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

## the Top 3 GoPro Hero Cameras Compared

## 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 thru the wringer. (They are action cameras, after all.)

GoPro Hero 11 Black Review: Still the Action Camera King

For years,GoPro has reigned supreme in the action camera world,and the Hero 11 Black continues that trend. It’s not a revolutionary leap from the Hero 10 Black, but a series of thoughtful improvements that solidify its position as the best all-around action camera you can buy.

New Sensor, New Possibilities

The biggest change is the new 1/1.9-inch sensor. This larger sensor allows for a wider field of view, letting you capture more of the action. Crucially, it also enables video in a vertical 8:7 aspect ratio – perfect for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. you can record in this format natively, eliminating the need to crop footage later and losing valuable resolution.

Beyond social media,the new sensor improves low-light performance,though it’s still not remarkable. You’ll find footage is cleaner and more usable in challenging lighting conditions compared to previous models.

Image Quality & Stabilization

The Hero 11 Black can shoot up to 5.3K video at 60fps, and 2.7K video at 240fps for stunning slow-motion. Image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and plenty of detail. GoPro’s HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization is, as always, incredibly effective. It smooths out even the bumpiest footage, making it look like you’re gliding along on rails. Horizon Lock remains a standout feature, keeping your videos level even when the camera is rotated 360 degrees.

Key Features & Improvements

8:7 Aspect Ratio: Native vertical video capture for social media.
HyperSmooth 5.0: Industry-leading stabilization.
Horizon Lock: Keeps footage level no matter how the camera rotates.
TimeWarp 3.0: Enhanced time-lapse and hyperlapse modes.
Night Effects: New time-lapse and light painting modes for creative nighttime shots.
Improved Battery Life: Slightly better than the Hero 10 Black, but still benefits from extra batteries.

What Could Be Better?

While the Hero 11 Black is fantastic, it’s not perfect. The biggest complaint remains the price. It’s an expensive camera, and the cost of accessories (batteries, mounts, etc.) adds up quickly. Low-light performance, while improved, still isn’t on par with larger-sensor cameras.

The Verdict

The GoPro Hero 11 Black is the best action camera available. The new sensor and 8:7 aspect ratio are important additions, and the already excellent image quality and stabilization are further refined. If you’re serious about capturing your adventures, the Hero 11 Black is worth the investment.

What most people call a “GoPro” is actually 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 effectively 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 as GoPro updated it, and there are better 360 cameras. Our top pick is Insta360’s x5. The GoPro Max might be more durable, but in nearly every other way the X5 bests it.Hopefully, GoPro will update the Max in 2025.

Level Up your GoPro Footage: Essential Accessories for 2024

So, you’ve got a GoPro – excellent! But to truly unlock its potential and capture stunning footage, you’ll need a few key accessories.Here’s my rundown of the must-haves for 2024, based on personal experience and what delivers the biggest impact.

1. Extra batteries: $25 – $40

This one’s a no-brainer. GoPros are notorious for battery drain, especially in colder weather or when shooting at higher resolutions. Having 2-3 extra batteries ensures you won’t miss that epic shot while waiting for a recharge. I recommend official GoPro batteries for reliability.

2. sandisk Extreme Pro: $20 – $50 (depending on capacity)

Don’t skimp on the memory card! A fast, reliable microSD card is crucial for capturing smooth, high-quality video. The Sandisk Extreme Pro is my go-to – it’s fast, durable, and available in various capacities.

3. 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 might potentially be less necessary if you get the Hero 12 or later, as those models do have support for Bluetooth mics.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’ll be glad you have it (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.