Action cameras have come a long way since their early days as simple, rugged cams strapped to helmets. In 2025, they’ve evolved into compact, feature-rich devices capable of shooting high-resolution video, stabilising shaky footage, and withstanding harsh environments, from deep underwater to extreme mountain trails. Whether it’s a weekend cycling trip or a skydiving session, there’s now an action camera for every kind of adventurer.
This year’s models have raised the bar with features like 8K recording, advanced AI scene detection, and cloud backup. Some even double as vlogging tools, with front-facing screens and strong audio pickup. Battery life, mounting options, and companion apps have also seen significant improvements, giving users more control and flexibility during shoots.
With more brands entering the market and established names refining their offerings, choosing the right action camera can be overwhelming. This list breaks down the top models of 2025 based on performance, durability, price, and user needs, helping you find the best companion for your next adventure.
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a compact, high-performance action camera designed for creators who demand clarity, stability, and low-light excellence. Built with a next-gen 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, it delivers 4K/60fps HDR video and approximately 40MP stills, capturing sharp, detailed footage in various conditions. The dual OLED displays ensure intuitive framing and playback, while the robust design easily withstands outdoor elements.
Engineered for extended use and seamless shooting, the Action 5 Pro offers up to 240 minutes of operating time and has 47GB of built-in storage. It’s waterproof up to 20 m without a case, and even deeper with additional protection, making it ideal for underwater adventures, high-speed sports, and travel vlogging. With Wi-Fi 6.0 and automatic water-detection recording, it’s a versatile tool for today’s mobile content creators.
Key features and benefits
- Next-gen 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor: Captures more detail with 13.5 stops of dynamic range, improving contrast and clarity in challenging lighting.
- 4K/60fps HDR low-light video: Enables smooth, vibrant footage even in dim conditions, with better highlight and shadow balance.
- Dual OLED displays: Features high-brightness front and rear screens for easier framing, playback, and menu access in bright sunlight.
- Extended battery life and storage: Offers up to 240 minutes of continuous shooting and includes 47GB internal storage for quick setup.
DJI Osmo Action 4
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a reliable, well-rounded action camera that delivers solid video quality, long battery life, and excellent waterproof performance at a more affordable price point. It features a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor, HDR video support, and an 18-metre waterproof rating out of the box.
While it lacks the OLED screens, 40MP resolution, internal storage, and built-in pressure gauge of the newer Action 5 Pro, the Action 4 still provides 160 minutes of continuous shooting and strong durability in outdoor conditions. It’s a smart option for those looking to save without compromising too much on core performance.
Key features and benefits
- 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor: Delivers clear and balanced footage with high dynamic range across all video modes, even in varying lighting conditions.
- 9.98MP still resolution: Supports detailed photo capture, though the resolution is lower than flagship models.
- LCD screens with no HDR display: Functional for framing and playback, though less vibrant in bright sunlight compared to OLED.
- Waterproof up to 18m (60m with case): Ready for diving and water sports without needing a housing, making it great for underwater use.
Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a powerful action camera co-engineered with Leica, combining high-end imaging with a smart, modular design. Its standout feature is the large 1/1.3″ sensor paired with 8K video capture, offering excellent clarity, colour depth, and low-light performance. The camera is built to adapt quickly, featuring a 2.4″ flip touchscreen, fast charging, and AI enhancements like gesture control and scene recognition.
Unlike other compact action cams, the Ace Pro focuses on usability. It includes a magnetic mounting system, waterproofing up to 10 m (up to 60 m with a case), and seamless integration with mobile and desktop apps.
Key features and benefits
- 8K video with 1/1.3″ sensor: Shoots in 8K/24fps and 4K/120fps, offering crisp detail, accurate colour, and strong low-light results thanks to Leica optics.
- 2.4″ flip touchscreen display: A large, responsive screen that flips forward, perfect for vlogging, framing, and reviewing clips on the go.
- AI-powered shooting modes: Includes AI Warp, PureVideo noise reduction, AI highlights assistant, gesture control, and horizon lock.
