The Best of Gopro Hero 11 Must-Have Accessories

In this article, I selected all the accessories I think MUST have if you want to get the most out of your GoPro camera. I have been using GoPro cameras for a couple of years now, ever since GoPro Hero 4 Black, and I even created a whole Youtube channel around these cameras, so trust me, my picks will be extremely useful for you. Some of these accessories will be universal, but some might be compatible only with the latest GoPro Hero 11 Black and Hero 11 Black Mini, so let’s take a closer look at them.

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GoPro Volta

This accessory is probably the best one you can get, especially if you are starting and have no accessories. GoPro Volta is like a camera grip with a built–in remote control, power bank, and a hidden tripod.

Primarily you can use it as a simple camera grip; you mount the camera on the top and have a solid grasp on the handle, wrap the attached lanyard around the wrist so you won’t accidentally drop it, etc.

This way, you won’t accidentally touch any button or block your camera view with your finger, but apart from that, it has a short USB-C cable that can be inserted into your camera charging port. Inside the package is a unique battery door with a tiny opening designed for it, so your camera is still weatherproof and dustproof even while setting.

GoPro Volta significantly increases your camera’s battery life up to 4h while recording a video in 5.3k 30 fps. It’s three times more than you can do with a single battery.

In reality, it will constantly keep your camera recharged and ready for action, lasting even a whole day if you use the Quick Capture feature ( Quick Capture quickly powers on the camera and starts the video recording as soon as you click the shutter button and powers it off if you click on it again).

On the front of the handle are integrated buttons to control the camera wirelessly via Bluetooth or thanks to the USB-C cable that recharges the camera.

The built–in buttons let you start and stop the recording, take a photo, change between modes like Video, Photo, and Time-lapse, check your battery level and finally power on/off the camera.

It’s convenient when the camera is mounted on the top of the grip, as you can control it with just one hand. However, it also comes in handy in a slightly different scenario.

GoPro Volta can also be used as a wireless remote control up to 30 meters from the camera. If you ever want to mount your GoPro somewhere inaccessible, you can easily control it from a distance.

Imagine you have the camera mounted on your helmet, motorbike, or outside the car, and you suddenly need to turn on the camera or set it to video mode and hit the record button.

Usually, you would need to look for the button, exit your vehicle etc., but with Volta, you no longer have to do any of that as you have complete control of the camera.

Thanks to the integrated mounting fingers within the grip, GoPro Volta is mountable and can be used with other accessories. It can be attached to the chest, handlebar, outside the car, or windshield, so you can use it handheld or mount it to your body or anything else, making it universal and flexible.

However, it also is used as a small tripod that can be set up on a flat surface whenever you need to record a time-lapse, take a photo or vlog with the camera.

It’s not as good as a tall tripod, but it is nice if you don’t have anything better or don’t want to bring too many accessories.

Finally, GoPro Volta is weather resistant, dustproof and can take the beating. I love using it for extended time lapses like star photography, day-to-night time lapses etc.

Not only do you get more battery life out of it, but you don’t have to worry about it getting wet when you leave the camera for the night.

Don’t get me wrong, though; it’s not fully waterproof, so you can’t submerge it in the water, but it will survive being exposed to drizzle, fog or morning dew thanks to the sealed body.

GoPro Volta is the most expensive accessory on my list as it costs 129$, but you can get a 30% discount on it on GoPro’s official website if you are a GoPro subscriber, which is worth it. It’s a quality product, and believes me; you won’t regret getting one for yourself.  

GoPro Protective Housing

This accessory is primarily designed for people who want to take their GoPro underwater up to 60 meters deep, like scuba diving or freediving. Still, many people forget that it also offers a great deal of protection for your camera whenever you plan to mount it or use it in dangerous scenarios where it can get damaged.

Remember, it’s better to break a plastic case you can always replace than destroy your camera.

I recommend using GoPro Protective Housing whenever you use your camera in Saltwater. Believe it or not, salt water can be devastating to your equipment over long periods, and you should always thoroughly clean all of your accessories whenever you swim in it, and I mean every single time.

