If you need an adventure-proof camera to capture your daring exploits, try one of the best action cameras. Based on our in-depth tests, each of the options featured below has a unique set of skills to help you record thrilling video. The right one for you will depend on what features matter most: video quality, rugged credentials or ease of use. This guide will help you figure that out.
If we had to pick just one action camera to recommend, it would be the GoPro Hero 13 Black. In testing, we found it the most versatile GoPro flagship yet, with its new Lens Mods and ND filters. But you might be in the market for something completely different. The Akaso Brave 8 Lite, for example, is a super-affordable two-screen option.
Our round-up includes a wide range of action cameras, including a few older models that represent excellent value. Every spec has been put to the test by our expert team, in the kind of conditions you’d expect to use an action camera – all so that you can be sure our recommendations are the real deal.
Black Friday 2024
Black Friday takes place on November 29 this year and we’d expect to see some solid discounts on our favorite action cameras as part of the annual deals event. Last year, we saw reductions on models from a number of top action camera brands, including GoPro and Insta360.
If you’re looking specifically for a discounted GoPro ahead of Christmas, we’ve set up a dedicated GoPro deals page, which we’ll keep updated with the top Black Friday offers. We also recommend keeping an eye on our camera deals hub, as we’d expect to see savings on a number of action cameras.
The quick list
If you want a shortcut to the best action cameras, you can use the quick list below for an instant overview of the top options. If you’d like to know more about a specific model, the link beneath each entry will take you to our in-depth summary.
Best action camera overall
Not a radical upgrade, the Hero 13 Black is a 5.3K action cam that builds on previous models, with better battery life and useful new Lens Mods.
Best budget action camera
Its isn't the most robust, but the Brave 8 Lite is a compact and affordable action camera that records decent 4K video when the light is good.
The best premium 8K action camera
Its 8K video specs grab the headlines, but the Ace Pro 2 is also a small, lightweight and capable all-rounder with good low-light video quality.
Best Hero 13 alternative
A capable GoPro rival, the Action 5 Pro is a tough action camera with excellent features and solid battery life, and it works well with the DJI Mic 2.
Best 360-degree action camera
With 8K video, 360-degree horizon lock and no shortage of video modes, as well as great slow-mo, this is the most versatile 360 camera you can buy.
The best modular action camera
A tiny 4K action camera with magnetic mounting and a modular Action Pod attachment, the Go 3S lets you capture unique creative perspectives.
Best tough action camera
A rugged compact for all conditions, the TG-7 is a practical and reliable family camera with a surprisingly versatile set of photography features.
Best value GoPro
If you’d like a capable GoPro but don’t need the very latest flagship features, Hero 10 Black represents excellent value, with the ability to shoot 4K/120p video.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editors, with more than 15 years in the photo video industry. As a freelance photographer and tech journalist, Tim's has tested many of the best action cameras over the last 10 years, including GoPro flagships and challengers from the likes of Insta360. As a result, he has a deep knowledge of what makes a good action camera. Tim notes, "while GoPro remains the brand to beat in the action camera market, Insta360 is offering serious competition. Its latest model, the Ace Pro, is the first action camera to record 8K video. DJI's Osmo Action series is keeping things interesting, too."
The best action camera in 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best action cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best action camera overall
GoPro Hero 13 Black sample video
✅ You want a versatile action cam: Support for optional Lens Mods and ND filters make this a flexible tool to shoot with.
✅ You want cinematic video: New color profiles and slow-mo modes complement an arsenal of useful modes for filmmakers.
❌ You don’t need to swap lenses: If you don’t need the option to swap in new Lens Mods, previous editions are better value.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: If you’re recording after dark, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro delivers better results than the 13 Black.
