Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black

Which GoPro Should You Buy in 2025?

💡 Pro Tip: If you find a Big Billion Day deal or seasonal discount, the HERO12 Black often gives the best value for money.

GoPro HERO13 Black vs HERO12 vs HERO11 – Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

If you’re confused about whether to buy the GoPro HERO13 Black, stick with the HERO12 Black, or save money on the HERO11 Black, this guide is for you.

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black

Camera Type HERO (Single-Lens) HERO (Single-Lens) HERO (Single-Lens)
Video Stabilization HyperSmooth 6.0 HyperSmooth 6.0 HyperSmooth 5.0
Horizon Lock 360° Rotation 360° Rotation 360° Rotation
up to 5.3K30 up to 5.3K30 up to 5.3K30
Horizon Leveling Up to 27° Up to 27° Up to 27°
5.3K60, 4K120 5.3K60, 4K120 5.3K60, 4K120
Star Trails Yes Yes Yes
Light Painting Yes Yes Yes
Color Video Bit Depth 8-bit, 10-bit (4K and higher) 8-bit, 10-bit (4K and higher) 8-bit, 10-bit (4K and higher)
Digital Lenses / FOV HyperView, SuperView, Wide HyperView, SuperView, Wide HyperView, SuperView, Wide
Image Sensor 1/1.9″ CMOS, 27.6 MP 1/1.9″ CMOS, 27.6 MP 1/1.9″ CMOS, 27.6 MP
TimeWarp Video TimeWarp 3.0 (up to 5.3K) TimeWarp 3.0 (up to 5.3K) TimeWarp 3.0 (up to 5.3K)
Night Lapse Video Up to 5.3K Up to 5.3K Up to 5.3K
Max Photo Resolution 27.13 MP (5568×4872) 27.13 MP (5568×4872) 27.13 MP (5568×4872)
Photo Frame Grabs from Video 24.69MP (5.3K 8:7) 24.69MP (5.3K 8:7) 24.69MP (5.3K 8:7)
Dimensions (mm) 71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D 71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D 71.8 W x 50.8 H x 33.6 D
Weight 159g 154g 154g
Rear Display Size 2.27″ Touch LCD 2.27″ Touch LCD 2.27″ Touch LCD
Battery 1900mAh Enduro Battery 1720mAh Enduro Battery 1720mAh Enduro Battery
Rugged + Waterproof 10m (33 ft.) 10m (33 ft.) 10m (33 ft.)
Mod Compatibility Multiple Mods, including Macro Multiple Mods, including Macro Multiple Mods
Live Streaming 1080p30 with HyperSmooth 1080p30 with HyperSmooth 1080p30 with HyperSmooth

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Photo

Photo Modes SuperPhoto SuperPhoto SuperPhoto
HDR HDR HDR
RAW RAW RAW
RAW Photo Capture 27.13MP (5568×4872) 27.13MP (5568×4872) 27.13MP (5568×4872)
Photo Timer 3s, 10s 3s, 10s 3s, 10s
Photo Intervals 0.5s, 1s, 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 120s 0.5s, 1s, 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s, 120s
Burst Photo Yes Yes Yes
Burst Photo Rates (Frames/Sec) Auto, 60/10, 60/6, 30/6, 30/3, 10/3, 30/1, 10/1, 5/1, 3/1 Auto, 60/10, 60/6, 30/6, 30/3, 10/3, 30/1, 10/1, 5/1, 3/1 Auto, 60/10, 60/6, 30/6, 30/3, 10/3, 30/1, 10/1, 5/1, 3/1
Night Photo Shutter Speed Auto, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2 sec. Auto, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2 sec. Auto, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 2 sec.
Time Lapse Photo Intervals 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec
2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min.
Night Lapse Photo Intervals Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec. Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec.
2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min.

