The best GoPro is, without a doubt, the latest edition – the GoPro Hero 11 Black – however, all its fancy features might be overboard for what you need and you can save yourself a pretty penny by investing in an older model. Every GoPro since the GoPro Hero 6 features Rocksteady stabilization so even if you go back four generations you can be sure your footage will still be pretty smooth.
If you're just shooting videos to share on social media, you probably won't need the 5.3K resolution offered on the Hero 10. If you can settle for 4K which still looks amazing, you can spend the money you would save on some of the best GoPro accessories such as a chest mount, a 3-way arm, or even the GoPro Fetch which you can attach to your pet.
One of the main benefits of GoPro's is how durable they are. For action and adventure sports fans, investing in a camera that can withstand rough and tumble is sensible. After all, the last thing you want is to break your camera a couple of days into a climbing, skiing, or cycling holiday. Since GoPros are shockproof and waterproof they're ideal for all terrains, while the Rocksteady stabilization is getting better and better with each new version.
The best GoPro camera for you might differ from the best GoPro camera for someone else. Size matters, for a start (see below), plus GoPro also makes some of the best 360 cameras that enable you to capture video with an entirely different perspective.
GoPro's are without a doubt some of the best waterproof and underwater cameras you can buy and many of them are waterproof down to a whopping 10 meters (if you do need to go deeper the Nikon Coolpix W300 can reach 30 metres!)
While GoPro's are mostly aimed to be used for sports and action, they are also great cameras for vloggers, content creators, or even just someone who wants to be able to record their holiday hands-free using the various mounts available. We've also included one in our best YouTube cameras guide which goes to show how versatile they really are.
A few of GoPro's older models have now been discontinued so if you want to get your hands on one earlier than a 7, eBay will be your best bet. The advantage of investing in an older model such as the Hero8 Black is that as new models are released, the previous ones get cheaper.
Now, without further ado, let's get to the cameras...
Top Picks
GoPro Hero 11 Black
Top of the product tree with high-end image stabilization and dual monitors for vlogging or image capture.
Hero 11 Black Mini
A compact body with no screens to crack saves a little weight (and worry) for dangerous sports fans.
GoPro Max
The 360-degree choice that keeps it in the GoPro family isn't a bad camera even though it's not as well known.
The best GoPro camera in 2023
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Despite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with upgraded hardware and software, it's a triumph on all fronts. The new, almost square sensor is supremely versatile, the camera's software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro's companion app, Quik has also been improved. With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and dark scenes, and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line.
The Hero 11 Black's 8:7 aspect ratio is also a standout highlight for content creators. Able to shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, its footage can be losslessly cropped to create new 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video.
On top of 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black captures 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at 240 fps. You can also grab 27MP stills from 5.3K video.
The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line's lowlight performance. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it's upgraded GoPro's offering in a meaningful way. Particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, nothing else can do quite what the 11 Black can.
Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review for more details
GoPro Subscription explained: what you get, and is it worth it
Like the GoPro Hero11 Black, but smaller. Yes, you probably got that from the name, but we have to do our duty. This camera brings all the specs of of its slightly bigger, heavier cousin to the table in a way which should be easier to pick up for extreme action sports fans and, perhaps, FPV drones. Very much in the tradition of the Hero Session, but with better attachments.
As with previous Mini editions, the sacrifice comes in the form of on-device displays. This camera has none, but it can still be operated using the phone-based Quick app, so if you're doing something "fire and forget" like mountain biking, why not? You still get excellent image stabilization of the action.
There is still a start/stop shutter button – it is only other settings you'll need granular control over and in these circumstances you're unlikely – certainly unwise – to be partaking of the sport you're attempting to document. The tiny housing also has brackets for the usual GoPro / sports camera accessories, so for many this might be the better choice.
Unfortunately for GoPro, the Hero Max has been slightly eclipsed by the options from Insta360, despite the fact it's actually a really good bit of kit. The GoPro Fusion was the original GoPro 360 camera but the Max benefits from some significant improvements such as 5.6K video in all directions making it a professional movie-making tool. It has four digital focal lengths, horizon leveling, HyperSmooth stabilization, and ProTune video editing software.
It doesn't have the same raw resolution as the Hero 8 but since it has so many other things going for it, we can let it slide. The GoPro Hero Max could even change how people Vlog and create YouTube videos – we just need more people to know about it first!
Read our full GoPro MAX review for more details
The GoPro Hero 10 might still be a little more than you need if you just want a helmet cam for safety purposes, but if you're looking for a camera that's going to record super-smooth high-quality video it's a good choice at the right discount.