Like most recent GoPro flagships, the Hero 13 Black isn’t a radical upgrade from its predecessor. It has the same sensor, video resolution and useful 8:7 aspect ratio, the same class-leading HyperSmooth stabilization and the same waterproofing specs as the Hero 12 Black – and the Hero 11 Black before it. So if you already own either of those perfectly capable action cameras, it isn’t necessarily worth upgrading. But based on our in-depth testing, there are a few upgrades that make the Hero 13 Black our top pick.
Chief among them is a new range of Lens Mods and ND filters. These attach to a redesigned mount on the 13 Black that detects which accessory is attached and adjusts settings accordingly, instantly unlocking creative shooting options. In our review, we also praised the addition of magnetic mounting, as well as improved battery life and heat dissipation. Burst Slo-Mo mode also gives you the option to shoot 400fps at 720p, although clips are slow to process. While these improvements aren’t revolutionary, they all add up to make the Hero 13 Black the most complete GoPro action camera to date.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 13 Black review
The best budget action camera
Akaso Brave 8 Lite sample video
✅ You're on a tight budget: The Akaso Brave 8 Lite offers fantastic features and value for a reasonable price.
✅ You want dual screens: Despite its low cost, the Brave 8 Lite features front and rear displays to help with framing.
❌ You need reliable stabilization: In shaky scenarios, image stabilization struggles to produce usable footage.
❌ You shoot a lot in low light: Video quality drops off significantly in low-light conditions, with a lot of noise.
A cheaper, lighter version of the Akaso Brave 8, the Lite is an affordable action camera for buyers on a budget. In our review, we noted that the cost savings can be felt in the flimsy plastic construction. Yet we also commented positively on its modern design, compact dimensions and lightweight build. Other takeaways from our testing include the smartphone app, which we found easier to use than the camera’s own interface. In ideal lighting, 4K video footage also proved vivid and accurate, if a little high in contrast.
That’s not the case in lower lighting, where we found that the sensor struggles, with a large amount of noise negatively affecting image quality. Stabilization was disappointing too, with the Brave 8 Lite failing to smooth out camera shake while walking or cycling. At 150 minutes of 1080p footage, battery life wasn’t remarkable either. Yet while its video quality won’t worry premium flagships, we still think the Brave 8 Lite offers fantastic value, with a solid set of specs that’s tough to beat for the price.
Read our in-depth Akaso Brave 8 Lite review
The best premium 8K action camera
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 sample video
✅ You need 8K recording: If you need video at the highest possible resolution, the Ace Pro 2 is one of the few action cameras capable of 8K video.
✅ You want a quality all-rounder: A small, rugged tool with a decent-sized screen and decent low-light video, the Ace Pro 2 performs well in all conditions.
❌ You need perfect 8K video: While the resolution is there, 8K recording doesn’t support the best image stabilization or the full set of color profiles.
❌ You don’t like a flip screen: The flip-up screen gives a bigger front-facing preview, but you have to flip it down when you switch back to rear recording.
Like the original Ace Pro, 8K video is what grabs the headlines with the Ace Pro 2: it’s one of the few action cameras that can record at that resolution, now at frame rates up to 30fps. Our tests found that 8K recording isn’t a perfect experience, though. You don’t get the top level of image stabilization, nor support for the flat I-log color profile, and overheating can be an issue. What we actually found more impressive in our review is the Ace Pro 2’s overall performance as an all-round action camera.
This is a small, lightweight yet rugged tool. Its 2.5-inch flip-up touchscreen isn’t the most useful if you need to quickly switch from front to rear recording, but it does offer a larger perspective when recording solo. 4K video results proved excellent and we were impressed by the quality of low-light footage for an action camera, with useful I-log support for color grading in post. Image stabilization performance was also excellent, making this a very versatile choice.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Ace Pro 2 review
The best Hero 13 alternative
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro sample video
✅ You want a reliable action cam: Freeze-proof, waterproof to 20m and good for up to 4 hours, the Action 5 Pro is solid.
✅ You have a DJI Mic 2 for audio: Compatibility with DJI’s tiny wireless mic makes the Action 5 Pro great for voiceovers.
