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Below, 💰 we highlight our favorite action cams across a wide range of budgets.
And if you're not sure where to begin, check 💰 out our buying advice after the list.
Action cams also have a place in professional work.
You should use a camera with 💰 a big sensor and interchangeable lenses when you can, but modern action cams capture video that's good enough to intercut.
Think 💰 about shots that show the interior of an exploding car, for instance-a GoPro likely recorded the event.
They have all but 💰 replaced traditional camcorders in the marketplace.
Family historians and budding cinematographers now use a GoPro or similar camera for wide shots 💰 and vlogs, while smartphones and newer mirrorless cameras are the tools of choice for home movies.
Action cameras are small, lightweight, 💰 and sometimes even waterproof.
They're useful because you can mount them to pretty much anything-from skateboards, surfboards, and bicycles, to helmets, 💰 body parts, and even your pets.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
GoPro Hero11 Black Best Action Cam Overall 4.
5 Outstanding Why 💰 We Picked It The GoPro Hero11 Black is, bar none, the best action cam you can buy today.
It's the latest 💰 version of the camera that defined the concept and the most technically advanced.It supports 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.
7K240 frame rates 💰 and matches them up with best-in-class stabilizaton and horizon-leveling.
A nearly square image sensor boosts picture quality for creators pulling vertical 💰 9:16 frames for TikTok, while its rugged and waterproof build means you don't need an add-on case.
Who It's For The 💰 Hero11 Black is as versatile an action cam as you can find.
Surfers, skateboarders, and other X Games participants can strap 💰 the camera to their person or board to get first-person views of stunts.
Vloggers should appreciate its front-facing color display and 💰 Media Mod accessory system.
And 10-bit video, new to this model, is a plus for use in cinema projects.
PROS Great-looking 5.3K60 💰 videoGreat-looking 5.
3K60 video 4K120 and 2.7K240 slow-motion4K120 and 2.
7K240 slow-motion 10-bit color sampling
10-bit color sampling Numerous time-lapse modes
Numerous time-lapse modes 💰 Waterproof to 33 feet
Waterproof to 33 feet Solid touch interface and voice command support
Solid touch interface and voice command support 💰 Subscription service with useful features CONS Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
Not ideal for long-form recording or macro 💰 work One battery won't get you through the day GET IT NOW $349.00 Amazon $349.99 Best Buy $349.
00 Walmart Learn 💰 More GoPro Hero11 Black Review
Insta360 X3 Best 360 Camera for Creators 4.
0 Excellent Why We Picked It The Insta360 X3 💰 is the camera to get for dual-lens, 360-degree video.
It captures an all-around view of the world and gives you the 💰 software tools to do interesting and creative things with the video.
The camera is waterproof and can survive rough handling too, 💰 so it's suitable for mounting and capturing action.
Who It's For Creators who want to try their hand at 360-degree capture 💰 and the editing techniques that go with it should find a lot to like about the X3.
Its HDR video profile 💰 handles mixed lighting well and you can use the camera for special effects shots like Matrix-style bullet time and time 💰 lapse with motion.PROS 5.7K30 HDR video5.
7K30 HDR video Slim, waterproof build
Slim, waterproof build Big touch screen with straightforward interface
Big touch 💰 screen with straightforward interface Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
Robust desktop and mobile editing tools Loads of capture modes CONS 💰 Video must be processed before editing
Video must be processed before editing A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree 💰 editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing Mobile editing app limits resolution GET IT NOW $449.
99 Amazon 💰 Learn More Insta360 X3 Review
DJI Action 2 Most Innovative Design 4.
0 Excellent Why We Picked It The DJI Action 2 💰 rethinks the action cam design.
It's modular and has magnetic mounting points that let you place the camera in tight spots 💰 that can't quite hold a GoPro.
You can even use the camera as a wearable body cam with the included pendant 💰 necklace mount.
Video quality is strong too, with 4K120 recording available for action and slow motion.
