So you own a GoPro camera and you’re trying to find a tripod to use with it? Well, I know that all the options on the market can be overwhelming! That’s why I went out and bought a ton of GoPro tripods to test out and see which were the best.
Tripods are one of the most basic accessories that you can buy (and the accessory I use most, next to my GoPro dome for half underwater/half above water photos). Because they get so much use, it’s important that they hold up well and do the job you need them to do. So after trying out all of these GoPro tripods, I’ve created a list of nine best tripods for GoPro that you can find on the market in 2019. Check out what I think you should look for in a tripod as well as seeing all my detailed reviews below!
Quick Comparison Guide: Best Tripods for GoPro Cameras
[table id=12 /]What to Look for in a GoPro Tripod
Before you purchase a GoPro tripod, here are all the factors you will want to consider to make sure you make the right choice!
Situation of Use
When purchasing a tripod for your GoPro, you’ll first want to think about how you plan to use it. Do you need a tripod that you can set up anywhere and attach to unusual places? Do you need one that extends like a regular tripod so you can set it on the ground to use it? Do you want one to set on ledges or railings to take photos?
Asking yourself questions like these should help you get an idea of which type of GoPro tripod you are looking for…whether you want a flexible leg tripod like the GorillaPod to attach to rails or tree limbs, a more standard tripod like the MeFOTO Backpacker, a GoPro grip that secondarily converts to a tripod, or something else reviewed below. Each of these tripods is good for their own style of use, so in order to choose the best GoPro tripod you will first need to consider how you plan to use it.
Size
Along with planning how you intend to use your GoPro tripod, you’ll want to think about what size you need. If you’re looking for a GoPro mini tripod, several of the ones on the list fit this category and don’t have extendable legs. Others utilize extendable monopods to increase the size, and still others are full-sized extendable tripods. Before you purchase one, you will want to think about whether you have a use for the extendable height or if a smaller tripod would fit your needs.
Mount Type
In order to use a tripod with your GoPro, you will need to have a mount that will attach to the GoPro interface. While many of the tripods on this list are specifically made for use with a GoPro so already have a compatible mount, there are plenty of tripods that are perfect for GoPro but do not include a mount that will work.
In cases like these where no adapter is included, you will need to purchase an adapter separately. Some good possibilities include this inexpensive plastic adapter or this sturdy metal adapter.
Stability
As far as tripods go, stability is a pretty key necessity. After all, you don’t want to be filming something and have the tripod fall over or fall off of a tree branch or have any other similar disasters! So this is a key issue to consider before you buy. All of the tripods reviewed below score fairly well on the stability scale, but some of them are better than others depending on weather conditions…so again, just think about the situations you are likely to use your tripod in and then this will help you decide which tripod is best for you.
Material and Durability
Although GoPro tripods are on the whole quite inexpensive, you will still want to choose one with good durability so you don’t have to replace it anytime soon. Choosing one with good, quality materials will make your life easier in the long run. After all, there’s no point in purchasing a tripod that’s just going to fall apart!
Accessories
While accessories are perhaps not as important as some other factors on this list, they may still be important for you to consider. For instance, does the tripod come with a thumbscrew for attaching the GoPro? Does it come with an adapter for your phone? Does it come with a remote you can use to snap pictures from a distance? And does it come with a carrying case?
If any of these accessories are particularly important to you, then this may help you narrow down your options and find the best GoPro tripod for you. However, keep in mind that many of these accessories can also be purchased on their own…so if the tripod you like doesn’t come with them, then it shouldn’t be a complete deal breaker.
The Best GoPro Tripods for 2019
If you’re looking for the best GoPro tripod, then this is the place you’ll find it! I’ve personally purchased every tripod on this list to test each one and compare them. Want to know the results? Check out my reviews below of the best GoPro tripods for 2019!
1. JOBY GorillaPod Action Tripod
The JOBY GorillaPod Action Tripod is a favorite GoPro tripod on the market—and for good reason! It has all the features you could hope for in an action camera tripod.
Some of the features this tripod boasts include an aluminum ball head that can tilt up to 90° and pan 360°, as well as two quick-release clip mounts (one for a standard camera and another for a GoPro). This means if you are shooting with more than one camera you can easily swap them out with the push of a button!
