GoPro Comparison Chart & Buyers Guide

This GoPro comparison chart and buyers guide has been updated to include all the latest GoPros in 2023.

Ubiquitous in the world of action cameras, GoPro is still the #1 action camera of both amateur and professional filmmakers.

With all the various GoPro models available on the market (both new and second-hand), choosing the right one for your needs can be confusing.

(Perhaps you don’t need new features like time-lapse video, voice control, 4k video resolution or Hypersmooth video stabilization.)

Buying older GoPro models can help you save money, or you may realise that the features of the latest version make the higher cost worth it to you.

Either way, you’ll learn more about all the best GoPro cameras in this comparison, so let’s dive right in.

What is the Difference Between All of the GoPros?

Here in 2023, the official GoPro website offers the GoPro Hero and Max product lines.

However, with many retailers selling older GoPro models and all the options available privately via second-hand markets/eBay etc, here are all the various GoPro product lines you may come across:

• Session – A small, inexpensive GoPro that is little more than a box with a lens.
• Hero – More like a regular – albeit rugged – wide-angle video camera. Includes a touch screen.
• Fusion – A large, 360-degree shooting GoPro with a lens on both the front and the back.
• Max – A blend between the Hero and the Fusion. Records in 360-degrees but also can pretend to be a Hero…more or less.

Despite all the compelling GoPro alternatives available, these 4 product lines offer something affordable for every level of photographer or video-maker.

You’ll be able to learn more about each model in the GoPro comparison chart below.

2023 Go Pro Comparison Chart: All Go Pro Models

The GoPro Hero comparison chart (and associated GoPro specs) is updated with every new Go Pro camera release.

Tap here to learn about the best settings to use with your GoPro.

All The Different GoPro Models

As mentioned previously, the official GoPro site currently sells only the most recent GoPro latest version (12, 11, the Hero7 Black, Hero8 Black, Hero9 Black and GoPro Max camera models in the GoPro series.

However, you’re likely to find older GoPro models at Amazon (check here) or second-hand on eBay, Facebook MarketPlace, etc.

If you’re on a budget, buying a second-hand GoPro may be attractive, but we don’t advise it since the battery life of used models is usually poor.

With that said, here are all the GoPro models you might come across, along with their release dates.

• Hero12 Black (2023) – this is the latest GoPro model
• Hero11 Black (2022)
• Hero10 Black (2021)
• Hero9 Black (2020)
• Hero8 Black (2019)
• Max (2019)
• Hero7 Black (2018)
• Hero7 Silver (2018)
• Hero7 White (2018)
• Hero (2018)
• Fusion (2017)
• Hero6 Black (2017)
• Hero5 Black (2016)
• Hero5 Session (2016)
• Hero+ LCD (2015)
• Hero+ (2015)
• Hero4 Black (2014)
• Hero4 Silver (2014)
• Hero4 Session (2014)
• Hero (2014)
• Hero3+ Black (2013)
• Hero3+ Silver (2013)
• Hero3 Black (2012)
• Hero3 Silver (2012)
• Hero3 White (2012)

I included the Go Pro versions by year so you can decide whether it’s worth saving some money in buying an older model.

Despite all the GoPro generations listed above, there isn’t really anything significant that has changed with each iteration over the past five years.

Remember that the important thing is coming up with novel GoPro uses and ideas to make your vlogs more interesting – all GoPro models allow you to do that!

When comparing GoPro specs, even the GoPro weight has remained consistent at 154g since the Hero10 Black. The Hero 9 Black was slightly heavier at 158g.

All GoPro cameras record MP4 video files and include LRV and THM ‘sidecar’ files.

• How to take better pictures with a GoPro

Detailed GoPro Comparison

I put together this GoPro model comparison so you can take a quick look over all the various GoPro Hero models in one go.

The GoPro differences are sometimes quite subtle, with minor upgrades to things like battery life or video modes.

However, pay close attention to the GoPro camera comparison, especially if you plan to use yours as your main stills and video camera.

Paying a little more for 4k or a larger sensor will result in better image quality in the GoPro lineup.

GoPro Hero 12 Black | Best All Round Go Pro Hero

Specs

• Video:5.3K at up to 60p, 4K at up to 120p (Best video quality of any GoPro camera)
• Slow-mo: 8X (2.7K at 240p)
• 1080p Live Streaming
• 24.7MP still photos from video
• 27MP photos, including Raw + JPEG
• Image Stabilization: Hyper Smooth 6.0
• TimeWarp 3.0 featuring Real Speed and Half Speed
• Audio: 3 microphones
• LCD: Front and Rear Touchscreen w/ Touch Zoom
• Waterproof: 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1720 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port (this is the case with all GoPro versions)

Hottest New Features

• 2 times longer runtime than the Hero11 Black: 70min at 5.3K60, 58min at 4K120
• Improved image stabilization
• Wireless audio support for Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones
• Waterproof up to 10m (33ft)
• Standard 1/4-20 mounting thread on the bottom
• HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost

