GoPro Hero13 Black

It ranks #3 of 16 on our action cameras tier list, in S tier. That placement draws on 10 cited sources across 9 outlets.

None of the 10 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Long history of overheating complaints across the Hero line. Support experience heavily steered toward the GoPro Premium subscription.

On our action cameras board, GoPro Hero13 Black ranks #3 (S tier) ahead of Insta360 Ace Pro 2 at #6 (B tier). Insta360 Ace Pro 2: Vlogging-focused features and great image quality. Software ecosystem is mature.

Buyers who want the benchmark for video quality and the deepest mounting ecosystem, and who already own GoPro mounts. It is ranked third on our action cameras board, in S tier, on top-tier video quality, excellent resolution and frame rates, an intuitive touch-screen interface and what the research calls excellent value. Buy the DJI Osmo Action 6 in S tier instead if battery life and build durability matter more to you than peak image quality, or if the Hero line's overheating history and subscription-steered support put you off.

The research does not put a number on it, but it rates the GoPro Hero13 Black's battery above the GoPro Hero12 Black, which is marked down for shorter battery life, and below the DJI Osmo Action 6, whose long battery life is the first reason it tops our board. As a rule a full-size action camera gives roughly an hour to two hours of continuous 4K, less in the cold and at the highest frame rates. Carry a spare battery for a full day.

Heat, and the support experience. The research records a long history of overheating complaints across the Hero line, which typically show up as a shutdown during long high-resolution clips with no airflow. When something does fail, support is heavily steered toward the GoPro Premium subscription. On the plus side firmware updates are frequent and the warranty is rated solid.

Yes, without a case, to a depth that covers swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Deeper diving needs the maker's dive housing, which keeps pressure off the seals. Check that the side door is shut and dry before getting in, and rinse the camera in fresh water after salt or chlorine.

Charge it, fit a fast microSD card, and shoot from the rear touch screen, which the research rates as intuitive. Pick a preset for video or photo, tap the big shutter button, and swipe to change resolution and frame rate. Pair it with the phone app for framing, transfers and firmware updates. For most use, 4K at 60 frames per second with stabilization on is the sensible default, and the top modes run hotter and fill cards faster.

Buy the GoPro Hero13 Black unless the older camera is heavily discounted. The research says the GoPro Hero12 Black in C tier delivers nearly the same imaging on the same mature firmware branch and mounting ecosystem, but with shorter battery life, no major feature upgrades and the same overheating problems. The GoPro Hero13 Black in S tier is the better camera and the research still calls it excellent value.