Looking for the best action camera under 300? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re shredding waves, hitting mountain trails, or capturing epic family moments, a high-quality action camera can make all the difference—without breaking the bank. In this detailed comparison, we’ve tested and ranked the top 5 action cameras under $300 based on video quality, durability, ease of use, and real-world performance. From 4K60FPS recording and dual-screen designs to waterproof builds and advanced stabilization, these models deliver pro-level features at an affordable price. Let’s dive into our expert picks and find the perfect match for your adventures.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Action Camera Under 300 Comparison Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Best Action Camera Under 300: 4K60FPS, Dual Screens, Waterproof to 132FT with EIS and Zoom
This action camera packs serious punch for under $300, delivering crisp 4K60FPS video, a versatile dual-screen setup, and rugged waterproof performance down to 132 feet. Whether you’re snorkeling, skiing, or vlogging your daily adventures, it handles it all with smooth stabilization and intuitive controls.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K60FPS video and 30MP photo capture
- ✓ Dual screens: 2.0″ rear touchscreen + 1.4″ front display
- ✓ Built-in 6-axis EIS for ultra-smooth footage
- ✓ Waterproof up to 132FT without a housing
- ✓ Digital zoom and time-lapse modes
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as our best action camera under 300 because it balances premium features with affordability. The dual screens make framing shots effortless, and the stabilization holds up even during high-motion activities like mountain biking or surfing.
Best For
Adventure seekers, content creators, and travelers who want reliable 4K recording with selfie-friendly front screen visibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent video quality in daylight and low light
- Easy-to-use touch interface
- Long battery life with quick swap capability
- Includes mounting accessories out of the box
Cons:
- No built-in GPS tracking
- Front screen isn’t touch-sensitive
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 lif”
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 vide”
2. Waterproof 4K Action Camera with Dual Touch Screens, 66FT Depth, 6-Axis Stabilization and Extra Batteries
Built for durability and ease of use, this action camera shines with its dual touch screens, solid metal body, and included extra batteries—making it ideal for long days on the go. It captures sharp 4K60FPS footage and stays steady thanks to advanced 6-axis stabilization.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K60FPS video and 64MP photo resolution
- ✓ Dual touch screens: 2.0″ rear + 1.5″ front IPS
- ✓ 6-axis gyroscopic EIS for shake-free recording
- ✓ Waterproof up to 66FT (20M) without housing
- ✓ Comes with 2 batteries and multiple mounts
Why We Recommend It
We named this our Editor’s Choice because it offers incredible value—especially with the extra batteries and sturdy build. The touch controls are responsive, and the metal casing feels premium compared to plastic competitors.
Best For
Outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable performance across hiking, cycling, and water sports—plus anyone who hates running out of power mid-adventure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding image clarity and color accuracy
- Both screens are fully touch-enabled
- Includes essential accessories in the box
- Strong Wi-Fi connectivity for app control
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than plastic models
- No 5K recording option
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of this camera. It is much more solid than I was expecting. It’s very easy to use and get the WiFi set up. I love that it comes with two batteries so I can always have a fully charged one on hand. It also comes with several different mounting accessories The “
Customer Review: “This is the first action camera I’ve used and I’m impressed with the image and video quality. Very crisp, vibrant, and high resolution. It really delivers 4k and 60fps. Audio is okay but thats not why I got it. Build quality is very nice, it’s a very study metal body. It’s waterproof which is cool. “
3. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: 4K120fps, Dual OLED Screens, Subject Tracking and Stabilization for Sports
DJI brings pro-level tech to the sub-$300 range with the Osmo Action 5 Pro. Featuring stunning 4K120fps video, dual bright OLED screens, and intelligent subject tracking, it’s a powerhouse for athletes and creators alike—all at a surprisingly accessible price point.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K120fps slow-motion video capability
- ✓ Dual high-brightness OLED touch screens
- ✓ Advanced subject tracking with 4nm chip
- ✓ 1/1.3″ large sensor for superior low-light performance
- ✓ RockSteady 3.0 stabilization
Why We Recommend It
This earned our Best Budget badge not because it’s cheap—but because it delivers flagship features at a mid-tier price. The image quality rivals cameras twice its cost, especially in challenging lighting.
