8 Best Action Cameras for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	GoPro Hero13 Black	excellent image quality with modular lens system
Best for low light	DJI Osmo Action 6	adjustable aperture and large sensor
Best 360 camera	Insta360 X5	8K 360-degree video with reframing options
Best value	DJI Osmo Action 4	nearly identical performance to newer models at lower cost
Best wearable	Insta360 Go Ultra	tiny form factor with flip-up screen
Also recommended	GoPro Hero12	nearly identical to hero13 for less
Also recommended	Insta360 Ace Pro 2	strong all-rounder with great ai features
Also recommended	Akaso Brave 7 LE	solid budget 4k camera under $200

How we chose and tested

We evaluated cameras based on real-world performance across different adventure scenarios. Key factors included image quality in various lighting conditions, stabilization effectiveness during movement, battery life during extended recording, and ease of use in challenging environments. We also considered accessory ecosystems and software features that enhance the creative process.

The best action cameras right now

GoPro Hero13 Black - Best overall

The Hero13 Black maintains GoPro's position as the category leader with excellent 5.3K video, reliable stabilization, and a new modular lens system that expands creative possibilities.

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Key highlights

5.3K video at 60fps with impressive detail retention
Compatible with HB-Series Lenses, including Ultra Wide, Macro, and Anamorphic Lens Mods
HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization for smooth footage in any conditions
Waterproof to 10 meters without additional housing
Tall image sensor allows easy cropping for vertical content

Pros

Largest accessory ecosystem with mounts for virtually any situation
Intuitive interface that beginners find easy to use
Reliable performance across temperature extremes
Excellent mobile app for editing and sharing

Cons

Subscription model pushes additional costs
Can overheat during extended 4K recording sessions
Higher price point than some competitors

Who it is for: Anyone wanting the most complete action camera package with proven reliability and extensive accessory support.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or prioritize low-light performance above all else.

DJI Osmo Action 6 - Best for low light

DJI's latest action camera brings professional features to the category, including the first adjustable aperture on an action camera and exceptional low-light performance.

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Key highlights

Adjustable aperture (f/2.0-f/4.0) for creative depth of field control
Large 1/1.1-inch sensor excels in low-light conditions
Dual touchscreens for easy framing and operation
8K video capability with excellent detail
Direct compatibility with DJI wireless microphone system

Pros

Best-in-class low-light performance
Professional features like adjustable aperture and D-Log color profile
Excellent battery life with swappable batteries
Magnetic mounting system for quick attachment

Cons

Higher learning curve for advanced features
Accessory ecosystem not as extensive as GoPro's
Some users report firmware update issues

Who it is for: Creators who shoot in challenging lighting conditions or want professional-level control over their footage.

Skip if

You prefer the simplest possible operation or need the widest range of specialized mounts.

Insta360 X5 - Best 360 camera

For immersive content creation, the X5 delivers 8K 360-degree video that can be reframed in post-production, offering creative flexibility unmatched by traditional action cameras.

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Key highlights

8K 360-degree video capture with excellent detail
Reframing capability lets you choose angles after shooting
Replaceable lenses for different creative effects
FlowState stabilization for smooth 360 footage
Waterproof to 10 meters without additional housing

Pros

Unmatched creative flexibility with post-production reframing
Excellent for VR content and immersive experiences
Good stabilization even in challenging conditions
Useful for solo creators needing multiple angles

Cons

Requires learning new editing workflows
Larger file sizes demand more storage
360-degree perspective isn't ideal for all content

Who it is for: Creators wanting maximum flexibility in post-production or those specifically interested in 360-degree content.

Skip if

You prefer straightforward shooting without extensive editing or need traditional 16:9 footage most of the time.

DJI Osmo Action 4 - Best value

The Action 4 delivers nearly identical performance to newer models at a significantly lower price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.

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Key highlights

1/1.3-inch sensor for good low-light performance
4K video at 120fps for smooth slow-motion
RockSteady 3.0 stabilization for steady footage
Waterproof to 18 meters without housing
Compatible with DJI's magnetic mounting system

Pros

Excellent performance-to-price ratio
Good low-light capabilities for the price
Reliable stabilization system
Compatible with affordable third-party accessories

Cons

Lacks some advanced features of newer models
Older design with single color screen
Software updates may be less frequent

Who it is for: Adventurers who want solid performance without paying premium prices for the latest features.

Skip if

You need the absolute latest features or plan to use professional audio equipment extensively.

Insta360 Go Ultra - Best wearable

This tiny camera redefines what's possible in a wearable form factor, offering 4K video in a package small enough to mount anywhere without sacrificing key features.

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Key highlights

Ultra-compact design weighing just 53 grams
4K video at 60fps in a wearable form factor
Included Action Pod with flip-up screen for vlogging
Magnetic mounting system for easy attachment

Pros

Truly wearable design that disappears on your person
Excellent for first-person perspective shots
Flip-up screen makes vlogging intuitive
Good stabilization despite tiny size

Cons

Shorter battery life than larger cameras
Limited manual controls
Smaller sensor affects low-light performance

Who it is for: Vloggers, travelers, and adventurers who prioritize portability and discreet mounting options.

Skip if

You need extended recording times or plan to shoot extensively in low-light conditions.

Also Good

GoPro Hero12 - nearly identical to hero13 for less.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 - strong all-rounder with great ai features.
Akaso Brave 7 LE - solid budget 4k camera under $200.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your action camera:

Image quality needs: Most cameras now offer 4K, but consider if you need higher resolutions like 5.7K or 8K. More important than maximum resolution is performance in your typical shooting conditions, especially low light.

Stabilization requirements: All modern action cameras include electronic stabilization, but quality varies. If you shoot high-movement activities like mountain biking or skiing, prioritize cameras with proven stabilization systems.

Battery life and charging: Consider how long you typically shoot between charges. Some cameras offer better battery life or faster charging, which matters for extended adventures without power access.

Accessory compatibility: If you already own mounts or plan to use specialized accessories, check compatibility. GoPro has the widest ecosystem, but DJI and Insta360 have solid options too.

Editing workflow: Some cameras come with more advanced editing software or unique features like 360-degree reframing. Consider how much time you want to spend in post-production.

FAQ

Do I need the latest model action camera?

Not necessarily. Many previous-generation models offer excellent performance at lower prices. The DJI Osmo Action 4, for example, provides nearly identical image quality to newer models for significantly less money.

How important is waterproofing without a case?

Most action cameras are waterproof to at least 10 meters without additional housing, which covers swimming, snorkeling, and surface water sports. For deeper diving, you'll still need a dive housing regardless of the camera.

Can action cameras replace my smartphone for video?

For adventure and action scenarios, yes. Action cameras offer better stabilization, durability, and mounting options. For everyday video, smartphones often have better image quality and convenience.

What's the advantage of 360-degree cameras?

1.cameras like the Insta360 X5 let you reframe shots after recording, which is invaluable for solo creators or situations where you can't predict the best angle. They also create immersive content for VR viewing.

How much should I budget for accessories?

Plan to spend 20-50% of your camera cost on essential accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and mounts. The exact amount depends on your specific activities and shooting needs.