Best GoPro Camera (2026): Compact, Budget, Accessories

CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this story

Featured in this article

The Best for Most PeopleGoPro Hero 13 BlackRead more $430 $379 (12% off)

Amazon

The Budget GoProGoPro Hero 13Read more $220 $199 (10% off)

Amazon

Best GoPro for SelfiesGoPro Lit HeroRead more $270 $229 (15% off)

Amazon

Best Budget GoProGoPro Hero 12Read more $339

Amazon

It used to be easy to buy a GoPro camera. Grab the latest one and you're good to go. But as GoPro has diversified its lineup, adding features and cameras, the answer is not so simple anymore. To help you out, we've put together this guide to all the currently available GoPro cameras, as well as a few notes on some of the older models, and what's likely coming in 2026.

I started using GoPro cameras with the launch of the Hero 5 in 2016 and have used every model since, most side-by-side with their replacements. In the end, the best GoPro for you depends on how you plan to use it and what you want to do with the results. Read on to find our top picks for every type of action camera user.

If you're not set on a GoPro, be sure to check out our Guide to Action Cameras for our take on cameras from DJI, Insta360, and other competitors. We also have a guide to The Best 360 Cameras, which offer an all-seeing alternative to action cameras.

Updated April 2026: We've updated this guide to note GoPro's GP3 processor announcement and the new Mission 1 cameras, added suggestions on what to do after you buy your GoPro, and updated prices and links throughout.

Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Compare Top 5 GoPro Cameras
GoPros to Avoid
Best GoPro Accessories
Do More With Your GoPro
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a GoPro?

The Best for Most People
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
GoPro
Hero 13 Black
$430 $379 (12% off)
Amazon
$430 $380 (12% off)
GoPro
$429 $379 (12% off)
Adorama
The current GoPro to get is the Hero 13 Black. It uses an interchangeable lens system to offer many more shooting options than previous releases. In addition to the standard wide angle action camera lens you can also invest in an Ultra Wide ($120), Macro ($110), and Anamorphic ($150) lens. All of these are automatically detected by the Hero 13 the minute you attach them. The camera will automatically adjust settings accordingly, which is a very slick feature that makes switching lenses on the fly a much smoother experience. Read our full GoPro Hero 13 review for more details on how the lens system works.
Even if you never buy any of the additional lenses, the Hero 13 is a great action camera with a newly improved battery, magnetic mounting system (finally), USB-C pass-through charging, even better Log video support, and an improved HDR mode with HLG. Video specs top out 5.3K 30 (8:7 ratio) or 5.3K 60 (16:9 ratio). Slo mo options include 2x at 5.3K, 4x when shooting 4K, and 8x for both 2.7K and 1080p. For a complete rundown of all the specs, see the comparison table below. Those of you who missed the GPS support, which briefly went missing in the Hero 12, will be happy to know that GPS support is back in the Hero 13 Black.
The disappointing part of the Hero 13 Black is that it uses the same 27-megapixel sensor and the same processor as the Hero 12, and, for that matter, the Hero 11. If you have either of those, I'd probably hold off upgrading to see if the Hero 14 (likely due in Autumn of 2025) doesn't come with a new sensor. Otherwise, though, this is the best GoPro you can buy right now.
If you're into having something a little different, GoPro recently released a limited-edition white GoPro Hero 13 Black (yes, that is confusing), along with a Green model.
WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED
- Interchangeable lens system opens up new shooting possibilities
- New magnetic mounting system
- Excellent Log video support
- USB-C pass-through charging
- Much improved HDR mode with HLG
TIRED
- Same sensor as previous two generations
- Low-light/indoor performance is poor compared to competition
The Budget GoPro
Photograph: Scott GilbertsonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
GoPro
Hero 13
$220 $199 (10% off)
Amazon
$220
GoPro
The Hero 13 is like a mini version of the Hero 13 Black. It's a smaller, lighter, cheaper, slightly less capable camera. With video resolution maxing out at 4K30 (compared to 5.3K60p in the Hero Black) and still photos dropping to 12 MP (compared to 27 MP in the Hero Black), it's less powerful, but it's also $130 cheaper and smaller, which is a big plus in some cases. For example, this would be my pick if you plan to mount your Hero on a helmet.
In my testing, the Hero has proved dead simple to use and the size makes it appealing. The deal break for me is that stabilization is performed in the app, not on the camera. That means you have to edit the video on your phone, apply stabilization, then save it to your phone and transfer it over to your computer before you can edit together with other footage. This workflow is cumbersome to say the least. But if you don't plan to edit on your PC anyway, then it's not a big deal and Hero might be a good, cheap way to start shooting with an action camera.
WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED
- Small and light
- Inexpensive
- Stabilization is good considering size
- Good for FPV drones, helmet mounts and other scenarios where minimizing size and weight is important
TIRED
- Smaller sensor with video capped at 4K/30
- Can only shoot 16:9 video
- Stabilization must be applied in GoPro Quik app

