Having the best action camera is the only way to capture thrilling action photos and videos. And if you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to capture all the thrills and spills, this is the article for you. We have the best action cameras for any budget in 2026.
The GoPro Hero13 Black is the best action camera right now. The features for photos and videos are out of this world. And the compact body is packed with advanced features. So it’s the best way to capture the action!
What is the Best Action Camera?
The best action camera right now is the GoPro Hero13 Black. It records 5.3K video at 60 fps, shoots 27 MP photos, and uses HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization in a compact, waterproof body.
Other action cameras are available too. We’ve included cameras from Akaso, DJI, and Insta360. They all have excellent features for action photography and videography. And we also have fantastic action cameras for more budget-conscious thrill-seekers.
So whether you’re skateboarding, skiing, mountain biking, or kayaking, we’ve got an action camera for you. Here’s a quick rundown of the list. Keep scrolling to see each action camera in more detail.
- 27 MP resolution for stills, up to 24.7 MP extracted from 5.3K footage
- 5.3K video recording at 60 fps, plus 4K at 120 fps
- HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock
- HB-Series interchangeable lenses for ultra-wide, macro, and ND shooting
- Waterproof down to 33 ft / 10 m with no case
- 1/1.1-inch square sensor with a variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture
- 8K video at 30 fps, or 4K at up to 120 fps
- RockSteady 3.0+ stabilization with 360° HorizonSteady
- 50 GB of usable internal storage and around 4 hours of battery
- Waterproof down to 66 ft / 20 m with no case, 197 ft / 60 m with housing
- 1-inch sensor delivers strong image quality and low-light performance in a pocketable body
- 4K video recording at up to 120 fps, 240 fps at 1080p for slow motion
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth handheld stabilization
- ActiveTrack 6.0 with Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing
- Seamless wireless pairing with the DJI Mic 2 system
- 53 g camera body that clips to a shirt, a strap, or a magnetic pendant
- 4K video at 60 fps from a 1/1.28-inch sensor, plus 50 MP stills
- FlowState six-axis stabilization with a 360° horizon lock
- Action Pod adds a flip screen, a remote, and 170 minutes of 4K30 recording
- Waterproof down to 33 ft / 10 m with no case
8 Best Action Cameras in Detail
Now we’ll take a look at the best action cameras in more detail. There’s a camera for any kind of adventure. You just need to find the one that meets your needs. Straps yourselves in and enjoy the ride!
1. GoPro Hero13 Black
| Brand |
Brand
GoPro
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
27 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
5.3K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
120 fps (4K)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
33 ft / 10 m
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
2.79 x 2.16 x 1.32 inches
|
| Weight |
Weight
157 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Burst Slo-Mo up to 400fps, HB-Series interchangeable lenses, 1900mAh Enduro battery, 360-degree Horizon Lock
|
The GoPro Hero13 Black is GoPro’s current flagship action camera, released in September 2024. GoPro has led the action camera market for over a decade, and the Hero13 pushes the format further with a new interchangeable lens ecosystem and a bigger battery.
The headline video spec is the same 5.3K60 as the Hero12, but the Hero13 adds Burst Slo-Mo up to 400 fps at 720p and 4K at 120 fps, so fast-moving subjects like mountain bikes or surf sessions hold their detail even when you slow the footage down in post. HyperSmooth 6.0 now includes AutoBoost, which automatically ramps up stabilization strength when it detects heavy shake, useful for anything mounted to a helmet or handlebars.
Stills come from a 27 MP sensor, matching the Hero12, and you can also pull a 24.7 MP still from 5.3K footage after the fact. That beats many DSLR and mirrorless cameras for detail in good light. The new HB-Series lens mount auto-detects an attached Ultra Wide, Macro, Anamorphic, or ND filter lens, which is a genuine upgrade over the Hero12’s fixed lens. The bigger 1900mAh Enduro battery gives you roughly 1.5 hours of continuous 5.3K recording. It’s waterproof to 33 ft (10 m) without a housing, the same rating as the Hero12, making it a solid pick for water sports and diving.
