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Product Reviews

Ray-Ban Meta, GoPro Max 2 and more

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If you prefer some variety in your review roundups, we cover quite the gamut this time. The headliner is the new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, but we’ve recently tested a powerful gaming laptop, two action cameras and a wireless mouse (yep, still need those). Catch up on all the reviews we’ve published over the last two weeks by scrolling down below.

Ray-Ban Meta

Engadget

Meta’s second-generation smart glasses are becoming a genuinely useful accessory.

Pros

  • Noticeably better battery life
  • YouTuber-friendly 3K video
  • Meta AI translations are a game-changer for travel

Cons

  • Framing POV photos and video is still a challenge
  • Pricey lens upgrades

$379 at Meta

While the second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses may look similar to the original model, a lot has changed in terms of features. There are also two big upgrades over the last version: battery life and video quality. “The Ray-Ban Meta glasses have a lot of features that didn’t exist when I first reviewed them two years ago, largely thanks to AI,” senior editor Karissa Bell said. “And with the release of its second-generation frames, there’s still a lot to look forward to, like new camera features and AI-powered audio.”

Alienware 16 Area-51

Alienware / Engadget

While it is a bit pricey at $2,000 to start, the Alienware 16 Area-51 sports top-notch components, a bright display, a clicky mechanical keyboard and a slick re-interpretation of the company’s signature intergalactic design.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Strong performance
  • Clicky mechanical keyboard
  • Lots of ports

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Big and heavy
  • More display options would be nice

$2,000 at Dell

If you’re in the market for a powerful gaming laptop with a unique design, the Alienware 16 Area-51 might be for you. Of course, you’ll have to live with a machine that ‘s big and heavy — and also expensive. “Even though the Alienware 16 Area-51 might not be as portable as some of its rivals, it’s got a lot to offer,” senior reviews writer Sam Rutherford wrote. “There’s a striking design, a nice screen (though more options would be nice), tons of ports and class-leading performance with plenty of configurability so you can dial in its specs exactly how you like.”

GoPro Max 2

GoPro/Engadget

GoPro’s Max 2 is a worthy competitor to DJI and Insta360 with a focus on image quality and effective editing tools to make clips you might actually want to share.

Pros

  • “True” 8K 10-bit GP-Log video
  • Replaceable lenses
  • Simple in-app editing
  • Works with Bluetooth mics

Cons

  • Stitch lines are sometimes present
  • No onboard storage

$500 at Amazon

GoPro’s new product this fall wasn’t another Hero action camera. Instead, the company opted to take the 360 route, debuting the Max 2 for spherical videos. “With a mix of pro features like Timecode, GP-Log (with LUTs) alongside mobile-focused editing, GoPro clearly hopes the Max 2 will appeal to demanding and casual users alike,” contributor James Trew observed. “The company has also focused heavily on improving the user experience rather than going for pure technological advances and after a week or so of testing, that feels like a sensible move.”

DJI Osmo Nano

DJI/Engadget

The Osmo Nano is DJI’s first mini action cam designed to take on Insta360’s Go 3S and Go Ultra. Video quality is a bit better than those rivals, but it’s still missing a few features.

Pros

  • Tiny size
  • Log and 10-bit video
  • DJI Mic compatibility
  • Generous built-in memory

Cons

  • Video editing app falls short
  • Poor stabilization in low light
  • Vlog mode is less convenient than rivals

$299 at Amazon

In case you missed it, tiny action cameras with detachable displays are a thing now. DJI’s first attempt at one of these products takes direct aim at Insta360’s duo of Go models. And despite better video quality than the competition, there’s still work to be done for the Osmo Nano. “With the Nano, DJI leaned on its camera experience and mostly matches or beats its main rival in terms of video quality,” reporter Steve Dent said. “However, the company is still lagging behind in a few areas, particularly its editing app — something that’s important for many creators.”