A few other features I love include how lightweight and portable this tripod is and that it has a bubble level so you can easily make sure you have a straight shot whether you are shooting portrait or landscape. Regarding the size, you’ll be delighted to know that it measures in at 2.17 x 2.17 x 10.12″ and under half a pound. So adding this tripod to your bag is almost like adding a cloud—you really won’t feel the difference!
The star of the show, however, is the GorillaPod’s flexible leg feature. These plastic and rubber legs with their unique “beaded” design can twist into pretty much any shape needed, which means you can get the exact shot you want…no matter whether you need to set up the tripod on a slope, attach it to a tree branch, or grip it onto the end of a guitar. The possibilities for using a GoPro bendy tripod are simply endless! If you want to use your GoPro in active or unusual situations, then this is an excellent tripod to buy.
There are, however, a few small issues I have with this tripod. Unfortunately, it does not come with a thumbscrew to use with the included GoPro mount…but if you’ve purchased a GoPro frame like this one that I use, then you will already have a thumbscrew you can use with this tripod so it won’t be an issue. I also have a small objection to the screw the GorillaPod uses to tighten and release the 90° up-and-down tilt function. The dial itself is a little rough to the touch, so when you try to use the dial it may dig into your hand a little as you turn it. This makes it somewhat unpleasant to use, but isn’t a deal breaker for me especially since everything else on the tripod is so perfect.
Another thing to note is that some people have had issues with the legs snapping off of their action tripods. Although I haven’t personally experienced this, it’s good to be aware that this is a possible problem before you buy. But each tripod does come with a one-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects, so if you have troubles with this you could possibly get it repaired or replaced under the warranty.
Overall, though, this tripod feels sturdy and quality and it is one of the best tripods for GoPro on the market. The ease of setup and use alone makes it worth buying, as does the unique beaded flexible legs for setting it up nearly anywhere!
Click here to check out more reviews of the JOBY Gorillapod Action Tripod or purchase it now!
JOBY GorillaPod Action Tripod Specs
- Size: 2.17 x 2.17 x 10.12″ (5.5 x 5.5 x 25.7cm)
- Weight: 0.42 lbs (191g)
- Material: Plastic, rubber, stainless steel, aluminum
- Features: Ball head with 90° tilt and 360° panning, flexible legs, quick-release mounts
- Pros: Easy to use, versatile, high-quality, can take photos in portrait or landscape, 1-year warranty
- Cons: No thumbscrew included, rough dial, issues with legs on some tripods
- Price: Check price now
2. Fotopro uFO2 Tripod Set
Like the JOBY GorillaPod, the Fotopro uFO2 is a flexible-legged tripod to allow you to use it in a variety of situations. This tripod set also comes with a few fun additional features, so let’s take a look at what is best about this tripod!
The Fotopro tripod comes with a 1/4″ universal tripod mount (which is what you’ll find across most tripods for any type of camera). This is nice because you can attach a regular camera if you would like, but the set also comes with a GoPro mount and a phone mount so you can use it with these cameras as well.
This tripod also features a ball head that can rotate 360°. In order to use this 360° feature, you simply rotate a star-shaped knob until it is loose enough to move the head. This dial/knob is very comfortable to turn and locks the ball head well, so if you are just looking for stability in your image then this is an excellent feature! However, this one dial also controls the up and down movement of the ball head besides just the side to side movement, which means if you wish to pan while taking a video you may have some trouble keeping the image stable horizontally. Another slight gripe I have about the ball head is that it does not tilt a full 90° up and down, so you cannot easily take a portrait/vertical photo with this tripod.
Like the JOBY GorillaPod, the legs on the Fotopro uFO2 are flexible from the top of the legs to the feet. But where the GorillaPod has bubbles or beads along the legs, the Fotopro instead uses a smoother but still texturized rubber.
