There's no doubt about the quality, but which is the best GoPro camera for you?

GoPro makes the best action cameras you can buy, with a range of compact, ultra-tough bodies that enable you to capture the action anywhere. We’re now on the 13th iteration of the popular camera, with the incredible GoPro Hero11 Black price and specs officially revealed in September 2024 and, once again, upping the game when it comes to features and quality.

But, while the Hero13 may be the pinnacle of GoPro’s action camera expertise, what about the company’s other cameras, the Hero10 Black, even the Hero9 Black and the Max?

Then, of course, there are the older cameras that no longer feature in the official range, such as the Hero10 Black, Hero9 Black, Hero8 Black and even the old Hero7 Black, some of which can still be found on sale in corners of the internet or on the secondhand market. These were not just phenomenal cameras of their time, they can still impress, so don’t immediately dismiss them just because they’re old.

For a deeper dive into the many different camera types and features available, check out our range of camera buying guides.

What are the best GoPro cameras?

Each new iteration of the GoPro Hero series has seen incremental improvements and the introduction of innovative features, yet the core capabilities have evolved significantly since the GoPro Hero5 Black set a new standard.

The Hero5 Black marked a pivotal moment for GoPro, unveiling an all-new, sleeker design that was much needed as competition in the action camera market intensified. The Hero5 introduced touchscreen usability and voice control, bringing greater ease of use. However, while the external design and usability saw a leap forward, the imaging specifications remained unchanged from the Hero4 Black.

The GoPro Hero6 Black followed a year later, bringing a notable improvement in resolution and framerate, with 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps, thanks to GoPro’s development of its own processing chip, the GP1.

In 2018, the GoPro Hero7 Black arrived, featuring the groundbreaking HyperSmooth stabilisation. Initial reception was cautious due to the familiar specifications from the Hero6, but HyperSmooth quickly won users over with its ability to deliver gimbal-like stability.

The GoPro Hero8 Black, launched in 2019, appeared similar at first glance but introduced significant design changes. It eliminated the need for a separate waterproof housing and introduced a range of advanced accessories, enhancing its versatility.

By 2020, the GoPro Hero9 Black was introduced, pushing the envelope further with a larger size, enhanced stabilisation, a higher resolution sensor, and a new front-facing colour screen, all while maintaining its waterproof design without the need for housing.

Fast forward to the present, and GoPro’s latest offerings—the Hero12 Black, Hero11 Black, and Hero11 Black Mini—continue this legacy of innovation. Each model brings its own set of advancements, from improved resolution and frame rates to more refined stabilisation and streamlined design. Let’s dive into how these new models compare to each other and their predecessors, helping you determine which GoPro camera best suits your needs.

The complete GoPro line-up from 2004 – 2024

GoPro Hero (Original)

Original release date: September 2004
Price at launch: $19.99 USD / £13.99 GBP
Specifications: 35mm film camera, waterproof up to 5 metres
Camera Jabber review: [No review available]

GoPro Digital Hero

Original release date: 2006
Price at launch: $79.99 USD / £49.99 GBP
Specifications: 3MP sensor, VGA video at 10fps, waterproof up to 10 metres
Camera Jabber review: [No review available]

GoPro Hero3 (White, Silver, Black)

Original release date: October 2012
Price at launch:

Specifications: Up to 12MP sensor, 4K at 15fps (Black), waterproof up to 60 metres
Camera Jabber review: [No review available]

GoPro Hero4 (Silver, Black)

Original release date: October 2014
Price at launch:

Specifications: Up to 12MP sensor, 4K at 30fps (Black), waterproof up to 40 metres
Camera Jabber review: [No review available]

GoPro Hero5 Black

Original release date: October 2016
Price at launch: $399.99 USD / £349.99 GBP
Specifications: 12MP sensor, 4K at 30fps, waterproof without housing up to 10 metres
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero5 Black review

GoPro Hero6 Black

Original release date: September 2017
Price at launch: $499.99 USD / £499.99 GBP
Specifications: 12MP sensor, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps, GP1 chip
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero6 Black review

GoPro Hero7 Black

Original release date: September 2018
Price at launch: $399.99 USD / £379.99 GBP
Specifications: 12MP sensor, 4K at 60fps, HyperSmooth stabilisation
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero7 Black Review

GoPro Hero8 Black

Original release date: October 2019
Price at launch: $399.99 USD / £379.99 GBP
Specifications: 12MP sensor, 4K at 60fps, improved HyperSmooth 2.0, modular accessories
Camera Jabber review:GoPro Hero8 Black Review

GoPro Hero9 Black

Original release date: September 2020
Price at launch: $449.99 USD / £429.99 GBP
Specifications: 23.6MP sensor, 5K at 30fps, front-facing colour screen, improved battery life
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero9 Black Review

GoPro Hero10 Black

Original release date: September 2021
Price at launch: $499.99 USD / £479.99 GBP
Specifications: 23MP sensor, 5.3K at 60fps, HyperSmooth 4.0, GP2 processor
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero10 Black Review

GoPro Hero11 Black

Original release date: September 2022
Price at launch: $499.99 USD / £499.99 GBP
Specifications: 27MP sensor, 5.3K at 60fps, HyperSmooth 5.0, 10-bit colour
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero11 Black Review

GoPro Hero11 Black Mini

Original release date: October 2022
Price at launch: $399.99 USD / £349.99 GBP
Specifications: 27MP sensor, 5.3K at 60fps, HyperSmooth 5.0, compact design
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero11 Black Mini Review

GoPro Hero12 Black

Original release date: September 2023
Price at launch: $499.99 USD / £499.99 GBP
Specifications: 27MP sensor, 5.3K at 60fps, HyperSmooth 6.0, Bluetooth audio connectivity
Camera Jabber review: GoPro Hero12 Black Review