Overview

The GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera sits in an interesting spot in the action camera market — it's an older model, released back in 2015, but still holds up well for buyers who don't need cutting-edge specs. What set the HERO+ LCD apart from the stripped-down base models was its built-in 2.5-inch touchscreen, which made framing shots and reviewing footage far less frustrating. The body is compact, rugged, and waterproof without any housing, so it's genuinely ready to take a beating. Just set realistic expectations: this is a camera built for active, casual adventurers — not for cinematic productions or professional shoots.

Features & Benefits

This touchscreen action cam handles video well for its age — shooting at 1080p60 keeps motion looking fluid during fast-paced activities, and SuperView wide-angle mode adds an immersive feel to helmet or handlebar footage. The 2.5-inch touch display lets you frame shots and trim clips on the spot without pulling out your phone. Stills are solid at 8MP, with Burst mode capturing up to 5 frames per second for action sequences. Auto Low Light adjusts automatically when lighting drops, and HiLight Tag lets you flag key moments mid-action. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth round it out for app control and remote shooting.

Best For

The HERO+ LCD makes the most sense for casual outdoor adventurers — think hikers, cyclists, surfers, and snorkelers who want reliable footage without wrestling with complex settings. If you're stepping up from a very basic action cam and want a touchscreen without paying current flagship prices, it fits that role well. Travel vloggers who need something compact, mountable, and waterproof will also find it practical. That said, if 4K video or built-in stabilization is on your must-have list, you're better served by a newer model from GoPro's current lineup. This one is for capable but uncomplicated use in the field.

User Feedback

Across close to 5,000 reviews, this GoPro HERO+ LCD earns a strong overall rating — a sign that it consistently delivers on what it promises. Buyers frequently praise how easy it is to use straight out of the box, and many back up the waterproofing claims with real-world stories from the water. The criticisms are worth heeding, though. Short battery life is the most common complaint: extended shoots drain it quickly, and experienced users suggest always keeping a spare on hand. The touchscreen can also turn unresponsive in cold or wet conditions — somewhat frustrating for an adventure camera. A handful of reviewers flag that it feels dated compared to GoPro's newer lineup, but for the price tier, most seem satisfied with the trade-off.

Pros

  • Built-in 2.5-inch touchscreen makes framing shots and reviewing footage far more intuitive than app-only alternatives.
  • Waterproof to 131 feet without any extra housing — genuinely ready for diving, rain, and rough water.
  • Compact and lightweight at 4.5 ounces, easy to clip onto helmets, handlebars, or backpack straps.
  • 1080p60 video keeps fast-motion footage looking smooth and sharp in good outdoor lighting.
  • SuperView wide-angle mode delivers an immersive, expansive field of view well-suited to action sports.
  • Simple one-button capture means beginners and kids can start shooting almost immediately.
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow wireless control and clip sharing directly from a smartphone.
  • Nearly 5,000 buyer reviews consistently back up its reputation for reliability in real-world conditions.
  • Burst mode at up to 5fps and Time Lapse shooting add versatility well beyond basic video capture.
  • Auto Low Light mode quietly adapts to shifting lighting without requiring any manual intervention.

Cons

  • Battery life is notably short — extended shooting sessions will almost certainly demand a spare on hand.
  • The touchscreen can turn sluggish or fully unresponsive in cold or wet conditions.
  • No 4K recording puts it behind even many mid-range cameras released in recent years.
  • Being a 2015 model, it lacks voice control, electronic stabilization, and auto cloud upload.
  • Replacement accessories and compatible mounts are increasingly harder to source as the model ages.
  • Wind noise in outdoor recordings is a recurring issue the built-in audio struggles to manage.
  • Low-light video quality is noticeably softer compared to what current-generation sensors produce.
  • No memory card is included, adding an easily overlooked extra purchase on top of the camera itself.

Ratings

The scores below are generated by our AI engine after analyzing thousands of verified buyer reviews for the GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera worldwide, with spam, incentivized posts, and bot activity actively filtered out. Both the consistent strengths — like waterproofing and ease of use — and the genuine pain points — particularly battery life and aging hardware — are fully reflected in the results. What you see here is an honest snapshot of what real owners experience in the field, not a polished marketing summary.