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Resolution

5.3K (8:7) 30/25/24 fps 30/25/24 fps 30/25/24 fps
5.3K (16:9) 60/50/30/25/24 fps 60/50/30/25/24 fps 60/50/30/25/24 fps
4K (8:7) 60/50/30/25/24 fps 60/50/30/25/24 fps 60/50 fps
2.7K (16:9) 240/200 fps 240/200 fps 240/200 fps
1080p (16:9) 240/200/120 fps 240/200/120 fps 240/200/120 fps
Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Audio
Microphones 3-Mics 3-Mics 3-Mics
Advanced Noise Reduction Yes Yes Yes
Stereo Audio Yes Yes Yes
RAW Audio Capture WAV format WAV format WAV format
3.5 mm Audio Mic In With Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter With Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter With Media Mod or Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter
Wi-Fi Frequency Wi-Fi 6; 2.4GHz & 5GHz Wi-Fi 6; 2.4GHz & 5GHz Wi-Fi 6; 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Wi-Fi Protocol 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth BLE 5.3 BLE 4.2 BLE 4.2
GPS GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO GPS GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
USB Port USB-C USB-C USB-C
Mobile App Connection Quik app Quik app Quik app
Auto Cloud Backup Included with GoPro Subscription Included with GoPro Subscription Included with GoPro Subscription

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black User Interface

Protune Yes Yes Yes
Presets/Custom Presets Yes Yes Yes
On-Screen Shortcuts Customizable Customizable Customizable
Voice Control 14 Commands in 11 languages 14 Commands in 11 languages 14 Commands in 11 languages
6 accents 6 accents 6 accents

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Post Capture UX

Data Overlays Yes Yes
Advanced Metadata Yes Yes Yes
Eco-system Support Quik App Quik App Quik App
GoPro Labs GoPro Labs GoPro Labs
Open GoPro Open GoPro Open GoPro

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Hardware

System Processor GP2 GP2 GP2
Lens Aperture F2.5 F2.5 F2.5
35mm Equivalent Focal Length Min = 12mm; Max = 39mm Min = 12mm; Max = 39mm Min = 12mm; Max = 39mm

Compare HERO13 Black vs HERO12 Black  vs HERO11 Design

Mounting Fingers Yes Yes Yes
Integrated 1/4-20 Mounting Yes Yes
Magnetic Quick Clip-In Yes
Removable Cover Glass 2mm Thick Gorilla Glass with Hydrophobic Coating 2mm Thick Gorilla Glass with Hydrophobic Coating 2mm Thick Gorilla Glass with Hydrophobic Coating

Compare HERO13 Black vs HERO12 Black  vs HERO11 Hardware

Connector USB-C USB-C USB-C
HDMI Port Media Mod Media Mod Media Mod
Memory Storage/SD Cards 1 microSD™ (V30 or higher UHS-3 rating) 1 microSD™ (V30 or higher UHS-3 rating) 1 microSD™ (V30 or higher UHS-3 rating)
LEDs 2 2 2
Recharge Time (0–100%) Approx. 3 hrs. (1A/5W) Approx. 3 hrs. (1A/5W) Approx. 3 hrs. (1A/5W)
Fast Charging (0–80%) Approx. 2 hrs. (3A/15W) Approx. 2 hrs. (3A/15W) Approx. 2 hrs. (3A/15W)
Operating Temperature -10ºC to 35ºC -10ºC to 35ºC -10ºC to 35ºC

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Key Accessories

Remote Control The Remote The Remote The Remote
Volta Volta Volta
Quik App Quik App Quik App
Waterproof Remote Waterproof Remote

Compare GoPro HERO13 Black vs GoPro HERO12 Black vs GoPro HERO11 Black Video

Video Modes HDR Video with HLG HDR Video Looping Video
Burst Slo-Mo Looping Video  –
Looping Video  –  –
Aspect Ratio 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 8:7 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 8:7 8:7, 4:3, 16:9
Video File Format H.265 (HEVC) H.265 (HEVC) H.265 (HEVC)
HDR Video 5.3K (16:9) 30/25/24 fps 5.3K (16:9) 30/25/24 fps  –
4K (8:7) 30/25/24 fps 4K (8:7) 30/25/24 fps  –
4K (16:9) 60/50/30/25/24 fps 4K (16:9) 60/50/30/25/24 fps  –
Maximum Video Bit Rate 120 Mbps 120 Mbps 120 Mbps
Zoom Up to 2x Up to 2x Up to 2x
Slo-Mo 8x – 2.7K/1080p, 4x – 4K, 2x – 5.3K, Burst Slo-Mo: 13x (400fps) – 720p for 15s, 12x (360fps) – 900p for 15s, 4x – 5.3K for 5s 8x – 2.7K/1080p, 4x – 4K, 2x – 5.3K 8x – 2.7K/1080p, 4x – 4K, 2x – 5.3K
Looping Video Yes Yes Yes
TimeWarp Video Speeds Auto, 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x Auto, 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x Auto, 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 30x
Time Lapse Video Intervals 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec. 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 sec
2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min.
Night Lapse Video Intervals Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec. Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec. Auto, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 sec.
2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min. 2, 5, 30, 60 min.
HindSight Yes Yes Yes
Scheduled Capture Yes Yes Yes
Duration Capture Yes Yes Yes
Live Streaming 1080p30 with HyperSmooth + 1080p60 recording 1080p30 with HyperSmooth + 1080p60 recording 1080p30 with HyperSmooth + 1080p60 recording
Webcam Mode Up to 1080p30 Up to 1080p30 Up to 1080p30
Timecode Synchronization Yes Yes  –

