Welcome to the wild world of the best GoPros! You know, those nifty little cameras that capture all the action-packed moments of your life? Well, strap in because we're about to dive into the depths of the best GoPro models out there.
Now, before you go diving headfirst into the newest and shiniest model, let us tell you a little secret: the best GoPro isn't always the latest one on the block. Sure, the Hero 12 Black might be stealing the spotlight with its increased battery life and fancy shooting modes, but there's a whole world of GoPros out there waiting to be explored.
In this guide, we've rounded up all the available models, put them through their paces, and ranked them so you can make an informed decision. Think of us as your trusty adventure guides, helping you navigate the rugged terrain of GoPro options.
Whether you're a seasoned adrenaline junkie or just looking to capture some epic memories on your next vacation, we've got you covered with our complete guide to the best GoPro models right now. So grab your helmet, buckle up, and let's embark on this action-packed journey together!
The best GoPro to buy right now
Why you can trust T3
GoPro HERO 12 Black
If you want the best GoPro, you need the GoPro Hero 12 Black – easy as that. The latest iteration adds HDR video and the ability to record vertical videos on the camera, allowing you to create attention-grabbing footage for social media without post-processing in the Quik app.
Battery life has increased, thanks to GoPro disabling the GPS in the camera. According to the brand, only a fraction of the users used it, and it compromised battery life big time. Now, you get to shoot your favourite extreme sports for longer using the same Enduro battery as before.
GoPro also added a bunch of professional features, enabling videographers to sync multiple GoPros better. Plus, the latest GoPro allows for more control and colour grading in post-production.
Best of all, the GoPro Hero 12 Black has the same asking price as the Hero 11 Black's Membership Price. However, now, you don't need the membership to unlock the lower price. Essentially, you get a more competent action camera for no extra money.
Read our full GoPro Hero 12 Black review.
How does GoPro's top action cam compares to Insta360's top-of-the-line Ace Pro? We pitted them against each other to find out: GoPro Hero 12 Black vs Insta360 Ace Pro.
GoPro HERO 11 Black Mini
The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini puts the action back into action cameras. Thanks to its compact design, it's the perfect set-and-forget model in GoPro's lineup of action cameras; plonk in on the handlebar or the GoPro Chesty, hit record, and off you go on your shenanigans.
It's not the best GoPro for vlogging due to the lack of dual display, and the fixed (i.e. non-removable) battery might also feel like a hindrance to some. As an affordable alternative, though, it's hard to fault the Hero 11 Mini. It's like saying the Apple Watch SE isn't as good as mainline Apple Watches – it's just stating the obvious.
That said, the video quality on the GoPro Hero 11 Mini is excellent, and the price is right. If you're toying with the idea of getting an action camera and don't want to settle for anything less than a GoPro, the Hero 11 Black Mini is your best option.
Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini review.
GoPro HERO 11 Black
We called the GoPro HERO 11 Black the ultimate incremental upgrade in our review, which perfectly describes what this action camera has to offer.
You get the 1/1.9” sensor, boosting a rich colour palette (up to 10-bit) and further enhancing the photos and videos you shoot on the GoPro. This improvement will justify making the upgrade for some users, especially those who take advantage of the ‘Pro’ setting, which allows you to unlock presets such as Standard, Activity, Cinematic, Slo-Mo and more, and gives you the ability to fine-tune all modes, settings and features.
Read our full GoPro HERO 11 Black review.
GoPro HERO 10 Black
The GoPro HERO 10 Black is slick and speedy, with a quicker boot and faster transfers (GoPro has also added the option of wired uploads and auto-uploading to the cloud during charging – but the latter only if you're a GoPro subscriber). There's a significant bump in image quality, with frame rates doubled over the HERO 9 Black at higher resolutions.
Video tops out at a massive 5.3K, 60FPS, 4K at a blistering 120FPS, and 2.7K/240p; stills are up to 23MP. The excellent HyperSmooth and TimeWarp have slightly improved, and the horizon levelling is more noticeable. Finally, one almost invisible improvement to the hardware is the hydrophobic, more scratch-resistant lens cover that works an absolute treat.
