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 3
| - | 2 | 5 | 3 | - |
| Show all rows | |||||||||||||
Expert reviews [39]
Total expert reviews: 39
- with a score: 20
- without a score: 19
| Highest score by The Verge | 320 |
| Average score based on 39 reviews | 108 |
| Lowest score by gadgets360.com | 80 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
Expert reviews [26]
Total expert reviews: 26
- with a score: 16
- without a score: 10
| Highest score by The Verge | 440 |
| Average score based on 26 reviews | 106 |
| Lowest score by Digital Trends | 70 |
Score distribution:
| 80-100 | |
| 60-80 | |
| 40-60 | |
| 20-40 | |
| 0-20 |
From Seller:
- 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in
- 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto - Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And with SuperPhoto, HERO 9 Black can automatically pick all the best image processing for you
- Read more
From Seller:
- 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 a front-facing screen
- Read more
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