Best Action Cameras 2026: A Photographer’s Top Picks

Are you looking for a camera you can take anywhere? A camera that will survive snorkelling in the Caribbean, white water rafting in Colorado, skiing in the Alps, or just getting splashed on a boat trip?

Good. You’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m going to help you find the right action camera for your needs and budget in 2026.

I bought my first action camera for a summer trip to Finland in 2014, when I knew I’d be doing a lot of water-based activities like swimming and kayaking. For that, I needed something sporty and waterproof. That first camera was a GoPro Hero 3, which did the job.

It started to age, so I upgraded to an AKASO Brave 7 LE. We took it snorkelling in Barbados and it did everything we needed, which for us is basically to perform in situations where I wouldn’t want to take my Canon R5. For our use case, a budget action camera works well, and I’d recommend that approach to anyone who just needs a camera for the occasional holiday adventure.

But I also spend my working life testing cameras and lenses, so I know what the more expensive options bring to the table. If you’re a content creator, a serious vlogger, or someone who films action sports regularly, you’ll want to look further up the range.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all the things you need to look for in an action camera so you can make the right buying decision, and then give you my picks across every use case and budget. There are a lot of choices across a variety of manufacturers, ranging from well-known brands through to some more affordable alternatives.

And while they’re all designed to withstand more extreme conditions than your average camera, they differ in price, features, and accessories. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for, and have some ideas as to which camera is going to be best for you.

Of course, action cameras are just one type of camera. If you read through this guide and think an action camera isn’t for you, check out some of our other camera buying guides. These include our guide to the best travel camera, the best camera for backpacking and hiking, the best compact camera, the best mirrorless camera, and the best DSLR camera.

Now, let’s get started with our guide to the best action cameras, starting with what an action camera actually is.

 

Quick Picks: Best Action Cameras 2026

Short on time? Here are my top picks by use case. Scroll down for full reviews of each camera, or keep reading for my complete buyer’s guide on what to look for.

• Best overall: GoPro Hero 13 Black. The best stabilisation in the business, 5.3K60 video, interchangeable lens mods, and the widest accessory ecosystem.
• Best for low light and video quality: DJI Osmo Action 6. Variable aperture (a first for action cameras), a huge 1/1.1″ sensor, and 4 hours of battery life.
• Best value mid-range: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Still an excellent camera at its new lower price since the Action 6 launched.
• Best for content creators: Insta360 Ace Pro 2. 8K video, Leica lens, flip screen, and AI-powered editing features.
• Best budget GoPro: GoPro Hero (2024). The smallest GoPro with a screen. 4K, waterproof, dead simple.
• Best ultra-budget: AKASO Brave 7 LE. Our personal pick for casual use. Does everything most people need.
• Best 360-degree camera: Insta360 X5. 8K 360-degree video, replaceable lenses, waterproof to 15 metres.
• Best mini action camera: DJI Osmo Nano. Tiny, magnetic, and surprisingly capable with a 1/1.3″ sensor.

 

What is an Action Camera?

An action camera is a specific type of camera designed for capturing photos and video of action. That action might be anything from swimming and diving, through to mountain biking, skiing, skateboarding, and more.

Due to the range of environments that an action camera needs to work in, they’re usually designed to offer weather resistance, waterproofing, impact protection, and more. They’re also typically simple to operate so you can focus on catching the moment rather than worrying about settings.

Basically, an action camera will survive situations and scenarios where you wouldn’t want to take your normal camera, and still let you capture great moments, whether those are photos or videos.

The technology has come a long way since GoPro launched the first action camera back in 2004 (it used 35mm film!). Today’s action cameras shoot 4K and even 8K video, have sophisticated image stabilisation, and some can capture 360-degree footage. The three main brands in 2026 are GoPro, DJI, and Insta360, and they’re all making very good cameras.

 

What to Look for in an Action Camera

The action camera market is packed with options and buzzwords. To help you decide on the right camera, here are the most important factors to consider, so you can narrow down the options to one that suits your needs.

 

Sensor Size

The sensor is arguably the most important part of any camera, as it’s what actually captures and records the light information and saves it as an image file. A sensor in a camera is the digital equivalent of a roll of film.

