Action Camera Remote Control Options Comparison Guide

Choosing the right remote control for your action camera can make or break your shot, especially in fast-paced or hard-to-reach environments. This guide compares top remote options—wrist-mounted, smartphone app, and voice-activated—highlighting range, reliability, and ease of use to help you find the perfect match for your adventure filming needs.

Key Takeaways

• Choose wireless remotes for hands-free control during high-motion activities.
• Wearable options excel in convenience—ideal for quick, on-the-go adjustments.
• Smartphone apps offer advanced settings but may lag in responsiveness.
• Waterproof remotes are essential for underwater or wet-weather filming.
• Range matters—test signal strength if filming distant subjects or group shots.
• Battery life varies widely—carry spares for extended shooting sessions.

Why You Need a Remote for Your Action Camera

Remember that time you set up your action camera perfectly on your helmet, hit record, and then realized you were already 50 feet down the trail? You had to run back, fumble with the tiny buttons, and ruin your shot—or worse, miss it entirely. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Action cameras are incredible tools for capturing life’s most dynamic moments, but their small size and placement on helmets, bikes, or chest mounts can make them frustrating to control. That’s where action camera remote control options come in. These handy devices let you start, stop, change settings, and even preview footage without touching the camera itself.

Whether you’re skiing down a mountain, mountain biking through dense forest, or filming your kid’s soccer game from a drone-mounted camera, having remote access to your action camera is a game-changer. But with so many options on the market—watches, wrist remotes, smartphone apps, voice commands, and more—how do you choose the right one? In this action camera remote control options comparison, we’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and real-world performance of the most popular remote solutions. We’ll share personal experiences, practical tips, and help you find the best fit for your shooting style and budget.

1. Smartphone App Remote Controls: The Most Accessible Option

Almost every modern action camera—from GoPro, DJI, Insta360, to Akaso and others—comes with a companion smartphone app. These apps turn your phone into a powerful remote control for action camera systems, offering live preview, full settings adjustment, and media transfer. It’s the most widely available and often free option, making it a go-to for beginners and pros alike.

How It Works

You connect your action camera to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Once paired, the app displays a live feed of what your camera sees, lets you start/stop recording, switch modes (video, photo, time-lapse), adjust resolution, and even change exposure or white balance. Some apps, like GoPro’s Quik and DJI’s Mimo, go further with AI editing, stabilization, and social sharing features.

Pros of Smartphone App Remotes

• Free and included: No extra cost if you already have the camera.
• Full control: Access to nearly every camera setting.
• Live preview: Frame your shot perfectly, even when the camera is mounted out of reach.
• Media management: View, download, and share footage instantly.
• Frequent updates: Apps improve over time with new features and bug fixes.

Cons and Real-World Limitations

While convenient, smartphone app remotes come with some frustrating downsides. The biggest issue is battery drain. Wi-Fi streaming from your camera to your phone uses a lot of power—on both devices. On a long hike or ski day, your phone might die after just an hour of use. I once had to cut my mountain bike shoot short because my phone hit 5% and shut off mid-ride.

Another issue is connection reliability. In cold weather, dense forests, or near water, Wi-Fi signals can drop or become laggy. I’ve had moments where the app froze or showed a black screen, forcing me to manually restart the camera. Also, holding a phone while filming on a bike or ski pole isn’t exactly safe or practical.

Pro tip: If you use the app frequently, carry a portable power bank and keep your phone in airplane mode with only Wi-Fi enabled to save battery. Also, use a phone mount or armband to keep it accessible without holding it.

2. Dedicated Wrist and Handheld Remotes: Precision and Portability

If you’re serious about action filming, a dedicated remote control is worth the investment. These compact devices—often worn on the wrist or clipped to a strap—offer physical buttons and a simple interface, making them ideal for high-intensity activities where you can’t (or shouldn’t) pull out your phone.

Popular Models and Brands

The GoPro The Remote is one of the most popular. It’s a rugged, waterproof wrist remote with a color screen that shows camera status, battery, and mode. DJI offers the RC-N1 and RC Pro remotes for its Osmo Action series. Insta360 has the Insta360 Remote, and some third-party brands like Smatree and CamKix make affordable alternatives.

These remotes typically connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and offer one-touch recording, mode switching, and sometimes a small preview screen. Some, like the GoPro The Remote, even have a “Find My Camera” feature that triggers a loud beep if you lose it in the snow or bushes.

