Best GoPro camera in 2025

Want one of the best GoPro cameras? You're making a solid choice. GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras, which isn't surprising — after all, GoPro created the original winning formula for action cameras.

That's probably why many people use the terms "GoPro" and "action camera" interchangeably (although I'd tell them off for doing so!)But which is the best GoPro for you? There are loads of them right? Surely the best GoPro is the latest GoPro Hero13 Black?

Well, yes and no. It’s not quite as simple as that. There are a few elements at play, obviously including budget and the features you actually need. To help you find the best GoPro for you, we've rounded up our favorites here. Read on!

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the three best GoPro cameras you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews. These aren't the only ones we'd recommend, though, so keep on scrolling if you want to see our in-depth analysis of all the top GoPro cameras.

Peter Wolinski

Pete is the reviews editor here at Tom's Guide, so knows a thing or two about expert product testing. He also oversees the site's cameras coverage, having been a keen photographer for many years as well as working for Canon's editorial site. Pete gets to test out all the latest and greatest action cameras (as well as some not-so-great ones), including the very latest GoPros. His recommendation? "If you have the money, it has to be the Hero13 Black due to the awesome lens mods and magnetic mount," he says. "But honestly, if you aren't fussed about lenses, the Hero12 Black or Hero11 Black are a great way to save money and still shoot beautiful +4K video."

Best GoPro camera: Specs compared

We know all the numbers and specs can be a little overwhelming, so we've laid them all out side by side in this table to make it easier for you to compare the details. Remember, though, specs aren't everything and don't necessarily make a camera right for you, so keep reading to see our full analysis of each GoPro.

The full list: the best GoPro cameras in detail

The GoPro Hero13 Black is the best action GoPro, although it's only an evolution, not revolution of its predecessor the Hero12 Black. The Hero13 Black packs the same internals as its forebear, meaning 5.3K/60p, Hypersmooth 6.0 stabilization, 3 microphones, 33-foot waterproofing and a $399 launch price.

The updates to the Hero13 Black are relatively modest, although they could make a huge difference to how much you're able to get from the camera. The Hero13 Black's standout new feature are the expanded range of lens mods, not compatible with earlier models. These give you access to a macro lens, a new ultra-wide lens, ND filters and (although not launched at the time of writing) an anamorphic lens for cinematic widescreen video straight out of camera. There's also a new magnetic lens mount for quickly swapping accessories, plus an upgraded 1,900mAh battery.

In testing, we loved the Hero13 Black's beautiful video quality and stabilization, especially its neat timewarp modes (although these are also on older models). Audio performance is decent, and the Hero13 Black features a RAW audio recording mode, producing a separate high res audio file for editing in post. Talking of editing, the Hero13 Black has other pro features, including HLG and Log profiles for wide dynamic range capture, and 10-bit color for an increased gamut.

While it's mostly the same camera as the Hero12 Black, there's no denying that the Hero13 Black's extra features make it the better model, and are well worth the spend. That's especially true if you're going to be using your GoPro for serious content creation or a rugged b-cam for professional work.

Find out more in our GoPro Hero13 Black review.

The next best GoPro camera

With the launch of the Hero13 Black, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best older GoPro you can buy — although calling it old feels a little odd, as it was only launched in 2023 and until recently still topped our best action cameras round up too. While it's largely unchanged from its predecessor, it costs $100 less than the Hero11 did at launch — something we were happy to see given such a moderate specs boost.

Video performance is boosted over the Hero11, despite having the same resolution sensor: the Hero12 shoots 5.3K/60p versus the Hero11's 5K/30p, for higher resolution, smoother footage. There's now also support for bluetooth headphones, so you can use your wireless earbuds to record clean audio without the need for a separate microphone.

Water resistance is the same, as are the design, screens and dimensions. Horizon stabilization and image stabilization are again unchanged, but these were fantastic in the Hero11 anyway, so that's no bad thing. Unfortunately, premium editing features are again locked behind a paid subscription.

Read our full GoPro Hero12 Black review.

The best 360 GoPro camera

While not the best GoPro camera overall, the GoPro Max does have a major point of difference from the others — namely its ability to shoot 360-degree video. Unlike most 360 cameras, the GoPro Hero Max has a small display on its back that lets you view what its cameras are looking at. We didn't find it quite as handy as we'd expected, but the large display does make it easy to navigate and change the Max's settings without having to use your smartphone.

The GoPro Hero Max also has a HyperSmooth stabilization feature, so your bumpy video will look nice and smooth, and image quality from the camera — up to a max resolution of 5.6K/30 fps — lives up to GoPro's typical high standards. Plus, GoPro's app is loaded with features, including the ability to livestream video from the Max.