Camera sensors come in a variety of sizes. Note that this relates to the physical size of the sensor rather than the megapixel count. Smaller sensors are found in smaller cameras like smartphones and compact cameras, while larger sensors are found in larger cameras like mirrorless cameras and DSLRs.

The size of the sensor directly impacts the performance of the camera, particularly when there’s less light available. A smaller sensor won’t perform as well in low light, which is why your smartphone doesn’t take great photos at night.

For an action camera, the sensor is very important. Action photography often requires high shutter speeds to freeze the action. If you’ve read my guide to the exposure triangle, you’ll know that faster shutter speeds let less light in, meaning the sensor has to work with less light and still produce a good image.

Most action cameras used to have fairly small 1/2.3″ sensors, around the same size as a compact camera. In 2026 though, the premium models have much larger sensors. The DJI Osmo Action 6 has a 1/1.1″ sensor, the Action 5 Pro and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 have 1/1.3″ sensors, and the GoPro Hero 13 Black has a 1/1.9″ sensor. Bigger is better here, especially for low-light shooting.

 

Aperture Size

The aperture is the hole inside the camera lens that lets light through. In most action cameras, the aperture is fixed open to allow the maximum amount of light through. In general, the wider the aperture, the more light gets in, and so the better the performance of the camera, everything else being equal.

The aperture is marked as a number preceded by an “f/”, for example, f/4 or f/1.8. The smaller the number after the “f/”, the wider the aperture. Most action cameras have an aperture in the f/1.8 to f/2.8 range.

As a general rule, look for wider apertures (lower f-numbers) that will let more light in.

The big development in 2026 is the DJI Osmo Action 6, which is the first action camera with a variable aperture. It can adjust from f/2.0 (wide open for low light) to f/4.0 (stopped down for sharper landscape footage in bright conditions). Every other action camera on the market has a fixed aperture, so this is a meaningful step forward if you want more control.

 

Focal Length and Field of View

All camera lenses have what’s known as a focal length. This is the case even for cameras where you can’t change the lens, including action cameras, compact cameras, and smartphones.

In simple terms, the focal length tells you how much of the scene you can capture. It’s a number measured in mm, with smaller numbers capturing a wider field of view and bigger numbers capturing less of the scene.

Most action cameras have a fixed focal length with no zoom option. This is usually quite wide, meaning you get a lot of the scene into the shot. This is by design, as action cameras are often mounted close to whatever they’re filming, and a wider field of view lets you capture more.

Some action cameras offer a digital zoom, but this is really just a crop. It’s not actually changing the focal length; it’s zooming in digitally on part of the sensor. This reduces quality and isn’t usually of much value.

Very wide-angle lenses can lead to distortion or a “fish-eye” effect, where the horizon starts to curve. Some people like this look, but if you don’t, you can usually fix it in post-processing with lens correction software.

Note that action cameras often don’t list the focal length in mm, instead sharing the field of view in degrees. 180 degrees would mean everything in front of the camera is captured; smaller numbers mean less of the scene is in frame. For an action camera, you generally want as wide a field of view as possible. In 2026, most action cameras offer 150 to 157 degrees, with some going wider using optional lens mods (the GoPro Hero 13 Black can reach 177 degrees with its Ultra Wide Lens Mod).

 

Photo and Video Modes

The main reason you’re buying an action camera is to record action, either as still photos or as videos. Action cameras have a wide range of shooting options, and it’s worth understanding what a camera can do before you buy it.

For photography, you’ll want to know the megapixel rating as a starting point. This tells you the resolution of the images. 12MP would be the minimum to aim for, though most cameras in 2026 offer 27MP or higher. The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 tops out at 50MP. Higher megapixel counts mean you can crop your images more without losing quality.

The camera will also likely have a number of photo modes. For example, it might be able to shoot time-lapses or high-speed burst shots. The importance of these modes will vary depending on your plans.

For video, there will be a variety of different resolutions and frame rates that the camera can handle. In 2026, 4K is the baseline for any camera worth buying. The GoPro Hero 13 Black can shoot at 5.3K/60fps, and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can manage 8K/30fps.