The camera runs hot during long high-resolution recording sessions, and low-light performance still lags behind larger-sensor cameras like the DJI Osmo Action 6 below. The rear screen is LCD rather than OLED, so it’s harder to read in direct sun than some competitors. At $429 body-only, it’s also more expensive than the Hero12 was at launch. If 5.3K60 and the new lens ecosystem aren’t a priority, the Hero12 further down this list remains a genuinely capable camera for less money.
2. Akaso Brave 8
| Brand |
Brand
Akaso
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
48 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
60 fps
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
SuperSmooth
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
33 ft / 10 m
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
2.5 x 1.4 x 1.9 inches / 6.3 x 3.5 x 4.8 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
114 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Video stabilization, 5x digital zoom, slow-motion video, dual-screen
|
The Akaso Brave 8 is an impressive action camera by any standards. Akaso doesn’t have the name recognition of GoPro. But this company is building a strong reputation for durable, high-performance action cameras. The Brave 8 delivers excellent results. And it’s considerably cheaper than a GoPro.
The 48 MP resolution sensor is the place to start. That’s incredible firepower for an action camera. It’s impressive for any type of camera, for that matter. And 48 MP isn’t only an abstract spec. You’ll see that the images are truly outstanding. This is pro-level photography.
The Akaso Brave 8 delivers in the video department too. You get excellent 4K resolution. And you can record at 60 fps. That gives you smooth footage even when recording fast action with lots of movement. You can also shoot slow-motion videos down to 16x the standard speed. That’s perfect for extreme sports and action videos.
There’s an advanced SuperSmooth stabilization system built in. It keeps your images free of camera shake and vibrations, even when mounted to a helmet or handlebars. It’s also completely waterproof, so you can use it for aquatic activities.
The built-in time-lapse feature is another highlight. And it has AI face metering that adjusts the exposure settings automatically, so your face is always perfectly exposed. That’s a handy feature for selfie-takers and vloggers.
3. DJI Osmo Action 6
| Brand |
Brand
DJI
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
38 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
8K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
120 fps (4K)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
RockSteady 3.0+ with 360-degree HorizonSteady
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
66 ft / 20 m (197 ft / 60 m with housing)
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
2.87 x 1.86 x 1.3 inches / 72.8 x 47.2 x 33.1 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
149 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture, 1/1.1-inch square sensor, 50 GB usable internal storage, 10-bit D-Log M
|
DJI’s current flagship rugged action camera is the Osmo Action 6, announced in November 2025. It goes head-to-head with GoPro’s Hero line, and DJI’s answer this generation is something no rival action camera has: an aperture that actually moves.
The variable f/2.0-f/4.0 aperture sits in front of a 1/1.1-inch square sensor, one of the largest in any action camera. Stopping down to f/4.0 stops midday snow and open water from blowing out; opening to f/2.0 keeps dusk laps and floodlit skateparks usable, where a fixed-aperture camera, including any iPhone camera, simply clips. The 13.5-stop dynamic range holds detail in bright sky and dark shadow at the same time. RockSteady 3.0+ with 360° HorizonSteady keeps footage level even when the camera itself tips over mid-crash, which matters more for mountain biking and skateboarding than for a straight-line activity like driving.
Video runs to 8K at 30 fps, or 4K at up to 120 fps when you want slow motion, with 10-bit D-Log M and Film Tone profiles if you grade your footage afterwards. The square sensor means one take yields both a vertical crop for social and a wide crop for YouTube. It’s waterproof to 66 ft (20 m) without a case and 197 ft (60 m) with the optional housing, carries 50 GB of usable internal storage so a forgotten memory card no longer ends the day, and runs around 4 hours on a charge, roughly double what most rivals manage. Dual OLED touchscreens let you frame from either end of the camera.
