Whether you’re surfing or skydiving, capturing action-packed video requires the best action camera. What that actually means is different to everyone: you might want a budget option or a premium flagship. That’s why we’ve designed this guide, to help you navigate all of the top action cameras and pick the right one.
If we had to choose only one action camera to recommend, it would be the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Based on our extensive testing, we think it’s the most accomplished GoPro yet, with a huge array of shooting features and the best image stabilization on the market. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Just look at the Akaso Brave 8 Lite: a bargain with two screens, we think it’s the best cheap action camera.
Our round-up covers action cameras for every kind of buyer. Some are brand new, while others represent fantastic value. Specs can only tell you so much, which is why our expert team genuinely reviews each model in the real world, checking a range of factors such as durability, usability, image stabilization and overall image quality. All so that you can be sure our action camera recommendations are the real deal.
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
A flagship action cam in every respect, the GoPro Hero 12 Black shoots impressively stable 5.3K video. New features unlock more dynamic range and audio flexibility.
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2. Akaso Brave 8 Lite review
Best budget action camera
Its plastic construction isn’t the most robust, but the Akaso Brave 8 Lite is a compact and affordable action camera that records decent 4K video when the light is good.
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The best premium 8K action camera
Wide-angle and well-built, the Insta360 Ace Pro is an 8K action cam with top performance, a fantastic flip-up screen and excellent image quality in almost all conditions.
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Best Hero 12 alternative
Pricier than the Action 3, a sensor upgrade gives this rugged little camera the shooting skills to rival the GoPro Hero 12 Black. Quick magnetic mounting is useful, too.
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Best 360-degree action camera
Using two fisheye lenses to shoot in full 360, the GoPro Max gives you the flexibility to shoot first and frame later, with excellent six-mic audio to go with your video.
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The best modular action camera
A mini modular camera with magnetic mounting and a wireless viewfinder accessory, the Insta360 Go 3 is a pocket action camera that’s uniquely fun and functional.
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Best tough action camera
A hardcore compact camera that’s built for action, the Olympus Tough TG-6 has some of the best durability specs in this list, and still shoots decent 4K footage at 30fps.
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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.
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Timothy Coleman
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
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GoPro Hero 12 Black sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want to shoot sharp: The Hero 12 Black can shoot 5.3K 10-bit video at 60fps, and 2.7K slow-mo at 120fps.
✅ You shoot for social: Thanks to the 8:7 aspect ratio of its sensor, footage can be easily cropped for different social platforms.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have a Hero 11 Black: With an identical sensor and dimensions, the upgrades here are useful but modest.
❌ You shoot in low light: Thanks to its relatively small sensor, the Hero 12 Black doesn’t handle noise well in low light.
GoPro’s updated flagship isn’t a huge departure from the Hero 11 Black, our previous favorite. It uses the same 1/1.9in sensor to shoot high-res 5.3K video, with an 8:9 aspect ratio that’s useful for exporting footage for social. Besides a speckled casing, the physical design is pretty much identical too, which means the Hero 12 Black works with the same accessories as many previous editions. It also gains a useful 1/4in thread mount for mini tripods.
Low light remains an Achilles heel, but the addition of HDR video and GP-Log support gives filmmakers the ability to capture greater dynamic range. Together with the returning 10-bit color mode, we found the Hero 12 Black capable of producing crisp, supremely smooth footage in bright conditions. Battery life from the default Enduro battery did prove mediocre in our review, but Bluetooth audio support is a welcome addition, meaning you don’t need a Media Mod to upgrade the built-in audio. While these modest improvements don’t justify switching from the Hero 11 Black, they do make the Hero 12 Black an even more polished, feature-packed action camera.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 12 Black review
The best budget action camera
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Akaso Brave 8 Lite sample video
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ 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
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Insta360 Ace Pro sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want an 8K action camera: Not everyone will need it, but the Ace Pro is the only action camera capable of outputting 8K footage.
✅ You like the idea of a flip screen: The 2.4-inch rear display flips up to face the front, giving you a high-res framing option in both directions.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: There’s no denying its top-tier specs, but the Insta360 Ace Pro also demands an asking price that’s the highest in this list.
❌ You want the lightest option: 179.8g is hardly heavyweight, but it is more than the Hero 12 Black (154g) and the DJI Osmo Action 4 (145g).
The Insta360 Ace Pro is the first action cam to offer 8K video. That resolution will be overkill for many, as will its 48MP stills, and the high price tag they demand. But if you want rugged 8K recording, the Ace Pro is the way to go. Physically, our review found the Ace Pro nicely built. It’s heftier than its competitors, hitting the scales at 179.8g, which makes it feel substantial in the hand. We also rate its flip-up display, which hinges at the top to deliver a selfie experience that’s more responsive than GoPro and DJI rivals. Mounting options are plentiful, too, with a magnetic base plate for quick switching.
