GoPro Hero Comparison: Which Model Should You Buy?

GoPro has released nearly a dozen Hero models over the past several years, and choosing between them is genuinely confusing. Should you grab the latest Hero13 Black or save money on an older model that still shoots excellent footage? Does the jump from Hero11 to Hero12 justify the price difference?

This guide compares every GoPro Hero model from the Hero5 through the Hero13 Black. We break down the specs that actually matter, highlight the real-world differences between generations, and give you a clear recommendation based on how you plan to use your camera.

One thing that stays consistent across all of these models: every camera from the Hero5 Session onward works with the GoPro Remote app for iPhone. You can start and stop recording, change modes, adjust settings, and browse your media over Bluetooth — no WiFi needed for basic controls, no account required.

Quick Comparison Table: Hero5 Through Hero13

Before diving into the details, here is a side-by-side look at the key specifications across every model. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.

Generation-by-Generation Breakdown

Hero5 Black & Hero5 Session (2016)

The Hero5 generation was the first to include waterproofing without an external housing, voice control, and GPS. The Hero5 Session stood out for its tiny cube form factor — still the smallest GoPro ever made. Both shoot 4K at 30fps with basic electronic image stabilization. The 1/2.3-inch sensor produces solid footage in good light but struggles in low light. These cameras are now only available used, and while they still work, the image quality gap compared to newer models is significant.

The Hero5 Session is notable for its size advantage. If you need the smallest possible action camera and don't mind the older image quality, you can still find them for $50-80 used.

Hero6 Black (2017)

The Hero6 introduced GoPro's custom GP1 processor, which unlocked 4K at 60fps — a major upgrade for slow motion. Image stabilization improved noticeably over the Hero5, and the camera handled low-light situations better thanks to improved processing. The same 1/2.3-inch sensor kept photo quality similar to the Hero5, but video quality took a clear step forward.

Hero7 Black (2018)

This is the camera that changed GoPro's trajectory. HyperSmooth stabilization debuted with the Hero7 Black, delivering gimbal-like smoothness without any external hardware. The difference between the Hero6 and Hero7 in stabilization is dramatic. TimeWarp (stabilized timelapse while moving) also arrived here. If you are shopping used cameras on a tight budget, the Hero7 Black is the oldest model we would still recommend for serious use.

Hero8 Black (2019)

The Hero8 redesigned the mounting system with built-in folding fingers, eliminating the need for a separate frame or case. HyperSmooth 2.0 added Boost mode for even stronger stabilization. The body became slightly more streamlined. Internally, it uses the same 1/2.3-inch sensor and GP1 chip, so image quality is similar to the Hero7 — the improvements are mainly in stabilization and usability. It also introduced mods (Media Mod, Light Mod, Display Mod) for vloggers.

Hero9 Black (2020)

The first GoPro with a front-facing color display, making it viable for vlogging and selfie recording. Resolution jumped to 5K at 30fps thanks to a new 23.6-megapixel sensor (still 1/2.3-inch). The larger battery provided about 30% more recording time than the Hero8. HyperSmooth 3.0 added an in-camera horizon leveling feature. This was the first model to support the Max Lens Mod for ultra-wide 155-degree field of view. The Hero9 is where GoPro cameras started feeling genuinely modern.

Hero10 Black (2021)

GoPro's GP2 processor arrived with the Hero10, doubling the processing power. This enabled 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps for buttery slow motion. The camera became significantly more responsive — menus load faster, the touchscreen is smoother, and the camera boots up quicker. Image quality in low light improved thanks to better noise reduction. HyperSmooth 4.0 maintained the same excellent stabilization with slightly better horizon lock. If you find one used around $180, it represents good value.

Hero11 Black (2022) — Best Value Pick

The Hero11 is where GoPro made its biggest sensor upgrade since the original Hero. The new 1/1.9-inch sensor (27 megapixels) captures significantly more light and detail than the 1/2.3-inch sensor used in every previous model. This larger sensor enables 8:7 aspect ratio recording, letting you crop to 16:9, 9:16 (vertical), or 4:3 in post without losing quality. HyperSmooth 5.0 introduced AutoBoost and 360-degree horizon lock.

The Hero11 is the sweet spot in the current lineup. It shares the same sensor as the Hero12 and Hero13, meaning the core image quality is identical. At its current price point around $250, it offers the best specs-per-dollar of any GoPro. For most users, this is the model to buy. If you want to dial in your Hero11 settings, check out our best GoPro video settings guide.

