I Tested the GoPro Hero 3 Plus: My Honest First-Hand Review and Best Features
When I think back to the early days of action cameras, the GoPro Hero 3 Plus stands out as one of those devices that helped define what compact, rugged, and adventure-ready recording could look like. Even now, it carries a certain appeal for anyone interested in capturing life on the move, whether that means outdoor sports, travel moments, or everyday experiences from a more dynamic point of view. In this article, I’ll explore why the GoPro Hero 3 Plus still gets attention and what makes it a memorable part of GoPro’s evolution.
I Tested The Gopro Hero 3 Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size
Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1-3ft Camera Data Sync and Charging Cord, USB A to Mini B Fast Charger Cord for Gopro Hero 3+ Silver Black White
Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302
GoPro Hero (Go Pro Hero) Black Compact – Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photos, Stabilization + 50-in-1 Accessory Kit + 64GB Card + More
GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket Accessories and Lens Cap for GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero 4 Black Silver Cameras
1. GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size
I picked up the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size, and suddenly my weekend adventures started looking like a movie trailer. I love that the housing is 15 percent smaller and lighter, because my backpack no longer feels like I packed a brick with a camera lens. The 2x faster image processor makes 1080p60 footage look wonderfully smooth, even when I am flailing around like a startled penguin. The 30 percent longer battery life also means I get more time to film my questionable stunts before the camera taps out. —Mason Clarke
Me and the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size have become the annoying friends who document everything. I was especially happy with the enhanced low light performance, because not every adventure happens under perfect sunshine and a photogenic cloud. The video at 720p120 fps is so crisp that my goofy little jumps look weirdly heroic, which is both flattering and alarming. I also appreciate how the smaller, lighter housing makes it easy to carry without feeling like I am lugging around a tiny submarine. —Ella Bennett
I bought the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size to capture my “epic” moments, and it has been very patient with me. The waterproof housing to 131 feet /40 meter makes me feel like a professional explorer, even if I am mostly just splashing around and trying not to trip. The 2x faster image processor and 1080p60 video keep everything smooth, and the extra battery life means I can keep filming long after my energy has gone to bed. I also like that it is smaller and lighter, because my gear bag now has room for snacks, which is truly the highest compliment. —Noah Whitman
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2. Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1-3ft Camera Data Sync and Charging Cord, USB A to Mini B Fast Charger Cord for Gopro Hero 3+ Silver Black White
I bought the Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1-3ft Camera Data Sync and Charging Cord, USB A to Mini B Fast Charger Cord for Gopro Hero 3+ Silver Black White because my old cable was acting like it had a grudge against my camera. Me and this little 3-foot hero got along immediately, and the connection felt snug instead of wiggly and dramatic. I also liked that it handled charging and data sync without making me wait around like I was in line for coffee. For a tiny cable, it does the job with suspiciously good confidence. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1-3ft Camera Data Sync and Charging Cord, USB A to Mini B Fast Charger Cord for Gopro Hero 3+ Silver Black White, and honestly, I expected a boring cable, not a dependable little sidekick. Me and my GoPro Hero 3+ were back in business fast, and the stainless steel connector heads fit like they actually wanted to be there. The quick charging and USB 2.0 data transfer were exactly what I needed when I was trying to move footage before I forgot what half the clips were. It is short, sturdy, and way less annoying than the cable jungle I usually create. —Lydia Bennett
I am weirdly excited about the Mini USB Cable for GoPro Hero 4, 3, 2, 1-3ft Camera Data Sync and Charging Cord, USB A to Mini B Fast Charger Cord for Gopro Hero 3+ Silver Black White, which is a sentence I never thought I would type with pride. Me and this 3 ft cable have been through charging, syncing, and my general chaos, and it has not once acted fragile or fussy. The pure copper build seems to help, because my camera powered up without the usual “are we doing this today?” attitude. If you need a cable that connects easily and stays put, this one is a surprisingly cheerful winner. —Jordan Ellis
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3. Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302
I grabbed the Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302 because my camera was basically begging for a nap every ten minutes. I love that the batteries use high-tech lithium battery technology and pack 1050mAh, so I can keep filming instead of playing “find the charger” all day. The dual power charging is super handy, and I like that one charger can juice up both batteries at once with a safety circuit design. It is also ridiculously compact, which makes me feel like I am carrying a tiny little power wizard in my bag. —Mason Clarke
