Smallest & Lightest GoPro Comparison 2026: Best Mini Models

Which is the Smallest and Lightest GoPro Ever?

If you're thinking, "I just want the absolute smallest GoPro" or want to know what the tiniest options are, here is the breakdown:

• Smallest Model Available New Today: HERO (2024) Out of the current compact lineup, the "HERO (2024)" is the absolute smallest (86g / 56.6 × 47.7 × 29.4mm). It's slightly more compact and 7g lighter than the current LIT HERO. However, the LIT HERO packs better overall features, so your choice will depend on whether you prioritize maximum portability or better capabilities.
• Smallest GoPro Ever (Used Market): HERO5 Session The undisputed smallest and lightest model in GoPro history is the "HERO5 Session" (73g / 38 × 38 × 36mm). While it has been discontinued and can be picked up cheaply on the used market, we do not recommend it due to severe overheating issues.

Model Comparison

Compare by Video Specs

First, let's take a look at how the video capabilities stack up across each model.

Released in September 2025, the LIT HERO (2025) has mostly drawn attention for its built-in front light, but internally, it is essentially just an upgraded version of the HERO (2024).

The biggest drawback of the HERO (2024) was that it maxed out at 30fps for the most commonly used 4K and 1080p resolutions, making its video performance actually inferior to the two-generations-older HERO11 Black Mini. The LIT HERO (2025) slightly overcomes this limitation. If you're trying to decide between the two, the LIT HERO (2025) is the better buy.

Looking at the older lineup, because the HERO11 Black Mini was positioned as a "shrunken-down flagship," it overwhelmingly beats both the LIT HERO (2025) and the HERO (2024) in raw video specs and stabilization. As you can see from the table, the HERO11 Black Mini remains the most powerful compact GoPro when it comes to shooting performance.

Moving down the list, the HERO5 Session is an older model from 2016, but comparing specs alone, it still holds up as a very capable camera today.

On the other hand, the original HERO Session falls significantly behind in video quality, making it a model you should generally avoid buying today.

Compare by Hardware Features

Next, let's take a look at the physical hardware features.

The first major difference is whether the camera has built-in mounting capability. Ever since the HERO8, GoPros have featured built-in mounting fingers, meaning you no longer need a separate frame to attach accessories. This makes a huge difference in both overall weight and everyday usability.

Supported microSD card capacity is another key factor. While the LIT HERO (2025) and HERO (2024) support up to 1TB, and the older HERO11 Black Mini handles up to 512GB, the legacy HERO5 Session and HERO Session max out at just 128GB.

Given their battery limitations, compact GoPros aren't built for long continuous shooting anyway—but not having to constantly manage or swap out microSD cards is definitely a nice quality-of-life upgrade.

On the water resistance front, it's worth noting that the LIT HERO (2025) and HERO (2024) step down slightly to a 5m rating. If you plan on doing a lot of underwater shooting, you'll likely want to use a waterproof housing for peace of mind.

Compare by Size & Weight

Finally, let's compare their physical dimensions and weight.

When you lay it out like this, you can see that while the LIT HERO (2025), HERO (2024), and HERO11 Black Mini are billed as "compact," they are actually quite a bit chunkier than the older HERO5 Session. In that sense, if absolute minimum size and weight are your top priorities, the HERO5 Session remains unmatched.

What is really impressive, however, is the minimal difference between the LIT HERO (2025) and the HERO (2024). Despite packing significantly upgraded video performance and features, the LIT HERO (2025) retains almost the exact same footprint and only adds a mere 7g in weight.

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Recommendations (As of 2026)

The Best Compact GoPros to Buy Now

Best to Buy New: LIT HERO (2025)

If you're buying brand new today, your choices are between the LIT HERO (2025) and the HERO (2024). The HERO11 Black Mini was available on GoPro's official site until fairly recently, but it has now been discontinued.

While the LIT HERO (2025) features more modest, entry-level specs, it brings solid quality-of-life upgrades over the HERO (2024). Plus, the addition of the built-in front light shifts it from just being a "small camera" to a fun, everyday lifestyle camera you can clip on like an accessory.

It might feel a bit underpowered if you're looking to shoot high-octane action sports, but it’s an excellent, hassle-free choice for your very first GoPro.

Best for Raw Performance: HERO11 Black Mini

If you want top-tier video quality out of a compact chassis, the HERO11 Black Mini is the undisputed choice.

As a shrunken-down version of the flagship HERO11 Black, it inherits its predecessor's top-end video performance and incredible stabilization. It does come with a few compromises—there is no front display and it lacks a dedicated photo mode—but at its core, it delivers the exact same heavy-hitting video as the full-sized flagship.

Even when stacked against the newer HERO13 Black, its video quality easily holds its own, making the Mini a future-proof compact camera that will last you for years.

Best Value on the Used Market: HERO (2024)

If you're looking to save as much cash as possible by going the used route, the HERO (2024) is the ideal target.

Right before the LIT HERO launched, brand-new, unopened units of the HERO (2024) were heavily discounted. Because of this, the used market is currently flooded with cheap units, often floating around a highly affordable price point.

Feature-wise, it lags slightly behind the LIT HERO (2025), but it still packs more than enough punch for casual hobbyist use—all while weighing barely more than a HERO5 Session.

Best of all, unlike the HERO11 Black Mini or the HERO5 Session, it doesn't suffer from notorious overheating issues, making it a reliable and stress-free entry point into the GoPro ecosystem.

Comparing Compact GoPros Side-by-Side

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GoPro LIT HERO (2025) vs GoPro HERO (2024)

We will compare the 2025 model GoPro LIT HERO (2025) and the 2024 model GoPro HERO (2024) in terms of shooting performance, body specifications, and more.

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GoPro LIT HERO (2025) vs GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

We compare the 2025 model GoPro LIT HERO (2025) and the 2024 model GoPro HERO11 Black Mini in terms of shooting performance, body specifications, and more.

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GoPro HERO (2024) vs GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

This comparison will explore the differences in shooting performance and hardware specs between the GoPro HERO (2024) and the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, which was released in 2022.

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GoPro HERO (2024) vs GoPro HERO5 Session

Compare the 2024 GoPro HERO model with the 2016 GoPro HERO5 Session, focusing on shooting performance, body specifications, and other key features.

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GoPro HERO11 Black Mini vs GoPro HERO5 Session

This comparison covers the 2022 GoPro HERO11 Black Mini and the 2016 GoPro HERO5 Session in terms of shooting performance, body specifications, and more.

Every GoPro Ever Made, Compared

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