Best GoPro cameras for 2025

National Geographic

03-04-2025

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Since it launched in the early 2000s, GoPro has become synonymous with adventure sports videography. But GoPro cameras can be great tools for capturing unique perspectives on any trip, whether or not you're paddling Class VI white water or mountain biking downhill at night .
With more than 13 generations of cameras, plus tons of accessories, it may be difficult to know which GoPro camera is best for your journey. All GoPros offer not only professional-level video resolution and stabilization, they're also water- and impact-proof. That said, some are better than others for certain activities.
I've been using GoPro cameras for more than a decade, first by documenting my own mountain-bike misadventures, then later, a multitude of less-painful outdoor activities. I may not have epic adventure videos, but I've found GoPros do a great job of documenting even non-extreme travel adventures like kayaking in Antarctica or hiking volcanic craters in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
To help you figure out which GoPro is best for you, I spent weeks testing several models in various situations. With interchangeable lenses, plus pro-quality video and stabilization, the Hero13 Black will appeal to most travelers, but it may not be the best pick for every situation. Here's my breakdown of the best GoPro cameras and accessories.
The best GoPro cameras for travelers
GoPro's action cameras share basic DNA. The tiny Hero, versatile Hero13 Black, and 360-degree Max all offer pro-level resolution and video stabilization. They're also waterproof and built to withstand impacts, plus they're relatively easy to use—just hit record and go. However, some models are better suited to activities like paddleboarding or stargazing. Read on to see which GoPro is best for you.
Best GoPro camera overall: Hero13 Black
Why we like it: The Hero13 Black is a significant upgrade from earlier models. Although the sensor and processor haven't changed much, GoPro now offers interchangeable macro and ultra-wide lens 'mods,' essentially an accessory that attaches to the lens and modifies the perspective.
They also have an anamorphic lens mod, which gives a cinematic widescreen effect. These accessories let you take more control over the look of your videos. Add the pro-level 5.3K video capability and in-camera HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, and you have an action camera that can make an average adventure look epic.
The camera makes it easy to shoot horizontally, vertically, and full frame. It's also great for slo-mo, recording at 400 frames per second (fps) at 700p for 15 real-time seconds, 360 fps at 900p for 15 seconds, or 120 fps at 5.3K resolution for five seconds.
Beyond capturing excellent action video, the Hero13 Black can also shoot pro-quality 27-mp still photos in RAW format (you can also pull 24.7-mp screen grabs from your video), as well as amazing time-lapse images.
Keep in mind: In my experience, shooting action in low-light situations may be the Hero13 Black's Achilles' heel. Filming around dusk was tricky. Although the Hero13 Black captures relatively sharp video, it focuses on the overall scene, with no way to focus on an individual person or item in the shot.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.3K at 60 fps | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Sensor: 27 mp | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 in. | Waterproof: To 33 ft.
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Best GoPro for snow sports: Hero and Chesty
Why we like it: Released in 2024, the Hero is the Hero13 Black's scrappy little sibling, at about half the size. Like the Hero13 Black, the Hero offers HyperSmooth stabilization, superb video quality (albeit not quite as good as the Hero13 Black), and shares the same mounts and accessories. You can also record gorgeous slo-mo video at 2.7K at 60 fps.
This model is ideal for snow sports because you don't need a front-facing video screen if the camera's attached to your chest or head. It's so tiny, you'll barely notice the extra weight if it's mounted to your helmet.
That said, mounting the camera to your chest seems to be the best option for capturing great ski footage, as it provides a consistent view for the entire video.
Keep in mind: Instead of the interchangeable batteries you'd find in other GoPro models, the Hero has an internal power supply. Unless you're using an external power pack, you won't be able to film until you recharge it. With a maximum of 4K at 30 fps, the Hero offers fewer resolution modes than its beefier big brother. However, that's more than enough for most travelers.
Product details: Max resolution: 4K at 30 fps| Weight: 3 oz. | Sensor: 12 mp | Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.2 in. | Waterproof: To 16 ft.
