Got a trusty GoPro Hero 5 Black still kicking? You’re not alone! Many of us still love this classic action camera for its robust build, great 4K video, and ease of use. But even the best cameras can benefit from new accessories or, perhaps, a timely upgrade. If you’re looking for the best GoPro for Hero 5 Black users, whether that means enhancing your current setup or eyeing a successor, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a curated list of top products that perfectly complement your Hero 5 Black experience or offer a compelling reason to step up your action camera game. From essential power solutions to the very latest GoPro models, let’s dive in!
Why Upgrade or Accessorize Your Hero 5 Black?
Even though the GoPro Hero 5 Black is a fantastic piece of tech, technology moves fast. Newer models offer advancements in video stabilization, low-light performance, and user-friendly features. However, if you’re happy with your existing camera, new accessories can drastically improve its utility, especially when it comes to extending battery life or replacing worn-out parts. Finding the right gear can truly maximize your recording adventures.
Our Top Picks for GoPro Hero 5 Black Owners
Here are our selections for the best GoPro for Hero 5 Black users, ranging from vital accessories to cutting-edge upgrades.
1. GoPro HERO13 Black
Looking to seriously upgrade your action camera capabilities from your Hero 5 Black? The GoPro HERO13 Black is a powerhouse, offering a significant leap in video quality and features. It takes everything you loved about your Hero 5 – its legendary durability and ease of use – and cranks it up several notches. This isn’t an accessory for your Hero 5, but rather the ultimate successor for those ready to capture even more breathtaking footage.
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Key Features:
- Best-in-class 5.3K60 video for incredible detail and fluidity.
- Legendary GoPro durability, ready for any adventure.
- New HB-Series Lenses1 for enhanced optical performance.
- More powerful battery for extended shooting sessions.
- Advanced HyperSmooth stabilization (a massive upgrade from Hero 5).
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Pros:
- Unrivaled video quality and frame rates.
- Superior image stabilization for buttery-smooth footage.
- Improved battery life over older models.
- Robust build quality for extreme conditions.
- Access to the latest GoPro features and ecosystem.
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Cons:
- Higher price point compared to accessories or older models.
- Requires new mounting accessories (though some are backward compatible).
- Might be overkill for casual users.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the stunning video quality and the “game-changer” stabilization. Many consider it a worthwhile investment for serious creators, noting its reliability in challenging environments. It’s often highlighted as the best GoPro currently available.
2. Artman Battery 1500mAh for GoPro Hero 8/7/6/5 Black
One of the most common issues with any action camera, including the GoPro Hero 5 Black, is battery life. The Artman Battery pack offers a fantastic solution, providing triple the camera runtime with three high-capacity replacement batteries and a convenient 3-channel charger. If you’re constantly running out of juice mid-adventure, this is an absolute must-have accessory to keep your Hero 5 Black powered up.
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Key Features:
- Same chips as OEM batteries for perfect compatibility with Hero 5, 6, 7, and 8 Black.
- Three 1500mAh replacement batteries to triple your camera runtime.
- Compact 3-channel intelligent charger for simultaneous charging.
- LED indicators (red for charging, green for full).
- Multiple protection layers (over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, surge protection).
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Pros:
- Significantly extends shooting time for your Hero 5 Black.
- Charges multiple batteries at once, saving time.
- Compact and easy to carry on trips.
- Built-in safety features ensure device protection.
- Cost-effective alternative to original GoPro batteries.
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Cons:
- Requires camera software upgrade for HERO 5 Black compatibility (as per manufacturer).
- Not compatible with GoPro Hero 9 or newer models.
- Performance may vary slightly from original GoPro batteries in extreme cold.
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User Impressions: Customers frequently praise the convenience of the multi-charger and the reliability of the batteries. They’re often seen as a great value for extending the life of their Hero 5 Black and other compatible models, allowing for longer shooting sessions without worry.
3. GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition
For those Hero 5 Black owners who love capturing expansive landscapes or want truly immersive first-person view (POV) footage, the GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a spectacular upgrade. It comes with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod pre-attached, giving you an astonishing 177° field of view right out of the box. This specialized version of the latest GoPro pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in action camera cinematography, making it ideal if your creative vision demands the widest possible shot.
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Key Features:
- Pre-attached Ultra Wide Lens Mod for a 177° field of view.
- Captures pro-quality 4K60 video.
- Unbreakable HyperSmooth Stabilization for incredibly smooth footage.
- Easy vertical capture for social media content.
- Includes Standard Lens Cover, protective caps, Enduro Battery, and camera case.
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Pros:
- Unparalleled immersive footage for action and landscapes.
- Industry-leading video stabilization.
- Excellent for POV shots, making viewers feel “right there.”
- Streamlined workflow for social media vertical content.
- Comes with essential accessories and robust protection.
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Cons:
- Specialized for ultra-wide shots; less versatile for standard framing.
- Premium price point.
- The ultra-wide perspective might not suit all users’ needs.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are blown away by the immersive quality of the footage, especially for extreme sports or vast outdoor scenes. The HyperSmooth stabilization paired with the wide lens is a common highlight, making seemingly impossible shots feel effortless.
4. GoPro HERO5 Black Waterproof Digital Action Camera (Certified Refurbished)
Sometimes, the best GoPro for Hero 5 Black isn’t an upgrade, but a reliable replacement or a second unit! If your original Hero 5 Black has seen better days, or you want a backup for multi-angle shots, a Certified Refurbished GoPro HERO5 Black is a fantastic, cost-effective option. These cameras are tested and certified to look and work like new, giving you all the familiar features and performance without the brand-new price tag.
