The 7 Best Budget Gopro Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: GoPro HERO8
The GoPro HERO8 is a versatile action camera designed for adventurers and content creators seeking top-notch video stabilization and ease of use. Its enhanced features make it a perfect companion for capturing life's most thrilling moments with incredible clarity and smoothness. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: GoPro HERO9
The GoPro HERO9 takes action camera technology to new heights with its 5K video capability, enhanced photo quality, and superior battery life. It's designed to deliver unparalleled detail and performance, making it an excellent choice for capturing high-resolution content. Read Review
3. Best Durable: GoPro Hero7
The GoPro Hero7 is perfect for those needing a durable, waterproof camera to capture stunning full-HD videos and high-quality photos. With an intuitive touch screen and impressive video stabilization, this compact camera ensures you never miss a moment. Read Review
4. Best Connectivity: GoPro HERO10
The GoPro HERO10 delivers unmatched performance and smooth, high-resolution footage. Its incredible 23MP photos and 5.3K video capabilities, combined with advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization, ensure every shot is flawless and detailed, even in challenging conditions. Read Review
5. Best Waterproof: GoPro HERO12
Elevate your adventures with the GoPro HERO12, boasting superior image quality and Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization. This camera captures dynamic footage with true-to-life colour and precision, making it the perfect companion for all your escapades. Read Review
Action cameras have revolutionized how we capture adventures, offering incredible versatility and high-quality footage in the most rugged conditions. While GoPros have long been the gold standard in this category, you don't need to break the bank to get a great camera. The market now offers an impressive range of budget-friendly GoPros that bring top-tier performance to everyone, from casual users to adventure enthusiasts.
These affordable models still deliver stunning video quality, robust durability, and the essential features that make GoPros so popular. Whether you're recording your latest outdoor expedition, vlogging your travels, or capturing everyday moments with family and friends, a budget GoPro ensures you can do it all without compromising on quality. At Kris Van Assche, we've sifted through the options to bring you our top picks for the best budget GoPros in 2024.
Our staff had to concentrate on studying over 19 hours to acquire such outcomes for readers. As a result, We think the best budget gopro of 2024 is GoPro HERO8. Its redesigned shape makes it more pocketable, with folding fingers at the base for quick mount swaps and a new side door that allows for faster battery changes. For your convenience, We've included an in-depth buyer's guide and other excellent alternatives for you to choose the final option.
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Our Top Picks
HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization Streamlined, pocketable design Expandable with versatile mods 1080p live streaming
Mods sold separately
The GoPro HERO8 introduces HyperSmooth 2.0, offering three stabilisation levels: On, High, and Boost. Whether recording in challenging environments or capturing everyday activities, this camera ensures ultra-smooth footage across all resolutions and frame rates. Its redesigned shape makes it more pocketable, with folding fingers at the base for quick mount swaps and a new side door that allows for faster battery changes.
The lens is twice as impact-resistant as previous models, adding to its durability. For vloggers and pro filmmakers, the HERO8’s expandable mods, such as the Media Mod, Light Mod, and Display Mod, elevate the creative experience. Live streaming in 1080p with HyperSmooth stabilization is seamless via the GoPro app, and footage can be saved to an SD card for later viewing. Plus, timeWarp 2.0 lets you capture stabilized time-lapse videos, automatically adjusting speed based on motion and lighting. Nevertheless, the additional mods are sold separately.
The GoPro HERO8 is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, vloggers, and filmmakers who need a rugged, high-performance camera with excellent stabilization. Whether diving, mountain biking or documenting your travels, the HERO8 is designed to keep up with your lifestyle and deliver professional-quality footage effortlessly.
Stunning 5K video recording 20MP SuperPhoto capability Dual display screens Long-lasting battery life
Larger size for pocket carry
The GoPro HERO9 features stunning 5K video recording, maintaining extraordinary detail even when zooming in, thanks to its powerful 23.6MP sensor. This camera provides lifelike image sharpness, fluid motion, and in-camera horizon levelling, ensuring impressive footage. Its 20MP SuperPhoto capability captures pro-quality photos, automatically selecting the best image processing for effortless, perfect shots.