Frame rate matters just as much as resolution. If a camera supports 4K/60, that means it can capture high-resolution video at 60 frames per second. This will give you smoother results and more flexibility for slow-motion playback. If a camera supports 4K/120, that’s even better for slow motion, as you can slow it to one quarter speed while keeping 4K quality.

Many cameras also feature slow-motion video at very high frame rates, meaning you can slow action down a tremendous amount. The GoPro Hero 13 Black can manage 400fps at 720p, for example. Usually this requires a lot of processing power, and most cameras shoot high frame rate video at lower resolutions. If slow-motion video is important to you, make sure the camera can shoot high frame rate video at a resolution that works for you.

 

RAW Recording

As with many other types of camera, some action cameras support shooting photos in RAW. RAW is basically an image file type where the uncompressed image data is directly saved to the camera’s memory card without processing applied to it.

You can read much more about RAW in my guide to RAW in photography.

From a photography perspective, RAW gives you more control over the final file because it’s uncompressed. RAW files also take up more space.

Ideally, you’ll want a camera that at least gives you the option to shoot both in JPEG and RAW, so you have the flexibility should you choose to use it. Most of the premium cameras on our list support RAW for photos. For video, look for cameras that support 10-bit colour profiles like D-Log M (DJI) or GP-Log (GoPro) if you plan to do colour grading in post-production.

Of course, if you don’t plan to do any major post-editing of your photos, this feature may not be important to you.

 

Image Stabilisation

This might be the single most important feature for most action camera users. Good stabilisation turns shaky, unwatchable footage into smooth, usable video. Bad stabilisation means your footage looks like it was filmed during an earthquake.

All the major action cameras in 2026 use electronic image stabilisation (EIS), which works by using extra pixels around the edges of the frame to smooth out movement in real time. GoPro’s HyperSmooth 6.0 is widely considered the best, and it’s one of the main reasons GoPro footage looks so polished. DJI’s RockSteady 4.0 is very close behind. Insta360’s FlowState is also solid.

Some cameras also offer horizon levelling, which keeps the footage level even if the camera tilts or rotates. GoPro’s 360 Horizon Lock can handle a full 360-degree rotation. DJI’s HorizonSteady works up to 4K/60fps.

If you’re going to be doing anything where the camera is bouncing around (which is most action camera use cases), good stabilisation should be near the top of your priority list.

 

Waterproofing

One of the main reasons to buy an action camera is because it can be used underwater. But not all action cameras are waterproofed equally.

Most current models are waterproof without any housing to at least 10 metres (33 feet), which covers snorkelling, swimming, and casual water sports. The DJI Osmo Action cameras go to 20 metres (65 feet) without a case, which is the best in the category.

For deeper diving, you’ll need a dedicated waterproof housing. These are available for most cameras and can extend the depth rating to 40-60 metres or more. The housing will add bulk and cost, but if you’re a diver, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Some budget cameras aren’t waterproof on their own and require a housing even for shallow water. The AKASO Brave 7 LE body is water-resistant to 1 metre for 30 minutes, but it includes a waterproof housing that takes it to 40 metres. So you don’t need to worry about rain or splashes, but for actual swimming you’ll want the case on.

 

Screens

In the old days of action cameras, they were very simple devices without any kind of screen at all. You just had to point them at your subject, hit the shutter button, and hope for the best. This was the case with my first action camera, the GoPro Hero 3.

Thankfully, that situation has improved a lot.

Pretty much every action camera in 2026 comes with a rear touchscreen so you can see what you’re filming and change settings. Most also have a second screen on the front, which makes taking selfies and filming yourself much easier.

The Insta360 Ace Pro 2 has a 2.5″ flip-up screen that works as either front or rear, which is a particularly clever design. The DJI Osmo Nano has a detachable screen module, so you can use the camera on its own (no screen, minimal size) or pop it into the screen pod for a more traditional setup.

Screen resolution varies, with higher resolution screens giving you a sharper preview. This isn’t massively important, but can make reviewing footage in the moment easier. Touchscreens are nice to have, though bear in mind they don’t work when wet or underwater, so you’ll still need physical buttons.

