The best GoPro camera (2025): compact, budget, accessories

Top 3 GoPro Hero cameras compare

Gopros to avoid

GoPro sells nothing older than Hero 12, but there are many Hero 11s and even HERO 10S for sale online. We suggest you avoid them. They can work well, but the modern accessories designed for later models will not work, and these cameras may have passed through the wing. (Eventually they are action cameras.)

What about GoPro Max?

Photo: GoPro

What most people call GoPro is actually the black camera Hero. GoPro makes several other cameras, most of all, Max. The max is GoPro’s experience for three cameras in one. He can shoot 360 frames and videos and photos in the style of hero and works as a Vlogging camera. While the 360-degree expiration feature is great and the sound has been pretty good, it’s been a long time since GOPRO updates it and has better 360 cameras. Our best choice is the Insta360 on the X5. GoPro Max may be more durable, but in almost any other way, the X5 wins it. Hopefully GoPro will update Max in 2025

The best GoPro accessories

Photo: GoPro

Do you have to buy a package? In general, I say no. Take the camera, understand it and see how you use it. When you find that you are trying to solve a problem, start looking for an accessory. Here are some of my favorite things I have tested and used, but if you have loved ones that you think I should try, post a comment below.

Good microSD card for $ 60: According to GoPro recommendations, you want a microSD card with V30 or UHS-3 rating. This was said that GoPros could be fine for SD cards. I was lucky and I recommend Samsung connected here. Another card I used wide is Sandisk Extreme Pro.

GoPro Media Mod for $ 80: So far, my most used accessory, Media Mod adds a little bulk, but in most cases it is more than made up by the fact that you can turn on a real microphone (I use mine with a wireless connection). The sound quality improves radically with this one. This may be less necessary if you get Hero 12 or later, as these models have support for Bluetooth Mic.

GoPro Handerbar Mount for $ 40: I’ve been doing a lot more riding lately and this mountain almost lives on my bike these days. In my testing, it was firm and beating one of the third parties I tested.

GoPro Tripod mounting adapters for $ 30: Unless you have HERO 12 or 13 that have a built-in tripod, you will need several of them to mount your GoPro to the tripod like the gorillas above.

GoPro Floaty for $ 35: If you get anywhere near the water, take one of them. Believe me, you will miss GoPro and when you do, you will be glad you have this (unless the water is clear and you are not a good free diver.) GoPro also makes a Floating gripping hand ($ 23), Which not only sails but has a diving strap or surfing.

GoPro Selfie Stick for $ 80: This 48-inch extension pillar collapses surprisingly small and not very heavy. This is the best selfie stick I have 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 optional video editing software. There is a free version, but I’m tired of converting the media to meet the restrictions of the free version. The best money I’ve ever spent when it comes to better videos.