Which GoPro Should You Get? A 2024 Buyer’s Guide


Name:
GoPro Hero+
Image:
Type:
Basic Action Cam
Waterproof?:
Up to 131ft (40m)
Rec Quality:
1080p/60 fps
Notes:
Affordable
Name:
GoPro Session
Image:
Type:
Super Small Camera
Waterproof?:
Up to 33ft (10m)
Rec Quality:
4K/30 fps
Notes:
Tiny & light
Name:
GoPro Hero 6 Black
Image:
Type:
HQ Action Camera
Waterproof?:
Up to 131ft (40m)
Rec Quality:
4K/60 fps
Notes:
Highest quality GoPro

GoPro offers a wide variety of models these days, so choosing the right GoPro action camera can be a difficult decision. What you need to know is that across their various product lines, there are three main models of GoPro (with a couple of variations of each, which can be a bit confusing at first). Here’s our GoPro buyer’s guide for 2024 to help you choose which GoPro is right for you.

If you want the cheapest GoPro available:
If you’re concerned about getting the most affordable GoPro action camera on the market, the choice is clear: the GoPro for you is the GoPro Hero+.

The GoPro Hero+ is the cheapest GoPro in their lineup and the good news is, it shoots great video at impressive specs that were top-of-the-line not too long ago. The GoPro Hero shoots 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second (which can be converted to some pretty slick slow-motion footage using their bundled software for your computer). Although this model of entry-level GoPro Hero doesn’t come with a screen, its sister model which is a bit more expensive does have a color LCD screen on the rear of the unit.



If you want the smallest GoPro available:
Some applications call for a really small camera, and for those uses, the GoPro Hero 5 Session is perfect. It’s small and comes in a nifty new square design. It’s also easy to use and works with the GoPro app on your cell phone for simple controls. It’s also waterproof up to 33 feet and shoots up to 4K HD video at 30 frames per second (plus HD video at up to 120 frames per second for silky smooth slow motion).

Another benefit of the GoPro session is that it may also be easier to mount in some smaller cramped spaces, depending on what your needs are. It’s also a bit lighter than a normal GoPro, so if you’re attaching two of these to a helmet, for instance, you’ll be able to tell the difference. This is the second of GoPro’s tiny Session camera models to hit the market: the first model, released last year, is still available for sale with slightly lesser tech specs but a cheaper price.

If you want the highest quality GoPro available:
The GoPro Hero 6 Black is the undisputed quality champion when it comes to HD action camera quality. The GoPro Hero 6 Black sits atop the GoPro lineup and beats just about every other compact video camera on the market today. What makes the Hero 6 Black so special? Well for starters it has a more advanced sensor than the other GoPro cameras (and those of their competitors too). Another thing that sets the GoPro Hero 6 apart is that it shoots ultra high definition 4K video at an incredible 60 frames per second (in addition to a multitude of HD shooting modes) for high quality slow motion footage. One cool advantage of 4k HD video is that you can use a special advanced stabilization mode for smooth video even when you’re shooting in chaotic or high action situations.

Note that if you’re getting a GoPro Hero 6 Black that while the mounting hook remains the same, any additional case enclosures you buy aside from the included ones will need to be specially designed for the Hero 6 Black. That’s because the GoPro Hero 6 Black has been completely redesigned from the ground up and is now even slightly lighter than the tiny cube-shaped GoPro Session! That’s one of the several things that astonished GoPro watchers when it was recently revealed. The Hero 6 Black weighs only 0.26 pounds (compared to 0.28 for the Session and 0.79 lbs for the regular GoPro Hero).

Check out this video that was shot on the GoPro Hero 6 Black to get a sense of the quality of the video it captures:

Factors to consider when choosing which GoPro model to get

How much do I value quality vs price? The GoPro capable of shooting the highest quality footage is, as you might imagine, the most expensive. We would argue that unless you have specific high quality needs (like shooting in 4K), the GoPro Hero + LCD is the highest quality GoPro that normal folks should consider getting.

Will the GoPro I choose need certain types of accessories? The GoPro Session is newer and a slightly different form factor than the other GoPros so there are fewer accessories that exist for it made by both the GoPro company as well as third-party equipment manufacturers. So make sure that if you want a specific type of mount that it exists for the GoPro Session before you purchase it.

Do I want a screen on the rear of my GoPro? The GoPro Hero + LCD features a high-quality color LCD touchscreen on its rear which allows you to easily navigate the menus to choose recording modes as well as preview and review shots without hooking your action camera up to a computer. That’s a nice plus, but you probably won’t be using the screen while you’re recording because the camera will most likely be mounted somewhere– either on a helmet mount, a motorcycle mount or maybe a selfie stick or bicycle mount. The basic GoPro Hero also offers a screen on the reverse side for an upgrade of about $70. The GoPro Hero 4 Black model does not offer a screen because it’s meant for professional usage.

How important are size and weight? The traditionally shaped rectangular GoPros all weigh about the same amount (between 4 and 5 ounces), but the GoPro Session weighs only about half that, at a shockingly light 2.6 ounces and it’s also a bit smaller and cube shaped instead of rectangular. If size and weight are extremely important for your action camera uses, consider getting the Session instead of the full sized GoPro.

How do I know if accessories will fit on my GoPro?

It used to be the case that any GoPro accessories would fit any GoPro action camera but as the GoPro lineup has diversified, the models have branched off slightly so some accessories don’t fit all cameras. Here’s what you need to know:

If you have a GoPro Session: you’ll be able to mount your camera on to almost any accessory that calls for a normal GoPro mount using the GoPro mount that came with your camera. If you want to use a special case that fits over your Session, you’ll need one that’s specifically designed for the Session, otherwise, it won’t fit.

If you have a GoPro Hero 5/6 Black: You’ll be able to mount your camera to most anything that has the standard GoPro mount once your GoPro is in its included cage. However, if you’re getting a custom case, you’ll just need one that’s specially made for it.

If you have a GoPro Hero+: Almost any GoPro accessories will work, as long as they’re not specially made for one of the other two cameras.

Related:
GoPro Camera Comparison Chart

The Most Popular GoPro Accessories

Best Waterproof GoPro Surf Mounts & Surfing Accessories

What Are the Best Cheap Action Cameras & Alternatives to GoPros?

Which Action Cameras & GoPros Shoot in 4K? [List]