Finding the best GoPro for live streaming isn’t as simple as you’d like to believe. This is because only certain GoPro cameras have the ability to livestream through GoPro’s mobile app, GoPro Quik.
Hey, thanks for joining me today. My name is Larry, and I’m a passionate GoPro fanatic who’s been livestreaming with GoPro cameras for nearly five years. I’ve tested many different GoPros as livestreaming cameras when I stream on Facebook or YouTube for my audience.
In today’s comprehensive guide, I’ll answer a few common questions about GoPro livestreaming you may have, what makes the best GoPro for livestreaming, and pick my top 5 GoPros for livestreaming.
Keep reading to learn more!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- GoPro introduced native livestreaming through its iOS and Android app with the release of the GoPro HERO7 Black.
- GoPro camera quality is much better than any webcam you can find at a reasonable price point.
- GoPro cameras offer a wide field of view compared to the narrow FOV from webcams.
- GoPro Quik makes it easy to livestream from your phone to most media platforms.
- The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for livestreaming.
Is a GoPro good for live streaming?
GoPros are excellent cameras for live streaming because they offer crystal-clear image quality and a wide point of view. Compared to webcams, GoPros offer superior footage quality and video performance. However, the wide point of view isn’t ideal for all streamers. I recommend watching a few GoPro livestreaming videos beforehand to see if the angle suits your needs.
Which GoPro models can live stream?
Currently, you can livestream with the GoPro HERO10 Black, GoPro HERO9 Black, GoPro HERO8 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black, and GoPro MAX through the GoPro Quik mobile app. However, you can livestream with older GoPro cameras, but you’ll need to purchase an additional capture card to livestream with your GoPro through your computer.
Is GoPro good as webcam?
Although GoPros are relatively more expensive than most webcams, you can’t go wrong with using a GoPro as a webcam. This is because GoPros offer much better picture quality than dedicated webcams. Furthermore, GoPros offer multiple fields of view, so you can customize your camera angle as you see fit. Best of all, you can use your GoPro as an action camera for other activities.
Can GoPro go live on Facebook?
You can livestream directly on Facebook through the GoPro Quik mobile app. However, you need a GoPro HERO7 Black or newer to do so. Simply pair your GoPro with GoPro Quik and select Facebook on GoPro Quik’s platform list. Once you allow permissions and connect your Facebook account, you can livestream and share the link through your phone.
Can GoPro live stream to Zoom?
Yes, GoPros webcam software is compatible with Zoom, Skype, Twitch, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and many other video conferencing platforms. Check out my guide on how to use GoPro as webcam to learn more about livestreaming with a GoPro on Zoom. However, it’s important to note you may need to purchase an HDMI to USB video capture card.
What Makes the Best GoPro for Livestreaming
Once you understand how GoPros work, it shouldn’t be too challenging to choose the best GoPro for livestreaming. This is because only certain GoPros offer the ability to livestream directly through the GoPro mobile app, GoPro Quik.
Furthermore, you can only use three specific GoPro models as a webcam without a capture card. So if you don’t have one of these three specific GoPro cameras, you need to have a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable and an HDMI to USB video capture card.
Here are the core factors to consider when choosing the best GoPro for livestreaming:
- GoPro Quik Compatibility: You can only livestream with specific GoPro cameras through the GoPro Quik mobile app. These GoPros include the HERO10 Black, HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black, and MAX. If you have an older camera, you don’t have access to GoPros convenient mobile livestreaming services.
- Webcam Compatibility: You can use a GoPro as a webcam without a capture card on the GoPro HERO10 Black, HERO9 Black, and HERO8 Black with the GoPro Webcam Desktop Utility program. If you have an older GoPro camera, you must purchase a video capture card to use your GoPro as a webcam on your computer.
- Max Video Resolution: Although GoPros are tiny action cameras, they still pack a punch in terms of max video resolution. In fact, GoPro cameras offer up to 5.6K video resolution. While this is over the top for most live streamers, it’s nice to know you have the option of offering your viewers incredible video quality.
- Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS): If you want to livestream an outdoor adventure, it’s important to use the GoPro with the best electronic image stabilization. EIS is a technology that minimizes blurring and compensates for camera shake. Also known as an image enhancement technique, EIS uses complex algorithms to detect and correct shaky footage.