Who It's For If you're looking 💰 for a small, wearable camera for travel logs and adventures, the Action 2 is a good choice.
The camera's video features 💰 are competitive with GoPros and the industrial design is a winner for style-conscious influencers.
PROS Tiny, go-anywhere form factor
Tiny, go-anywhere form 💰 factor Magnetic mount and snap-on accessories
Magnetic mount and snap-on accessories Effective digital stabilization
Effective digital stabilization Up to 4K120 video
Up to 💰 4K120 video 12MP photos
12MP photos Waterproof to 33 feet
Waterproof to 33 feet Works as a webcam CONS Front screen option 💰 pushes price high
Front screen option pushes price high Overheating is a concern
Overheating is a concern No card slot or charging 💰 port on main camera module
No card slot or charging port on main camera module Front screen and battery aren't waterproof 💰 GET IT NOW $239.00 Amazon $519.
00 B&H Photo Video $399.
00 DJI Learn More DJI Action 2 Review
DJI Osmo Action 4 💰 Best Low-Light Action Cam 4.
0 Excellent Why We Picked It The DJI Osmo Action 4 uses a big Type 1/1.
3 💰 format image sensor to produce crisp video in dim light, better than what you get from the GoPro Hero11.
The Osmo's 💰 pixel count isn't as high as the Hero 11's, but it still supports up to 4K120 or 1080p240 video and 💰 takes 10MP snapshots.
We also like its 75-minute battery life, dual touch screens, and 59-foot waterproof rating.
Who It's For The Osmo 💰 Action 4 is worth a look if you like to explore the world after the sun goes down.
The front touch 💰 screen is handy for self-recording, and the camera's tough build quality means you don't have to worry about it breaking 💰 during rough-and-tumble use.
PROS Wide-angle lens with excellent digital stabilization
Wide-angle lens with excellent digital stabilization Front and rear touch screens
Front and 💰 rear touch screens Up to 4K120 slow motion
Up to 4K120 slow motion 10-bit D-Log color
10-bit D-Log color Waterproof to 59 💰 feet
Waterproof to 59 feet Works as a webcam CONS Smartphone-based product activation
Smartphone-based product activation Quick-release mount is easy to lose
Quick-release 💰 mount is easy to lose Rear display isn't visible through polarized sunglasses GET IT NOW $399.
00 B&H Photo Video Learn 💰 More DJI Osmo Action 4 Review
GoPro Hero9 Black Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers 4.
0 Excellent Why We Picked It Now 💰 two generations old, the GoPro Hero9 Black remains in the lineup as the budget-friendly option.
Its 5K30 and 4K60 video modes 💰 aren't as good for slow motion, but the camera captures sharp video with effective stabilization at those frame rates.
It also 💰 works with the same Media Mod accessories as its pricier Hero10 and Hero11 siblings.
Who It's For This is a good 💰 pick for action cam fans who don't want to break the bank.
At around $300, it undercuts the price of other 💰 GoPro and DJI models and gives you access to some GoPro-exclusive features, such as automated video editing and direct upload 💰 from camera to cloud.
PROS Up to 5K quality at 30fps
Up to 5K quality at 30fps Front-facing color LCD
Front-facing color LCD 💰 Exceptional video stabilization
Exceptional video stabilization Up to 240fps HD slow motion
Up to 240fps HD slow motion Time-lapse, buffering, and HDR 💰 imaging
Time-lapse, buffering, and HDR imaging USB-C charging
USB-C charging Strong app support
Strong app support Compact and waterproof CONS You'll likely want 💰 to carry extra batteries
You'll likely want to carry extra batteries Subscription service adds recurring costs GET IT NOW $249.00 Amazon 💰 $249.
99 Best Buy Learn More GoPro Hero9 Black Review
GoPro Max Best Audio in a 360 Cam 3.
5 Good Why We 💰 Picked It GoPro's dual-lens action camera uses two lenses to record the entire world around it, but can also function 💰 as a single-lens action cam.
