Head-to-head · Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro Hero vs GoPro Hero 13 Black

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

GoPro Hero 13 Black comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Users wanting a balance of portability and durability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro Hero

3.6

$219as of May 29

The GoPro Hero 4K is praised as a solid starter action camera for beginners, offering excellent video quality at an accessible price point of $199. PCMag's Jim Fisher called it a 'perfect action camera for those wanting a simple, easy to use experience.' Cyclingnews reviewer Immy Sykes noted its lightweight design and rugged build, though both reviews caution that it's easily outgrown by more advanced users. The camera's simplicity and portability make it ideal for casual users but lacks the feature set and battery performance needed for serious action footage.

Strengths

— Incredible price for such high quality footage
— Simple and super easy to use
— Lightweight and portable at 86 grams

Watch-outs

— Few features so you might outgrow it
— Not great battery life

$219 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Action Cameras For Travel

GoPro Hero 13 Black

4.3

$399

The GoPro Hero 13 Black maintains GoPro's reputation for durability and portability, offering a 10% battery life improvement with its new 1900 mAh Enduro battery. Reviewers noted it remains ideal for extreme conditions and underwater use, capable of operating without a housing down to 33 feet. However, the $399 price point and modest upgrade over the Hero 12 have been cited as drawbacks. The camera's small size and rugged build make it suitable for adventurers and athletes seeking reliable action footage.

Strengths

— 10% increase in battery life with new 1900 mAh Enduro battery
— Indestructible design suitable for extreme conditions
— Can operate underwater up to 33 feet without housing

Watch-outs

— Retail price increase to $399
— Limited upgrade from Hero 12 model

$399 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

GoPro Hero

The GoPro Hero 4K is a budget-friendly entry point, unlike the GoPro Hero 13 Black or DJI Osmo Action 6, which offer advanced features. It's simpler than the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 but lacks the battery life and stabilization of the GoPro MAX, making it best for casual users who don't need advanced features.

GoPro Hero 13 Black

The GoPro Hero 13 Black improves battery life over the Hero 12 but offers no significant upgrade in video features compared to the GoPro Hero13 Black. It's more durable than the GoPro MAX, which suffers from heat issues, and provides better video quality than the basic GoPro Hero model.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	GoPro Hero	GoPro Hero 13 Black
Video Resolution	4K	Up to 5.3K at 60fps
Photo Resolution	12MP	27 megapixels
Sensor	1/2.8″ CMOS	Sony IMX677L
Image Stabilization	No in-camera stabilisation (app-based)	HyperSmooth 6.0
Battery	Built-in 1255mAh Enduro battery	1900 mAh Enduro
Weight	86 grams	154 g to 159 g
Display	Rear: 1.76″ Touch LCD	2.27in Rear Touch Display, 1.4in Front Display
Waterproofing	—	33 ft without housing

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