Pros of Dedicated Remotes

• Physical buttons: No touchscreen lag or accidental taps.
• Weather-resistant: Most are waterproof and shockproof.
• Quick access: Start recording with one press, even with gloves on.
• No phone needed: Saves phone battery and keeps your hands free.
• Reliable connection: Often more stable than smartphone Wi-Fi in extreme conditions.

Cons and Trade-Offs

The main downside is cost. A GoPro The Remote costs around $80, which is steep for a single accessory. Also, not all remotes are cross-compatible. You can’t use a GoPro remote with a DJI camera, and vice versa. Battery life is another concern—some remotes need charging every few days with regular use.

I used a GoPro remote during a ski trip and loved the instant access. But on the third day, the battery died mid-run, and I had to switch back to the phone app. Lesson learned: always carry a spare battery or keep the remote charged.

Pro tip: Pair your remote with a wrist strap or clip mount so it’s always within reach. Also, test the connection range in your typical shooting environment—some remotes work best within 10–20 feet.

3. Smartwatch Integration: The Ultimate Hands-Free Solution

For the ultimate in convenience, smartwatch integration turns your wrist into a remote control for action camera. Both Apple Watch and Wear OS (Samsung Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch) support GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 apps, letting you start/stop recording, switch modes, and even preview footage—all without touching anything else.

How It Works

You install the camera’s companion app on your smartwatch. Once paired, the watch displays a simple interface with large, easy-to-tap buttons. Some watches show a tiny preview window, while others just show status icons. You can trigger recordings with a single tap or even use voice commands (“Hey Siri, start recording”).

Pros of Smartwatch Remotes

• Truly hands-free: No need to reach for a phone or remote.
• Always on your wrist: Hard to lose and always accessible.
• Quick access: One tap starts recording—perfect for spontaneous moments.
• Voice control: Use Siri or Google Assistant for even faster control.
• Minimal battery drain: Less power-hungry than phone apps.

Cons and Limitations

The biggest limitation is functionality. Smartwatch remotes usually only let you start/stop recording and switch basic modes. You can’t adjust resolution, frame rate, or exposure—those settings still require the phone app. Also, the tiny screen makes framing shots difficult.

Another issue is compatibility. Not all action cameras support smartwatches. GoPro and DJI have the best support, but Insta360’s watch app is still limited. And if you’re using a fitness-focused watch like a Garmin or Coros, you might be out of luck.

I used my Apple Watch with a GoPro during a family hike. It was perfect for capturing candid moments—like my nephew spotting a deer—without fumbling with my phone. But when I wanted to switch to 4K slow-mo, I had to pull out my phone anyway.

Pro tip: Use your smartwatch for quick recordings and mode switches, but keep your phone nearby for advanced settings. Also, enable “Always On Display” if your watch supports it, so the controls are visible at a glance.

4. Voice Commands and Gesture Controls: The Future of Action Cameras

Imagine saying “Start recording” and your camera obeys—no buttons, no apps, no remotes. That’s the promise of voice and gesture controls. While still evolving, these features are becoming more reliable and are already useful in certain situations.

Voice Command Systems

GoPro’s “Voice Control” feature lets you say phrases like “GoPro, start recording” or “GoPro, take a photo.” DJI and Insta360 offer similar voice options. The camera listens for your voice and responds—even when mounted on your helmet or chest.

Gesture Controls

Some cameras, like the GoPro Hero 11 and DJI Osmo Action 3, support gesture recognition. You raise your hand in front of the lens, and the camera takes a photo or starts a timer. It’s great for selfies or group shots without touching anything.

Pros of Voice and Gesture Controls

• Truly hands-free: No need for any physical device.
• Spontaneous capture: Perfect for moments when your hands are busy.
• No extra gear: Uses built-in camera microphones and sensors.
• Cool factor: Feels like you’re in a sci-fi movie.

Cons and Real-World Challenges

Voice commands work well in quiet environments but struggle in windy or noisy conditions. I tried using voice control while skiing, and the camera kept missing my commands because of the wind noise. Also, if you’re wearing a helmet with a visor, your voice is muffled.

Gesture controls are even more limited. They only work at close range and in good lighting. If your hand is dirty, gloved, or moving too fast, the camera might not recognize it. I once tried to take a selfie with gesture control, and the camera took three photos before I finally got it to work.

Pro tip: Use voice commands in calm, quiet environments—like hiking trails or indoor shoots. For high-noise situations, stick with a physical remote or smartwatch. And always have a backup method ready.

