GoPro Hero 5 Action Camera Battery Life How Long Does It Last

The GoPro Hero 5 action camera battery life delivers approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of continuous 1080p video recording, depending on settings and usage. Heavy 4K recording or Wi-Fi use shortens runtime significantly, so carrying spare batteries is essential for extended adventures. With moderate use, you can expect reliable performance for most on-the-go filming needs.

Key Takeaways

• Expect 60-90 minutes of 4K recording per charge under normal conditions.
• Carry spare batteries for extended shoots—swapping is quick and easy.
• Lower resolutions extend life significantly; use 1080p for longer runtime.
• Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to save power during long recording sessions.
• Cold weather drains faster—keep batteries warm when filming in winter.
• Use original GoPro batteries for best performance and safety.

Why Battery Life Matters in Action Cameras

Let’s be honest: when you’re out chasing waves, hiking a mountain trail, or filming your kid’s first bike ride without training wheels, the last thing you want is for your camera to die halfway through. I remember the first time I took my GoPro Hero 5 to the beach. I was so excited to capture the perfect wave—only to watch the battery blink red just as my buddy caught a monster ride. It was frustrating, to say the least. That moment taught me one thing: battery life isn’t just a spec on a box—it’s the difference between capturing the moment and missing it entirely.

The GoPro Hero 5, released in 2016, was a game-changer in the action camera world. With 4K video, voice control, and rugged, waterproof design, it quickly became a favorite among adventurers. But one question kept coming up from users: how long does the GoPro Hero 5 battery actually last? Whether you’re planning a full-day hike, a weekend surf trip, or just a fun day at the park, understanding the real-world battery performance of this camera is essential. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the GoPro Hero 5 action camera battery life—from official specs to real-life usage, tips to extend it, and what to do when it just won’t cut it.

Official Battery Life Specs vs. Real-World Performance

What GoPro Claims

According to GoPro, the Hero 5 Black is powered by a 1220mAh removable lithium-ion battery. On paper, the company states that you can expect up to **1.5 hours (90 minutes)** of continuous 4K/30fps video recording on a full charge. For lower resolutions like 1080p/30fps, the estimate jumps to around **2.5 hours (150 minutes)**. These numbers sound decent—until you actually start using the camera in real-world conditions.

GoPro’s testing is done under ideal lab conditions: room temperature, no Wi-Fi, no voice commands, and minimal screen use. But in reality, most of us aren’t shooting in labs. We’re out in the wild, where conditions vary, and features like GPS, Wi-Fi, and touchscreen use eat into that battery life fast.

Real-World Battery Life: What You Can Actually Expect

After using the Hero 5 extensively over the years—on ski trips, beach days, mountain biking, and even underwater—I’ve found that actual battery life rarely matches the official specs. Here’s what I’ve observed:

• 4K/30fps with Wi-Fi off and screen off: ~60–70 minutes
• 4K/30fps with Wi-Fi on (for live preview or app use): ~40–50 minutes
• 1080p/60fps (common for action shots): ~75–90 minutes
• 1080p/30fps with GPS and voice control enabled: ~50–60 minutes
• Time-lapse or burst mode (frequent power cycling): ~45–60 minutes

One time, I was filming a sunrise hike at 15°F (-9°C). The cold drained the battery faster than usual—my first battery only lasted 38 minutes at 4K/30fps. Cold weather is a major battery killer, and the Hero 5 doesn’t handle it well. Another time, I left the Wi-Fi on the whole time to monitor framing via the GoPro app. That cut my recording time by nearly half.

The takeaway? The GoPro Hero 5 action camera battery life is highly dependent on your settings and environment. If you’re chasing high-quality 4K footage with all the bells and whistles, don’t count on more than 50–60 minutes. But if you’re using it more casually—lower resolution, fewer features—you can stretch it closer to the 2-hour mark.

Factors That Affect GoPro Hero 5 Battery Life

1. Video Resolution and Frame Rate

This is the biggest factor. Higher resolutions (like 4K) and faster frame rates (60fps, 120fps) require more processing power and generate more heat, which drains the battery faster. For example:

• Recording in 4K/30fps uses significantly more juice than 1080p/30fps.
• Jumping to 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps (great for slow-motion) cuts battery life by 20–30%.

Tip: If you don’t need 4K, switch to 1080p/60fps. It gives you smooth action shots with nearly double the recording time. I do this when I know I’ll be filming for long stretches—like a full day at a music festival or a long bike ride.

2. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and App Connectivity

Leaving Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on—even if you’re not actively using the GoPro app—keeps the camera’s radio active, which is a major battery drain. I once forgot to turn off Wi-Fi after a shoot, and the battery died in just 25 minutes while sitting in my backpack.