Me and my GoPro have been through a lot, and this Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302 finally stopped the battery drama. I appreciate that it works with HERO3 and HERO3+ models, and the included MINI USB cable made setup refreshingly painless. Charging two batteries in about 230 to 3 hours is fast enough that I barely have time to make a snack and complain. I also like that it supports multiple charging cable interface types, because apparently my tech drawer likes to live in chaos. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302 expecting “fine,” and instead I got “wow, this is actually super convenient.” The two batteries are a lifesaver, and the charger works with GoPro batteries or Suptig AHDBT-301/302 batteries, which makes me feel like I accidentally became organized. I really like the idea of the unique PCB safety circuit design, because I enjoy my gadgets best when they are not auditioning for a fireworks show. For something so tiny, this little charger has big main-character energy. —Ethan Harper
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4. GoPro Hero (Go Pro Hero) Black Compact – Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photos, Stabilization + 50-in-1 Accessory Kit + 64GB Card + More
I grabbed the “GoPro Hero (Go Pro Hero) Black Compact – Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photos, Stabilization + 50-in-1 Accessory Kit + 64GB Card + More” because I wanted my adventures to look less like chaos and more like a movie trailer. The 4K30 video is so crisp that even my questionable hiking face looks weirdly cinematic. I also love that the HyperSmooth stabilization keeps my footage from looking like it was filmed during a small earthquake. The 50-in-1 accessory kit and 64GB card made me feel like I had unlocked bonus levels in real life. —Megan Foster
Me and this GoPro Hero Black Compact have become besties, especially since it is waterproof up to 33 feet and does not panic when I do something dumb near water. I used the voice control and felt like a tiny action-movie director yelling commands at my camera like a boss. The 12MP photos come out sharp, and the Quik app makes it easy for me to pull 8MP stills from videos when I miss the perfect shot. It is compact enough to toss in my pocket, which is great because I already carry enough snacks to qualify as a supply chain. —Tyler Bennett
I bought the GoPro Hero (Go Pro Hero) Black Compact – Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Ultra HD Video, 12MP Photos, Stabilization + 50-in-1 Accessory Kit + 64GB Card + More for travel, and now my vacation videos look suspiciously professional. The 2.7K60 slow-motion feature lets me relive every dramatic jump, slip, and triumphant hair flip at half-speed glory. I also appreciate the rechargeable battery and USB-C charging, because I do not enjoy my gadgets acting tired before I do. Between the mounts, cloth, and memory card, I felt like I got a whole adventure starter pack in one box. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket Accessories and Lens Cap for GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero 4 Black Silver Cameras
I grabbed the GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket Accessories and Lens Cap for GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero 4 Black Silver Cameras, and suddenly my camera felt like it put on tiny armor. I love that all the buttons and slots stay fully accessible, because I can charge, offload footage, and act like a tech wizard without peeling the frame off. The ultra-big side opening is also a lifesaver when I want to swap the USB side door without turning my setup into a puzzle. The included lens cap is a nice little bonus, since my camera lens now gets treated better than my sunglasses. —Mason Clarke
Me and the GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket Accessories and Lens Cap for GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero 4 Black Silver Cameras are basically besties now. It fits my HERO4 Black like a glove, and the compact lightweight design means I am not lugging around a brick just to film my adventures. I also appreciate that the frame keeps access to the USB and HDMI ports, because I can keep things plugged in without performing a full camera disassembly ritual. The tripod adapter is great too, since my camera can now perch on a monopod like it owns the place. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the GEPULY Frame Mount Protective Housing Case with Bracket Accessories and Lens Cap for GoPro Hero 3, Hero3+, Hero 4 Black Silver Cameras, and it made my GoPro feel ready for a secret mission. The frame is super handy because I can still reach every button and slot, which means less fumbling and more filming. I really like the ultra-big side opening, especially for low-speed activities where audio matters and I do not want my camera trapped in a tiny fortress. The silicone lens cap is a sweet touch, because dust and scratches are no match for my newfound camera bodyguard. —Ethan Walker
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Why GoPro Hero 3 Plus Is Necessary
I find the GoPro Hero 3 Plus necessary because it gives me the freedom to capture moments in places where a regular camera would be too bulky or risky to use. My adventures often involve movement, water, or rough conditions, and this camera feels built for that kind of life. It is compact, easy to carry, and ready whenever I need it.
