![[2026 Edition] The Best GoPro to Buy Now! Recommendations for New and Used Models thumbnail](/_ipx/f_webp&s_800x450/imgs/guides/the-best-gopro-to-buy-now_en-th.png)
[2026 Edition] The Best GoPro to Buy Now! Recommendations for New and Used Models
If you're looking to buy a GoPro now, this guide will help you evaluate the recommendability of past models and choose the right GoPro based on your needs and budget.
Modified at: 2026.7.23Posted at: 2024.10.13
Quick Picks — Recommended GoPro Models Picked
Modified at: 2026.7.23HERO13 Black
Interchangeable lens system & magnetic mount. The best choice for long-term use if buying new.
LIT HERO (2025)
Built-in front light for easy Vlogging. Great value for a first-time GoPro.
HERO9 Black
Front color screen & HyperSmooth 3.0. Top value used model under $200-$250.
- New Flagship (HERO13 Black)
Magnetic mount system and HB-series lens ecosystem make it the best long-term option.
- Casual / Entry (LIT HERO)
Front fill-light, easy smartphone-like operation, and affordable price point.
- Best Used Pick (HERO9 Black)
Front screen, solid stabilization, and excellent used market prices.
- Models to Avoid
HERO6 or older, and specialized legacy models have poor battery availability or degraded features.
Recommendations for Each Model as of 2026
| Model | New | Used |
|---|---|---|
| MISSION 1 Series | ◎ Very expensive, but top choice for cinematic production & pro use | x Should be bought new |
| HERO13 Black | ◎ Expensive, but the latest renewal makes it usable for a long time | x Should be bought new |
| LIT HERO (2025) | ◎ Moderate performance, inexpensive, and sufficient for light use | x Should be bought new |
| MAX2 (2026) | ◎ The long-awaited latest 360 model—best choice for 360° capture | x Should be bought new |
| HERO (2024) | ▲ Should buy LIT HERO | x Should be bought new |
| HERO12 Black | ▲ Given the price difference, the HERO13 is a better choice | x Should be bought new |
| HERO11 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Hasn’t dropped much in price |
| HERO11 Black Mini | - No longer available | ◎ A top-tier mini model with excellent performance |
| HERO10 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Considering the price, the HERO13 is preferable |
| HERO9 Black | - No longer available | ◎ Now reasonably priced, a good deal |
| MAX 2019 | - No longer available | ▲ Better off going for the MAX2 |
| HERO8 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Better to aim for the HERO9 |
| HERO7 Black | - No longer available | ▲ Better to aim for the HERO9 |
| HERO7 Silver | - No longer available | ▲ The HERO6 is a better option |
| HERO7 White | - No longer available | ▲ The HERO6 is a better option |
| HERO (2018) | - No longer available | x Better to choose the new HERO(2024) or a used HERO9 |
| Fusion 2018 | - No longer available | x Better to choose the new HERO(2024) or a used HERO11 Black Mini |
| HERO6 Black | - No longer available | ○ Worth it if you can find one for around $100 |
For models before the HERO6 Black, it’s generally best to avoid them if you are purchasing a GoPro in 2026.
Trends of Older GoPro Models
GoPro has a tendency to sell the current model and the previous model in parallel. Therefore, the outdated model that can still be purchased as new is "the previous model of the current one," and anything older than that becomes "an outdated model for which official new sales have ended."
Outdated models that continue to be sold officially often do not receive much of a price cut except during sales, making them less advantageous. So, be sure to carefully check the price difference with the latest model before purchasing.
Conversely, the models that offer a benefit in terms of price are "the outdated models for which official new sales have ended." When looking for new units, the main source will be distribution stock, but they can sometimes be sold at less than half the retail price, making it possible to get a GoPro at a very good deal if you find one.
Recommended GoPro Models: New and Used
Best for Pro Use: MISSION 1
If you are looking for professional-grade video production or cinematic capture, the MISSION 1 series is the ultimate choice.
Featuring a large 1-inch sensor and the newly developed GP3 processor, it offers outstanding image quality with 8K30 and 4K120 recording, enhanced slow-motion capabilities, and 10-bit GP-Log2 support. With specialized models like the "MISSION 1 PRO ILS" supporting MFT interchangeable lenses, it delivers cinematic expressions far beyond standard action cameras. While high in price, it is unreservedly the best option if image quality and creative control are your top priorities.