Tip: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. You can do this quickly in the camera’s settings or via the GoPro app before you start filming. If you need to use the app, turn it on only when necessary and off immediately after.

3. Screen Usage and Touchscreen

The Hero 5 has a full-color touchscreen—great for framing shots, but terrible for battery life. Every time you tap the screen, wake it up, or scroll through settings, you’re using power.

Tip: Use voice commands when possible (“GoPro, start recording”) instead of touching the screen. Also, set the screen timeout to the shortest setting (30 seconds). I’ve found this alone can add 5–10 minutes of recording time over a long session.

4. GPS and Voice Control

Both of these features are convenient but power-hungry. GPS constantly searches for satellite signals, and voice control listens for your commands 24/7.

Tip: Only enable GPS if you’re mapping your route (like on a hike or bike ride). For everyday use, it’s not worth the battery cost. Voice control is fun, but if you’re filming for long periods, disable it and use the shutter button instead.

5. Temperature and Weather Conditions

Batteries don’t like extreme temperatures. Cold weather (below 40°F/4°C) can reduce battery life by 30–50%. Heat isn’t much better—high temps cause the camera to overheat, which can force it to shut down early.

Tip: In cold weather, keep spare batteries in an inside jacket pocket to keep them warm. When filming, swap them frequently. In hot weather, avoid direct sunlight on the camera and take breaks to let it cool down. I once left my Hero 5 in a car on a 90°F (32°C) day—it shut down after just 20 minutes of recording due to overheating.

6. Age of the Battery

Like all lithium-ion batteries, the GoPro Hero 5 battery degrades over time. After a year or two of regular use, you might notice it doesn’t last as long. A battery that once gave you 70 minutes might now only manage 45–50.

Tip: If your battery is more than 18–24 months old, consider replacing it. GoPro sells official replacements, or you can go with reputable third-party brands like Wasabi Power or Tether Tools (more on that later).

Tips and Tricks to Extend Your GoPro Hero 5 Battery Life

Use Lower-Resolution Settings When Possible

Unless you’re editing for YouTube or a film project, 1080p is often more than enough. It gives you crisp footage and nearly doubles your recording time. I use 1080p/60fps for most of my action shots—it’s smooth, detailed, and battery-friendly.

Turn Off Unnecessary Features

Before you start filming, go through the settings and disable everything you don’t need:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• GPS (unless you need location data)
• Voice control
• Protune (if you’re not color grading)

This simple checklist can add 15–20 minutes of extra recording time. I keep a quick settings checklist on my phone so I don’t forget before every shoot.

Use a Battery Pack or External Power

The Hero 5 has a USB-C port, which means you can power it from a USB battery pack while recording. This is a game-changer for long shoots.

Tip: Use a 10,000mAh power bank (like Anker or RAVPower). Make sure it supports continuous output—some cheaper packs shut off after 30 seconds. I’ve used this trick to film a 4-hour time-lapse of a sunset. Just plug the camera into the pack and start recording. The battery pack powers the camera, and the internal battery acts as a backup in case the cable disconnects.

Carry Spare Batteries and a Charger

This is the most reliable way to extend your recording time. The Hero 5’s battery is removable, so you can swap it out in seconds.

Tip: Buy 2–3 spare batteries and a dual-bay charger. I keep one charging while I use the other. For long trips, I bring all three and charge them overnight. I’ve used this setup on multi-day hiking trips—no missed shots, no stress.

Use the GoPro App Wisely

The app is great for framing, but it drains both your phone and camera battery. Use it sparingly.

Tip: Turn on Wi-Fi only when you need to preview the shot. Once you’ve framed it, turn Wi-Fi off and start recording. I also use the app to check battery level before a shoot—so I know if I need to swap batteries.

Pre-Charge and Store Batteries Properly

Always charge your batteries the night before a trip. Also, store them at around 50% charge if you’re not using them for a while. Fully charged or fully drained batteries degrade faster over time.

Third-Party Batteries: Are They Worth It?

Pros and Cons of Third-Party Options

GoPro’s official batteries are reliable but expensive—usually $25–$30 each. Third-party brands like Wasabi Power, Tether Tools, and BigMike offer batteries at half the price, often with higher capacity (e.g., 1400mAh vs. 1220mAh).

Pros:

• Lower cost (often $10–$15 each)
• Higher capacity options available
• Many come with chargers

Cons:

• Quality varies—some brands don’t last as long
• May not fit perfectly in the battery compartment
• Risk of overheating if poorly made

I’ve used Wasabi Power batteries for years. They’re well-made, fit perfectly, and last just as long as the official GoPro ones. But I once tried a cheap no-name brand from Amazon—it swelled after a few months and had to be thrown out. Stick with reputable brands, and avoid anything suspiciously cheap.