It might look a lot like the GoPro Hero 9 but it is a pretty significant upgrade. It features the new G2 processor which makes the interface super responsive, doubles the frame rates, and fuels the best image stabilization tech available in action cameras.
The stand-out feature is its ability to record 5.3K 60p using GoPro's new HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization. It also has the ability to shoot 23-megapixel photos and it has the best low-light performance of any GoPro yet.
You can buy a wealth of accessories separately so as well as mounting it on your helmet, you could attach it to your chest, your head, or even onto one of the best selfie sticks.
Read more: GoPro Hero 10 Black review for more details
The most obvious difference between the GoPro Hero 8 and GoPro Hero 9 is the addition of a front-facing LCD screen. Now, if you use it mostly mounted to a helmet, your chest, or your handlebars you probably won't find it all that useful, however, if you're using it for vlogging, as a webcam, or for selfies it's a great addition.
It also boasts a 20-megapixel sensor and can shoot up to 5K video which might be a bit overkill but it's certainly nice to have! You can also capture 14.7-megapixel still grabs from the video which is ideal for sharing on social media.
The 2.27-inch rear screen is larger than that found on the Hero 8 black and its Hypersmooth 3.0 video stabilization has also benefitted from improvements. Thanks to its removable lens over, there's also the option to add a Max Lens Mod accessory to the GoPro Hero 9 Black which adds a few GoPro Max-style features such as 360-degree horizon lock and ultra-wide 155-degree Max SuperView mode. It's a fantastic bit of kit that will help you capture moments to remember in high definition.
Read our full GoPro Hero 9 review for more details
Despite now being surpassed, 2019’s GoPro model remains one of our favorite action cameras available. Sure, it doesn’t do 5K and it has an older image stabilization system, but like the Hero 9 Black, it has the mount built-in.
Like the Hero9 Black, you can accessorize the Hero8 Black with a series of bespoke optional extras called Mods; Media Mod improves the production value of your videos, Display Mod adds a second monitor that’s perfect for vloggers, and a Light Mod LED light adds illumination.
These add-ons cost you more, but if you’re looking for a good value action camera and you don’t need 5K or a front-facing screen, then the Hero8 Black is a great option.
Read our full GoPro Hero8 review for more details
Ok, so the GoPro Hero 7 might've been released in 2018 but it's still a pretty good camera. If you don't have the funds to fork out for the latest GoPro, it's worth considering an older model.
The GoPro Hero 7 was the first camera to feature GoPro's HyperSmooth stabilization which enables smooth, steady, handheld video. Before the GoPro 7, it was really hard to get usable footage and HyperSmooth has completely changed that.
You can create time-lapses while moving with TimeWarp and increase speed up to 30d for short, shareable clips. Considering its now four years old it still has some nifty features - but when found can be more expensive than more recent (and better) models.
Read more: GoPro Hero 7 vs 8 Black
Just launched, the GoPro Hero 10 Black Bones is a fully stripped-down FPV dedicated action cam, which shares most of its features with the GoPro Hero 10 Black. This FPV-focused drone only weighs a mere 54 grams, yet records in stunning 5.3K widescreen at either 24, 50, or 60p and offers amazing slow-motion capabilities up to 240 frames per second at Full DH 1080p resolution.
But, weight reduction comes at a price and you will not find any front or rear screens on this GoPro model, you have to make do with reviewing all your FPV cinematic footage on your computer by removing the memory and transferring the old-fashioned way.
You will also be expected to do some soldering to actually get your newly required camera to work and turn on when mounted to your drone, but with its intended market, GoPro assumes you will have the knowledge base to carry this out.
FAQs
Are there any alternatives to GoPro?
Yes! GoPro, like Walkman before it, has become the de facto name for a product category, but others offer good alternatives. GoPro is especially vulnerable in the area of 360 cameras (see our 360-degree cameras guide), while DJI has interesting premium action cameras (see our Osmo Action 3 review), not to mention the many cheaper alternatives. Check our whole best action camera guide to see comparisons.
How do you test GoPros and other action cameras
Since testing an action camera is a lot more about the action than measuring lens specifics, we like to take them out and try some activities. Using them while cycling, on location for capturing video (in different light), and even on drones are important ways of testing how usable the device is and how the image stabilization responds to different things. Our expert reviewers of action cameras include Jamie Carter and Adam Juniper who both have many years of experience with these devices (Adam owned a Go Pro Hero 2).
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