Best Action Cameras | 2026

Trying to figure out which is the right action camera for you? We're here to help, and have pulled together this list of our team's top picks for all different types of action cameras, from flagship models to tin affordable options and even 360-degree cameras. Every action camera on this list delivers superb quality in a tough, portable package.

This is exactly what you want from an action camera. The best models offer crisp video, in 4K quality or higher, and wrap it in a body that's rugged enough to survive everything from rain to an accidental drop. Most action cameras are waterproof straight out of the box, but there are also many that support optional housings if you want to dive deeper or add extra protection.

Stabilisation is now one of the biggest things to look for. Since action cameras are typically used on the move, the stabilisation needs to keep your footage smooth and enjoyable to watch, even when you are bouncing down a trail or swimming through choppy water. Strong battery life, intuitive touch controls and dependable low-light performance are also increasingly important.

With all that in mind, here are our favourite action cameras available right now; each one designed to help you capture your adventures with clarity and confidence.

What's coming up: 

Best overall action camera: GoPro HERO13 Black
Best action camera for low-light: DJI Osmo Action 6
Best 8K action camera: Insta360X5
Best gimbal camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Best action camera for high quality: Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB 360 4K
Best action camera for motorbikes and bikes: DJI Osmo Nano
Best wearable action camera: Insta360 GO 3S
Best affordable action camera: GoPro LIT HERO

Best overall action camera

The latest and greatest in the famous GoPro Hero line, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is, for our money, the best action camera you can buy overall. One thing that GoPro has really got right as it has honed its action camera formula is broad accessibility — GoPro cameras are simple enough that even a complete novice can pick one up and start recording, while experts have the option to dive in and pick different video formats and profiles, including Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) and GP-Log.

Like previous entries in the Hero series, the Hero 13 Black uses an 8:7 format sensor, producing near-square footage that is easy to crop into to output in different aspect ratios — so you’re covered for both TikTok-friendly vertical and standard widescreen. The stabilisation is also first-class, meaning that even when the camera is mounted to a helmet, chest harness or whatever else, you can still get silky-smooth footage.

Best for low-light

The DJI Osmo Action 6 is the latest in a line of action cameras that have evolved to become serious GoPro rivals, and it may well be the best choice for you, depending on what you like to shoot. Equipped with a large, 1/1.1-inch square-format sensor, the Osmo Action 6 is a flexible machine that can easily handle shooting in multiple different aspect ratios, from cinematic 16:9 to TikTok-friendly vertical format.

It's also an absolute beast in low light; if you plan to shoot a lot of night-time content, the DJI Osmo Action 6 Pro should definitely be your pick. The new SuperNight mode delivers hugely impressive clarity in low-light shooting situations, aided by a feature that's a first for action cameras: a variable lens aperture, running to a maximum of F2.0. Natively waterproof down to depths of 20m, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is capable of handling pretty much any shooting situation you care to throw at it. We also love its built-in storage, giving you 50GB of internal memory that means you can always record images and videos, even when you don't have a memory card available.

Best 8K action camera

While it's not the only 8K action camera, with the DJI Osmo Action 6 also offering 8 video in certain aspect ratios, the Insta360 X5 delivers enormous versatility in high resolutions, and should definitely be high on the consideration list for anyone who wants to produce top-quality footage. Its dual sensors can capture impressive 360° content with incredible clarity and high-definition precision, delivering up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range, and this allows the user to simply shoot first and frame later. In the dedicated app or desktop software, you can export standard-format content from 360° footage, allowing you to hone in on where the action is.

Wiht extensive native waterproofing, the Insta360 X5 has what it takes to compete with dedicated action cameras from Gopro and DJI. Its three dedicated AI processing chips greatly speed up operation compared to the previous X4, and help reduce image noise to improve quality even in challenging low-light conditions. 

Best gimbal camera

For filmmakers and videographers who like to keep things light, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is an ideal solution. It may not look much like an action camera, or for that matter like most cameras in general, but its unusual form factor is due to the fact that it’s a gimbal camera. This means it has a sophisticated 3-axis stabilisation system built in, meaning you can capture smooth hand-held video even while moving. For run-and-gun vlogging, this is perfect.

Bear in mind that this camera doesn’t have a lot of the action camera trappings that others on this list have — it’s not waterproof at all without a case, and it doesn’t have that hardy shockproof build. It’s brilliant in a lot of the same ways, as it travels light and records fantastic stabilised footage, but you’re not going to be attaching it to the front of a bike helmet the way you would a GoPro or an Osmo Action.

Best action camera for high quality

This is the flagship camera in the Ricoh Theta series of 360-degree action cameras, with serious 4K capabilities. Equipped with the latest in image stabilisation technology, the Ricoh Theta Z1 51GB 360 4K Camera is able to produce super-slick 360-degree videos in pristine 4K. The results from this camera look absolutely incredible, thanks in part to its 1-inch back-illuminated sensor, which is notably larger than the 1/2.3-inch sensors you often find in action cameras.