Best GoPro for mountain biking: GoPro Max and Bite Mount
Why we like it: With the Max 360-degree camera, mountain bikers can shoot traditional video footage from the front or back lens, or use the 360-degree, panoramic capabilities in 5.6K at 30 fps. The Max's HyperSmooth stabilization minimizes jarring movements. (If you're using a selfie stick while filming, GoPro software will automatically erase the pole from the video.)
New features to the Max include a bigger Enduro battery, mounting compatibility with other GoPro cameras, a better editing experience in the Quik app, and a price drop. The app uses AI-powered object tracking to keep you or the subject in the middle of the frame.
Mountain bikers often mount the GoPro to the handlebars, but that doesn't lend itself to the unique perspective you get with the chest or helmet mount. Alternatively, New Jersey-based outdoor writer James Barrett recommends using the bite mount for spectacular single-track footage. 'The first-person perspective made every twist, turn, and near-wipeout feel insanely immersive, like I was reliving the ride in high definition,' he says.
Keep in mind: According to reviewers, the 5.6K video resolution drops to 1080P footage when reframed to a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. The Bite mount can feel uncomfortable at first, 'like being at the dentist, bracing for a deep cleaning,' says Barrett, but you get used to it.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.6K in 360 mode; 1440p at 60 fps in single-lens mode | Weight: 5.4 oz. | Sensor: 18 mp | Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.7 x 1 in. | Waterproof: To 16 ft.
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Why we like it: For most water-based activities, the Hero is ideal. It's light, waterproof up to 16 feet (according to the brand), and affordable at about $180. Best of all, it comes with a replaceable, water-repelling lens cover for clear images.
We love all the mounting options for paddling. One of the best ways is to attach it to your helmet or a head mount. That way, when you turn your head to see a whale breach or a potential obstacle at a different angle, the viewer sees it too.
A Chesty mount is also great, but it can interfere when you're trying to reach into the pocket of your personal floatation device (PFD). However, if you have the camera attached to a selfie stick, you can slide it underneath your PFD, giving you nearly the same perspective. You can also attach the GoPro using waterproof adhesive mounts to the actual kayak or canoe.
If you're using the Hero13 Black for your paddling adventure, it may be worth investing in a Floaty wraparound that adds valuable protection to the camera if it hits a rock or other obstacle, as well as keeping it afloat if it falls into the water.
Keep in mind: It's important to be aware of the angle of your head while using the helmet mount. I didn't realize how often I tilt my head until I watched my paddling footage.
One drawback to mounting the camera on the boat is you may not capture your paddles moving through the water, which can add vibrancy to your footage.
Product details: Max resolution: 4K at 30 fps| Weight: 3 oz. | Sensor: 12 mp | Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.2 in. | Waterproof: To 16 ft.
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Photograph courtesy GoPro
Extension Pole with Waterproof Shutter Remote
Buy it now at GoPro
Why we like it: Travel can be unpredictable, which is why the versatile Hero13 Black is ideal for general trips. Beyond video, you can take 27-mp still photos, time-lapse scenes, or slow down fast-moving action. Sun too bright? Use the neutral density filters (sold separately). With a long-lasting battery that won't drain your smart phone and a compact size, you can take this camera on long sightseeing days.
Fully collapsed, the telescoping extension pole is a foot long, with a tripod ballhead attachment that makes it easy to change the angle and direction of the camera. It extends four feet, allowing you to get the shot you want over crowds or beyond safety rails. The camera and the removable shutter release button are waterproof, in case you want to take underwater images.
Because you'll likely use the extension pole accessory most of the time, seeing the Hero13 Black's front-facing screen ensures you're in the center of the action at all times.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers say GoPros' lenses are too wide to be useful as a travel camera. If you mainly shoot still photos and don't partake in action-oriented activities, a small, inexpensive point-and-shoot camera may be a better option.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.3K at 60 fps | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Sensor: 27 mp | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 in. | Waterproof: To 33 ft.