When looking closer at the legs, you’ll find they have a closed position for making the tripod as small as possible while carrying and an open position for when the tripod is in use. This is actually my least favorite part of the tripod, as moving the legs from the closed to open position makes a popping sound and the construction does not feel as sturdy as I would like. It makes me worry a bit for the long-term endurance of this tripod, but so far I have to admit that I have not had an issue with the joints breaking like I thought they might. But this in and out feature is a bit of a pain when you try to adjust the flexible part of the legs, as the legs don’t lock in the out position so they occasionally pop back to the closed position while you’re adjusting the legs and don’t want them to move.
I do love that this tripod comes with a GoPro mount and a thumbscrew, and the GoPro mount attaches to a standard tripod mount which means you can borrow this adapter to use with any tripod you currently own as well. The three prongs of the adapter that attach to the GoPro frame are a little tight, but nothing that interferes with the use of the tripod.
Another cool feature of this kit is that it comes with an adjustable mount for your phone plus a Bluetooth remote control in case you want to control your iOS or Android phone from up to 30 feet (10m) away. It’s a handy versatility to have while out shooting, and the change from GoPro mount to phone mount takes less than 10 seconds so it’s very easy to do.
While there are some drawbacks to this tripod, for the price it is really quite impressive and worth looking into. It’s compact and versatile and is great for taking photos or filming on-the-go!
Click here to check out more reviews of the Fotopro uFO2 or to buy it now!
Fotopro uFO2 Tripod Specs
- Size: 3 x 3 x 6″ (7.6 x 7.6 x 15cm)
- Weight: 0.5 lbs (227g)
- Material: Rubber, plastic, stainless steel
- Features: 360° panning, flexible legs, GoPro mount, phone mount, Bluetooth remote
- Pros: Versatile, comes with everything needed for adapting to GoPro, comfortable dials, 1-year warranty
- Cons: No portrait/vertical photo ability, panning stability difficult, worry over legs breaking due to popping in and out, no lock for leg position
- Price: Check price now
3. Xenvo SquidGrip Tripod
Much to my surprise, when the Xenvo SquidGrip showed up at my door I realized it was the exact same tripod as the Fotopro uFO2—only under a different brand name and with higher-quality accessories in the kit. The tripods themselves are exactly identical except for the brand name printed on the top!
That being said, I actually recommend buying the Xenvo over the Fotopro as the accessories solve a few of the issues I had with the slightly lower-cost Fotopro version. To start with, the GoPro adapter and thumbscrew that come with this version are not the slightly-too-tight ones that come with the Fotopro, which is wonderful! Second, the Xenvo comes with an additional 360° metal ball head with a 90° up and down tilt, which means you can easily put it into portrait orientation. These accessories, especially the metal ball head, feel far more quality than the ones that come with the Fotopro.
The phone mount that comes with the Xenvo takes a little more time to set up at first as you have to adjust it with a built-in screw, but once you have it set up it is far easier to place your phone in this one than it is to place your phone in the Fotopro one. However, this Xenvo kit does not come with a Bluetooth remote control…but this is easily enough amendable by buying a separate remote control for your phone or a GoPro smart remote if you’re so inclined.
As the tripod itself is exactly the same in materials and construction, it also comes with the same pros and cons of the Fotopro tripod above. I love the flexible legs with the mostly smooth but slightly texturized rubber for gripping, but I still have a bit of an objection to the opening and closing mechanism of the legs as it could definitely feel sturdier.
This tripod, though, comes with a lifetime warranty where they guarantee that if your tripod breaks or fails or you’re not 100% happy they will replace or refund it for you. This version of the tripod also comes with video set-up instructions, which makes it simple to learn how to use the tripod…as well as giving some cool ideas of ways to use it that you may not have thought about (like filming a game of pool by attaching the tripod to a pool cue!).
So if you were interested in the features of the Fotopro, but have a few extra dollars to spend, I highly recommend checking out this upgraded version. I think the added features are definitely worth the little bit of extra money!
Click here to see more reviews of the Xenvo SquidGrip Tripod or to buy it now!
