GoPro Hero 13 Review – An Honest Hands-On Test

In the weeks leading up to September 23, rumors hinted that GoPro was preparing to unveil two new cameras. Many anticipated the debut of a Hero 14 Black, but instead, GoPro introduced the MAX 2 — a refreshed 360 camera — along with the Lite HERO. With the Hero 13 Black still holding its place as the company’s flagship, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit this one-year-old model, which continues to impress with its performance, and evaluate whether it can compete with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and the soon-to-launch DJI Osmo Action 6.

Since the Hero 7, I’ve purchased every new model to follow the evolution and keep up with the technology. A few weeks before the official release of each new Hero, I usually sell my old camera at a decent price (GoPro action cameras hold their value pretty well) and then buy the new model with a $100 discount using the GoPro subscription. This happened with the Hero 13 Black, but now I’ve been fooled by rumors, and I’m left without an action camera, since there’s no definite date for the new model’s release. Maybe it’s time to switch to the Osmo Action 6 — who knows :)

With the rapid evolution of mobile phones and ultra-light digital FPV systems that can now record in 4K, I’ve used my action cameras less and less. As a result, my GoPro Hero 13 Black has stayed in near-perfect condition, making it easy to sell quickly, especially since it still had 13 months of warranty left out of the total two years.

GoPro 13 review (Not Sponsored)

Before diving into the details, I want to clarify that I purchased the Hero 13 camera myself and was not compensated by GoPro or its competitors. Everything in this article reflects my experience with the camera after nearly a year of use.

Only the black version was available when I ordered my GoPro 13, but it’s now offered in two limited editions: Polar White and Forest Green. As I mainly use GoPro cameras mounted on my FPV drones, I ordered the standard kit, which includes a curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumbscrew, and USB-C cable. Since it was on promotion then, I also received a 32GB memory card and a second 1900mAh Enduro battery for free.

While the overall design hasn’t changed much since the Hero 9, GoPro has significantly updated by introducing a new battery, breaking compatibility with previous models. The camera measures 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm and weighs approximately 160 grams, including the battery and memory card.

The battery compartment, which houses the microSD slot and the USB Type-C port also, is securely sealed with a rubber gasket to ensure watertight protection. Unfortunately, it must be opened each time the camera is charged. A magnetic charging interface, similar to those found on smartwatches, or integrated wireless charging like on modern smartphones would be a welcome improvement.

At the bottom of the camera is a foldable mounting finger system with a built-in tripod thread in the center. This hybrid design makes it incredibly versatile — you can quickly attach the camera to standard GoPro mounts, tripods, or any 1/4-inch threaded accessories without additional adapters. It’s a practical improvement that saves time and keeps setups more compact, especially for creators switching frequently between handheld, tripod, and helmet mounts.

GoPro Hero 13: Smarter Screens, Smoother Control

As you can see in the photo below, the GoPro Hero 13 Black keeps the familiar dual-screen setup — and honestly, it still works great. The rear 2.27-inch touchscreen is bright, sharp, and super responsive, even in strong sunlight. I really like how smooth it feels when swiping through menus or changing settings; GoPro has clearly refined the interface. On the front, the 1.4-inch display is a lifesaver for vloggers, making framing shots so much easier when filming yourself. Both screens are crisp, durable, and well-calibrated, delivering an intuitive and enjoyable user experience.

In addition to the touch controls, the Hero 13 Black features two physical buttons: the power/mode button on the left side and the shutter button on the top. This minimalist setup keeps the camera clean and easy to operate, even when mounted or used with gloves. It’s also the standard control layout across the GoPro Hero Black series, ensuring that long-time GoPro users will feel instantly familiar with the interface. Whether upgrading from a previous model or using a Hero for the first time, the controls remain intuitive and straightforward.

GoPro Hero 13: Battery Life and Real-World Runtime

As mentioned, the Hero 13 Black comes with a new, higher-capacity Enduro battery. While the Hero 9–12 models used a 1720 mAh battery, the Hero 13 upgrades this to a 1900 mAh Enduro battery, representing roughly a 10% increase in capacity. The increase in runtime varies a lot, depending on the settings you use: resolution, frame rate, whether image stabilization is working hard, and even ambient temperature can affect recording duration.

For instance, with image stabilization active and recording in 4K at 60 fps, the average recording time is approximately 63 minutes. Without external cooling, the camera overheated and shut down after about 25 minutes during my tests at the highest video resolution (5.3K@60fps). I also tested third-party Hero 13 batteries from K&F Concept with 2100 mAh, and the results were about the same. What I liked about the kit was that it included three batteries and a 3-slot charger, allowing me to charge the batteries more conveniently instead of charging them in the camera.

A bug I found on the Hero 10 and 12 is still present on the Hero 13. If you leave the battery in the camera for an extended period, it will completely drain and not turn on, even with the USB cable plugged in. You must manually reset the camera by holding the power button for 10 seconds to fix this issue.