 

Connectivity

Nearly every action camera on the market comes with wireless connectivity, typically Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

This lets you remotely control the camera, change settings, review footage, and copy files wirelessly to your phone. You’ll usually need to download a companion app for this (GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo, or Insta360 app, depending on the brand).

The GoPro Hero 13 Black supports Wi-Fi 6, which makes wireless file transfers about 40% faster than previous models. If you shoot a lot of footage and need to get it onto your phone quickly, that’s a useful upgrade.

Using your smartphone as a remote viewfinder and controller is a very useful feature, particularly when the camera is mounted somewhere you can’t easily reach (like a helmet or a high mount). It’s worth checking that the companion app works well on your phone before you commit to a brand.

 

Bundled Accessories and Available Accessories

This is a bigger consideration than most people realise. Usually, you’re going to need a number of accessories to get the most out of an action camera.

These might include mounting systems so you can attach the camera to your bike, surfboard, or helmet; a waterproof housing for deeper water; spare batteries; a selfie stick or floating grip; and memory cards.

All these accessories can add up in price. Some cameras come with a lot included in the box. AKASO cameras, for example, typically include two batteries, a charger, a waterproof housing, a remote control, and a wide variety of mounts. GoPro, on the other hand, ships with very little beyond the camera itself, so you’ll need to budget for extras.

In terms of essentials, I’d say a spare battery, a memory card, and some sort of selfie stick or mounting system are required purchases alongside any action camera.

The more popular brands like GoPro tend to have the widest range of accessories available, both official and from third parties. Many cameras from DJI and Insta360 are also compatible with GoPro mount systems, which opens up that whole world of accessories. It’s worth checking compatibility when making a buying decision.

 

Battery Life

Because most action cameras are quite small, the majority have a fairly limited battery life. This is especially the case if you’re shooting high-resolution video with stabilisation enabled, which eats through power quickly.

Most cameras will average around 60 to 100 minutes of continuous video before you need to swap batteries. The big exception is DJI, whose Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 6 both manage around 4 hours, which is a significant advantage if you’re filming all day.

Nearly all action cameras charge via USB-C, but you’re going to want to carry extra batteries regardless. Most have removable batteries so you can swap a fresh one in quickly. Some cameras include a spare battery in the box; others don’t.

 

Weight and Size

Most action cameras are compact and lightweight, which is part of the point. They’re designed to be attached to a helmet or other part of your body, so a lighter camera is going to be more comfortable and less likely to interfere with what you’re doing.

The standard full-size action cameras (GoPro Hero 13, DJI Osmo Action 6, Insta360 Ace Pro 2) all weigh in the 145 to 180 gram range, which is very manageable.

The newer mini action cameras take this further. The DJI Osmo Nano weighs about 52 grams without its screen pod, which is barely noticeable when mounted.

When buying a camera, weight and size are worth thinking about in relation to what you plan to do with it. If you’re going to clip it to a child or a pet, or hide it in a tight space for a creative angle, a mini camera makes more sense. For most other uses, the standard size is fine.

 

Price

Budget is always going to be a factor. In 2026, prices vary from around $140 at the budget end through to $500 or more for the premium cameras and 360-degree models.

I’d suggest aiming for around $140 to $200 at the budget end, and expect to pay $350 to $430 for a high-end camera. Don’t forget accessories and spare batteries, which will add to the overall cost.

While you can find cameras for well under $100, in our experience you get what you pay for. Someone bought me a really cheap action camera once, before I bought my first GoPro, and the image and video quality left something to be desired.

It’s also worth thinking about how you’ll use the camera. If you’re a content creator who does a lot of action photography and video work, spending more makes sense. On the other hand, if the camera is just going to come out for one or two trips a year to capture some water-based fun, a cheaper camera is probably the smarter buy.

For us, we don’t do a great deal of video work, and we don’t do too many adventure activities that require a dedicated camera. For this reason, we use the AKASO Brave 7 LE, which does everything we need without breaking the bank.

You might also consider the second-hand market, or picking up a previous-generation model at a discount. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, for instance, has dropped in price since the Action 6 launched and is an excellent camera at its reduced price point.

 

Best Action Cameras 2026

Here are my picks for the best action cameras available right now. I’ve organised them by use case so you can find the right camera for what you actually need, rather than just ordering by price.

