The Best Action Camera To Buy

You may think that a list of the best action camera would just be GoPro, GoPro, GoPro. But this isn’t the case!

While it’s true the action camera giant does dominate, and you’ll see the best GoPro cameras well represented in our guide. There are loads of fabulous action cameras out there from many different brands.

What’s more, many of them are significantly cheaper than the market leader. So those looking to make a saving would do well to consider their options.

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With all that said, if you’re looking for the absolute best action camera you can buy right now.

Spoilers – we think it’s pretty unquestionably the GoPro Hero9 Black.

This tiny wonder is able to shoot 5K video at 30fps, and is also waterproof down to 10m. Also, taking a cue from one of its biggest rivals.

The DJI Osmo Action it also has a front-facing screen that is perfect for vloggers. Making it easier than ever to record yourself and produce incredible content for social media and YouTube.

DJI is not the only rival on the scene, however. There’s a lot of crossover in this market with other areas like the best 360 cameras. And cameras from the likes of Insta360 are often capable of shooting in action-camera conditions!

This company now makes the modular Insta360 One R Twin Edition, which includes both an action camera module and a 360 module.

Of course, GoPro has hit back with its own 360-degree models. Most recently the GoPro Max, so you really are spoiled for choice

The fact of the matter is that the best action camera will be different for most users! Depending on whether you need the most resolution.

The best waterproofing, the hardiest shockproofing or just the lowest price tag. There’s a wealth of choice out there.

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That’s why it’s great to have a good guide to the best action cameras out there. So you can make an informed choice.

We’ve scoured the internet for our favorite models. We’ve taken into account all sorts of different factors when making our picks, including price.

So you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. We’ll never include a camera we don’t think is worth buying.

If you’re more video-focused, you may also want to check out our guide to the best cameras for vlogging.

Alternatively, we have a list of the best underwater cameras for those who want more options for shooting under the sea.

But for now, let’s get started with our top picks of the best action cams right now. if you do go for a GoPro, make sure you get some of the best GoPro accessories out there too.

1. GoPro Hero9 Black – Action Camera

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The most versatile action camera

With multiple lens options, including 360 and 1-inch sensor modules, the One R offers more creative options than the Hero9 Black.

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The Insta360 One R is unique in that it’s not just one action camera—it’s more like up to three. It has a modular design that lets you swap in different lenses and sensors. Completely transforming how you use the camera and what footage you can get.

The most interesting options are a 1-inch sensor module for impressive (for an action camera) low-light performance. And a 360 module that records everything in a sphere around the camera so that you never miss a thing.

You can record yourself, where you’re going, and your friends, all at the same time. Insta360’s excellent app lets you edit all this footage in far more ways than GoPro’s.

Allowing you to create compelling videos that are unlike what you can get with other action cams.

Battery life is roughly the same as that of the Hero9, though it varies depending on which sensor or module you have equipped.

Overall, it’s not quite as easy to use as our top pick, and with all the bells and whistles it’s more expensive. But for those in search of something different for their social media content, this is the best option.

3. GoPro Hero7 Black – Action Camera

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The best budget-friendly action camera

It’s a tad less stabilized, its hyperlapses are less versatile, and you need a frame to use it with mounts. But it’s a lot cheaper.

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If you’re content with not having the latest and greatest, the GoPro Hero7 Black offers much of the Hero9’s performance for a lot less money.

It does pretty much everything the Hero9 does, just not quite as well. To most eyes, and when viewed on most devices, the video you get out of the Hero7 Black camera will look just as sharp and colorful as footage from the Hero9 Black.

However, technically it isn’t as sharp, and its stabilization isn’t as good, so the video will appear a bit bouncier.

(That said, in both cases it’s still better than what you’d get with most other action cameras.)

Unlike the Hero9, you have to keep the Hero7 Black in a frame if you want to mount it, which is mildly cumbersome.

Its battery is also smaller, so it records for roughly 30% less time per charge than our top pick.

4. GoPro Hero8 Black – Action Camera

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Who Should Buy This Action Camera

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How we picked – The Best Action Camera

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Our ideal action camera has the following attributes:

1. Easy-to-use controls:

The last thing you want to worry about while skiing a black diamond slope, cliff jumping, or rafting the Rio Grande is fiddling with camera settings.

An action camera should make adjusting settings and framing shots as easy as possible, so you can enjoy yourself while still getting great footage to share later.

An easy-to-use touchscreen is a must. A live-view front screen so you can easily get yourself in the frame is ideal. Voice commands aren’t required, but a truly great action camera probably has them.

2. Reliable wireless and a good app:

Because you’ll rarely use your action camera in front of a computer, it should easily pair with your phone so that you can off-load and edit footage.

The camera’s dedicated mobile app should be well designed and easy to use, allowing you to control your camera by remote and edit clips on the fly.

Ideally, it also lets you cut and create interesting videos without relying on third-party software.

3. Live-streaming / webcam capability:

Though it’s not important to all people, the option to live-stream adventures to popular social media platforms is key for vloggers, and definitely a nice option to have for everyone else.

Being able to use the camera as a webcam is also handy.

4. Excellent video quality:

A top-tier action camera records crisp, smooth, vibrant video and offers multiple resolutions and frame rates.

We’re looking for a minimum of 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (4K60), and ideally more.

With more resolution, not only is the image sharper, but you can also crop in for better framing, a slight zoom, and so on, without the image looking overly soft.

The best cameras offer up to 8x slow motion (240 fps) at 1080p resolution.

 5. Effective video stabilization:

What good is crisp 4K footage if it’s a shaky mess?

The best action cameras use either optical or electronic image stabilization to counteract bumpy trails and running pups for almost gimbal-like smoothness.

6. Rugged design:

Given the extreme environments where action cameras thrive. They need to be able to handle stuff that would take most cameras out of commission. Including sand, dust, water, and even serious impacts.

We preferred cameras with integrated waterproofing. Reinforced glass for the lenses and screens, and other ruggedized features.

7. A removable battery: 

Most action cams have similar battery life. About an hour at maximum resolution, and a bit longer at 1080p. Being able to swap out for a fresh battery is essential.

8. A bevy of mounting options:

To get the most out of your camera, you need a few accessories. The ideal action cam is compatible with a wide range of mounts. Including both manufacturer-branded mounts and cheaper third-party options.

These mounts should be as easy to use as the cameras themselves. (Most action cams now feature the standard GoPro-style mount.)

Difference between an Action Camera and a 360 Camera?

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