Best GoPro Camera (2025): Compact, Budget, Accessories

The top 5 GoPro Hero cameras compared

GoPros to avoid

GoPro doesn’t sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 11s and even Hero 10s for sale on the internet. We suggest avoiding them. They may work well, but modern accessories designed for later models will not work, and these cameras are probably broken. (They are action cameras, after all.)

GoPro

Hero 11 Black

GoPro no longer sells the Hero 11, but it’s still widely available on Amazon and other retailers. Unfortunately, it’s usually the same price as the Hero 12 (around $300) and therefore not worth buying.

GoPro

Hero 10 Black

The Hero 10 is really showing its age at this point, but it can sometimes be found on sale for $200, but the video quality and stabilization isn’t nearly as good as the Hero 13, which also sells for around $220 and is better in every way.

The best GoPro accessories

Should you buy a bundle? In general, I say no. Get the camera, figure it out, and see how you end up using it. If 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 that you think I should try, leave a comment below.

A good microSD card for $50: According to GoPro’s recommendations, you want a microSD card with a V30 or UHS-3 rating. That said, GoPros can be picky about SD cards. I’ve had great luck with, and recommend, the Samsung linked here. Another card I’ve used a lot is the Sandisk Extreme Pro.

GoPro Media Mod for $80: By far my most used accessory, the media mod adds a bit of bulk, but in most cases it’s more than compensated for by the fact that you can plug in a real mic (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, as those models do have support for Bluetooth microphones.

GoPro handlebar mount for $40: I’ve been riding a lot more lately, and this mountain pretty much lives on my bike these days. It’s been rock solid in my testing and beats any of the third-party mounts I’ve tested.

GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters for $30: Unless you have the Hero 12 or 13, which have a tripod mount built in, you’ll need a pair of these to mount your GoPro on a tripod like the GorillaPod.

GoPro Floaty for $35: If you get anywhere near the water, grab one of these. Trust me, you will drop your GoPro, and when you do, you’ll be glad you have it (unless the water is clear and you’re a good freediver). GoPro also makes a Swing Handle ($23), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.

GoPro Selfie Stick for $80: This 48-inch extension pole collapses surprisingly small and isn’t very heavy. This is the best selfie stick I have ever used. I rarely use it for selfies, but it makes a great monopod on soft ground, like a sandy beach.

DaVinci Resolve Studio for $300: This is my video editing software of choice. There is a free version, but I got tired of converting media to fit the limitations of the free version. Best money I’ve ever spent when it comes to making better videos.

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