Recommended Third-Party Batteries

Based on my experience and user reviews, here are the best third-party options:

• Wasabi Power 1220mAh Battery – Reliable, long-lasting, and comes with a charger.
• Tether Tools TetherPro 1400mAh Battery – Higher capacity, great for long shoots.
• BigMike 1220mAh Battery – Budget-friendly and widely trusted by photographers.

Just remember: higher capacity doesn’t always mean longer life. The Hero 5’s power management system is designed for 1220mAh, so a 1400mAh battery might not charge fully or could cause overheating. I stick with 1220mAh or 1300mAh max for safety.

Battery Life Comparison: GoPro Hero 5 vs. Competitors

How Does It Stack Up?

Let’s see how the GoPro Hero 5 battery life compares to other action cameras from the same era (2016–2018):

Camera	Battery Capacity	4K/30fps Battery Life	1080p/30fps Battery Life	Removable Battery?
GoPro Hero 5 Black	1220mAh	60–70 mins	90–110 mins	Yes
Sony RX0 (2017)	800mAh	45–55 mins	70–85 mins	No
DJI Osmo Action (2019)	1300mAh	70–80 mins	100–120 mins	Yes
Garmin VIRB Ultra 30	1250mAh	65–75 mins	95–115 mins	Yes
Yi 4K+ (2017)	1400mAh	75–85 mins	110–130 mins	Yes

The Hero 5 holds up well, especially considering its age. The removable battery is a big advantage—many competitors (like the Sony RX0) have built-in batteries, so you can’t swap them. The DJI Osmo Action and Yi 4K+ offer slightly better battery life, but they came out later and have newer power management tech.

One thing the Hero 5 lacks: a battery indicator on the front. You have to turn it on to see the charge level. Newer models like the Hero 7 and up have a small LED battery icon on the front—super helpful when you’re swapping batteries on the go.

Final Thoughts: Is the GoPro Hero 5 Battery Life Enough?

So, how long does the GoPro Hero 5 action camera battery life actually last? In real-world use, expect **50–70 minutes at 4K**, and **90–110 minutes at 1080p**—if you’re smart about settings. It’s not amazing by today’s standards, but it’s manageable with the right habits.

The Hero 5 was designed for versatility, not marathon recording sessions. It’s best for short to medium-length shoots—like a surf session, a hike, or a day at the park. For longer trips, you’ll need spare batteries, a power bank, or both.

What I love is the removable battery. It gives you flexibility that many other cameras don’t. And with a few smart tricks—turning off Wi-Fi, using voice commands, carrying spares—you can stretch that battery life significantly.

Is it perfect? No. The battery drains fast in cold weather, and the touchscreen eats power. But with a little planning, it’s more than enough for most users. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or just someone who loves capturing life’s adventures, the Hero 5 can keep up—as long as you respect its battery limits.

At the end of the day, no camera will last forever. But the GoPro Hero 5 proves that with the right approach, you can make every minute of battery life count. Just remember: charge your batteries, turn off what you don’t need, and always carry a spare. Because the best shot is the one you actually get to capture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the GoPro Hero 5 battery life last during continuous recording?

The GoPro Hero 5’s battery life lasts approximately 60–90 minutes when recording 4K video at 30fps. Battery life may vary depending on settings, temperature, and usage of features like voice control or Wi-Fi.

Does the GoPro Hero 5 support external battery packs for extended use?

Yes, the GoPro Hero 5 can be powered via a USB-C connection, allowing you to use external battery packs for longer recording sessions. However, continuous high-resolution recording may drain the external battery quickly.

How can I extend the GoPro Hero 5 action camera battery life?

To maximize battery life, lower the video resolution (e.g., 1080p), disable Wi-Fi, reduce screen brightness, and turn off voice control. Using a fully charged battery and keeping the camera cool also helps.

Is the GoPro Hero 5 battery removable, and can I carry spares?

Yes, the GoPro Hero 5 uses a removable 1220mAh lithium-ion battery. Carrying fully charged spares is highly recommended for extended adventures or long filming sessions.

Why does my GoPro Hero 5 battery drain so fast in cold weather?

Cold temperatures significantly reduce lithium-ion battery efficiency. To mitigate this, keep spare batteries warm until use and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold during filming.

How long does it take to fully charge the GoPro Hero 5 battery?

The GoPro Hero 5 battery takes about 2–3 hours to fully charge using a standard USB charger. Using a fast charger or GoPro’s dual battery charger can reduce this time slightly.