GoPro is practically synonymous with action cameras, 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, and plenty of frame rate options, making GoPros a sure bet if you want a high-quality action camera.
We've tested four of GoPro's flagship action cameras, and below you'll find our picks for the best GoPros 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 and needs more options to choose from without necessarily buying a camera secondhand.
Although it's now been replaced by the superior GoPro HERO11 Black, the GoPro HERO10 Black is still the best GoPro we've tested, and it's one of the best action cams around. This iteration improves upon the GoPro HERO9 Black with a new and improved processor that gives it smoother overall performance and better low-light capability. It also offers a big improvement in frame rates, with 5.3k video up to 60 fps and 4k up to 120 fps for the first time, making it extremely versatile for capturing everything from smooth, fast action to slow-motion in a variety of resolutions.
On top of that, you get GoPro's reliably fantastic 'HyperSmooth' stabilization, along with horizon leveling and a front-facing display that makes this a good option for vlogging. Plus, it's ruggedly built and waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), making it well-suited to all kinds of outdoor activities. Overall, the HERO10 is a fantastic action camera that'll give you your money's worth.
If you want to save money, the GoPro HERO9 Black is still an excellent choice. This predecessor to the GoPro HERO10 Black offers many of the same features, including a front-facing screen for Live View monitoring and 5k video capability. It's nearly identical in design and build quality, with a sturdy, waterproof build that's good for submersion down to 33 feet. Its video stabilization feature also works incredibly well to get buttery smooth footage.
The biggest difference between the HERO9 and the HERO10 is that the HERO9 uses an older processor, which doesn't perform quite as well in low light. It also has fewer frame rate options, though 5k up to 30 fps and 4k up to 60 fps is nothing to sneeze at, and you still get 240 fps when shooting in 1080p, giving you a lot of flexibility for high-speed recording. All in all, 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, making it one of the best GoPro cameras you can get for the price.
If you're on an even tighter budget, consider going back a generation and getting the GoPro HERO8 Black. Though it's an older model, it's still a very capable action camera. It's highly portable, even a tad smaller and lighter than both the GoPro HERO9 Black and the GoPro HERO10 Black. It also has the same sturdy build quality you'd expect and the same level of waterproofing for underwater recording.
That said, 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 plan on using the camera for action video. Also, while it doesn't shoot 5k video like the two GoPros mentioned above, it can still record 4k video up to 60 fps and 1080p up to 240 fps, and its stabilization feature does a fantastic job smoothing out camera shake, albeit with a larger crop than newer GoPro models. Overall, if you don't need 5k video capability or a front-facing Live View screen, this is still a great GoPro that's a little easier on the wallet.
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 tend to deliver higher-quality video and more frame rate and resolution options.
AKASO is one of many GoPro knockoff brands, offering basic action cameras at cheaper price points. 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 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 higher-quality video, exceptional build quality, and impressive video stabilization.
GoPro offers a few different product lines and variants to suit different needs.
Action Cameras
360 Cameras
GoPro originated the action camera, and the brand reliably delivers features like impressive video stabilization and fantastic build quality. While there's still 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.