Top Picks to Buy Action Camera Accessories for Stunning Shots

Elevate your action footage with the right accessories—discover our top picks to buy action camera accessories that deliver stunning, professional-quality shots in any environment. From rugged mounts and stabilizers to high-performance batteries and waterproof housings, these essential tools maximize your camera’s potential. Upgrade your gear today and capture every adventure with unmatched clarity and impact.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize mounts: Secure versatile mounts for stable, dynamic shots in any environment.
• Invest in filters: Use ND filters to enhance footage in bright or high-contrast conditions.
• Extend battery life: Carry spare batteries or power banks for longer shooting sessions.
• Upgrade audio: Add external mics for professional-grade sound in every recording.
• Protect your lens: Always use lens covers or filters to prevent scratches and damage.
• Optimize storage: Choose high-speed, high-capacity cards to avoid missed shots or lag.

Why the Right Action Camera Accessories Make All the Difference

Remember that time you filmed your epic mountain bike descent, only to realize the footage was shaky, poorly lit, and cut off mid-jump? Or maybe you captured your snorkeling adventure, but the underwater colors looked dull and lifeless. We’ve all been there. Action cameras like GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 are incredible tools, but their magic truly shines when paired with the right accessories. It’s not just about having the fanciest camera—it’s about how you use it. The right gear can transform ordinary clips into cinematic masterpieces.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a travel vlogger, or a professional filmmaker, the right accessories help you buy action camera accessories that solve real problems: stabilization, lighting, framing, protection, and creative control. Think of it like upgrading from a smartphone camera to a DSLR with lenses, filters, and a tripod. Suddenly, your options expand, and your results improve dramatically. In this guide, I’ll share my top picks for accessories that actually make a difference—no fluff, no hype, just practical, field-tested advice to help you capture stunning shots every time.

1. Mounts & Stabilizers: Keep Your Shots Steady and Versatile

Mounts and stabilizers are the backbone of any action camera setup. Without them, even the most advanced camera is just a shaky handheld recorder. The right mount lets you capture unique angles, while stabilizers (both hardware and software-assisted) ensure smooth, professional-looking footage. Let’s break down the essentials.

Chest, Head, and Helmet Mounts: Get Immersive Perspectives

Want to show your point of view while skiing, biking, or climbing? Chest and head mounts are your best friends. I’ve used a chest mount during mountain biking trips, and it instantly made my footage feel more immersive. Instead of a static shot from a tripod, viewers could feel the terrain under my wheels and see my handlebars reacting to bumps. Pro tip: For biking or running, a chest mount is more stable than a head mount because it’s lower to the ground and less affected by head movement.

Helmet mounts are great for sports like skiing, skateboarding, or motocross. But be careful—some helmets don’t have flat surfaces, so you’ll need a curved or adhesive mount. I once tried using a flat mount on a rounded helmet, and it fell off mid-run. Now I always use a 3M adhesive mount with a quick-release base. It’s secure and easy to remove when not in use.

• Best for: First-person POV, sports, adventure vlogging
• Tip: Use a quick-release system so you can switch between mounts without unscrewing every time
• Watch out: Adhesive mounts can leave residue; clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol first

Handlebar, Suction, and Tripod Mounts: Expand Your Creative Options

Need to film from your bike, car, or kayak? Handlebar and suction mounts are lifesavers. I once mounted my action camera to my bike’s handlebars using a flexible arm mount, and it captured a smooth, dynamic shot of the trail ahead. The key is choosing a mount with a strong grip—especially for high-speed activities. Look for mounts with rubberized grips or locking mechanisms.

Suction mounts are perfect for cars, boats, or smooth surfaces. I used one to film a road trip from the hood of my car, and the footage looked like a professional car commercial. But beware: suction mounts can fail in extreme heat or cold. I once lost a camera on a hot day because the suction cup softened. Now I always use a safety tether (more on that later).

And don’t forget tripods! Even action cameras benefit from a stable base. A compact tripod lets you do time-lapses, group shots, or static B-roll. I carry a tiny tabletop tripod in my backpack—it’s lightweight and unfolds in seconds.

• Best for: Vehicle shots, time-lapses, static scenes
• Tip: Use a ball head mount for easy angle adjustments
• Watch out: Check suction cup temperature ratings before using in extreme conditions

Electronic Stabilizers: Smooth Out the Bumps

Even with the best mounts, some movement is inevitable. That’s where electronic stabilizers come in. Devices like the DJI Osmo Pocket or Insta360 Flow use gimbals to keep your camera level, even while running or hiking. I tested the Insta360 Flow on a trail run, and the difference was night and day. My old handheld footage looked like a shaky cam, but the stabilized version felt smooth and professional.

