The 8 best action cameras of 2024 can serve as everyday cameras, too
If you thought an action camera was just for capturing images and eye-popping video during your extreme adventures -- think skydiving, scuba diving and skiing -- think again. The latest action cameras from GoPro, DJI, Insta360 and Akaso are also perfect for capturing vacation memories, vlogging, or shooting everyday photos or video. They're easy to use and most offer a wide range of accessories and mounts that allow you to customize the camera for all of your shooting needs.
Best of all, these devices are small, versatile and definitely more durable than your average smartphone. Most are waterproof, temperature resistant and function flawlessly in harsh environments. So, whatever your photography or videography needs (and budget), check out our picks for the best action cameras available right now.
- Best action camera overall: GoPro Hero 13 Black
- Best budget action camera: GoPro Hero
- Best action camera for shooting 360-degree video: Insta360 X4
- Best action camera for pros and other daredevils: DJI OSMO Action 4
- Best action camera for vlogging: Insta360 Ace Pro
- Best value action camera: Akaso Brave 8
- Best action camera for vacationers: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Edition
- Best compact action camera: Insta360 Go 3S
What is the best action camera of 2024?
Our in-house consumer technology experts have curated this roundup of the best action cameras for outdoor adventurers, vacationers, vloggers, and casual camera users, with our top pick being GoPro's flagship camera, the GoPro Hero 13 Black. With it you can capture incredible, 27MP resolution photos or stunning high-definition video from a first- or third-person perspective at up to 5.3K (60fps), even if you're 33 feet underwater.
Best action camera: GoPro Hero 13 Black
Dimensions: 2.83 x 2 x 1.32 inches | Weight: 4.27 ounces | Displays: 2.27" touchscreen (rear), 1.4" display (front) | Waterproof rating: 33 feet | Image sensor: 1/1.9" CMOS | Max. video resolution: 5.3K (30fps) | Video aspect ratio: 8:7 or 16:9 | Photo resolution: 27MP | Microphones: 3 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C | Lenses: Interchangeable | Battery: 1900 mAh Enduro | Memory card support: microSD v30
With all of the new advancements in the GoPro Hero 13 Black compact camera, referring to it as just an action camera is a misnomer. Yes, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is small, lightweight, waterproof, temperature-proof and durable -- all of the key features you'd want from an action camera. There are also dozens of mounts, mods and accessories that allow you to attach the camera to your body or equipment so you can capture content from a stunning, first-person perspective.
However, this GoPro camera is an easy-to-use, point-and-shoot still image and broadcast-quality video camera, too, so it can also be used as an everyday point-and-shoot camera, vacation camera, vlogging camera and more, even if you're a total amateur. It also works as a webcam or live streaming camera.
The GoPro Hero 13 Pro can capture still images at 27MP resolution. It can also capture video at up to 5.3K (60fps) resolution using a variety of shooting modes, lenses and field-of-view options. The image stabilization built into the camera is better than ever, as is its low-light and nighttime shooting capabilities. There's even a new 400fps slow-motion feature.
The most exciting additions to this year's model are the interchangeable, HB-Series lenses. To keep things super-simple, regardless of which lens you attach, it automatically identifies the lens and adjusts the camera's settings.
Available lenses include a macro lens mod, ultra wide lens mod, and a Smart Motion Blur ND filter 4-pack. Plus, an anamorphic lens mod will be released in early-2025. It will allow you to capture undistorted, 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio with lens flares when shooting video.
Other notable enhancements include extended battery life for GoPro's Enduro interchangeable and rechargeable batteries. There's also a new magnetic door and power cable kit that makes it easier to keep the camera going using an external power source. Plus, GoPro has made some tweaks to the camera's mounting system. It now offers an optional magnetic mount add-on that makes it easy to attach and detach the camera from various stands, tripods and mounts in mere seconds, without having to tinker with a thumbscrew.
Everything people love about the GoPro cameras continues to be offered by the GoPro Hero 13 Black, including the re-introduction of a GPS feature that tracks the time, date, location, speed and altitude of what you shoot. You can now use more voice commands to control the camera and pair it with Apple AirPods, any Bluetooth earbuds, or wireless microphones to capture narration or specialized audio. The new voice mode automatically prioritizes voice audio when recording video and eliminates unwanted ambient sounds. This is particularly useful to vloggers and live streamers.
The GoPro ecosystem continues to grow with new optional camera accessories, too. Plus, GoPro has made some impressive improvements to the GoPro Quik app, which now uses more advanced AI to help you quickly view, edit and share your photos and video directly from your mobile device. And since the camera now supports Wi-Fi 6, wireless content transfers between the camera and your smartphone or tablet happen faster than ever, although a USB Type-C cable can also be used for that, too.
