Best Action Cameras

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Action cameras are must-have devices for adventurers and sports enthusiasts, allowing you to capture high-quality video and photos in environments where traditional cameras fall short. Whether you’re surfing, skiing, mountain biking, or skydiving, these compact, rugged cameras record your most thrilling moments. Unlike bulky camcorders, action cameras are lightweight and designed for mounting on helmets, handlebars, and surfboards. They’re typically waterproof and shockproof, with features like image stabilization, slow-motion recording, and voice control. When selecting an action camera, consider video quality, battery life, and durability—top models shoot crisp 4K video, last for hours, and handle extreme conditions. We tested a variety of action cameras to find the best options for different needs and budgets.

  • AKASO EK7000 Action Cam

    10

    We think the AKASO EK7000 is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to capture action-packed moments.

    10

    We think the AKASO EK7000 is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to capture action-packed moments.

    Pros

    • 4K video and 20MP photos
    • Waterproof case included
    • Wireless remote control

    Cons

    • Battery life could be better
    • App can be tricky to use
    • Audio quality is average

    We tested the AKASO EK7000 on a recent hiking trip and were impressed by its performance. The 4K video looked sharp and crisp, even when we were moving quickly along the trail. We liked how easy it was to switch between video and photo modes using the wireless remote.

    The waterproof case came in handy when we crossed a stream. We dunked the camera underwater to get some cool shots of fish, and it worked perfectly. The case feels sturdy and well-made, giving us peace of mind during our outdoor adventures.

    We found the battery life to be okay, but not amazing. It lasted about an hour of continuous shooting, so we had to swap batteries a couple of times during our day-long hike. The app was a bit hard to figure out at first, but once we got the hang of it, it was nice to be able to view and share our footage right away.

  • AKASO Brave 4 Action Cam

    9.7

    We think the AKASO Brave 4 is a solid budget-friendly alternative to pricier action cameras for casual users.

    9.7

    We think the AKASO Brave 4 is a solid budget-friendly alternative to pricier action cameras for casual users.

    Pros

    • 4K video and 20MP photos
    • Waterproof case included
    • Lots of accessories

    Cons

    • Image quality not quite GoPro level
    • App can be finicky
    • Battery life could be better

    We tested the AKASO Brave 4 on a recent mountain biking trip, and we were impressed by its performance for the price. The 4K video looked crisp, capturing the trail’s bumps and jumps smoothly. Its image stabilization helped reduce shakiness, though not quite to the level of more expensive cameras.

    The included waterproof case let us take the Brave 4 for a swim without worry. We captured some fun underwater shots at the lake, and the case held up well to 30 feet deep. The dual screens made framing shots easy whether filming ourselves or the scenery.

    We liked the variety of mounting options that came with the camera. The helmet mount worked great for POV footage, while the handlebar mount gave a different perspective. Battery life was decent – we got about 80 minutes of 4K recording per charge. The companion app worked okay for transferring files, but it sometimes disconnected unexpectedly.

  • AKASO Brave 4

    9.5

    We think the AKASO Brave 4 is a solid choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a feature-packed action camera.

    9.5

    We think the AKASO Brave 4 is a solid choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a feature-packed action camera.

    Pros

    • 4K video and 20MP photos
    • Waterproof up to 131 feet
    • Includes remote control and accessories

    Cons

    • App could be more user-friendly
    • Instructions are limited
    • Mounts feel a bit flimsy

    We tested the AKASO Brave 4 on our latest outdoor excursion, and it left us impressed. The 4K video quality is crisp, capturing the beauty of our surroundings in vivid detail. We loved how easy it was to switch between the four viewing angles, letting us get just the right shot every time.

    The camera’s waterproof case worked like a charm. We took it snorkeling, and it held up perfectly, allowing us to capture clear underwater footage. The dual screens were a nice touch, making it easy to frame our shots whether we were facing the camera or not.

    Battery life was decent, lasting about 90 minutes per charge. We appreciated the included spare battery, which came in handy during our longer outings. The Wi-Fi feature made sharing our adventures a breeze, though we found the app a bit clunky at times.

  • DJI Osmo Action 4

    9.4

    We think the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a top choice for adventure seekers who want stunning 4K footage in any condition.

    9.4

    We think the DJI Osmo Action 4 is a top choice for adventure seekers who want stunning 4K footage in any condition.

    Pros

    • Amazing low-light performance
    • Long battery life, even in cold temps
    • Versatile mounting options

    Cons

    • App not available on Google Play
    • Pricey compared to some competitors
    • Vertical shooting requires extra frame

    We took the DJI Osmo Action 4 for a spin, and we’re impressed. The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures crisp 4K video with vivid colors. Even in dim lighting, the footage looks great. We tested it at dusk, and the results blew us away.