Logitech MX Master 4

Three years after releasing the MX Master 3S, Logitech is back with another update to its productivity mouse. Shopping for the new version isn’t exactly a straightforward endeavor though. “The MX Master 4 may not be a essential upgrade if you’re happy with an older MX Master mouse, and if those didn’t work for you before, this one probably won’t work for you now,” senior buying advice reporter Jeff Dunn wrote. “But if you’re a power user in the market for a new productivity mouse, we’d expect this newest iteration to be as popular as its predecessors.”



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GoPro Max 2 360 camera
Product Reviews

GoPro Max 2 review: worth the wait

by admin



Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

GoPro Max 2: two-minute review

The GoPro Max 2 is GoPro’s long-awaited return to the 360 camera arena, and it arrives with the rugged build quality and intuitive design philosophy that has made the brand synonymous with action cameras for over a decade.

It’s a compact, square-bodied camera that takes clear design inspiration from its predecessor while incorporating lessons learned from rivals like the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360. The Max 2 is built tough – waterproof to 5m without additional housing and ready to handle the kind of punishment that extreme sports can dish out. What sets it apart from the competition is GoPro’s decision to make the lenses fully user-replaceable without tools, a smart move given how vulnerable 360 camera lenses are to damage.

At $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95, the Max 2 is priced between the DJI Osmo 360 and the premium Insta360 X5, offering a middle-ground option that should appeal to GoPro loyalists and newcomers alike.

The standout feature here is what GoPro calls “true 8K” recording; the Max 2 delivers genuine 8K capture with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis, and the results are undeniably sharp and vibrant in good lighting conditions.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Design-wise, there’s plenty to appreciate too: a bright 1.82-inch touchscreen, GoPro’s famously simple two-button control scheme, built-in GPS, and compatibility with three separate mounting systems: the classic GoPro fingers, standard tripod threads, and the newer magnetic latch system. The camera feels reassuringly solid and well-balanced, whether in your hand or mounted on some other part of your body.

Video tops out at 8K 30fps in 360 mode, with 5.6K 60fps and 4K 100fps options for slow-motion work. The Max 2 also captures 29MP 360-degree stills and supports 10-bit color recording plus GP-Log flat profile for post-production color grading.

Performance is strong in daylight, delivering the punchy, colorful footage GoPro is known for, with minimal distortion, effective automatic stitching and selfie stick removal. However, the camera struggles more noticeably in low-light conditions compared to rivals that offer dedicated night modes, and thermal management can be an issue during extended recording sessions.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The Max 2 pairs with GoPro’s established Quik mobile app for quick editing and sharing, plus the updated GoPro Player desktop software for more comprehensive post-production work. Both offer solid 360 video editing tools, though at present neither quite matches the sophistication of Insta360’s software suite.

Ultimately, while the Max 2 doesn’t revolutionize the 360 camera market, it delivers exactly what I’d expect from GoPro. This is a well-built, user-friendly camera that produces excellent results in the right conditions, and it’s backed up by an ecosystem of accessories and editing tools that make the whole experience relatively painless. GoPro is well truly back in the 360 camera game.

  • Look out for my in-depth GoPro Max 2 vs Insta360 X5 comparison, based on real tests, coming soon

GoPro Max 2 specs

Swipe to scroll horizontallyDJI Osmo 360 specs

Type:

360 camera

Waterproof depth:

5m / 16ft

Screen:

1.82-inch touchscreen

Storage:

microSD

Connectivity:

USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth

Dimensions:

64 x 69.7 x 48.7mm / 2.4 x 1.4 x 3.2 inches

Weight:

195g / 6.88oz

The Max 2 mounted on GoPro’s selfie stick (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Today’s best GoPro Max 2 deals

GoPro Max 2: Price and availability

  • Launched worldwide on 23 September 2025
  • Pre-orders shipping 30 September 2025
  • Priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95

GoPro officially launched the Max 2 on September 23 2025, and it’s available to pre-order right away, with orders shipping from September 30.

