The best action cameras (2025), tested and reviewed

Compare our top action camera picks

The B Roll

DJI Osmo Action 4

Courtesy of DJI

Some of our previous picks remain good cameras, even though their features lag behind newer versions.

DJI Osmo Action 4 camera, $225: The Action Camera 4 is a great action camera. The magnetic mounting system is the best we’ve tried, the menu system makes switching between modes a breeze, and the resulting photos and videos are great. The Action 5 beats it in a number of ways, but if you’re on a budget, this is a great camera and integrates well into the DJI ecosystem.

All those cheap cameras on Amazon: Readers often ask, why would they spend $400 on a GoPro when they can get a camera with 4K video for $100? It’s a fair question, and the answer lies in the software, primarily image stabilization. Action cameras are designed to be strapped to helmets or strapped to your chest while skydiving, rock climbing and racing across town on a motorcycle. Without stability, the results are something that even your closest friends won’t be able to see. So, yes, you’ll get 4K footage with the cheaper cameras, but it’ll be footage that no one wants to see. In our opinion, you’re better off spending another $100 for an older GoPro (Hero 10 or 11) on sale.

The best accessories to trick out your camera

Photo: Scott Gilbertson

Once you have an action camera, you can use it for most use cases. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI all offer helmet mounts and other ways to hold your camera where you want it. But there are some nice extras that can make getting that dream shot easier. Here are a few:

MicroSD card is good: You may get an SD card with your camera. The Insta360’s SD cards are actually quite good, but I tend to use the SanDisk Extreme Pro cards because they’re fast and are waterproof as a bonus. You can get a 512GB card for around $60. I also like the Samsung Pro Plus microSD cards, which are a bit faster in my tests. You can get 256GB for around $60.

GoPro Media Mod for $80: The GoPro’s sound is okay right out of the box, but if you want high-quality sound, this is where you start. Not only does the Media Mod produce great sound, it’s better than the camera, but it’s still not great. What if the displays were a microphone jack. Plug in a high-quality microphone and you’ll finally get great sound. (Not recommended while skydiving.)

Handlebar/seat post/post holder for $40: This is my favorite rack for mountain biking, but it will also work for ski poles and any other round object you want to mount it to.

Motorcycle accessory kit for $50: If you ride, this holder for Insta360 cameras (Ace Pro, X5, etc.) is a must-have. It is one of the most secure clamps I have ever used, and is almost as good as a bench vise.

Yallsame tripod for $10: Action cameras offer many ways to mount them, but one method that is strangely missing is the traditional quarter-inch tripod. The GoPro Hero 13 has one, but this three-pack of adapters solves the problem for others.

Polarizer and ND filters: If you shoot around water, through glass, or in any other high-glare situation, a polarizing filter will help cut that glare. Neutral Density (ND) filters block light to allow you to shoot with a wider aperture in bright light, which helps increase the amount of motion blur. Both are great additions to your action camera collection. If you have a Hero 13 Black, you can get the new four-pack GoPro ND filter pack ($70), which automatically adjusts the camera settings when you plug it in. This is huge since getting the shutter speed right with ND filters can take some trial and error. GoPro ND filters handle all that for you. If you don’t have a HEro 13, I tested and liked DJI’s set of ND filters for the Action 5 ($75). For older GoPros, I like the Freewell Polarizing and ND Filters ($20). I suggest starting with an 8-stop ND or a combo ND and polarizing filter.

Floater for $35: Another one for water shooters, but well worth the money because it will prevent your GoPro from ending up at the bottom of the sea. I haven’t tried it, but here’s one for the DJI Action 5 ($15) and one for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 ($20).

Selfie stick for $25: I’ve tested a lot of selfie sticks and almost all of them have been good, but I keep grabbing this Insta360 version when I walk out the door. It’s lightweight, small enough to fit in the bottom of my bag, and affordable. If you want to go big, the Insta360 Extended Edition selfie stick ($100) can mimic a low-flying drone, and is perfect for use in national parks and other places where drone use is prohibited.