GoPro Hero 13: Image quality and video modes

First of all, if you’re expecting Arri Alexa–level quality from an action camera, you might be in the wrong place. GoPros deliver reasonable quality considering their price and compact size. They’re perfect for one-off videos in harsh conditions. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Red Bull team destroyed tens of thousands of these cameras to capture their breathtaking footage.

The GoPro Hero 13 offers an impressive array of video modes, making it incredibly versatile for any adventure. From ultra-smooth 5.3K@50/60fps, 4K@100/120 fps to jaw-dropping 400 fps slow-motion, you can capture everything from fast-paced FPV flights to cinematic action sequences. HyperSmooth stabilization keeps your footage steady even in the roughest conditions, while TimeWarp and SuperView add creative options for unique perspectives. Whether you’re shooting high-speed tricks, scenic landscapes, or everyday moments, the Hero 13 has a mode that fits the occasion perfectly. You can opt for SuperView, Wide, Linear, or Linear+Horizon Lock FOVs.

I used my GoPros, which were mainly installed on one of my FPV drones, to capture amazing footage. Since the release of the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro, I have stopped using additional cameras because they can deliver similar quality without adding extra weight, extending my flights by a couple of minutes.

I was most impressed by the Hero 13’s 400 fps slow-motion feature—it’s just incredible to watch. Every movement becomes ultra-smooth and detailed, revealing moments you’d normally miss with the naked eye. From flipping my FPV drone mid-air to tiny water splashes, the footage looks cinematic and mesmerizing.

HB-Series Lenses: Take Your Hero 13 to Cinematic Heights

A new line of accessories, the HB-Series Lenses, was released along with the Hero 13 Black. The series offers three options: an Ultra Wide conversion lens that replaces the Max 2.0, a Macro lens that brings close-up focus to the GoPro for the first time, and an Anamorphic lens that stretches the sensor’s view to create cinematic, letterboxed video. All lenses and filters are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and feature a hydrophobic coating to minimize water spots. Nevertheless, the Hero 13 automatically detects each lens, so you don’t need to dive into menus when swapping them out.

Pricing, Package, and Color Options

Like most GoPro cameras, the HERO13 has various bundle options to suit different needs. New for this model, you can choose from Black, Polar White, or Forest Green finishes. The Standard Kit, priced at $429.99, includes the Enduro battery, curved adhesive mount, mounting buckle, thumbscrew, USB-C charging cord, and a set of bonus Rep the Redness stickers.

For creators looking for the ultimate setup, the HB-series Lens Collection is available at $749.99. This premium bundle includes:

• Anamorphic Lens Mod
• Macro Lens Mod
• Ultra Wide Lens Mod
• Smart Motion Blur ND Filter 4-Pack
• Premium Semi-Hard Case

GoPro Hero 13: Top Alternatives from Other Brands

The GoPro HERO13 Black, DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, and Insta360 Ace Pro 2, each bring compelling strengths to the action-camera market. The HERO13 is a robust all-rounder, with proven HyperSmooth stabilization, strong 5.3K video, modular accessories support, and a mature software ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for ground and aerial use. The Osmo Action 5 Pro distinguishes itself through its lighter weight and compact body, which make it especially attractive for FPV pilots or drone operators where every gram matters and mounting space is limited. Meanwhile, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 pushes the envelope with up to 8K recording, FlowState stabilization, and advanced dynamic range, offering incredible flexibility for post-production and cinematic drone footage. However, its larger size and weight can be a disadvantage for smaller drones.

The Future of GoPro: Anticipating the HERO14 Black

While the HERO14 was originally expected to be released in September 2025, GoPro introduced two other new models (MAX2 and Lit Hero) instead. So far, the company has remained completely silent about the next HERO camera.

To be honest, from the HERO8 through the HERO13, I haven’t felt any truly significant upgrades. Perhaps this time, GoPro is taking more time to surprise us with something that can genuinely compete with DJI and Insta360.

The upcoming GoPro HERO14 Black is widely expected to push the boundaries of action camera performance. Rumors suggest it may record 8K video at 60 frames per second and 5.3K at 120 fps, representing a substantial leap forward compared to the current maximum of 5.3K at 60 fps on the HERO13. Such an upgrade would offer creators more flexibility in post-production and future-proof content for the growing demand in high-resolution displays.

Another highly anticipated improvement among GoPro enthusiasts is the introduction of a larger 1-inch image sensor. This change could finally deliver usable low-light performance, addressing one of the most consistent weaknesses of previous GoPro generations. A sensor of this size would allow for better dynamic range, richer color depth, and improved detail retention in challenging environments — making the HERO14 a much more versatile tool for filmmakers, vloggers, and FPV drone pilots alike.

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Since 2014, FirstQuadcopter has reviewed, thoroughly tested, and rated hundreds of products, including drones, gimbals, power stations, action cameras, 3D printers, video lights, and other high-tech gear to help you make better buying decisions.

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