It’s priced at $499.99 / £449.99 / AU$849.95 in a bundle that includes the camera and a single battery. At the time of writing I’ve not been informed of any bundles including accessories such as selfie sticks, microSD cards or extra batteries, but this section will be updated if that becomes the case.

This list price, which sits between the pricier Insta360 X5 and more affordable DJI Osmo 360, feels just about right to me. The Max 2 is a quality product and while being any cheaper would be a surprise, it’s clearly priced to compete with its closest rivals.

The GoPro Max 2 in the midst of its two main rivals, the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

GoPro Max 2: Design

  • Waterproof to 5m / 16ft plus replaceable lenses
  • Mountable via tripod, magnetic latch or mounting fingers
  • 1.82-inch rear touchscreen

The GoPro Max 2 looks similar to the original Max, favoring a squat, square design over the narrower candybar shape used by some 360 cameras. Constructed from tough plastic, it’s pretty discreet and unassuming, with the bright blue flashes of the GoPro logo and “Max 2” the only deviation from all-business dark grey. It’s slightly smaller than its closest recent rivals, the Insta360 X5 and DJI Osmo 360, but not to what I’d consider a significant degree.

As you’d expect from a GoPro camera, the Max 2 feels rugged and ready for adventure. While there’s no specific IP rating, GoPro says it’s waterproof to a depth of 5m and able to operate in cold temperatures. While the waterproof depth isn’t quite as impressive as on some rival cameras, GoPro told me a dive housing accessory offering more robust underwater protection is currently in development.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Crucially, GoPro has also made its lenses fully user-replaceable – and without the need for a tool, either, in a move that beats even the Insta360 X5’s lens replacement system. With 360 cameras’ lenses protruding so far out of the body, they’re highly vulnerable to damage, so making them simple (and relatively cheap) to swap out if something goes wrong is a great move from GoPro.

That being said, I did notice some condensation inside the lens when I went from indoors to outdoors, and it affected image quality (you can see it in the cycling sections of the videos embedded below). This could be fixed by removing the lens and wiping it with a microfiber cloth, then replacing it, but I found it an annoying issue to deal with. It’s not something I’ve encountered on other 360 cameras, and I suspect it might be due to the removeable lens design.

The pop-out mounting fingers make attaching the Max 2 to hundreds of existing mounts very simple (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The Max 2 is small and lightweight enough for easy mounting on everything from helmets to bikes to selfie sticks, and GoPro has thoughtfully made it compatible with three mounting options. You have classic GoPro mounting fingers, a rock-solid way to fix the camera to a huge range of first- and third-party mounts, as well a standard tripod thread and the newer GoPro magnetic latch mount.

Controls are beautifully simple. There are two large rubber buttons – one for power and switching shooting modes, another for image capture – and a bright and sharp 1.82-inch touchscreen for everything else. The Max 2’s UI is extremely simple and easy to get to grips with, even for someone (like me) who doesn’t shoot on GoPro cameras particularly often, and I doubt anyone even slightly familiar with action camera menu screens will struggle to master it quickly.

GoPro Max 2: Performance and features

  • Editing via Quik and GoPro Player apps
  • Built-in GPS
  • 1,960mAh battery offers around an hour of 8K 30fps capture

With no built-in storage, footage and photos captured on the Max 2 are stored on microSD card, and can be quickly transferred wirelessly to a mobile device running the Quik app for editing and sharing.

I think Quik’s 360 video editor is pretty good, and I was able to swiftly reframe clips using manual keyframes or AI-assisted object tracking, plus tweak the image settings to achieve the look I wanted. Finished videos and photos can be saved to a phone’s camera roll, directly shared to social media or exported to other devices.

It’s also possible to edit on desktop, of course, and the updated GoPro Player app supports keyframe reframing but not, interestingly, AI-assisted tracking or image tweaking. GoPro says it’s getting a new denoise setting too, but this was greyed out and unavailable when I tested the app due to my M2-powered MacBook Air being not quite up to the task.