Best GoPro for snorkeling and scuba diving: Hero13 Black and Extension Pole with Waterproof Shutter Remote
Photograph courtesy GoPro
Extension Pole with Waterproof Shutter Remote
Buy it now at GoPro
Why we like it: While the Hero is great for snorkeling to a depth of about 16 feet, the Hero13 Black is your best bet for diving. It's waterproof to 33 feet, but you can dive deeper by adding the waterproof protective housing , which is good to a depth of 196 feet.
Adding the extension pole with the waterproof shutter remote lets you record yourself. The pole has an easy-to-operate ballhead for quickly changing the camera angle and direction. The video stabilization helps smooth footage, if you encounter rougher water.
Keep in mind: This GoPro may lend a blue cast to footage. But you can rectify that by creating a preset optimized for underwater diving.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.3K at 60 fps | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Sensor: 27 mp | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 in. | Waterproof: To 33 ft.
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Best GoPro for fishing: Hero13 Black and Chesty
Why we like it: Because fishing requires patience, it's important to have a big battery. Atlanta-based fishing instructor Malik Wilder, of Fish Pro, learned that the hard way, when he missed out on recording the catch of a lifetime while fly fishing in the Seychelles.
The Hero13 Black's 1900mAh Enduro battery has more juice than previous versions, giving you more record time. I was particularly impressed with the voice activation, which lets you leave the GoPro on without recording. When you're ready to record, you can use a voice command to launch the Hindsight feature, which captures the 15-30 seconds before activation, so you know you're getting the exact moment you want to record. (You must have the Hindsight feature turned on to enable this.) When you're done, simply say 'GoPro stop recording.'
Wilder, who also serves as a fishing guide in Atlanta, Georgia, and along the East Coast in the United States, uses accessories like the Chesty or a tripod setup nearby so he can go hands free and stay focused. The Chesty is the best body-worn mount for fishing, as it provides the perfect angle when reeling in your catch.
Keep in mind: If you're using the voice activation feature, you must use the 14 pre-programmed phrases exactly. Any variation, and it won't record.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.3K at 60 fps | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Sensor: 27 mp | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 in. | Waterproof: To 33 ft.
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Best GoPro for wildlife watching: Hero and Volta
Why we like it: Wildlife documentary filmmaker Kris Millgate often uses GoPros to film remarkable wildlife events like salmon spawning and the release of an agitated grizzly back into the wild.
'GoPros can take a beating, and I'll put them in situations where I know they can take it,' Millgate says. 'But sometimes you know there's a chance it's going to get destroyed, and you have to decide if you're willing to give up that camera for the show-making shot.'
The risk of losing a camera due to a fast-moving stream or a curious grizzly is high, Millgate acknowledges. That's why I think the Hero makes the best choice for wildlife watching. At about $180, it's the cheapest GoPro the company offers, which is a bit easier to stomach than sacrificing a $400 Hero13 Black.
I'd add a Volta external battery grip. It easily folds out to a tripod and the extra juice extends the battery life to more than five hours on average. This GoPro has multiple attachments, with collapsible mounting fingers on the side and fingers that turn in four directions on top, ensuring the camera is pointing where you want.
Keep in mind: The Volta hand grip can't be submerged in water, but it can take a little bit of light rain.
Product details: Max resolution: 4K at 30 fps| Weight: 3 oz. | Sensor: 12 mp | Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.9 x 1.2 in. | Waterproof: To 16 ft.
Best GoPro for stargazing: Hero13 Black and Volta
Why we like it: The Hero13 Black not only offers terrific video resolution, it's also the best GoPro camera yet for time-lapse photography. A quick swipe or two takes you to a window with presets for the six most popular time-lapse types. You can even create your own presets.
The Volta external battery grip offers three times the Hero13 Black's Enduro battery life and acts as a tripod, ensuring the camera's stable and the resulting images aren't blurry. One expert claims he ran a time-lapse video beginning at 8:30 p.m. using the Volta, and the GoPro was still recording when he came back for it at 6:30 a.m. the next day.