 

Best Overall: GoPro Hero 13 Black

GoPro pretty much invented the action camera category, and the Hero 13 Black is why they’re still the default choice for most people.

The headline features are the HB-series interchangeable lenses, which are new to this generation. You can swap between an ultra-wide, macro, anamorphic, and ND filter lens, and the camera automatically detects which one is attached and adjusts its settings. It’s a clever system that adds real creative flexibility without making the camera more complicated to use day to day.

The 1/1.9″ sensor behind an f/2.8 lens captures 5.3K/60fps video and 27MP photos. That’s more resolution than most people will ever need, and it means you can crop in on footage without losing quality. Slow motion is available up to 400fps at 720p (called Burst Slo-Mo), 360fps at 900p, or 120fps at 5.3K for short bursts.

HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilisation is still the best in the business for most action scenarios. It’s the main reason GoPro footage looks so smooth even when the camera is getting thrown around on a mountain bike or a surfboard. The 360 Horizon Lock keeps your footage level even if the camera rotates completely.

The camera is waterproof to 10 metres (33 feet) without a housing. Battery life is around 90 minutes at 4K/30fps with the new 1900mAh Enduro battery (note: this battery isn’t compatible with older GoPros). You get GPS, HLG HDR video in 10-bit colour, voice control, and WiFi 6 for faster transfers.

The accessory ecosystem is massive, both official GoPro gear and thousands of third-party options. If you don’t want to spend time comparing specs and just want the safest, most well-rounded pick, this is it.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best for Low Light and Video Quality: DJI Osmo Action 6

DJI has been making excellent action cameras for years and the Osmo Action 6 is their most impressive yet. It has a couple of industry firsts that set it apart.

The variable aperture (f/2.0 to f/4.0) is the first on any action camera. In practice, this means the camera can let in more light in dark conditions (f/2.0) or stop down for sharper footage in bright light (f/4.0). You don’t need to think about this if you don’t want to, as the camera can handle it automatically, but it gives you more control than any other action camera if you want it.

The 1/1.1″ sensor is also the largest in any action camera right now, at roughly 38MP. That’s a square sensor, which is an interesting design choice: it means the camera captures a wider frame and you can crop into any aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16 for social, 4:3, etc.) in post. Combined with the wider aperture, low-light performance is noticeably better than the GoPro. If you film a lot at dawn, dusk, or indoors, this matters.

Video resolution tops out at 4K/120fps (not 5.3K like the GoPro, which is the main trade-off). There’s a SuperNight mode for low-light video up to 4K/60fps, and a Starburst mode that turns city lights into star patterns for creative night footage. Stabilisation via RockSteady 4.0 and HorizonSteady is very good, though HyperSmooth still edges it in the most chaotic scenarios.

Waterproofing to 20 metres (65 feet) without a case is the best of any camera on this list. Battery life at up to 4 hours is roughly double what you get from a GoPro. There’s also 50GB of internal storage, so you can shoot even if you forget your memory card.

The audio capabilities are also worth a mention: the DJI OsmoAudio system lets you connect DJI microphone transmitters directly to the camera without a receiver, which is very useful for vlogging.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best Value Mid-Range: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro was the camera to beat through most of 2024 and 2025, and with the Action 6 now on sale, the price has dropped considerably. That makes it one of the best value propositions in the action camera market right now.

You still get a large 1/1.3″ sensor (40MP), f/2.8 aperture, 4K/120fps video, excellent RockSteady 3.0 stabilisation, dual OLED screens, and waterproofing to 20 metres without a case. Battery life is around 4 hours, matching the Action 6.

What you miss compared to the Action 6 is the variable aperture and the slightly larger sensor. In practice, unless you’re shooting a lot of low-light footage or you specifically want the aperture control, the Action 5 Pro does 90% of what the Action 6 does for significantly less money.

If you’ve been eyeing a premium action camera and don’t need the absolute latest, this is a smart buy.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best for Content Creators: Insta360 Ace Pro 2

If your primary use for an action camera is creating content for YouTube, TikTok, or social media, the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 is built for that workflow.

