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GoPro HERO3 Battery Recommendations for the HERO3 Silver & Black & HERO3+ Black

Here are some of the best options for replacement and extra batteries for the GoPro HERO3 Black and HERO3+ Black, as well as USB chargers.

GoPro HERO3 battery

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 3 months ago // Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO3 Silver, GoPro HERO3+ Black, Smatree, Wasabi Power

Save $150 on GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle ($399.98)

GoPro is running a deal on the HERO9 Black, their latest flagship camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery (these come in very handy), a floating hand grip, Magnetic Swivel Clip, and a free 632GB SD card. It's all for $399.98.

There’s a lot to like about the GoPro cameras. Being small and light has its upsides in being able to put them in places other cameras can’t easily go. But it also has its downside: the battery life of the GoPro HERO3 cameras isn’t what you’d call great. Depending on the settings you use, how fully it’s charged, and how cold it is, you might get up to two hours of filming in before the battery dies, if you’re lucky. More likely, you’ll find yourself getting significantly less than that.

So whether you’re looking to extend your shooting time by having spare batteries on hand or looking for a replacement battery for your HERO3 or HERO3+, there are several options available. Here’s a rundown.

GoPro HERO3/3+ Battery Specifications

First, though, these are the specifications of the current HERO3/3+ battery.

  • Model AHDBT-302
  • Li-ion Polymer Battery
  • 1180mAh
  • 3.7V
  • 3.885Wh

Note that GoPro had an earlier model for these cameras that was rated for a lower capacity (1050mAH).

The Official GoPro HERO3 Battery

GoPro makes their own branded version of the battery, which you can pick up individually. It’s compatible with the GoPro HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras.

It’s a 1180mAh lithium-ion polymer battery with model number AHDBT-302,1 and it’s a battery specifically used in the HERO3 and HERO3+ models (but note that it’s a dedicated battery for the HERO3, and it’s not interchangeable with other models).

You do tend to pay a little more for the manufacturer-branded batteries, but they come with the peace of mind of knowing that they’ll be compatible with the camera and will remain so. GoPro has pushed out firmware before that deactivates batteries from other manufacturers.

It’s a standalone battery that doesn’t come with a charger. GoPro doesn’t make them available through their own store anymore, and they’re hard to find in stores.

Aftermarket Batteries for GoPro HERO3

You can also find replacement batteries for the HERO3 cameras that are made by other manufacturers. Many of these are very good batteries, and they’re often excellent value. I’ve used many third-party batteries over the years without any issues. But it’s worth knowing that it is within GoPro’s capabilities to push out a firmware update for the camera that will disable batteries from third-party manufacturers. And they’ve done it before. For now, everyone seems to be playing nicely, but there is always some risk of that with these alternative-brand batteries.

Here are some of the ones I’ve used and been happy with.

Both the kits below include two spare batteries, they’re made in Japan, and they have very similar power specs as the original GoPro batteries. Both kits include an AC charger and a DC car charger. And both are relatively inexpensive.

But there are other differences between these kits that might make the difference for you.

Wasabi Power Charger and Batteries for the GoPro HERO3 and GoPro HERO3+

Wasabi have been around for a while now, and having used quite a few of their camera batteries and chargers, I’ve found their products to be of good quality and cost-effective.

This charger and batteries that are compatible with the HERO3 come with two batteries, an external dock charger, and AC and car charger connections. It’s worth noting, though, that this won’t charger via USB.

Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for GoPro HERO3+, HERO3 and GoPro...
Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Charger for GoPro HERO3+, HERO3 and GoPro...
  • Compatible with GoPro Hero3/3+
  • Hero batteries feature Japanese cells, 3.7V & 1,200Mah
Check Price on Amazon

The key difference between this and the one below is in the AC charger. The charger in this kit charges one battery at a time. [UPDATE: Since this was originally posted, Wasabi have released their own dual charger that’s basically identical to the Smatree model.]

