# What is the best GoPro action camera?

> GoPro has defined the action camera category for over a decade, releasing models that push the boundaries of compact camera technology. Which is the best?

*By YPB Team · Published May 27, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-gopro-action-camera*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Hero 13 Black**
   GoPro's 2024 flagship featuring a magnetic lens-swap system, up to 13x slow motion, and a larger battery — the most versatile Hero yet.
2. **Hero 12 Black**
   The 2023 model that introduced Bluetooth audio support, HDR video, and improved battery life while maintaining the Hero's signature form factor.
3. **Hero 11 Black**
   A landmark 2022 release bringing a new 1/1.9" sensor with a higher aspect ratio, enabling 5.3K video and 10-bit color for the first time.
4. **Hero 10 Black**
   The 2021 camera powered by the GP2 chip, doubling processing speed and delivering 5.3K video with stunningly smooth HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization.
5. **Hero 9 Black**
   The 2020 model that introduced a front-facing display, a removable lens, and a larger battery — a major leap forward in usability.
6. **Hero 8 Black**
   GoPro's 2019 update that redesigned the camera with folding mounting fingers, a new Media Mod ecosystem, and HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization.
7. **Hero 7 Black**
   The camera that popularized HyperSmooth stabilization in 2018, offering gimbal-like footage without the extra hardware.
8. **GoPro MAX**
   The 2019 360-degree powerhouse that doubles as a traditional action cam, offering 5.6K spherical video and Hero-mode 1080p with 360-degree audio.
9. **Mission 1 Pro**
   GoPro's bold 2026 flagship with true interchangeable lenses and a modular design, built for professionals who demand cinema-grade flexibility.
10. **Hero 5 Black**
   The 2016 breakthrough model that first introduced voice control, touch screen display, and waterproofing without a case — a generational shift.

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