GoPro Protective Housing for HERO13/12/11/10/9 - Waterproof Protection

In this review the GoPro Protective Housing is evaluated for action photographers and divers who need rugged, reliable protection for their HERO cameras. The bottom line: this housing is for anyone who wants to add a durable, waterproof shell that keeps the camera safe from mud, dirt and flying debris while still allowing the user to view the front LCD and access the back touch screen. It is especially useful for deep-water diving thanks to its rated waterproof depth and a flat glass lens that preserves image clarity both above and below the surface.

Key Features

• Waterproof to 196ft: The housing is rated for depths to 196ft (60m), making it suitable for deep-water diving and underwater photography where a standard camera casing might fail.
• Full protection: It shields the camera from mud, dirt and debris during intense activities, keeping buttons and controls covered while the camera remains usable.
• Front LCD access: The front LCD screen remains visible for framing and status checks without removing the camera from the case.
• Skeleton backdoor: Includes a skeleton backdoor that improves audio capture and still allows easy access to the back touch screen when needed.
• Flat glass lens: The flat glass lens delivers sharp, high-quality images and helps maintain clarity both above and below water.

Who It's For

The housing is aimed at divers, snorkelers, and adventure sports participants who need dependable waterproofing and protection beyond the camera's built-in capabilities. It is also a good match for users who prioritize image quality underwater and want a case that does not degrade sharpness thanks to the flat glass lens.

Users who primarily shoot casual, dry-land clips and prefer the camera's built-in water resistance may find this housing unnecessary. Also, if easy rapid access to all camera controls is the top priority, they should consider whether the skeleton backdoor meets their workflow needs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and a secure fit that commenters noted performed well during deep dives.
• Strong protection from mud, dirt and flying debris for demanding environments.
• Flat glass lens maintains image quality above and below water, supporting sharp footage.
• Skeleton backdoor offers a balance of protection and audio capture improvement while enabling touch screen access.

Cons

• Some customers report mixed feelings about ease of use, suggesting a short learning curve for fitting and access during action shoots.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The GoPro Protective Housing is a practical, well-made accessory for divers and adventure users who need extra protection and reliable waterproofing. It offers strong value by combining deep-water capability with a flat glass lens that preserves image quality, and the skeleton backdoor balances audio needs with touch access. Buy it if you need rugged, dependable protection for extended or extreme use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this housing suitable for deep diving?
Yes, it is waterproof to 196ft (60m), which makes it suitable for deep-water diving activities when properly sealed.

Will the housing affect image quality?
The housing uses a flat glass lens designed to maintain sharp, high-quality images both above and below water, so image degradation is minimal.

Can I still use the touch screen and get decent audio?
The included skeleton backdoor allows easy access to the back touch screen and improves audio capture compared with a fully sealed rear door, though users should expect some trade-offs versus no housing.