Best For
Content creators and athletes who want cinematic slow-mo, reliable tracking, and excellent low-light performance without overspending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional dynamic range and color science
- Bright, clear OLED screens visible in sunlight
- Intuitive DJI Mimo app integration
- Long-lasting battery with fast charging
Cons:
- Limited accessory ecosystem compared to GoPro
- No included SD card in base bundle
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This is a fantastic and amazing camera! It has a lot of different options in terms of filming, 1080 to 2k, all the way to 4k – all with two types of ratio, 16:9 or 3:4 I believe. Different options will yield different maximum duration of recording (and data size), but great that it comes with intern”
Customer Review: “DJI Osmo Action 5 is small enough to fit into the palm of my hand. Yet the sensor is 1/1.3″ – which is almost equal to 1” sensors like some of the high-end cameras now-a-day. In short, the bigger the sensor the better the pictures and videos. It also performs much better in low light condition. “
4. 5K30FPS Waterproof Action Camera with EIS 2.0, 2.4″ Touch Screen, 64GB Card and Dual Batteries
If you crave ultra-high resolution, this 5K30FPS action camera delivers stunning detail with smooth EIS 2.0 stabilization. It includes a 64GB card and dual batteries right out of the box—perfect for extended trips where charging isn’t an option.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5K30FPS ultra-HD video recording
- ✓ EIS 2.0 6-axis electronic image stabilization
- ✓ IPX7 waterproof rating + 40M underwater housing
- ✓ Includes 64GB microSD card and 2 batteries
- ✓ 2.4″ responsive touchscreen
Why We Recommend It
For users who prioritize resolution and included extras, this camera is a standout. The 5K footage looks incredible on large screens, and the stabilization keeps everything buttery smooth—even during intense motion.
Best For
Travel vloggers, underwater photographers, and anyone who wants future-proof 5K recording with minimal setup hassle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 5K resolution offers exceptional clarity
- Great value with included storage and batteries
- Effective stabilization in most conditions
- Easy menu navigation via touchscreen
Cons:
- No front screen for selfies
- Battery life dips during 5K recording
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ve been testing out this waterproof action camera, and honestly, it’s been such a fun upgrade for my adventures. The video quality is super clear (even underwater, which really surprised me), and the wide-angle lens makes it easy to capture everything in one shot. I’ve taken it swimming, hiking, a”
Customer Review: “This is a solid camera. Picture and video quality is right on. With all the diffent mounts you are ready for whatever comes your way. It has plenty of storage coming with a 64GB SD card. That will take care of many hours of footage. What I like the most is it is not shaky. The stabilization fe”
5. GoPro HERO13 Black: 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photos, Waterproof with HB-Series Lens Compatibility
The legendary GoPro HERO13 Black brings flagship performance under $300 with 5.3K60 video, HB-lens compatibility, and best-in-class slow-motion. It’s waterproof, rugged, and packed with smart features that make it a favorite among pros and hobbyists alike.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5.3K60 video with 91% more resolution than 4K
- ✓ Compatible with HB-Series lenses (sold separately)
- ✓ HERO Burst Slo-Mo up to 13x slower
- ✓ HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization
- ✓ Waterproof to 33FT (10M) without housing
Why We Recommend It
Even though it’s often priced just under $300, the HERO13 Black offers premium GoPro reliability and ecosystem support. It’s the only camera here with modular lens options, making it incredibly versatile.
Best For
Serious creators, athletes, and GoPro loyalists who want top-tier performance, accessory compatibility, and industry-leading stabilization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched brand reputation and support
- Best-in-class stabilization and slow-mo
- Massive ecosystem of mounts and accessories
- Excellent app and cloud integration
Cons:
- HB lenses add significant cost
- No front screen in base model
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”
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.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Action Camera Under 300
Essential Factors We Consider
When picking the best action camera under 300, we focus on five key areas: video resolution (4K or higher), stabilization quality, waterproof depth, battery life, and ease of use. Dual screens, touch controls, and included accessories also heavily influence our rankings—because real-world usability matters just as much as specs.
Budget Planning
You don’t need to spend $500+ to get excellent performance. All five cameras reviewed here deliver strong value under $300. If you plan to add lenses or mounts later (like with GoPro), factor those into your total cost. For most users, models with included batteries and SD cards offer the best upfront value.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose our top pick for overall performance or the budget-friendly DJI for low-light brilliance, any of these cameras will elevate your content. Prioritize your must-have features—like front screens for vlogging or 5K for detail—and you’ll find the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use these cameras underwater without a housing?
A: Yes! Most models listed are waterproof to at least 33FT (10M) without additional housing. The first pick goes down to 132FT, while others include optional dive housings for deeper exploration.
Q: Do these cameras work well in low light?
A: The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro stands out with its large 1/1.3″ sensor, offering superior low-light performance. Others perform decently in daylight but may show noise in dim conditions.
Q: Are the batteries removable?
A: Yes, all five cameras use removable rechargeable batteries. Several models include extras in the box—great for long adventures.
Q: Can I livestream with these cameras?
A: Most support Wi-Fi and app connectivity, but only the GoPro HERO13 Black offers reliable live streaming via the Quik app.
Q: Do they come with mounts?
A: Absolutely. Every camera includes basic mounts (handlebar, clip, adhesive). GoPro and DJI offer the widest range of compatible third-party accessories.
Ready to capture your next adventure in stunning detail? Any of these best action cameras under 300 will deliver impressive results without draining your wallet. Click the “Check Price” buttons above to compare current deals and grab the one that fits your lifestyle. Don’t wait—your next epic shot is just a click away!
