The best action cameras for recording your escapades
The best action camera is what you need to film your adventurous video and win the Internet. Whether you’re surfing or skydiving, these tough recording tools can shoot breathtaking footage of your daring escapades. From affordable options to premium models, we’ve tested a catalogue of the top action cameras and rated our favorites in the list below.
What’s the best action camera for most people? GoPro has a strong record of action cam excellence, and the Hero 11 Black is no exception. Easily the most feature-packed model you can buy right now, the 8:7 aspect ratio of its sensor offers a useful array of cropping options for social, while Horizon Lock keeps 5.3K/30p video steady and level through 360 degrees.
That said, GoPro’s flagship comes at a price. If you’re looking for a better value action camera, we recommend the DJI Osmo Action 3. While it doesn’t top the class with image quality, it’s a powerful, robust and more affordable alternative to the GoPro Hero 11 Black, with a wider field of view and top-notch diving chops. Shopping for something even cheaper? We also highly rate the dual-screen Akaso Brave 7 LE, one of the best cheap action camera on the market.
Whatever your expectations, this guide is designed to help you find your ideal action camera. Each entry has been thoroughly tested in a range of real-world scenarios. Besides ranking our pick of the best action cameras, we’ve also included some helpful buying tips to consider when shopping around, as well as the best prices available. With several Cyber Monday deals still currently live, there are now a lot of action camera deals to take advantage of.
The best action cameras for 2023
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1. GoPro Hero10 Black
The best action camera overall
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 153g Waterproof: 10m 5.3K video: 60fps
4K video: 120fps 2.7K video: 240fps Stills resolution: 23MP Battery life: 1,720 mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Powerful new processor / Handy 4K/120p mode / Class-leading stabilization
REASONS TO AVOID
Same sensor as Hero 9 Black / Pricier than rivals
GoPro’s latest flagship isn’t a huge leap over its predecessor, but if you’re looking for the most polished, powerful action cam around – this is it. The Hero 10 Black’s key upgrade is its new GP2 processor, which unlocks a range of useful features. We found some of those, like its ability to shoot 4K/120p video, to be genuinely impressive, while others – like its far more responsive touchscreen – felt like fixes for the Hero 9 Black’s flaws.
The result is an action camera that’s more versatile and fun-to-use than its predecessor, and a waterproof companion that’s ideal for capturing outdoor adventures or vlogging videos in 4K. GoPro’s highest-quality HyperSmooth stabilization, which is now available in more shooting modes, was excellent in our tests, and remains a big boon over your smartphone. Better value is available elsewhere, not least in older GoPros like the Hero 8 Black, but we think the Hero 10 Black is worth the premium for most people.
2. Akaso Brave 7 LE
The best action camera on a budget
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 127g Waterproof: IPx7(no case needed), 40M (with case)
4K video: up to 30fps 1080 video: up to 120fps 720 video: up to 240fps
Stills resolution: 20MP Battery life: 120 mins
REASONS TO BUY
Dual screens / Case-free water resistance / Class-leading build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor 60fps footage / Jumpy electronic stabilization / Cheaper options have better 4K
The Brave 7 LE offers an incredible range of features for its price – if a front-facing screen and weather-sealing are more important to you than outright video quality, then it should certainly be high on your shortlist. In our tests, this model’s audio quality was better than any other non-GoPro we’ve reviewed (in quieter environments, anyway) and it has a fantastically intuitive touchscreen interface.
The only slight downer is that the video quality, while decent at 4K resolution, doesn’t quite match the rest of the Brave 7 LE’s features. It leans heavily on noise reduction in lower light, giving your footage a soft quality, while the electronic image stabilization is decent rather than class-leading. Still, for the price, it’s undoubtedly one of the best action cams out there – and unrivaled in terms of the amount of features it packs in for the price.
3. Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition
The best premium action camera that’s great for low lighting
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 158.2g Waterproof: 5m 5.3K video: up to 30fps
4K video: up to 60fps 1080p video: up to 120fps Stills resolution: 19MP Battery: 1,190mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Large sensor for great image quality / Strong low-light performance
REASONS TO AVOID
Processing niggles / Sluggish software
Already a proven rival to GoPro’s Hero series, the modular Insta360 One R is now available with a sizable 1-inch sensor. And our tests, we found that this gives it low-light abilities that are brighter, cleaner and more detailed than its GoPro rivals, plus a native dynamic range that’s better than any other action camera. Its raw stills are impressive, while videos are sharp and punchy, in both 5.23K/25p and 4K/60p modes.
That said, we found also found that GoPro’s processing powers are more effective overall, with video from the Insta360 One R suffering from shimmer and fizz in detailed areas. The One R also lacks the point-and-shoot simplicity of a GoPro, with more sluggish software when it comes to exporting. All the same, the Insta360 One R produces some of the best stills and video you can get from an action camera. Its 1-inch sensor also handles the crop of image stabilization better than most. A flexible 5K camera with solid low-light skills, the Insta360 One R is one of the best action cams around.
4. GoPro Hero11 Black
The best flagship action cam for social cropping
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 153g Waterproof: 10m 5.3K video: up to 60fps
4K video: up to 120fps 2.7K video: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 27MP Battery life: 1720mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile aspect ratio for cropping / 10-bit mode useful for color grading
REASONS TO AVOID
Still not great in low lighting / Budget rivals offer better value
GoPro’s latest flagship doesn’t dramatically raise the bar for image quality. But thanks to a new 1/1.9in sensor, the Hero 11 Black is GoPro’s most versatile action camera yet. Its 8:9 aspect ratio lets you easily export content in formats to fit different social channels, without compromising on quality.
The updated sensor unlocks a super-wide HyperView lens, as well as Horizon Lock in some video modes. Shoot at 5.3K/30p with a Linear lens and it’ll keep scenes levels through 360 degrees, a feature we found very impressive in testing.
At 5.3K/60p and 4K/120p, maximum video resolutions are the same as the GoPro Hero 10 Black. What’s new is a 10-bit color mode, which offers useful flexibility for editors who want to grade in post. Maximum bit rates have also been boosted to 120Mbps, helping it better handle complex scenes.
Live-streaming is still limited to 1080p and low-light performance leaves plenty to be desired. But with an Enduro battery now included as standard, plus a 5.3K TimeWarp setting, we found the GoPro Hero 11 Black a truly feature-packed action camera. It proved a polished companion in testing, balancing pro tricks with a user-friendly interface, all wrapped up in tough, pocket-friendly packaging.
The best value action camera for most people
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 145g Waterproof: 16m (without case), 60m (with case) 4K video: up to 60fps
2.7K video: up to 120fps 1080p video: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 12MP Battery life: 1770mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Best-in-class diving specs / Convenient mounting setup
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor low-light performance / Video quality can’t compete with GoPro
It can’t compete with the GoPro Hero 11 Black on outright image quality, but the DJI Osmo Action 3 represents fantastic value. Pairing the guts of the Action 2 with the classic action cam styling of the original, it’s a tough tool with strong battery life and decent video skills.
Waterproofing to 16m gives the DJI solid diving credentials, while its 155-degree field of view is wider than any GoPro’s. That expansive angle does cause the Action 3 challenges when balancing exposure across the frame. Detail and dynamic range are also beaten by the best, but it still produces attractive footage in bright conditions. Horizon-levelling is also excellent for the price, even if adjustment judder is visible in dim scenes.
DJI’s software interface features fewer flourishes than the Hero 11 Black, but we found it nicely intuitive, while the Memo app actually seemed more reliable than GoPro’s Quik equivalent. The front touchscreen was handy when shooting solo, while its mounting system proved usefully quick to switch, even if the portrait case isn’t as versatile as the Hero 11 Black’s 8:7 sensor. Provided you don’t need the very best video quality available, the Action 3 is a robust and reliable choice.
