The Real Pros and Cons of the GoPro Hero 11 Black (Long Term Review)

I have been a GoPro fan for a long time. Over the years, I have owned the GoPro Hero 4, 5, 7, 8, and now the Hero 11 Black. Out of all of them, the Hero 11 Black has been my favorite so far.

I have used this camera for several years now, and I am still holding onto it because it has proven to be reliable. And tough! It’s not perfect though.

Scott holding his GoPro Hero 11 Black action camera — *“Just look at how awesome my GoPro Hero 11 is”* he says proudly, just moments before getting sliced in half by a speeding freight train.

Why I Bought the GoPro Hero 11 Black

I came from the GoPro Hero 8 Black, and the main reason I upgraded was for the front-facing screen. The Hero 11 finally delivered that with a full-color LCD on the front that matches the quality of the rear screen. That was a huge selling point for me, and it did not disappoint.

The Pros of the GoPro Hero 11 Black

1. Front-Facing LCD Screen

This is the feature that sold me on the Hero 11 Black. The front display makes vlogging or self-filming so much easier because you can see exactly what is in the shot. It is bright, full-color, and works just as well as the rear screen.

2. Image Stabilization

The HyperSmooth stabilization on the Hero 11 Black is outstanding. It is one of the best features of this camera and probably the main reason I still use it. I have mounted it on my bike, taken it on rough trails, and no matter how much the camera rattles, the footage always comes out buttery smooth.

3. Excellent Build Quality

The Hero 11 feels like a premium device. It is noticeably heavier than some older GoPros, and I like that because it feels solid in my hand. The seams are tight, the buttons feel firm, and the side compartment door seals shut with confidence. Even after years of heavy use, mine still feels like new.

4. Durable Lens Cover

Despite never using a case or protective cover, the lens on my Hero 11 Black is still scratch-free. I toss this thing in my bag with whatever else is in there, and it has held up remarkably well.

5. Built-In Mounting Fingers

This is one of those small details that makes a huge difference. GoPro added folding mounting fingers a few generations ago, and they are a lifesaver. You do not need an extra housing to mount the camera anymore, which means less bulk and faster setup. On my Hero 11, they are rock-solid and show no signs of loosening or breaking.

6. Water and Dust Resistance

The battery door seals extremely well. It covers the battery, microSD card slot, and USB-C charging port. Even after years of use, the seal is still tight, and I have never had an issue with water getting inside.

GoPro Hero 11 Black front side showing side door

The Cons of the GoPro Hero 11 Black

1. No Real Improvement in Image Quality

This fact that the Hero 11 Black does not produce noticeably better image quality than my old GoPro Hero 5 Black does is the biggest disappointment for me. Video resolution might be higher on paper, but in real-world conditions, especially in bright daylight, the difference is minimal.

If you put footage from the Hero 5 and Hero 11 side by side, you would struggle to tell them apart.

2. Terrible Low-Light Performance

This one really stings. Most of my shooting happens indoors or in less-than-ideal lighting, and the Hero 11 struggles badly in these conditions. Low-light video looks grainy and muddy, and photos are not much better. This has been a weakness for GoPro cameras forever, and the Hero 11 does not fix it.

3. Larger Size Compared to Older Models

The Hero 11 Black is bulkier than older GoPros like the Hero 5. It is not a massive difference, but if you travel light or pack camera gear in tight spaces, you will notice it.

4. No Real Audio Improvement

Just like image quality, audio quality has not changed much over the years. The built-in microphones do an okay job in quiet environments, but wind noise and background sounds are still a problem.

5. Price vs. Upgrade Value

When the Hero 11 Black came out, it was not cheap, and honestly, I do not think the improvements justified the price for everyone. If you already owned a Hero 8 or Hero 9, the upgrade was not going to blow you away unless you really needed that front-facing screen or the latest stabilization.

For me, it was worth it (since I was coming from the 8), but for casual users, the cost didn’t make sense.