Build Quality
88%
The HERO+ LCD feels impressively solid for its size — users regularly report dropping it on rocky trails or wet boat decks without visible damage. The rubberized grip and tight-fitting port covers hold up well under constant outdoor use, and the compact frame clips securely into GoPro's standard mount system without wobbling.
A few buyers note that the mounting latch shows wear after heavy use, and the side port covers can feel slightly flimsy over time. The body also predates GoPro's more refined design language, so the fit and finish feels a touch dated compared to current models on the shelf.
Ease of Use
91%
One-button Quick Capture is genuinely appreciated by first-timers and parents handing this off to kids — you press the button and it records, full stop. The built-in touchscreen makes navigating modes far less intimidating than action cameras that rely entirely on cryptic button combinations or app-only menus.
Advanced users sometimes find the menu structure a bit shallow, with fewer manual customization options than flagship GoPro models offer. Initial Wi-Fi setup is also a recurring frustration — several buyers report it taking multiple attempts to pair the camera with the app for the first time.
Video Quality
74%
26%
For casual shooting — mountain bike runs, snorkeling clips, travel montages — the 1080p60 footage holds up solidly in good daylight. SuperView mode adds a wide, immersive perspective that looks great on phones and TV screens, and 60fps keeps fast motion noticeably smoother than basic 30fps action cameras.
No 4K is a hard limitation for buyers who want footage that holds up to modern editing workflows or large-screen playback. Video quality also drops noticeably in overcast or low-light conditions — colors wash out and detail softens in ways that current-generation sensors handle considerably more competently.
Waterproofing
93%
Waterproofing to 131 feet without any housing is one of the strongest points of this camera, and buyers consistently confirm it holds up in the real world — not just in a bathtub test. Surfers, kayakers, and snorkelers report zero water ingress after repeated submersions, which is precisely the confidence level an action camera needs to earn.
A small number of users report leaks at deeper depths or after port covers wore down from heavy use — always inspect the seals before a serious dive. The touchscreen also stops responding once submerged, meaning waterproofing does not translate into a fully functional shooting experience below the surface.
Touchscreen
72%
28%
Having a built-in display is a genuine step up from base GoPro models — framing a shot on a helmet mount or reviewing clips without opening an app saves real time in the field. Travel vloggers and casual users consistently cite the touchscreen as the main reason they chose this model over cheaper screen-free alternatives.
The screen becomes unreliable in rain or after a swim — a real frustration given that this camera is built specifically for wet environments. Cold-weather users, particularly skiers and winter hikers, report the same problem, with the display turning sluggish or completely unresponsive when wearing gloves.
Battery Life
47%
53%
For short sessions — a quick 45-minute surf, a single trail run, or a few laps of a track — the battery holds out comfortably. Buyers doing brief, sporadic recording rather than continuous filming report fewer issues, and the camera recharges quickly enough via USB between shorter outings.
Battery life is the most widely criticized aspect of this touchscreen action cam — most owners report running dry within 60 to 90 minutes of active recording. Full-day hikers, event filmers, and cold-weather shooters are routinely caught short, making a spare battery less of an optional accessory and more of a mandatory purchase.
Photo Quality
69%
31%
The 8MP sensor produces clean, usable stills in good daylight — perfectly adequate for social media posts and documenting outdoor adventures at a casual level. Burst mode at 5fps is genuinely useful for freezing peak moments during surfing or cycling, where timing a single shot is nearly impossible.
Eight megapixels is noticeably low by current standards, and prints larger than roughly 8x10 inches will show softness. Dynamic range in high-contrast outdoor scenes is limited, and buyers expecting phone-camera-level detail and sharpness are regularly disappointed with what the older sensor delivers.
Audio Quality
61%
39%
In calm or sheltered environments, the built-in microphone records clear, intelligible audio that works well for vlogging close-ups or calm-water narration. For social clips shot at a quiet beach, pool, or light hiking trail, the audio is functional and genuinely acceptable at this product tier.
Wind noise is a persistent and well-documented problem — any recording taken at speed on a bike, board, or ski lift will pick up distracting interference. There is no external microphone input and no advanced wind reduction, meaning audio quality is weakest in the exact environments where this camera gets used most.
Connectivity
78%
22%
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing with the GoPro app works reliably once set up, letting users adjust settings and preview shots remotely without physically touching the camera. Smart Remote compatibility is a meaningful bonus for surfing or skiing where reaching the camera mid-run is simply not an option.
Initial pairing can be fiddly — several buyers report needing multiple attempts before the app and camera successfully connect for the first time. The model also predates several GoPro app overhauls, and some users find that firmware support for the older hardware has quietly degraded with newer app versions.
Low-Light Performance
58%
42%
Auto Low Light mode makes a real difference in transitional conditions — moving from bright sunlight into a covered market or shaded trail, for example. For the casual adventurer this camera is aimed at, that automated adjustment meaningfully reduces the need to manually touch exposure settings mid-activity.
In genuinely low-light situations — indoor venues, night shots, or heavy overcast — footage becomes noticeably grainy and colors lose accuracy in ways the older CMOS sensor cannot fully compensate for. Buyers hoping to capture evening events or dimly lit underwater scenes will find the results underwhelming next to more current hardware.
Value for Money
76%
24%
At a reduced price, the HERO+ LCD delivers a genuinely useful combination of features — built-in waterproofing, a touchscreen, 1080p60 video, and solid build quality — that would cost considerably more in a brand-new current model. For buyers with modest shooting needs who find it discounted, the overall return is reasonable.
Purchased at full price, the value equation weakens considerably — newer GoPro models with 4K, stabilization, and voice control are available for similar or only slightly higher prices. The aging ecosystem also means accessory availability and long-term software support are less assured than they once were.
Portability
89%
At 4.5 ounces and barely the footprint of a deck of cards, this is one of the easiest cameras to take absolutely anywhere. Cyclists clip it to helmets without noticing the weight, travelers slip it into a jacket pocket, and kids carry it without it ever feeling like a burden.
The compact size that makes it so portable is also the reason the battery capacity is limited — a trade-off that sharpens the longer your outing gets. Carrying extra batteries and Micro SD cards adds a minor but real logistics consideration to an otherwise genuinely pocketable package.
Mounting Versatility
83%
The standard GoPro mounting system is one of the most adaptable in the action camera market, and the HERO+ LCD benefits fully from it — helmet straps, chest harnesses, handlebar clamps, and suction mounts all attach without adapters. Cyclists, kayakers, and skiers particularly appreciate being able to swap positions quickly between activities.
Some third-party mounts designed around newer GoPro form factors do not fit perfectly, occasionally causing minor wobble in high-vibration footage. A handful of users also report the locking mechanism on the standard frame mount showing wear after repeated attachment cycles, which affects stability during rough off-road use.