The headline spec is 8K/30fps video, which is the highest resolution of any action camera. In practice, most people will shoot in 4K, but the extra resolution gives you room to crop and reframe in post without losing quality. The 1/1.3″ sensor is co-engineered with Leica, and combined with Insta360’s dual AI chip system (one chip for image processing, one for overall performance), the image processing is excellent. The PureVideo mode is particularly effective for low-light shooting, using AI to reduce noise in real time.

The 2.5″ flip-up touchscreen is the best screen design on any action camera. Flip it up and it becomes a front-facing screen for vlogging; leave it down and it’s a standard rear display. No need for two separate screens.

Photo resolution tops out at 50MP, the highest of any camera on this list. Stabilisation via FlowState is very good, and the 360-degree horizon lock keeps everything level. The camera is waterproof to 12 metres (39 feet) without housing.

Insta360’s app is also particularly strong for content creators. It has AI-powered editing features that can automatically identify highlights, create edits, and apply effects. An AI Highlights Assistant can identify the best moments in your footage directly on the camera, without even opening the app. If you spend a lot of time editing action footage, these tools can save you real time.

Battery life is around 100 minutes at 4K, with fast charging to 80% in 18 minutes.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best Budget GoPro: GoPro Hero (2024)

In late 2024, GoPro released the simply-named “Hero”, which is the smallest and lightest GoPro with a screen. It’s the most affordable way to get into the GoPro ecosystem without going for the full Hero 13 Black.

It shoots 4K video with GoPro’s stabilisation, it’s waterproof, it’s tiny (86 grams), and it’s simple. There’s no front-facing screen and fewer video modes than the Hero 13 Black, but for most casual users, this covers what you actually need.

If you want a GoPro specifically and the Hero 13 Black is more than you want to spend, this is the one to get. It also makes a solid gift for someone getting into action sports or travel vlogging.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best Ultra-Budget: AKASO Brave 7 LE

This is the action camera Jess and I actually own and travel with. We took it snorkelling in Barbados, and it did everything we needed. For us, an action camera is for situations where I’d never take my main camera, and we don’t do enough extreme adventure activities to justify a premium model.

The Brave 7 LE has dual colour screens (front and rear), 4K/30fps video, 6-axis electronic image stabilisation, and the body itself is water-resistant to 1 metre for 30 minutes (IPX7 rated). For deeper water, there’s an included waterproof housing rated to 40 metres (131 feet). It also comes with a pile of accessories in the box: two batteries, a battery charger, remote control, and a wide variety of mounts.

At a fraction of the price of a GoPro or DJI, it does everything most casual users need. You won’t get the video quality or stabilisation of a GoPro or DJI, and the low-light performance is limited. But for holiday snorkelling, boat trips, water parks, and the occasional adventure, it’s a lot of camera for the money.

AKASO also make the Brave 8 if you want a step up with better specs and a larger sensor, but for most people the 7 LE hits the sweet spot of price and performance.

Check price on Amazon here

 

Best 360-Degree Camera: Insta360 X5

Most action cameras capture what’s in front of them. The Insta360 X5 captures everything, in every direction, all at once.

The X5 uses dual 1/1.28″ sensors to record 8K 360-degree video at 30fps, or 5.7K at 60fps. That’s a lot of resolution, and it means you can shoot first and decide on framing afterwards. The Insta360 app lets you “reframe” the 360-degree footage into a traditional flat video, choosing exactly which angle and crop you want after the fact. You can also shoot with a single lens for traditional 4K footage if you prefer.

The camera supports replaceable lenses, which is new for 360 cameras. It’s waterproof to 15 metres (49 feet) without housing, or 60 metres (197 feet) with the optional dive case.

360-degree cameras are a different way of shooting. You’ll need to learn the reframing workflow, and file sizes are large. But if you want to capture every angle of a moment and have the creative freedom to choose your shot later in editing, the X5 is the best way to do it. If you want a 360-degree action camera, this is the one to get.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Best Mini Action Camera: DJI Osmo Nano

Mini action cameras are a newer category that’s emerged in the last couple of years: cameras small enough to clip onto a hat, attach to a pet, or mount in tight spaces where a full-size action camera won’t fit.

