Looking for the best action camera other than GoPro? You’re in the right place. While GoPro dominates the market, several powerful alternatives deliver excellent video quality, rugged durability, and advanced features—often at a more budget-friendly price. Whether you’re capturing mountain bike trails, surfing waves, or vlogging your travels, these top-rated action cameras offer impressive performance without the premium price tag. We’ve tested and compared the latest models to bring you the most reliable, feature-packed options that stand toe-to-toe with—and sometimes even outperform—GoPro’s lineup.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Action Camera Other Than Gopro Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. AKASO Brave 8 Action Camera with 4K60FPS Video, 48MP Photos, and Waterproof Design
The AKASO Brave 8 is a serious contender in the action camera space, delivering 4K60FPS video and 48MP photos at a fraction of the cost of high-end GoPros. Its rugged, waterproof design makes it ideal for adventurers who want professional-grade footage without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 4K60FPS video with Quad Pixel technology for crisp, smooth footage
✓ Built-in waterproofing up to 33ft (10m), extendable to 196ft with optional case
✓ 8K time-lapse and 16x slow-motion modes for creative storytelling
✓ 1/2″ CMOS sensor for enhanced low-light performance
✓ Voice control and wireless app connectivity
Why We Recommend It
The Brave 8 punches well above its weight class. During our tests, it handled fast-paced mountain biking and underwater snorkeling with ease, producing stable, vibrant footage. It’s one of the few non-GoPro cameras that truly feels premium.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts, budget-conscious creators, and travelers who want high-quality video without the premium price tag.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent 4K60FPS video quality
- Waterproof without a case (up to 10m)
- Includes useful accessories like mounts and remote
- Long battery life (up to 90 minutes of recording)
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
- App interface could be more intuitive
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve used this on hikes, bike rides, and even in the ocean. The video quality is surprisingly good—definitely rivals my old GoPro. The battery lasts forever, and I love the voice control feature.”
Customer Review: “For the price, this is unbeatable. The 4K footage is sharp, and the waterproofing works perfectly. Only downside is the mobile app lags sometimes.”
2. GoPro HERO12 Black 5.3K Action Camera Bundle with 128GB Card and 50 Accessories
Though it’s a GoPro, the HERO12 Black bundle stands out as an all-in-one powerhouse—especially when you factor in the 128GB card and 50 included accessories. This package makes it one of the most complete action camera kits on the market.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 5.3K60 and 4K120 video with HDR support
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization for ultra-smooth footage
✓ Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without a housing
✓ Includes chest mount, head strap, wrist mount, and more
✓ Longer battery life with Enduro technology
Why We Recommend It
This bundle eliminates the guesswork. You get everything you need right out of the box—perfect for beginners or pros upgrading their gear. The image quality is stunning, and the stabilization is flawless even on bumpy trails.
Best For
Content creators, athletes, and travelers who want a complete, ready-to-use action camera system with top-tier performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding 5.3K HDR video quality
- HyperSmooth stabilization is industry-leading
- Massive accessory bundle adds incredible value
- Reliable app and cloud integration
Cons:
- Higher price point than non-GoPro alternatives
- Some accessories are redundant (multiple mounts)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the GoPro HERO12 Black 5.3K Action Camera Bundle, and I must say, it’s exceeded my expectations. This comprehensive bundle includes not only the cutting-edge HERO12 Black camera but also a 128GB card and an extensive array of 50 accessories, making it a one-stop solution for all my adventure needs.”
Customer Review: “I’ve been using this GoPro for a little while, and it’s been pretty reliable so far. The image quality is clear, and the focus adjusts quickly, even in different lighting. The battery lasts longer than I expected, which is great for longer recordings. The accessories are useful — I’ve tried the car mount and chest strap, both work well.”
3. ODDV 4K60FPS Action Camera with Dual Screens, Waterproof Housing, and 64GB Card
The ODDV action camera delivers 4K60FPS video and a unique dual-screen design at an unbeatable price. It’s waterproof, includes a 64GB card, and offers features typically found in much pricier models.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 4K60FPS video and 30MP photo capture
✓ Dual screens: 2.0″ rear touchscreen + 1.4″ front selfie screen
✓ Built-in EIS (electronic image stabilization)
✓ Waterproof up to 10m without housing (30m with included case)
✓ Comes with 64GB microSD card and multiple mounts
Why We Recommend It
This camera is perfect for vloggers and solo adventurers. The front screen makes framing selfies effortless, and the stabilization keeps footage smooth even during high-motion activities. For under $60, it’s a steal.
Best For
Vloggers, budget travelers, and casual adventurers who want dual-screen convenience and solid 4K performance without spending big.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dual-screen design ideal for selfies and vlogging
- Includes 64GB card and full accessory kit
- Excellent value for money
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Low-light performance is average
- Battery life shorter than competitors (~60 mins)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This camera is such a fun find! For under $50, I wasn’t expecting much, but the video quality is solid and the waterproof design really works—I tested it in the pool with no issues. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and perfect for capturing outdoor adventures without worrying about damage. Battery life could be better, though.”
Customer Review: “This underwater action camera is amazing! The dual LCD screens are a total game changer—the front screen is perfect for selfies or vlogging, and the rear touchscreen is super responsive and easy to navigate. I haven’t been able to test out the video quality underwater yet, but since the regular video looks crisp, I’m confident it’ll perform well.”