While the original Z1 only had 19GB of internal storage, this beefed-up version boasts 51GB, which is much more useful for the high data demands of 4K and 360-degree content. With a 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, and dual wide-angle lenses with 14 elements in 10 groups apiece, the emphasis here is very much on quality. Use the THETA+ app and you can edit your content directly, for easy and immediate sharing.

Best action camera for motorbikes and bikes

As implied by its name, the DJI Osmo Nano is a tiny action camera, weighing in at just 52g. With a flexible magnetic mounting system, it's the perfect choice for adventurous biking and motorbiking, allowing you to recod POV footage of your rides with ease. The 4K footage looks absolutely fantastic, crisp and clear, with the powerful 1/1.3-inch sensor delivering up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range, and having a frame rate of up to 120fps in 4K means you can capture dynamic slow-mo.

The lens provides a 143° field of view, giving a nice broad perspective, and the built-in 60GB storage means you can always record footage, even if you don't have a card available. On endurance mode, the Nano will record up to 50 minutes in 4K 60p quality, and the battery can be quickly gassed up again using the DJI Osmo Nano Multifunctional Vision Dock.

Best wearable action camera

It seems scarcely credible that a fully functional 4K camera could weigh as little as 32g — about the same as a bag of crisps — but somehow Insta360 has done it. The Insta360 GO 3S comprises two parts, with a small main camera module that can be magnetically attached however you please, and then the optional rear “Action Pod”, so called because it gives the GO 3S a square body and flip-up screen that makes it more closely resemble a conventional action camera. 

It’s a simpler proposition than the likes of the Osmo Action 5 Pro or GoPro Hero 13 Black. You don’t get advanced recording options like a Log profile, for instance, and there also isn’t the option to connect an external mic to improve sound quality (both GoPro and DJI manufacture their own). While more serious vloggers and videomakers will want to look at one of the other options on our list, the Insta360 GO 3S is a great, simple action camera for POV footage and holiday videos.

Best affordable action camera

The GoPro LIT HERO is designed to be a highly affordable alternative to the flagship cameras, a successor to 2024's sligtly conufsingly named HERO camera, and it certainly accomplishes that goal. For an impressive price, you get a fully functional and 4K-capable action camera that’s waterproof and lightweight. So, does it measure up?

Short answer: yes. Providing great value for the asking price, the GoPro LIT HERO is a plug-and-play action camera that’s simple to operate. If you’re a beginner just getting to grips with how GoPro cameras function, it’s an ideal first step, with the shooting options considerably simplified compared to the more sophisticated Hero 13 Black. It works best when you integrate it with the GoPro Quik app, as this allows you to stabilise your footage after the fact (there isn't stabilisation functionality in the camera itself).

Very tiny, even by action camera standards, the HERO is easy to take on your travels with you, and it’s natively waterproof down to 5m depths, which is good enough for surfing, snorkelling and other watersports, as long as you don't drop it.

Best action camera accessories

When it comes to action cameras, the camera itself is only a small part of the experience! Every brand has a healthy range of accessories that allow you to customise your action camera according to your needs. From mounts to underwater housings, there’s plenty out there – so much so that we don’t have space to list everything. Instead, we’ve picked a few favourites for the major brands to give you an idea of what’s on offer. However, we strongly encourage browsing for yourself and seeing the kinds of action camera accessories that are out there. 

One thing to remember with action camera accessories is that compatibility is key. Things like housings tend to be quite specifically compatible with different makes and models of action cameras, so it’s worth checking and double-checking that an accessory you have your eye on will work with your specific camera.

FAQs

What is an action camera used for?

An action camera is designed for capturing high-quality video and photos in extreme conditions, making it ideal for activities like cycling, skiing, diving, and more. These cameras are compact, durable, and often waterproof, allowing for versatile use in outdoor adventures.

Are action cameras waterproof?

Many action cameras are waterproof to a certain depth without the need for additional housing. However, it’s important to check the specific depth rating for each model, as they can vary. Waterproof capabilities make them perfect for water-based activities like swimming, surfing, or snorkelling.

How long do action cameras last?

The battery life of an action camera typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on usage and settings like video resolution and frame rate. Many models offer replaceable or extended batteries for longer recording sessions.

Can I use an action camera for vlogging?

Yes, action cameras are great for vlogging due to their compact size, stabilisation features, and high-quality video recording. With built-in microphones and the option to connect external ones, they provide excellent audio and video for content creation on the go.

What features should I look for in an action camera?

You'll want to consider cameras that include video resolution (preferably 4K or even 8K), image stabilisation (like HyperSmooth or FlowState), battery life, waterproofing, and ease of mounting for different activities. Additional features like voice control, Wi-Fi connectivity, and slow-motion capture can also enhance your experience

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