Best GoPro for Selfies
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
GoPro
Lit Hero
$270 $229 (15% off)
Amazon
$270 $230 (15% off)
Adorama
$235
B&H Photo
If you're going to use your GoPro primarily to record yourself talking to the camera, the Lit Hero is the camera to get. It's an entry level model, new for 2025, that adds a light to the body of the Hero 13 above. The cluster of four LEDs next to the lens make this the best way to ensure you're well lit every time you're on screen. The Lit Hero is also plenty small and light if you do want to strap it to your body and use it as an action camera. It's 93 grams, just 7 grams heavier than the basic Hero above. The other good news is that the specs get a slight bump. The Lit Hero can shoot 4K at 60 fps, while the plain Hero only manages 4K at 30 fps.
This one is brand new. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly test it yet, but so far I am most impressed with how tiny it is. I'll update this guide with more detail once I've had a chance to use it for a few months.
Best Budget GoPro
Photograph: Scott GilbertsonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
GoPro
Hero 12
$339
Amazon
$300
B&H Photo
The Hero 12 Black (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might have been replaced, but it's still a great camera. It's got the same sensor and processor as the latest model, GoPro's class leading image stabilization system, excellent battery life and better thermal performance than its predecessors. True story: this is the first GoPro that I had to work to make it overheat, which is quite a change from the Hero 11 and before, which tend to shutdown alarmingly fast when shooting in high temps.
Note that GoPro removed GPS support in the Hero 12, so you can't record GPS logs as you shoot. The company claims that less than 1 percent of users were actually using GPS, but if you want GPS support, then you'll want to go with the Hero 13 Black.
WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED
- Improved battery life and heat tolerance over previous models
- Smarter stabilization
- Support for Log video
- Gains standard tripod mount
TIRED
- Battery life is so-so
- Menu system is awkward compared to competition

The Best 360 GoPro
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
GoPro
Max 2 360 Camera
$500 $449 (10% off)
Amazon
$500
GoPro
OK, so there's only one 360 GoPro, but it is the best, not just from GoPro, but the best 360 camera you can buy. Its modestly larger sensor edges out the (still pretty dang good) Insta360 X5 by offering a slightly sharper image and more realistic color rendition, especially in the sky. GoPro is calling the Max 2’s video “True” 8K footage, touting the fact that its image has more pixels than competitors, which count the black, unused portion of the sensor. The Max 2 also has support for 10-bit color, something Insta360's X5 lacks. Throw in the replaceable lenses (like, really, easily replaceable, you can do it with your fingers) and you have a winning combination of features. The icing on the cake for GoPro fans is that single lens mode on the Max 2 essentially turns it into a 4K GoPro Hero with almost exactly the same capabilities.
The weak points of the GoPro Max 2 are low-light performance (essentially, there isn't any) and the editing software. Editing on mobile in the Quik app is excellent, with automated tracking features that work extremely well. Unfortunately those features are only available on mobile. Hopefully GoPro will update its desktop software with the automatic tracking features in the near future.
WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIRED
- Sharper, clearer footage
- Natural-looking color rendition
- Great accessories
TIRED
- Audio is not so great