Whether you're an adventurer who wants to capture your next ski trip, sky dive, scuba diving excursion, or mountain bike ride from a stunning first-person perspective, or you want a durable camera you can take on your next vacation or use to capture home videos with ease, the GoPro Hero 13 Black offers the versatility to handle all of these tasks and so much more.
And best of all, when the camera is set on easy mode, it becomes an idiot-proof point-and-shoot camera that's ready for anything. So just about anyone can capture great content without having to tinker with complex settings. Pros can switch to advance mode and get manual control over the camera's many settings and features.
The GoPro Hero 13 Black camera comes with one Enduro battery, USB cable, a curved adhesive mount, a mounting buckle and a thumb screw. A required microSD memory card is sold separately. Out of all the action cameras featured in this roundup, the Hero 13 Black is hands-down the most versatile.
The GoPro Hero 13 Black Creator Edition includes the GoPro Hero 13 Black camera, a carrying case, one Enduro battery, a curved adhesive mount, one mounting buckle, a thumb screw, a USB Type-C cable, the Volta (battery grip-tripod-remote combo), a USB pass-through door, lanyard, the GoPro media mod, a removable mic windscreen, the GoPro light mod, a light diffuser, a two-finger adapter, and a magnetic latch mount. It too is available right now for preorder.
Best budget action camera: GoPro Hero
Dimensions: 2.23 x 1.88 x 1.16 inches | Weight: 3.03 ounces | Displays: 1.76" touchscreen (rear) | Waterproof rating: 16 feet | Max. video resolution: 4K (30fps) | Video aspect ratio: 16:9 | Photo resolution: 12MP | Microphones: 2 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C | Battery: 2355 mAh Enduro (built-in) | Memory card support: microSD v30 | Mount: Retractable GoPro finger mount on the bottom
The GoPro Hero camera is priced at just $200, so it's the perfect entry-level action camera that can also serve as an everyday point-and-shoot option. If you thought the GoPro Hero 13 Black was small and durable, the GoPro Hero is a scaled-down version that has an even smaller and lighter form factor. In fact, it's downright adorable.
You can shoot up to 4K (30fps) video and 12MP still images with ease. It fits in the palm of a hand or in a pocket for easy transport. It's also waterproof down to 16 feet and it features a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
There are more than 35 GoPro mounts and accessories available for this camera, but it works nicely on its own, or with a handheld grip or tabletop tripod, like the GoPro Shorty, The Handler or GoPro 3-Way 2.0. A microSD memory card is also required and sold separately.
One great feature: While the camera is recharging, it automatically uploads your newly shot content to the cloud and creates a highlight video for you. Of course, you can also edit your photos and videos yourself, using the newly enhanced GoPro Quik mobile app.
The GoPro Hero features a 1.76-inch, full-color, LCD touchscreen on the back and it can operate in temperatures between 14 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best action camera for shooting 360-degree video: Insta360 X4
Video resolution: Up to 8K (up to 30fps) | Still image resolution: 72MP | Display size: 2.5 inch touchscreen | Size: 4.87 x 1.48 x 1.81 inches | Weight: 7.16 ounces | Waterproof rating: 33 feet | Optional mounts and accessories: Multiple mounts and accessories sold separately
Sometimes, capturing what's directly in front of you (or behind you) just isn't good enough. If you like to log and share your adventures from absolutely any angle, the Insta360 X4 is the camera you want. Of course, it can also serve as a traditional still image or video camera.
Another notable feature is the camera's ability to capture video at up to 8K (30fps) resolution or still images at up to 72MP. In single lens mode, the camera can capture traditional 4K (60fps) video with a wide-angle field-of-view.
During the editing process, you can pick and choose your shot perspectives for playback on a traditional TV or monitor. And when you use the company's proprietary selfie stick accessory that's included with the camera, it's easy to capture drone-like footage. The selfie stick gets automatically removed from the shot.
This camera's battery keeps the camera running for up to 135 minutes of shooting. Plus, it's waterproof down to 33 feet. Compared to the previous X3 model, the X4 offers 140% faster computing power, so you'll experience better performance from the camera across the board.