Xenvo SquidGrip Tripod Specs
- Size: 3 x 3 x 6″ (7.6 x 7.6 x 15cm)
- Weight: 0.5 lbs (227g)
- Material: Rubber, plastic, stainless steel
- Features: 360° panning, extra ball head for 360° and 90° portrait shots, flexible legs, GoPro mount, thumbscrew, phone mount
- Pros: Versatile, comes with everything needed for adapting to GoPro, comfortable dials, portrait/vertical shooting possible, lifetime warranty
- Cons: Panning stability a little difficult, worry over legs breaking due to popping in and out, no lock for leg position
- Price: Check price now
4. UBeesize Tripod S
The UBeesize Tripod S is the last of the flexible leg tripod options on this list. Like the above choices, the flexible legs really are the star of the show in this one…but there are several accessories that also make it worth a look.
This tripod comes with a GoPro (three pronged) adapter and thumbscrew plus a two pronged connector, as well as a phone mount that expands up to 3.75″ and a Bluetooth remote shutter for iOS and Android. One feature I love is that this tripod comes with a drawstring carrying bag—which is something that very few of these tripods have. A carrying bag is nice as you can then put the bag into your backpack, purse, etc. without getting your main bag dirty from whatever may be on the tripod after using it. It’s by no means an essential feature, but it is a nice one to have.
I also love the foam material on the legs. This is different from all of the other flexible tripods above that opted for rubber, but the foam is nice as it makes it easy to adjust the legs exactly how you want them without your grip slipping while you adjust them. However, that does mean that this is not as good an option if you need a tripod that will hold up in water or in the rain.
Unfortunately, the UBeesize has some of the same limitations of the Fotopro uFO2 in that the legs have a closed carrying position and an open using position, which means the legs may move between these two positions while you try to adjust the flexible foam part. And like the Fotopro, the ball head on the UBeesize pans 360° but the mechanism also unlocks a slight up and down movement which makes horizontal stability during panning somewhat difficult.
Unlike the Fotopro, this tripod does have a method for allowing portrait/vertical shots, but in my opinion it is a bit involved and overly complicated. The method to use it this way involves taking the three-pronged GoPro mount and attaching it to the two-pronged mount with the thumbscrew, creating an elbow of sorts. This works fine if you are attaching a camera directly to the standard 1/4 screw interface or for attaching the included phone mount, but if you want to use the GoPro in this portrait mode then you will need to purchase an additional GoPro mount and thumbscrew as you just used yours up in trying to make it shoot vertically. All in all, I find this method a little clunky and counter-intuitive, especially when other tripods like the GorillaPod easily do this with the simple turn of a screw.
I also think that the plastic on this tripod feels a little cheap, especially when compared with the other tripods on this list. The weirdest part to me is that there is a screw to adjust the ball head, but in order to turn it you have to turn a little plastic tab that just hangs there and makes a plastic-y noise when it swings around a bit. If it’s windy outside, this tab is light enough that it could swing back and forth a little…making a noise that can be caught up on any video you take from a camera attached here. I think this is odd and could have been designed far better with a little thought.
My last small issue is that the GoPro mount is a little tight when attaching to the GoPro frame case, and it takes far too long to attach the camera to the tripod as the thumbscrew for some reason has to be really tight to keep the GoPro from moving.
Overall, for me the cons outweigh the pros on this one…but I know that there are a lot of people who love this tripod, and UBeesize does provide a lifetime money back/replacement service if something breaks, so that may be worth considering. So if you love the idea of the foam legs and the Bluetooth remote that is included, then this could still be an option worth looking into.
Click here to see more reviews or to buy the UBeesize Tripod S!
UBeesize Tripod S Specs
- Size: 2.2 x 3.1 x 11.4″ (5.6 x 7.8 x 29 cm)
- Weight: 0.4 lbs (181g)
- Material: Foam, rubber, plastic, metal
- Features: 360° panning, ability to take vertical photos, Bluetooth remote, flexible foam legs, phone mount, GoPro mount and thumbscrew, carrying bag
- Pros: Versatile and flexible, foam material for easy adjusting, carrying bag
- Cons: Panning stability difficult, foam not waterproof, legs don’t lock at open position, plastic feels cheap, GoPro mount is tight, complicated mechanism for setting up vertical photos
- Price: Check price now
5. GoPro Shorty
The GoPro Shorty is marketed as a mini extension pole and tripod, but until you hold it in your hand you won’t really understand quite how mini it is! At its unextended length, it fits almost exactly in the palm of my hand. However, when you want it larger you can expand it from its 4.6″ length up to 8.9″.
