Best GoPro Camera (2025): Compact, Budget, Accessories

5 Best GoPro Hero Cameras Comparison

GoPros to Avoid

GoPro doesn't sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 11s and even Hero 10s for sale online. We suggest avoiding them. They may work fine, but modern accessories designed for later models will not fit, and these cameras have probably been tested. (These are action cameras, after all.)

GoPro

Hero 11 Black

GoPro no longer sells Hero 11but it is still widely available on Amazon and other retailers. Unfortunately, it usually costs the same as the Hero 12 (around $300), so it's not worth buying.

GoPro

Hero 10 Black

Hero 10 is really showing its age at this point, but can sometimes be found on sale for $200, but the video quality and stabilization are nowhere near as good as Hero 13, which also retails for around $220. and better in every way.

Best GoPro Accessories

Courtesy of GoPro

Is it worth buying the kit? In general, I say no. Pick up a camera, figure it out, and see how you end up using it. When you find yourself trying to solve a problem, start looking for an accessory. Here are some of my favorites that I've tested and used, but if you have favorites that you think I should try, leave a comment below.

Good microSD card for $50.: According to GoPro Recommendationsyou need a microSD card rated V30 or UHS-3. However, GoPro can be finicky when it comes to SD cards. I was lucky and recommend Samsung, linked here. Another card that I have used extensively is Sandisk Extreme Pro.

GoPro Media Mod for $80: By far my most used accessory, the media mod adds some volume, but in most cases this is more than offset by the fact that you can plug in a real microphone (I use mine with Rode Wireless). Thanks to this, the sound quality is radically improved. This may be less necessary if you buy a Hero 12 or newer, since those models support Bluetooth microphones.

GoPro handlebar mount for $40.: I've been riding a lot more lately and this mount practically lives on my bike now. It performed very well in my testing and outperforms any third-party mount I've tested.

$30 GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters: If you don't have a Hero 12 or 13 with a built-in tripod mount, you'll need a few of these to mount your GoPro on a tripod, like the GorillaPod.

GoPro Floaty for $35.: If you're getting close to water, take one of these. Trust me, you will drop your GoPro and when you do you will be glad you have it (unless the water is clear and you are a good freediver). GoPro also produces Floating Handle ($23), which not only floats, but also has a leash for diving or surfing.

$80 GoPro Selfie Stick.: This 48-inch extension folds down surprisingly small and isn't very heavy. This is the best selfie stick I have ever used. I rarely use it for selfies, but on soft ground, like a sandy beach, it makes a great monopod.

DaVinci Resolve Studio for $300.: This is my favorite video editing program. There is a free version, but I'm tired of converting media to the limitations of the free version. Best money I've ever spent on making better videos.

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