What’s in the box:

  • 2 x batteries
  • AC charger
  • DC charger
  • European and US adapters
GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Kit by Wasabi Power

The kit includes a combined AC charger/cradle, a DC charger, European power adapter, and 2 spare batteries.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Kit by Wasabi Power

This AC charger charges one battery at a time and plugs directly into the wall. A single LED light indicates charging status.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Kit by Wasabi Power

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Kit by Wasabi Power

The default US power prongs fold away for travel.

You can find them at Amazon.

Smatree Battery and Dual Charger Kit for GoPro HERO3 and GoPro HERO3+

Smatree is another after-market brand that I’ve had good experiences with their batteries and chargers.

In addition to charging two batteries at once, this AC charger adds flexibility. It separates out the part that plugs into the wall from the battery cradle. That means that the part that plugs into the wall can be a dual USB charger, so you can also charge your phone or tablet or whatever else you want to charge by USB. It also means that you don’t have to use this as an AC charger–you can also connect it to a USB power source.

Smatree Rechargeable Battery and Dual Rapid Charger Compatible for GoPro...
Smatree Rechargeable Battery and Dual Rapid Charger Compatible for GoPro...
  • Easy to follow instructions for charging the batteries, perfect for your GoPro Hero3/3+ camera.
  • Features in imported Japanese cells, 3.7V & 1200Mah,long battery life to for you to have shooting long...
Check Price on Amazon

The battery cradle itself is much smaller than in the Wasabi model above. And the cradle can be attached by USB cable to your computer or DC adapter to charge.

What’s in the box:

  • 2 x batteries (1200mAh)
  • Dual AC charger using USB
  • DC charger using USB
  • European and US adapters
GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

The kit includes 2 spare batteries, a dual battery cradle, a European adapter, a dual DC USB charger, a dual AC USB charger, and a USB cable.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

Two batteries sit in the cradle at once. The cradle can be connected by USB cable to the included AC charger, to the DC charger, to a computer, or to an external battery.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

The dual cradle is smaller than a naked GoPro HERO3+.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

There are two LEDs for indicating each battery’s charge status.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

The AC and DC chargers can be used for charging other devices. So you’re getting a dual AC USB charger and a dual DC USB charger.

GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Combination Kit by Smatree

Some users have complained that the batteries fall out from the cradle too easily. I haven’t found that problem.

You can find them at Amazon.

Wrap-Up on GoPro HERO3 Battery and Charger Options

I have both of these kits and have found them all to work as advertised. I’ve not found any functional difference in the batteries–they all seem to perform just as well as the GoPro-branded ones, despite some minor variation in the rated capacities.

But I prefer the dual charger versions for several reasons: they charge two batteries at once (obviously), they’re smaller, they’re more flexible in your power source, and you’re getting a dual AC and DC USB chargers.

Q&A About GoPro HERO3 Batteries

What kind of battery life can you expect from a GoPro HERO3 battery?

These are the estimates that GoPro themselves put out. It’s worth noting that the battery life you get in real-world shooting can be influenced by a number of different factors, including the settings you’re using on the camera and even the environmental temperature. Lithium batteries have a fairly narrow working range when they’re working well, and they perform poorly in very cold or very warm conditions. Using features like WiFi will also deplete the charge more quickly. And lithium batteries will degrade over time with use, in which case it’s time to pick up a replacement battery.

Avg / Camera Only Avg / Lowest Power Use Avg / Highest Power Use Avg / w/LCD Touch BacPac Avg / w/Battery BackPac2
HERO3 Black 1.5 hrs 1.5 hrs (1080p30) 1 hr (WVGA240) 1 hr 2.5 hrs
HERO3 Silver 2 hrs 2 hrs (720p30) 1.5 hrs (WVGA120) 1.5 hrs 3 hrs
HERO3 White 2.5 hrs 3 hrs (WVGA60 and 720p30) 2 hrs (1080p30) 1.5 hrs 3.5 hrs

How to Charge GoPro HERO3 and 3+

The simplest way to charge the GoPro HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras is to use the micro-USB cable that came with it to connect the camera to a power source. You can use a USB wall adapter, a USB external power brick, a USB car charger, or a computer. That will charge the battery in the camera.

