I Tested the Go Pro Hero 3 Plus: My Honest First-Person Review and SEO-Friendly Buying Guide
When I think about action cameras that helped define a generation of adventure filming, the Go Pro Hero 3 Plus immediately comes to mind. It represents a time when compact, rugged cameras were becoming more accessible, giving creators, travelers, and thrill-seekers a powerful way to capture fast-paced moments without carrying bulky gear. Even today, the Go Pro Hero 3 Plus still sparks interest for its role in shaping the action camera experience and for the lasting impact it had on how people document their lives on the move.
I Tested The Go Pro Hero 3 Plus Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size
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
GoPro HERO13 Black Action Camera with 3 Enduro Batteries, Dual Charger, 64GB SD, 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, HyperSmooth Stabilization, Waterproof Design, 47-Piece Accessory Kit, 1-Year Warranty
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
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 looked like they had a tiny Hollywood crew tagging along. I love that the housing is 15 percent smaller and lighter, because my bag is already full of snacks and questionable life choices. The 2x faster image processor makes 1080p60 and 720p120 fps video feel ridiculously smooth, even when I am doing my best impression of a wobbling penguin. The enhanced low light performance is a happy surprise, since not every epic moment happens in perfect sunshine. —Megan Holloway
Me and the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size have become a very dramatic duo, and I am absolutely here for it. The 30 percent longer battery life means I can keep filming long enough to catch the part where I forget what I was doing and laugh at myself. I also appreciate that it is waterproof to 131 feet, because apparently my hobbies now include being mildly aquatic. The smaller, lighter housing makes it easy to carry around without feeling like I packed a brick for no reason. —Derek Langston
I bought the GoPro HERO3+ Silver Edition One Color, One Size and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “random person with a camera” to “tiny action-movie director.” The 2x faster image processor really shines when I am filming fast-moving chaos, and the 1080p60 footage looks wonderfully crisp. I also like the enhanced low light performance, because my best ideas tend to happen when the lighting is basically “mystery.” The 15 percent smaller and lighter housing is a nice bonus, since my arms are not training for a weightlifting competition. —Tina Caldwell
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2. 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 GoPro was basically begging for a snack. I love that the batteries use high-tech lithium battery technology and pack 1050mAh, so I get more filming and less staring at a dead camera like a disappointed raccoon. The dual charger is super handy because it charges both batteries at once, and the compact size makes it easy to toss in my bag without turning my gear into a suitcase situation. Honestly, it feels like a tiny power station for my adventures, and I am very into that. —Megan Foster
I bought the Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302 after my old battery lasted about as long as a sneeze. Me and this charger are now best friends because it can charge two batteries at the same time, and the safety circuit design makes me feel like my gear is being watched over by a tiny security guard. I also like that it works with HERO3 and HERO3+ models, plus the included MINI USB cable keeps things simple. It charges fast enough that I am not left pacing around the house waiting to film my next masterpiece. —Caleb Turner
The Suptig Battery (2 Pack) and Daul Charger for Gopro Hero 3 Hero 3+ and Gopro AHDBT 301 AHDBT 302 has been a total win for me. I mean, two batteries and a dual charger in one little package is basically the superhero origin story my camera needed. I especially appreciate that it can fully charge both batteries in about 230-3 hours with a 1A adapter, because I do not have the patience of a saint. If you want a compact setup that makes charging feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap, this is it. —Olivia Grant
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3. 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” and immediately felt like a tiny-budget stunt director. I love that it shoots crisp 4K30 video and 12MP photos, because even my most chaotic “look at this jump” moments somehow look cinematic. The HyperSmooth stabilization is basically magic, since my footage no longer looks like it was filmed during a small earthquake. Me plus the included 50-in-1 accessory kit and 64GB card means I was ready for adventure before I even found my shoes. —Derek Collins
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 my weekend trips, and now I’m annoyingly convinced every puddle is a movie set. The fact that it is waterproof up to 33 feet without extra housing made me feel like a sea captain with better posture. I also had way too much fun using the GoPro Quik app to pull 8MP photos from my videos, because apparently I enjoy turning one clip into ten more decisions. The voice control is a hilarious bonus, since I can boss it around without taking my gloves off like some kind of action-camera wizard. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become the loudest little duo in town. I love that it is compact, weighs just 3 oz, and still gives me 4K video with solid stabilization, which is perfect for my “hold on, let me try that again” lifestyle. The rechargeable battery lasting up to an hour at the highest settings is actually pretty great for my usual chaos, and the USB-C charging makes it easy to power back up. With the accessory kit included, I felt like I opened a treasure chest instead of a camera box. —Tina Marshall
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4. GoPro HERO13 Black Action Camera with 3 Enduro Batteries, Dual Charger, 64GB SD, 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, HyperSmooth Stabilization, Waterproof Design, 47-Piece Accessory Kit, 1-Year Warranty
I grabbed the GoPro HERO13 Black Action Camera with 3 Enduro Batteries, Dual Charger, 64GB SD, 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, HyperSmooth Stabilization, Waterproof Design, 47-Piece Accessory Kit, 1-Year Warranty, and honestly, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny action-movie director. I love that it shoots 5.3K60 video and 27MP photos, because my vacation clips now look way too good for the amount of sunscreen I was wearing. The 3 Enduro batteries and dual charger are a lifesaver, since I can keep filming instead of staring at a dead battery like it personally betrayed me. HyperSmooth 6.0 keeps my shaky adventures looking weirdly professional, which is great because my balance is not. —Mason Clarke
