[2025 Edition] The Best GoPro to Buy Now! Recommendations for New and Used Models

Recommendations for Each Model as of 2024

For models before the HERO6 Black, it’s generally best to avoid them if you are purchasing a GoPro in 2024.

Recommended GoPro Models: New and Used

Best for Upgrading from an Older Model: HERO13 Black

If you're looking to buy a new GoPro, the top recommendation is the HERO13 Black.

While the HERO13 Black offers similar image quality and stabilization features as the previous HERO12 Black, it introduces a significant redesign. Features like "replaceable lenses" and a "magnetic charging port and mount" represent a shift towards what will likely become GoPro's new standard.

Although it's about $120 more expensive than the still-available HERO12 Black, the HERO13 Black is the best choice for those looking to upgrade.

Best for First-Time Buyers: HERO (2024)

The HERO (2024) marks the return of GoPro’s budget-friendly model.

Compared to the flagship HERO13 or HERO12, it falls short in several areas:

1. Significantly lower image quality
2. Post-processed stabilization via the app
3. Non-removable battery
4. No loop recording or live streaming features

However, it’s smaller, lighter, and very beginner-friendly.

Priced at around $300, about half the cost of the flagship models, it’s a much better choice for a first-time GoPro user than buying a used older model.

Best Used Option: HERO9 Black

If you're searching for an affordable, high-value used GoPro, the HERO9 Black is a solid option.

As the first in the design lineage that continued until the HERO12 Black, the HERO9 Black introduced two significant features:

1. Front color display
2. Built-in mounts

It also features "HyperSmooth 3.0" for stabilization, which includes boost mode and horizon leveling. While not as powerful as the latest HyperSmooth 6.0, it’s more than capable unless you're shooting intense action scenes.

With used prices dropping to the low $200 range, and with only about $ 100 price difference from the HERO8 or HERO7, the HERO9 Black is the best-value used model.

Cheapest Used Option: HERO6 Black

If you're looking for the cheapest option, aim for at least the HERO6 Black or newer.

The HERO6 Black was the first model to feature GoPro’s custom "GP1" processor, which remained in use up through the HERO9 Black. This means it has the power to handle similar tasks as later models.

It also supports 4K recording and 60fps at 2.7K resolution, offering enough quality for most needs today.

With prices around $100 for a used HERO6 Black, it offers limited but solid features at a quarter of the cost of the new HERO (2024).

For Compact Models: HERO11 Black Mini

If you're looking for a compact GoPro model, the HERO (2024) is the only option available as a new product. However, if you're open to used devices or older stock available in some stores, the HERO11 Black Mini stands out as the top choice among compact GoPro cameras.

The HERO11 Black Mini offers nearly identical specifications to its full-size counterpart, the HERO11 Black, and features HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, ensuring long-term usability.

For more recommendations on compact GoPro models, check out the following article:

[2025 Edition] GoPro Compact Models In Depth Comparison

Compact GoPro models are easy to mount, lightweight, and user-friendly. We've done an in-depth comparison to help you choose the best compact GoPro to buy right now.