However, the GoPro Hero Max's design requires the use of a selfie stick, and lacks a tripod mount, so you have to use it with one of GoPro's accessories. GoPro's subscription offer is available here too, and brings the price down to $399 from its RRP of $549.

Read our GoPro Max review.

4. The best small GoPro

The GoPro Hero is the best small GoPro you can buy, so if you need to mount a GoPro in a tight spot, or somewhere weird, this is the camera for you. Now, this isn't the best small action camera — that title goes to the Insta360 Go 3S, which offers more features and an even smaller thumb camera, but comes with extra cost.

However, this is a best GoPros guide, and the Hero is the best small GoPro there is! So why might you want the GoPro instead of the Insta360 Go 3S? Well, there are some reasons. I've tested both extensively, and believe me, the GoPro Hero shoots great-looking 4K/30p, the same resolution as the Go 3S. It's also smaller and lighter than the Go 3S when the latter is in its action pod (which is needs to be to mount to anything).

The GoPro Hero also has fantastic battery life. I managed to achieve 1 hour and 43 minutes at 4K/30p, which is astounding given the battery is only 1,255mAh. There was no overheating at all either, and the camera recorded all that footage to a single file, so no breaks to cool down.

The GoPro Hero is also a lot cheaper than the Insta360 Go 3S, and indeed a lot cheaper than the other cameras above this entry. That comes with sacrifices though. There are no modes for timelapses or hyperlapses, in fact aside from photo and slow motion modes, there are no other features on this camera.

You can't change resolution in camera to help manage file sizes, and stabilization can only be applied in the GoPro Quik app (or other post production software), so you can't simply upload footage straight from the camera without editing it first. You'll also want to record externally on one of the best microphones, as the Hero's mics aren't great in wind.

All that said, the GoPro Hero is a simple tool, meant to provide a stripped back experience. It's a decent little action camera for the money, and the best (albeit only) small GoPro.

Read my full GoPro Hero (2024) review.

What to look for when buying a GoPro camera

Design

While all of the best GoPro cameras (with the exception of the Max) share a similar design, there are a few differences, especially between newer and older models.

With the Hero8 Black, GoPro redesigned the camera so that the mounting "fingers" — used to connect the camera to GoPro accessories — are built directly into the bottom of the camera. This way, you don't need to attach a case if you want to mount the camera to a selfie stick or some other device.

All GoPro models have a rear display which you can use to frame your shot and adjust settings, as well as a front-facing LCD that shows your recording time, battery life, and more. However, the Hero9 and onwards have color displays on the front, which can also be used to frame yourself in a shot.

Video and image resolution

Both the GoPro Hero8 Black and Hero7 Black can shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second, as well as slo-mo video at 1080p/240 fps. The GoPro Hero9 Black was the first GoPro that can shoot video at 5K resolution, albeit at a max framerate of 30 fps. The Hero10 ups that to 60 fps. The GoPro Hero11 can shoot 5K/60 fps, while the Hero12 can shoot 5.3K/60 fps — both models can shoot 4K/120 fps slow motion.

On the stills front, the Hero12 and Hero11 take 27MP stills; the Hero10 takes 23MP stills; the Hero9 takes 20MP stills; while the Hero8 Black and Hero7 Black are both limited to 12MP.

The GoPro Max is in a class of its own, as it shoots 5.6K spherical videos, but only 1080p/60fps rectilinear video and only 30 fps slow motion (slowed down 2x from its maximum 60 fps).

Image stabilization

One of the defining features of the best GoPro cameras has been electronic image stabilization, which goes a long way towards smoothing out shaky action cam footage. GoPro calls its technology HyperSmooth; hyperbole aside, it's very effective. Newer (and pricier) GoPro models have more advanced versions of HyperSmooth.

If you're taking really shaky video, though, we recommend the GoPro Max; because it's a 360 camera, and recording everything around you, it's the best at maintaining a level horizon no matter how much the camera bounces around.

Best GoPro cameras: FAQs

With so many models, it's easy to get a little confused about the differences between GoPros, or their use cases. Here we'll answer some of the commonly asked questions about GoPro cameras.

What is the difference between GoPro cameras?

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In short, there isn't a huge difference between recent models of GoPro Hero Black cameras. GoPros tend to evolve slowly, with the manufacturer bringing incremental updates with each major release.

Generally speaking, the GoPro Hero10 through Hero13 are relatively similar. The Hero10 Black and Hero11 Black shoot 5K video, whereas the Hero12 Black and Hero13 Black shoot 5.3K. Each successive model boasts slightly improved image stabilization over the predecessor (although the stabilization on all recent models is very good). The Hero9 Black onwards all have front selfie displays rather than the digital settings displays of prior models.

