GoPro Hero5 Black Action Camera Battery Life Tested and Tips to Extend It

The GoPro Hero5 Black delivers solid performance, but its battery life maxes out at 70–90 minutes under typical 4K recording conditions, making power management crucial for extended shoots. To extend runtime, use lower resolutions, disable Wi-Fi and GPS, and keep spare batteries on hand—especially in cold weather, which significantly drains power. Smart settings and preparation are key to maximizing every charge in the field.

Key Takeaways

• Carry spare batteries: Always pack extras for extended shooting sessions.
• Lower screen brightness: Reduces battery drain significantly during use.
• Disable Wi-Fi and GPS: Saves power when features aren’t needed.
• Use airplane mode: Minimizes background processes and prolongs battery life.
• Store batteries properly: Keep at room temperature to maintain performance.
• Turn off voice control: Prevents unnecessary battery usage from false triggers.

Why Battery Life Matters in Action Cameras

Let’s face it—no one buys a GoPro Hero5 Black to just sit on a shelf. This little powerhouse is built for adventure, whether you’re chasing waves, hitting mountain trails, or capturing your kid’s first bike ride without training wheels. But here’s the catch: all that action eats up battery life fast. I learned this the hard way during a recent weekend trip to the coast. I had planned to film a full day of surfing, cliff jumping, and sunset shots, but by mid-afternoon, my Hero5 Black gave me the dreaded “Low Battery” warning. Cue the internal panic. I had to choose between charging (and missing golden hour) or calling it quits.

That moment made me realize how crucial battery life really is when you’re relying on an action camera. It’s not just about runtime—it’s about peace of mind. You don’t want to be the person frantically searching for a power outlet in the middle of a hike or missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot because your battery died. After that trip, I decided to test the GoPro Hero5 Black’s battery life in real-world scenarios and dig into ways to make it last longer. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a content creator, this guide will help you get the most out of every charge.

Understanding the GoPro Hero5 Black Battery Life

What the Specs Say vs. Reality

GoPro claims the Hero5 Black’s 1,220mAh lithium-ion battery delivers up to 110 minutes of 1080p30 recording. Sounds great on paper, right? But here’s the thing—those numbers are based on ideal lab conditions: 77°F (25°C), no Wi-Fi, no GPS, and no screen usage. In reality, most of us aren’t shooting in a climate-controlled studio. When you add cold weather, high-resolution settings, or frequent screen checks, that runtime drops fast.

During my tests, I found that shooting 4K30 with Wi-Fi off and the screen disabled gave me about 85–90 minutes of continuous recording. Switch to 1080p60 with the screen on for framing, and that number fell to around 65 minutes. And if you’re using GPS (which I often do for location tags), expect another 10–15% drop. Cold weather? That’s a whole other story—I lost nearly 30% of my battery life during a snowy ski trip.

Key Factors That Drain the Battery

Not all recording sessions are created equal. Here’s what really impacts the GoPro Hero5 Black battery life:

• Resolution and frame rate: 4K60 uses significantly more power than 1080p30. If you’re not editing for cinematic slow-mo, stick to 1080p60 or 4K30.
• Screen usage: The touchscreen is handy, but it’s a battery hog. I found disabling it saved ~15 minutes per charge.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Streaming to your phone or using voice commands? These features can cut runtime by up to 20%.
• GPS: Great for geotagging, but it’s constantly searching for satellites. Turn it off if you don’t need it.
• Temperature: Cold weather is the enemy. I once had a battery die in 20 minutes during a winter hike at 15°F (-9°C).

Pro tip: If you’re doing short clips (like 1–2 minutes), the battery will last longer than one long recording. Why? The Hero5 Black’s auto-sleep feature kicks in after 5 minutes of inactivity, saving power.

Real-World Battery Life Tests: What I Found

Test 1: 4K30 Recording (Wi-Fi Off, Screen Off)

I set up the Hero5 Black on a tripod in my backyard, pointed it at a busy street, and hit record. No screen checks, no Wi-Fi, no GPS. The camera lasted 87 minutes before shutting down. That’s 23 minutes less than GoPro’s claim, but still solid for most activities. For context, that’s enough to film a full mountain bike descent or a long surf session.

