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Best Extended Batteries for GoPro HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)

While there aren't a lot of options for external batteries for the GoPro HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018) there are some. Here are the best options I've come across.

Extended Batteries for GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 6 months ago // Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO (2018), GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black

Save $220 on GoPro HERO9 Bundle

GoPro is running a deal on the new HERO9 Black, their newest and best camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery, and a 64GB SD card. It's all for $349.98.

Battery life is not a strength of GoPros (or of GoPro competitors, for that matter). If you get two hours of shooting time out of one you’re doing well. Most of the time you’ll get significantly less, with some shooting modes and features eating into battery life more than others.

So if you’re wanting to get more than an hour or two of shooting and don’t want to be juggling spare batteries all the time, you might be interested in the options for extended battery life with these cameras.

Many of the older GoPro models had a port on the back panel that could be used to attach a GoPro BacPac extended battery to the back of the camera. That port is not on the newer models like the HERO7 cameras or the HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black, so the BacPac batteries are no longer an option.

Nor is it an option to use the internal battery space. That’s a small space, and there’s only so much juice the current lithium battery technology can cram into a space that size. The standard GoPro internal battery is rated for 1220mAh.

There aren’t a whole lot of options for extended batteries that are compatible with the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, and HERO5 Black, but there are some. All of the current range are external batteries that supply the charge through the camera’s USB-C port on the side. That means removing the side door, which in turn means that the camera itself is no longer waterproof. Some of the options overcome that by including a waterproof housing that goes over the whole thing; some don’t.

Of course, you can just plug in any old USB powerbank and use that as an extended battery, and that’s one of the options listed below. But that’s not always a practical solution for various reasons.

So there are some other options worth considering. Which works best depends on how you want to use it. Do you need it to be waterproof, for example? Or do you need it to remain minimalist in size? Some of the options have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to considerations like those.

When it comes to these external batteries, ones that work on the HERO5 Black will also work just as well on the HERO6 Black and HERO7 cameras–they all use the same USB-C port. For internal batteries, the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018) all use the same battery. But the HERO7 Silver and White have hardwired internal batteries that aren’t removable.

DigiPower ReFuel ActionPack

Re-Fuel 9Hr ActionPack Extended Battery (RF-6H50) for GoPro | Compatible...
Re-Fuel 9Hr ActionPack Extended Battery (RF-6H50) for GoPro | Compatible...
Check Price on Amazon
This is my current pick from the current crop of external batteries for GoPros. It has a few things going for it: it’s waterproof, it has a good-sized battery (5000mAh), and although its still adds quite a bit of bulk and weight compared to the camera by itself, it’s still a relatively compact and manageable option compared to some of the other options here. I’ve posted a detailed review separately.

It’s a battery embedded into a frame mount. A swinging arms over the top locks the whole thing securely in place. And it comes with both a standard GoPro attachment point or a standard tripod mount. It manages to be waterproof without encasing the whole thing in a separate housing, and the design gives you access to the camera’s own buttons and touchscreen as normal. While I haven’t gotten quite the shooting times the company claims, I’ve gotten close, and it’s a lot more than the in-camera battery.

You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.

Pros:

  • Waterproof. And it does it without the downsides of using a separate housing.
  • Large-ish battery rated to 5000mAh.
  • Solid package that makes it useful for action environments.

Cons:

  • Adds extra bulk and weight, making it less than ideal for situations where weight and size are critical.
  • Extended battery doesn’t itself charge with USB-C fast-charging.

Wasabi Extended Battery

Wasabi Power 2500mAh Extended Battery for GoPro HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black
Wasabi Power 2500mAh Extended Battery for GoPro HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black
Check Price on Amazon
This was one of the first extended batteries be released for the GoPro HERO5 Black. It’s also compatible with the HERO6 Black. Wasabi have made quite a name for them over the past several years as a maker of high-quality but cost-effective third-party batteries and power supplies.

The battery is rated for 2500mAh and it comes with a frame mount to hold it securely in place. I have a hands-on review of the Wasabi Extended Battery here. For now, it’s not an option if you need something waterproof because they’ve not yet released a waterproof housing that’s compatible. Another important consideration is that it completely obscures the camera’s back screen.

You can find them at Amazon. I bought mine from Blue Nook, but that seems to have been folded into the main Wasabi Power website.

Pros

  • Compact. From the front, it retains the GoPros’ small size (most of the battery sits behind the camera)

Cons

  • Not waterproof. Waterproof housing not yet available.
  • Back screen obscured. You can’t see or use the camera’s back screen. The battery completely covers it.

Oumers Side Power

Oumers Housing Diving Case for GoPro Hero7 Black/Hero(2018)/ Hero5 Black/...
Oumers Housing Diving Case for GoPro Hero7 Black/Hero(2018)/ Hero5 Black/...
Check Price on Amazon
This battery sits alongside the camera. The camera and battery combination then goes inside a waterproof housing. You can find them at Amazon.