Unlike all the tripods above, this tripod is meant primarily as a grip but with the nice added ability to work as a tripod in a pinch. To use the tripod, you simply pull on each segment of the grip and it opens into a small base that you can use to set up your camera on a level surface. This type of tripod is ideal for those who want a small selfie stick grip that you can also use in a pinch to take stable photos/video or group photos. Plus, the Shorty is especially nice to use in amusement parks where larger selfie sticks/tripods are not allowed.
Before you buy it, though, you will want to be aware that it is not meant for use in extreme situations or on any slanted surface, as there is no way to change the leg length to stabilize it anywhere uneven. It’s a stable little tripod for what it’s meant to do, but by no means is it meant to compete with a versatile tripod like the GorillaPod!
I do have one big issue with this tripod, though, which is that the built-in mount for the GoPro is far too tight to easily attach a GoPro camera, even when using an official GoPro frame. You would think this is something GoPro would have tested, as it should be a no-brainer that it would work with their other products…but it is quite difficult to get the holes from the mount and from the frame to line up so you can attach it with the screw. This is quite unacceptable, in my opinion, and I really hope that GoPro gets this figured out and fixed soon!
Click here to read more reviews of the GoPro Shorty or buy it now!
GoPro Shorty Specs
- Size: 1.1 x 1.3 x 4.6-8.9″ (2.8 x 3.3 x 11.7-22.6 cm)
- Weight: 0.14 lbs (63.5g)
- Material: Plastic, metal screw
- Features: Telescoping pole, tripod expansion, built-in GoPro mount
- Pros: Small, lightweight, convertible, good for amusement parks
- Cons: Built-in GoPro mount is far too tight and almost impossible to use
- Price: Check price now
6. GoPro Fusion Grip
The GoPro Fusion Grip operates on the same principle as the GoPro Shorty, but it is far larger (measuring in at 9″-22″). If you’re looking for a selfie stick grip that can modify into a tripod, this one may be your best bet!
Its construction is of quite solid plastic, and the tripod legs (which you fold out from the grip) offer some good basic stability. One excellent feature is that these legs are actually magnetic at the bottom, which helps them stay together when you want to use this as a plain grip.
The telescoping feature also allows you to lock the segments in place, which is great as then it won’t accidentally shrink back down while you are using it. To unlock these segments, you simply turn each one to the right and then to lock them again you turn them to the left.
Where the Shorty fails in its too-tight GoPro mount, the Fusion Grip actually works really well and is not tight or difficult to use. So if you’re looking for a multi-use GoPro grip that you can use on flat surfaces as a tripod from time to time, then this is a good option to consider. You will want to keep in mind, though, that you won’t want to use this as a tripod in super windy situations (especially when fully extended) as the telescoping feature does compromise the stability a little. But in most normal, everyday-use situations the stability is just fine.
Click here to read more reviews of the GoPro Fusion Grip or to buy it now!
GoPro Fusion Grip Specs
- Size: 1.4 x 1.4 x 9.1-22″ (3.5 x 3.5 x 23.1-55.8 cm)
- Weight: 0.48 lbs (221g)
- Material: Plastic
- Features: Telescoping pole, tripod expansion, built-in GoPro mount, magnetic tripod legs to hold grip together
- Pros: Convertible
- Cons: Stability of tripod at full extension may not be great in certain weather conditions
- Price: Check price now
7. Altura Photo 6-in-1 Monopod Tripod Kit
The Altura Photo 6-in-1 Tripod Kit is exciting as it can be used as both a tripod and a monopod. The kit includes a telescoping monopod, mini tripod that can also be used as a grip, a cell phone mount and a GoPro mount, a 360° EZ twist ball head, a monopod base, and a drawstring bag as well!
This is one of the most versatile tripod options on this list, as you really can customize it however you want with all the different included parts. And if you attach all the parts together, it can reach a height of up to 55″.