GoPro Hero 11 Black

Specs

• Video: 5k/60fps, 4k/120fps, and 1080p/240fps
• Slow-mo: 8X
• 1080p Live Streaming
• Photo 27.3MP
• RAW
• Image Stabilization: Hyper Smooth 5.0
• Photo Burst: 27MP at 30fps
• TimeWarp 3.0 featuring Real Speed and Half Speed
• Audio: 3 microphones
• LCD: Front and Rear Touchscreen w/ Touch Zoom
• Waterproof: 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1720 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port (Same as all Go Pro generations)

Hottest New Features

• 1720mAh Enduro battery for longer life
• New HyperView lens and SuperView at up to 5.3K/30fps
• 27MP photos and frame grabs, RAW capture in all modes
• Full horizon lock at up to 5.3K
• HyperSmooth 5.0 with AutoBoost

GoPro Hero 10 Black

Specs

• Video: 5k/60fps, 4k/120fps, and 1080p/240fps (Equal best video quality of any GoPro camera)
• Slow-mo: 8X
• 1080p Live Streaming
• Photo 23.6MP
• RAW
• Image Stabilization: Hyper Smooth 4.0
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• TimeWarp 3.0 featuring Real Speed and Half Speed
• Audio: 3 microphones
• LCD: Front and Rear Touchscreen w/ Touch Zoom
• Waterproof: 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1720 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port

Hottest New Features

• New GP2 processor bringing its 5k video to 60fps and 4K video to 120fps
• Fantastic Hypersmooth 4.0 that can be paired with the 1080 Live-streaming
• Frame grabs @ 19.6MP from 5K 4:3 video
• Video tone mapping
• A new, protective lens cover that sheds water
• More responsive rear touchscreen
• 3D Noise Reduction
• Wired content transfer to your smartphone

GoPro Hero 9 Black

Specs

• Video: 5k/30fps, 4k/60fps, and 1080p/240fps (all-round excellent video quality)
• 1080p Live Streaming
• Photo 23.6MP
• RAW
• Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• TimeWarp 3.0 (both Real Speed and Half Speed)
• 3 microphones
• LCD touchscreen w/ Touch Zoom
• Waterproof: 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1720 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port

Hottest New Features

• New, improved sensor which gains a full 12 megapixels
• 5K/30 Video Resolution
• Much better better (average 30% longer battery life)
• Interchangeable lenses with removable lens cover
• Full-color front-facing live preview screen
• HyperSmooth 3.0 makes fantastically smooth video
• New livestream outlets (Twitch, etc.)
• Scheduled Capture and Duration Capture

GoPro Hero 8 Black | Best Budget Go Pro Hero

Specs

• Video: 4k/60fps, 1080p/240fps (Great video quality and features for the money)
• Photo 12MP
• RAW
• Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• TimeWarp 3.0 (both Real Speed and Half Speed)
• 3 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1220 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port

Hottest New Features

• HyperSmooth 2.0 (includes Boost and is available in every mode)
• Totally redesigned exterior: the mount is built into the case and is fully extendable.
• New Mod Accessories
• TimeWarp 2.0 (See the GoPro Hero7 vs 8 comparison for more info on this feature.)
• Live burst photos
• RAW Photos
• 100Mbps bitrate for 4K and 2.7K
• New Capture presets

GoPro Max (360-Degree)

Specs

• Video: 6k/30fps (5.6K/30fps stitched); HERO Mode 1440/60fps, 1080/60fps
• Photo 18MP (16.6 stitched); 5.5MP HERO Photo; 270° 6.2MP Panoramic Photo
• RAW Audio Capture
• Image Stabilization: Max HyperSmooth
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• TimeWarp 3.0 (both Real Speed and Half Speed)
• 6 microphones with Spherical Audio
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 16 feet (5m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1600 mAh battery
• Advanced Voice Controls
• Live Streaming
• GPS
• No HDMI Port
• Single SD card slot

Hottest New Features (compared with the Fusion)

• Sleek, slimmer design (much smaller than the Fusion)
• 1.7-inch color touchscreen
• Time Warp and Time-lapse modes
• Powerpano
• Hypersmooth 2.0 and Horizon Levelling
• Six-mic surround audio (no external)
• Hero Mode (gives you standard Hero GoPro modes)

GoPro Hero 7 Black

Specs

• Video: 4k/60 fps, 1080p/240 fps, 720p/60fps
• Photo 12MP
• Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• 3 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1220 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• HDMI Port (micro HDMI)

GoPro Hero 7 Silver

Specs

• Video: 4k/30 fps, 1080p/60 fps
• Photo 10MP
• Image Stabilization: standard
• Photo Burst: 10MP at 15fps
• 2 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated 1220 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero7 White (2018)

Specs

• Video: 1440p/60fps, 1080p/60fps
• Photo 10MP
• Image Stabilization: standard
• Photo Burst: 10MP at 15fps
• 2 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated 1220 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero (2018)

Specs

• Video: 1440p/30fps, 1080p/60fps
• Photo 10MP
• Image Stabilization: electronic
• Photo Burst: 10MP at 10fps
• 1 microphone
• LCD touchscreen
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated battery
• Voice Controls
• No GPS
• HDMI Port

GoPro Fusion (360-Degree)

Specs

• Video: 5.2k/30fps, 3k/60fps
• Photo 18MP RAW/ 16.6MP JPEG
• RAW Audio Capture
• Image Stabilization: Advanced
• Photo Burst: 18MP at 30fps
• 4 microphones planar
• Monochrome LCD screen; No touch display
• Waterproof to 16 feet (5m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 2620 mAh battery
• Advanced Voice Controls
• GPS
• No HDMI Port
• 2 SD card slots on a GoPro!

