Top 3 Best Action Cameras In 2025

If you’re like me, you love exploring epic landscapes, hitting the trail, riding your bike down mountain passes, paddling through winding rivers, or maybe just capturing those spontaneous moments on the road. Today, I’m sharing my top three action cameras that are perfect for adventurous travelers.

Whether you’re on a tight budget, looking to splurge on something special, or you want the best all-around action camera, I’ve got a pick for you.

Our Top Picks

• 3. Akaso Brave 7 LE (amazon link) – Best Budget Action Camera
• 2. Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition (amazon link) – Best Premium Action Camera
• 1. GoPro Hero 12 Black (amazon link) – Our Top Choice

How We Chose The Best Action Cameras

Selecting the best action cameras involved carefully examining key features important to adventurous travelers and content creators. Understanding that every traveler has different needs, multiple aspects were considered to ensure recommendations genuinely suit various user preferences. Here’s what guided the selection process:

1. Video Quality and Resolution:

Action cameras are all about capturing moments clearly, making video quality paramount. Cameras that offered high resolutions (4K and above), consistent frame rates (30fps, 60fps, 120fps), and vibrant color accuracy scored highly.

2. Stabilization:

Effective image stabilization is crucial for action-packed scenarios like hiking, cycling, or watersports. Cameras with superior stabilization technologies that maintain smooth footage under challenging conditions were prioritized.

3. Build Quality and Durability:

Ruggedness matters. The best action cameras withstand rough handling, environmental factors like rain, dust, snow, and even underwater conditions. Water resistance or waterproof capabilities without additional casing were major advantages.

4. Ease of Use and User-Friendliness:

Travelers need intuitive cameras that allow quick setup and easy operation in dynamic environments. Cameras with user-friendly menus, responsive touchscreens, and straightforward controls received favorable consideration.

5. Battery Life:

Long-lasting battery life ensures you won’t miss crucial moments. Cameras capable of filming continuously for extended periods or supporting interchangeable batteries were given additional merit.

6. Mounting Options and Accessories:

Versatility enhances user experience significantly. Cameras supported by a wide variety of mounts and accessories—helmet mounts, chest harnesses, bike mounts, selfie sticks—were more attractive due to their adaptability across multiple activities.

7. App and Editing Capabilities:

Strong companion apps and efficient editing software make footage sharing and editing simpler. Cameras bundled with robust mobile or desktop apps that offer powerful editing features were considered superior.

Criteria	Importance Level
Video Quality	Very High
Image Stabilization	Very High
Durability & Waterproof	High
Ease of Use	High
Battery Life	Medium
Accessory Compatibility	Medium
App & Editing Tools	Medium

This thorough approach ensures recommendations cover all essential areas, providing actionable insights tailored to varying adventure and videography preferences.

3 Best Action Cameras Reviews

Number 3. Akaso Brave 7 LE – Best Budget Action Camera

First up is the Akaso Brave 7 LE, our budget champion.

This camera comes in at less than $150, which is a seriously attractive price for what you get. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a premium brand’s latest model, and yet it’s got plenty to keep you happy.

It shoots 4K at 30fps, which may not match the highest-end frames-per-second rates of pricier cams, but it’s still nice and sharp for capturing all kinds of adventures. It even has a front-facing screen, which I really appreciate when I’m out solo—imagine backpacking solo along a scenic ridge and wanting a quick selfie video update.

With the Brave 7 LE, you can frame yourself perfectly the first time. Stabilization is decent for the price, so your footage will come out steady enough if you’re hiking, biking, or just walking around a new city. It’s not going to beat the top-tier stabilization you get from more expensive models, but for a budget camera, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Another bonus: it’s IPX7 water-resistant on its own and with the included waterproof housing, you can take it down to about 30 meters. If snorkeling is on your itinerary, you can take this camera along. The accessories included in the box are also a big plus—mounts, fittings, you name it. That’s awesome value since you don’t have to buy extra mounts right away.

Photo quality is okay but not extraordinary, and you might have to tweak some settings for color accuracy. Still, if your main focus is capturing the action rather than pixel-peeping stills, this camera’s got you covered.

All in all the Akaso Brave 7 LE is the perfect intro camera for action travelers who want something more capable than a bargain-bin option but don’t want to break the bank.

Number 2. Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition – Best Premium Action Camera

 

Now, let’s level up to something a bit more niche and premium.

The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition is a mouthful to say, but it’s one heck of a camera if you want top-of-the-line image quality and 360-degree capture. This one is for the storytellers who love to edit their footage later and pick the perfect angle after the fact.

By capturing the entire environment around you, you get to decide later whether to focus on that majestic peak or pivot around to show your reaction to it. This camera uses dual 1-inch sensors co-engineered with Leica, which means incredible dynamic range and sharper detail. It’s basically bringing cinema-level know-how into a form factor that still fits in your hand.

Daytime footage is where it truly shines. Those bright cloud details that often get blown out on cheaper cams? The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition handles them gracefully, preserving highlight detail, and giving your shots a professional look.

The Insta360 apps, both smartphone and desktop, are fantastic. They make editing 360 footage easy and, dare I say, actually fun. FlowState stabilization is top-notch, ensuring your footage is steady no matter how you move, and horizon-leveling is a lifesaver if you’re constantly changing angles. The downsides? It’s bulky and less rugged than a standard action cam, so while it’s not going to crumble, it isn’t fully submersible without special housings. Also, it’s expensive—around $800. If you’re more of a casual traveler who just wants quick and easy footage, this might be overkill. But if you’re a content creator serious about quality and love playing with creative angles, this is worth every penny. Just keep in mind it’s not as water-friendly as a GoPro or the Akaso with its housing.

