Whether you’re shredding down a mountain trail, diving into crystal-clear waters, or capturing your daily adventures, a reliable action camera is your ultimate sidekick. With so many options flooding the market, finding the best one can feel overwhelming—especially when you want crisp 4K footage, rock-solid stabilization, and rugged durability without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve tested and compared the top performers to bring you this expert-curated list of the best action cameras in 2024, balancing performance, value, and real-world usability.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Action Cameras Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. ODDV 4K Action Camera with Front and Rear Touchscreens, 132FT Waterproof, EIS, 64GB Card Included
This budget-friendly powerhouse punches well above its weight, delivering crisp 4K video and a clever dual-screen design that makes framing shots—even selfies—a breeze. Whether you’re snorkeling at 132 feet or biking through rough terrain, the built-in EIS keeps your footage smooth and steady.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4K60FPS video and 30MP photo capture for sharp, detailed visuals
- ✓ Dual-screen setup: 2.0″ rear touchscreen + 1.4″ front display for vlogging
- ✓ 132ft (40m) waterproof without a housing—perfect for diving and swimming
- ✓ Six-axis electronic image stabilization (EIS) for shake-free recording
- ✓ Includes 64GB microSD card and extra battery for extended adventures
Why We Recommend It
For under $50, the ODDV delivers features typically found in cameras twice its price. It’s incredibly user-friendly, durable, and ideal for beginners or casual adventurers who want great quality without complexity.
Best For
Travelers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts on a budget who want reliable 4K recording with minimal setup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Waterproof up to 132ft without extra case
- Front screen makes selfie and vlogging effortless
- Includes essential accessories out of the box
Cons:
- Limited low-light performance compared to premium models
- App connectivity can be inconsistent
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.”
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.”
2. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro with 1/1.3″ Sensor, 4K Video, Dual OLED Screens, Subject Tracking, Waterproof
DJI’s flagship action cam raises the bar with a massive 1/1.3″ sensor that excels in low light and dynamic range. Paired with dual bright OLED screens and intelligent subject tracking, it’s built for creators who demand pro-grade results from a compact device.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Large 1/1.3″ sensor for stunning night and high-contrast scenes
- ✓ Dual OLED touchscreens (front and rear) with vibrant clarity
- ✓ Advanced subject tracking keeps moving targets centered automatically
- ✓ 4K/120fps video with RockSteady 3.0 stabilization
- ✓ 132ft waterproof rating with optional dive case support
Why We Recommend It
The Action 5 Pro outperforms many competitors in image quality, especially in challenging lighting. Its smart tracking and intuitive interface make it perfect for solo creators, athletes, and content producers who need reliability and flexibility.
Best For
Serious creators, night riders, skiers, and filmmakers needing cinematic quality in a rugged package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding low-light and HDR performance
- Bright, responsive OLED screens
- Reliable subject tracking and stabilization
- Long battery life and fast charging
Cons:
- Higher price point than entry-level models
- Requires DJI Mimo app (not available on Google Play)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “So far I love it. I used a GoPro2 many years ago, and this is so much better. Easy to get up and go. 4K recording is awesome. Lots of accessories available. The battery lasts very long.”
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. Great that it comes with internal storage flexibility.”
3. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Standard Combo, 4K Action Camera with Dual Touchscreens and Stabilization
The Standard Combo version of the Action 5 Pro offers nearly all the flagship features at a slightly lower price by including only essential accessories. It’s an excellent middle ground for users who want premium performance without extra mounts or cases.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Same 1/1.3″ sensor and 4K video as the full Pro model
- ✓ Dual touchscreens with intuitive navigation
- ✓ Enhanced subject tracking using a powerful 4nm chip
- ✓ RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady for ultra-smooth footage
- ✓ Streamlined accessory pack reduces cost without sacrificing core functionality
Why We Recommend It
If you don’t need every mount under the sun, this combo delivers the same stellar image quality and stabilization as the full kit—just more affordably. Ideal for upgraders and first-time buyers alike.
Best For
Budget-conscious adventurers who still want flagship-level imaging and don’t mind buying accessories separately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Same sensor and video quality as the full Pro model
- More affordable than the full accessory bundle
- Excellent stabilization and tracking
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Limited included mounts and cases
- App dependency for full feature access
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “So far I love it. I used a GoPro2 many years ago, and this is so much better. Easy to get up and go. 4K recording is awesome. Lots of accessories available.”
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—great that it comes with internal storage flexibility.”
