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Best GoPro camera in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 18 October 2022 We tested every GoPro camera to find which is the best for you. Included in this guide:1GoProHero11 BlackCheck Price (opens in new tab)2GoProHero10 BlackCheck Price (opens in new tab)3GoProMaxCheck Price (opens in new tab)4GoProHero9 BlackCheck Price (opens in new tab)5GoProHero 8 BlackCheck Price (opens in new tab) If you're looking for one of the best GoPro cameras, let us start by saying you're making the right choice. When it comes to the best action cameras available, GoPro cameras are without doubt up there among the best. But hang on, with so many models available, which one is right for you? The latest GoPro Hero11 Black, surely? Well, not necessarily. It's not quite as simple as the newest one is the best for everyone. Obviously, price is a big factor here, and many of the older models are now much more affordable than the newest ones. For your budget then, you might end up finding that an older GoPro is best. It also depends on the features you need. The GoPro Max, for example, offers 360-degree video, which is something not found on other models in the lineup. Luckily for you, we've tested every GoPro still available to buy, so you've come to the right place for advice. In this article, we've rounded up the five latest models of GoPro, from the Hero8 Black to the very latest Hero11 Black, comparing their features, strengths and weaknesses. All you need to do now is read on to see the best GoPro cameras for your needs.

Best GoPro camera Specs compared

GoPro MaxGoPro Hero11 BlackHero10 BlackHero9 BlackPrice
$399$499$349$349Video Resolution
5.6K, 60 fps (spherical), 1080p/60fps (rectilinear)5K/60 fps5K/60 fps5K/30 fpsPhoto Resolution
16.6MP (spherical), 5.5MP (rectilinear)27MP23MP20MPDisplayRear onlyFront and rearFront and rearFront and rearSlo-Mo2X240 fps (2.7k)240 fps (2.7k)240 fps (1080p)LivestreamingYes (1080p)Yes (1080p)Yes (1080p)Yes (1080p)HDRNoYesYesYesMotion StabilizationMax HypersmoothHypersmooth 5.0HyperSmooth 4.0Hypersmooth 3.0+ BoostMicrophones
6333Water Resistance
16 feet33 feet33 feet33 feetBattery1600 mAh1720 mAh1720 mAh1720 mAhSize2.7 x 2.5 x 0.98 inches2.8 x 2 x 1.3 inches2.75 x 1.9 x 1.6 inches2.75 x 1.9 x 1.6 inchesWeight154 grams150 grams150 grams158 grams

The best GoPro cameras you can buy today

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

1 GoPro Hero11 Black

The best GoPro overall

Specifications

Max Video Resolution: 5K/60 fpsMax Photo Resolution: 27 MPTouch Screen: Yes (2)Battery Life: 1:38Water Resistance: 33 feetSize: 2.8 x 2 x 1.3 inchesWeight: 5.4 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Innovative editing features+Larger image sensor+Amazing motion stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-Can't edit video on-camera-A bit big for mounting on a helmet The GoPro Hero11 Black has a large 1/1.9-inch image sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio. This squarish format lets you capture expansive views, but more importantly, gives you much more flexibility when editing the video afterwards. In the GoPro Quik app, you can output your video in a number of formats, including the TikTok-friendly 9:16 ratio. What also makes the Hero11 Black the best action camera overall is its superior image stabilization - you can literally rotate the camera all the way around, and it will keep the horizon level. New shooting modes also let you capture star trails and try your hand at light painting, and GoPro's Quik app makes editing your videos a real pleasure. Read our full GoPro Hero11 Black review. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

2 GoPro Hero10 Black

The next best GoPro camera

Specifications

Max Video Resolution: 5K/60 fpsMax Photo Resolution: 23 MPTouch Screen: Yes (2)Battery Life: 1:41Water Resistance: 33 feetSize: 2.75 x 1.9 x 1.6 inchesWeight: 5.3 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab)View at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent image stabilization+Removable lens+Media "Mods" add functionality

Reasons to avoid

-Heavy While the outside hasn't changed from the Hero9 Black, the GoPro Hero10 Black sports a new and improved processor on the inside, which translates to video recording as high as 5.3K/60 fps, as well as 2K video at 240 fps, and 4K video at 120 fps. On top of that, it has a larger 23MP image sensor, and manages to shave off a tiny bit of weight. What's most impressive is the Hero10's upgraded image stabilization; in our testing, we found that the camera can be tilted by as much as 45 degrees while still smoothing things out. However, this puts a serious dent on battery life, which is unchanged from the Hero9. But, you can use the same battery, as well as the same accessories, as before. Plus, GoPro released a firmware update last year that will allow the Hero10 Black to record longer clips in situations where there's limited airflow to cool the camera. The company says that users will be able to record up to 63-minute clips at 4K/60 fps. Price-wise, GoPro has heavily discounted the Hero10 since launch and it's now available for $349 direct from GoPro, if you sign up for a GoPro subscription. That means it costs the same as the Hero9 Black, making it a no-brainer choice between the two. Read our full GoPro Hero10 Black review. GoPro Hero Max (Image credit: Future)

3 GoPro Max

The best GoPro camera for 360 video

Specifications

Video Resolution: 5.6K/60 fpsPhone Support: Android/iOSWater Resistance: SplashproofBattery Life: 1 hourStorage: MicroSD/256GBSize: 2.9 x 2.6 x 1.6 inchesWeight: 4.6 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at GoPro US (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Excellent video quality+Motion-smoothing+Intuitive menus