An excellent GoPro action cam if don’t need 4K slo-mo
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 158g Waterproof: 10m 5K video: up to 30fps
4K video: up to 60fps 2.7K: up to 120fps 1080: up to 240fps
Stills resolution: 20MP Battery: 1720mAh
REASONS TO BUY
5K video captures lots of detail / Front display for vlogging / Improved battery life / New software skills
REASONS TO AVOID
Rear screen currently unresponsive / Little improvement to 4K video
It’s now been succeeded by the Hero 10 Black, but the Hero 9 Black is still worth considering if you don’t need the absolute latest features – like 4K/120p video or an improved front screen. Given that the price difference between the two models isn’t huge, we think the Hero 10 is worth the extra cost for its improved usability, but this model has the same sensor, design and most of the same features.
These include the option of shooting 5K video, which we found to have excellent detail, courtesy of a 23.MP sensor that debuted on this model. You also get a handy front color display (albeit one that’s a little more laggy than the one on the Hero 10) and the option of HyperSmooth Boost (GoPro’s strongest stabilization) in all shooting modes. The Hero 9 is super-versatile too, thanks to ‘Power Tools’ that include ‘scheduled captures’ (setting a time for it to start recording) and HindSight (for capturing action that happened 15-30 seconds before you hit the shutter). But the Hero 10 is more polished and versatile, thanks to its new processor and shooting modes.
A good all-rounder if you don’t need a front-facing screen
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 126g Waterproof: 10m 4K video: up to 60fps
1080: up to 240fps 720: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 12MP Battery: 1220mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Best-in-class digital stabilization / Time-saving Capture Presets / Built-in mounting arms / Improved mic
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor low-light performance / No front display
It’s now been succeeded by the GoPro Hero 10 Black and Hero 9 Black, but this model could well be the better value choice for you – particularly if you don’t need a front-facing screen. What else are you missing out on compared to the GoPro’s latest models? Those two successors also bring 5K video modes improved slo-mo options. But if none of those are deal-breakers for you, you’ll find that the Hero 8 Black shoots equally impressive 4K video, offers almost identical HyperSmooth stabilization (aside from in the most demanding modes) and has one less color screen to worry about breaking.
Thanks to compatibility with GoPro Labs, which is the manufacturer’s new platform for trying out unreleased beta features, it also offers much of the same versatility. With the same folding ‘fingers’ on the underside for mounting it to accessories without a case, waterproofing down to ten meters and compatibility with GoPro’s Mods accessories, we think the Hero 8 Black remains a fantastic all-rounder for its current price.
A unique action cam that’s very modular and expandable
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 56g Waterproof: 10m (without a case) 4K video: up to 60fps
1080p video: up to 60fps 720p video: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 12MP Battery: 580mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile, modular design / Handy horizon-leveling
REASONS TO AVOID
Overheating limitations / Not great in low light
The DJI Action 2 is a neat, modular alternative to GoPro’s action cameras – and it might just be the better pick for you, as long as you’re okay with its limitations. The Action 2 is a little metallic cube, which you can buy with one of two additional units (either a standard battery, or a battery with a second screen for vlogging). We particularly enjoyed its magnetic mounting experience, which is far less fiddly than using GoPro mounts. If you’re a gadget fan, it’s a real delight.
On the downside, we found that the Action 2 overheated a fair bit when shooting 4K video, with recordings capped at around five minutes. This means it’s very much an action camera for those looking to shoot shorter clips. Also, while the main unit is waterproof to 10m, neither the Power Module nor the Front Touchscreen Module are water-resistant without a case. Still, if those aren’t deal-breakers for you, then we found that video shot in daylight looked great, while Horizon Steady – which lets you tilt the Action 2 almost 180-degrees without affecting the image – is a useful party trick for an action camera.
