Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall GoPro camera is the GoPro Hero 11 Black.
- GoPro cameras can shoot stable photos of rigorous activities or adventures.
- To choose the best GoPro camera, consider your budget, battery life, waterproof ability, expert and user reviews, resolution, connectivity, memory, and audio.
If you need the best action cameras, consider going for GoPro cameras. These devices are renowned worldwide for capturing thrilling action footage in tricky situations. They have advanced features like 360-degree video coverage, horizon leveling, and HyperSmooth leveling features.
These great features make the GoPro cameras able to shoot stable and smooth videos of your most rigorous activities. If you want to record priceless moments in any action, this device is the best.
However, finding the right GoPro camera isn’t an easy process. There are numerous models with outstanding features and capabilities. Wading through these options will likely confuse you.
However, you can escape the hassle by checking out this review of the best GoPros on the market today. We’ve compiled a list of the best GoPro cameras for 2023, and here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: GoPro Hero11
- Best for Video Stabilization: GoPro Hero7
- Best on a Budget: GoPro Hero8
- Best Value: GoPro Hero9
- Best for Fun: GoPro MAX
- Best Performance: GoPro Hero10
Best Overall: GoPro Hero11
- 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K
- Water-repelling lens cover
- 27MP photo and 5.3K60 video
- HyperSmooth 5.0, AutoBoost for maximum stabilization
The GoPro HERO11 is the #1 Best Overall GoPro camera on this list. It is an excellent purchase because it’s powered by the GP2 processor, and it captures clear video footage. Its interface is straightforward, even for beginners, and its image stabilization feature is impeccable.
However, despite being a great device, it needs a GoPro membership to unlock advanced features. Moreover, its display isn’t touch-sensitive, and videos captured in low light aren’t good.
The GoPro Hero11 Black comes with 3 aspect ratios with a maximum resolution that makes it outstanding for content creators. These aspect ratios include 5.3K: 8:7 (5312×4648), 5.3K: 4:3 (5312×3984), and 5.3K: 16:9 (5312×2988).
This GoPro also shoots video footage at 5.3K at 60fps, 2.7K at 240fps, and 4K at 120fps. It also captures clear 27MP still photos. Its users can also crop their video to make several 4K square clips, landscapes, or portraits.
Although the low light performance of the Hero11 Black is its major downside, its simple interface, upgraded horizon leveling, and 8:7 sensor make it a better choice for GoPro users. This device is suited for people with several social platforms.
Its 71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D (mm) dimension and 154g weight make it more portable. This device is also waterproof and has a 1720mAh battery that lasts 2-3 hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The user-friendly interface makes the GoPro Hero11 Black easy to use, even for beginners. | GoPro membership is required for users to unlock advanced features. |
| Its 3 aspect ratio, 5K resolution, and high frame rate enables it to capture quality video footage. | Its battery only lasts 2-3 hours. |
| It allows users to crop their videos to make 4K square clips, portraits, or landscapes. |
Check out the GoPro Hero11 on Amazon.
Best for Video Stabilization: GoPro Hero7
- HyperSmooth
- Live streaming in 720p
- TimeWarp (captures super stabilized time-lapse videos)
Although it was launched in 2018, the GoPro Hero7’s performance remains exceptional. Its video stabilization feature gives it an added advantage against other GoPro cameras. It offers a good deal due to its impressive HyperSmooth stabilization feature and gorgeous video footage.
Its disadvantages include its costly price, unrefined voice commands, and frequently unresponsive screen. Despite its limitations, you can rely on this device to do any task.
The GoPro Hero7 Black was the first device that launched GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization feature for shooting steady and smooth handheld videos. This device shoots clear 4K at 60fps and 2.7K at 120fps videos and lives streams with ultra-high frame rates at 1080p (240fps). It also captures 12-megapixel photos.
This GoPro device has a touch-sensitive screen, in-built GPS, and USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The GoPro Hero7 Black is also highly durable as it is shockproof and waterproof.