The DJI Osmo Nano weighs about 52 grams on its own (136 grams with the screen pod), and despite its size it packs a 1/1.3″ sensor, the same size as the much larger Osmo Action 5 Pro. It shoots 4K/120fps video, supports 10-bit D-Log M colour, and is waterproof to 10 metres (33 feet).

You can use the camera on its own without any screen, using magnetic mounts to stick it almost anywhere. Pop it into the included action pod and you get a touchscreen, extra battery life, and a more traditional form factor. Internal storage goes up to 128GB depending on the model, so you don’t necessarily need a memory card.

The video quality is surprisingly good for something so small, though stabilisation can struggle in dim conditions. If you want an ultra-portable camera for POV footage, creative angles, or just having a camera you can slip into a pocket and forget about until you need it, the Osmo Nano is worth a look.

Check price on Amazon here and B&H here

 

Action Camera Accessories

Once you’ve bought your action camera, you’re going to need a few accessories to get the most out of it. Some cameras on our list come with a good set of accessories included, while others will require you to purchase these separately.

 

Fast Memory Cards

Unless your camera has built-in storage (the DJI Osmo Action 6 has 50GB, and the Osmo Nano has up to 128GB), you’ll need a memory card. All the cameras in this guide use MicroSD cards, so you’re going to want at least one.

For 4K video, you need a fast card. Fast means it supports write speeds of at least 80 to 100 megabits per second. A capacity of at least 64GB is recommended so you don’t run out of space mid-adventure. We’d recommend a UHS-I rated card at minimum. You can also get UHS-II cards, which are faster, but most action cameras don’t benefit from the extra speed, so the price premium usually isn’t justified.

For example, check out this SanDisk UHS-I MicroSD card.

 

Floating Hand Grip

If you plan on using your camera in or around water (and that’s a big reason to buy an action camera in the first place), a floating hand grip is close to essential. Drop your camera in the sea without one and it sinks. Drop it with a floating grip and it bobs on the surface where you can grab it. We always take ours snorkelling.

 

Mounting Systems

One of the main reasons to get an action camera is that it lets you get footage from angles that a normal camera can’t reach. But out of the box, most cameras need a few accessories to make this work.

For example, if you want to capture action hands-free, you might want a head strap, a chest strap, or a universal mount system.

There’s a huge range of accessories out there for action cameras, so figure out which is going to meet your requirements ahead of time, so you’re ready when the moment comes to capture your adventures.

 

Spare Batteries and Charger

If there’s one thing nearly every action camera has in common, it’s relatively poor battery life. Shooting high-resolution video, especially with stabilisation enabled, eats through batteries quickly.

The good news is that nearly every camera on our list has removable batteries, so if your battery runs low, you can swap to a fresh one and keep recording.

If you get an extra battery, you’ll also want an external charger so you can charge batteries while using the camera. If you’re using a GoPro Hero 13 Black, check out the official dual battery charger with two Enduro batteries, or grab a single spare battery.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which action camera should I buy in 2026?

For most people, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is the safest pick. It has the best stabilisation, the widest accessory ecosystem, and excellent overall video quality.

If low-light performance or battery life matter more to you, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is the better choice. For tight budgets, the AKASO Brave 7 LE does the job for casual use.

Is GoPro still the best action camera brand?

GoPro still makes the best all-round action camera, mostly because of HyperSmooth stabilisation and the accessory ecosystem. But DJI has caught up in video quality and beaten GoPro on battery life and sensor size. Insta360 leads in creative features and 360-degree video. The “best” brand depends on what you prioritise.

Do I need 4K for an action camera?

In 2026, yes. 4K is the baseline, and every camera on our list supports it. The extra resolution is especially useful with action footage because you can crop in on the interesting parts of the frame without the video looking soft. If you’re only sharing to social media, you might play back at 1080p, but shooting in 4K gives you that flexibility.

Are action cameras waterproof without a case?

Most modern action cameras are waterproof without additional housing, but the rated depth varies. The GoPro Hero 13 Black and Insta360 cameras are waterproof to 10-12 metres (33-39 feet). The DJI Osmo Action cameras can handle 20 metres (65 feet). For deeper diving, all cameras need a dedicated waterproof housing.