An older GoPro flagship that’s more now affordable
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 118g Waterproof: 10m 4K video: up to 60fps
1080: up to 240fps 720: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 12MP Battery life: 1-3hrs (est)
REASONS TO BUY
Great 4K video and image quality / HyperSmooth is very effective
REASONS TO AVOID
Can struggle with voice commands / Screen unresponsive at times
It’s now been ousted from GoPro’s official line-up, with the Hero 8 Black officially the company’s entry-level option. But plenty of Hero 7 Black stock remains at good prices, and it’s worth considering if you need a more basic action camera that still has GoPro’s excellent HyperSmooth stabilization. While it shoots 4K video, the Hero 7 Black doesn’t offer this in ‘Linear’ shooting mode, which corrects the fish-eye distortion you get in wider shooting modes, and there’s no high bit-rate 100Mbps mode either.
But if you’re happy to mainly shoot in 2.7K or 1080p, we found that the Hero 7 Black captures excellent quality video at frame-rates up to 120p, while offering the original versions of TimeWarp (for shooting hyperlapses) and HyperSmooth stabilization for smoothing out any judder. The other main difference from recent GoPros is that this model lacks built-in mounting fingers, which means you’ll need the included mounting frame to attach it to objects. But that’s not a huge deal and in most other respects (battery life, ruggedness, waterproofing and 12MP SuperPhotos) this model is a match for the Hero 8 Black.
An impressive, if imperfect, modular option with great quality
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 130.5g Waterproof: 5m (with case) 5.7K video: up to 30fps
4K: up to 30fps 1080: up to 200fps Stills resolution: 18.5MP Battery: 1150mAh
REASONS TO BUY
Modular design offers unrivaled versatility / Solid 4K and 360-degree image quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Very small screen / Significant bugs at launch
The GoPro Hero 9 Black may offer handy add-ons, but the Insta360 One R is a properly modular action camera, comprised of a battery, control and camera block. This means you can switch the latter at will to suit your shooting situation, choosing between a 4K action cam and a 360-degree camera. There’s even a 1-inch sensor block (see the Insta360 One R 1-Inch Edition at number 2). But does this base model deliver on its promise of being three cameras in one? In many ways, yes: clipped together, the One R is only slightly larger than the Hero 8 Black and feels surprisingly sturdy – though you need to fit the mounting case to make it water resistant. Image quality is also sharp and relatively stable, with good detail in darker areas.
In other ways, though, it’s less successful: we found that the image processing (at least on the 4K module) couldn’t match the Hero 8 Black or Hero 9 Black, while the 1.3-inch touchscreen is too small for framing 16:9 footage. It’s worth remembering, though, that the dual-lens bundle costs less than the GoPro Max alone. For that, you get a modular approach that’s flexible and well-executed, delivering great 4K video and solid 360-degree footage. Provided software updates can iron out some of the processing issues, the Insta360 One R is well worth a look for those who want to tinker with both 360 video and standard action cam footage.
The best waterproof, 360-degree action camera
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 163g Waterproof: 5m 5.6K spherical video: Up to 30fps
1440p 2D video : up to 60fps Stills resolution: 16.6MP Battery life: 108 minutes (1440p), 78 minutes (5.6K)
REASONS TO BUY
Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video / In-camera stitching
REASONS TO AVOID
Low-resolution 2D footage / Not the best in low light
If you only want to shoot traditional action camera footage (that is, non-360 video) at the best possible quality, then the GoPro Hero 8 Black and Hero 9 Black remain better choices. But if you like the sound of being able to reframe your videos after they’ve been shot, and are looking for great audio quality, then the Max is well worth considering.
GoPro’s most expensive action camera uses two fisheye lenses to shoot spherical 5.6K video, which you can later crop into standard 2D video using OverCapture software. It’s also packed with features including six-microphone audio (which records excellent audio, if not quite up to the level of GoPro’s ‘shotgun mic’ claims), shooting modes like TimeWarp, and built-in mounting fingers to ensure you don’t need a extra mount mount to attach it to anything.
The downsides are the fact that it doesn’t offer the best 2D video quality (due to the need to convert it from a fish-eye image, and the max 1440/60p resolution) and that it can’t quite match the Hero 8 Black or Hero 9 Black in low light situations. But it remains the best waterproof, 360-degree action camera around.