The battery is rated for a capacity of 2300mAh (nearly double of the standard internal battery). It has an integrated USB-C plug, so there’s no need for a separate cable to connect to the camera–it just plugs right into the side. The dedicated housing that comes with it is what holds the two pieces securely together.

The result is simple to use, although the side-by-side layout makes the whole thing significantly larger and bulkier, which isn’t going to be ideal for every mounting situation. But if you need a waterproof extended battery, it’s about the only practical option for now.

You’re not alone if you haven’t heard of this brand–I hadn’t either. But I bought one to try out, and it has been working as advertised for me. I’ve posted a detailed review of the Oumers Side Power here.

Pros

  • Waterproof when used in the housing. It’s a dive housing rated down to around 150 feet (45 meters).

Cons

  • Can’t use the camera’s touch screen controls (but you can still see the back screen for viewing.)
  • Can overheat in some conditions.
  • The housing can fog up in humid/damp conditions.

Wasabi Power Clutch

Wasabi Power Clutch (Power Bank Hand Grip) for Compact Digital Cameras,...
Wasabi Power Clutch (Power Bank Hand Grip) for Compact Digital Cameras,...
Check Price on Amazon
This battery takes a different approach. Rather than being something that attaches snugly to the camera, it’s an external 5300mAh battery that’s shaped as a hand grip. So it’s a combination of a battery and grip. The biggest downside is that it’s not waterproof.

You can find them at Amazon.

I’ve posted a more detailed review of the Wasabi Power Clutch here.

Pros

  • You get a battery and grip in one.
  • Large capacity battery (5300mAh).
  • Compatible with any GoPro (or any other camera that can powered by USB, for that matter, provided to add a mounting adapter).

Cons

  • Not waterproof.
  • Best for hand-held shooting and not really suitable if you plan to mount the camera on something else.

Standard External Powerbank

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh External Battery with Dual...
Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh External Battery with Dual...
Check Price on Amazon
You can also just plug in any old USB powerbank as well. Just make sure to use a cable that has a USB-C plug to go into the camera.

This approach adds maximum flexibility in many respects. If you want to add a battery that has over 20 times the capacity of the standard GoPro battery and get many hours of shooting, you can. But it also adds some complexity, at least in terms of creating a secure, portable package. And it’s not waterproof on its own without some creative DIYing for a housing or an off-the-shelf options.

If you’re looking for suggestions, I’ve been impressed with Anker’s offerings, which range from high-capacity, larger batteries like this one to highly portable but smaller-capacity batteries like this one. I’ve also put together a post on some of my favorite powerbanks.

Pros

  • Widely compatible. Pretty much any external USB powerbank will work.
  • Not limited to the GoPro HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, and HERO5 Black (so long as you switch the cable to the one the camera uses).

Cons

  • Not waterproof.
  • Cumbersome, with multiple moving parts and points of weakness. Best suited to static filming.

In Use

All of these batteries connect via the camera’s USB-C port. When using them, the external battery first charges the internal battery, and the camera is actually powered from the internal battery (ie. it’s not bypassed). Once the external battery is depleted, the internal battery will continue powering the camera until it too is depleted.

It is also possible to power the camera only with an external battery. Here’s more on that.

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2020-11-13 at 20:08. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • GoPro HERO5 Batteries and Chargers
    Batteries and Chargers for the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO (2018)
  • Nitecore UGP5 GoPro Battery Charger
    NiteCore UGP5 Charger for GoPro HERO5 Black Batteries
  • GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black: Photo Modes
  • Video relative sizes GoPro HERO6 Black 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
    GoPro HERO6 Black Video Modes
  • Wasabi Power Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black
    Updated Third-Party Batteries for the GoPro HERO5 Black
  • Oumers Side Power
    An Extended Battery in a Waterproof Housing for the GoPro HERO7, HERO6, and HERO5 Black
  • 201710091713248x 300x200 - GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
    GoPro HERO6 Black vs HERO5 Black
  • 01 havecamerawilltravel com 300x200 - Which GoPro HERO4 Accessories Will Work with the GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black?
    Which GoPro HERO4 Accessories Will Work with the GoPro HERO6 Black and HERO5 Black?
  • Svalbard with a GoPro HERO5 Black
    JPG vs RAW on the GoPro HERO9, HERO8, HERO7, HERO6, & HERO5 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on July 14, 2020

Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO (2018), GoPro HERO5 Black, GoPro HERO6 Black, GoPro HERO7 Black

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GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

Comments

  1. Tommy Merry says

    July 23, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    Thanks SO much for this information, David. I’m using a gopro hero 6 black as a 3rd tier streaming cam at live shows and this will tremendously help extend my battery time.