5. Third-Party and Universal Remote Controls: Expanding Your Options

If you use multiple action cameras or want more control than the stock remotes offer, third-party and universal remotes are worth exploring. These devices often work across brands and offer unique features like extended range, rugged builds, or advanced customization.

Popular Third-Party Remotes

• Smatree Universal Remote: Works with GoPro, DJI, Insta360, and others. Has a 100-foot range and a built-in screen.
• CamKix Action Camera Remote: Affordable, simple, and compatible with most Wi-Fi-enabled cameras.
• Removu R1+: A rugged, waterproof remote with a large screen and 300-foot range—great for drones or long-distance control.

Pros of Third-Party Remotes

• Cross-brand compatibility: Use one remote for multiple cameras.
• Extended range: Some offer 300+ feet of control.
• Customizable buttons: Assign specific functions to each button.
• Rugged design: Often more durable than stock remotes.

Cons and Considerations

The main downside is setup complexity. You’ll need to manually pair the remote with each camera, and not all features may work perfectly. Also, firmware updates are less frequent than with brand-name remotes, so you might miss out on new features.

I tried a Smatree remote with my GoPro and DJI cameras. It worked great for basic recording, but I couldn’t access advanced settings like HyperSmooth or HDR. Also, the screen was hard to read in direct sunlight.

Pro tip: If you use multiple cameras, a third-party remote can save money and simplify your workflow. But test it thoroughly before relying on it for a big shoot.

Comparison Table: Which Remote Is Right for You?

Remote Type	Best For	Range	Battery Life	Weather Resistance	Price Range
Smartphone App	Beginners, full control, media sharing	30–100 ft (Wi-Fi)	Low (drains phone/camera)	Depends on phone	Free
Dedicated Wrist Remote	Action sports, quick access	30–100 ft	Medium (2–5 days)	Waterproof, shockproof	$50–$100
Smartwatch	Hands-free, spontaneous moments	30–50 ft	High (uses watch battery)	Depends on watch	Free (if you have a watch)
Voice/Gesture	Quiet environments, cool factor	Close range	High	Good	Free
Third-Party Remote	Multi-camera users, long range	100–300 ft	Medium to high	Often rugged	$40–$150

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Action Camera Remote for Your Needs

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to action camera remote control options. The best choice depends on your shooting style, environment, and how much control you need. If you’re just starting out, the smartphone app is a great free option—just remember to carry a power bank. For adrenaline-packed activities like skiing or mountain biking, a dedicated wrist remote gives you the speed and reliability you need.

If you value convenience and already own a smartwatch, voice and smartwatch controls are perfect for quick, spontaneous captures. And if you’re a multi-camera shooter or need long-range control, a third-party remote offers flexibility and power.

Ultimately, the best remote is the one you actually use. I’ve learned that having multiple options—like a wrist remote for biking, a smartwatch for hiking, and the phone app for setup—gives me the most flexibility. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Your action camera is only as good as your ability to control it—so pick the remote that helps you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best action camera remote control options available in 2024?

The top action camera remote control options in 2024 include wrist-mounted remotes (like GoPro’s The Remote), smartphone apps (DJI Mimo, Insta360), and voice-activated remotes. These balance convenience, range, and compatibility with leading action camera brands.

Can I use my smartphone as a remote for my action camera?

Yes, most action cameras offer companion apps (e.g., GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo) that let you control settings, start/stop recording, and preview footage via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This is a cost-effective action camera remote control option but may have slight latency.

Are waterproof remotes worth it for action cameras?

Waterproof remotes (e.g., GoPro The Remote) are essential for underwater or wet-weather shooting, offering reliable control without risking your smartphone. They’re bulkier but provide tactile feedback and extended battery life.

What’s the range of wireless action camera remotes?

Typical wireless remotes have a 30–100 ft (10–30m) range, depending on interference and model. Smartphone apps may have shorter range due to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth limitations, while dedicated RF remotes often perform better in open areas.

Do all action camera remotes work with every brand?

No, remotes are often brand-specific (e.g., GoPro remotes won’t work with DJI cameras). Some universal remotes exist but may lack full functionality. Always check compatibility before buying an action camera remote control.

Are voice-controlled remotes reliable for action cameras?

Voice remotes (like GoPro’s voice commands) work well in quiet environments but struggle with background noise. They’re great for hands-free use but pair them with a physical remote for backup in critical scenarios.