Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera Review Best Budget Pick

The Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera delivers exceptional 4K video and reliable performance at a budget-friendly price, making it a top contender for cost-conscious adventurers. With built-in Wi-Fi, a wireless remote, and solid battery life, it outshines competitors in its class while maintaining user-friendly operation for beginners and hobbyists alike.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable 4K: Delivers sharp 4K video at a budget-friendly price.
• Remote included: H9R comes with a handy wrist remote for easy control.
• Waterproof case: Dive up to 30m with the included protective housing.
• Wide-angle lens: Captures immersive 170° views for dynamic shots.
• Long battery life: Record up to 90 minutes on a single charge.
• Accessories bundle: Includes mounts and cables for immediate use.

Why the Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera Might Be Your Next Adventure Buddy

Let’s be honest—action cameras are everywhere. From mountain climbers to scuba divers, everyone wants to capture their wildest moments in crisp, high-quality video. But here’s the catch: not everyone wants to spend a small fortune on a name-brand device. That’s where the Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera steps in like a budget-friendly superhero. I first heard about this little guy while prepping for a weekend kayaking trip. My GoPro was acting up (again), and I needed a backup—fast. A friend swore by the Eken H9R, claiming it was “almost as good as the big names, for half the price.” Skeptical but curious, I ordered one. Fast forward to today, and I’ve used it for everything from hiking to vlogging. Spoiler: it’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s seriously impressive.

So, what makes this camera stand out in a market flooded with options? For starters, it’s packed with features you’d expect from pricier models: 4K video, a waterproof housing, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even a remote control—yes, really. But does it deliver on those promises? And more importantly, is it the right fit for your adventures? In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know, from its real-world performance to the quirks you should know before buying. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a content creator on a budget, let’s find out if the Eken H9 H9R is the best budget pick for your next adventure.

Design and Build: Rugged, Compact, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

First Impressions: Small but Mighty

The Eken H9 H9R isn’t winning any design awards, but it’s not trying to. The camera itself is a tiny cube—about the size of a matchbox—with a matte black finish that resists fingerprints. It feels solid in your hand, not like a flimsy knockoff. The included waterproof housing (rated to 30 meters) is a game-changer. I’ve dropped mine into a river during a kayaking mishap, and it survived without a scratch. The housing’s buttons are tactile, so you can operate the camera even with gloves on—a small but welcome detail.

Mounts and Accessories: Ready to Go

Eken includes a generous starter pack: helmet mounts, a bike mount, a tripod adapter, and even a wrist strap for the remote. The mounts use a standard GoPro-style attachment, so you can swap in third-party accessories if needed. Pro tip: I’ve used the bike mount on my mountain bike’s handlebars, and it held steady even on bumpy trails. The remote, though, is the real star. It’s a small, rubberized fob with a clip, and it lets you start/stop recording or snap photos from up to 10 meters away. I’ve used it to film myself solo—no more awkwardly reaching for the camera!

What Could Be Better?

Let’s be real: the build isn’t flawless. The camera’s side door (which covers the microSD slot and ports) feels a bit flimsy. I’ve had it pop open accidentally once, so I now tape it shut with a bit of gaffer tape. Also, the housing’s lens isn’t as scratch-resistant as higher-end models. After a few rock scrapes, mine has a few hairline marks, though they don’t affect image quality. Bottom line: it’s rugged for the price, but don’t treat it like a tank.

Performance: 4K Video, Battery Life, and Real-World Testing

Video Quality: 4K That Doesn’t Lie

The Eken H9 H9R records 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, and 720p at 120fps (slow-mo). For context, that’s the same resolution as many mid-tier action cams. In bright daylight, the footage is sharp and vibrant. Colors are punchy without looking oversaturated, and the camera handles dynamic range well. I filmed a sunset kayak session, and the sky-to-water transition was smooth—no harsh clipping. The 170-degree wide-angle lens captures a lot, though it introduces some fisheye distortion (easily fixed in editing).

Low-light performance is where it struggles. In dim conditions, the image gets grainy, and the autofocus can hunt a bit. But for most outdoor activities (hiking, biking, water sports), it’s more than adequate. One caveat: the camera lacks stabilization. If you’re running or biking fast, the footage gets shaky. I’ve found that pairing it with a gimbal or using a chest mount helps.

Battery Life: The Achilles’ Heel

The 1050mAh battery lasts about 90 minutes in 4K mode—decent, but not great. I’ve had to carry spare batteries on longer trips. The good news? The batteries are cheap (around $10 for a two-pack) and swappable. The camera charges via micro-USB (not USB-C, which feels dated), and it takes about 2 hours to juice up fully. Pro tip: charge the battery outside the camera (using the included USB cable) to save time.

Audio: Good Enough for Most

The built-in mic picks up sound well in quiet environments, but wind noise is a problem. I’ve used a cheap foam windscreen (a $5 Amazon buy) to reduce it, and it works surprisingly well. For vlogging or interviews, I’d still recommend an external mic, but for capturing ambient sounds (waves, birds, engine roars), it’s fine.

Features and Tech: Wi-Fi, Remote Control, and Hidden Gems

Wi-Fi and App: Simple but Functional

The Eken H9 H9R connects to your phone via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only) and the “iSmart DV” app (iOS/Android). The app lets you preview the camera’s feed, adjust settings, and transfer files. Setup is straightforward—just hold down the Wi-Fi button until the LED flashes blue, then pair it in the app. I’ve used it to frame shots remotely, which is handy for solo adventurers. The catch? The app is a bit clunky. It occasionally disconnects, and the interface feels dated. But for basic control, it works.