- Fast charging and waterproof design: 22 minutes to 80% battery, IPX8 waterproof to 10 m without a case, and up to 60 m with a dive case.
SJCAM SJ20 Dual-Lens
The SJCAM SJ20 is a compact action camera with a unique dual-lens system, optimised for day and night shooting. One lens is tuned for daylight with an f/2.0 aperture, while the other is designed for low-light with a larger f/1.3 aperture—automatically switching based on conditions. It also features dual screens, IP68 waterproofing (with case), and a modular external battery handle for extended runtime.
While video tops out at 4K/30fps and stabilisation is modest compared to premium models, the SJ20 makes up for it with flexibility and long battery life. It’s a suitable option for users who want a budget-friendly camera with night performance in mind, and for those who value simplicity and endurance over advanced imaging specs.
Key features and benefits
- Dual-lens design (Day & Night): Switches automatically between a standard daytime lens and a wide-aperture low-light lens for improved image quality around the clock.
- 4K video at 30fps: Offers standard-resolution recording for action shots, with basic stabilisation and clear daylight footage.
- 8-hour battery with grip: The optional 5,650mAh battery handle allows all-day use, making it ideal for extended trips or time-lapse shooting.
- IP68 waterproof (with case): Durable in wet and rugged conditions when housed, with support for accessories like selfie sticks and mounts.
GoPro Hero 13 Black
The GoPro Hero 13 Black is GoPro’s most advanced action camera to date, packing a 1/1.9″ sensor, 5.3K video at up to 60fps, and the upgraded HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation system. Designed for content creators who need high-quality imaging in fast-moving environments, it features a rugged build, dual screens, and waterproofing up to 10 metres without a case. The 1,900mAh Enduro battery offers improved low-temp performance and extended shooting time.
This model introduces the HB-series lens system, allowing users to swap in ND filters, macro lenses, or anamorphic glass for cinematic looks.
Key features and benefits
- 5.3K video + 1/1.9″ sensor: Shoots crisp, wide dynamic range footage at up to 60fps in 5.3K, with oversampled 4K and 2.7K options also available.
- HB-series lens compatibility: Supports GoPro’s swappable lens mods (macro, ND, anamorphic), making it a creative tool beyond typical action cams.
- HyperSmooth 6.0: Industry-leading video stabilisation with horizon lock, ideal for handheld and high-impact sports shooting.
- Tough, waterproof design with dual screens: Can go underwater up to 10 m without a case and features a front-facing colour display for vlogging or selfies.
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max is GoPro’s 360-degree action camera, designed to capture immersive content with maximum flexibility. It records 5.6K spherical video and 360 photos using dual lenses, letting users reframe shots later in the GoPro Quik app. With Max HyperSmooth stabilisation, advanced audio capture, and waterproof durability, it’s built for creators who want everything in one device—vlog, shoot first-person POV, or create VR-ready content.
Though it doesn’t match the highest resolution of single-lens flagships like the Hero 13, the Max makes up for it with a wide field of view, reframing control, and creative potential. It’s ideal for travel creators, action sports, or anyone looking to experiment beyond traditional video formats.
Key features and benefits
- 360-degree video and photo capture: Dual lenses allow for immersive 5.6K spherical video and panoramic shots, with in-app reframing after filming.
- Max HyperSmooth stabilisation: Automatically smooths out motion in every direction, even in 360 mode, great for action sports and shaky terrain.
- Directional mic and wind reduction: Delivers surprisingly good audio in outdoor settings, with six-mic surround sound support.
- Rugged and waterproof build: Waterproof up to 5 m (16 ft) without a housing and built to withstand snow, dirt, and extreme use.
Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 is the brand’s most powerful 360-degree action camera to date, offering 8K video capture, dual-lens shooting, and robust AI-powered features. With a slim build and advanced stabilisation, it’s ideal for immersive filming across outdoor, travel, sports, and creative content scenarios. Users can switch between 360° and single-lens modes, enabling both panoramic reframing and standard ultra-wide action shots.