Number 1. GoPro Hero 12 Black – Our Top Choice

That brings us to my top pick, the GoPro Hero 12 Black.

This camera strikes that perfect balance. It’s not as cheap as the Akaso, and while it may not be the absolute king of nighttime shoots or have full 360 capture, it’s the camera that just works in so many scenarios. GoPro’s stabilization, HyperSmooth 6.0, is phenomenal. You can run down a rocky trail, mountain bike over roots and rocks, or ski moguls, and your footage will still look incredibly smooth.

The Hero 12 Black can shoot up to 5.3K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, so you’ve got high-resolution options and slow-motion capabilities ready to go. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants crisp detail, bright colors, and the ability to crop your footage without losing too much detail, the Hero 12 Black’s 27MP sensor and the option to shoot in 8:7 ratio is brilliant.

Another major plus is the battery life. With the Enduro battery, you can record well over an hour at high resolutions. On a multi-day trek, one or two spares is all you need to keep filming everything from sunrise to sunset. Plus, the GoPro is waterproof down to 10 meters out of the box, no extra case needed. That’s peace of mind when you’re paddling a kayak or caught in a sudden downpour.

The accessory ecosystem is another huge selling point. GoPro has been around the block, so you’ve got chest mounts, helmet mounts, handlebar mounts, selfie sticks—literally everything. If you want better sound, there’s the Media Mod or external mics. If you want an even wider field of view, throw on the Max Lens Mod 2.0 and get a stunning 177-degree field of view.

Now, how does it perform in less-than-ideal light? That’s where we see some limitations. Low light footage on the Hero 12 Black can be grainy and not as clean as what you might get from a bigger-sensor camera like the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360. Still, if you mostly travel in good light or don’t demand perfect night shots, the Hero 12 Black’s low-light limitations aren’t a deal-breaker. Considering it’s not that expensive, you get a long-standing brand reputation, top-tier stabilization, and near-limitless mounting options.

Which Is Best For You?

Comparing all three: If you’re on a shoestring budget, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is your friend. It’s pretty solid, has a front-facing screen, and comes loaded with accessories. Just don’t expect GoPro-level polish. If you want the cinematic flair and the best possible dynamic range and highlight detail in a 360 format, the Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition is it—just know you’re paying a premium and it’s not as tough or waterproof. But for most travelers, the GoPro Hero 12 Black sits right in the sweet spot. It’s rugged, easy to use, stable, and delivers fantastic video quality for a reasonable price. The versatility of its 8:7 sensor allows for reframing your shots post-travel, making it easy to share your adventures on different social media platforms without re-shooting.

Another point worth noting: both the Insta360 cameras and GoPros come with strong editing apps. Insta360’s app is praised for powerful and intuitive 360 editing. GoPro’s Quik app is also user-friendly and integrates well with the camera. The Akaso app is decent but may not feel as streamlined or polished.

In terms of who these cameras are for: The Akaso Brave 7 LE is for travelers new to action cams, casual vloggers, and those who want to experiment with adventure videography on a budget. The Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition is a specialty camera for enthusiasts and pros who want the highest image quality in 360 format and love playing with unique perspectives, but don’t mind handling something a bit more fragile and expensive. The GoPro Hero 12 Black suits everyone in between—the adventurous backpacker who wants reliably great video, the cyclist filming weekend rides, the traveler who wants to show off cliff jumps into the ocean, and the weekend warrior capturing a sunrise summit.

No matter which one you pick, you’re stepping up your travel storytelling. Video can capture emotion and atmosphere in a way that photos alone can’t. Whether you’re sipping chai in a busy market or carving through powder on a remote mountain slope, an action camera turns everyday scenes into immersive experiences for viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Action Cameras

1. What exactly is an action camera?
An action camera is a small, rugged camera specifically designed to record high-quality videos during sports, adventures, or travel activities. It’s lightweight, durable, and often waterproof, making it ideal for capturing outdoor adventures.

2. Do action cameras take good photos?
Action cameras can take decent photos, especially in good lighting conditions. However, their main strength is video recording. For professional-quality stills, a dedicated photography camera is usually better.

3. Can action cameras record underwater?
Many action cameras are waterproof and can record underwater. Some models are waterproof on their own, while others require a special waterproof housing to dive deeper.

4. How long do action camera batteries last?
Action camera battery life usually ranges from one to two hours, depending on the resolution and features you’re using. Carrying spare batteries is recommended for extended adventures.

5. What accessories do I need for an action camera?
Useful accessories for an action camera include mounts (helmet, bike, chest), a waterproof housing if needed, extra batteries, selfie sticks, and external microphones if audio quality is important.

6. Are action cameras good for vlogging?
Action cameras are excellent for vlogging due to their wide-angle lenses, portability, and ease of use. Models with front-facing screens make framing your shot much easier.

7. What is video stabilization in an action camera?
Video stabilization reduces shakiness and vibration in your footage, producing smoother video. High-quality action cameras offer advanced stabilization, ensuring clear video even during intense movement.

8. Is 4K video necessary in an action camera?
4K video is not strictly necessary but highly beneficial for clearer, sharper footage and better flexibility when editing. Most modern action cameras now support 4K.

9. Can action cameras film in slow motion?
Yes, many action cameras offer slow-motion recording by filming at higher frame rates like 120fps or 240fps. This lets you create dramatic, slow-motion effects during editing.

10. Do I need editing software for an action camera?
You don’t necessarily need advanced software, as many action cameras come with user-friendly mobile or desktop apps for basic editing. However, specialized software can offer more professional editing capabilities.