GoPro Hero 6 Black

Specs

• Video: 4k/60fps, 1080p/240fps, 720p/60fps
• Photo 12MP
• Image Stabilization: advanced
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• 3 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1220 mAh battery
• Expanded Voice Controls
• GPS
• HDMI Port (micro HDMI)

GoPro Hero5 Black

Specs

• Video: 4k/30fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps
• Photo 12MP
• Image Stabilization: yes
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• 3 microphones
• LCD touchscreen with Touch Zoom
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Removable 1220 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• GPS
• HDMI Port (micro HDMI)
• Compatible with karma drone and grip

GoPro Hero 5 Session

Specs

• Video: 4k/30fps, 1080p/90fps, 720p/120fps
• Photo 10MP
• Image Stabilization: yes
• Photo Burst: 10MP at 30fps
• 2 microphones
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Integrated 1000 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero 4 Black

Specs

• Video: 4k/30fps, 1080p/120fps, 720p/240fps
• Photo 12MP
• Image Stabilization: electronic
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• 1 microphone
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 131 feet (40m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Replaceable 1160 mAh battery
• Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero 4 Silver

Specs

• Video: 4k/15fps, 1080p/60fps, 720p/120fps
• Photo 12MP
• No Image Stabilization
• Photo Burst: 12MP at 30fps
• 1 microphone
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 131 feet (40m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (photo and video)
• Replaceable 1160 mAh battery
• No Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

16. GoPro Hero Session (Hero 4 Session)

Specs

• Video: 1080p/60fps, 720p/100fps
• Photo 8MP
• No Image Stabilization
• Photo Burst: 8MP at 10fps
• 2 microphones
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 33 feet (10m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• Protune (video only)
• Integrated 1000 mAh battery
• No Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero+LCD

Specs

• Video: 1080p/60fps, 720p/60fps
• Photo 8MP
• No Image Stabilization
• Photo Burst: 8MP at 5fps
• 1 microphone
• LCD Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 131 feet (40m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated 1160 mAh battery
• No Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero+

Specs

• Video: 1080p/60fps, 720p/60fps
• Photo 8MP
• No Image Stabilization
• Photo Burst: 8MP at 5fps
• 1 microphone
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 131 feet (40m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated 1160 mAh battery
• No Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

GoPro Hero

Specs

• Video: 1080p/30fps, 720p/60fps
• Photo 5MP
• No Image Stabilization
• Photo Burst: 5MP at 5fps
• 1 microphone
• No Touchscreen
• Waterproof to 131 feet (40m)
• Wi-fi & Bluetooth
• No Protune
• Integrated 1180 mAh battery
• No Voice Controls
• No GPS
• No HDMI Port

Now you’ve seen all the GoPro models compared in this exhaustive GoPro models list, I hope you’re able to make an informed decision about which action camera is right for you.

If you have any other questions, let me know down in the comments.

GoPro FAQs

Which is the best GoPro for the money?

The Hero 8 Black provides the best bang for the buck. It has the newer design of not needing a mount, excellent image stabilization, and produces all-around high quality video, all without being too pricey.

What is the cheapest GoPro?

At under $200, the renewed Hero 6 Black is one of the cheaper GoPros. The Session 4 is also under $200.

Who are the GoPro competitors?

The best GoPro competitors include AKASO, DJI, Yi, Sony, and Garmin.

Are all GoPros waterproof?

Not all GoPros are waterproof without a separate housing. Newer GoPro models are on their own, but older models (such as the Hero 2, Hero 3, and Hero 4) need a separate housing.

Is GoPro good for photography?

GoPros can be used for non-professional photography. They’re especially good for travel photography, though a dedicated still camera will give you more control and better image quality.

How can you improve the video footage from a GoPro?

You can try and process and polish your GoPro footage with VideoProc, which does a great job at making the most of the files output from the GoPro.

Final Words

GoPro technology has really made some amazing advancements over the years.

As far as upgrading goes, if you invested early on and own a Hero 5 or older, you might want to consider upgrading to the Hero 7 Black or the Hero 8 Black. (Really, you won’t believe the difference!)

If you have the Hero 6, you’re working with a great camera that’s still pretty much in the ballpark with the later GoPros.

Of course, if you’re looking for the fantastic image stabilization of the Hero 7 or newer, by all means, upgrade!

While the Hero 8 Black is really the best bang-for-buck buy for most folks, it’s the latest Hero10 GoPro camera that takes the number one spot.

If you have the budget, don’t hesitate – you won’t find any smoother video stabilization or better video quality.