Having Protective housing will block all that salt water out, so it’s much easier and faster to clean the accommodation later.

I would also like to mention that even though GoPro cameras are fully waterproof up to 10 meters, it’s always safer to have a dive housing for extra piece of mind. Many people got their cameras broken because some water got inside, leaking through the battery door and causing corrosion.

You must be extremely careful when you close that battery door to ensure it’s properly completed. Most importantly, the seal surrounding the battery door must be perfectly clean; otherwise, even a single grain of sand, hair or some other dirt can potentially cause a leak – it’s a gamble.

I have been reluctant to use my GoPro cameras in the water without underwater housing, but recently I started using my Hero 11 Black in the ocean, and so far, It has been fine, but you never know. So protective housing is a must if you want to be on the safe side and can’t afford to buy a new camera.

GoPro Protective housing costs around $ 50$ but once again, if you pick it up on the official website with the subscription, you can get it for $ 40$, so it’s a bit cheaper.

Should you take the original or get some alternatives? If you want to go scuba diving or freediving, ignore the counterfeits and bring the original one. Still, if you wish for all-around protection for your camera, then any underwater housing will do. It doesn’t matter.

GoPro The Handler

One day my friend took his GoPro for a kayaking trip to record some simple videos and take some photos, nothing serious. Unfortunately, he was hit by a strong wave and dropped the camera straight into the water; now it’s lying somewhere at the bottom of the lake because GoPro cameras don’t flow.

GoPro The Handler is a soft camera grip that keeps your camera afloat when you drop it in the water, so you don’t have to worry about losing your camera again. If only my friend had this accessory, this could have easily saved his GoPro from drowning.

The Grip is comfortable, offering a non-slip handle for a secure grip. It comes with a short adjustable lanyard wrapped around the wrist, so you never drop it out of your hand. The bottom part of the handle is covered with bright orange, so it’s easier to see it in the water when floating.

The handler uses a quick-release mounting system, so mounting or removing a camera is pretty fast. You can take your camera in and out within seconds once you screw your camera to the quick release. If you have other accessories from GoPro that support the same quick-release mounting, you can easily swap your camera from one addition to another.

This accessory is ideal for all water activities, such as surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, etc. However, even if you don’t do any of these, I still think GoPro The handler should be used whenever you are near the water for extra peace of mind and a solid grip in everyday situations.  It’s relatively inexpensive as it costs only around 29$, and with a GoPro subscription, you can get it for 23.99$ on the official GoPro website, so it’s worth it.

GoPro Sleeve + Lanyard

Just because GoPro cameras are designed for action doesn’t mean you should never use them daily; this is precisely where GoPro Sleeve + Lanyard comes into play. This accessory makes it easier to use a GoPro as a traditional point-and-shoot camera where you want to casually record a video and take a couple of photos here and there.

This product comes with a long lanyard that can be quickly wrapped around your neck or wrist to enjoy your day, family trip, etc., and have your hands free. This way, whenever you see something interesting, you can easily reach out for your GoPro, take the shot and hang it back when you don’t need it anymore.

It’s pretty convenient for travel and everyday activities. If you don’t want to use a lanyard, it can be quickly unclipped and stored in your bag.

The sleeve is made of silicone material that covers most of the camera to protect your GoPro from minor scratches and everyday use. However, the Front LCD and rear touch screens are still exposed, so I recommend using some tempered glass to protect those.

The sleeve offers full camera functionality; you can still press the mode button, hit the shutter or navigate through the menu, so it doesn’t limit you. Whenever I use my camera in an activity where it can be scratched or dropped, I always use it just in case. The sleeve has a big cut-out for the foldable mounting fingers at the very bottom of it so you can mount your camera to other accessories.

Currently, GoPro Sleeve + Lanyard is available in 3 different colours: White, Blue and Black, so you can personalise your camera and make it more unique. I think it’s a nice touch.  The official accessory feels quite premium to the touch.

I saw one counterfeit made from worse silicone; if you want to save some bucks, you can get a counterfeit for around 10-12 $ but the original costs only 19.99$ at full price. Once again, if you count a GoPro subscription, you can get it for like 16.99$, so it’s a bit cheaper.