The X4 is loaded with specialized shooting modes and functions, so it operates nicely in a wide range of lighting situations. You also get cutting-edge image stabilization and the ability to remotely control the camera using hand gestures. It operates in temperatures between -4 and 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
Best action camera for pros and other daredevils: DJI Osmo Action 4
Video Resolution: Up to 4K (120 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 10MP | Display Size: 1.4-inch LCD touchscreen (front), 2.25-inch LCD touchscreen (rear) | Size: 2.78 x 1.74 x 1.29 inches | Weight: 5.11 ounces | Waterproof Rating: IP68 / 196 feet (with waterproof case), 59 feet (without waterproof case)
Featuring a design similar to the GoPro Hero 13 Black, the DJI OSMO Action 4 is able to capture video at up to 4K (120fps) resolution with an impressively wide 155-degree field of view. Both the front and back of the camera have touchscreen displays used to adjust camera settings or preview content.
OSMO Action 4 is waterproof and extremely durable. When you're shooting high-action activities with the camera in motion, its built-in, 360-degree "HorizonSteady" and "RockSteady 3.0" image stabilization features ensure your content will remain in focus and ultra-smooth, no matter what stunts you're trying to shoot. One convenient feature is the camera's proprietary Magnetic Quick Release mounting system. It works great with multiple DJI mounts and accessories.
The camera boasts an advanced color temperature sensor, so colors appear vibrant and true-to-life, even in low light or underwater. This camera is loaded with impressive features, but one caveat: When it comes to optional mounts and accessories, the selection is more limited to what's offered by GoPro. However, a chest mount, helmet mount, camera handle, extension rod and a handful of other mounts and accessories are sold separately.
Best action camera for vlogging: Insta360 Ace Pro
Video Resolution: Up to 8K (up to 24fps) | Still Image Resolution: 48MP | Display Size: 2.4-inch flip up touchscreen | Size: 2.83 x 2.05 x 1.52 inches | Weight: 6.34 ounces | Waterproof Rating: 10 meter depth (60 meters with optional dive case)
Ideal for vacationers, vloggers and outdoor adventurers, the Insta360 Ace Pro offers a ton of features packed into a compact camera that's durable and waterproof. The 2.4-inch, full-color touchscreen flips upward, so you can see what you're shooting regardless of which direction the camera is facing.
We also like the camera's convenient magnetic mounting system, and that you can remotely control the camera using a mobile app, voice commands or hand gestures -- or use the controls on the camera itself. Plus, the 1/1.3-inch sensor is able to capture stunning still images and video content in almost any situation.
The camera offers shooting modes for low light, a fast-moving camera, or a fast-moving subject. And once you've captured your content, the Insta360 mobile app uses artificial intelligence to enhance it, and then edit it for you in seconds. Ultimately, you can shoot, preview, edit and then share your creations from virtually anywhere using your smartphone. This Insta360 camera also has an impressive collection of optional accessories.
Out of all the action cameras we've tested, this is one of the very few that allows you to shoot video at up to 8K (24fps) resolution using a 16:9 aspect ratio. However, a variety of other resolutions, from 1080p (up to 240fps) to 4K (up to 60fps) are available. The camera is easy to use and extremely versatile. And battery life is up to 100 minutes of continuous shooting.
Best value action camera: Akaso Brave 8
Video resolution: Up to 4K (up to 60fps) | Still image resolution: 48MP | Display size: 1.22 inch LCD (front), 2 inch LCD touchscreen (rear) | Size: 2.48 x 1.44 x 1.77 inches | Weight: 4.05 ounces | Waterproof rating: 33 feet | Optional mounts and accessories: 14 included, others sold separately
In terms of form factor, the Akaso Brave 8 is similar to the latest GoPro cameras, but with some scaled-down features and a lower price. Like the GoPro Hero 13 Black, you get a front- and rear-facing display and a compact form factor. This camera, however, maxes out at 4K (60fps) video resolution, which for many casual users is more than adequate. For still images, it offers an impressive 48MP resolution.
Integrated shooting features include 8K time lapse, a super-wide field-of-view, 16x slow-motion capture, advanced image stabilization and AI-driven face metering. The camera relies on a 1/2 CMOS image sensor and uses quad pixel technology to capture stunning detail with vivid clarity. And the camera is waterproof down to 33 feet.
Whether you're shooting still images or video, you can switch between a narrow, portrait, wide or super-wide field-of-view, so you have plenty of creative control over your content. And unlike the GoPro cameras, the Brave 8 comes with 14 accessories and mounts, so you can easily adapt the camera to a wide range of shooting situations without having to but anything extra.
