- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Review Updates
- Best Camera
- Best Mid-Range
- Best Budget
- Comparison
- Lineup
- Page Updates
- Conclusion
- Discussions
GoPro is practically synonymous with the action camera, and the company has continued to expand its offerings year after year. Whether you're looking for a traditional action camera or a 360-degree camera like the GoPro Max, you can typically rely on GoPro cameras to have excellent build quality, high-resolution video recording, plenty of frame rate options, and class-leading image stabilization, making the brand a sure bet if you want a high-quality action camera.
We've bought and tested over 90 cameras, and below, you'll find our overview of the brand and a rundown of the best GoPros we've tested at different price points. While GoPros aren't the cheapest action cameras you can get, older models stay available long after their initial releases, giving users with different budgets more options without necessarily buying a camera secondhand. If you're looking for our best tested action cameras more broadly, check out our best action cameras buying guide instead.
Updates
- 07/26/2023 GoPro HERO9 Black updated
- 05/01/2023 GoPro HERO7 Black updated
- 10/28/2021 GoPro HERO10 Black reviewed
- 02/08/2021 GoPro HERO8 Black reviewed
Best GoPro Cameras
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Best GoPro Camera
Vlogging6.0Action Video9.0While the GoPro HERO11 Black has been on the market for a while now, and the GoPro HERO12 Black is around the corner, the GoPro HERO10 Black is still the best GoPro we've tested and a great deal if you want to save some money. This iteration marks a significant step up from the GoPro HERO9 Black, with a new GP2 processor that gives it smoother overall performance and improved low-light capability. It also offers more frame rate options, being the first GoPro to offer 4k recording at up to 120 fps, along with 5.3k recording at up to 60 fps and a time-lapse mode, making it extremely versatile for capturing high-resolution action video, slow motion, or time-lapse footage.
On top of that, you get GoPro's reliably fantastic 'HyperSmooth' stabilization, complete with a horizon leveling feature that locks the horizontal axis for up to 45 degrees of rotation. It's ruggedly built and waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), making it well-suited for outdoor activities and water sports. Plus, its front-facing Live View screen makes it a solid portable vlogging cam. The HERO10 is a fantastic action camera that'll give you your money's worth.
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Best Mid-Range GoPro Camera
Vlogging6.9Action Video8.9If the GoPro HERO10 Black is out of your price range, the GoPro HERO9 Black is one of the best GoPro cameras you can get if you're looking to save a bit of money. It offers many of the same features as the newer model, including a front-facing screen for Live View monitoring and 5k video capability. It's nearly identical in design, with a sturdy build that's also waterproof down to 33 feet. Its video stabilization feature also works incredibly well, allowing you to capture buttery smooth footage.
The biggest difference is that the HERO9 uses an older processor, resulting in worse low-light video quality. It also has fewer frame rate options, though 5k at up to 30 fps and 4k at up to 60 fps is nothing to sneeze at. You also still get 1080p recording at up to 240 fps, giving you much flexibility for high-speed and slow-motion capture. If you can live without the additional frame rate options and better low-light performance of the HERO10, this camera offers most of the same features at a lower price point.
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Best Budget GoPro Camera
Vlogging5.4Action Video8.9If you're on an even tighter budget, consider going back another generation and getting the GoPro HERO8 Black. Though it's harder to find now, it's still a capable action camera. It's super portable—even a tad smaller and lighter than the GoPro HERO9 Black and the GoPro HERO10 Black—but has the same sturdy build quality we've all come to expect from GoPro, including the same level of waterproofing for underwater recording.
Unlike newer models, the HERO8 doesn't have a front-facing Live View screen. While a front screen is handy for vlogging, it may not be necessary if you use the camera mainly for action video. It also doesn't shoot 5k video like the two GoPros mentioned above, but it can still record 4k video at up to 60 fps and 1080p at up to 240 fps. Likewise, its stabilization feature does a fantastic job smoothing out camera shake but incurs a larger crop than newer GoPro models. Still, if you don't need 5k video capability or a front-facing Live View screen, it's a great GoPro that still holds up in today's action cam market.
Compared To Other Brands
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Well-built, waterproof design.
GoPro cameras typically feel well-built and are designed to withstand the elements. Most GoPros since the HERO4 Session have been rated waterproof to a depth of 33 feet (10 meters). -
High-speed recording capability.
GoPro cameras support high frame rates at high resolutions for high-speed recording. The latest GoPro cameras can even record at up to 60 fps in 5.3k and up to 120 fps in 4k, allowing you to create slow-motion and super slow-motion videos in the highest quality.
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Lack of accessories in the box.
Most GoPro cameras come with just the basics in the box, meaning you'll have to buy mounting accessories or mods separately.
GoPro vs DJI
DJI is one of GoPro's biggest competitors, offering alternative action cameras that are right up there with GoPro for build quality. That said, GoPro cameras usually deliver higher-quality video and more frame rate and resolution options.
GoPro vs AKASO
AKASO is one of many GoPro knockoff brands offering basic action cameras at lower prices. That said, GoPros are much better built than AKASO cameras and typically have significantly better video quality with higher resolution and frame rate options. So, while an AKASO camera can do if you're on a very tight budget, GoPros are more expensive for a good reason.
GoPro cameras deliver when it comes to features and performance, but brand recognition also comes with a premium price to match. While there are alternatives that can save you some money or come with more accessories right off the bat, GoPro cameras stand out due to their typically high-quality video, exceptional build quality, and impressive video stabilization.
Lineup
GoPro offers a few different product lines and variants to suit different needs.
Action Cameras
- HERO Black: The flagship lineup of action cameras. The option that likely comes to mind when you think 'GoPro'.
- HERO Black Bones: A stripped-down, bare-bones (hence the name) version of the regular HERO Black, designed specifically to be mounted on an FPV drone. The first 'Bones' model was the GoPro HERO10 Black Bones in 2022.
- HERO Mini: With the release of the GoPro HERO11 Black, GoPro also released a new compact model to fill the gap left by the HERO5 Session (see below). The GoPro HERO11 Mini, released in 2022, is the first model released in the 'Mini' lineup.
- HERO Session (discontinued): These were smaller, lighter versions of regular HERO models. The first model in the Session series was the HERO4 Session, released in 2015, which was followed by the second and last model, the HERO5 Session, in 2016.
360 Cameras
- Fusion: GoPro's first 360-degree camera, released in 2017. It worked by stitching together videos captured from two cameras, requiring two SD cards. 360 videos had to be stitched together in post through the camera's companion software.
- MAX: The GoPro MAX is the follow-up to the Fusion and was launched in 2019. Unlike the Fusion, the MAX stitches together 360-degree videos in-camera and only requires a single SD card. It can also record regular, non-360 videos.
Conclusion
GoPro is the OG action camera, and the brand reliably delivers features like impressive video stabilization and sturdy builds with extensive waterproofing. While there's always room for improvement in video quality, especially in low light, you can't go wrong with a GoPro if you're looking for a high-quality action camera.