Top 5 Best GoPros for Live Streaming
It’s time to dive into my list of the best 5 GoPros for livestreaming. I’ve tested nearly every GoPro camera for livestreaming, and this list includes my top picks based on video quality, convenience, and livestreaming compatibility.
Here we go!
1. GoPro HERO10 Black (Best Overall)
- GoPro Quick Compatibility: Yes
- Webcam Compatibility: Yes, no capture card is necessary
- Max Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best overall GoPro for livestreaming if you plan on livestreaming your outdoor adventures. This is because the GoPro HERO10 Black features GoPro’s latest camera technology. Therefore, you can expect state-of-the-art video quality and camera performance.
For starters, this camera comes with an unbelievable 5.3K resolution at 60fps, which is higher than any other camera on this list. However, you are limited to 1080p for livestreaming. Nonetheless, you can use this camera to record incredible footage when you’re not livestreaming.
The GoPro HERO10 Black’s best feature is its HyperSmooth 4.0 electronic image stabilization. This is the only GoPro camera with HyperSmooth 4.0. This EIS technology produces ultra-smooth footage in fast and shaky sequences, whether you’re climbing a mountain or powering through the trail on your mountain bike.
However, if you only plan to use your GoPro as a webcam for video meetings, the GoPro HERO10 Black may be too excessive. In that case, I recommend getting a dedicated webcam if you don’t have any desire to film outdoor action adventures with your GoPro camera.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for livestreaming because it features the fastest camera speeds and highest video resolution. If you want the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with the GoPro HERO10 Black since it’s the newest GoPro model, released in 2021.
2. GoPro HERO9 Black (Best Previous Generation)
- GoPro Quick Compatibility: Yes
- Webcam Compatibility: Yes, no capture card is necessary
- Max Video Resolution: 5K at 30fps
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
The GoPro HERO9 Black is one of three GoPro cameras you can use as a webcam without needing to buy a third-party video capture card. Instead, you only need your GoPro HERO9 Black, a USB-C cable, and a Windows or Mac computer with the GoPro WebCam Utility program installed.
From there, it works just like any other webcam, and you’ll see it on your list of video sources in apps such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Furthermore, the camera sensor and optical elements of the HERO9 Black are better than almost every dedicated webcam on the market.
This camera also offers three fields of view, including a narrow field of view similar to normal webcam framing and a wide FOV that can capture a large group of people. The GoPro HERO9 Black offers incredible picture and lighting quality you won’t receive with the tiny sensors in most webcams.
Best of all, the GoPro HERO9 Black is still one of the best action cameras available. With the ability to record 5K video resolution and take 20MP pictures, it’s one of the most versatile livestreaming cameras in the world.
However, you should remember that this is an older GoPro model since the newest model is the GoPro HERO10 Black. So, it’s important to know that this camera is essentially a lesser version of the HERO10 Black in terms of camera performance and video capabilities. Nonetheless, it offers more than enough for 99.99% of livestreamers.
My Verdict: If you don’t need the highest-tier GoPro camera, the GoPro HERO9 Black is your best bet. This camera is the second best GoPro camera available based on camera quality and video settings. So naturally, it’s also the second best GoPro for livestreaming.
3. GoPro HERO8 Black (Best Budget 4K)
- GoPro Quick Compatibility: Yes
- Webcam Compatibility: Yes, no capture card is necessary
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
The GoPro HERO8 Black is an impressive little action camera with the ability to record 4K wide or 4K linear at 60 fps, 2.7K at 120fps, 1080p at 240fps, and much more. Another key feature of this incredible livestreaming camera is its HyperSmooth 2.0 image stabilization technology.
Although HyperSmooth 2.0 is two generations older than the HyperSmooth 4.0 seen on the GoPro HERO10 black, it still provides unbelievably image stabilization. My viewers were impressed at the stability of my livestream footage as I was streaming my surfing trip with my GoPro HERO8 Black in 2020.
Similar to every other GoPro on this list, this camera has built-in waterproofing capabilities and can safely go as deep as 10 meters or 33 feet. Furthermore, compared to older GoPro cameras, the HERO 8 Black offers built-in mounting flaps, twice the shock resistance, and a longer-lasting battery.
The bigger battery lets you livestream for longer if your GoPro isn’t connected to a power source. Moreover, the added shock resistance means your GoPro can easily endure drops, bumps, and hits.
