GoPro Hero 11

Reviewing the GoPro Hero11

Have you ever been in the midst of a fast-paced activity and thought to yourself, "How cool would it be if I could record this?" You could do it with a smartphone, but an action camera offers high-quality recording and more practical functionality. For example, you don’t want to be holding your smartphone while kayaking, but you can mount an action camera so it records all the fun for you.

The GoPro Hero11 is touted as one of the best action cameras and has many features built for capturing those thrilling moments. The BestReviews Testing Lab has thoroughly tested it to determine how it stacks up against other top action cameras and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Testing the GoPro Hero11

BestReviews has a group of testers who test products in a real-world environment. Before starting the testing process, the BestReviews testing team was asked to describe their experience with action cameras. They then proceeded to unbox, set up and test the GoPro Hero11’s features and functions, and analyze its overall performance.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim GoPro makes about the Hero11. For this article, the testing lab aimed to determine if the primary product claims were accurate. They tested it to determine how waterproof it is, the video quality shot in 5.3K at 60 frames per second, the span of the field of view, the crispness of the photos it captures and the clarity of the dual display when playing videos and viewing pictures.

What is the GoPro Hero11?

The GoPro Hero11 is an action camera made for capturing high-quality photos and video while on the go. It measures 2.83 by 2 by 1.32 inches and weighs approximately 5.43 ounces and is a rugged enough camera for anyone who wants to record themselves and others performing action-packed activities. For example, you can wear a GoPro while skiing to record videos of you hitting the slopes from a first-person perspective.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best action cameras.

GoPro Hero11 price and where to buy

The GoPro Hero11 costs $400 and is available on the official GoPro website.

How to use the GoPro Hero11

If you’ve ever used a digital camera, you might already have an idea of how a GoPro Hero11 works. However, it has several features and functions many digital cameras don’t, so figuring them out and using them can take some time. It has a power button on the side, a record button on top and everything else can be configured through the touchscreen display.

GoPro Hero11 benefits

The GoPro Hero11’s main draw is its stabilization feature, which essentially steadies movement when recording videos so they don’t look shaky. It’s a fascinating feature because it allows you to take smooth-looking videos when jogging, skiing, driving over rugged and bumpy terrain and virtually any other activity.

It can be submerged in water up to 33 feet, so you can use it during aquatic activities such as water skiing and white water rafting without worrying about it getting damaged. Plus, the air-to-water transition during video recording is seamless, and the quality is exceptional in both conditions.

It’s easy to attach to any compatible mount, and the field of view is adjustable, with the highest setting offering an expansive view. The image quality is fantastic as it delivers stunning details and clarity, and the displays effectively work for selfies and settings navigation. Voice command lets you start and stop recording hands-free, and Horizon Lock is a neat feature that keeps the horizon in your shot leveled, even if the camera tilts or rotates.

GoPro Hero11 drawbacks

The GoPro Hero11 is a high-end action camera with plenty of features, but it also has its shortcomings. For example, although it was initially $500 when it was first released, it's still expensive at $400. Many users might not take advantage of all the features, so getting a cheaper action camera might be more practical. 

If you’re set on getting the GoPro Hero11, you should be aware that although video recording during the day is pristine, low-light mode leaves something to be desired, and shots don’t come out looking as clear. The touchscreen is also too sensitive — you can accidentally toggle between video, photo and time-lapse modes.

Should you get the GoPro Hero11?

This camera offers all the bells and whistles you expect from a trusted action camera brand, but it’s pricey. The GoPro Hero 11 is an excellent action camera if you plan on taking advantage of features such as the night modes and hindsight, and if you want to pair it with mods for enhanced shots. However, plenty of cheaper options can get the job done if you want a straightforward action camera.