All this, combined with GoPro's famously intuitive interface, means this is an extremely easy-to-use camera for the beginner, as well as an astonishingly capable tool for the pro – an impressive combination.
Read our full GoPro HERO 10 Black review.
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The GoPro HERO 9 Black extends many of the now-familiar tools from the HERO 8 Black and adds a big dollop of hardware improvement.. although it's not powered by the latest GP2 chip, which means it's not quite as smooth, slick and powerful as the newest flagship above. It scooped up a T3 Award in 2021 in the Best Action Cam category.
In style terms, the HERO 9 Black is visually identical to the HERO 8, just slightly larger on each axis, and – significantly – is the first in the range to add that all-important front-facing screen for vlogging action. The slick 'bunny-ears' mount is carried across, as is the 10m caseless waterproofing, while a removable lens cover adds potential for upgrade.
Under the hood, the big news is a hefty boost in the sensor (23.6MP) compared to the H8, which in turn opens the door to 5K/30 video and 20MP stills, while a 30% beefier battery means there's enough juice to use some of this power. This is also the first HERO to offer horizon levelling baked in (as opposed to the app in previous models), and while this version won't accept as much tilting as the H10, it's still pretty impressive.
Read our full GoPro HERO 9 Black review.
GoPro HERO 8 Black
The GoPro HERO 8 Black was a big upgrade on the H7, introducing a dramatically improved body and a host of other innovations. Even though it's now practically an OAP in HERO terms, having been usurped twice in the lineup, the HERO 8 Black remains an excellent camera. It arguably delivers the best bang for your buck and is probably the best GoPro for most people's uses.
The HERO 8 Black's body is sleeker, and it has cleaner lines and a lens that’s not quite as proud. The main difference, though, is that unlike its predecessor, the HERO 8 Black doesn't need to be seated in a frame attached to be connected to a mount. Instead, two 'fingers’ fold out from its base, allowing you to fit it directly to a mount or any other compatible accessory.
While the HERO 8 Black has very similar shooting modes and features as the HERO 7 Black, the newer camera comes with improved software and additional extras. For example, the HERO 7 has GoPro’s highly impressive Hypersmooth stabilisation, but the HERO 8 comes with Hypersmooth 2.0 along with additional High and Boost settings to smooth out even the most rattly footage. Similarly, while both cameras can shoot in 4K at 60FPS, the H8 Black's higher bit rate results in better quality footage and gives it the edge over its stablemate.
Read our full GoPro HERO 8 Black review.
GoPro Max
Released not long after the HERO8 Black, the 360-degree GoPro Max shares the same intuitive operating system and many design cues with its more conventional stablemate. It also uses the same frameless mounting system, consisting of two metal fingers that fold out from the base, in order to attach the camera to mounts and other accessories.
The new camera vastly improves on its predecessor (Fusion) in every respect and comes with many popular facilities found in the Hero range, such as Hypersmooth image stabilisation and TimeWarp moving time-lapsed video. While the Max’s 360-degree capabilities give you the ability to create some truly amazing content, the stitching together of the images taken by the front and rear-mounted lenses can be noticeable at times.
Vloggers will appreciate the ability to flip between front and rear views on the Max’s touchscreen, but the only way to see what you are shooting in 360-degree mode is via the feature-packed smartphone app – which handily also gives you access to the camera’s controls. The Max is a hugely versatile piece of kit that makes it easy to create stunning content. A combination of GoPro’s unmatched functionality and an excellent smartphone app makes Max stand head and shoulders above its 360-degree rivals.
Read our full GoPro Max review.
How we test the best GoPros
In our GoPro testing lab, we're like mad scientists of adventure, putting these action cameras through their paces like never before. From the depths of the ocean to the highest peaks, we're on a mission to find the ultimate adventure companion.
During our intense testing phase, we're not just hitting record and calling it a day. Oh no, we're diving headfirst into every feature and function to ensure these cameras can handle anything you throw their way.
Whether it's testing the durability on rugged terrain or pushing the limits of image stabilisation, we're leaving no stone unturned in our quest for the perfect shot.