The HERO9 includes a larger rear touch screen with touch zoom, complemented by a new front display for easy framing and intuitive control. Its powerful 1720mAh battery offers 30% longer life, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent battery swaps, even in cold conditions. HyperSmooth 3.0 brings the ultimate in video stabilization, ensuring ultra-smooth footage with in-camera horizon levelling and boost functionality. Nonetheless, the larger size might be less convenient for pocket carry.
The GoPro HERO9 is perfect for professional content creators, extreme sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the highest quality video and photo capture. From filmmakers needing impeccable resolution to adventurers documenting their journeys in vivid detail, the HERO9 is built to exceed expectations and deliver stunning results in any scenario.
Durable and waterproof Intuitive touch screen Smooth video stabilization Versatile photo timer
The battery life could be improved
The GoPro Hero7 has a rugged and waterproof design, making it ideal for capturing experiences your phone simply can't handle. Its tough, tiny build ensures it can go anywhere with you, while its intuitive touch screen allows for easy navigation and simple, streamlined capture modes. Additionally, the 10MP photo capability, combined with burst mode, ensures you capture every moment, delivering 15 photos per second.
Say goodbye to shaky footage with the Hero7's video stabilization, guaranteeing smooth, steady videos regardless of the activity. Shooting in portrait orientation is perfect for your social media stories, and the photo timer makes it easy to include everyone in the shot. Voice control and touch zoom further enhance the convenience, letting you stay in the moment while framing your perfect shot. However, it would be best if the battery life could be improved.
Whether you're skiing, snorkelling, or simply enjoying a day out, this camera is designed to capture your adventures in stunning detail. Its ease of use and advanced features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to document their experiences without the hassle of complex equipment.
Revolutionary GP2 processor Stunning 23MP photos HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization Fast, reliable connectivity
MicroSD card not included
The GoPro HERO10 is a game-changer with its powerful GP2 processor, which offers fast, responsive touch controls and double the frame rate for ultra-smooth footage. It captures stunning 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps, providing incredible detail and clarity. With 8x slo-mo at 2.7K and the ability to grab 15.8MP stills from 5.3K video, this camera ensures you never miss a moment.
Unbelievable image quality is a hallmark of the HERO10, thanks to its hydrophobic lens cover that repels water and reduces lens flare. HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization delivers incredibly smooth footage with improved low-light performance and horizon levelling. Fast, reliable connectivity makes transferring photos and videos effortless, whether via the Quik app or a wired USB connection. Moreover, unlimited cloud storage with auto-upload ensures your memories are always safe and accessible. Nevertheless, the microSD card is not included.
The GoPro HERO10 is ideal for those seeking the highest quality in action camera technology. Its advanced features, like HyperSmooth 4.0 and high-resolution capabilities, make it perfect for capturing detailed, high-quality footage in any situation.
HDR video and photo Superior image quality Emmy-winning stabilization Waterproof up to 33ft
It can get hot after prolonged use
With HDR for both video and photo, the GoPro HERO12 sets a new standard in image quality, capturing every subtle detail in 5.3K and 4K resolutions. This camera offers an incredible 91% more resolution than 4K and 665% more than 1080p, allowing for crisp, cinematic footage and stunning 27MP photos.
The Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization guarantees silky smooth footage, even in the shakiest conditions. Whether biking, skiing, or capturing pet POV shots, the HERO12 delivers impeccable results. Its rugged design and waterproof capability up to 33ft (10m) ensure durability, making it the ideal choice for any adventure. One minor downside is that it can get hot after prolonged use.
The GoPro HERO12 is perfect for adventurers and content creators who demand high-quality footage in varying environments. Whether capturing extreme sports or family moments, this camera excels with its superior HDR capabilities and robust stabilization.
Expansive field of view High-resolution video and photo Advanced stabilization Versatile recording options
Complex for beginners
The GoPro HERO11 introduces a groundbreaking image sensor, offering the most expansive field of view ever on a HERO camera. This allows for greater creativity, capturing more sky and horizon in every shot. With 5.3K video resolution, 91% more than 4K, and 665% more than 1080p, the HERO11 ensures crisp, detailed footage. The camera’s new sensor boosts photo resolution to an impressive 27MP, and it can record 5.3K60 video with fluid motion, allowing you to extract stunning 24.7MP stills.
