GoPro Loses $93.5 Million: What It Means for Camera Buyers

NEWS By Greg Toope · August 4, 2026 · 6 min read

GoPro just posted a $93.5 million loss. They lost their patent infringement case against Insta360. The company is reportedly up for sale. And the Mission 1 Pro — arguably the best action camera ever made — is shipping to customers right now.

It's a weird situation. The product is excellent, but the company behind it is in serious trouble. If you're thinking about buying a GoPro in 2026, or if you already own one, here's what you need to know.

The $93.5 Million Loss Explained

GoPro's financial troubles aren't new — the company has been struggling for several quarters — but the $93.5 million loss reported in early 2026 was larger than analysts expected. The loss comes despite the Mission 1 Pro being genuinely well-received by reviewers and creators.

The core problem: GoPro spent heavily developing the Mission 1 series (three cameras on the new GP3 platform) while revenue from the older HERO line was declining. The Mission 1 Pro at $699 is a premium product in a market that's increasingly dominated by $379-$399 alternatives from DJI and Insta360.

GoPro also lost significant money on the Insta360 patent dispute. They won a US International Trade Commission ruling that blocked some Insta360 imports, but lost on the utility patent claims and the legal costs were substantial.

The Insta360 Patent Case

This saga has been going on since 2022. GoPro alleged that Insta360 infringed on patents related to action camera technology. In February 2026, the US International Trade Commission reaffirmed GoPro's patent claims, which prevented importation of some Insta360 products.

But here's the thing — the ruling affected specific older Insta360 models, not the current lineup. The Ace Pro 2, X5, and GO 3S all remain available in the US. And while GoPro won on some trade dress claims, they lost on the more valuable utility patents that could have generated ongoing licensing revenue.

The result: GoPro spent millions on legal fees, got a partial win that didn't significantly impact Insta360's current sales, and the patent case did nothing to stop Insta360 from gaining market share.

GoPro Is Up for Sale

Multiple reports in 2026 indicate GoPro is actively seeking a buyer. The company's stock has declined significantly, and the board appears to be exploring strategic alternatives.

What does a sale mean for customers? It depends on the buyer:

• A tech company acquiring GoPro for its brand and IP could mean continued product development but possibly higher prices or subscription requirements.
• A private equity acquisition could mean cost-cutting, reduced R&D, and a focus on milking existing revenue rather than innovating.
• A competitor buying GoPro (unlikely given antitrust concerns) could mean the end of the GoPro brand entirely.

The most likely scenario is a private equity or mid-size tech acquisition. The Mission 1 Pro is a strong product, and a buyer would want to capitalize on that. But long-term R&D investment is uncertain.

If You Already Own a GoPro

Here's the good news: your GoPro camera will continue to work regardless of what happens to the company. The Mission 1 Pro, HERO13, and all older GoPros function standalone — they record to SD cards, edit in any software, and don't require a cloud subscription.

The potential risks for existing owners:

• Firmware updates — These could slow down or stop under new ownership. Current firmware is stable, so this isn't urgent.
• GoPro cloud storage — If you're paying for the GoPro subscription for cloud backup, consider migrating to a local backup solution. Cloud services are the first thing that gets cut in acquisitions.
• Accessory availability — GoPro mounts use a standard mounting system, so third-party accessories will remain available. But official GoPro accessories could become scarce.
• App support — The GoPro Quik app could be discontinued. Alternative editing apps like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, or Insta360's own app are all viable replacements.

Should You Buy One Now?

This is the question I'm getting most from my YouTube comments. The answer is: it depends on what you need.

Yes, buy the Mission 1 Pro if:

• You need 8K60 or 4K240 — no other action camera offers this.
• You're a professional creator who needs 10-bit log footage.
• You're using it as a B-cam for professional production.
• You're comfortable with the risk that the company may not exist in its current form in 2-3 years.

No, look elsewhere if:

• You're a casual creator who just needs great-looking 4K or 8K video.
• You're buying your first action camera.
• You want long-term ecosystem stability.
• You're on a budget — $699 is a lot to invest in an uncertain ecosystem.

The Alternatives

If you decide not to go with GoPro, here's what I recommend:

Insta360 Ace Pro 2 — $399

The camera I use most. Excellent low-light, 8K30, 4K120, Leica lens, flip screen. Insta360 is profitable, growing, and actively developing new products. If you want stability without sacrificing quality, this is the pick.

DJI Osmo Action 6 — $379

The best value. Variable aperture, dual screens, 64 GB built-in storage, 8K30. DJI is the most financially stable of the three companies and has the broadest product ecosystem.

Insta360 X5 — $499 (for 360)

If you want 360-degree video, the X5 is the only choice that matters. GoPro's Max 2 exists but hasn't been updated recently. The X6 is expected late August or September 2026 if you can wait.