We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Insta360 X5 Get-Set Bundle - Waterproof 8K 360° Action Camera, Leading Low Light, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Rugged and Replaceable Lens, 3-Hour Battery, Built-in Wind Guard, Stabilization

The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360° action camera that excels with its high-resolution 8K video at 30 frames per second, capturing incredibly detailed and immersive footage. Its dual large sensors and advanced AI chips enable strong performance even in low light, making it suitable for shooting in challenging conditions. A standout feature is the invisible selfie stick effect, which allows for unique third-person views without the stick showing up in shots—ideal for creative filming.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,292
Resolution
Image Stabilization
Durability and Waterproofing

Most important from
1725 reviews

Resolution
Its AI-driven low-light mode produces crisp, vibrant 8K videos with minimal noise, capturing rich detail and true-to-life colors even as daylight fades.
Image Stabilization
The Insta360 X5 delivers silky-smooth, stabilized footage effortlessly, transforming travel documentation with no need for extra gear.
Durability and Waterproofing
The build quality is robust with stronger lenses and many mounting and protection options, making it a durable choice for adventurous users.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, surpassing previous models and supporting extended shooting sessions without frequent recharging.
Mounting Options
The build quality is robust with stronger lenses and many mounting and protection options, making it a durable choice for adventurous users.
Storage
File sizes for 8K videos are large, so investing in high-capacity microSD cards or cloud storage is necessary for uninterrupted recording.
#2
8.8 score

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo, Boosted 177-degree FOV + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a strong choice for anyone looking to capture immersive, high-quality action footage. It stands out with its ultra wide 177-degree lens that grabs significantly more scenery than a standard GoPro, which is perfect for adventurous outdoor scenes or POV shots that really put viewers in the moment. Video resolution is excellent, supporting up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and crisp videos, while 27MP photos deliver sharp images. Its standout feature is the advanced HyperSmooth stabilization that keeps footage steady even in rough conditions, making it ideal for fast-paced activities.

Rating
8.8
Resolution
Image Stabilization
Battery Life

Most important from
871 reviews

Resolution
Video quality is crystal clear with sharp 5.3K resolution and 27MP photos delivering impressive detail and color accuracy in good lighting.
Image Stabilization
Advanced HyperSmooth stabilization keeps footage steady even in rough, fast-paced conditions, making every shot look smooth and professional.
Battery Life
The Enduro battery offers improved capacity, and having extra batteries and handy accessories like a handle make longer filming sessions more convenient.
Mounting Options
The magnetic mount and latch system enable quick and easy mounting changes, enhancing usability during active shoots.
#3
8.8 score

Insta360 GO Ultra Standard Bundle Midnight Black - Tiny Hands-Free 4K Cam, Lightweight & Portable, Low Light Excellence, Mount Anywhere, FlowState Stabilization, 200 Min Battery Life

The Insta360 GO Ultra is a compact and lightweight action camera designed for hands-free, versatile filming. It captures sharp 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, delivering smooth, detailed footage. Its standout feature is the advanced FlowState Stabilization with 360 Horizon Lock, which helps keep videos steady and level even during intense movement.

Rating
8.8
Resolution
Image Stabilization
Durability and Waterproofing

Most important from
438 reviews

Resolution
The GO Ultra delivers video quality nearly on par with full-size action cameras, boasting a larger sensor, better processor, and impressive dynamic range that rivals top competitors.
Image Stabilization
Advanced stabilization with 360 Horizon Lock keeps footage steady and level even during intense movement, ideal for travel and creative shooting angles.
Durability and Waterproofing
The camera module is waterproof up to 33 feet, but the Action Pod itself is not, which limits underwater use to the module only.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid and complemented by a fast-charge feature that reaches 80% in just 12 minutes, allowing extended shooting sessions with minimal downtime.
Mounting Options
The magnetic mounting system and wearable accessories enable hands-free recording options that far surpass conventional action cameras in versatility.
Connectivity
The Action Pod doubles as a charger and live viewfinder, enhancing usability when framing shots on the go.
Storage
Switching to a microSD card slot offers flexible, expandable storage, effectively removing limits imposed by fixed internal memory.