A tiny action cam with a very clever case
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 26.5g Waterproof: 4m 1440p video: up to 50fps
1080p video: up to 50fps Stills resolution: 9.2MP Battery: 30 minutes (150 minutes with charging case)
REASONS TO BUY
Truly tiny form factor / Tripod charging case
REASONS TO AVOID
No display for framing / Only waterproof to 4m
Touted as “the world’s smallest action camera”, the Insta360 Go 2 is a truly tiny cam that’s designed for quick and easy recording. Despite its dinky build, the Go 2 can capture excellent 1440p video at 50fps, with good detail and decent dynamic range. Its image stabilization skills aren’t a match for the GoPro Hero 9 Black, but the Go 2’s FlowState smarts can still smooth out walking motion reasonably well.
Probably the biggest upgrade over the original Insta360 Go is the updated charging case. Buttons and a mini mode screen transform the user experience, allowing you to deploy the case as a remote control. It can also significantly boost battery life and double up as a tripod for easy self-shooting. Add 4-metre waterproofing to the spec sheet and, while it might not represent total innovation, the Go 2 shapes up as a versatile, accessible and properly portable action camera.
What it lacks in ruggedness it makes up for with great stabilization
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Compact Sensor size: 1/1.7-in Resolution: 64MP
Effective focal length: 20mm Viewfinder: None Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Max movie resolution: 4K 60p Size, weight: 124.7 x 38.1 x 30.0 mm, 117g
REASONS TO BUY
Useful gimbal stabilization / Impressive tracking
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor low light performance / Can get hot while filming 4K
While it’s not technically an action camera, the DJI Pocket 2 is well worth considering if you’re a solo traveling filmmaker or vlogger. Its built-in three-axis gimbal isn’t just useful for stabilizing footage – when combined with the Pocket 2’s face-tracking, it allows the camera to automatically follow you left and right as you walk around in front of it.
Unlike the original Osmo Pocket, the Pocket 2 has a larger 1/1.7-inch sensor that can shoot 64MP stills and 4K/60p video at 100Mbps. Your options for capturing high-quality audio are also much-improved, thanks to the inclusion of four microphones and an optional Creator Combo that includes an external wireless mic. And while the Pocket 2 isn’t waterproof itself, but you can buy a waterproof case that keeps it protected to depths of up to 60m.
The Pocket 2 isn’t as rugged or tough out of the box as a GoPro, but it is a simpler and more versatile vlogging option if you’re happy to keep it safely tucked away in between shots.
An action camera disguised as a hardcore compact
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 253g Waterproof: IPX8, 15M (no case) 4K video: up to 30fps
1080 video: up to 120fps 720 video: up to 240fps Stills resolution: 12MP Battery life: 110 mins
REASONS TO BUY
Internally stacked zoom lens / Up to 4K video resolution
REASONS TO AVOID
Quality drops in bright conditions / Small sensor at its core
Rugged enough to record any adventure, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is a premium compact in hardcore housing. Waterproof to 15m, freeze-proof to minus 10°C, crushproof to 100kg, and shockproof against drops from 2.1m: this is an action-ready camera that thrives in conditions that would kill lesser rivals
Though it’s weightier than most action cams, its durability doesn’t require any extra casing. While it certainly feels solid in the hand, the TG-6 still fits comfortably in a pocket. That’s partly thanks to its internally stacked 25-100mm equivalent lens, which offers useful zoom versatility without protruding from the body.
The 1/2.3-inch sensor is relatively small, but it can still capture reasonable raw stills and 4K footage at up to 30fps. Overexposure is a risk in bright conditions, but colours are generally rich, with sensor-shift stabilization doing something to combat vibrations. In its high-speed setting, the TG-6 can also shoot 1080p video at 120fps, but only for 20 seconds.