Keep in mind: The GoPro can create incredible time-lapse shots, but in my experience, the Hero13 Black isn't the best when shooting moving video at night. However, other GoPro users have found more success by changing certain camera settings.
Product details: Max resolution: 5.3K at 60 fps | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Sensor: 27 mp | Dimensions: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 in. | Waterproof: To 33 ft.
How I chose the best GoPro cameras
Here are the factors I used to create this list.
• Personal expertise: I've used GoPros on and off for work since I purchased the GoPro 3 more than a decade ago. I've used both the GoPro Hero6 and Hero8 for the last several years. For the last few months, I incorporated the GoPro Hero13 Black and Hero cameras into my workflow, using them to record my adventures in places as varied as Hawaii and Antarctica.
• Expert advice: Whenever possible, I reached out to experts for details on how they use GoPros in their own work, along with their real-world pros and cons.
• Third-party reviews: Whenever I felt my knowledge or that of my experts was lacking, I relied on third-party reviews from both long-time GoPro users and respected reviewers.
Tips for buying a GoPro camera
Budget
At prices ranging from $179 to $399, GoPros aren't the cheapest action cameras out there. However, given the image quality, they're relatively inexpensive compared to pro-level options and DSLR cameras. I found the simple, easy-to-use Hero to be more than enough for the bulk of my outdoor activities, but I wouldn't hesitate to spend the extra money for the better video quality and additional features of the Hero13 Black .
Quality and durability
The video quality is high among all GoPros. The Hero's maximum resolution is 4K at 30 fps; the Hero13 Black's is 5.3K at 60 fps; and the Max tops out at 5.6K in 360 mode and 1440p at 60 fps in single-lens mode. That said, for most situations, 4K at 30 fps will more than sufficient.
GoPro cameras are designed to take a beating, and the three cameras I tested are as rugged as they come. Additionally, the brand offers a one-year warranty from manufacturing defects. Premium subscribers get replacements for broken cameras and unlimited cloud storage for videos.
Pricewise, the $179 Hero is comparable to lower-priced competitors, but backed by GoPro's warranty and service.
Accessories
When deciding between GoPros, it may help to think about accessories you may need. In my experience, the two most versatile accessories are the Chesty and extension pole—both should cover the bulk of your activities.
For selfies and dark sky time-lapse photography, you may want to invest in a Volta grip. I've only begun to experiment with the macro and ultra-wide lens mods and am looking forward to seeing how they transform the capabilities of my cameras going forward.
Editing videos
While GoPros are fairly easy to use, capturing footage is only half the battle. I've used GoPro's Quik app editing tool to do most of the heavy lifting for me. You can also get more hands-on by stitching together your own videos set to royalty-free music and graphics.
Frequently asked questions
What is a GoPro camera used for?
Most people use GoPros for filming travel adventures and outdoor action sequences. The compact size and ease of use make them convenient for travel.
Why use a GoPro instead of a phone or camera?
A video-capable smart phone is more versatile than a GoPro, but GoPros excel at getting wide-angle action video from unique vantage points, be it on your body or from a telescoping selfie stick. GoPros are also much more durable than a smart phone.
Similarly, a GoPro may lack the tight framing and focus of a video-capable camera but it's smaller, water- and impact-proof, attaches to your body or onto gear, and much more affordable.
How long does a GoPro battery last?
According to GoPro, the battery time depends on both the temperature and the filming mode. The internal battery of a GoPro Hero records about 90 minutes at 77 degrees and 4K at 30 fps, but the lower the resolution, the longer the run time. You can get 140 minutes or so at 1080p at 30 fps with the Hero. The Hero13 Black's external batteries will run between 70-160 minutes, depending on use and resolution. A fully charged Max 360 battery lasts up to about an hour. However, expect those times to drop in cooler temperatures.
National Geographic, Outside, AARP, and more. Follow him on Robert Annis is a longtime reporter and award-winning outdoor journalist with bylines in, and more. Follow him on Instagram
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