The variable aperture isn’t a true manual control: you get preset modes and an automatic range, not continuous adjustment. At 149 g it’s bigger and heavier than the previous generation, so it’s the wrong buy if you want something you forget is clipped to your chest. And it lands at roughly the same price as the Hero13 above, so it isn’t the budget option here either. If you shoot in even light and want the highest resolution at 60 fps for the money, the Hero13’s 5.3K60 is still the sharper number on paper. The Action 6 earns its place when the light is difficult.
4. GoPro Hero12 Black
| Brand |
Brand
GoPro
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
27 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
5.3K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
120 fps (4K)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
HyperSmooth 6.0
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
33 ft / 10 m
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
2.83 x 2 x 1.32 inches / 71.8 x 50.8 x 33.6 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
154 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Video stabilization, compact body, time-lapse, 8-to-7 aspect ratio, horizon lock, excellent battery life
|
The GoPro Hero12 Black may no longer be GoPro’s newest camera, but it’s still one of the best action cameras on the market. The Hero13 above has since taken its place at the front of the line, but the Hero12 holds its own against the competition and often comes with a lower price tag.
The Hero12 remains excellent for video. It records at 5.3K60, the same headline resolution as the Hero13, so you’re not giving up sharpness or frame rate by choosing the older model. HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization keeps footage smooth even when mounted to a helmet or handlebars, and the horizon lock keeps the frame level no matter how the camera itself is angled.
You get a 27 MP sensor for stills, identical to the Hero13’s resolution, so photo quality isn’t a reason to pay more for the newer camera. You can also shoot in RAW and use the built-in HDR photos mode for more control in post. It’s waterproof to 33 ft (10 m) without a housing, making it a solid choice for surfing, diving, and other water sports. It also has webcam capability, so it doubles as one of the best streaming cameras of its size, plus voice control for hands-free shooting.
The trade-off against the Hero13 is the fixed lens: you lose the HB-Series interchangeable lens system and the Hero13’s Burst Slo-Mo up to 400 fps, along with its longer-running Enduro battery. For most buyers those are advanced features rather than dealbreakers. At around $329 through B&H, it’s a meaningful saving over the Hero13’s $429 price point for very similar day-to-day performance, and GoPro still sells it new from its own store.
5. Akaso EK7000
| Brand |
Brand
Akaso
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
20 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
30 fps
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
Electronic
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
Only with a case
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
2.4 x 1.6 x 1.3 inches / 6 x 4 x 3.3 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
67 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Video stabilization, slow-motion video, burst mode, time-lapse mode
|
The Akaso EK7000 is one of the most popular action cameras on the market. It doesn’t match the Akaso Brave 8 with some of the features. But it has a cheap price tag and delivers top-quality photos and videos.
The 4K video quality is excellent. The footage is bright with clear details. The max frame rate is only 30 fps, which is slow for an action camera. But the video quality is still fantastic. You can also switch to Full HD quality for faster frame rates. And there are slow-motion video options.
The EK7000 has a 20 MP sensor for still photography. That isn’t the highest resolution on the list. But you still get excellent images. You can also use the burst mode for action shots. And there’s no dip in image quality. The time-lapse mode is another feature creatives will enjoy using.
The electronic image stabilizer works for photos and videos. It reduces camera shake and signs of vibration in your media. You can also adjust the angle of view, giving you more control over each shot.
The camera itself isn’t waterproof. But it does come with a waterproof case for underwater recording. With the camera in the case, you can take it down to 131 ft (40 m). That makes the Akaso EK7000 a good choice for snorkeling.
6. Insta360 X5
| Brand |
Brand
Insta360
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
72 MP (full 360)
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
8K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
60 fps (5.7K HDR) / 120 fps (4K single-lens)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
FlowState + 360-degree Horizon Lock
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
49 ft / 15 m
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
4.9 x 1.81 x 1.5 inches / 12.4 x 4.6 x 3.8 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
200 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
User-replaceable lenses, PureVideo low-light mode, Invisible Selfie Stick AI reframing, 185+ min battery life
|
The Insta360 X5 is a rugged 360-degree camera that also works as a standalone action camera. Point it forward and it shoots normally, or leave both lenses uncapped and capture the whole scene at once. The dual 1/1.28-inch sensors gather 144% more light than the X3 and X4 managed, so noticeably more of a scene reaches the sensor before the image turns to noise.