Read our in-depth Olympus Tough TG-6 review
How to choose the best action camera for you
While the right action camera for you will depend on what and how you like to shoot, there are some key skills every good action cam should have. It should be rugged enough to endure some rough and tumble, plus waterproof down to at least a few meters. It should also be straightforward to use and operate, even in extreme conditions. Touchscreens can make an action cam easier to control, but if you plan to shoot while wearing gloves, it might make more sense to select a model with physical buttons.
You’ll probably use an action cam on the move, so image stabilization is an important feature to look for. This should smooth out camera shake (from hands or handlebars) for more watchable footage. The quality of image stabilization can vary significantly, so it’s worth thinking about how smooth your video needs to be (or whether you can live with a few wobbles). A higher resolution sensor can help: digital image stabilization will often crop the frame to eliminate movement. Footage cropped from 4K will look better than video that’s been reduced down from 1080p.
Many of the top action cameras in 2021 also offer smartphone connectivity, which allows you to easily edit and share your latest videos quickly. Some models also support live-streaming direct to platforms like YouTube. This can be demanding on battery life, but will be useful if you plan on vlogging straight to social media.
Most action cameras can shoot slow-motion footage at upwards of 120fps, while some of the top models also offer more creative shooting modes, such as hyperlapses. Some in-camera effects can be replicated with editing software, but it’s worth considering a camera with creative presets if you’re looking to add variety to your videos with minimal effort.
The majority of models ship with a range of mounting options. If you’re planning to use one during a more niche activity, be sure to check that there’s a suitable attachment available to fit your needs. A few action cams go further, offering a modular setup which allows you to augment your shooting with optional accessories, such as microphones, lights or even a 360-degree lens.
What is an action camera used for?
The best action cameras are compact, tough and easy to operate. Thanks to their rugged build, action cams can be used to shoot footage in the kind of scenarios where most standard cameras simply can’t survive. And because the top options offer outstanding image stabilization, action cams are ideal for recording smooth video while you’re on the move.
Many people use action cameras to capture footage of their adventurous pursuits, such as mountain biking, skydiving or snowboarding. The best action cams are also waterproof, so some outdoor enthusiasts employ them to shoot watersports or record underwater video while swimming or diving. Most action cams come with a range of mounts, which make it easy to attach them to your helmet, handlebars or even a strap which wraps around your chest. So you should always be able to find an attachment that suits.
Action cameras can also be fitted inside vehicles, either to record the road like a substitute dash cam, or to capture what the driver is doing. Several motorsport series fit in-car action cameras to record racing drivers.
Not everyone uses action cameras for extreme activities, though. Because the best models are easy to control, feature creative shooting modes and offer excellent connectivity options (including live-streaming support), a lot of vloggers use models like the GoPro Hero 10 Black to shoot videos for social media. Image stabilization means they’re great for walking and talking, while their compact size makes action cams good for on-the-go recording.
Some content creators deploy action cams as a second camera alongside their main mirrorless model, for shooting slow-motion b-roll or capturing additional angles to add variety to their videos.
How we test action cameras
Action cameras are among the toughest cameras around, so we properly put them through their paces to make sure they live up to their rugged billing – and can shoot excellent video and stills, too.
We take each one through a range of real-world tests including cycling, swimming and, if possible, an experience like an adventure course. These not only give us a good idea of each model’s ability to withstand the elements, but how easy they are to operate in difficult conditions.
When it comes to footage, we record in a variety of resolutions and frame-rates to help gauge each action camera’s strengths, and review these clips on a calibrated monitor. We look at default color reproduction and noise levels in shadows and highlights, and look out for any common image quality issues including clipping, softness, barrel distortion and over-zealous processing.
We go through a similar process to analyze each camera’s image stabilization, which is crucial to maintaining image quality during movement, and look at the quality of any special shooting modes too, including slo-mo and timelapses.
For battery life tests, we continuously record at different resolutions and frame-rates. We note down both how long the action cams lasts and when it has to shut down due to overheating. Lastly, we evaluate how user-friendly each camera is, by testing both their touchscreen interfaces and companion apps.
Source: techradar.com
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