Yes, GoPro cameras record audio, but the quality and options depend on your model and settings

Every current GoPro model has a built-in microphone and records audio by default when you press record. The microphone sits on the camera body and picks up sound from the environment around you. However, the audio quality varies between models, and you have control over how the microphone behaves — you can adjust wind noise filtering, switch between microphone modes, or disable audio recording entirely if you don't want it.

The catch is that built-in microphone audio works best in calm conditions. If you're moving fast, riding a bike, or in heavy wind, the microphone will pick up a lot of noise that can drown out what you actually want to hear. For those situations, GoPro sells external microphones that plug into the camera and give you much clearer sound.

Key Takeaways

  • All GoPro models record audio through a built-in microphone, and audio is on by default unless you turn it off in settings.
  • Wind noise is the biggest problem with built-in audio — GoPro cameras have wind noise reduction modes you can enable in the audio settings menu.
  • External microphones like the GoPro Wireless Mic System or the Media Mod give you clearer audio in loud or windy environments.
  • Audio quality depends on your GoPro model; newer models like the Hero 12 and Hero 11 have better microphones than older versions.
  • You can disable audio recording in the camera settings if you only want video and want to save storage space.

Where the microphone is located and how to check if it's recording

The built-in microphone is a small opening on the camera body — the exact location varies by model, but it's usually near the top or side of the camera. On the Hero 12 and Hero 11, the microphone is on the top edge. On older models like the Hero 10, it's on the side.

To confirm audio is being recorded, open the camera's settings menu, scroll to Audio, and look at the Audio setting. If it shows "On" or lists a microphone mode (like "Standard" or "Stereo"), audio is active. If it shows "Off", no audio will be recorded. You can toggle this setting on or off depending on what you need.

When you play back video on the camera or on your phone using the GoPro app, you'll hear the audio if it was recorded. If you don't hear anything, check the Audio setting first — it's the most common reason audio is missing.

Built-in microphone modes and wind noise reduction

GoPro cameras offer different microphone modes to handle different recording situations. The exact names and options depend on your model, but most cameras have at least two: Standard mode and a wind noise reduction mode (sometimes called "Wind" mode or "Noise Cancellation").

Standard mode records all sound equally — voices, wind, water, engine noise, everything. Wind mode reduces the volume of low-frequency rumbling that wind creates, which helps when you're moving fast or recording outdoors on a breezy day. If you're skiing, biking, or in a boat, wind mode will make the audio much more usable.

Some newer models also have Stereo mode, which uses multiple microphones on the camera to create a wider, more spacious sound. Stereo mode works well for stationary shots or slow-moving footage where wind isn't a major problem.

You change the microphone mode in the Audio settings menu. Try Standard mode first, and if you hear too much wind noise in your footage, switch to wind mode and re-record a test clip. The difference is usually obvious.

External microphones and when to use them

If you're recording in windy conditions, underwater, or in very loud environments, the built-in microphone will struggle no matter what mode you use. That's when an external microphone becomes worth the investment.

GoPro makes two main external microphone options. The Wireless Mic System is a small wireless microphone that clips to your shirt or helmet and transmits audio to the camera. It's ideal for vlogging, interviews, or any situation where you want clear voice audio without wind noise. The Media Mod is a frame that attaches to the camera and includes a built-in directional microphone plus a 3.5mm jack for plugging in other microphones. The Media Mod is better for professional video work or when you want to use a specific microphone you already own.

Both options require your camera to have the right mounting system. Check your camera model's compatibility before buying. The Wireless Mic System works with most recent GoPro models, but the Media Mod has more limited compatibility.

Audio quality differences between GoPro models

Newer GoPro models have better microphones and audio processing than older ones. The Hero 12 and Hero 11 have dual microphones and better wind noise reduction than the Hero 10 or Hero 9. If audio quality matters for your project, a newer model will give you noticeably better results straight out of the box.

That said, even the older models record usable audio in calm conditions. The difference becomes obvious only when you're in challenging environments — heavy wind, water spray, or loud crowds. If you already own an older GoPro and audio isn't your priority, you don't need to upgrade just for the microphone.

How to disable audio recording and save storage space

If you only want video and don't need audio, you can turn off audio recording in the Audio settings. This saves a small amount of storage space on your memory card, though the savings are usually just a few percent since audio files are much smaller than video files.

To disable audio, open Settings, go to Audio, and set it to "Off". The camera will still record video normally — only the audio track will be absent. When you play back the video later, there will be no sound.

This is useful if you plan to add music or voiceover in editing software later, or if you're recording in an environment where the audio would be useless anyway (like underwater, where the microphone picks up only muffled noise).

Transferring audio to your computer and editing it

When you read video from your GoPro to your computer, the audio comes along with it as part of the video file. You don't need to do anything special — the audio and video are already synced.

If you want to edit the audio separately (adjust volume, remove wind noise, add effects), you can use video editing software like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, or iMovie. These programs let you isolate the audio track, adjust it, and then export the video with the new audio.

Some editing software also has audio filters that can reduce wind noise or other background rumble after recording. These filters work best when the unwanted noise is consistent and the voice or important sound is clear enough to separate from it. If the wind noise is very loud in the original recording, no filter will completely remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record video without audio to save battery?

No — turning off audio recording doesn't extend battery life. Audio uses so little power that disabling it makes no meaningful difference to how long your battery lasts. Turn off audio only if you don't want the audio track in your video.

Does GoPro audio work underwater?

The microphone works underwater, but the audio quality is poor. Water muffles sound and creates a lot of low-frequency rumble. If you're recording underwater and need clear audio, an external microphone won't help much — the problem is the water itself, not the microphone. Most underwater GoPro footage is recorded without audio or with music added in editing.

What if my GoPro isn't recording any audio?

First, check the Audio setting in the camera menu — it may be set to "Off". If it's on, make sure you're using a memory card with fast enough write speeds (the camera needs at least a Class 10 card). If audio still isn't recording, try formatting the memory card in the camera itself. If the problem persists, the microphone may be blocked by dirt or debris — gently clean the microphone opening with a dry cloth.

Is the Wireless Mic System worth buying?

It depends on what you record. If you do a lot of vlogging, interviews, or talking-head videos, the Wireless Mic System gives you much clearer voice audio and is worth the cost. If you mostly record action footage where voice isn't important, the built-in microphone is fine.

Can I use a different brand microphone with my GoPro?

Only if your camera has a 3.5mm audio jack or USB-C audio input. The Media Mod has a 3.5mm jack, so you can plug in any standard microphone. Most GoPro cameras don't have a built-in jack, so you're limited to GoPro's official wireless microphone or the Media Mod setup.