The X4 also improves on battery life, touchscreen responsiveness, and waterproofing, operating up to 10 m without a case. Smart features like gesture control, voice commands, object tracking, and auto horizon levelling enhance usability.
Key features and benefits
- 8K 360° video + 4K/60fps single-lens mode: Shoots immersive spherical content or traditional wide-angle footage with high clarity and detail.
- FlowState stabilisation + horizon lock: Keeps footage smooth and level during high-movement shots like biking, skiing, or vlogging.
- Large 2.5″ touchscreen: Easy to preview, reframe and control footage on the go with improved menu navigation and swipe performance.
- AI editing + mobile app integration: Built-in AI tools, voice control, gesture shooting, and easy content transfer make the X4 one of the most user-friendly 360 cams yet.
Akaso Brave 8
The Akaso Brave 8 is a budget-friendly action camera that covers the essentials for casual adventurers and first-time users. It shoots in 4K at 60fps, features a dual-screen layout for vlogging or selfies, and includes basic electronic stabilisation for smoother footage. While it doesn’t compete with flagship models in terms of dynamic range or frame rate, it offers surprising versatility for the price.
The camera is IPX7 waterproof (up to 10 m with housing) and comes with a range of accessories, including mounts and a remote. It’s ideal for outdoor use, simple action footage, or travel documentation on a budget. For users who want a capable action camera without the high cost or complex controls, the Brave 8 delivers solid performance and ease of use.
Key features and benefits
- 4K/30fps video with electronic stabilisation: Provides decent clarity for everyday action shots with basic shake reduction.
- Dual screen setup: Includes a front-facing display for easy selfies and vlogging, plus a rear touchscreen for control and playback.
- Waterproof and durable design: Withstands splashes and submersion up to 10 m using the included case, ready for swimming and rain.
- Multiple shooting modes: Offers timelapse, slow motion, and burst photo functions, giving users more creative flexibility at a low cost.
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is not an action camera in the traditional sense. It lacks the rugged durability, waterproofing, and hands-free mountability that define most action cams. However, it earns a place on this list because of its strong appeal to creators who prioritise cinematic footage, smooth stabilisation, and travel-friendly portability, qualities that increasingly overlap with action cam use cases.
This compact gimbal camera features a large 1-inch CMOS sensor, 4K/120fps slow-motion recording, and a 3-axis mechanical stabiliser that delivers buttery-smooth footage, outperforming digital-only stabilisation. The 2-inch OLED touchscreen rotates for easy vlogging or vertical content, and DJI’s ActiveTrack 6.0 keeps subjects in frame during movement. While it’s not made for rugged sports or underwater use without accessories, it excels in everyday filming, travel vlogs, and low-light situations, making it a creative alternative for those who don’t need full action-proof toughness.
Key features and benefits
- 1-inch CMOS sensor + 4K/120fps video: Captures stunning detail and smooth motion with excellent dynamic range, even in low-light conditions.
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal: Provides true physical stabilisation for steady, cinematic video with natural movement and minimal distortion.
- Rotatable 2-inch OLED touchscreen: Automatically flips for vertical or horizontal use, perfect for selfies, vlogging, or social content.
- Fast startup & AI face tracking: Powers on quickly and keeps subjects in frame with advanced ActiveTrack 6.0—ideal for creators on the move.
Which action camera is right for you?
The best action camera for your needs will depend on how you plan to use it. If you’re often outdoors, on the move, or in unpredictable environments, prioritising durability, stabilisation, and waterproofing makes sense. For creators focused on storytelling, smooth footage, and ease of editing, image quality and user-friendly features may take precedence.
It’s also worth considering how much creative control you want—some cameras offer more flexibility in post-production, while others focus on capturing great results straight out of the box. Think about what matters most: resolution, battery life, accessories, or portability.
No single model fits every use case. The right choice will be the one that aligns with your routine, your goals, and how you like to create. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or pushing creative limits, there’s an option that fits. What matters is finding the one that fits you.