GoPro has informed me that both Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve will be getting plug-ins allowing users to directly import the Max 2’s 360 files. Premiere support is due to be live by the end of 2025, with Resolve to follow later on.

One thing the Max 2 has that its DJI and Insta360 rivals don’t is built-in GPS, enabling users to embed location data in their footage and photos. Most other cameras either require an optional module or tethering to a smartphone for geotagging, so the Max 2, like the original Max, offers an edge there.

The battery, microSD slot and USB-C port are all located inside a single well-sealed compartment (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Despite the large vent on one side, the Max 2 does get warm during use. When I left it recording video, it turned itself off to avoid overheating with both 8K 30fps and 5.6K 30fps recording. With the 8K footage, it recorded just under 30 minutes of footage before shutting down; it lasted almost 58 minutes when recording 5.6K footage. This was indoors at room temperature, and I did find that setting it up outdoors on a chilly autumn day allowed it to record for longer, as would actual outdoor pursuits scenarios.

GoPro doesn’t specify battery life from the 1,960mAh battery, but I managed to get just over an hour of 8K 30fps footage recorded when leaving the camera running outdoors. I think this performance is quite good given the bit rate and resolution of the videos being recorded, but those planning a long day of 360 shooting might want to invest in one or two extra batteries.

The camera features six built-in microphones – more than either of its main rivals (Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

The Max 2, like the original Max, features six separate built-in mics, but here they offer directional audio capture. Neither the DJI Osmo 360 or Insta360 X5 offer six mics, but despite this I wouldn’t necessarily say the Max 2 outright beats its rivals here: audio sounds absolutely fine in good conditions, but when the wind picks up the built-in wind reduction tech can’t do much to suppress the noise.

GoPro says the Max 2 can be used with Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth earbuds for wireless mic input, and this may help avoid the wind issue, but bringing out a dedicated DJI Mic-style wireless mic may be the best solution the company could offer further down the line.

GoPro Max 2: Image quality

  • Captures 10-bit 8K 30fps / 5.6K 60fps / 4K 100fps video
  • 29MP 360 photos and 12MP single-lens photos
  • Up to 300Mbps video bit rate with GoPro Labs

GoPro has been keen to point out that the Max 2 is the only 360 camera that records what it calls “true 8K” resolution 360 video. The company claims rivals like Insta360 and DJI are essentially fudging the numbers in order to claim 8K capture – either by counting unused or overlapped pixels, or by upscaling output to 8K from lower resolution sources – whereas the Max 2’s 360 output is truly 8K with at least 3840 active pixels on each axis for both sensors.

Video can be shot at up to 10-bit quality and in either a standard color profile or the flat GP-Log mode for post-shoot grading, and the maximum video bit rate is 120Mbps, or 300Mbps for users of GoPro Labs. For the purposes of this review, I stuck with 120Mbps. I did try out GP-Log, but GoPro has yet to release a LUT at the time of writing and I found grading the footage more of a slog than I’d like. Once the LUT is out things should get a lot easier there.

Video quality is generally very strong, whether recording in 8K (which is capped at 30fps) or 5.6K (which can go up to 60fps, offering users the potential to use 2x slow-motion; a 4K 100fps option is also available for those who want even more slow-motion potential). GoPro has established itself as delivering colors that look good straight out of the camera, as well as minimal distortion and flare.

Mostly that’s the case here, although I found that some of my 360 videos looked a touch overexposed and washed out in bright skies – likely as a result of having to set exposure for a full 360º view rather than in a single direction. User intervention, by setting the exposure manually, could improve things here, but in general the results are strong.

Still photos are similarly good-looking, and while I tweaked the below example slightly using the Quik app, it’s basically fresh out of the camera.

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

At night, the Max 2 isn’t as impressive. Both the DJI Osmo 360 and Insta360 X5 have dedicated low light modes for 360 video, but with the Max 2 you’re left with the standard mode, and it’s noisy and smeary after dark. It’s possible that using GP-Log and some clever settings before editing in post could yield better results; I didn’t have time to delve into this, so I can’t say for sure – but what I can say is that both the Osmo 360 and X5 make capturing usable low light footage very easy, while the Max 2 doesn’t.