Its 62 x 45 x 33mm dimensions and 116-gram weight make it highly portable. Moreover, its 1220 mAH battery capacity can last 1-3 hours. Unlike the white and silver Hero7 version, it uses a detachable battery instead of the in-built option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It captures tremendous and stable video footage with its HyperSmooth stabilization feature. | Its touchscreen is infrequently unresponsive. |
| Its 4K resolution at 60fps captures quality video footage. | Its battery only lasts 1-3 hours. |
| Has a touch-sensitive screen for easier navigation. | |
| It’s shockproof and waterproof, making it highly durable. | |
| It features a detachable battery. |
Check out the GoPro Hero7 on Amazon.
Best on a Budget: GoPro Hero8
- HyperSmooth 2.0
- TimeWarp 2.0
- LiveBurst (records the moments 1.5 seconds before and after the shot)
The GoPro Hero8 is the most budget-friendly GoPro device with exceptional performance, even though it was launched in 2019. This GoPro camera produces quality Ultra HD video, a broad range of frame rate options, an exemplary image stabilization system, and in-built accessory mounts.
However, it might not appeal to most users because it lacks a front screen, and its rear screen is also small compared to its rivals. This device shoots clear video footage of 4K at 60fps, 2.7K at 120 fps, and live streams with high frame rates of 1080p at 240fps.
It captures clear 12-megapixel stills photographs. It also comes with H.264 and H.265 codecs, HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization feature, and 1.5 seconds LiveBurst for photos and videos before shooting. Moreover, the GoPro Hero8 Black has optional modification features like a selfie screen, 3.5mm jack, and LED light.
The GoPro Hero8 Black has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, TimeWarp 2.0, 4 and 4 digital lenses to capture amazing shots. It is also waterproof, weighs 126 grams, and its battery life lasts 1-3 hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has optional modification features like a 3.5mm jack, selfie screen, and LED light. | It has a very small rear screen and lacks a front screen. |
| Captures sharp and clear 4K resolution at 60fps and 12-megapixel still photographs. | Its battery only lasts 1-3 hours. |
| Has a touch-sensitive screen for easier navigation. | |
| Has HyperSmooth 2.0 for shooting stable photos. | |
| Comes with a 1.5-second LiveBurst for shooting photographs and videos. |
Check out the GoPro Hero8 on Amazon.
Best Value: GoPro Hero9
- 5K resolution, 20MP clarity
- Front display and a larger rear touch
- HyperSmooth 3.0screen
- TimeWarp 3.0
If you want a GoPro camera that guarantees value for money, consider the GoPro Hero9. This device has in-built accessory mounts and a superb image stabilization system.
Unfortunately, this GoPro is much bigger than the Hero7 and Hero8. Also, it isn’t compatible with old batteries. Besides these two disadvantages, this device is a good purchase.
At its front, it features an LCD screen. Besides capturing clear 12MP stills photos, the GoPro Hero9 Black can also shoot 5K video at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and live streams with high frame rates of 1080p resolution at 240fps. Its rear screen is bigger than the one installed on the Hero8 Black.
It can also shoot stable videos due to its HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization feature. Its detachable lens allows users to add Max Lens Mod accessories. This upgrade enables users to shoot videos with the Max SuperView Mod.
The GoPro Hero9 Black weighs 158 grams, is waterproof, and its battery life lasts 1-3 hours. It comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity too. However, for sufficient storage, you must use an SD card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has optional modification features like a detachable lens, making it possible to add Max Lens Mod accessories. | It is quite big in size as compared to its predecessors. |
| Can Livestream at 1080p with a high resolution of 240fps. | It isn’t compatible with batteries from old models. |
| Has HyperSmooth 3.0 for shooting stable videos. | |
| Comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. |
Check out the GoPro Hero9 on Amazon.
Best for Fun: GoPro MAX
- Three cameras in one (360-degree footage)
- Max HyperSmooth video stabilization
- Live streaming in 1080p quality across social media
- Six mics capture 360-degree audio
If you need a GoPro camera that is fun to use, consider buying the GoPro MAX. This device captures highly stabilized 360 footage and allows users to customize its video quality.