The Top 5 GoPro Hero Cameras Compared

GoPro Hero 13 BlackGoPro Hero 13GoPro Hero 12 BlackGoPro Lit HeroGoPro Max 2 360Price$430$220$370$270$500Video Capabilities5.3K (8:7) @30/25/24 fps, 5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps, 4K (8:7) @60/50/30/25 fps, 4K (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 4K (16:9) @120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps, 2.7K (4:3) @120/100 fps, 2.7K (16:9) @240/200 fps, 1080 (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 1080p (16:9) @240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25 fps4K 16:9 @30/25 fps, 1080p 16:9 @30/25 fps, 2.7K 16:9 @60/50 fps5.3K (8:7) @30/25/24 fps, 5.3K (16:9) @60/50/30/25/24 fps 4K (8:7) @60/50/30/25/24 fps, 4K (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 4K (16:9) @120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps, 2.7K (4:3) @120/100/60/50 fps, 2.7K (16:9) @240/200 fps, 1080 (9:16) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 1080p (16:9) @240/200/120/100/60/50/30/25/24 fps4K: (16:9) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 4K: (4:3) @ 30/25 fps, 1080p: (16:9) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, (rotate camera for 3:4 and 9:16)360: 8K: (7680x3840) @ 30/25/24 fps, 5.6K: (5376x2688) @ 60/50/30/25 fps, 4K: (3328x1664) @ 100/90/60/50 fps, Single-Lens: 4K: (16:9) (3840x2160) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fps, 4K: (9:16) (2160x3840) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fps, 4K: (4:3) (4000x3000) @ 60/50/30/25/24 fpsVideo ModesVideo, HDR Video with HLG, Burst Slo-Mo, Looping VideoVideoVideo, HDR Video, Looping VideoVideo, Slo-Mo, 4:3 Video. TimeLapse video mode “coming soon” according to GoPro360: Video, POV, Selfie, LoopingSingle-Lens: VideoVideo StabilizationHyperSmooth 6.0HyperSmooth stabilization applied via the GoPro Quik app.HyperSmooth 6.0HyperSmooth stabilization applied via the GoPro Quik app.Max HyperSmooth with 360° Horizon LockHorizon LevelingUp to 27°, 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 and 1080/240NoneUp to 27°, 5.3K60, 4K120, 2.7K240 and 1080/240None360° Horizon LockDigital Lens / FOV OptionsHyperView, SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Lock / Leveling—HyperView, SuperView, Wide, Linear, Linear + Horizon Lock / Leveling—Max HyperView (16:9 only)Max SuperView (16:9 only)Ultra WideWideLinearPhoto Resolution27.13 MP (5568x4872)12 MP27.13 MP (5568x4872)12MP360: 29MP (7680x3840)Single-Lens: 12MP (4000x3000)Max Still Size (from video)24.69MP from (8:7) 5.3K Video 21.16MP from (4:3) 5.3K Video 15.87MP from (16:9) 5.3K Video8.29MP from 4K 16:9 4.11MP from 2.7K 16:9 2.1MP from 1080p 16:924.69MP from (8:7) 5.3K Video 21.16MP from (4:3) 5.3K Video 15.87MP from (16:9) 5.3K Video11 MP from 4K 4:3 Video12 MP from 4K 4:3 VideoRear Display Size2.27" Touch LCD1.76" Touch LCD2.27" Touch LCD1.76" Touch LCD1.82" Touch LCDFront Display1.4" Color LCDNone1.4" Color LCDNoneNoneHindSightYesNoYesNoNoScheduled CaptureYesNoYesNoYesDuration CaptureYesNoYesNoYesPhoto CapabilitiesSuperPhoto HDR Standard RAW (27.13MP - 5568x4872)StandardSuperPhoto HDR Standard RAW (27.13MP - 5568x4872)JPG onlyJPG Only. 360: Photo, Burst Photo, Night PhotoSingle-Lens: Photo

GoPros to Avoid

GoPro doesn't sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 11s and even Hero 10s out there for sale on the internet. We suggest avoiding them. They may work fine, but modern accessories designed for later models won't work, and these cameras have likely been through the wringer. (They are action cameras, after all.)