So, if low light footage is a priority for you, the Max 2 may not be the ideal 360 camera. If, however, you’re capturing footage in daylight and want the very cleanest, sharpest 8K around, I think it’s the best at doing it.

The camera includes a wide range of capture modes besides standard 360 videos and photos: time lapse modes, dedicated single-lens shooting modes and more. I’ve included a quick clip I captured using the Night Lapse mode in the sample video above.

GoPro Max 2: testing scorecard

Swipe to scroll horizontallyGoPro Max 2

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Price

Cheaper than the Insta360 X5, slightly pricier than the DJI Osmo 360.

4/5

Design

Great mounting options, rugged build and easily replaced lenses. Just watch for the condensation.

5/5

Performance

Good apps and battery life, but can overheat.

4/5

Image quality

Beats the X5 and Osmo 360 in broad daylight, but can’t match either in challenging after-dark conditions.

5/5

(Image credit: Future | Sam Kieldsen)

Should I buy the GoPro Max 2?

Buy it if…

You’re invested in the GoPro ecosystem
Got boxes of GoPro mounts and a subscription? The Max 2 slots right into the GoPro range, so if you’re already a fan you’ll be at home immediately.

You’re a risk-taker
The Max 2 is small and rugged, making it ideal for extreme sports. Its lenses are also very easy to replace in the field – no tool required.

You like things simple
The Max 2’s minimal controls, simple app and great out-of-the-camera image quality make it one of the easiest 360 cameras to use.

Don’t buy it if…

You shoot after dark or indoors
While it shines in broad daylight, the low light performance of the Max 2 just can’t match that of its DJI and Insta360 rivals.

You want built-in storage
A small thing, but the Osmo 360’s built-in storage means you don’t need to fumble for microSD cards – with the Max 2, you do.

Also consider

The X5’s rugged build, replaceable lenses, low-light performance, ease of use and battery life have made it our top pick ahead of the Max 2’s arrival. Its weight and profile aren’t as wearable as the Max 2, however, and I think the Max 2’s daylight image quality is slightly better.

Read our full Insta360 X5 review

A cheap and cheerful alternative to the GoPro Max 2, Akaso’s first 360 camera is surprisingly capable. Like the Max 2, it’s designed with outdoor daytime use in mind, but its overall image quality level is several notches below.

Read our full Akaso 360 review

How I tested the DJI Osmo 360

  • Tested camera running v01.09.71 firmware for four days
  • Camera mounted on invisible selfie stick, helmet, bike and chest harness
  • Recorded videos day and night on foot and cycling

GoPro sent me a review sample of the Max 2 a week ahead of the launch date, and it was updated to run v01.09.71 firmware. This meant full launch features, as far as I’m aware, enabling me to test all the shooting modes and image quality – which I did by taking the camera out in the field mounted to various things (bike, head, helmet, chest, selfie stick).

I tested it in various lighting and weather conditions, editing the resulting videos and photos using both GoPro apps: the Quik mobile app and the GoPro Player desktop app (the latter on my M2 MacBook Air, which sadly wasn’t powerful enough to make use of the app’s Denoise feature).

  • First reviewed September 2025

GoPro Max 2: Price Comparison



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To Free Up Inventory, Amazon Has Dropped the GoPro Hero 13 to a Record-Low Price
Game Reviews

To Free Up Inventory, Amazon Has Dropped the GoPro Hero 13 to a Record-Low Price

by admin


GoPro has long been the name that comes to mind when talking about action cameras. Despite such tremendous competition from the likes of Insta360 and DJI, still millions of people instinctively reach for a GoPro when they buy an underwater camera that captures top-quality video with amazing stabilization.