Test 2: 1080p60 with Screen On

This was my “typical use” scenario: framing shots with the touchscreen, occasional voice commands, and Wi-Fi off. The camera died after 62 minutes. I noticed the battery drained faster during the first 20 minutes, likely because the screen was on and the processor was working harder. This setup is perfect for vlogging or casual shooting, but you’ll need a spare battery for a full day out.

Test 3: Cold Weather Performance

During a ski trip, I tested the Hero5 Black at 10°F (-12°C). Even with a fresh battery, it lasted just 58 minutes in 1080p30 mode. The screen also froze twice, which I’ve heard is common in extreme cold. Lesson learned: keep spare batteries in an inner pocket (body heat helps) and avoid leaving the camera exposed to wind.

Test 4: Time-Lapse Mode

Time-lapse is a battery-friendly mode. I set the camera to capture one frame every 10 seconds (1080p) and left it running overnight. It lasted 8 hours and 40 minutes—impressive for a single charge! This makes it ideal for sunrise/sunset shots or construction projects.

Test 5: Voice Commands and Wi-Fi

Using voice commands (“GoPro, start recording”) and Wi-Fi to preview shots? That combo drained the battery in 50 minutes (1080p30). If you’re using these features, always pack a backup.

Here’s a quick comparison of my test results:

Test Scenario	Resolution/Frame Rate	Features Enabled	Battery Life
4K30 (Lab Conditions)	4K30	Screen off, Wi-Fi off	87 minutes
1080p60 (Typical Use)	1080p60	Screen on, Wi-Fi off	62 minutes
Cold Weather	1080p30	Screen off, Wi-Fi off	58 minutes
Time-Lapse	1080p (10s interval)	Screen off, Wi-Fi off	8h 40m
Wi-Fi + Voice	1080p30	Screen on, Wi-Fi on	50 minutes

Takeaway: Your mileage will vary based on how you use the camera. The Hero5 Black battery life is decent but not exceptional—plan accordingly.

5 Proven Tips to Extend Your Hero5 Black Battery Life

1. Disable Unnecessary Features

Every feature you don’t need is stealing battery life. Here’s how to turn them off:

• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi/Bluetooth > Off.
• GPS: Settings > GPS > Off (unless you’re geotagging).
• Auto-Sleep: Settings > Power > Auto Sleep > 5 Minutes (or 10 Minutes for longer breaks).
• Voice Control: Settings > Voice Control > Off (use the shutter button instead).

Bonus: Disable the status LED (Settings > Status Lights > Off). It’s tiny, but it adds up over time.

2. Use the Right Settings for Your Needs

Ask yourself: Do you really need 4K60? If not, switch to 1080p60 or 4K30. Lower frame rates = less processing power = longer battery life. For example:

• Surfing: 1080p60 (smooth motion, less battery drain).
• Vlogging: 1080p30 (good balance of quality and runtime).
• Slow-mo: 720p240 (but expect shorter battery life).

3. Keep the Camera Warm

Batteries hate the cold. If you’re shooting in winter:

• Store spare batteries in an inner pocket (your body heat keeps them warm).
• Use a neoprene sleeve or hand warmer (but avoid direct contact).
• Limit exposure to wind—mount the camera in a sheltered spot.

I once used a small hand warmer taped to my chest rig. It kept the camera warm enough to last through a 2-hour ski run. Just don’t overdo it—extreme heat can damage the battery.

4. Use External Power When Possible

The Hero5 Black has a USB-C port, so you can power it with a portable battery pack. I use a 10,000mAh Anker PowerCore while hiking. Pro tip: Mount the battery pack to your backpack or rig to avoid dangling cables. Just make sure the pack delivers 5V/2A—some cheap ones don’t.

5. Carry Spare Batteries (and Rotate Them)

Spare batteries are a game-changer. But don’t just toss them in your bag—rotate them. Here’s how:

• Label each battery (e.g., “1,” “2,” “3”).
• Use them in order, so you know which one is oldest.
• Store them at 50% charge for long-term storage.

