Best GoPro accessories 2023: add-ons to help you get more from your action cam

We run down a selection of the best GoPro accessories to add new features and unlock new shooting possibilities

Best GoPro accessories: how to get the most out of your action camera

GoPro cameras are the most robust, easy to use and high specced action cams around. There's not a whole lot they can't do, but arm yourself with one of the best GoPro accessories and you'll unlock even more possibilities. 

For example, if you've got anything other than the HERO 9 and want to use your camera for vlogging, you can add a front-facing screen (the H9 has one built in). If you want to capture content from a different perspective, there are a ton of different mounting GoPro accessories that enable you to attach your camera to your body, helmet or bike. If you want to hit the water, then there are mounts that you can attach to flat surfaces such as your surfboard, SUP, or kiteboard. 

Mounts are only part of the accessory story though; there are all kinds of grips, tripods, dive cases, lights, and charging pods available. In fact, pretty much anything you can dream up is out there. These accessories help make some of the best action cameras around even more impressive. 

While GoPro makes a huge range of accessories itself – most notably, the GoPro Mods, which are used to expand the capabilities of the already hugely impressive GoPro HERO 9 Black and HERO 8 Black, and can be found at the top of our list). However, there's also a vast range of third-party accessories available, and accessories that work with alternative GoPro models. These are also included in our roundup. 

If you haven't yet picked up a GoPro check out our guide to the best GoPros to make sure you choose the right one for you. Alternatively, read on for our selection of the best GoPro accessories, to help you get the best from your action camera and enable you to create stunning footage and stills. 

GoPro Media Mod

(Image credit: GoPro)
An essential upgrade if you're looking to run other HERO8 Mods

Reasons to buy

+
Built-in directional mic
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Two cold-shoe mounts for lights, mics or screens
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3.5mm port for adding an external mic

Designed with capturing quality sound in mind, the GoPro Media Mod massively improves the HERO8's sound recording capabilities with an in-built mini shotgun mic (directional to the front or rear) and a dedicated 3.5mm jack for running an additional mic. Two cold-shoe mounts on top and to the side of the Media Mod body have been designed to use with GoPro's other key Mods (the Display Mod and the Light Mod – more on them below), but open up a range of compatible third-party accessories too.

To fit your HERO8 into the Media Mod, you'll need to first remove the battery door, then slide the camera into the Mod which connects via the USB-C port. The Media Mod also gives you a HDMI port with which you can live monitor or play back your footage on a bigger screen. Head to our GoPro Media Mod review to find out more.

GoPro Display mod

(Image credit: GoPro)

2. GoPro Display Mod

Add a front-facing screen to your HERO 8

Reasons to buy

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Forward facing screen for vlogging
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Built-in rechargeable battery
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Comes with a protective case

When it was first unveiled, the GoPro HERO 8 received a fair amount of flack for lacking a built-in, forward facing screen. It rectified the situation with the HERO 9 Black, of course, but if you're working with a H8, there is a simple way to upgrade: the Display Mod. It's simple to attach and remove the Display Mod from the Media Mod's cold-shoe mount at the top of the HERO8. The Display Mod's attachment is hinged which allows you to change the angle of the 2-inch screen and fold it down flat at the back of the camera when not in use. To improve battery life, you can turn off the rear touchscreen while using the Display Mod and it also has its own in-built battery which charges alongside the main camera battery when plugged into a power supply.

GoPro Volta Mod

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
The best GoPro grip you can get

Reasons to buy

+
Works as a grip and tripod
+
Triples your battery life
+
Remote control function

Reasons to avoid

-
Cumbersome USB cable

Why settle for an ordinary GoPro grip when you could opt for the GoPro Volta instead? It might look like an ordinary grip, but it has quite a few tricks up its sleeve that could make your life a lot easier. The big selling point is what's inside it: a 4900mAh battery that'll triple the GoPro HERO 10 Black's battery life. It connects via a coiled USB cable, which can be a bit of a faff to work with, but the extra shooting time you'll get makes it well worth it.

That's not all, though. The handle itself splits into a tripod configuration, ideal for static shots or vlogs, and you can use the mounting fingers to rotate and tilt the camera to give you the best possible shot. And the icing on the cake is the fact that it'll connect wirelessly to your GoPro to use as a remote control with a range of up 20 metres. Need to know more? Our GoPro Volta review has all the details.

GoPro Light Mod

(Image credit: Mark Mayne)
A serious light for use with any camera

Reasons to buy

+
A sturdy and powerful lighting unit
+
Waterproof up to 10m
+
Six hour battery life

The Light Mod is the final piece in GoPro's HERO8 Mod system that can turn your humble industry leading action cam into a fully equipped multi-media rig. While the Light Mod may be tiny, it can whack out a blinding 200 lumens in Overdrive mode and has three other lighting levels of 125, 60 and 20 lumens for more subtle brightening of your subject, along with a strobe mode for signalling.