The GoPro HERO13 Black carries on this tradition with its front- and rear-facing dual screens and is the go-to now to film everything from extreme sports to everyday life. Amazon is currently blowout pricing the back-to-school period and offers the HERO13 Black for an all-time-low $329, down from $430 (23% off).

See at Amazon

Three Hours of Autonomy

In case you ever worry that you might drain your battery during an adventure, the HERO13 Black addresses this with a new 1900mAh battery. Its larger size gives you up to three hours of continuous recording at 1080p resolution, so it can hold out through extended hikes, bike rides or even two full one-hour scuba dives without a recharge. This feature lets you focus on your experience without concern about power. GoPro’s award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization renders your video as rock solid as possible even on rough rides or high-speed motion.

Quite possibly the most incredible aspect of the HERO13 Black is its lens compatibility: The camera works with the HB-Series lenses, like the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, that delivers a whopping 177-degree view so that you can capture scenes that feel more expansive and immersive. From sweeping landscapes to close-ups, the new Macro Lens Mod brings subjects in focus four times farther than the base lens, perfect for details that are out of sight most of the time. An additional lens option is the Anamorphic Lens Mod, which stretches the frame to an immersive cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio ideal for users who prefer shooting movies with a big-screen feel.

Carrying a gigantic 1/1.9″ sensor, the HERO13 Black captures stunning 27-megapixel images with detail and color richness. It captures video at jaw-dropping 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120fps for silky slow motion. You can also choose 2.7K at 240fps for extremely smooth slow motion which gives you the flexibility to shoot wherever you like. The camera has different video settings including 8:7, 16:9, and 4:3 aspect ratios so that you can film the way you like your content to look without fiddling around too much afterwards.

Don’t overlook the displays: the 2.7-inch rear touchscreen offers improved touch sensitivity, making it easier to frame shots and navigate menus. The front color screen is great for vlogging or selfies, and shows a clear preview so you’re always ready to capture the perfect moment. The improved interface even supports Wi-Fi 6 which means faster and more reliable transfers of your footage to your phone or computer through the GoPro Quik app.

The GoPro HERO13 Black is also tough: It’s water-resistant to 10 meters right out of the box, so you don’t have to stress about rain or splashes when filming outside.

Our recommendation is: Don’t miss your chance to obtain a GoPro HERO13 Black when it’s available at an all-time low price on Amazon.

See at Amazon



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Our Favorite GoPro Is $150 Off
Gaming Gear

Our Favorite GoPro Is $150 Off

by admin


Whether you’re mountain biking, skiing, or jumping out of planes, GoPro has been a household name for taking videos of your most adventurous activities. Right now, you can scoop up the GoPro Hero 13 Black (7/10, WIRED Recommends) as a bundle with both the standard and ultra wide lens mod for just $330, a full $150 off the retail price, and the lowest price ever for this bundle.

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

GoPro

Hero 13 Black Ultra Wide Edition

Even though it features the same 27-megapixel sensor and processor found in the GoPro Hero 12 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the new features and larger battery make it our favorite pick among the current GoPro models, at least for standard video. GoPro also returned GPS to the new model, which affects battery life, but is an important feature among users. You have a wide set of options for resolution and frames per second too, with up to 60 FPS at 5.3K, and 120FPS at 4K. The new slow-motion burst mode can supercharge those numbers for short periods of time, like taking a 5.3K video at 120FPS for five seconds.

The interchangeable lenses are definitely the key selling point for the GoPro Hero 13 Black, letting you change the field of view and filters to suit your sport or situation. Normally you’d have to pay around $120 to get the ultra wide lens on its own, but with the discount, you’re basically paying full price for the camera and getting the lens included. It makes a big difference too, taking the field of view up to 177 degrees, which GoPro says is 36% wider and 48% taller than the regular lens.

Older GoPro users will also appreciate the new magnetic mounting adapter, which brings it in line with some of our other favorite action cams. There are other quality of life changes too, like a waterproof pass-through charging door for longer sessions. The biggest downside of the GoPro is probably its battery life, which still falls short of competitors like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends), which is also a great action cam.