In terms of disadvantages, it’s crucial to remember that this camera doesn’t offer the same advanced camera features seen on the GoPro HERO10 Black. However, the performance it does offer for its relatively low price point means it offers immense value for passionate livestreamers.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO8 Black is the third and final GoPro camera you can use as a webcam without purchasing an external video capture card. This camera offers excellent video quality for livestreaming and is compatible with the GoPro Quik mobile app.
4. GoPro HERO7 Black (Best Budget)
- GoPro Quick Compatibility: Yes
- Webcam Compatibility: Yes, but it requires an external video capture card
- Max Video Resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 1.0
The GoPro HERO7 Black is the entry-level model in GoPro’s HERO line of action cameras. This means it offers excellent value for its price point. In addition, this is the first GoPro camera that featured GoPro’s HyperSmooth electronic image stabilization, so it’s the oldest camera I would purchase if you want a new GoPro for livestreaming.
Despite releasing to the public in 2018, the GoPro HERO7 Black features some impressive video capabilities. Along with amazing video quality and image stabilization, this GoPro is waterproof without the need for a protective case.
Furthermore, TimeWarp video was a new feature that came out with the GoPro HERO7 Black. TimeWarp combines the idea of standard frame-by-frame timelapse shooting with HyperSmooth. Therefore, TimeWarp is essentially a stabilized hyperlapse that allows you to capture timelapse footage while moving your GoPro around.
GoPro also vamped up the microphone quality and audio performance with the GoPro HERO7 Black. As a result, you can expect brighter mids and more natural bass tones. Furthermore, GoPro redesigned the built-in mic membrane to eliminate vibrations that may be picked up.
The primary drawback of using the GoPro HERO7 Black to livestream is that you need a third-party video capture card to use it as a webcam. Furthermore, the HERO7 Black doesn’t have the same video resolution and camera speeds as newer GoPro camera models.
My Verdict: If you’re looking for a relatively affordable camera, I highly recommend getting the GoPro HERO7 Black. Although it’s three generations older than the GoPro HERO10 Black, it still offers HyperSmooth 2.0 and 4K video resolution at 60fps. Therefore, you can livestream high-quality footage to your audience through GoPro Quik.
5. GoPro MAX (Best 360°)
- GoPro Quick Compatibility: Yes
- Webcam Compatibility: Yes, but it requires an external video capture card
- Max Video Resolution: 5.6K at 30fps
- Electronic Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
The GoPro MAX is GoPro’s newest 360-degree action camera. This camera features new processing technology that integrates editing and reframing tools into the GoPro Quik mobile app. As such, the GoPro MAX removes many of the major pain points from 360-degree video production.
In terms of livestreaming, you can use a GoPro MAX just like you’d use any other GoPro camera with 1080p video quality. The main difference between the GoPro MAX and other GoPro cameras is the ability to shoot 360-degree footage when you’re not broadcasting a livestream to your audience.
To record 360-degree footage, the MAX uses two 180-degree fisheye lenses to capture everything around the camera. Then, the MAX stitches the two hemispherical videos together to create the 360-degree video. You can then transfer the footage to your phone through GoPro Quik to edit and publish your innovative videos.
Another great feature of the GoPro MAX is it includes six microphones to produce a dynamic three-dimensional soundscape. The extra microphones provide a great deal of audio information and can be used to hone in on voices or other notable sounds.
However, it’s important to note that the GoPro MAX is the most expensive camera on today’s list. Since this camera features innovative 360-degree video capture capabilities, it commands a higher price tag than you’d expect.
Therefore, if you don’t plan on taking advantage of 360-degree video and only want to livestream, I recommend choosing another GoPro camera from this list.
My Verdict: The GoPro MAX is a unique livestreaming camera because it can shoot 360-degree footage to give your viewers an immersive experience. However, you can also shoot standard 2D footage. As such, the GoPro is a highly versatile livestreaming camera.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this guide helpful in your quest to find the best GoPro for livestreaming. Personally, I love using my GoPro to livestream and as a webcam for video meetings on my computer. Not only are GoPros easy to use for livestreaming if you pick a model from this list, but you can also use them as standard action cameras.
By now, you should have narrowed down which GoPro you want to purchase. The GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for livestreaming. However, you can opt for the GoPro HERO8 Black if you’re on a budget and want to conveniently use your GoPro as a webcam.
But now I’d like to hear from you!
Which GoPro from today’s guide will you pick? Do you have any further questions about using GoPro cameras for livestreaming? Either way, drop a quick comment down below to let me know!