    The battery life is a standout feature. We recorded for over 2 hours straight without a hitch. Even in chilly weather, it kept going strong. This is perfect for long ski runs or extended bike rides.

    We love the magnetic quick-release mount. Switching from horizontal to vertical shots is a breeze. The dual touchscreens make framing shots easy, no matter how we held the camera.

    The new Pre-Rec feature is handy. It saves footage from before we hit record. We caught a surprise fish jump that we would’ve missed otherwise.

    While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the Osmo Action 4’s quality justifies the price for serious adventurers. Just keep in mind you’ll need to download the app from DJI’s website if you’re on Android.

  • GoPro HERO12 Black

    9.3

    We think the GoPro HERO12 Black is the best action camera for most people due to its exceptional video quality, advanced stabilization, and versatile features.

    9.3

    We think the GoPro HERO12 Black is the best action camera for most people due to its exceptional video quality, advanced stabilization, and versatile features.

    Pros

    • Amazing 5.3K video and 27MP photos
    • Impressive HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
    • Waterproof without a case

    Cons

    • Expensive compared to some alternatives
    • Battery life could be better at highest settings
    • Touchscreen can be finicky

    We tested the GoPro HERO12 Black in various outdoor scenarios, and it consistently delivered stunning footage. The 5.3K video resolution captured incredibly sharp details, while the 27MP photos were crisp and vibrant. We were especially impressed by the HDR capabilities, which brought out rich colors and balanced exposure in challenging lighting conditions.

    The HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization is a game-changer. We mounted the camera on a mountain bike and were amazed at how steady the footage looked, even on bumpy trails. The Horizon Lock feature kept our videos level during extreme movements, which was perfect for action-packed shots.

    We appreciated the HERO12’s durability. It survived a few drops and worked flawlessly underwater without needing an extra case. The new Bluetooth audio support let us use wireless earbuds as a mic, which was great for vlogging.

    While the battery life is improved, we found it still drained quickly at the highest settings. We recommend carrying spare batteries for long shooting sessions. The touchscreen sometimes needed multiple taps to respond, which was frustrating in fast-paced situations.

  • AKASO Brave 7 LE

    9.1

    We think the AKASO Brave 7 LE is a great budget-friendly action camera for most people.

    9.1

    We think the AKASO Brave 7 LE is a great budget-friendly action camera for most people.

    Pros

    • Dual screens for easy framing
    • Excellent image stabilization
    • Waterproof without extra housing

    Cons

    • Video quality lags behind pricier options
    • App can be finicky
    • Battery life is average

    We took the AKASO Brave 7 LE for a spin, and it left us impressed. The dual screens are a standout feature. We found the front display super handy for framing selfies and vlogging shots. The back touchscreen is responsive and easy to use.

    In our tests, the 4K video looked good in bright light. Colors were vivid and details were sharp. The electronic image stabilization did a great job smoothing out shaky footage. We could barely tell we were moving while walking with the camera.

    We loved that the Brave 7 LE is waterproof without needing an extra case. We dunked it in a pool with no issues. The included waterproof housing lets you take it even deeper. We also liked the remote control for hands-free shooting.

  • AKASO EK7000 Pro Action Cam

    9

    We think the AKASO EK7000 Pro is a solid budget-friendly choice for those wanting to capture action-packed moments.

    9

    We think the AKASO EK7000 Pro is a solid budget-friendly choice for those wanting to capture action-packed moments.

    Pros

    • 4K video and 20MP photos
    • Touch screen for easy control
    • Waterproof up to 131 feet

    Cons

    • Image quality not quite GoPro level
    • App can be glitchy
    • Battery life could be better

    We took the AKASO EK7000 Pro for a spin, and we’re impressed by what this little camera can do. The 4K video looks crisp, and the 20MP photos are great for sharing on social media. We really like the touch screen – it makes changing settings a breeze when we’re on the go.

    One of our favorite features is the waterproof case. We used it while snorkeling, and it kept the camera dry down to 40 feet. The electronic image stabilization helped smooth out our shaky footage too.

    We did notice the image quality isn’t quite up to par with pricier action cams. The app can be a bit finicky at times, which was frustrating when we wanted to quickly transfer files. Battery life is okay, but we found ourselves swapping batteries more often than we’d like on long shoot days. Still, for the price, we think it’s a good value for casual users.

  • AKASO Brave 7 Action Cam

    8.7

    We think the AKASO Brave 7 is a solid choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a feature-packed action camera.