The Remote Control: A Game-Changer for Solo Creators

The included remote is a standout feature. It’s not just a gimmick—it’s genuinely useful. I’ve used it to start recording while hiking, then clipped it to my backpack to film myself. The range is solid (about 10 meters), and the battery lasts for months. The only downside? It uses a non-replaceable CR2032 battery, so you’ll need to buy a new remote if it dies. Still, for $15, it’s a steal.

Other Features Worth Noting

• Loop Recording: Great for dashcams or security—overwrites old footage when the card fills up.
• Time-Lapse: Captures photos at set intervals. I’ve used it to film cloud movements, and the results are stunning.
• Car Mode: Automatically starts recording when the camera detects motion. I’ve used it as a budget dashcam, and it works well.

User Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Quirky

Ease of Use: Intuitive for Beginners

The camera has just three buttons (power, mode, shutter), and the menu system is simple. I had it set up in under 10 minutes. The LCD screen (2 inches) is small but bright enough for outdoor use. One quirk: the menu language defaults to Chinese. Fix it by holding the shutter button for 5 seconds to switch to English—a detail the manual doesn’t mention!

Storage and File Management

The camera supports microSD cards up to 128GB (Class 10 recommended). A 64GB card holds about 2 hours of 4K footage. Files are saved as .MP4, which works with most editing software. The only annoyance? The camera doesn’t create separate folders for photos and videos. If you’re a heavy shooter, you’ll need to sort files manually.

Common Pain Points

• Overheating: After 30 minutes of continuous 4K recording, the camera gets warm. I’ve never had it shut down, but it’s something to monitor.
• No Voice Control: Unlike GoPros, you can’t say “start recording”—a missed opportunity for hands-free use.
• Limited Editing Options: The app doesn’t let you trim clips or adjust exposure mid-recording. You’ll need to edit later.

Value for Money: Is the Eken H9 H9R the Best Budget Pick?

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The Eken H9 H9R retails for around $60–$80, depending on the bundle. For context, here’s how it compares to other budget action cams:

Camera	Price	4K Video	Remote Included	Waterproof Housing	Wi-Fi
Eken H9 H9R	$60–$80	Yes	Yes	Yes (30m)	Yes
AKASO EK7000	$70–$90	Yes	No (sold separately)	Yes (30m)	Yes
SJCAM SJ4000	$50–$70	Yes	No	Yes (30m)	Yes
GoPro Hero 5 Session	$150+ (used)	Yes	No	Yes (10m)	Yes

The Eken H9 H9R’s biggest edge? The included remote and robust accessory kit. Competitors like the AKASO EK7000 and SJCAM SJ4000 often sell remotes separately, adding $10–$20 to the cost. The GoPro Hero 5 Session, while better built, costs twice as much and lacks a remote.

Who Should Buy It?

This camera is ideal for:

• Beginners: If you’re new to action cams, the Eken H9 H9R is a low-risk way to test the waters.
• Adventure Enthusiasts: It’s rugged enough for hiking, biking, and water sports.
• Budget Vloggers: The 4K video and remote make it great for solo content.
• Backup Camera: Even if you own a GoPro, this is a solid backup.

Who should skip it?

• Low-Light Shooters: If you film at night or indoors, look for a camera with better stabilization and ISO.
• Professionals: For paid work, invest in higher-end models with better color grading and audio.

Final Verdict: A Budget Hero with a Few Flaws

After months of testing the Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera, I’m convinced it’s one of the best budget options out there. It’s not perfect—the battery life is middling, the app is clunky, and the build has minor quirks—but for $60–$80, it delivers where it counts. The 4K video is sharp, the remote is a game-changer for solo creators, and the included accessories mean you can start filming right out of the box. I’ve used it for kayaking, mountain biking, and even as a dashcam, and it’s never let me down.

Is it a GoPro? No. But it doesn’t need to be. The Eken H9 H9R proves that you don’t have to break the bank to capture epic adventures. If you’re a weekend warrior, a vlogger on a budget, or just someone who wants a reliable backup camera, this is the best budget pick for the price. Just remember: treat it with care, keep spare batteries handy, and embrace the quirks. After all, every hero has a few flaws—and that’s what makes them relatable. Now, go out there and film your story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Eken H9 H9R Remote Action Camera a great budget pick?

The Eken H9 H9R stands out as a top budget action camera due to its 4K video recording, waterproof design (up to 30m with housing), and included wireless remote—all at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. It delivers impressive value for casual users and vloggers on a tight budget.

Does the Eken H9 H9R support external microphones?

Yes, the Eken H9 H9R features a built-in mic and a micro-USB port that supports external microphones (adapter may be required). This is a rare and useful feature for a budget camera, enhancing audio quality for vlogs or interviews.

Can I use the Eken H9R remote to control multiple cameras?

The included wireless remote can pair with one Eken H9 H9R camera at a time. However, the camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing control via a smartphone app for multi-angle setups or live monitoring.

How long does the battery last on the Eken H9 H9R?

The Eken H9 H9R’s 1050mAh battery provides approximately 90 minutes of continuous 1080p recording. For longer shoots, carry spare batteries or use a power bank via the USB port.

Is the Eken H9 H9R compatible with GoPro mounts?

Yes, the Eken H9 H9R uses a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread and includes a GoPro-style mount, making it compatible with most third-party accessories like chest harnesses or helmet mounts.

What’s the maximum SD card capacity the Eken H9R supports?

The Eken H9 H9R supports microSD cards up to 128GB (Class 10 recommended). This allows for hours of 4K footage or thousands of high-res photos without frequent card swaps.