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The Best for Most PeopleGoPro Hero 13 Black

$430 $379 (12% off) Amazon

The Budget GoProGoPro Hero 13

$220 $199 (10% off) Amazon

Best GoPro for SelfiesGoPro Lit Hero

$270 $229 (15% off) Amazon

Best Budget GoProGoPro Hero 12

$339 Amazon

It used to be easy to buy a GoPro camera. Grab the latest one and you're good to go. But as GoPro has diversified its lineup, adding features and cameras, the answer is not so simple anymore. To help you out, we've put together this guide to all the currently available GoPro cameras, as well as a few notes on some of the older models, and what's likely coming in 2026.

I started using GoPro cameras with the launch of the Hero 5 in 2016 and have used every model since, most side-by-side with their replacements. In the end, the best GoPro for you depends on how you plan to use it and what you want to do with the results. Read on to find our top picks for every type of action camera user.

If you're not set on a GoPro, be sure to check out our Guide to Action Cameras for our take on cameras from DJI, Insta360, and other competitors. We also have a guide to The Best 360 Cameras, which offer an all-seeing alternative to action cameras.

Updated April 2026: We've updated this guide to note GoPro's GP3 processor announcement and the new Mission 1 cameras, added suggestions on what to do after you buy your GoPro, and updated prices and links throughout.

Table of Contents

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- Compare Top 5 GoPro Cameras

- GoPros to Avoid

- Best GoPro Accessories

- Do More With Your GoPro

- Is Now a Good Time to Buy a GoPro?

- The Best for Most People

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

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GoPro

Hero 13 Black

$430 $379 (12% off) Amazon

$430 $380 (12% off) GoPro

$429 $379 (12% off) Adorama

The current GoPro to get is the Hero 13 Black. It uses an interchangeable lens system to offer many more shooting options than previous releases. In addition to the standard wide angle action camera lens you can also invest in an Ultra Wide ($120), Macro ($110), and Anamorphic ($150) lens. All of these are automatically detected by the Hero 13 the minute you attach them. The camera will automatically adjust settings accordingly, which is a very slick feature that makes switching lenses on the fly a much smoother experience. Read our full GoPro Hero 13 review for more details on how the lens system works.

Even if you never buy any of the additional lenses, the Hero 13 is a great action camera with a newly improved battery, magnetic mounting system (finally), USB-C pass-through charging, even better Log video support, and an improved HDR mode with HLG. Video specs top out 5.3K 30 (8:7 ratio) or 5.3K 60 (16:9 ratio). Slo mo options include 2x at 5.3K, 4x when shooting 4K, and 8x for both 2.7K and 1080p. For a complete rundown of all the specs, see the comparison table below. Those of you who missed the GPS support, which briefly went missing in the Hero 12, will be happy to know that GPS support is back in the Hero 13 Black.

The disappointing part of the Hero 13 Black is that it uses the same 27-megapixel sensor and the same processor as the Hero 12, and, for that matter, the Hero 11. If you have either of those, I'd probably hold off upgrading to see if the Hero 14 (likely due in Autumn of 2025) doesn't come with a new sensor. Otherwise, though, this is the best GoPro you can buy right now.

If you're into having something a little different, GoPro recently released a limited-edition white GoPro Hero 13 Black (yes, that is confusing), along with a Green model.

WIRED/TIRED

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WIRED

- Interchangeable lens system opens up new shooting possibilities

- New magnetic mounting system

- Excellent Log video support

- USB-C pass-through charging

- Much improved HDR mode with HLG

TIRED

- Same sensor as previous two generations

- Low-light/indoor performance is poor compared to competition

- The Budget GoPro

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

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GoPro

Hero 13

$220 $199 (10% off) Amazon

$220 GoPro

The Hero 13 is like a mini version of the Hero 13 Black. It's a smaller, lighter, cheaper, slightly less capable camera. With video resolution maxing out at 4K30 (compared to 5.3K60p in the Hero Black) and still photos dropping to 12 MP (compared to 27 MP in the Hero Black), it's less powerful, but it's also $130 cheaper and smaller, which is a big plus in some cases. For example, this would be my pick if you plan to mount your Hero on a helmet.

In my testing, the Hero has proved dead simple to use and the size makes it appealing. The deal break

Best GoPro Camera (2026): Compact, Budget, Accessories | WIRED