POV Mounts

POV angle is the most immersive perspective you can get from a GoPro camera because the viewer can see whatever you are doing as if from your own eyes. For many people, it is the only chance to experience how it feels to skydive or mountain bike if they haven’t tried it before. You should use POV mounts to get the most out of your GoPro.

The question is, what kind of perspective going to be right for you? I selected two POV mounts that should be ideal for most scenarios. You can get either of them or the one that fits your style.

This accessory helps you mount your GoPro camera to your chest, perfect for all activities where you want to focus on your hands. For example, this mount is ideal for riding a motorbike or bicycle, fixing the car, or holding something in your hands.

The best thing about this mount is that it feels secure on your body; GoPro Chesty uses straps and padded breathable material for extra comfort and stability. Thanks to the straps, it can be adjusted to various shapes and sizes.

It can be worn over a t-shirt or jacket, so you can successfully use it while skiing, hiking etc. The cool thing is that your hands are free, so you can fully enjoy your activity and forget that the camera is even there.

GoPro Chesty uses quick-release mounting, which helps you insert or remove the camera in just a few seconds. If you have other mounts that support the exact design, you can quickly change your camera from one accessory to another.

The chest mount might be a bit pricey as it costs 40$ but believe me; it is the best and most comfortable one you can get. Other alternatives from the competition also work pretty well, but they don’t feel as comfortable, and the camera doesn’t feel as stable on the chest.

The Headstrap is another attractive POV mount you should try. It gives almost eye levelled perspective from your camera and is the easiest way to show something as if from your own eyes. It’s genuinely immersive because people can see it closely from the first-person perspective, where you looked, what you did with your hands, and how it looked from your perspective. 

I love using this mount when holding my wife’s hand. At the same time, we walk along the beach, for example, during sunset, capturing travel content like riding a motorbike, setting up a hammock, preparing my photography gear etc. It’s an excellent b-roll accessory.

The head strap is adjustable, so you can tighten it or loosen depending on your needs, but no matter how hard you tighten it, I don’t recommend running with it as the camera can fall on the ground. GoPro cameras have become heavier since Hero 9 Black, but they should be lighter if you have a Mini.

GoPro Headstrap is priced at around 20$, so it isn’t that expensive. Additionally, you get a clip that you can attach to your cap and use this way, but I never used it.

There are plenty of counterfeits on Amazon for 7-10 $, and honestly, as far as the Headstrap is concerned, they are all the same. I used some non-branded ones, and It was pretty close; maybe GoPro uses better materials that don’t stink so badly out of the box.

Selfie Stick

A selfie stick was the first accessory I got for myself when I bought my first GoPro. It is a perfect accessory to capture 3rd person’s perspective and is beneficial for travelling and sightseeing. Since GoPro has a wide-angle lens, it captures almost everything, so you don’t have to worry about being in the shot.  A selfie stick is fantastic for recording videos and taking photos. I prepared two selfie sticks that I think are solid and worth considering.

Heavy Duty Option – GoPro El Grande

GoPro El Grande is probably the most reliable aluminium extension pole I can imagine. It’s the best selfie stick I have ever tested for getting action shots, as it’s super strong and consists only of 2 extendable sections.

It has an oversized grip, so you can easily hold it with two hands. The whole grip is covered with some rubber and provides a solid grip.

El Grande isn’t small or compact; even when entirely collapsed, this selfie stick takes quite a bit of space in your camera bag and is a bit clumsy to travel while holding in hand. However, when it comes to recording some serious stuff, it’s the best for it. This thing quickly has 2 GoPro cameras at a time, even though it was designed for only one camera.

It can be extended up to 97cm (38in) and collapsed to 38cm (15in). Extending the pole feels smooth and manageable even after many years of using it all it takes is a twist. At the top is a 360-degree ball head that can quickly rotate your camera.

