An action camera is a powerful tool for capturing life's most exciting moments, but the camera itself is only half the story. The right GoPro accessories can transform your footage from shaky and limited to stable, immersive and professional-looking. Whether you're dropping into a wave, trekking up a mountain, or simply vlogging your travels, the key is having the right gear to get the perfect shot.
However, the market is filled with countless GoPro mounts and gadgets, making it difficult to know which ones are genuinely useful. This guide is designed to help you identify the essential action camera accessories that will elevate your filming, ensuring you capture every moment securely and from the most compelling perspective.
Before adding items to your basket, consider these practical points to ensure you select the most suitable GoPro gear for your specific needs.
The most important factor is how you plan to use your camera. Your choice of accessory should complement your environment and activity.
While many accessories use a universal mounting system, it's always wise to confirm compatibility with your specific GoPro model. More importantly, look for durable materials. Your accessories will likely face bumps, splashes and dirt. Robust construction from high-quality plastics, non-slip rubber and corrosion-resistant metals ensures your gear will withstand the rigours of adventure and keep your expensive camera secure.
The primary function of any mount is to hold your camera steady. Look for features that enhance stability, such as ergonomic grips, strong clamping mechanisms and adjustable straps with non-slip linings. A secure lock is vital, especially during high-impact sports, to prevent the camera from detaching and becoming lost or damaged.
Here are our recommendations for versatile and practical accessories that can enhance your filming across a range of activities.
Why It Stands Out: The Handler is a dual-purpose accessory that provides excellent stability for handheld shots while offering peace of mind around water. Its buoyant design means that if you accidentally drop your camera, it will float to the surface. The bright orange cap makes it easy to spot and retrieve in open water.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is an essential piece of kit for anyone filming in or near water, including surfers, swimmers, boaters and holidaymakers. It's also a great general-purpose handle for vlogging and capturing stable follow-cam footage.
Why It Stands Out: The Head Strap 2.0 offers a modular and highly versatile solution for capturing immersive first-person footage. It can be worn directly on your head or over a helmet, and its key feature is the removable clip mount. This allows you to quickly detach the camera and clip it onto a cap, belt or strap for alternative shooting angles.
Pros:
Who is it for? Ideal for cyclists, skiers, hikers and anyone who wants to capture dynamic, hands-free footage from their own point of view. Its versatility also makes it useful for DIY tutorials or any scenario where you need your hands free.
Why It Stands Out: This action camera clip from Ulanzi introduces a powerful magnetic quick-release system that makes attaching and detaching your camera incredibly fast and convenient. The mount clamps securely onto a backpack strap, providing a stable, chest-level filming platform that is less obtrusive than a full chest harness.
Pros:
Who is it for? This is a great accessory for hikers, backpackers and travel vloggers who want an easy-to-use, stable mounting solution for capturing their journey from a natural, chest-high perspective.
If these specific mounts don't quite match your needs, or if you're searching for other types of action camera accessories like tripods, protective cases or lighting solutions, there are many other options available.
Explore our full collection of photo accessories to find the perfect gear for your next adventure.
For a beginner, a great starting point is a versatile hand grip, a protective case and at least one extra battery. A GoPro floating hand grip like The Handler is an excellent first choice because it works well both in and out of the water. From there, you can add more specialised mounts like a head strap or backpack clip based on your primary activities.
Yes, many third-party manufacturers produce high-quality GoPro accessories that use the standard prong-and-screw mounting system. The Ulanzi backpack clip is a prime example. When choosing third-party gear, always check for positive user feedback regarding build quality and compatibility to ensure your camera will be held securely.
To minimise shaky footage while on foot, a mount that attaches to your torso is highly effective. A GoPro backpack mount or a sturdy action camera clip fastened to your pack's shoulder strap provides a stable base that isolates the camera from the motion of your arms. This results in smoother, more watchable footage than holding the camera by hand.