But we're not just here to give you the run-of-the-mill review; we're on a mission to uncover the hidden gems and standout features that make each GoPro a true game-changer. From the sleek design of the HERO 12 Black to the innovative capabilities of the Max, we're here to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
So, if you're ready to take your adventures to the next level and want a camera that can keep up with your wild spirit, you've come to the right place.
How to choose the best GoPro for you
Before you take the plunge into the world of GoPro, let's mull over a couple of things.
Firstly, ask yourself: what's the main gig for your footage? Whether you're shredding the slopes or capturing underwater wonders, there's a GoPro for every mission.
Secondly, let's talk cash. How big is your budget? Don't worry, there's a GoPro out there for every wallet size, from thrifty to splurge-worthy.
At the tippity-top of our GoPro pyramid sits the beloved HERO 12 Black, decked out with a shiny 5-star rating from T3. Following closely are the HERO 11 Black Mini and the HERO 11 Black, forming a trio of awesome action-capturing champions.
As you climb up the ladder, you'll notice the software and features leveling up too. From crisper video resolution to steadier image stabilisation, each upgrade brings a little extra magic to the mix. And let's not forget about the rugged build and waterproofing that'll make even Poseidon proud. Plus, even the OG Hypersmooth is no slouch, so don't count out the older models just yet.
Now, here's the cherry on top: the GoPro subscription. Think of it like your VIP pass to the GoPro world, scoring you sweet discounts, cloud storage for all those epic clips, and easy peasy replacements if your camera takes an unplanned dip.
Oh, and if you're all about that 360-degree life, meet the Max – your ticket to immersive footage heaven. With twin lenses and mind-blowing 5.6k resolution, it's like having your own personal VR experience wherever you go.
FAQ
What can you do with a GoPro?
Whether it's Kai Lenny surfing house-sized waves at Jaws, or Felix Baumgartner's epic skydive from space, if you're watching an action sports video, the likelihood is that at least some of the footage will have been filmed using a GoPro. All the action cams in the current GoPro range deliver top-level optics, image stabilisation, waterproofing and industry-leading usability.
GoPros are the ultimate accessory for mountain biking, surfing, white water rafting, skateboarding, or just about any action sport. However, their bombproof nature, excellent image quality and small size make them extremely versatile and helpful devices for situations in which you wouldn't want to risk using a regular camera. Their small size and range of mounts available (helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, even dog mounts) also allow you to record from a huge range of POVs.
In-depth: What can you do with a GoPro?
What is GoPro mainly used for?
GoPro cameras are primarily used for capturing action-packed footage in various adventurous scenarios. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, travelers, and content creators who want to document their adventures in high-quality video and photos.
Common activities where GoPro cameras are frequently used include surfing, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, skydiving, hiking, snorkeling, and many other adrenaline-fueled sports and activities.
Additionally, GoPro cameras are also utilised for vlogging, filmmaking, and capturing everyday moments from unique perspectives. Their compact size, rugged design, and wide range of mounting options make them versatile tools for capturing immersive and dynamic footage in challenging environments.
Why use a GoPro instead of a phone?
Using a GoPro instead of a phone offers distinct advantages, particularly in scenarios requiring durability, versatility, and specialized features.
GoPro cameras are built to withstand rugged conditions, including water, dust, and impacts, making them ideal for water-based activities like surfing and snorkelling.
They offer specialized features tailored for action-packed activities, such as advanced image stabilization and high-frame-rate recording for smooth slow-motion footage.
GoPros are specifically designed for adventure, offering a wide range of mounting options for capturing unique perspectives and angles. Their longer battery life, especially when recording video, and minimal distraction from notifications and calls make them ideal for focusing solely on capturing the moment during intense activities.
While smartphones have become increasingly capable as cameras, GoPro cameras provide distinct advantages for capturing action-packed footage in challenging environments. They are purpose-built tools designed to withstand the rigours of adventure and provide high-quality videos and photos in situations where smartphones may struggle to keep up.
In-depth: 6 reasons to use a GoPro instead of a smartphone to record videos