As you’d expect of a sensor co-engineered with Leica, image quality is superb. Our tests found results across all resolutions to be excellent, with good clarity, punchy colors and solid noise-handling in low light (aided by AI processing). Active HDR does pretty well at balancing high-contrast lighting, while FlowState and Horizon Lock stabilization are proven performers. Professional filmmakers might wish for log capture and higher 8K frame rates, but this is still a mighty impressive action camera.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Ace Pro review
The best Hero 12 alternative
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DJI Osmo Action 4 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You’re a watersports fan: The Action 4 has best-in-class waterproofing down to 18m without a case.
✅ You swap mounts a lot: Magnetic quick-release mounts are secure yet make it easy to switch quickly.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You record close-ups: A 0.4m minimum focus distance means objects close to the lens won’t be sharp.
❌ You need the best performance: Dated microSD memory limits the Action 4’s clip lengths and resolutions.
Like its predecessor, the Action 4 is designed to compete with the latest GoPro. To that end, it addresses the Action 3’s main flaw with a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor. Stills resolution is lower at 10MP, while video res remains the same at up to 4K/120p. The key difference is pixel size: from our tests, the Action 4 is better at gathering light, faring better than the Hero 12 Black in dim conditions. It also benefits from DJI’s D-Log profile with 10-bit color. Based on our review, this dramatically enhances color depth and dynamic range, capturing detailed highlights and cleaner shadows.
The downside of the larger sensor and wide 155-degree lens is an increased minimum focus distance, making it harder to shoot up close. Outright performance is also throttled slightly by the microSD memory. Otherwise, features remain mostly the same as the Action 3, already one of our favorite action cameras. It retains the same small but rugged build, removable battery and versatile magnetic mounting system that we liked so much the first time. Waterproofing is boosted to an even more impressive 18m without a case, making it a winner for watersports.
Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Action 4 review
The best 360-degree action camera
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GoPro Max sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want easy 360 video: On-camera processing and in-app reframing removes many of the pain points of 360 shooting.
✅ You want to mount up: Using the same fingers as other GoPro cameras makes the Max compatible with standard mounts.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot flat footage: Designed for 360, the Max’s 2D shooting modes can’t compete with single-lens rivals.
❌ You plan to shoot in low light: The Max works best in good lighting, struggling to keep things sharp when it’s dark.
If you only want to record standard action camera footage at the best possible quality, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a better choice. But if you like the sound of being able to reframe videos after they’ve been shot in 360 degrees – and you’re 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.
In our review, we found that the six-microphone setup records excellent audio, if not quite up to the level of GoPro’s ‘shotgun mic’ claims. Our tests also revealed 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. It can’t match standard rivals like the GoPro Hero 11 Black in low light situations, either. But it remains the best waterproof, 360-degree action camera around.
Read our in-depth GoPro Max review
The best modular action camera
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Insta360 Go 3 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want a tiny action cam: The Go 3 is pocket-friendly yet capable of impressive video and versatile shooting.
✅ You like to crop later: FreeFrame mode lets you shoot first them losslessly crop to different aspect ratios later.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need high-res video: Capped at 2.7K, the Go 3 can’t compete when it comes to outright resolution.
❌ You need total waterproofing: The Go 3 itself is waterproof, but the handy ActionPod housing isn’t.
What the Insta360 Go 3 lacks in video and stabilization quality, it makes up for in versatility. The core unit can attach magnetically to all sorts of surfaces, something we found super useful during our review. It also ships with a host of modular accessories, including an Action Pod which adds a flip-out touchscreen to the setup. That display makes the Go 3 more intuitive to use than the Go 2, especially when framing up vlogs. Even with a few connectivity glitches, we found it responsive to use as a wireless viewfinder, and less clunky than doing the same with a smartphone. We do wish the Action Pod was waterproof like the Go 3 itself, though.
There’s no escaping that the Go 3’s 2.7K resolution can’t compete with the similarly priced GoPro Hero 11 Black, but videos in testing still had decent contrast and competitive dynamic range. We also found its FreeFrame feature a lot of fun, offering the flexibility to reframe stills and video after the fact. If you want a tiny but sturdy action camera with unique magnetic functionality, there’s nothing quite like the Go 3.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 3 review
The best tough action camera
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Olympus Tough TG-6 sample images
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Buy it if:
✅ You like an easy-to-use camera: An intuitive interface with easy buttons makes the TG-6 simple to operate.
✅ You need a truly tough camera: With a rugged, industrial design, the TG-6 offers unmatched durability.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best image quality: A small sensor limits quality, with overexposure and telephoto softness issues too.
❌ You want a touchscreen: It’s easy to use, but its underwater credentials mean the TG-6 doesn’t have a touch display.
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. It’s weightier than most action cams but, while it felt solid in the hand, we found in our review that 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. We did find that overexposure is a risk in bright conditions, but colours generally prove 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. While the Tough TG-7 is newer, it’s more expensive and only offers a minor upgrade – so we think the TG-6 will be better value for most people.
Read our in-depth Olympus Tough TG-6 review
The best value GoPro
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GoPro Hero 10 Black sample video
Buy it if:
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ 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.
How we test action cameras
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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.
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