Perhaps the biggest change with the most recent Hero13 Black is the support for Lens Mods. These allow you to swap out lenses to one that better suits your creative goals, such as ultra wide FoVs or the cinematic look of an anamorphic lens. The Hero12 Black supports Lens Mods, but there are fewer compatible mods than with its successor.

At the end of the day, all GoPro's that you'll find new right now will shoot great looking video. It just comes down to the secondary features you need.

Do professionals use GoPro cameras?

Hell yeah they do. GoPros aren't just toys, they're capable of meeting the standards that professional videographers demand.

Many professionals will use a GoPro as a rugged B-cam (to shoot secondary footage or 'b-roll'). Keep a close eye out, though, and you'll also see GoPros being used by broadcasters and professionals wherever the need arises to shoot 'a-roll' or main footage: in tough environments, where space is at a premium, or where it would be difficult to mount a full-sized camera. Many content creators, vloggers and streamers also use GoPro cameras to produce super high quality content for YouTube and social media.

Which GoPro cameras are 4K?

All GoPros shoot 4K these days. In fact, you'd have to go back to the utterly ancient GoPro Hero4 to find a GoPro that shoots below 4K/60, and even that camera shoots 4K/30p. If you're buying any of the GoPros on this list, they will all shoot 4K/60p.

Which GoPro accessories should you buy?

We've got a separate guide to the best GoPro accessories, but if you're still deciding which is the best GoPro camera to buy and just want an idea of how much extra you might need to budget for add-ons, here's a brief overview:

• GoPro Volta: GoPro has just released this combined handle, remote, battery and tripod and we'll be giving it a try very soon. The company claims it can triple battery life, while the remote functionality works whether it's attached to a camera or wirelessly via Bluetooth. For $130, it looks like a great addition to a GoPro.
• Mounts: You're almost certainly going to want to attach your GoPro to something, whether it's a helmet, a bike or a snowboard. Neewer makes an inexpensive (about $30) 50-piece kit that includes dozens of options.
• Audio upgrades: Sound isn't the GoPro's strongest suit, but you can improve it by adding GoPro's own Media Mod, or an external microphone for as little as $40.
• Batteries: You can never have too much juice — after all, you don't want to be stuck halfway up a mountain with a dead GoPro. For $10 you can buy an extra battery plus a charging case that you can take on the go.
• Carrying case: The more kit you have, the more useful this will be. Amazon sells a good option for just $11.

Of course there are dozens of other GoPro accessories, including waterproof cases and floatation devices, screen protectors, extra lighting, extra displays and more. Check out our full list of the best GoPro accessories for more.

Can you use a GoPro as a webcam?

Simply put: yes. Aside from being great action cameras, there are actually a few other things that GoPros can do. For a start, GoPro has software that lets you use GoPros after the Hero8 Black as webcams. Follow our guide to how to use your GoPro as a webcam for more details.

GoPro also launched livestreaming for its cameras back to the Hero7 Black (including the GoPro Max). However, in order to use this feature, you must be a GoPro Plus subscriber, which costs $49.99 annually. The subscription also provides unlimited cloud storage of GoPro footage, no-questions-asked camera replacement, and up to 50% off GoPro accessories.

How we test the best GoPro cameras

The only way to test a GoPro camera properly is to put it through its paces in the outdoors, so that's what we do. We take it to a ski slope, or out on a bike, or to a beach, and we use it in the kind of situation anyone buying it would do. We also make sure to test it in a variety of lighting conditions, and to specifically evaluate features such as motion stabilization so we know how well it performs.

We then look closely at the footage, and any stills we've taken, to compare the quality to that of rival devices or previous models. Finally, we consider the camera's controls, design and build, including aspects such as how easy it is to operate with gloves, and also evaluate the manufacturer's battery claims against what we found in our testing.

More from Tom's Guide

Be sure to check out all of our camera picks:

Now that you've decided on the best GoPro for you, you'll definitely want to check out our roundup of the best GoPro accessories, so you can get the most out of your rugged pal. If you're still not sold on adventuring with a GoPro, then we also have guides to the best action cameras, best waterproof cameras, best 360 cameras and best drones. If you're looking for something a little more conventional than an action cam, why not check out our guides to the best DSLR cameras and best mirrorless cameras (or read up on DSLR vs. mirrorless if you haven't decided between the two). For something a little more casual, check out the best point-and-shoot cameras and the best instant cameras. If you'd like to see our favorites from every category, then you'll want to read our guide to the overall best cameras.

It's also important that you have somewhere to store all of your stills and videos, as well as somewhere to edit them. That's why we've also put together guides to the best photo organizer apps and the best photo storage sites, as well as the best photo editing software, best photo editing apps and best video editing software.