How long do action camera batteries last?

Typically 60 to 100 minutes of continuous video recording, depending on the camera and the resolution you’re shooting at. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 6 are the exceptions, lasting up to 4 hours. Always carry at least one spare battery, and buy an external charger so you can charge batteries while using the camera.

What’s the best action camera for snorkelling?

Any waterproof action camera will work for snorkelling. The DJI Osmo Action 6 is waterproof to 20 metres without a housing, which is the deepest on this list and more than enough for snorkelling. We’ve used our AKASO Brave 7 LE for snorkelling in the Caribbean and it worked well in its included housing.

What accessories do I need for an action camera?

At minimum: a fast MicroSD card (64GB or larger), a spare battery, and some sort of hand grip or mounting system. If you’re using the camera in water, a floating hand grip is close to essential. Beyond that, it depends on your use case: helmet mounts for cycling and skiing, chest straps for hiking, head straps for POV footage.

What is the best action camera for travel in 2026?

For most travellers, the GoPro Hero 13 Black is the best all-round pick. It’s small, rugged, and the stabilisation handles everything from walking-around shots to mounted footage on a bike or boat. If you want better battery life for longer days, the DJI Osmo Action 6 is the alternative. On a tight budget, the AKASO Brave 7 LE at around $140 covers casual travel use.

What is the best budget action camera in 2026?

The AKASO Brave 7 LE at under $150 is the best ultra-budget option, with a waterproof housing included and decent 4K video for casual use. If you want a GoPro specifically, the GoPro Hero 2024 at around $200 is the cheapest current-generation model and benefits from the full GoPro accessory ecosystem. Both fall short of the flagship Hero 13 Black for stabilisation and low-light, but they’re more than capable for everyday filming.

What is the best action camera for beginners?

For beginners, the GoPro Hero 2024 is the best entry point. It uses the same auto modes and one-button operation as the flagship Hero 13 Black, but at around $200 there’s less buyer’s remorse if you decide action cameras aren’t for you. The AKASO Brave 7 LE is an even cheaper alternative if you mostly want the camera for occasional travel or holidays rather than regular use.

Should I wait for the GoPro Mission 1?

No, not if you’re shopping for an action camera. The GoPro Mission 1, announced in April 2026 and shipping from May 28 2026, is GoPro’s new compact cinema camera line aimed at filmmakers and vloggers. It has a 1-inch sensor and shoots 8K, but it costs $599 to $699 and isn’t designed for the rugged action use cases this guide covers. For action camera use, the Hero 13 Black remains GoPro’s flagship.

 

Further Reading

And that’s it for our guide to the best action cameras. Hopefully you found it useful. Before you go, here are some more resources we think you’ll find helpful.

• If you want more camera gear advice, we have detailed guides to the best travel camera, as well as specific guides for the best compact camera, best mirrorless camera, best DSLR camera, and best camera for hiking and backpacking.
• We also have a guide to the best camera lenses for those using mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
• We have a detailed guide to how to use a camera, and Jess has a beginner’s guide to photography to help you get started.
• Knowing how to compose a great photo is a key skill. See our guide to composition in photography for lots of tips.
• We have a detailed guide to the exposure triangle, which is a key photography concept to understand.
• We have a complete guide to depth of field in photography with tips on what it is and when you’d want to use it.
• If you have a lens with a zoom feature, you can take advantage of lens compression to make objects seem closer together.
• We’re big fans of getting the most out of your digital photo files, and to do that you’ll need to shoot in RAW. See our guide to RAW in photography to understand what RAW is and why you should switch to it.
• Whatever your camera, you’re going to need a way of editing your photos. See our guide to the best photo editing software, as well as our guide to the best laptops for photo editing.
• If you’re looking for advice on specific scenes, we have guides to Northern Lights photography, long exposure photography, fireworks photography, tips for taking photos of stars, and cold weather photography.
• We have a guide to why you need a tripod, and a guide to choosing a travel tripod.
• If you want to improve your photography overall, you can join over 2,000 students on my travel photography course. I’ve been running it since 2016, and it has helped lots of people take their photography to the next level.

And that’s it! As always, if you have any questions, comments, or feedback on this post, pop them in the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!