Suitable for:

The GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera is a practical pick for active, casual users who want a capable wearable camera without the complexity or cost of GoPro's newer flagships. It fits particularly well with hikers, cyclists, snorkelers, and surfers who need something that can handle rough conditions straight out of the box — no extra housing required. The built-in touchscreen is a real advantage for beginners and travel vloggers who want to frame shots and review footage on the go without fumbling through the GoPro app. Parents documenting family adventures or first-time action cam buyers will appreciate the one-button simplicity and the fact that it just works without a steep learning curve. If your shooting mostly happens outdoors in daylight and you want reliable 1080p footage with minimal setup, this camera delivers exactly that.

Not suitable for:

Anyone chasing 4K video, advanced image stabilization, or voice control should look past the GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera and consider a more current model — the technology here is from 2015, and the gap with today's lineup is real. Content creators who need smooth, cinematic footage for professional work or social media will likely find the image quality and feature set insufficient for their standards. Cold-weather adventurers or anyone regularly shooting in wet, rainy environments should know that the touchscreen can turn unresponsive exactly when you need it most. If battery life on long shooting days is critical — think multi-hour hikes or full-day events — the limited runtime will become a genuine problem. This model is also worth skipping if you plan to invest long-term, since accessories and ecosystem support are less readily available compared to GoPro's current generation.