I keep three batteries in a padded case: one in the camera, one in my pocket, and one in my bag. That’s enough for a full day of filming.

Accessories That Help (and Some That Don’t)

Must-Have Accessories

• Dual Battery Charger: Charges two batteries at once. I use the GoPro Supercharger—it’s fast and reliable.
• External Power Bank: As mentioned, a 10,000mAh+ pack is essential for long shoots.
• Spare Batteries: The official GoPro batteries are pricey, but they’re worth it. Third-party options (like Wasabi Power) work but can be hit-or-miss.

Accessories That Don’t Help (Much)

• LCD Touch BacPac: Adds a screen but cuts battery life in half. Skip it unless you need the screen.
• External Microphones: They draw power from the camera. Use a separate recorder instead.
• LED Lights: The Hero5 Black’s built-in LED is weak. Add-on lights drain the battery fast.

One accessory I love? The GoPro Skeleton Frame. It’s lightweight, protects the camera, and has a cold shoe for mounting a mic or light—without blocking the battery door. Perfect for quick swaps.

When to Upgrade: Is the Hero5 Black Still Worth It?

Strengths of the Hero5 Black

Despite its age (released in 2016), the Hero5 Black still holds up:

• 4K60 video: Still impressive for an older camera.
• Waterproof without housing: Up to 33ft (10m)—great for snorkeling.
• Voice control: Handy for hands-free shooting.
• Price: You can find used models for under $150.

Weaknesses and Alternatives

The battery life is its biggest flaw. If you need more runtime, consider:

• GoPro Hero9 Black: 1,720mAh battery (up to 135 minutes 1080p30).
• DJI Osmo Action 3: 1,770mAh battery (up to 160 minutes 1080p30).
• Insta360 ONE RS: Swappable batteries (1,445mAh) with fast charging.

But here’s the thing: if you’re on a budget or already own a Hero5 Black, it’s still a solid choice. With the tips above, you can stretch that battery life and keep shooting.

Final Thoughts: Get the Most Out of Your Hero5 Black

The GoPro Hero5 Black battery life isn’t perfect, but it’s manageable with the right strategies. I’ve learned to plan my shoots around battery limits, disable unnecessary features, and always carry spares. And honestly? The trade-off is worth it. This camera delivers stunning 4K footage, works in almost any environment, and is built to take a beating.

My advice? Don’t let battery life hold you back. Instead, work with it. Use lower resolutions when you can, keep spare batteries handy, and embrace the Hero5 Black’s strengths. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking trails, or just capturing everyday moments, a little prep goes a long way. So grab your camera, charge those batteries, and go make some memories. Just don’t forget the spare—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the GoPro Hero5 Black battery life last during continuous recording?

The GoPro Hero5 Black battery typically lasts 60–90 minutes when recording 4K video at 30fps. Battery life shortens at higher frame rates (e.g., 4K/60fps) or when using features like voice control and Wi-Fi.

Does the GoPro Hero5 Black battery life vary with temperature?

Yes, cold environments significantly reduce battery performance. In freezing conditions, expect 20–30% less battery life. Keep spare batteries warm until use to maintain optimal performance.

What factors drain the GoPro Hero5 Black action camera battery fastest?

Wi-Fi, GPS, voice control, and screen brightness are major power drains. Recording in 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps also consumes more energy than lower resolutions or frame rates.

Can I extend my GoPro Hero5 Black battery life without buying extras?

Yes, disable unused features like Wi-Fi, GPS, and voice commands. Use the Quick Capture mode, lower screen brightness, and record at 1080p/30fps when possible to conserve battery.

How many spare batteries do I need for a full day of shooting with the Hero5 Black?

For 4–6 hours of intermittent use, carry 2–3 spare batteries. For continuous recording, pack 4+ batteries or use a USB power bank with a waterproof housing.

Does using a GoPro Hero5 Black action camera battery with third-party accessories affect lifespan?

Low-quality third-party batteries or housings may cause inconsistent power delivery, reducing battery efficiency. Stick to GoPro-branded or reputable third-party batteries for best results.