Getting a GoPro Hero action camera is just the start of your adventures. These small, yet powerful, devices can do things that even your ‘proper camera’ can’t do. But once you’ve got used to their basic operation, you’ll want to start experimenting with different GoPro accessories and mounts to begin using your action camera to its full potential.
There’s a huge selection of GoPro accessories on the market covering everything from bike mounts to drones, but in this guide we’re going to look at some of the best official GoPro accessories to get you started.
Why the best official GoPro accessories? Because you know they will work. There are innumerable third-party mounts and other devices designed for GoPro out there, and some work better than others. GoPro, on the other hand, has a reputation for superb build quality and when you buy into its ecosystem you know that product will work and last as long as you need it to until that day you accidentally drop it in the river.
That’s not happened to you? It will. In the meantime, here’s a quick summary of our picks for the best official GoPro accessories.
Best GoPro accessories for vlogging
GoPro changed the way we think about GoPro accessories when it unveiled its Mods with the Hero8 Black. The Media Mod is a cage-like device that clips around your GoPro and features a built-in directional mic and two cold-shoes to mount the Display Mod and Light Mod.
The Lens Mod expands your GoPro’s field of view by adding an ultra-wide 155-degree FOV lens with horizon lock. It also offers Max HyperSmooth stabilisation for video recording up to 2.7K at 60p. The Display Mod lets you add a folding, front-facing camera to your Hero8 Black or Hero9 Black. The Light Mod is an LED that provides four levels of brightness — up to 200 lumens.
All of these GoPro vlogging accessories mount to the Media Mod, which serves as a cage with a built-in microphone for enhanced audio. Ports include 3.5mm microphone input and HDMI-out. And while it’s not waterproof, the Media Mod is weather-resistant.
The Media Mod is a welcome innovation in the design of official GoPro accessories and complements the camera’s live streaming and social features.
Best GoPro mount for bikes
GoPro Handlebar / Seatpost / Pole Mount
This GoPro mount is one of the first that people go for. It’s simple design enables you to attach your GoPro to your bike handle bars or anywhere else you can fit it.
Mounting space on your bar’s is often limited, but if you do have a choice of where to position your GoPro Hero then try to clamp it down as near to the stem as possible.
Once in place make sure that all bolts are tight, but be careful not to over tighten. The most important bolt is the one that holds the GoPro in place, it’s a good idea to use a bolt wrench to make sure this is good and tight.
Best GoPro mount for car
GoPro Suction Cup Mount
There are plenty of situations where the suction cup comes in handy.
Primarily designed to stick solidly onto surfaces the suction cup is ideal when you’re filming from the inside or exterior of a vehicle. Once attached give the mount a forceful tug just to see if it is solidly placed.
If mounted to the exterior of a vehicle I always tend to leash it just encase it does come loose, although it never has.
Best GoPro mount for running
GoPro Chest Mount Harness
The chest mount was one of the first systems widely available and is great for getting point of view shots.
When mounted the camera stays in the waterproof housing and will actually be upside down.
Depending on your preference you can either go into the settings and flip the video recording orientation or leave it for later and get it sorted when editing.
Best GoPro mount for surfing or boats
GoPro Surfboard Mount
GoPro’s Surfboard Mount can also be used for your kayak, boat, bodyboard or any water-based activity where you need maximum holding strength.
The mount is simple. Attach the female end with adhesive to your board or boat. Mount your GoPro to the adapter, and slide the male end of the adapter into the female end.
There’s also a handy tether you can attach to both pieces for added security.
Best GoPro mount for helmets and motorcycles
GoPro Helmet Front + Side mount
We love this mount. The mounting buckle allows you to fix it to your helmet, and then, thanks to the built-in swivel mount feature, you can adjust your GoPro to shoot from any angle.
This is perfect for mountain biking or riding your motorcycle.
Best GoPro mount for dogs
GoPro Fetch
It’s no fun GoProing on your own, so this one is for your canine friend.
The fetch is a simple harness that attaches to your dog and has two separate mounting positions: one on the back and the other on the chest.
If you’re thinking of getting one make sure that you get your dog used to wearing the harness by starting it off around the house. Also watch the straps around the front legs for larger dogs to ensure that they’re not cutting in. Pip was trained from a puppy and is exceptionally proud of her fetch!
Best GoPro accessories for travel
Let’s face it: you don’t always want to wear your GoPro on your head or across your chest. When you’re on holiday with your family, they don’t want to be completely embarrassed to be seen with you. Thankfully, GoPro makes a few official accessories that allow you to capture stunning footage without looking like an extra from Tron!
GoPro Karma Grip
Our favourite GoPro accessory, the GoPro Karma Grip is just one of many stabilisers that have been launched for GoPro, but it is of course notable because it comes from GoPro itself.
The Karma Grip is a small handle with a motorised gimbal head attached. This gimbal this rotates around three axis to cancel out unwanted movement and shake. The result is smooth, fluid, professional-looking footage that loses the all too often wobbly look of home-shot video.
Unlike some other stabilizers the grip contains a built-in battery, this supplies a good hour and a half of battery life which is roughly the same as that of your GoPro Hero camera.
The 3-axis gimbal and grip fit together using a robust locking mechanism. If the two halves are separated, the supplied mount adapter ring can be fitted to enable you to connect the GoPro Karma Grip to any of the usual GoPro mounts.
Of all of the action cam stabiliser grips that we’ve tried, the build quality and handling of the Karma Grip is the best. Its build is exceptional, and the materials used (rubber, plastic and metal) are all well finished and of a superior quality too many other products on the market.
GoPro Jaws: Flex Clamp
A real multi purpose clamp that you can use in all sorts of situations, from clamping onto a guitar during a gig to attaching to the front of a bodyboard.
The gooseneck design enables you to quickly direct the GoPro in the direction you need, and the clamp enables you to lock onto all sorts of surfaces.