That matters most in exactly the situations action-camera buyers actually shoot in: dawn surf sessions, dim ski lodges, night rides. The PureVideo mode adds AI-driven noise reduction on top, so low-light footage stays usable instead of turning to mush.
Recording tops out at 8K 30fps in full 360° mode, or 4K 60fps shooting single-lens. FlowState stabilization plus a 360° horizon lock keeps footage level even mounted to a helmet over rough terrain. It’s waterproof to 49 ft (15 m) without a case, and an optional dive housing pushes that to 197 ft (60 m). Battery life runs to roughly 185 minutes, and it charges to 80% in 20 minutes.
The lenses are user-replaceable for about $30 a kit, so a scratch or crack doesn’t mean buying a new camera. At around $550 it’s one of the pricier cameras on this list, and 360 footage has a real learning curve, because you’re reframing shots in post rather than getting a ready-to-share clip straight off the card. If you just want point-and-shoot footage with zero editing, the GoPro Hero12 above does that job with far less fuss.
7. DJI Osmo Pocket 3
| Brand |
Brand
DJI
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
9.4 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K (120 fps)
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
240 fps (1080p slow motion)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
3-axis mechanical gimbal
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
No
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
139.7 x 42.2 x 33.5 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
179 g
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
ActiveTrack 6.0 with Face Auto-Detect, DJI Mic 2 wireless pairing, 10-bit D-Log M color, timelapse/hyperlapse/slow motion
|
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 isn’t a rugged action camera, and we won’t pretend otherwise. It earns its place here as a genuinely different way to capture handheld footage: a pocket camera built around a mechanical gimbal instead of a waterproof shell. DJI launched it in October 2023 and it has been the default vlogging camera ever since. DJI has since released the Pocket 4, but US supply is still thin and third-party sellers are asking well over list for it, so the Pocket 3 is the one worth buying today.
The 1-inch sensor is the standout upgrade. It’s noticeably larger than a typical action camera sensor, and it makes a real difference in low light: dim ski lodges, evening bonfires, and indoor events all look cleaner. The built-in 3-axis mechanical gimbal is still the reason to buy this camera over a normal action camera. It counters shaky hands and vibration more effectively than electronic stabilization, so handheld footage looks like it was shot on a proper rig.
Video tops out at 4K/120fps, with 1080p slow motion up to 240 fps. ActiveTrack 6.0 adds Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing, so the camera reframes a moving subject on its own rather than needing manual panning. It pairs wirelessly with DJI’s Mic 2 system for cleaner audio than most action cameras manage on their built-in microphones, and the 2-inch rotatable touchscreen makes vertical video for social media straightforward.
It isn’t weatherproof or waterproof, so it’s not a camera for surfing or diving. Pair it with a dedicated action camera above for anything wet. Battery life is modest at around 166 minutes of 1080p recording, and DJI’s Mimo app is mandatory for full functionality, which some buyers find restrictive. At roughly $439 through B&H, the sensor and the tracking are what you are paying for. If you want a camera you can strap to a helmet and forget about, buy one of the others on this list instead.
8. Insta360 GO Ultra
| Brand |
Brand
Insta360
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
50 MP
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Max Frame Rate |
Max Frame Rate
60 fps (4K)
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
FlowState 6-axis with 360-degree Horizon Lock
|
| Waterproof |
Waterproof
33 ft / 10 m for the camera, splash-resistant Action Pod
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
1.81 x 1.8 x 0.88 inches / 46 x 45.7 x 22.4 mm
|
| Weight |
Weight
53 g (camera), 108.5 g (Action Pod)
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Magnetic hands-free mounting, 170 min of 4K30 recording with the Action Pod, PureVideo low-light mode, 2.7K 240 fps slow motion
|
The Insta360 GO Ultra is the smallest camera on this list by a wide margin. The camera itself weighs 53 g, about the weight of a golf ball, and clips to a shirt, a helmet strap, or a magnetic pendant worn under your top. That lets you shoot hands-free from angles a full-size action camera physically cannot reach.