Specifications

  • Video Resolution: Records video at up to 1080p60 or 720p60, delivering smooth, fluid footage during fast-paced activities.
  • Photo Resolution: Captures still images at 8 megapixels via single shot, Burst mode, or Time Lapse.
  • Burst Mode: Shoots continuous stills at up to 5 frames per second to freeze fast-moving subjects mid-action.
  • Display: Features a built-in 2.5-inch touch LCD for live framing, footage playback, and basic on-camera clip trimming.
  • Waterproof Depth: Waterproof as a standalone unit to 131 feet (40m), with no additional protective housing required.
  • Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for pairing with the GoPro mobile app or a compatible Smart Remote.
  • Storage: Uses removable Micro SD cards for saving video and photo files; no card is included in the box.
  • Audio: Records audio via a built-in microphone and outputs files in AAC format.
  • Image Sensor: Equipped with a CMOS sensor built for high-motion outdoor capture across a range of lighting conditions.
  • Lens Aperture: The fixed wide-angle lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.0, supporting adequate light intake under bright to moderate conditions.
  • Video Format: Outputs footage in HD video format, compatible with standard editing software and media players.
  • Dimensions: Measures 2.81 x 1.42 x 2.80 inches, compact enough for helmet, handlebar, or chest harness mounting.
  • Weight: Weighs 4.5 ounces without a mount, keeping physical load minimal during extended wear.
  • Battery: Powered by an included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; a compatible spare can be purchased separately for longer outings.
  • App Support: Compatible with the GoPro mobile app on both iOS and Android, and also operable via the GoPro Smart Remote.

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FAQ

No, the HERO+ LCD is fully waterproof on its own down to 131 feet (40m), so you can take it straight into the water without buying any extra housing. If you want to go significantly deeper than that, a third-party dive case is an option, but for most recreational water activities it is completely unnecessary.

It uses a standard Micro SD card, which is not included in the box. You will want a card rated at UHS-I or Class 10 (10MB/s minimum write speed) to keep up with 1080p60 recording. A 32GB card comfortably holds a few hours of footage, though a 64GB card gives you more breathing room on longer trips.

Realistically, expect somewhere between one and one and a half hours of active recording before the battery runs down. That is probably the single most common complaint from owners of this touchscreen action cam. If you are heading out for a full day, picking up at least one spare battery in advance is genuinely worth it.

Yes, it pairs via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the GoPro app on both iOS and Android. From the app you can adjust shooting modes, start and stop recording, get a live preview of the shot, and share clips directly. The camera is also compatible with GoPro's Smart Remote if you prefer a physical controller over your phone.

No, the GoPro HERO+ LCD Action Camera tops out at 1080p60 — that was a strong spec when it launched back in 2015, but it does not shoot 4K. If 4K resolution is a firm requirement for your use case, a more recent model from GoPro's current lineup would be the better fit.

Not reliably. Capacitive touchscreens generally stop responding once submerged, so for underwater use it is much easier to set your recording mode before you get in the water and use the physical buttons to start and stop capture. The screen works fine on the surface for reviewing footage after a dive.

It uses GoPro's standard mounting system, so it works with a wide range of existing mounts — helmet straps, chest harnesses, handlebar clamps, suction cups, and more. Just be aware that some accessories designed specifically for newer, slimmer GoPro bodies may not be a perfect fit, so it is worth checking compatibility before buying.

There is a meaningful gap. Current GoPro cameras bring 4K recording, voice control, built-in electronic stabilization, and automatic cloud backup — none of which are available on the HERO+ LCD. If you find this model at a significantly reduced price and only need solid 1080p footage for casual adventures, the value case still holds. For anyone planning a longer-term investment, the newer lineup offers considerably more capability.

Yes, it is one of the more approachable action cameras around. The one-button Quick Capture and simple on-screen menu mean most people can start recording in under a minute without reading the manual. The rugged, waterproof build also means it can handle the occasional drop or splash, which is reassuring for younger or first-time users.

You can do basic clip trimming right on the touchscreen, which is handy for cutting out unwanted footage before sharing. For anything beyond that — multi-clip edits, color adjustments, or adding music — you will need to transfer the files to a phone or computer and use dedicated editing software. The GoPro app also handles simple edits reasonably well for quick social sharing.

Where to Buy