    Reply
    • David says

      July 24, 2020 at 10:34 am

      Glad it’s helpful!

      Reply
  2. Ryan says

    January 29, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    Hi David,

    I used your review of the Digipower ReFuel ActionPack for my Hero 7 Black back in the fall and it was a game-changer! So thanks for the information. Unfortunately, the slide attachment that connects the ActionPack to the GoPro mount failed and I foolishly didn’t have it tethered so it’s now at the bottom of the ocean. However, I’m contemplating the Hero 8 Black but haven’t been able to find any similar waterproof extended battery solutions that fit the 8. Are you aware of any? I do a lot of kayaking and it’s almost impossible to change batteries on the fly so I really loved the extra usage the ActionPack provided. If none exist I’ll get the 7 again with the ActionPack but would love to get an 8. Thanks!

    Reply
    • David says

      January 29, 2020 at 4:35 pm

      Hi Ryan, No, I haven’t found any yet. And yes, I know exactly what you mean about not being able to change batteries while kayaking. I’m lucky enough to have multiple cameras on hand so can often switch out the whole camera, but that’s not much good when it’s mounted up on the bow or stern out of reach. Presumably it would be technically possible to build a side-attached battery that replaces the side door of the H8 Black with a waterproof, enclosed system, but even the new Media Mod accessory isn’t waterproof. I have to imagine that there’s quite a market in a waterproof extended battery–it’s something that comes up a lot–but I have no idea when the first ones will hit the market.

      Reply
  3. Chris Gadbois says

    March 12, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Hi Dave, Great article, thank you. I do have a follow up question though. I have a GoPro Hero6 Black and I film long road bike rides for a virtual cycling website. Some of the rides I have planned are in the 4-6 hour range. For these ride I have 2 different Anker Power Banks (6700 and the 20100). While I can not find the amperage output on the 6700 the 20100 says it outputs at 4amps. Will the excessive outputs damage/overheat my GoPro? Anker’s website says the Power Bank will only output at the rate the charging item (GoPro) will accept. Does that sound sound reasonable or should I splurge on a Re-Fuel? Thanks for your time

    Reply
    • David says

      March 14, 2019 at 9:24 am

      In my experience, there should be no problem. The modern power banks do adjust for the device, and having used many power banks, including more than a few Anker ones, I’ve never run into an issue with them.

      Reply
  4. Mike Doyle says

    January 15, 2019 at 10:55 am

    Hi, thanks for a good in depth article. However I am in the UK and most retailers will not ship a battery from the USA to the UK. And most of these ideas do not appear on the relevant UK sites.
    Any ideas, for suppliers in the UK
    I am mainly interested in the Oumers Side Power outfit for a Hero 5 Black.
    Many thanks
    Mike

    Reply
    • David says

      January 15, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Aside from Jessops and Amazon.co.uk, I’m not sure what the best bets would be. Neither of those seem to be showing it as stocked. None showing up on Ebay.co.uk either, unfortunately.

      Reply
  5. John Holan says

    December 16, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    I am shooting helium balloon into space as school project experiment. I need an extra source of power for his gopro 7. We bough a waterproof housing with extended sidepower and later found out it is for gopro 5 and 6 and therefore will not fit his gopro 7. What are the options here? What kind of side power to can use which will allow the camera to record the flight of the balloon. Thanks for advice.

    Reply
    • David says

      December 17, 2018 at 11:11 am

      Which specific HERO7 model is it? If it’s the Black, the battery for the 5 & 6 should work. If it’s the Silver and White, I’m not aware of any off-the-shelf option available for those yet. I assume it’s essential that it’s waterproof, but if that isn’t a priority perhaps you could jury rig something by strapping on a small USB battery like this. Making that waterproof isn’t impossible, but is a bit tricky because you need the camera’s USB port exposed to attach the power. The other approach is a DIY solution putting both camera and battery in a small Pelican case and cutting out a lens port, but that might end up too bulky for what you want. There are off-the-shelf versions of that, but they’ll probably end up costing nearly as much as a new camera world.

      Reply
  6. DAVE F says

    March 31, 2018 at 11:36 am

    Great and correct info.I have two of those you mentioned (Wasabi Power Clutch and Wasabi Extended Battery).Each has it’s use depending on conditions being used however I prefer the Power Clutch with use of Saramonic SR-XM1 microphone. Battery slides in cold shoe,orientated 90 degrees, on top of case and tie strap it down for stability.If you have to remove back cover of case the cold shoe needs to be moved back 90 degrees because it prevents the door from opening.In my usage water does not present a problem.Keep up the good work on providing info and I will give you my inputs that you can give out to other users if you care to relay.Thank you. Dave

    Reply

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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