However, it has downsides like the inability to capture 4K video and the costly purchase price. Regardless, GoPro MAX is one of the best professional movie-making devices due to its 360 camera.
The GoPro Hero MAX shoots Hero Mode or 360 Mode at 5.6K at 30fps, live streams with higher frame rates at 1080p, and captures clear 16.6 MP stills photos. It includes MAX TimeWarp, 4 digital lenses, and PowerPano that shoot amazing video footage and pictures.
Its immersive 360 audio, supported by 6 mics, gives it an edge over its competitors. The tech capabilities of this device can transform how content creators make Vlogs or YouTube videos.
The GoPro Hero MAX has a touch-sensitive screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, waterproof capability, a voice control feature, and an in-built GPS. Besides its compatibility with Quik App, it is also cloud-connected.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Its 360 camera enables it to shoot stabilized 360-degree video footage. | It cannot capture 4K videos. |
| Captures quality 5.6K video footage at 30fps, and it live streams at 1080p. | It is quite expensive. |
| Max Time Warp, PowerPano, and 4 digital lenses enable it to capture quality photos and videos. | |
| Has 6 mics that produce an immersive 360 audio. | |
| It’s compatible with the Quik App, and it’s connected to the cloud. |
Check out the GoPro MAX on Amazon.
Best Performance: GoPro Hero10
- Powerful new GP2 engine
- Upgraded to 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution
- 8x slo-mo at 2.7K
- HyperSmooth 4.0
- Better low-light performance and horizon leveling with a higher tilt limit
- Unlimited cloud storage with hassle-free auto upload
The GoPro Hero10 is the best-performing GoPro camera on this list. It’s a great purchase due to its increased frame rates, fast user interface, and hydrophobic lens coating. The downsides include its size.
It’s bigger than the Hero7 Black and Hero8 Black and is incompatible with the old batteries. All the same, this GoPro camera records high-quality video footage.
This device is powered by a fast GP2 processor with a smooth user interface and capabilities to deliver higher frame rates. The GoPro Hero10 Black records 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps with GoPro’s latest HerperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization.
It also captures 23MP photographs. It uses the TimeWarp 3.0, 8X Slo-Mo with other advanced features to capture the perfect shot. The GoPro Hero10 Black is built tough to last for a long time.
It is waterproof and shockproof, and it weighs only 153 grams. The battery life for this device can last 1-2.5 hours. It also comes with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and needs a micro SD for additional storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shoots quality 5.3K videos at 60fps and also captures very clear and sharp 23MP photos. | The battery only lasts 1-2.5 hours. |
| Captures the perfect shot using TimeWarp 3.0 and 8X Slo-Mo features. | |
| Features the latest HyperSmooth 4.0 that captures very stable photos compared to its predecessors. | |
| It is built to last. The device is waterproof and shockproof. |
Check out the GoPro Hero10 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best GoPro Camera: Step by Step
Unless your search for a GoPro camera is well-guided, you will most likely make the wrong choices. Selecting the best GoPro camera for yourself is a difficult task due to the numerous options available. Here are the factors to consider when picking a GoPro camera:
- Budget and prices
- User and expert reviews
- Additional features
- Waterproof rating
- Battery life
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Budget and Prices
GoPro cameras come at different price points, and your budget will largely determine your choice. For example, the GoPro Hero11 Black is the perfect choice for vloggers or YouTubers.
However, its price is way above the budget of most content creators. Luckily, there are several budget-friendly GoPro cameras with advanced features. If you’re on a tight budget, opt for the one that meets your immediate needs.
User and Expert Reviews
The reviews shared by tech experts and GoPro users will provide reliable knowledge for choosing the best model. Tech experts understand these gadgets in detail. They can reveal the reliability and downsides of these devices via their content.
Most of them make their claims after intensively testing the GoPro cameras. Users also base their reviews on their experience, hence, you can trust their recommendations. Do not buy a camera with many negative reviews from users and tech experts.