    8.7

    We think the AKASO Brave 7 is a solid choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a feature-packed action camera.

    Pros

    • 4K video and 20MP photos
    • Waterproof without a case
    • Dual screens for easy framing

    Cons

    • Learning curve for new users
    • Requires fast microSD card
    • Some features off by default

    We took the AKASO Brave 7 out for a spin, and it left us impressed. This little camera packs a punch with its 4K video and 20MP photo capabilities. We caught some great shots on our kayaking trip, and the colors really popped.

    The dual screens are a game-changer. We loved being able to frame our selfies without guessing. The touch screen on the back made changing settings a breeze, even with wet hands.

    We didn’t need to fuss with a bulky waterproof case. The Brave 7 handled our underwater shots like a champ, staying dry down to 33 feet. This made it super easy to go from land to water without missing a beat.

    The remote control was handy, but it took us a bit to get used to it. We found the adjustable view angles useful for different shots, from wide landscapes to tighter action scenes.

    Battery life was decent, and having two in the box meant we could keep filming all day. The image stabilization worked well for our bike ride footage, but remember to turn it on first.

    While it’s not perfect, the AKASO Brave 7 offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a good pick for those starting out with action cameras or anyone who wants solid features without breaking the bank.

  • Insta360 X4 Action Cam

    8.7

    We think the Insta360 X4 is a top choice for anyone seeking a versatile and high-quality 360 action camera.

    8.7

    We think the Insta360 X4 is a top choice for anyone seeking a versatile and high-quality 360 action camera.

    Pros

    • Amazing 8K 360 video quality
    • Easy reframing in app after shooting
    • Waterproof and durable build

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to standard action cams
    • Editing can be time-consuming
    • Large file sizes

    We tested the Insta360 X4 on a recent hiking trip, and we were blown away by its video quality. The 8K 360 footage looked crisp and vivid, even in challenging lighting conditions. We loved being able to capture everything around us without worrying about framing shots perfectly.

    The reframing process in the app was much simpler than we expected. We could easily pick out the best angles after the fact, which saved us a lot of time while filming. The invisible selfie stick effect was a fun bonus, giving our videos a drone-like feel.

    We did find that working with such large video files took up a lot of storage space. Editing also required some patience, but the results were worth it. The camera’s durability impressed us too – it handled a few accidental drops without issue.

  • GoPro HERO10 Black

    8.6

    We think the GoPro HERO10 Black is a top pick for most action camera users due to its impressive video quality and advanced features.

    8.6

    We think the GoPro HERO10 Black is a top pick for most action camera users due to its impressive video quality and advanced features.

    Pros

    • Amazing 5.3K video and 23MP photos
    • Excellent image stabilization
    • User-friendly touch controls

    Cons

    • Battery life could be better
    • Can overheat in hot conditions
    • Pricey compared to some alternatives

    We tested the GoPro HERO10 Black in various settings, and it didn’t let us down. The new GP2 chip really steps up the game, allowing for smoother footage and snappier performance. We shot some bike rides and were blown away by the crisp 5.3K video at 60 frames per second.

    The HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization is a game-changer. Our footage looked steady even when we were bouncing around on rough terrain. The touch controls are quick and easy to use, which is great when you’re on the go.

    We did notice the battery drains faster than we’d like, so pack some spares for long shoots. In very hot weather, the camera can get warm and shut off to cool down. While it’s not cheap, we think the HERO10 Black is worth it for serious action camera users who want top-notch quality and features.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an action camera, there are several key features to consider:

Image Quality

We recommend looking for cameras that can shoot at least 4K video. Higher resolutions like 5K or 8K are nice but not essential for most users.

Frame rates of 60fps or higher allow for smooth slow-motion footage. Look for cameras that offer 120fps or 240fps at 1080p resolution.

Stabilization

Electronic image stabilization is crucial for steady footage during action shots. The best cameras use advanced stabilization algorithms.

Durability

A rugged, waterproof design is important for outdoor use. Many action cams are waterproof to 10m or more without an extra case.

Battery Life

Longer battery life means more shooting time between charges. We suggest aiming for at least 90 minutes of recording time per charge.

Ease of Use

Simple controls and a user-friendly app make it easier to capture and edit footage on the go. Voice commands can be helpful for hands-free control.

Mounting Options

A wide range of compatible mounts lets you attach the camera to helmets, bikes, boards and more. Look for cameras with standard mounting systems.

This table summarizes key specs to compare:

FeatureRecommended Minimum
Video Resolution4K/30fps
Slow-Motion1080p/120fps
Waterproof10m without case
Battery Life90 minutes