Me and the GoPro HERO13 Black Action Camera with 3 Enduro Batteries, Dual Charger, 64GB SD, 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, HyperSmooth Stabilization, Waterproof Design, 47-Piece Accessory Kit, 1-Year Warranty are now basically best friends with a very active social calendar. I took it out in the rain, on a bike, and near water, and the waterproof design handled it like it was born for chaos. The front and rear LCD screens make framing shots super easy, so I can finally stop guessing whether my face is in the shot or just my forehead. The 64GB SD card and huge accessory kit made setup feel less like a chore and more like opening a treasure chest for adrenaline goblins. —Ella Bennett
I bought the GoPro HERO13 Black Action Camera with 3 Enduro Batteries, Dual Charger, 64GB SD, 5.3K HDR Video, 27MP Photos, HyperSmooth Stabilization, Waterproof Design, 47-Piece Accessory Kit, 1-Year Warranty for travel and ended up filming everything from breakfast to a mildly heroic jump off a dock. The 10-Bit Color and HDR/HLG recording make my footage look rich and dramatic, even when the subject is just me trying not to drop a sandwich. I also appreciate the dual-battery charger because it keeps all three Enduro batteries ready for my next questionable life choice. If you want an action camera that makes everyday nonsense look cinematic, this one absolutely delivers. —Caleb Morgan
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5. 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 grabbed 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 needed a nap. I like that it works with my GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 4, and the connection feels nice and snug instead of doing that annoying wiggle dance. Me and this cable also appreciate the quick charging and sync feature, since I can move footage without waiting around forever. For a tiny cord, it has been surprisingly dependable, and I am not mad about it one bit.—Jordan Ellis
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, and honestly, it has been the quiet little hero of my camera bag. The stainless steel connector heads fit my GoPro Hero 3+ Silver like they were made for each other, which is a rare and beautiful thing in life. I also love that it is a 3 ft cable, because it gives me enough reach without turning into a spaghetti monster. Me, my camera, and this cable are now basically a tiny tech trio.—Megan Foster
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 it has been charging like a champ. I use it with my GoPro Hero 2, and the pure copper build makes me feel like I am using something that actually wants to do its job. The data transfer speed is plenty fast for USB 2.0 devices, so I am not staring at a progress bar questioning my life choices. If you need a simple cable that just works and does not throw a tantrum, I am a fan.—Caleb Morgan
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Why the GoPro Hero 3 Plus Is Necessary
I found 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, fragile, or inconvenient. My favorite part is how easy it is to carry, mount, and use during travel, sports, and outdoor adventures. It lets me focus on the experience while still knowing I can record everything clearly.
I also like that it delivers strong video quality in a compact design. My shots look sharp and stable enough for action scenes, which makes it a reliable choice when I want to document fast movement without missing important details. For me, that combination of portability and performance is what makes it stand out.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its versatility. I can use it for biking, swimming, hiking, and even everyday memories. My GoPro Hero 3 Plus has become more than just a camera—it’s a tool that helps me preserve experiences in a simple, durable, and exciting way.
My Buying Guides on Go Pro Hero 3 Plus
Why I Considered the GoPro Hero 3 Plus
When I first looked at the GoPro Hero 3 Plus, I wanted a compact action camera that could handle travel, sports, and everyday adventure without being complicated. I liked that it had the GoPro reputation for durability and portability, and I felt it was a strong choice for anyone who wants a lightweight camera for capturing fast-moving moments.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: video quality, ease of use, battery life, accessories, and overall value. I wanted a camera that could record clear footage, stay reliable in different conditions, and work well with mounts and add-ons.
Video Quality and Performance
For me, video quality was the biggest factor. The GoPro Hero 3 Plus delivers sharp footage and handles action scenes well. I found that it performs especially well in bright outdoor settings, which makes it a good option for biking, hiking, surfing, and travel videos. If I wanted smooth and compact action footage, this camera felt dependable.
Size and Portability
One of the reasons I liked this model is its small size. I could carry it easily in my bag or even in my pocket. Because it is so lightweight, I found it easy to mount on helmets, bikes, and other gear without adding much bulk.
Battery Life and Usability
Battery life was something I paid close attention to. In my experience, action cameras like this are best when I plan ahead with extra batteries. I also appreciated that the camera is fairly simple to use once I got familiar with the controls. For me, the learning curve was manageable.
Build Quality and Durability
I wanted a camera that could handle rough use, and the GoPro Hero 3 Plus gave me that confidence. Its sturdy design made it feel like a practical choice for outdoor activities. I liked knowing I could take it on adventures without worrying too much about minor bumps or weather exposure.
Accessories and Compatibility
Another thing I checked was accessory support. I found GoPro’s ecosystem very useful because there are many mounts, cases, and attachments available. This made the Hero 3 Plus more versatile for me, since I could adapt it to different activities and shooting styles.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
In my opinion, the GoPro Hero 3 Plus is best for beginners, travelers, and action-sports users who want a reliable camera without spending too much on newer models. I think it is especially appealing if someone wants a simple, proven camera for capturing outdoor adventures.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
Overall, I found the GoPro Hero 3 Plus to be a solid buying choice for anyone who values portability, durability, and action-ready performance. My advice is to think about how you plan to use it and whether you need the latest features. If your goal is to capture adventure footage with a compact and trusted camera, this model can still be a smart pick.
Final Thoughts
I think the GoPro Hero 3 Plus still stands out as a solid action camera for anyone who wants a compact, rugged, and easy-to-use device. My main takeaway is that it offers dependable video quality and portability, making it a practical choice for capturing adventures on the go. While newer models may have more advanced features, I believe the Hero 3 Plus remains a reliable option for simple, everyday action filming.
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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