Photograph: Scott GilbertsonSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

GoPro

Hero 11 Black

$399

Amazon

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

Courtesy of GoProSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

GoPro

Hero 10 Black

$299

Amazon

$335

Walmart

The Hero 10 is really showing its age at this point. It can sometimes be found on sale for $200, but the video quality and stabilization aren't nearly as good as the Hero 13, which also sells for about $220 and is better in every way.

The Best GoPro Accessories

Best GoPro Camera Compact Budget Accessories

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

Should you buy a bundle? Generally, I say no. Get the 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 favorite things that I've tested and used, but if you have favorites you think I should try, drop a comment below.

A Good MicroSD card for $50: According to GoPro's recommendations, you want a microSD card with a V30 or UHS-3 rating. That said, GoPros can be finicky about SD cards. I've had good luck with, and recommend, the Samsung linked here. Another card I've used extensively is the Sandisk Extreme Pro.

GoPro Media Mod for $100: By far my most-used accessory, the media mod does add some bulk, but in most cases this is more than made up for by the fact that you can plug in a real microphone (I use mine with a Rode Wireless). Sound quality is radically improved with this one. This may be less necessary if you get the Hero 12 or later, since those models do have support for Bluetooth mics.

GoPro Handlebar Mount for $40: I've been doing a lot more riding lately, and this mount pretty much lives on my bike these days. It's been rock solid in my testing, and beats any of the third-party mounts I've tested.

GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters for $30: Unless you have the Hero 12 or 13, which have a tripod mount built-in, you'll need a few of these to mount your GoPro to a tripod like the GorillaPod.

GoPro Floaty for $35: If you're getting anywhere near the water, grab one of these. Trust me, you will drop your GoPro, and when you do, you will glad you have this (unless the water is clear and you're a good free diver). GoPro also makes a Floating Hand Grip ($23), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.

GoPro Selfie Stick for $80: This 48-inch extension pole collapses up surprisingly small and isn't very heavy. It's the best selfie stick I've used. I rarely use it for selfies, but it makes a great monopod on soft ground, like a sandy beach.

DaVinci Resolve Studio for $300: This is my video editing software of choice. There is a free version, but I got tired of converting media to fit the restrictions of the free version. Best money I ever spent when it comes to making better videos.

Do More With Your GoPro

Image may contain Person Electronics Computer Hardware and Hardware

GoPro Hero 13 Black in color White with the Anamorphic Lens attachedPhotograph: Scott Gilbertson

So you bought a GoPro, now what? Well aside from reading the manual and learning how to control it, the best thing to do is get out there and experiment. Here are a few suggestions and things I use my GoPro for regularly.

GoPro Labs: GoPro Labs is an alternative firmware for your GoPro Hero camera that enables all sort of features and experiments that allow you to do things you can't do with the stock firmware. There is some risk of instability and bugs, but I've been using the Labs firmware for five years now and never had an issue. It's like adding 10 new features to your GoPro for free. I'll reference several of my favorites in the sections below, but you can see the full list of things you can do with GoPro Labs on the GoPro Labs website.

TimeLapse Videos: After mounting the GoPro on my bike, this is my most used feature. GoPro's time lapse is incredibly easy to use (compared to most mirrorless cameras anyway) and with the Labs firmware you can do really long timelapse shots, over 24 hours if you have a battery pack to help power it.