The Max's strengths as a 360-degree camera are its sharp video quality and software reframing tools.
That's 💰 not to mention the six internal microphones that grab the best in-camera audio of any action cam we've tested.
As you 💰 might expect from a GoPro, the Max is also tough and waterproof (though only to 16 feet).
Who It's For The 💰 GoPro Max is a top pick for creators who want a dual-lens 360 camera and care a lot about audio 💰 quality.
Travel vloggers and others who present to the camera won't have to fiddle with an external mic with this one, 💰 and the Max is waterproof to boot.
GoPro offers reframing tools for creative edits too, though they're not quite as polished 💰 as what you get with the Insta360 X3.
PROS 360-degree capture
360-degree capture Also works as a single-lens camera
Also works as a 💰 single-lens camera Intuitive software tools
Intuitive software tools Strong stabilization
Strong stabilization Good in-camera audio
Good in-camera audio Waterproof without a case
Waterproof without 💰 a case Integrated mounting clips CONS Effective resolution is really 1080p
Effective resolution is really 1080p Single-lens capture tops out at 💰 60fps
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage GET IT 💰 NOW $399.00 Amazon $399.
98 GoPro Learn More GoPro Max Review
Insta360 Go 3 Best Wearable Action Cam 3.
5 Good Why We 💰 Picked It Cameras don't get much smaller than the Insta360 Go 3.
The capsule-sized model records 2.
7K30 video, is waterproof, and 💰 works well for point-of-view captures, an aspect that video creators are sure to like.
The included Action Pod housing turns the 💰 Go into a standard action cam with a flip-forward touch screen, so it's not a one-trick pony.
Who It's For The 💰 Go 3 should appeal to creators who want a wearable camera or adventurers who want something they can mount in 💰 interesting places to capture unique perspectives.
Make sure you are comfortable with video editing tools, however, since the Go 3 requires 💰 you to run footage through its app to create time lapses or apply digital stabilization.PROS Stabilized 2.7K30 videoStabilized 2.
7K30 video 💰 Versatile, ultra-compact design
Versatile, ultra-compact design Waterproof to 16 feet
Waterproof to 16 feet Action Pod attachment has flip-forward touch LCD CONS 💰 Action Pod housing isn't submersible
Action Pod housing isn't submersible Non-removable battery and no storage expansion slot
Non-removable battery and no storage 💰 expansion slot Some video modes require post-processing
Some video modes require post-processing Wearable footage looks unsteady GET IT NOW $399.
99 Amazon 💰 Learn More Insta360 Go 3 Review
Insta360 One RS Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage 3.
5 Good Why We Picked 💰 It The Insta360 One RS is an action cam that supports swappable lenses, a unique capability for sure.
When we tested 💰 a basic kit with a 4K main lens for 16:9 footage and a dual-lens 360 module for all-around recording, we 💰 appreciated the versatility and creative features.
For higher-quality recording, Insta360 even offers Leica-branded modules for both single-lens and dual-lens recording, thus 💰 making the camera upgradeable.
Who It's For If you can't quite decide between a standard single-lens cam and a dual-lens 360 💰 model, the Insta360 One RS might be the camera for you.
It records pleasing 4K60 video with stabilization and supports extra-wide 💰 2.35:1 recording.
The dual-lens module does 5.
7K30 and works with Insta360's excellent editing tools.PROS Compact design
Compact design Swappable lens modules
Swappable lens 💰 modules Waterproof to 16 feet
Waterproof to 16 feet Stabilized 4K60 and 5.7K 360 video
Stabilized 4K60 and 5.
7K 360 video HDR 💰 available at 4K30
HDR available at 4K30 2:35 wide-screen mode
2:35 wide-screen mode Mobile and desktop app support CONS In-camera mics disappoint 💰 outdoors
In-camera mics disappoint outdoors Modular design can get in the way
Modular design can get in the way Small touch LCD
Small 💰 touch LCD Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K
Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K Heat can limit 💰 long-form recordings GET IT NOW $405.