The flagship camera equipped with a 1-inch sensor and GP3 processor. Perfect for creators demanding pro-level image quality and expressive power.
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.
A challenging model that elevates the highly polished HERO12 Black with new mechanisms such as an interchangeable lens system. Even if it’s expensive, choosing this ensures long-term usability.
Best First GoPro: LIT HERO (2025)
An ambitious model released in September 2025 equipped with a front light. In terms of specs, it can essentially be considered the successor to the budget model HERO (2024). Since the official retail price differs by only $50, even if you don’t need a front light, considering its high shooting performance and magnetic mount, the LIT HERO (2025) is the best choice.
Compared to the flagship models HERO13 and HERO12,
- Shooting quality is significantly inferior
- Image stabilization is added via the app
- Battery is non-replaceable
- No loop recording or live streaming functions
In terms of shooting performance and features, it is inferior. However, thanks to being equipped with a front light, its rival can be said to be more a smartphone than an action camera.
If you think of it as “a camera with equal or better performance than a smartphone, easy to play around with,” it is surprisingly capable.
The price is also in the 30,000 yen range, about half the flagship series. Rather than buying an outdated new or used older model, as a first GoPro or a casual camera to enjoy, the LIT HERO (2025) is the best choice.
The first GoPro model equipped with a front light. Its base is an upgraded version of the HERO (2024), and even without shooting full-fledged action scenes, it is excellent as a camera that can be casually enjoyed like an accessory.
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:
- Front color display
- 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.
Although it’s a slightly older 2020 model, its specs are still fully up to date, and its falling prices on the used market are appealing. Batteries are also widely available, allowing enjoyment of a high-spec GoPro while keeping the initial investment low.
However, because it tends to overheat, if you plan on long continuous shooting or filming in hot environments like direct sunlight, your best option is the HERO13 Black, which adds a built-in heatsink for improved heat dissipation, despite the higher price tag.
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).
As a model, it’s quite an old GoPro, but its shooting specs are actually not bad, and used prices have dropped considerably, making it relatively good as an entry-level GoPro.
Before buying a used GoPro, make sure to read the following article to understand the key things to watch out for.
Used GoPro Buying Guide! Tips and Points to Remember
Used GoPros are a great way to buy this expensive device at a lower price. But because GoPros are action cameras, it’s important to choose carefully, considering their unique features.
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.
As a compact model, it has the highest specs among past GoPros. It can only be obtained used, but if a unit in good condition is found, it’s worth buying.
For more recommendations on compact GoPro models, check out the following article:
Smallest & Lightest GoPro Comparison 2026: Best Mini Models
Looking for the smallest GoPro? We compare the best mini models, including the current smallest HERO (2024) and the all-time lightest HERO5 Session.
Conversely, based on factors like specifications and battery availability, there are models that should be avoided when buying.
Which GoPro Models to Avoid in 2026: Complete Skip List
Although GoPros are relatively durable devices, certain older models fail to meet current user expectations. In this guide, we break down older GoPro models you should avoid buying today.
If a lighter GoPro is the goal, check out this comparison article as well.
![[2025 Edition] GoPro Weight Comparison by Model! Here Are the Lightest and Most Usable Options! thumbnail](/_ipx/f_webp&s_180x100/imgs/guides/gopro-weight-comparison-lightest-models_en-th.png)
[2025 Edition] GoPro Weight Comparison by Model! Here Are the Lightest and Most Usable Options!
For GoPro cameras that are often worn on the body or used for handheld shooting, weight is also an important factor. Here, we compare the weight of GoPro models released over the past 10 years! We'll pick out the lightest and most usable models.
Related Guides Before Purchasing
Essential guides to check for accessory compatibility and troubleshooting prior to purchasing:
Guide to Choosing the Best SD Card for GoPro
Which SD card works for your GoPro? From HERO 13's 1TB support to legacy HERO 3 compatibility, compare V30 speed specs and top picks for 5.3K/4K video.
GoPro Battery Compatibility Chart: MISSION 1 & HERO 13 to HERO 3
Are GoPro batteries interchangeable? Compare all generations from MISSION 1 and HERO 13 to HERO 3. Includes Enduro vs. Standard specs and exact battery model codes.