Nov 5, 2023 9:00 AM

Which GoPro Hero Camera Should You Buy?

You're an action hero, and you need a camera to match. We guide you through all the models, plus accessory recommendations and hidden software tricks to try.

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4 / 8

It used to be easy to buy a GoPro. Grab the latest one, and you're good to go. But as GoPro has diversified its lineup, adding features that you may or may not need, depending on what you do with your GoPro, 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 you may see on eBay and other auction sites.

I started using GoPro cameras with the launch of the Hero 5 in 2016 (8/10, WIRED Review) 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.

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Photograph: GoPro
Best for Most People
GoPro Hero 12
The Hero 12 Black (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our top pick for anyone just getting started with a new GoPro. It's the latest model and has the best battery life, as well as some nice new additions like smarter stabilization and a standard 1/4-20 tripod mount. The Hero 12's stabilization is hands down the best stabilization I've used, which is why this is not just our top GoPro but also our top Action Camera.
The biggest reason to get the Hero 12 over the Hero 11 is the much improved battery life and better thermal performance. The Hero 12 is the only GoPro in years of testing that has yet to overheat on me. There is one reason you might want to go with the Hero 11, however: GoPro removed GPS support in the Hero 12. The company claims that less than 1 percent of users were actually using GPS, but if you want GPS support, then you'll want the Hero 11.
$399 at Amazon
$400 at GoPro (2 Batteries)
Photograph: GoPro
Last Year's GoPro Still Shines
GoPro Hero 11 Black
The Hero 11 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is nearly identical to the Hero 12. The two cameras share the same sensor, processor, and basic features. The Hero 11 lacks a few new features, notably the better battery life, improved stabilization, and pro-level GP Log video support found in the Hero 12, but in terms of the results you get, it's every bit as good and often on sale for $100 less than the Hero 12.
The Hero 11 also has something the Hero 12 doesn't: GPS support. If you want to use GPS to track your rides or get velocity data, this is the GoPro to get. The current list price is $350, but expect that to go down during big sale events like Black Friday/Cyber Monday, which would make this camera an even better deal.
$349 at Amazon
$350 at GoPro

Photograph: GoPro
Best Budget GoPro
GoPro Hero 10 Black
When the Hero 10 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) was released in 2021, the standout feature was the new GP2 processor. The camera was dramatically faster than previous models and allowed for higher video frame rates. The GP2 processor introduced with the Hero 10 is still in use in the Hero 11 & 12.
Compared to its successors, the Hero 10 now lacks the larger sensor. That's not to say its sensor isn't good, but it isn't capable of 8:7 video. You can, however, still pull 19.6-megapixel JPG stills from your 5.3K video, a feature I use all the time. The Hero 10 also introduced a water shedding lens cover, which helps get the drops out of those surfing shots. The Hero 10 sells for $250, which is a good deal. We've seen it dip down to $200 during sales, at which point it's a steal.
$249 at Amazon
$249 at GoPro
$249 at Adorama
Photograph: GoPro
The Tiny GoPro
GoPro Hero 11 Mini
Last year GoPro released a shrunken Hero 11, dubbed the Mini (7/10, WIRED Recommends). The Hero 11 Mini has no screens, but it's smaller and lighter, which makes it ideal for mounting on helmets and other places where you aren't looking at the screen anyway. If being lightweight is your number one criteria, this is the GoPro to get. That said, I found controlling the Mini through the phone app annoying, and I don't really recommend this one except in the specific use of helmet-mounting or other similar situations.
$260 at Amazon
$300 at GoPro
Photograph: GoPro
If the Price Is Right
GoPro Hero 9 Black
The Hero 9 Black (9/10, WIRED Recommends) was the first GoPro capable of 5.3K video and offering a color front screen. It also set the form factor that GoPro has stuck with ever since. That means that accessories that work with later models will also work with the Hero 9. While it's still a good camera (we use one to shoot videos here on the Gear Team), GoPro has officially discontinued it, and Amazon appears to be the only major retailer with any in stock.
I would only recommend buying the Hero 9 if it's significantly cheaper than the Hero 10. The current retail price of the Hero 9 is $220. The Hero 10 retail price is only $29 more and well worth that extra money. The only time I would suggest the Hero 9 is if you can score one for under $180.
$380 at Amazon
$350 at GoPro
$400 at B&H

Photograph: GoPro
There Are Other GoPros Out There
GoPro doesn't sell anything older than the Hero 10, but there are plenty of Hero 8s and even Hero 7s still trading hands on eBay and other auction sites. That said, unless you can score one for less than $100, I would suggest avoiding them. They may work fine, but modern accessories designed for later models won't work, and these camera have likely been through the wringer. (They are action cameras, after all.)
Photograph: GoPro
What About the GoPro Max?
It's Not Worth It
What most people call a “GoPro” is in fact the Hero Black camera. GoPro makes a few other cameras as well, most notably the Max. The Max is GoPro's attempt at three cameras in one. It can shoot 360 footage and Hero-style video and photos, and it works as a vlogging camera. While the 360-degree time lapse feature is awesome, and the sound is pretty good, it's been a while since GoPro updated it, and there are better 360 cameras. I would recommend Insta360's X3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) for most people. The Max is a more durable camera, but in nearly every other way the X3 bests it. Hopefully, GoPro will update the Max in 2024.
Photograph: GoPro
Best GoPro Accessories
Trick Out Your GoPro
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.
Extra Enduro Batteries and Charger for $60: While battery life on the GoPro has improved over the years, you're still going to want more than one battery and a way to charge more than one at a time. This pack has you covered on both counts.
GoPro Media Mod for $80: 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, since it has support for Bluetooth mics.
Joby GorillaPod for $45: There are hundreds of ways to mount your GoPro, but this is the one I use the most. I've put it on my dashboard and my paddle board, and I’ve used it as a (short) selfie stick and wrapped it around countless tree branches, signs, and whatever else I could find.
GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters for $8: Unless you have the Hero 12, which has a tripod mount built-in, you'll need a few of these to mount your GoPro to a tripod like the GorillaPod above.
GoPro Floaty for $30: 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 ($25), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.
GoPro El Grande Selfie Stick for $47: This 38-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.

Scott Gilbertson is a senior writer for WIRED. He was previously a writer and editor for WIRED’s Webmonkey.com, covering the independent web and early internet culture. He studied at the University of Georgia. You can reach him at luxagraf.net.

Senior Writer and Reviewer

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