❌ You want the sharpest footage: 4K will be fine for most, but others offer higher-res results at up to 8K.
❌ You want perfect results after dark: SuperNight mode delivers better results than a GoPro, but it’s still average.
Breathing down the neck of GoPro’s Hero 13 Black, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a feature-packed action camera that gives our top pick a good run for its money. Waterproof to 20m, it can survive at double the case-free depth of GoPro’s best. With a wider window of operating temperatures, it’s the best choice for shooting in all conditions. We also praised its interface in testing: the Action 5 Pro is small and light, with touchscreens front and rear that are sharp and clear.
While its maximum 4K resolution is bettered by others in this list, we were impressed by the dynamic range and detail displayed in test footage. We also praised the Action 5 Pro’s long battery life and reliable video stabilization in our review, as well as the ability to pair it seamlessly with the DJI Mic 2 for crisp wireless audio recording on location. Image quality does drop off in low lighting, but DJI’s SuperNight mode still produces better results than most action cameras. If you want something reliable, versatile and more affordable than the GoPro Hero 13 Black, this is your winner.
Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro review
The best 360-degree action camera
Insta360 X4 sample video
✅ You want the sharpest 360 video: With a total resolution of 8K across both lenses, the Insta360 X4 captures spherical footage with a lot of detail.
✅ You want a really versatile camera: 360-degree video at 8K, as well as single-lens 4K shooting and a 100fps slow-mo mode, make this a flexible tool.
❌ You don’t have the hardware for large files: 8K video files take a huge amount of space and need some serious processing power to handle them.
❌ You don’t need top-spec 360: The X3 is cheaper with 5.7K video, while standard action cameras are better value if you only need single-lens video.
If you want to capture action in 360 degrees, we think the Insta360 X4 is the best tool for the job. With resolution boosted to 8K at 30fps (versus the 5.7K shot by the Insta360 X3), it’s the sharpest 360 camera out there. In testing, we found it capable of capturing excellent detail, even if stitch lines are still visible when reframing spherical footage. We also found that 360-degree horizon lock and image stabilization work effectively together to smooth out footage.
As is the nature of 360 cameras, there are compromises. Low-light quality remains average, while 8K file sizes require some solid computing power. It’s overkill on cost if you only have a passing interest in 360. But the X4 is also an incredibly versatile piece of kit. It has a useful 4K single-lens option, 100fps slow-mo support, plus a range of creative modes, backed up by solid battery life and waterproofing to 10m. All of which mean the X4 is essentially several action-ready cameras in one well-designed package.
Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 review
The best modular action camera
Insta360 Go 3S sample video
✅ You want the smallest action camera: Lightweight and miniature, the Go 3S is as tiny as 4K cameras get, unlocking unique angles.
✅ You want a range of shooting options: Use the clever FreeFrame mode and you can choose a vertical or horizontal aspect later.
❌ You want a completely rugged system: The Action Pod upgrades the shooting experience but it doesn’t have the same waterproofing.
❌ You want all-day battery life: Due to its size, the Go 3S has a modest battery life that can’t compete with rival cameras.
We praised the Insta360 Go 3 for its miniature design, foolproof interface and useful magnetic mounting abilities. Its successor improves on that proposition with a sharper 4K resolution, which makes the FreeFrame mode more versatile: based on our review, you can stick the Go 3S in places other cameras can’t go, then choose your preferred video orientation after the fact. If you want an easy way to capture unique angles or creative POV footage, the Go 3S will serve you well.
Its tiny size does come at the expense of battery life and overall video quality, especially in low-light conditions. Inserting the Go 3S into the Action Pod attachment does extend longevity, as well as enhancing the shooting experience with a responsive flip-up touchscreen, but it’s worth noting that the Action Pod doesn’t benefit from the same waterproof credentials. All the same, if versatility matters more to you than overall resolution, we think there’s no action camera quite like the Insta360 Go 3S.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S review
The best tough action camera
OM System Tough TG-7 sample images
✅ You want a rock-solid family camera: Easy to use and as rugged as the come, the TG-7 is the perfect point-and-shoot for family adventures.
