Which GoPro Hero Camera Should You Buy?
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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 sale or secondhand 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.
Updated February 2025: We've updated this guide to the latest available models of the GoPro, added some new accessories, and updated price and links throughout.
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- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Best for Most People
GoPro Hero 13 BlackThe Hero 13 Black (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is our top pick for anyone just getting started with a new GoPro. It's the first time in a long time that GoPro has made a major change the Hero line, adding interchangeable lenses for quite a few more shooting options. In addition to the standard lens you can also invest in an Ultra Wide ($96), Macro ($129), and Anamorphic ($129, pre-order) lens. I'm most excited about the Anamorphic, which unfortunately remains unreleased. All three are automatically detected by the Hero 13 and it will adjust settings accordingly, which is a very slick feature that makes switching lenses on the fly a much smoother experience.
Even if you never buy any of the additional lenses, the Hero 13 is a great action camera with a newly improved battery, magnetic mounting system (finally), USB-C pass-through charging, even better Log video support, and an improved HDR mode with HLG. And those of you who missed the GPS support that briefly went missing in the Hero 12, good news: GPS support is back in the Hero 13. The disappointing part of the Hero 13 Black is that it uses the same 27-megapixel sensor and the same processor as the Hero 12, and, for that matter, the Hero 11. If you have either of those, I'd probably hold off upgrading to see if the Hero 14 doesn't come with a new sensor. Otherwise, though, this is the best GoPro you can buy.
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Plain Hero
GoPro Hero 13To go along with the new Hero 13 Black, GoPro also released the plain Hero. Not to be confused with the Hero Black. The Hero is the smaller, lighter, cheaper, slightly less capable camera. With video resolution maxing out at 4K30 (compared to 5.3K60p in the Hero Black) and still photos dropping to 12 MP (compared to 27 MP in the Hero Black), you definitely lose some on the specs, but it's also $130 cheaper and smaller, which is a big plus in some cases. For example, this would be my pick if you plan to mount your Hero on a helmet.
In my testing, the Hero has proved dead simple to use and the size makes it appealing. The deal break for me is that stabilization is performed in the app, not on the camera. That means you have to edit the video on your phones, apply stabilization, then save it to your phones and transfer it over to your computer before you can edit together with other footage. This workflow, frankly, sucks. But if you don't plan to edit on your PC, then it's not a big deal and Hero might be a good, cheap way to start shooting with an action camera.
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- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Last Year's GoPro Still Shines
GoPro Hero 12The Hero 12 Black (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might have been replaced, but it's still a great camera. It's got the same sensor and processor as the latest model, GoPro's class leading image stabilization system, excellent battery life and better thermal performance than its predecessors. True story: this is the first GoPro that I had to work to make it overheat, which is quite a change from the Hero 11 and before, which tend to shutdown alarmingly fast when shooting in high temps.
Note that GoPro removed GPS support in the Hero 12, so you can't record GPS logs as you shoot. The company claims that less than 1 percent of users were actually using GPS, but if you want GPS support, then you'll want to go with either the Hero 11 or the Hero 13.
While I do think this is still a good camera, the regular price is $300, which is only $30 less than the Hero 13 Black (which, while technically $400, has been on sale for $330 virtually since it launched). If the price difference is only $30, get the Hero 13. If you can find the Hero 12 for under $250, it's a better deal.
- Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
A Sometimes Cheaper GoPro
GoPro Hero 11 BlackGoPro no longer sells the Hero 11 (9/10, WIRED Recommends), but it's still commonly available on Amazon and other retailers. Unfortunately it's usually the same price as the Hero 12 ($300) and therefore not worth buying. Possibly, we'll start to see the price drop as the year wears on, but if you can't get it for less than $250, skip this one.
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Photograph: GoProThere Are Other GoPros Out There
GoPro doesn't sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 10s and even Hero 9s 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: GoProWhat About the GoPro Max?
It's Not Worth ItWhat 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. Our top pick is Insta360's X4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The Max might be more durable, but in nearly every other way the X4 bests it. Hopefully, GoPro will update the Max in 2025.
The Best GoPro Accessories
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.
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 microphones (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 or later, since those models do have support for Bluetooth mics.
Joby GorillaPod for $70: 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 Tripods Mount Adapters for $8: Unless you have the Hero 12 or 13, which have a tripods mount built-in, you'll need a few of these to mount your GoPro to a tripods 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 ($18), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.
GoPro Selfie Stick for $77: This 48-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.
DaVinci Resolve Studio ($300): This is my video editing software of choice. There is a free version, but I got tired of converting media to fit the restrictions of the free version. Best money I ever spent when it comes to making better videos.