Reasons to avoid

-Needs tripod-Expensive 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. (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

4 GoPro Hero9 Black

The first GoPro with a front-facing display

Specifications

Max Video Resolution: 5K/30 fpsMax Photo Resolution: 20 MPTouch Screen: Yes (2)Battery Life: 1:41Water Resistance: 33 feetSize: 2.75 x 1.9 x 1.6 inchesWeight: 5.6 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Sweetwater Sound (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Front-facing screen+Removable lens+Media "Mods" add functionality

Reasons to avoid

-Heavy With the GoPro Hero9 Black, GoPro not only took the criticism of the Hero8, but also added a much-needed feature: a front-facing display. This small screen now shows a live preview, making it much easier for selfie artists and bloggers to frame themselves in videos and photos. In addition, the Hero9 has a removable lens, so you can once again add filters, such as GoPro's new Max Lens Mod, which enables you to take really wide and stabilized video. It can also shoot at resolutions up to 5K, and its larger battery performs better in colder temperatures. Having tested it extensively, Our sole criticism is that it's pretty heavy, so you'll certainly notice it if you attach it to a helmet. Overall, we'd still consider this to be one of the best GoPro cameras - but given that the Hero10 is available for the same price, there's no reason to choose it over the newer model. Read our full GoPro Hero9 Black review. GoPro Hero 8 Black (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

5 GoPro Hero8 Black

The best GoPro camera under $300

Specifications

Max Video Resolution: 4K/60 fpsMax Photo Resolution: 12 MPTouch Screen: YesBattery Life: 158 minutesWater Resistance: 33 feetSize: 2.6 x 1.9 x 1.1 inchesWeight: 4.2 ouncesToday's Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab)View at Best Buy (opens in new tab)View at Walmart (opens in new tab)

Reasons to buy

+Much-improved audio quality+Sleeker accessory mounting system+Media "Mods" add functionality

Reasons to avoid

-Battery door is awkward to close-Lens is no longer removable The Hero8 Black was the first GoPro to have its mounting "fingers" built directly into the camera, which makes it a bit easier to attach accessories. You no longer need to use a case if you want to attach it to accessories, such as a tripod or helmet mount. Unfortunately, it also means that cases and lens adapters you had for older GoPros won't work with this model. The redesign also allows for new add-on "Mods," which increase the functionality of the camera through external mics, lights, and more. GoPro improved the motion stabilization to make the footage from the Hero8 Black the smoothest we've seen from an action camera (until the Hero9 and then Hero10, at least), and the overall quality remains as great as ever. The Hero8 Black has also been updated to work as a webcam, and its HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization works with more video settings - though not as well as HyperSmooth 3.0 and HyperSmooth 4.0 on the Hero9 and Hero10, respectively. But for $279, it's the best GoPro under $300. Read our full GoPro Hero 8 Black 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 the Hero10 / Hero9 Black 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. However, unlike earlier models, the Hero8's lens cover cannot be removed; other GoPro models let you take this piece off so you can attach other lens covers, such as filters and the like. The Hero9 rectifies this issue and the Hero10 keeps the same layout. 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 Hero10 have color displays on the front, which can also be used to frame yourself in a shot. Video and image resolution 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. 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. On the stills front, the Hero10 takes 23MP stills; the Hero9 takes 20MP photos, 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. 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.

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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 released software that lets you use the GoPro Hero9 and Hero8 Black as a webcam. Follow our guide to how to use your GoPro as a webcam for more details. GoPro also launched livestreaming for its Hero10, Hero9, Hero8 Black, Hero7 Black and GoPro Max cameras. 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. Be sure to check out all of our camera picks: Best cameras Best DSLR cameras Best action cameras Best waterproof cameras Best point-and-shoot cameras Best instant cameras Best mirrorless cameras Best cheap cameras Best GoPro accessories Best drones Best 360 cameras Best iPhone lenses Best iPhone tripods DSLR vs. mirrorless Best Nikon accessories Best Sony a6000 accessories
The best apps and software for editing, managing, and sharing your photos:
Best photo organizer apps Best photo storage sites Best photo editing software Best photo editing apps Best photo collage appsRound up of today's best deals (opens in new tab)GoPro Hero11 Black (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$399.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)GoPro Hero10 Black (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$449.99 (opens in new tab)$397.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all prices (opens in new tab)GoPro Max (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$499.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)GoPro Hero9 Black (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$349.99 (opens in new tab)$299.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesReduced Price (opens in new tab)GoPro Hero 8 Black (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$299.99 (opens in new tab)$279.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)See all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Mike ProsperoU.S. Editor-in-Chief, Tom's GuideMichael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom's Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he's not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he's probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight - or chagrin - of his family. More about cameras The best iPhone lenses in 2022 The best photo storage and sharing sites in 2022Latest It's possible to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a Tesla - here's howSee more latest ► Topics Cameras See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat2House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season3The best tablets in 20224Daily Quordle #273 - answers and hints for Monday, October 245New on Netflix: New movies and shows week of October 241It's possible to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a Tesla - here's how2The best organic mattress in 2022: Natural mattresses for healthy sleep3MLB Playoffs live stream 2022: How to watch World Series baseball online4OnePlus Nord N300 5G might be the sub-$300 phone to beat5House of the Dragon finale delivered the fireworks I've been waiting for all season