4. Insta360 X3 360 Action Camera, 5.7K Video, Waterproof, FlowState Stabilization, 2.29″ Touchscreen
The Insta360 X3 blends 360° creativity with traditional action cam versatility. Capture every angle in 5.7K, then reframe later in post—or switch to single-lens mode for standard 4K footage. It’s like having two cameras in one.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 5.7K 360 video with Active HDR for vibrant, balanced colors
- ✓ Reframe shots after recording—no need to plan your angle upfront
- ✓ FlowState stabilization ensures smooth results in any mode
- ✓ 2.29″ touchscreen for easy control and preview
- ✓ Waterproof up to 10m (33ft) without a case
Why We Recommend It
Perfect for travelers and content creators who want maximum creative freedom. The ability to reframe 360 footage means you never miss the perfect shot—even if you didn’t point the camera right the first time.
Best For
Vloggers, travelers, and social media creators who love experimenting with angles and perspectives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique 360 + single-lens dual functionality
- Powerful reframing tools in the app
- Compact and easy to use
- Great for immersive storytelling
Cons:
- Shorter battery life under heavy 360 use
- Requires app for full editing capabilities
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “If you’re interested in capturing your sports, activities, or even just your daily life, the Insta360 X3 is probably the best and most versatile option to look at. I would go so far to say that this is the best action camera I’ve ever had.”
Customer Review: “EATS THROUGH BATTERIES IN A SNAP. It’s a nice piece of technology; it has a lot of features. I think its use of AI is interesting, but you really need to spend time experimenting with it.”
5. Insta360 X4 8K 360 Action Camera, 4K Wide-Angle, Invisible Selfie Stick, 135-Minute Battery Life
The X4 takes 360 recording to the next level with 8K resolution and a massive 135-minute battery life. Its invisible selfie stick effect creates cinematic third-person shots effortlessly—ideal for solo adventurers who want professional-looking footage.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 8K 360 video and 5.7K60fps for ultra-detailed immersive content
- ✓ Invisible selfie stick effect removes the stick from footage automatically
- ✓ 135-minute battery life—one of the longest in its class
- ✓ 4K single-lens mode for traditional action shots
- ✓ AI-powered editing tools simplify post-production
Why We Recommend It
If you’re serious about 360 content and want future-proof resolution, the X4 is unmatched. The extended battery and smart editing features make it perfect for long expeditions and solo creators.
Best For
Professional creators, extreme sports athletes, and tech enthusiasts who demand the highest resolution and longest recording times.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- True 8K 360 recording
- Exceptional battery life
- Invisible selfie stick enables dynamic angles
- Robust app with AI editing
Cons:
- Higher price tag
- Larger file sizes require ample storage
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’m really impressed with this camera, and my husband even more so. We love the video quality; it’s crisp and clear, and the 360 degree features are a lot of fun. The battery life has also been good, enough for long outings.”
Customer Review: “This camera amazes me on a daily basis, no joke. When I compared the X3 and X4, I just knew the X4 was the perfect fit for me. I bought this primarily for immersive travel videos—and it delivers.”
Complete Buying Guide for Action Cameras
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing the best action camera, we prioritize video quality (4K or higher), stabilization technology (like EIS or RockSteady), waterproof depth, battery life, ease of use, and included accessories. Dual screens, app integration, and low-light performance are also key for modern users.
Budget Planning
Action cameras range from under $50 to over $500. Budget models like the ODDV offer surprising value for casual use, while mid-tier options like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro deliver pro features at reasonable prices. Premium 360 cameras like the Insta360 X4 justify their cost with cutting-edge resolution and AI tools—ideal if you’re creating content professionally.
Final Thoughts
Your ideal action camera depends on your adventure style and content goals. For most users, we recommend the ODDV for affordability, the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for image quality, or the Insta360 X4 for creative freedom. No matter your choice, always consider where and how you’ll use it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a waterproof case for underwater filming?
A: Many modern action cameras, like the ODDV and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, are waterproof up to 132ft (40m) without a case. However, for deep diving beyond that depth, an additional housing is recommended for safety.
Q: Can I use these cameras for live streaming?
A: Most action cameras support live streaming via Wi-Fi and companion apps, but check compatibility with platforms like YouTube or Instagram. The DJI and Insta360 models offer better app integration for streaming.
Q: How important is image stabilization?
A: Extremely important! Whether you’re biking, skiing, or running, built-in stabilization (like EIS or FlowState) prevents shaky footage and ensures smooth, watchable videos—even on rough terrain.
Q: Are 360 cameras worth it?
A: If you love creative storytelling or want to reframe shots after recording, yes! 360 cameras like the Insta360 X3 and X4 offer unmatched flexibility, though they require more storage and editing time.
Q: What accessories should I buy?
A: Start with a sturdy mount (helmet, handlebar, or chest), extra batteries, and a high-speed microSD card. Many cameras include basics, but investing in quality mounts improves safety and shot variety.
Ready to capture your next adventure in stunning detail? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time creator, one of these top-rated action cameras will deliver the performance you need. Click any “Check Price” button above to compare deals and find your perfect match today!