Raise the Bitrate: By default the Hero 13 Black does not record at the highest bitrate. This is likely the reason your video looks mushy and not as clear and sharp as it should. Change that by going to the ProTune settings and pick "high" for the bitrate. If you want to go crazy you can use Labs to raise your bitrate all the way the 200 (the “high" setting in the stock firmware is 100). The caveat is that depending on your SD card, you may not be able to record that high. But every bit helps. The trade off is that cranking up the bitrate does chew through battery and can also lead to overheating, so if you're shooting in very warm conditions, you might want to dial this down. Some footage is better than no footage because you overheated and the camera shut off.

Learn Manual Exposure: The Hero 13 Black gives you full control over exposure, so take advantage of it. Play with the exposure compensation especially (called EV Comp in the settings). Try dialing it down to -1 for midday shots. Also play with max ISO. The lower you can keep this, the better your footage will look, though because the GoPro kinda sucks in low light, there are some limits here.

Improve Sound with the Media Mod: It bears repeating, but the Media Mod is the best way to get good sound out of the GoPro without investing in Bluetooth mics (which is impractical in many mounting scenarios anyway). The only time the media mod leaves my GoPro is when I'm in the water (sadly, the Hero with the media mod installed is not at all waterproof).

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

Earlier this week, GoPro announced its new Mission 1 cameras, which offer cinema-ready features in an action camera form. The Mission 1 cameras have a new image processor, the GP3. The last time GoPro updated its processor was in 2021 with the release of the Hero 10 with used the GP2.

The GP3 is a 5-nanometer system on a chip (SoC), which matches what we saw in Insta360 and DJI's action cameras released late last year. More interesting is the claim that the GP3 will have "more than 2X the pixel processing power," which would be what you want to handle 8K (or higher) footage. The Hero 13 Black is limited to 5.3K video.

The Mission 1 cameras will have better low light performance, which GoPro has sucked at in the past, while retaining the small camera form factor. However, it's worth noting here that GoPro has yet to mention the price and the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro aren't available for preorder until May 21. The Mission 1 Pro ILS, along with some of the bundles, will not arrive until later this year (GoPro says Q3).

If you want a GoPro for the start of the summer, the Hero 13 Black is still fine. Otherwise, I will update this guide once I've tested one, or all, of the Mission cameras.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

Comments

Back to topTriangle

Scott Gilbertson is Operations Manager for the WIRED Reviews Team. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED’s Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. You can reach him at luxagraf.net. ... Read MoreSenior Writer and ReviewerTopicsShopping buying guides cameras action cameras gopro Every Smart Home Needs Some Voice-Controlled Robotic Window ShadesFrom made-to-measure smart shades to retrofit curtain bots, these are our favorite WIRED-tested drapes for your windows.Simon Hill The Best 360 Cameras Let You Look Behind Your Own BackIt’s a small world after all, and these cameras can capture all of it at once, giving you a 360-degree view.Scott Gilbertson The Best Kindles to Take Your Library AnywhereHere’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you. Nena Farrell The Best Smart Video Doorbell CamerasNever miss a delivery. These WIRED-tested picks will help you keep tabs on your front door from anywhere.Simon Hill The Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Cases and AccessoriesProtect your new Samsung phone with the help of these cases and screen protectors.Louryn Strampe The Best Portable Chargers for All Your DevicesKeep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.Simon Hill These Premium Soundbars and Wireless Speakers Compete With Fancy Wired SetupsSoundbars just keep getting better, but some rise above the rest. These are the best high-end soundbars and wireless A/V speakers I’ve tried.Ryan Waniata Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office ChairsSitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.Julian Chokkattu The Best Folding PhonesReady to move on from the traditional glass slab? Introduce a hinge into your life with these folding smartphones.Julian Chokkattu The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your BloodWith almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.Adrienne So The Best Laptop Stands to Save Your NeckOur top picks for laptop stands and risers are your path to better posture, fewer backaches, and a more ergonomic desk setup.Luke Larsen The Best Camera Bags, Straps, and BackpacksTote your photo and video gear around in style. We tested more than 100 packs and rounded up our favorites.Julian Chokkattu