Best action camera for vacationers and vloggers: DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Edition
Video Resolution: Up to 4K (120 fps) | Still Image Resolution: 9.4MP | Display Size: 2-inch rotatable touchscreen | Size: 5.5 x 1.66 x 1.32 inches | Weight: 6.31 ounces | Waterproof Rating: Not waterproof
While you can purchase the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 on its own, we recommend the Creator Edition. It comes with a collection of extremely useful accessories for capturing vacation memories or vlogging. In addition to the camera itself, the Creator Edition includes a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter microphone with a windscreen and clip magnet; a wide-angle lens; a battery handle; a mini Y tripod; a wrist strap; protective lens cover; USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable; and a carrying bag.
In terms of its capabilities, the Osmo Pocket 3 is so compact it can be operated with one hand. The camera is mounted on a three-axis stabilizer that allows for incredibly smooth video, even without a tripod. And to ensure you can see everything that you're filming, the 2-inch OLED touchscreen rotates.
One feature that vloggers will appreciate is the full-pixel fast focusing, which means that the camera can be focused on a subject's face, but when that person holds up an item, the camera instantly refocuses.
Meanwhile, using the ActiveTrack 6.0 feature, when the camera is mounted on a tripod, face detection and dynamic framing features keep a moving subject on the center of the frame. We like that 4K video is captured at 3,840 x 2,160 pixel resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. In panorama mode, the camera's field-of-view is an impressive (and extra wide) 180-degrees.
One of this camera's biggest perks is it's one-inch CMOS image sensor with built-in 20mm, f/2.0 lens. You also get a two-inch OLED display (with a maximum brightness of 700 nits and 314 x 556 pixel resolution) which makes it easy to see what you're shooting. Battery life is up to 166 minutes of operating time per charge. And to ensure you capture the best possible stereo sound with your video, the camera has three microphones.
Be sure to read our full review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 to discover why it's one of our most highly recommended cameras for vacationers and vloggers alike.
Best compact action camera: Insta360 Go 3S
Video resolution: Up to 4K (up to 30fps) | Still image resolution: Up to 4,000 x 3,000 pixels (4:3 aspect ratio) | Display size: None (Camera), 2.2 inch touchscreen (Action Pod) | Size: 1 x 2.1 x 1 inches (Camera), 2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches (Action Pod) | Weight: 1.38 ounces (camera), 3.4 ounces (Action Pod) | Waterproof rating: IPX8 (Camera), IPX4 (Action Pod) | Optional mounts and accessories: Several includes, others sold separately
The Insta360 Go 3S is modular, incredibly small and very easy to use. It even responds to voice commands. This camera is great for capturing hands-free first- or third-person video, because it easily attaches to your body or equipment and is waterproof. For example, the camera comes with a magnetic pendant, so it can be worn around your neck, but several other mounts are also included.
The Go 3S has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 38 minutes of continuous shooting, but this gets extended up to 140 minutes using the included Action Pod.
What you need to understand about the Go 3S is that the camera is a standalone unit that can be used on its own to capture video. But it also fits into an included Action Pod, which contains a 2.2-inch, flip-up touchscreen. When you want to hold the camera in your hand or connect it to a tripod, for example, you use the Action Pod. The camera's two integrated microphones capture clear and immersive sound.
As raw video is exported for editing, choose between a 16:9, 9:16 or 1:1 aspect ratio. When the Go 3S camera itself is mounted on someone or something, the Action Pod can be used as a remote viewfinder from up to 33 feet away. A variety of video shooting modes are available, including time lapse. If you're looking for an easy and versatile action camera that's extremely small and lightweight, the Go 3S is your perfect choice. It comes with either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage.
Beyond just its ultra-compact size, one of the things we love about the Go 3S is its smooth video, even when the camera is in motion. It's also convenient that the camera alone (without the Action Pod) can be mounted almost anywhere and at any angle. A variety of mounts are included.
How to pick an action camera
For vacations, you'll want a camera handle or selfie stick, plus a mount to attach the camera to your body (for first-person perspective shots). To capture yourself engaged in a specific activity, choose the right accessories and mounts that give you the most immersive angle options and that will hold the camera steady.
All of the cameras in the roundup can shoot video at 4K resolution or higher and have built-in image stabilization. The still photo resolution of each camera varies, so pick one that meets your needs. And don't forget to bring along extra memory cards and fully charged batteries when you go out shooting. These cameras also have built-in microphones for capturing stereo (or in some cases) surround sound. But, depending on the content you're creating, an optional external microphone could give you even better audio quality.
For the GoPro Hero 13 Black, for example, the optional Media Mod ($77) includes an external directional microphone and specialty camera housing, but the GoPro Hero 13 Black Creator Edition ($600) includes a variety of useful accessories for vlogging, including a microphone and light.