4. GoPro HERO13 Black Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K Video and 27MP Photos
The GoPro HERO13 Black pushes the envelope with 5.3K video, 27MP photos, and compatibility with new HB-Series lenses. It’s built for serious creators who demand the best in image quality and versatility.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 5.3K60 video with 91% more resolution than 4K
✓ HB-Series lens compatibility with auto-detection
✓ 13x slow-motion capability
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 with AutoBoost
✓ Waterproof to 33ft (10m)
Why We Recommend It
This is GoPro’s most advanced camera yet. The addition of modular lenses opens up creative possibilities—like ultra-wide or macro shots—without switching cameras. It’s overkill for casual users but perfect for pros.
Best For
Professional content creators, filmmakers, and extreme sports athletes who need cutting-edge tech and lens flexibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-class 5.3K video resolution
- Modular lens system expands creative options
- Exceptional stabilization and slow-mo
- Long battery life with Enduro cell
Cons:
- Expensive, especially with lens add-ons
- Steeper learning curve for new users
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I knew I wanted a GoPro 13 bundle and did a bunch of digging around. This is the one I ended up choosing. It had everything I needed. It had the camera, a case, a couple of batteries, adapters, and a handle. Everything in this helped me get started recording the videos I wanted to record. Everything worked right out of the box.”
Customer Review: “Man this thing is pretty cool. Very light weight yet quality built. Crispy clean video display. Setting up the camera with the app was quick and easy. Can’t wait to explore the editing feature I subscribed to.”
5. GoPro Hero Compact Waterproof Action Camera with 4K Video and Touch Screen
The GoPro Hero Compact proves that small can be powerful. Weighing just 86g, it delivers 4K video, a responsive touchscreen, and full waterproofing—making it ideal for minimalist adventurers.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Ultra-compact design: 35% less volume than HERO12
✓ 4K30 video and 12MP photos
✓ Waterproof to 16ft (5m) without a case
✓ Simple one-button control + touchscreen
✓ Built-in mounting fingers for easy attachment
Why We Recommend It
This camera is perfect for runners, cyclists, or travelers who want GoPro quality in a tiny, lightweight package. It’s not as powerful as the HERO13, but it’s incredibly convenient and reliable.
Best For
Minimalist users, runners, and casual adventurers who prioritize portability and simplicity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Easy to use with minimal setup
- Affordable entry point into GoPro ecosystem
- Good 4K video for the size
Cons:
- No 5.3K or advanced modes
- Limited accessory compatibility
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The media could not be loaded.This thing in immaculate… well worth the price I paid for it!!I used it a couple of times to film road cycling trips with my club and it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it. Everyone loves the final edits that the AI in the app generated for me… I can’t overstate how easy it was to use.”
Customer Review: “After my GoPro HERO9 stopped working, I decided to upgrade to the GoPro HERO12 Black, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Here’s my take on this action camera:**Video Quality:**The HERO12 Black truly delivers on its promise of stunning visuals. The 5.3K60 Ultra HD video capability captures incredible detail, even in fast motion.”
Complete Buying Guide for Action Cameras Other Than Gopro
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best action camera other than GoPro, we evaluate video resolution, stabilization, battery life, waterproofing, and ease of use. We also consider included accessories, app functionality, and real-world performance in outdoor conditions. The best models balance performance, durability, and value.
Budget Planning
Action cameras range from under $50 to over $500. For under $100, you can get solid 4K performance (like the ODDV or AKASO). Mid-range ($100–$300) offers better sensors and stabilization. Premium models ($300+) deliver pro-grade features like 5.3K, modular lenses, and advanced HDR. Decide what features matter most to your adventures.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a GoPro to capture epic adventures. Brands like AKASO and ODDV offer incredible value, while GoPro’s newer compact and bundled models provide flexibility. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest, there’s a perfect action camera out there for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can non-GoPro action cameras match GoPro quality?
A: Yes! Models like the AKASO Brave 8 and ODDV deliver 4K60FPS video and strong stabilization that rival older GoPro models. While GoPro still leads in ecosystem and app integration, the gap in image quality has narrowed significantly.
Q: Are budget action cameras waterproof?
A: Many are! The AKASO Brave 8 and ODDV are waterproof up to 10m without a case. Always check the specs—some require an additional housing for deeper dives.
Q: Do these cameras work well in low light?
A: Performance varies. GoPro models generally handle low light better due to larger sensors. Budget cameras like the ODDV may show more noise in dim conditions, but daytime and well-lit outdoor performance is excellent across the board.
Q: Can I use these for vlogging?
A: Absolutely. Cameras with front screens (like the ODDV) are ideal for vlogging. The AKASO Brave 8 and GoPro models also support voice control and app-based framing for solo creators.
Q: Do they come with mounts and accessories?
A: Most do! The AKASO Brave 8, ODDV, and GoPro bundles include mounts, batteries, and cases. Check the product description to see what’s included before buying.
Ready to capture your next adventure? Whether you’re looking for the best action camera other than GoPro for budget savings, dual-screen convenience, or pro-grade performance, our top picks deliver real value and reliability. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find the perfect match for your lifestyle!