✅ You shoot images in all conditions: Designed mainly for stills, the TG-7 offers a surprising range of photography features and modes.
❌ You want the best quality: Even with its range of photo modes, the sensor size and resolution mean many smartphones shoot sharper.
❌ You want a touchscreen interface: The 3-inch LCD is usable enough, but it’s not touch-sensitive, which may put discourage some users.
A rugged point-and-shoot that’s easy to use and packed with a versatile set of photography features, we think the OM System Tough TG-7 is a top choice if you want a compact you can rely on in all conditions. It doesn’t represent a huge upgrade over the Tough TG-6, but it’s still the one we’d pick. Its durability credentials aren’t in any doubt, with protection against dust, drops, crushing, freezing and submersion. In testing, we also appreciated its tactile controls and accessible handling, even though its screen isn’t touch-sensitive.
We did find its 4K/30p video dated in our review, while image quality from its 12MP sensor can be bettered by most modern smartphones. That’s true, even with a fast f/2 aperture at the wide end of its 25-100mm zoom range. On the other hand, we were pleasantly surprised by its range of shooting modes, which includes macro focusing and white balance presets based on water depth. While this isn’t a camera to buy for the best quality images, it will see you through just about any type of action.
Read our in-depth Olympus Tough TG-7 review
The best value GoPro
GoPro Hero 10 Black sample video
✅ You want a great GoPro for less: If you don't need 10-bit video, this is a modern, capable GoPro at a lower price.
✅ You shoot slow-mo: 4K/120p recording gives the Hero 10 Black slow-mo credentials to match the Hero 11 Black.
❌ You want to shoot vertically: With its 8:7 aspect ratio sensor, the Hero 11 Black is a better choice for vertical recording.
❌ You want 10-bit video: If you like to color grade in post-production, later GoPro Hero models offer 10-bit video support.
It's no longer top of the GoPro range, but the Hero 10 Black remains an excellent choice if you want a good value GoPro that still has the skills to capture smooth, sharp 4K footage. In testing, we found its ability to capture 4K/120p video genuinely impressive, while it's far more responsive touchscreen makes it a better choice than the GoPro Hero 9 Black.
In our review, we found it more versatile and fun to use than its predecessor. With GoPro's effective HyperSmooth stabilization available across most shooting modes, it's an ideal tool for recording 4K adventures and handheld vlogs alike. Thanks to its waterproof build, it's also more durable than your smartphone. The newer GoPro Hero 11 Black offers greater editing flexibility, while cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 3 probably represent better value overall. But if you want a GoPro action camera for less than flagship money, we think the Hero 10 Black is a great choice.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 10 Black review
How to choose the best action camera for you
How to choose the best action camera
While many of the best action cameras have unique features which set them apart from the competition, there are certain core skills that every good action cam should have.
An action camera should be rugged enough to endure your adventures, 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. This should smooth out camera shake to produce 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 also offer smartphone connectivity, which allows you to easily edit and share your latest videos quickly. Some models also support live-streaming straight to platforms like YouTube. This can be demanding on battery life, but will be useful if you plan on vlogging directly 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.
Meet the team
Our team of reviewers has amassed many years of experience testing all of the latest and greatest cameras of the last 20 years. That includes every action camera of note, from the very first GoPro to the latest 360-degree models.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor and has been cutting his teeth in the photo and video industry for almost 20 years. He looks after all of TechRadar's cameras content, covering buying guides, features, reviews and news.
Rod is an independent photographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years' experience. He's previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.
Matt has written and reviewed cameras for just about every leading photo publication, including Digital Camera World (where he was Editor), What Digital Camera, WEX and of course TechRadar.
Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
How we test action cameras
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
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.