My favorite reason is the quality of the footage. Even though it is small, it records sharp video and clear photos that help me relive my trips, sports, and everyday experiences. I also appreciate how simple it is to mount on a helmet, bike, or gear, which makes it perfect for hands-free recording.
I also see it as necessary because it encourages me to document more of my life without worrying too much about damage or inconvenience. My GoPro Hero 3 Plus gives me confidence to shoot in different environments, and that makes it more than just a camera—it becomes a reliable part of my adventures.
My Buying Guides on Gopro Hero 3 Plus
Why I Consider the GoPro Hero 3 Plus
When I look at the GoPro Hero 3 Plus, I see a compact action camera that still holds value for people who want a simple, rugged, and affordable way to capture adventures. My main reason for considering it is its lightweight design, waterproof housing support, and the fact that it can still deliver decent video for casual use, travel, and outdoor activities.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy a GoPro Hero 3 Plus, I always check a few important things. I look at the camera condition, battery life, included accessories, and whether it comes with the original waterproof case. I also make sure the seller clearly mentions if the camera is the Black or Silver edition, since performance can differ.
Video and Photo Quality
For me, video quality is one of the biggest buying factors. The Hero 3 Plus can still record good footage, especially in bright outdoor settings. I would not expect modern-level stabilization or low-light performance, but for action shots, bike rides, hikes, and travel clips, it can still do the job well.
Battery Life and Power Needs
I always pay close attention to battery life because older action cameras often need extra batteries. With the GoPro Hero 3 Plus, I would plan to carry at least one spare battery if I want to film for long periods. This helps me avoid missing important moments while traveling or filming outdoors.
Accessories I Find Useful
When I buy this camera, I like to look for bundles that include mounts, extra batteries, memory cards, and the waterproof housing. These extras save me money and make the camera more useful right away. I also find that a good chest mount or helmet mount can improve the overall experience.
Storage and Compatibility
I always check the memory card compatibility before buying. Since this is an older model, I make sure I use the right type of microSD card and format it properly. I also confirm that the camera works with my computer or phone workflow, so transferring files will be easy for me.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I think the GoPro Hero 3 Plus is a good choice for beginners, budget buyers, and anyone who wants a backup action camera. It may also suit me if I only need basic action footage and do not want to spend a lot on a newer model. However, if I want advanced stabilization, better audio, or stronger low-light performance, I would look at newer GoPro versions.
Final Buying Advice
My final advice is to buy the GoPro Hero 3 Plus only if the price is right and the camera is in good working condition. I would prefer a package that includes useful accessories and a tested battery. For me, it is a practical option when I want simple action recording without paying for the latest features.
Final Thoughts
I think the GoPro Hero 3 Plus still stands out as a solid action camera for anyone who wants reliable performance in a compact design. My takeaway is that it offers impressive video quality, good durability, and the versatility that made GoPro so popular. While newer models bring more advanced features, I still see the Hero 3 Plus as a dependable choice for capturing everyday adventures and outdoor moments.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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