Besides, HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization with Horizon Lock and AutoBoost guarantees smooth, stable footage. While it may be complex for beginners, the HERO11’s advanced features make it worth the learning curve, especially for those who appreciate high-quality, versatile recording.
The GoPro HERO11 is designed for those who crave versatility in their filming. Ideal for creatives and professionals, this camera’s expansive field of view and customizable features allow for endless possibilities.
High-resolution video quality Lightweight and compact design Advanced stabilization technology Easy-to-use controls
The instructions are a little small to read
The GoPro HERO11 Mini packs the power of the HERO11 Black into a smaller, lighter frame, making it perfect for point-of-view footage. With its impressive 5.6K60 video capability and HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization, expect breathtakingly smooth and detailed videos. Its compact size is ideal for helmet and body mounts, offering seamless recording while biking, skiing, or skating. The simplicity of the one-button control ensures you can focus on your adventure without fumbling with settings.
For those who love to tweak, the Pro Controls allow detailed adjustments of resolutions, frame rates, and image settings. Furthermore, you can capture stunning 24.7MP photos directly from your videos using the GoPro Quik app. HyperSmooth 5.0 has received an Emmy for its superior stabilization, featuring Horizon Lock and AutoBoost to keep your footage steady under any conditions. Unfortunately, the instructions are a little small to read, but you can learn more about using them on YouTube or the Website.
This compact powerhouse is perfect for adventurers who prioritize mobility without compromising quality. It's ideal for those who need a reliable, lightweight camera that delivers professional-grade videos and photos in any setting.
What to Look for When Selecting best budget gopro?
There are numerous factors for customers to consider whenever they decide to buy a best budget gopro. Simultaneously, it comes with many product types and brands, which makes it difficult for you to choose yourself. Thus, we are here to give you support, guidance, and solutions to these problems. Our buying guide will highlight some most outstanding features related to the best budget gopro of 2024.
Nowadays, the number of technology sale networks, especially websites, sale forums, or even the online space for customers’ comments, has been dramatically increased. So, you can quickly obtain information on best budget gopro available on these sources.
Along with reading the update of best budget gopro on famous websites, you are also expected to go through some needed things below to make a great decision.
Battery Life
The majority of action cameras record video for between 3 and 6 hours. The length of your recording time will depend on many factors, including FPS, resolution and other parameters.
Available Accessories
Before you buy a new camera, make sure to check for accessories that are compatible. This will ensure you get the best camera for you sport.
Connectivity
Image Stabilization
Some cameras, however, have optical or manual image stabilization which is the best for photos.
Durability
If you are in water, opt to have your camera waterproof. This feature allows you to submerge the device up to 30 feet before your camera becomes damaged. Most cameras have a maximum depth of 30 feet. Some cameras can sink up to 150 feet.
Accessories like cases can be an investment to increase the durability of your action camera.
Resolution And Frame
You'll get smoother video playback if you have more frames.
You'll be able to record in 4K at 30 frames per second with most action cameras. Many cameras can record in 1080p at 120 FPS if desired.
Your preference will determine the final quality that you require.
You should be aware that not all cameras support video stabilization beyond a certain resolution.
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FAQs
What is a budget GoPro?
A budget GoPro is a GoPro camera that is more affordable than the higher-end models. They still provide excellent picture and video quality, and many of them come with a variety of features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and waterproof housing.
What are the benefits of using a budget GoPro?
With a budget GoPro, you can still enjoy the same quality pictures and videos as the higher-end models, just at a more affordable price. Budget GoPros are also often smaller and more lightweight, making them easy to take on any adventure.
What features should I look for in a budget GoPro?
When shopping for a budget GoPro, look for features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and waterproof housing. You should also consider the megapixel rating, video resolution, and battery life, as these are important factors to consider when making your purchase.
Are budget GoPros reliable?
Yes, budget GoPros can be just as reliable as the more expensive models. As long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer, you can trust that your budget GoPro will provide you with high-quality pictures and videos.
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