You can adjust it to record what’s in the front quickly, so you have an extra reach while recording, but you can also turn it towards you for a selfie shot. Apart from that, It comes with a quick-release design, so once you mount the camera to it there is no need to unscrew it; you can remove it with a quick-release buckle. 

It is convenient, especially when other GoPro mounts support the same design because you can quickly change between different accessories.

There are some things to be aware of. In the past, El Grande used to come with a short adjustable lanyard, so it was possible to wrap it around the wrist, but it seems like the new model doesn’t come with a lanyard anymore. Another thing missing in the latest version is the lack ¼ screw hole at the bottom of the handle. It used to have a tripod screw, but GoPro removed it for some reason.

GoPro El Grande isn’t cheap; its standard retail price is around 60$. If you have the GoPro Subscription, you can get it for 20% off on the official GoPro website; it should cost about 47$. Nonetheless, it’s still a bit pricey but believes me; it’s worth it.

Ultra small and compact – GoPro Shorty

It may look weird why I put this accessory into this category, as initially, I wanted to recommend the GoPro MAX grip. Still, I finally decided to go for the Shorty as I have a much better experience with it.

GoPro Shorty isn’t a long selfie stick, it’s more like a camera grip that can be slightly extended, but the beauty of this product is that it’s travel friendly and small enough to fit in your pocket.  Shorty is around 11.7cm (4.6in) long when collapsed and extends up to 22.7cm (8.9in); take it with you and use it or not. It won’t take up much space in your camera bag.

It’s always good to have it with you because it can be used for three main reasons:

• It can be used as a simple camera grip for a better grip without touching the camera, messing with buttons, blocking the view, etc.
• When you unfold the tripod legs, it can be quickly turned into a mini tripod for a selfie shot or recording time-lapses on a flat levelled surface.
• It can be slightly extended to record yourself without having the arm visible in the shot or have a higher reach when used as a tripod.

 It’s one of those accessories that are pretty useful though I wished it had a better grip. The surface on the handle is relatively smooth, and I would love it if it were covered with some anty slippery rubber or something rougher to stop the hand from sliding.

GoPro Shorty is priced at around 40$, which is a bit overpriced for what it does; if you want to get a cheaper and better alternative, then look for Ulanzi MT-09, it is the same product and has a better grip, but unfortunately,, it has worse and much stiffer extension part. However, if you are on the budget, Ulanzi MT-09 costs half of that price as you should be able to get it for 20-22$, and as I said, it’s cheaper and better.

Dual Battery Charger + Extra batteries

GoPro Dual battery charger lets you charge two GoPro batteries simultaneously without waiting until your camera is fully set before you can use it again. Traditionally, you would have to recharge your battery inside the camera, wait an hour and thirty minutes before it’s done and insert a new battery to repeat the process.

This accessory lets you quickly recharge your batteries since you can put two of them in the charger and use the third one in your camera, so it’s like three batteries charged simultaneously.

            Depending on what version you find, you can get Enduro Dual pack version that comes with 2 New Enduro batteries and a Dual charger for just 59$ (47$ with subscription), or you can probably still find the old version, which only has one standard battery and a charger for the same price. Please don’t even consider the older one; by all means, get the newer version.

            Unfortunately, since GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini doesn’t have a removable battery, if you have this camera, you will have no use for this accessory. Getting a GoPro Volta or GoPro Supercharger to recharge your camera is much better.

So there you have it. These are all the accessories I think are a definite MUST-have for everyone with a GoPro camera. I intentionally didn’t pick some hardcore accessories that serve a particular purpose and, most of the time, would be lying on a shelf collecting dust.

If you decide on the accessories from my list, you will find great value for your money and won’t regret getting them anytime soon. It would mean a lot to me if you could order it via the links from Amazon, but I understand that you can get it cheaper from the official GoPro website, considering you have the Subscription.

Suppose you plan to order mainly GoPro original accessories. In that case, the subscription lets you save a lot of money and replace up to two cameras annually for an additional fee. Nevertheless, if you order via the Amazon link, I would like to thank you for your support.

I hope you found this article helpful and that you can enjoy using these accessories! Take care, and have fun with your GoPro.

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