Like the Display Mod, the Light Mod has its own rechargeable battery that has a run-time of up to six hours – if used at 20 lumens. You can run the Light Mod from the cold-shoe mount on the Media Mod and it also clips into any flat GoPro mount – allowing you to use it as a standalone unit with any camera you like and light your subject from the angle of your choice. Check out our GoPro Light Mod review to find out more about how it performs in practice. 

Best GoPro accessories: GoPro Handler Floating Hand Grip

5. GoPro Handler Floating Hand Grip

The best GoPro accessory for filming in water

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable, non-slip design
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Helps your GoPro float

Whether you're looking to capture incredible holiday footage to show off to your friends and family back home, or you're a watersports enthusiast looking to get more out of their action videos, the GoPro Handler Floating Hand Grip has to be at the top of your list. The device mainly consists of a comfortable, non-slip handle. In addition to helping you shoot footage from a range of different angles, it keeps your GoPro afloat so that you don’t need to worry about it sinking if you drop it in the water. 

Best GoPro accessories: Manfrotto Off Road Stunt Backpack

6. Manfrotto Off Road Stunt Backpack

The best GoPro accessory for housing all of your action video kit

Reasons to buy

+
Room for three cameras
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Integrated mount for your GoPro

If you're out adventuring, you'll most likely have more than one camera with you. Manfrotto has you covered again with their Stunt backpack that includes room for up to three cameras and is made of a waterproof material for added durability. This bag also includes a mount on the front for your GoPro action camera, enabling you to get a cool first person shot while you're exploring.

Best GoPro accessories: SHOOT Underwater Dome

7. Shoot Underwater Dome

Capture better footage when diving and snorkelling

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight
+
Bright under water

Whether you’re cruising around a bay on a stand-up paddle board or shooting down a Grade 4 rapid, there’s no denying how cool a half-and-half shot is. By moving the water line away from the lens, you can achieve a better defined picture of the world above and below the water. The Shoot Underwater Dome features a smear-free cover so you don’t need to worry about anything distorting your shots, while the non-slip floaty grip will enable you to play around with camera angles and not lose your GoPro in the process.  

Best GoPro accessories: GoPro Sleeve and Lanyard

(Image credit: GoPro)

8. GoPro Sleeve and Lanyard

The best GoPro accessory for jazzing up your action camera

Reasons to buy

+
Adds a pop of colour to your cam
+
Wipe-clean material

Seen one GoPro HERO, seen 'em all. Make yours stand out from the crowd with a funky silicone sleeve, designed to slip over your beloved action camera to deliver a pop of colour and an extra layer of scratch resistance. An attached lanyard makes the perfect carry point for those of you who are using a GoPro to film yourselves when hiking or even sightseeing – sling it around your wrist and off you go.

Best GoPro accessories: Joby GripTight GorillaPod

9. Joby GripTight GorillaPod

A versatile GoPro accessory for filming from unique angles

Reasons to buy

+
Wraps around anything
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Stands steady on any surface

There’s nothing more annoying than discovering how an uneven surface will be the downfall of your perfectly planned, hands-free action shot. The GorillaPod makes the most of every surface, whether you plonk it on an uneven cluster of rocks or twist it around a fence post. It features quick-release clips, 360 degree flexibility, and rubber feet for impressive grip, making this the best GoPro accessory for when you're shooting out in the wilds or for capturing very creative shooting angles.

Best GoPro accessories: GoPro 3-Way Camera Mount

10. GoPro 3-Way Handler

A camera tripod, grip and sturdy base all in one compact gadget

Reasons to buy

+
Three-in-one mount
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Packs down small

If you're looking for one GoPro mount to rule them all, the waterproof, 3-Way Camera Mount is the one to stash in your backpack. Folded down, it serves as a comfortable camera grip for day-long filming. Extend the three-section arm to it's maximum 50.8cm length and you have the perfect selfie stick, or a great tool for hoisting your camera above the crowds. Finally, unfurl the lightweight mini tripod from the mount’s base and you gain a sturdy platform from which to capture high-octane action shots or images of stunning vistas.

Best GoPro accessories: GoPro Chest Mount Harness

11. GoPro Chest Mount Harness

The best GoPro accessory for cyclists, runners and hikers

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable fit
+
Rugged design

The GoPro Chest Mount Harness is the perfect accessory for when you want great point of view shots without having to attach your camera to a backpack. GoPro's official chest strap is extremely tough and is ready for any extreme sport and gives a perfect view of the action below eye level. This angle can be more immersive and will certainly differentiate your footage from everything else out there.

Best GoPro accessories: GoPro Dual Battery Charger

(Image credit: GoPro)

12. GoPro Dual Battery Charger + Battery

The best GoPro accessory for keeping your action cam powered

Reasons to buy

+
Clear indication of remaining power
+
Charges two GoPro batteries at once

Planning a longer day of shooting? Don't get caught short on the power front. This kit includes a 1,220mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, plus the dual-battery charger itself, so you can charge two batteries at once. Dual LED lights on the front display the charging status of each battery.

Chris Barnes
A regular contributor to T3 magazine, Chris has over 12 years’ experience as a print and digital editor and writer, specialising in technology, music and lifestyle.