00 Amazon Learn More Insta360 One RS Review
Buying Guide: The Best Action Cameras for 2023
Do 💰 Action Cameras Need 4K?
The first thing to consider is a camera's video resolution.
4K is a minimum requirement these days, and 💰 the best models offer more than double that resolution.
The GoPro Hero11 Black, for instance, supports 5.3K.
Next, take a look at 💰 the available frame rates, expressed as frames per second (fps).
Some action cameras offer up to 240fps recording, whereas ultra-budget options 💰 may only offer 30fps.
The latter is perfectly fine for standard playback, but the frame rate matters more when you want 💰 to slow footage down in editing to create dramatic scenes.
You can slow 240fps recordings down and play them back smoothly 💰 at one-quarter speed, for instance.
If you want a cinematic look, pick a camera that has a 24fps capture option; that's 💰 the same speed that most Hollywood productions use.
The best action cams put fast frame rates and high pixel counts together-the 💰 GoPro Hero11 Black pushes 240fps at 2.
7K, for example, better than the 1080p240 you get from the DJI Osmo Action 💰 4.
Left to right: GoPro Hero11 Black, DJI Osmo Action 4 (Credit: Jim Fisher)
If you're more serious about video, look for 💰 a model that offers a flat video profile that grades easily.
We've not yet seen Raw video support in an action 💰 cam, but you can get that feature from larger models, including the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K.
Some sort of stabilization is 💰 important as well, as it can help you get smooth footage without a tripod or gimbal.
The Best Action Cameras With 💰 Wide Lenses and 360-Degree Video
Most action cams have a lens with a wide, wide view of the world.
You are thus 💰 likely to encounter some fish-eye distortion, especially if you mount it really close to what it's filming, but newer models 💰 remove that effect automatically.
A few cameras also let you select a narrower angle for recording to avoid distortion at the 💰 outset.
Some entries have two lenses for spherical video capture, though not as many as during the height of the 360-degree 💰 video fad.
The cameras that survived serve a dual purpose, leveraging software so you can use video for both VR headsets 💰 and flat screens.
Software tools allow you to manipulate video in interesting ways, as you can see in the GoPro Max 💰 clip above.
There are also outliers in the design department.
The DJI Pocket 2 has a gimbal-stabilized camera-it's not rugged, but vloggers 💰 should take a look.
How to Mount Your Action Cam
You should also consider your specific needs.
Not all cameras are suitable for 💰 every sport and certain designs lend themselves better to particular activities.
On top of that, different shapes allow for different mounting 💰 accessories and possibilities.
If you want to catch a unique perspective, like an under-skateboard shot, pay close attention to a camera's 💰 size.
If you're already invested in a system, like GoPro, which uses a proprietary mount, then sticking with what you've got 💰 can help you save money on accessories.
GoPro Hero10 Black (Credit: Jim Fisher)
Waterproofing is an important aspect to consider if you 💰 plan to record underwater or even around water.
Some waterproof cameras can go deeper than others or even have built-in waterproofing 💰 so you don't need to worry about an extra housing.
Longtime editors might be happy working with desktop editing software, but 💰 adventurers might want to cut footage on a smartphone or tablet.
Look for a model with built-in Wi-Fi at a minimum 💰 if mobile editing is important.
Mobile editing in the GoPro app (Credit: GoPro / Jim Fisher)
You get better software support from 💰 name-brand options.
GoPro and DJI include full-featured smartphone apps for on-the-go editing.
Both automatically create an edit from your shots, a plus 💰 when you just want to get a quick social post out.
If you go with a brand that doesn't supply an 💰 editing app, you have to bring your own.
It's easy enough to use iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush to cut clips 💰 together on your phone, however.
If you need software for your desktop or laptop, check out our top video editing recommendations.
Which 💰 Action Camera Should You Get?
We've filmed hours of footage with many of the major contenders to determine where each device 💰 stands in the field.
Ultimately, your choice should come down to performance and ease of use.