Hero12 Black (2023)

The Hero12 refined everything the Hero11 started. Key additions include HDR video recording (in 5.3K and 4K), Bluetooth audio support for wireless microphones, Max Lens Mod 2.0 compatibility, and dramatically improved battery life — GoPro claims up to 70 minutes of continuous 5.3K recording versus about 47 minutes on the Hero11. HyperSmooth 6.0 polished stabilization further, though the real-world difference from 5.0 is subtle.

The HDR video mode produces noticeably better dynamic range in high-contrast scenes (bright sky, shaded foreground). Bluetooth audio is a genuine game-changer for vloggers who want to connect a wireless mic without the Media Mod. If you plan to vlog extensively, the Hero12 is worth the premium over the Hero11. See our GoPro vlogging guide for tips on getting the most out of it.

Hero13 Black (2024) — Latest & Greatest

The Hero13 is GoPro's most versatile camera to date. The headline feature is the HB-series interchangeable lens system — magnetic lens mods that swap in seconds, including ultra-wide, macro, and ND filter options. The battery grew to 1900mAh (up from 1720mAh in the Hero12), and GPS accuracy improved for better location tagging and speed overlays.

Burst slo-mo mode captures up to 400fps at 720p and 200fps at 1080p, useful for analyzing action sequences or creating dramatic slow-motion clips. The camera also supports improved night photo processing and longer time-lapse intervals. The Hero13 uses the same 1/1.9-inch sensor as the Hero11 and Hero12, so base image quality remains consistent across the three latest generations.

If you want the lens mod ecosystem or need the absolute best battery life and GPS, the Hero13 is the one. Otherwise, the Hero12 or Hero11 will serve you equally well for standard shooting.

Recommendations by Use Case

What About Underwater Use?

Every GoPro from the Hero5 onwards is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) without any additional housing. That covers snorkeling, pool shots, rain, and shallow dives. For serious scuba diving, GoPro sells a protective housing rated to 60 meters (196 feet) for the Hero9 through Hero13 models.

The newer models (Hero11 through Hero13) produce noticeably better underwater footage thanks to the larger sensor gathering more light in dim underwater conditions. If underwater shooting is a priority, pair any of these cameras with proper underwater settings to get the best color and exposure.

Controlling Your GoPro from Your iPhone

Regardless of which model you choose, you can control it wirelessly from your iPhone using the GoPro Remote app. The app connects over Bluetooth for basic controls — start/stop recording, switch between video, photo, and timelapse modes, and adjust over 30 camera settings. No WiFi needed for these controls, which means lower battery drain on both devices.

When you want live preview or media browsing, the app activates WiFi on demand and turns it off when you're done. One-tap presets let you switch between optimized configurations (sports, cinema, low light) instantly. You can also locate a lost camera by triggering the beep and LED flash remotely.

The app auto-detects whether your camera uses GoPro's Legacy API (Hero5 through Hero7) or Open GoPro API (Hero8 and later), so it works seamlessly across all supported models. Learn more about controlling your GoPro from your iPhone.

Key Factors When Choosing a GoPro

Beyond the spec sheet, here are the factors that matter most in practice:

• Sensor size matters more than resolution. The jump from 1/2.3" (Hero5-Hero10) to 1/1.9" (Hero11-Hero13) makes a bigger real-world difference than 4K vs 5.3K. The larger sensor captures more light, producing cleaner footage in all conditions.
• Stabilization improves every generation, but diminishing returns kick in. The biggest leap was Hero6 to Hero7 (HyperSmooth 1.0). After HyperSmooth 3.0, improvements are incremental. Any camera Hero9 or newer has excellent stabilization.
• Battery life is a practical concern. Older models (Hero5-Hero8) have smaller batteries and less efficient processors. The Hero12 and Hero13 have the best battery life in the lineup, which matters on long shooting days.
• The front display changed vlogging. Only the Hero9 and later have a front-facing screen. If you shoot selfie-style, do not buy a Hero8 or older.
• Used cameras can be excellent deals. A used Hero10 at $180 or Hero11 at $250 represents tremendous value. Just verify the camera's shutter count equivalent by checking for wear on the lens cover and USB port.

Frequently Asked Questions