The form factor is the whole argument for it. Climbers, mountain bikers, and anyone filming a first-person view get a real POV instead of a helmet-mounted brick’s approximation of one. It ships in two parts: the camera, and an Action Pod that doubles as a flip-screen viewfinder, a remote, and a spare battery. Used together they give 170 minutes of 4K30 recording, and a flat battery is back to 80% in 12 minutes.
Despite the size, the sensor is a 1/1.28-inch unit, the same class Insta360 puts in its full-size 360 cameras, feeding 4K at 60 fps and 50 MP stills. FlowState six-axis stabilization with a 360° horizon lock keeps footage level on rough ground, PureVideo mode holds detail on trails after sunset and inside climbing gyms, and 2.7K at 240 fps gives you genuine slow motion, not frames invented after the fact. Burst mode, timelapse, and voice control are all built in, and the camera is waterproof to 33 ft (10 m) on its own.
Two real limits. The Action Pod is only splash-resistant, so the half you actually look through can’t follow the camera into the water, so anything genuinely wet means shooting blind. And the minimum focus distance is around 18 inches, so it is poor at arm’s-length talking-head vlogging; this is a camera for what is in front of you, not for your own face. There is no internal storage either, so budget for a memory card on top. At around $450 it also costs more than 4K cameras three times its size. Buy it for hands-free POV, and buy something else if you want one camera that does everything.
© Benjamin Voros
Action Camera FAQs
Which Action Camera Should I Buy for My Sport?
Start with what the camera has to survive. For anything wet (surfing, kayaking, diving), take the GoPro Hero13 Black or the DJI Osmo Action 6, which are waterproof to 33 ft and 66 ft with no housing at all. For mountain biking, skiing, and climbing, where the camera gets shaken rather than soaked, the Insta360 GO Ultra’s 53 g body mounts where a full-size camera cannot. For vlogging to camera, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3’s mechanical gimbal beats every electronic system here. And if you want one clip that covers the whole scene so you can pick your angle later, that is the Insta360 X5.
Is a GoPro Still Worth It in 2026?
Yes, but the gap has closed. The Hero13 Black still shoots 5.3K at 60 fps, the highest resolution on this list at that frame rate, has the widest accessory ecosystem, and is the easiest camera here to hand to someone who has never used one. What it no longer wins outright is image quality in poor light: the DJI Osmo Action 6’s larger sensor and variable aperture take that. Buy the GoPro for reliability, mounts, and resolution. Buy the DJI if you shoot at dawn, at dusk, or indoors.
Do I Need 8K, or Is 4K Enough?
For almost everyone, 4K is enough. It is more resolution than most people ever deliver, and higher modes eat battery and card space fast. Higher resolution on the Osmo Action 6 or the Hero13 buys you reframing: shooting wide and cropping in afterwards without softening the footage. If you post clips straight off the card, 4K at 60 fps is the better setting.
Can an Action Camera Replace a Proper Camera at Night?
No. Every camera here uses a small sensor and a fixed or near-fixed lens, so low light is the format’s weakest point. PureVideo on the Insta360 models and the Action 6’s f/2.0 aperture make handheld night footage usable, which is a real improvement, but for a static night scene a tripod and a long exposure on a larger camera still win comfortably.
Conclusion: The Best Action Cameras
Capturing fast action on the slopes or under the waves requires the best action camera. You need something compact and durable. And you need a camera with the features to record all your adventures in detail. We believe all these cameras meet that brief.
The GoPro Hero13 Black is the best action camera right now. It’s a flagship camera that’s set a new standard for action cameras. But the other cameras still have plenty to offer. Cameras from Akaso, DJI, and Insta360 all deliver where it counts.
