9 Best Go Pro Cameras 2026 in the United States

The GoPro HERO13 Black is an impressive waterproof action camera that offers high-quality 5.3K video at 60 frames per second (fps) and excellent 27MP photo capabilities. This makes it ideal for capturing detailed and smooth footage, especially for adventurous creators and sports enthusiasts.

The camera's image stabilization ensures that your videos remain steady even in action-packed scenarios. With its legendary durability and waterproofing, you can confidently use it in rugged environments and underwater adventures without worrying about damage. The addition of HB-Series lenses compatibility further enhances its versatility and creative potential for different shooting conditions.

The battery life has seen improvement, making it more reliable for prolonged recording sessions. The camera offers a wide field of view, which is great for capturing expansive scenes. Connectivity is straightforward with USB support and the camera's mount compatibility ensures that it can be easily attached to various accessories and surfaces. Despite the screen size of 2.27 inches possibly feeling small for some users, the camera maintains a relatively compact and lightweight design, weighing just 5.5 ounces.

The GoPro MAX2 is a versatile action camera that combines traditional video recording with impressive 360-degree capture, making it ideal for users who want to record immersive experiences without worrying about framing every shot. Its standout feature is True 8K 360 video, which offers very high resolution and lets you reframe footage using the companion app—perfect for creative video editing after recording. The camera also takes detailed 29MP photos in 360 mode. HyperSmooth stabilization helps keep footage smooth even during intense activities, and the ability to adjust stabilization and Horizon Lock after recording adds flexibility.

Durability is a strong point: the MAX2 is waterproof and built with replaceable, water-repelling glass lenses, so if your lens gets scratched, you can swap it out without replacing the entire camera. This is especially useful for outdoor adventures where damage is more likely. Battery life is supported by a 1960mAh Enduro battery, which is decent for a camera with these features, though exact recording times can vary depending on usage.

The camera includes a 1.82-inch touch screen for easy control and previewing shots. Connectivity is straightforward via USB-C, and it supports microSD cards for storage. Mounting options are flexible, including invisible mounting on an extension pole that disappears in footage, a fun feature for creative selfie and drone-like shots. Some drawbacks include the relatively small screen size if you prefer larger displays for framing shots, and while it's waterproof, extreme underwater use might require additional housing. Also, while the camera excels at 360 video, traditional action camera users might find the resolution and frame rates for non-360 video slightly less competitive compared to specialized models. This makes the GoPro MAX2 well suited for adventure lovers and content creators who want innovative 360 capture combined with rugged design and solid stabilization, but possibly less ideal for users focused solely on traditional action camera footage or those needing long battery life for extended shoots.