If you want to charge the battery separately from the camera, you have some options. The HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras don’t come with a separate battery charger, but you can pick them up separately. GoPro makes their own dual-battery version that conveniently lets you charge two batteries at once via a USB power source (note that the charger doesn’t come with batteries, despite how the product photos make it appear). There are also alternative versions made by other manufacturers, such as the ones list above. Some are multi-battery charger cradles, some can charge via USB, while others only work with AC or car adapters.

GoPro Dual Battery Charger for HERO3+/HERO3) (GoPro Official Accessory)
GoPro Dual Battery Charger for HERO3+/HERO3) (GoPro Official Accessory)
  • Conveniently charge two GoPro Li ion batteries simultaneously
  • Power with most standard USB chargers, the GoPro Auto or Wall Charger or a computer
Check Price on Amazon

  1. GoPro updated the battery for the HERO3 and HERO3+ cameras. The initial version was rated at 1050mAH, 3.7V, and 3.885 Wh. The revised version is rated for 1180mAh, 3.7V, and 3.885Wh. ↩

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-04-12 at 02:32. 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 Black vs HERO4 Black Right Side
    How to Turn On a GoPro that Won't Turn On
  • GoPro HERO 4 Silver vs HERO 4 Black
    GoPro HERO 4 Silver vs HERO 4 Black
  • GoPro HERO9 Black vs HERO8 Black
    GoPro Deals
  • GoPro HERO (2014) vs HERO4 Silver
    GoPro HERO (2014) vs HERO4 Silver
  • GoPro HERO3+
    Recommended SD Cards for the GoPro HERO3 Black & HERO3+ Black
  • Nitecore UGP5 GoPro Battery Charger
    NiteCore UGP5 Charger for GoPro HERO5 Black Batteries
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on January 6, 2021

Categories: Batteries & Charging
Tags: GoPro HERO3 Silver, GoPro HERO3+ Black, Smatree, Wasabi Power

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

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. Mark Kelly says

    November 1, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    Thank you , just the info I was looking for.

    Reply
  2. nurfadilah says

    August 28, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    Just to check with you guys if smatress charger cn use for original batteries to charge .

    Reply
    • David says

      August 28, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      I’ve used it without any issues.

      Reply
      • nurfadilah says

        August 31, 2015 at 2:34 am

        Thankyou for the very helpful information . I thought of doing it tooo . But i scared if the voltage of the original batteries is not the same as the smarteries . Yes shall try . Hopefully no issue like yours .

        Reply
  3. Bryan says

    May 4, 2015 at 10:03 pm

    I have a gopro hero 3 and it uses a 1050mAH, 3.7V can I buy one of the charger and battery kits that have 1180mAH, 3.7V or greater?

    Reply
  4. Travis says

    April 24, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    I just bought the hero 3+ it since I don’t battery charger yet my question is can I use the USB to charge it like a cell phone?

    Reply
    • David says

      April 25, 2015 at 10:58 am

      Yes. You can connect the USB cable directly to the camera and charge that way.

      Reply
  5. kelly says

    November 24, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    do i need to buy this charger thing or is there a usb thing buy to charge it?

    Reply
    • David Coleman says

      November 25, 2014 at 8:50 am

      Not sure I fully understand your question. It’s not required to use the GoPro Heros–they come with the cables to use and charge. The extra charger is if you want more options and spare batteries (the cameras come with one battery included).

      Reply
  6. Danny says

    October 19, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    Thanks for the writeup! Saved me some time researching.

    Reply
  7. Mitchell Williamson says

    August 28, 2014 at 4:32 am

    I have found that my battery life has been lasting about 3-10 hours before i need to buy a new battery they are the original ones that come with it is there any better ones on the market

    Reply
    • David Coleman says

      August 28, 2014 at 5:07 pm

      Sounds like faulty batteries. They should definitely be lasting longer than that.

      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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