If you’re looking at upgrading from another recent GoPro model, this might not be worthwhile, especially if you don’t plan on using the ultra wide angle lens. For new owners, especially those looking to swap their lenses, this is our favorite GoPro for good reason, and a welcome discount on its best feature.



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Best GoPro Camera (2025): Compact, Budget, Accessories
Product Reviews

Best GoPro Camera (2025): Compact, Budget, Accessories

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The Top 3 GoPro Hero Cameras Compared

GoPros to Avoid

GoPro doesn’t sell anything older than the Hero 12, but there are plenty of Hero 11s and even Hero 10s out there for sale on the internet. We suggest avoiding them. They may work fine, but modern accessories designed for later models won’t work, and these cameras have likely been through the wringer. (They are action cameras, after all.)

GoPro

Hero 11 Black

GoPro no longer sells the Hero 11, but it’s still commonly available on Amazon and other retailers. Unfortunately it’s usually the same price as the Hero 12 (around $300) and therefore not worth buying.

GoPro

Hero 10 Black

The Hero 10 is really showing its age at this point, but it can sometimes be found on sale for $200, but the video quality and stabilization aren’t nearly as good as the Hero 13, which also sells for about $220 and is better in every way.

What About the GoPro Max?

Photograph: GoPro

What most people call a “GoPro” is in fact the Hero Black camera. GoPro makes a few other cameras as well, most notably the Max. The Max is GoPro’s attempt at three cameras in one. It can shoot 360 footage and Hero-style video and photos, and it works as a vlogging camera. While the 360-degree time lapse feature is awesome, and the sound is pretty good, it’s been a while since GoPro updated it, and there are better 360 cameras. Our top pick is Insta360’s X5. The GoPro Max might be more durable, but in nearly every other way the X5 bests it. Hopefully, GoPro will update the Max in 2025.

The Best GoPro Accessories

Photograph: GoPro

Should you buy a bundle? Generally, I say no. Get the camera, figure it out, and see how you end up using it. When you find yourself trying to solve a problem, start looking for an accessory. Here are some of my favorite things that I’ve tested and used, but if you have favorites you think I should try, drop a comment below.

A good MicroSD card for $60: According to GoPro’s recommendations, you want a microSD card with a V30 or UHS-3 rating. That said, GoPros can be finicky about SD cards. I’ve had good luck with, and recommend, the Samsung linked here. Another card I’ve used extensively is the Sandisk Extreme Pro.

GoPro Media Mod for $80: By far my most used accessory, the media mod does add some bulk, but in most cases this is more than made up for by the fact that you can plug in a real microphone (I use mine with a Rode Wireless). Sound quality is radically improved with this one. This may be less necessary if you get the Hero 12 or later, since those models do have support for Bluetooth mics.

GoPro Handlebar Mount for $40: I’ve been doing a lot more riding lately and this mount pretty much lives on my bike these days. It’s been rock solid in my testing, and beats any of the third-party mounts I’ve tested.

GoPro Tripod Mount Adapters for $30: Unless you have the Hero 12 or 13, which have a tripod mount built-in, you’ll need a few of these to mount your GoPro to a tripod like the GorillaPod above.

GoPro Floaty for $35: If you’re getting anywhere near the water, grab one of these. Trust me, you will drop your GoPro and when you do, you will glad you have this (unless the water is clear and you’re a good free diver.) GoPro also makes a Floating Hand Grip ($23), which not only floats but has a leash for diving or surfing.

GoPro Selfie Stick for $80: This 48-inch extension pole collapses up surprisingly small and isn’t very heavy. It’s the best selfie stick I’ve used. I rarely use it for selfies, but it makes a great monopod on soft ground, like a sandy beach.

DaVinci Resolve Studio for $300: This is my video editing software of choice. There is a free version, but I got tired of converting media to fit the restrictions of the free version. Best money I ever spent when it comes to making better videos.



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