Additional Features
The features of the GoPro camera will determine the benefits its users are likely to get. Besides the basic ones like horizon leveling and HyperSmooth stabilization, check if the device has any other additional features that are helpful for you.
Features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS, sensor, and touchscreen will make the GoPro camera more versatile and capable of meeting your needs satisfactorily.
Waterproof Rating
You will only get returns on your investment after using this device for a long time. However, that is unlikely to happen if the GoPro camera isn’t waterproof. There is always a likelihood of rain while you’re shooting a video.
If your camera isn’t waterproof or weather-resistant, you will have to stop the coverage or risk damaging it. Therefore, you can only maximize the usage of your GoPro camera if it is waterproof since you can use it regardless of the weather conditions. Additionally, waterproof GoPro cameras tend to last for a long time.
Battery Life
Don’t ignore the camera’s battery life because it will affect your video coverage. As long as the battery life is short, you cannot rely on the camera to cover lengthy events or activities.
This will cause you to lose priceless moments that should be captured on camera. The best GoPro cameras have the longest battery life to cover lengthier videos without interruptions.
What to Know Before Buying the Best GoPro Camera
Buying a GoPro isn’t a walk in the park since every model has unique features and capabilities. Making the right purchase requires knowledge about these devices. Here are some vital things to know before purchasing a GoPro camera.
Video Resolution
Nothing can replace the significance of video quality when searching for a GoPro camera. When capturing priceless moments, you will want clear and shareable footage. Some GoPro cameras record cinema quality, while others record in high definition.
To shoot the best footage, opt for cameras with a very high resolution. Such devices can shoot sharper and clearer footage that is playable on Full HD TVs at 1080P resolution. The 2.7K and 4K GoPro cameras record cinema-quality footage that can be played on big screens.
Frame Rates
Any recorded video is made of numerous frames (several distinct images woven together by the camera to produce a video). Therefore, the video will be smoother if it captures more frames per second.
This is because the human eye is incapable of registering 10-12 frames in a second. When the camera captures more frames, the video becomes smoother and more seamless for viewers.
Therefore, consider buying a GoPro camera with higher frame rates than 12 fps, as these devices will produce content with the best slow-motion footage, capturing every priceless moment in perfect detail.
Photo Resolution
Apart from shooting videos, you can use your GoPro camera to capture high-resolution photographs. Check the photo resolution for each camera in order to determine the picture quality it can produce.
Picture resolution is measured in MP (megapixels), which reveals the number of pixels in every captured image. One megapixel means the photograph will have a million pixels.
The number of pixels also determines the size of the photo. More pixels will produce crystal clear and larger photos.
Audio
When shooting videos, ensure the audio is also captured clearly. GoPro cameras have in-built microphones for capturing sound while you record the videos. The audio receptors of the available models might differ because some might produce a more audible video than others.
However, this issue can be fixed by installing an external mic adapter with a 3.5mm microphone to boost your audio capture. Besides buying a GoPro with the best audio quality, always shoot videos while the device is in its protective housing.
Connectivity
The GoPro camera’s connectivity options help transfer the video footage to your computer for editing, uploading, and sharing. Ensure your preferred GoPro device has the essential connectivity options.
All cameras use USB connectors to connect to a PC, laptop, or Mac. Advanced GoPro cameras come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options. Opt for versatile cameras with more connectivity options.
Memory
Having sufficient memory space in your GoPro camera is vital as it determines the length of the footage you can capture. Most cameras have slots for microSD cards. Purchase a GoPro camera that supports SD cards, as this will enable you to save more photos and videos.
Using GoPro Cameras: What’s It’s Like
GoPro cameras have revolutionized videography by turning many impossibilities into cheap possibilities. These devices are the best action cameras on the tech market. They can shoot objects while you’re on the move or in a shaky scene, and still produce stable footage thanks to their HyperSmooth stabilization feature.
Since these cameras are also waterproof, they can shoot videos in the rain and underwater without any issues. GoPro cameras also capture clear HD and cinema-standard footage.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©golubovystock/Shutterstock.com.