Looking first at the monopod, you’ll find it can telescope from 10.5 inches up to 46 inches on its own and has a nice rubber grip handle so it won’t slip while you’re holding it. You can attach the GoPro directly to the end of this pole to use as a selfie stick…or you can attach what they call the “fluid monopod base” so you can balance it on the ground to use as a monopod. This monopod base also includes a ball head if needed for adjustments, although you can simply attach the 360° EZ Twist ball head segment to the top of the monopod and use this for panning and video purposes.
Meanwhile, the tripod component of this kit is a 8″ segment that can extend up to 10″ by pressing a button to slide out each leg. It is best used on stable and flat surfaces, although the tripod leg adjustment feature means you may be able to use it on some sloping surfaces if you desire.
And if you want to have extra height on the tripod, you can easily screw the monopod segment onto it and then adjust the height to whatever you need. Like the Fusion Grip, though, you will want to be careful with weather conditions as the tripod gets progressively less stable the higher you extend the monopod.
You can attach the 360° ball head to this tripod as well, which gives some flexibility as the ball head has the ability to position for portrait pictures as well as landscape. And attaching the GoPro mount or phone mount to the top of the ball head is super easy, since there is a dial you can turn to attach the two pieces together.
A few last notes include that the GoPro mount is the perfect size (no difficulties attaching a GoPro frame to it!) and the phone mount is simple to use and sturdy as well. You could also use this tripod kit with a regular small camera, as the screw is the standard 1/4 inch tripod attachment. All in all, it’s an excellent tripod and monopod option for your GoPro and other small cameras!
Check more reviews of the Altura Photo Tripod Kit or buy now!
Altura Photo 6-in-1 Tripod Kit Specs
- Size: Varying, depending on which parts you use. Extendable up to 55″
- Weight: 1 lb (457g)
- Material: Aluminum, plastic, rubber
- Features: 360° EZ twist ball head, monopod, tripod, monopod base, cell phone mount, GoPro mount, drawstring bag
- Pros: Versatility, tripod is adjustable, quality materials
- Cons: Mostly for use on a flat and stable surface
- Price: Check price now
8. CamKix Premium 3-in-1 Telescopic Pole and Tripod Kit
Like the Altura tripod kit above, this CamKix Tripod Kit comes with several components that you can mix and match to make your perfect setup. It comes with a monopod segment that extends from 16″-47″, a tripod with non-skid rubber feet, a phone mount and GoPro mount with a thumbscrew, and a detachable cradle for a GoPro Wifi Remote (the remote is not included). It also comes with an adjustable lanyard in case you want to secure the pole setup to your wrist.
The monopod segment in this tripod kit has a thick rubber grip handle for ease of use. To telescope the pole, you use their clip-lock system to extend and secure it (this is great because you know that it is secure and won’t accidentally close on you while you’re using it!) Another nice feature is that there is a small reflective mirror on the tip of the monopod, which can aid you in taking selfies as you’ll be able to see where you are pointing the GoPro. Unfortunately, this kit does not come with a detachable ball head which means there is no segment to add to the top of the monopod for rotating the camera 360° while shooting (although the tripod section does have a ball head, so you could conceivably rotate it from there if you attach the two parts together…but I find this a bit clunky).
The tripod segment is 7.5″ and can be used on its own or with the included monopod. If you don’t think you’ll ever want or need the monopod, though, you could consider just buying the GoPro tripod stand portion on its own.
Attached to the tripod segment is a 360° ball head which rotates some up and down but not fully into portrait position. While that is a little disappointing, my biggest complaint about this ball head is that to adjust it you have to push a tab to unlock it first. There are three positions—fully locked, somewhat locked, and easily movable…but the tab is very difficult to push. To get to the unlocked and easily movable position, you have to push the tab and hold it down the entire time you are adjusting it, which makes this position virtually unusable. And while you can adjust the ball head with some effort in the “somewhat locked” position, I still find this whole system quite unwieldy. Especially because it’s just as difficult to try to get the ball head to stay locked in place!
This kit does score points with the GoPro mount that attaches to the GoPro frame very easily. In fact, it’s almost a tad too loose until you screw the thumbscrew in and then it feels very stable. However, I found the phone mount a tad too small for attaching to my Pixel unless i remove its phone case. If you have a smaller phone then you should be fine, or you could purchase a phone adapter like my favorite MeFOTO Sidekick360 to use instead.