 

GoPro HERO13 vs HERO12 vs HERO11 – Pros at a Glance

Model Pros Big Billion Day Offer
GoPro HERO13 Black ✅ HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
✅ Best low-light & HDR video
✅ Bigger Enduro Battery (1900mAh)
✅ Magnetic Quick Clip-In
✅ Future-proof (latest 2025 model)
👉 Click to Get up to 50% Off
GoPro HERO12 Waterproof ✅ Great balance of features & price
✅ Same 27MP camera sensor as HERO13
✅ 5.3K60 & 4K120 video modes
✅ Lighter & more compact
✅ Value for money during sales
👉 Click to Get up to 50% Off
GoPro HERO11 Black ✅ Budget-friendly option
✅ 5.3K & 4K video quality
✅ Reliable stabilization (HyperSmooth 5.0)
✅ Great for beginners
✅ Still supported with firmware updates
👉 Click to Get up to 50% Off

What’s New in GoPro HERO13 Black?

The GoPro HERO13 Black is designed for creators who demand the best action camera performance in 2025. While it keeps the same 27.6 MP 1/1.9″ sensor, it adds improvements that make a real difference in daily use:

  • HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization → smoother videos than ever before, even in extreme sports.

  • 1900mAh Enduro Battery → longer recording times compared to HERO12 and HERO11.

  • HDR Video in HLG → richer colors and better low-light performance.

  • Magnetic Quick Clip-In Mount → attach and detach faster during shoots.

  • Better connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3 and improved Wi-Fi 6 for quicker file transfers.

If you’re serious about vlogging, travel films, or action sports, the HERO13 Black is worth the upgrade.

GoPro HERO12 Black – Balanced Choice

The GoPro HERO12 Black is a solid middle-ground option. It has most of the features of the HERO13, including 5.3K60 video, 4K120 slow motion, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and full waterproofing up to 10m.

The only real differences compared to the HERO13 are:

  • Smaller 1720mAh Enduro Battery (slightly shorter shooting time).

  • No magnetic clip system.

  • Slightly lighter weight (154g).

If you don’t need the latest mount or battery size, the HERO12 gives you professional-quality footage at a slightly lower price.

GoPro HERO11 Black – Still Worth It?

The GoPro HERO11 Black may be older, but it’s still a very capable action camera in 2025. It offers:

  • 5.3K60 and 4K120 video – same as HERO12.

  • HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization – one generation behind, but still excellent.

  • 1720mAh Enduro Battery.

  • Great value for money if you’re on a budget.

If you’re just starting with action cameras or want a cheaper GoPro, the HERO11 Black is still a smart buy.

FAQs – GoPro HERO13 vs HERO12 vs HERO11

Q1. Which GoPro is best for slow motion?
➡ All three support 4K at 120fps and 1080p at 240fps, but the HERO13 has the smoothest stabilization.

Q2. Does GoPro HERO13 overheat?
➡ It handles heat better than HERO12 and HERO11, but extended 5.3K recording in hot conditions can still warm it up.

Q3. Is it worth upgrading from HERO11 to HERO13?
➡ Yes, if you need better battery life, HyperSmooth 6.0, and HDR video. Otherwise, HERO11 is still good enough for casual use.

Q4. Which GoPro is best for beginners?
➡ The HERO11 Black is the cheapest and easiest way to start.

Q5. Do all three support live streaming?
➡ Yes, all three allow 1080p live streaming with HyperSmooth stabilization

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