Top 10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Insta360 X5 Get-Set Bundle - Waterproof 8K 360° Action Camera, Leading Low Light, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Rugged and Replaceable Lens, 3-Hour Battery, Built-in Wind Guard, Stabilization

Resolution: 8K
Frame Rate: 30 fps
Image Stabilization: FlowState tech with 360° lock
Durability and Waterproofing: Scratch-resistant lenses; waterproof 49 feet
Battery Life: 3.5 hours recording, fast charging
Mounting Options: Includes 114cm invisible selfie stick
Connectivity: USB
Storage: MicroSD cards (sold separately)

Chosen by 1292 this week

GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo, Boosted 177-degree FOV + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

Resolution: 5.3K
Frame Rate: 60 fps
Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth
Durability and Waterproofing: Waterproof, durable, no extra housing
Battery Life: Improved by Enduro battery
Mounting Options: Standard GoPro mounts included
Connectivity: USB-C
Storage: microSD cards sold separately

Insta360 GO Ultra Standard Bundle Midnight Black - Tiny Hands-Free 4K Cam, Lightweight & Portable, Low Light Excellence, Mount Anywhere, FlowState Stabilization, 200 Min Battery Life

Resolution: 4K
Frame Rate: up to 60 fps
Image Stabilization: FlowState with 360 Horizon Lock
Durability and Waterproofing: waterproof 33 feet; deeper with case
Battery Life: 70 min standalone, 200 min with pod
Mounting Options: Magnetic and wearable mounts
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Storage: microSD card (sold separately)

Insta360 GO 3S - 128 GB Black 4K Tiny Portable Vlogging Camera, Hands-Free POVs, Mount Anywhere, Stabilization, 140 Min Battery Life, 10m Waterproof, Pet POV

Resolution: 4K
Image Stabilization: FlowState Stabilization with Horizon Lock
Durability and Waterproofing: IPX8 waterproof, Dive Case 60m
Battery Life: up to 140 minutes
Mounting Options: magnetic design
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Storage: 128 GB internal memory

Insta360 X3 Get-Set Kit- Waterproof 360 Action Camera with 1/2" 48MP Sensors, 5.7K 360 Active HDR Video, 72MP 360 Photo, 4K Single-Lens, 60fps Me Mode, Stabilization, 2.29" Touchscreen, AI Editing

Resolution: 5.7K: 5760x2880@30/25/24fps; 4K: 3840x2160@30/25/24fps; 3.6K: 3584x2016@60/50/30/25/24fps; 2.7K: 2720x1530@60/50/30/25/24fps; 1080p: 1920x1088@60/50/30/25/24fps
Frame Rate: 30/25/24fps; 60/50/30/25/24fps
Image Stabilization: FlowState Stabilization
Durability and Waterproofing: Durable and waterproof
Mounting Options: Invisible Selfie Stick
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Storage: Micro SDXC
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Action Cameras

When choosing an action camera, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for. Action cameras are designed to capture high-quality video and photos in extreme conditions, so you'll want to make sure the camera you choose can handle the activities you have in mind. Whether you're planning to use it for underwater diving, mountain biking, or just capturing everyday adventures, understanding the key specifications will help you make the best choice.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels in each frame of video or photo. Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for action cameras include 1080p (Full HD), 1440p, and 4K. If you plan to use your footage for professional purposes or want the highest quality possible, go for 4K. For everyday use and sharing on social media, 1080p or 1440p is usually sufficient.
Frame RateFrame rate is the number of frames captured per second (fps). Higher frame rates result in smoother video, especially during fast action scenes. Standard frame rates are 30fps and 60fps, but some cameras offer 120fps or even 240fps for slow-motion effects. If you want to capture fast-moving activities like sports, a higher frame rate is beneficial. For general use, 30fps or 60fps will work well.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization helps reduce blurriness and shakiness in your videos, which is especially important for action shots. There are two main types: electronic image stabilization (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS). EIS is more common in action cameras and works well for most activities. If you plan to record a lot of high-motion activities, look for a camera with good stabilization features.
Durability and WaterproofingAction cameras are often used in rugged environments, so durability and waterproofing are crucial. Many action cameras are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. Some are waterproof without a case, while others require a separate housing. If you plan to use your camera for underwater activities, make sure it can handle the depths you'll be diving to. For general outdoor use, check the camera's durability ratings.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use your camera before needing to recharge. Action cameras typically have a battery life ranging from 1 to 3 hours, depending on usage and settings. If you plan to use your camera for extended periods, look for one with a longer battery life or consider carrying extra batteries. For shorter activities, standard battery life should be sufficient.
Mounting OptionsMounting options refer to the different ways you can attach your action camera to various surfaces or gear. Common mounts include helmet mounts, chest mounts, and handlebar mounts. The more versatile the mounting options, the more creative you can get with your shots. Consider what activities you'll be doing and ensure the camera you choose has compatible mounts.
ConnectivityConnectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS can enhance your action camera experience. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow you to connect your camera to your smartphone for easy sharing and remote control. GPS can track your location and add data to your videos. If you want to quickly share your adventures or need location data, look for a camera with these connectivity options.
StorageStorage refers to the type and capacity of memory cards the camera supports. Most action cameras use microSD cards, and the maximum supported capacity can vary. Higher resolution and frame rates require more storage space, so if you plan to shoot a lot of high-quality video, choose a camera that supports larger capacity cards. For occasional use, a camera with standard storage options will suffice.

FAQ