Click here to see more reviews or to purchase the CamKix Tripod Kit now!
CamKix Premium 3-in-1 Tripod Kit Specs
- Size: Varying, depending on components used. Extendable from 23″-55″
- Weight: 0.9 lbs (410g)
- Material: Plastic, rubber, metal
- Features: Monopod, tripod, phone mount, GoPro mount, detachable WiFi remote cradle
- Pros: Versatile, mirror feature for easy selfies
- Cons: No detachable ball head, attached ball head difficult to use, tripod does not adjust, phone mount may be too small
- Price: Check price now
9. MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Backpacker Tripod
If you’re looking for a tall tripod for GoPro, then you may want to go with a classic tripod that you can convert into a GoPro tripod. If this is the case for you, look no further than the MeFOTO line! For a tripod primarily for smaller cameras, the MeFOTO Backpacker Tripod is the way to go…but I personally purchased the slightly-larger Roadtrip Tripod so I could also use it with my primary camera, the Sony a7R III.
While these tripods are definitely heavier and larger than the other GoPro tripods on this list, they still fold up really nicely for travel. In fact, this is one of their best features! The legs fold backwards to invert 180°, which makes it small enough that you can carry it pretty much anywhere and put it in nearly any backpack or medium-sized bag.
It also comes with a 360° ball head built in for easy panning, which includes separate locks for the head and panning features so you can adjust the vertical and horizontal lines exactly how you need them to be. The legs can lock into different angles in case you need some flexibility with placement, and to adjust their length you simply use the twist locks and telescope them out or in as needed. As for other features, a quick release plate is also included as well as a bubble level…and there is a hook in the center column so you can hang additional weight to stabilize the tripod as needed (this is perfect for use in rougher weather).
Of course, as already mentioned, the Backpacker is heavier than other GoPro tripods…so if you are looking for a GoPro-specific tripod then one of the other ones on this list may be a better choice. But if you are looking for a quality tripod or one that you may want to use with heavier cameras too, then the Backpacker or Roadtrip could be an excellent investment. The MeFOTO tripods do not come with GoPro adapters, though, so you will need to purchase one separately.
Click here to check more reviews of the Backpacker Tripod or buy it now!
MeFOTO Backpacker Tripod Specs
- Size: 3 x 3 x 12.6″ (7.6 x 7.6 x 32 cm) when in carrying position, 3 x 3 x 16.5-51.2″ (7.6 x 7.6 x 42-130 cm) when open for use
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Material: Aluminum, rubber, foam
- Features: 360° ball head, telescoping legs, monopod capability, invertible legs, twist locks, center hook for stabilization, quick release plate, bubble level, carrying bag
- Pros: Stable, quality materials, adjustable legs, good for a variety of cameras, easy to carry
- Cons: Heavier than other GoPro-specific tripods
- Price: Check price now
Conclusions About the Best GoPro Tripods
After trying out all nine of these tripods and finding their strengths and weaknesses, I’ve narrowed them down to my favorites and the ones I find myself using regularly.
If you’re looking for the best flexible tripod for GoPro, I would suggest going with the JOBY GorillaPod. It’s a classic for a reason and has so many built in features that give you all the options you need…without any extra moving parts you have to screw on or off to make it work. It’s also sturdy and holds up well. The Xenvo SquidGrip is the runner up in my opinion, but it is actually slightly more expensive than the GorillaPod so I personally don’t see a reason not to just buy the GorillaPod tripod.
If you’re looking for a selfie stick/grip/tripod combination, the Altura Photo Tripod Kit is a clear winner in my book. I think this is the best GoPro monopod and tripod kit because of the sheer number of ways you can combine the kit to personalize it for your exact needs. It’s also an excellent choice as the materials feel the highest quality out of the selfie stick/grip options. And of course, the fact that the tripod segment is adjustable sends it over the top in comparison to its competitors!
All of the tripods on this list have their pros and cons, but these are the ones I found to be the best in terms of quality, the use you can get out of them, and their cost. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away in the comments!
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