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Key Features:
- Stunning 4K video and 12MP photos in various modes.
- Durable design, waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing.
- Built-in touch display for preview, playback, and settings adjustments.
- Voice control for hands-free operation.
- Time Lapse Photo Intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds.
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Pros:
- A more affordable way to get a fully functional Hero 5 Black.
- Environmentally friendly choice.
- Comes with a minimum 90-day warranty.
- Familiar interface and performance for existing Hero 5 users.
- Great as a backup camera or for a second perspective.
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Cons:
- Charger not included (though common USB-C chargers work).
- May arrive in generic packaging.
- Still uses older technology compared to newer GoPro models.
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User Impressions: Buyers of certified refurbished units are generally very satisfied, often noting that the cameras look and perform indistinguishably from new ones. It’s frequently praised as a smart purchase for replacing a lost or damaged unit, or simply expanding one’s GoPro arsenal without breaking the bank.
5. COOLSHOW Hero 7 6 5 Battery Replacement (2 Packs) and Triple Charger
Similar to the Artman batteries, the COOLSHOW battery replacement pack is an indispensable accessory for any GoPro Hero 5 Black user. This bundle provides two high-capacity 1220mAh batteries and a triple charger, ensuring you’ll never miss a moment due to a dead battery. It’s perfect for extending your shooting time and ensuring your Hero 5 Black is always ready for action.
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Key Features:
- Two 1220mAh batteries specifically rated for Hero 5, 6, 7 Black, and Hero 2018.
- Triple charger with LCD display for individual battery status.
- Four-layer protection (over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, surge).
- FCC, CE, RoHS certified for safety.
- Flawless compatibility with Hero 5 Black (including specific firmware versions).
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Pros:
- Doubles your battery life with two extra cells.
- Intelligent charger displays charging status for each battery.
- Robust safety certifications provide peace of mind.
- Seamlessly compatible with your Hero 5 Black.
- Comes with a USB cord and a generous warranty.
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Cons:
- Not compatible with Hero 8 or newer models.
- Battery life might slightly vary from official GoPro batteries.
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User Impressions: Customers love the convenience of charging multiple batteries simultaneously and the clear LCD display. The reliable performance and excellent value for money make this a highly recommended purchase for extending the operational time of their GoPro Hero 5 Black.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to supercharge your existing setup with extended battery life or contemplating a significant leap forward in video quality, there are plenty of excellent options for the best GoPro for Hero 5 Black owners. From essential accessories like the Artman or COOLSHOW battery packs that keep your adventures going, to the powerful upgrade paths offered by the GoPro HERO13 Black and its Ultra Wide variant, your Hero 5 Black journey can continue to evolve. Even a certified refurbished Hero 5 Black can breathe new life into your setup as a reliable backup. Choose wisely based on your needs, and keep capturing those epic moments!
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the GoPro Hero 5 Black still good in 2024?
A1: Yes, absolutely! The GoPro Hero 5 Black still captures excellent 4K video and 12MP photos, is waterproof without a housing, and offers voice control. While newer models have better stabilization and low-light performance, the Hero 5 Black remains a highly capable and durable action camera, especially for its current price point.
Q2: Can I use newer GoPro batteries with my Hero 5 Black?
A2: Generally, no. Batteries for newer GoPro models (like Hero 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) are typically different in size, capacity, and connection from those compatible with the Hero 5 Black. Always check compatibility before purchasing third-party batteries or official GoPro replacements.
Q3: What’s the main advantage of upgrading from a Hero 5 Black to a Hero 13 Black?
A3: The biggest advantages are vastly improved video stabilization (HyperSmooth), higher resolutions and frame rates (e.g., 5.3K60), better low-light performance, and more advanced features like larger displays and enhanced audio. If buttery-smooth footage and cutting-edge quality are priorities, an upgrade is worth considering.
Q4: Are third-party batteries safe to use with my GoPro Hero 5 Black?
A4: Reputable third-party battery brands like Artman and COOLSHOW (featured in this article) often include multiple safety protections (over-charging, short-circuit, etc.) and certifications (FCC, CE, RoHS). While it’s always wise to use batteries from trusted sources, many third-party options offer reliable and safe performance.
Q5: My Hero 5 Black is broken. Should I replace it with another Hero 5 Black or buy a new model?
A5: It depends on your budget and needs. If you’re happy with the Hero 5’s performance and want a cost-effective solution, a Certified Refurbished Hero 5 Black is an excellent choice. If you desire significant improvements in video quality, stabilization, and features, investing in a newer model like the Hero 13 Black would be a better long-term decision.
Q6: What’s the difference between a standard GoPro HERO13 Black and the Ultra Wide Edition?
A6: The main difference is the included lens. The Ultra Wide Edition comes with the Ultra Wide Lens Mod already attached, offering an extremely broad 177° field of view ideal for immersive POV footage and expansive landscapes. The standard HERO13 Black has a versatile field of view but requires a separate lens mod for the ultra-wide perspective.
Q7: Can I still find accessories like mounts and cases for the Hero 5 Black?
A7: Yes! Many GoPro mounts and cases are designed to be universally compatible across several generations, including the Hero 5 Black. Additionally, many third-party accessory manufacturers continue to produce specific items like protective housings, filters, and battery chargers directly for the Hero 5 Black due to its enduring popularity.
