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The best GoPro accessory? It's not what you'd think
GoPro USB Pass-Through Door
One of the biggest reasons for choosing a GoPro over a competing action camera is the massive accessories market. If there's something you wish existed for a GoPro, it probably does!
There are grips and lights and microphones and much more.
Also: GoPro HERO11 Black: The world's best action camera gets even better
Although my favorite accessory might seem rather bland, it's allowed me to do so much with my GoPro.
It's a replacement battery door, but with a twist. It solves one of the GoPro's biggest limitations.
Runtime.
It allows you to power the GoPro using USB-C rather than the battery.
The GoPro USB pass-through door replaces the default one with one that features USB-C port at the bottom. This means I can power the GoPro from an external source -- such as a charger or power bank -- which dramatically extends the camera's runtime.
The kit also comes with a 4.5ft. (1.37m) USB-C cable. For greater flexibility, I use a different cable, the 6ft Anker PowerLine III Flow silicone cable. The length allows me to reach a distant charger or power bank, and the flexibility of the cable means I can run it through windows or car doors (this is handy because I can keep the power source out of the elements).
Worried that this door is going to let water and dirt into your camera? Remember, this is a genuine GoPro accessory and the door has the same weather and dirt-proofing that the original door has, but it adds a weatherproof USB-C port (weatherproof -- not waterproof -- so don't submerge the camera).
The replacement door fits the GoPro HERO10 Black and HERO9 Black, as well as the latest HERO11 Black.
USB pass-through battery door (top) vs original battery door
You can plug a USB-C cable into the GoPro's USB-C port, bypassing the internal battery.
Note that the internal battery won't charge while the GoPro is recording.
The door also features a cable management clip that helps prevent the cable from being pulled out of the port.
The door's cable clamp helps prevent the cable from being accidentally detached
There's a hidden advantage to using the pass-through door for powering the GoPro at night or in inclement weather. Powering the GoPro externally warms up the camera, which means that any water or moisture that builds up on the lens will evaporate off quickly.
This is a handy side effect.
The pass-through door adds weather sealing to the GoPro's USB-C port
The GoPro USB pass-through door costs $19.99 ($15.99 if you are a GoPro subscriber) and is currently only available from GoPro.
Alternatives
Are there alternatives to the genuine GoPro replacement door?
Yes.
Here is one of the better cheaper USB-C pass-through doors. The one listed here even features a silicone gasket to keep out rain and snow.
There are others that have no weather sealing at all, but I find that packing Blu-Tack adhesive putty around the cable connector after plugging it in works pretty well. I've been doing this for years and not had any problems with water intrusion from rain or moisture (although bear in mind that you shouldn't submerge your GoPro with anything other than the officiel batteyr door .