Not all stabilizers are equal. Some are bulky, while others are designed specifically for action cameras. Look for one with quick charging, a long battery life, and easy mounting. Also, check if it supports your camera model—some only work with specific brands.

• Best for: Vlogging, hiking, running, handheld shots
• Tip: Use the stabilizer’s app to adjust settings like follow speed and horizon level
• Watch out: Gimbals add weight and bulk—pack accordingly

2. Protective Cases & Housing: Shield Your Investment

Action cameras are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Water, dust, sand, and impacts can all damage your gear. Protective cases and housing are essential—especially if you’re filming in extreme conditions. I learned this the hard way when I dropped my camera into a river without a case. The housing saved it from water damage, but the lens got scratched. Now I never go without protection.

Waterproof Housings: Dive Deeper and Film Longer

Most action cameras come with a basic waterproof housing (usually rated to 10–30 meters). But if you’re diving deeper or filming in saltwater, consider an upgraded housing. I use a deep-sea housing rated to 60 meters for snorkeling and shallow dives. It’s made of polycarbonate, so it’s impact-resistant and doesn’t fog up.

For professional underwater filming, look for housings with flat ports (not curved). Flat ports correct refraction, so your colors and focus stay accurate. I once filmed a coral reef with a curved port housing, and the edges looked distorted. Switching to a flat port made the footage look like it was shot with a high-end underwater rig.

• Best for: Diving, snorkeling, water sports
• Tip: Rinse your housing with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion
• Watch out: Check O-rings regularly for cracks or dirt

Protective Skins and Lens Guards: Prevent Scratches and Cracks

Even if you’re not filming underwater, your camera can still get scratched. A protective skin (like a silicone or TPU cover) adds a layer of defense against drops and scrapes. I use a skin on my GoPro, and it’s survived multiple drops on concrete and rocks.

Lens guards are even more important. The lens is the most vulnerable part of your camera. I once scratched mine on a rock, and it ruined several shots. Now I use a replaceable lens guard—some even have a built-in filter for better color correction in water.

• Best for: Hiking, climbing, urban environments
• Tip: Use a lens guard with a quick-release mechanism for easy cleaning
• Watch out: Cheap skins can interfere with button access or audio

Safety Tethers: Never Lose Your Camera Again

No matter how secure your mount seems, accidents happen. A safety tether is a cheap but essential accessory. I use a coiled tether that attaches to my backpack and the camera’s housing. It saved my camera during a windy cliffside shoot when my suction mount failed. The camera dangled safely, and I could retrieve it.

• Best for: All outdoor activities
• Tip: Choose a tether with a quick-release clip for easy detachment
• Watch out: Make sure the tether is rated for your camera’s weight

3. Lighting & Filters: Enhance Your Footage in Any Condition

Good lighting can make or break your shot. Even the best camera struggles in low light, underwater, or bright sun. The right lighting and filters help you capture vibrant, true-to-life footage in any environment.

LED Lights: Brighten Up Low-Light Scenes

Action camera LEDs are compact, powerful, and easy to mount. I use a small LED light on my chest mount during night hikes or campfire scenes. It adds just enough light to show faces and details without washing out the scene. For professional work, look for lights with adjustable brightness, color temperature, and beam angle.

Underwater lights are a game-changer. Water absorbs red and orange light, so footage often looks blue or green. A red filter or white-balanced LED restores natural colors. I filmed a night dive with an LED light, and the coral and fish looked vibrant—no color grading needed.

• Best for: Night filming, underwater, indoor scenes
• Tip: Use a diffuser to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows
• Watch out: LEDs can drain your battery fast—carry spares

Polarizing and ND Filters: Control Light and Glare

ND (neutral density) filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens. This lets you use slower shutter speeds for motion blur (like flowing water) or wider apertures for a shallow depth of field. I used an ND filter to film a waterfall, and the water looked silky smooth instead of frozen.

Polarizing filters cut glare and reflections. They’re great for filming through water, glass, or on sunny days. I once filmed a lake with a polarizing filter, and the sky looked deeper blue, and the water surface was less reflective.

• Best for: Landscape, water, bright conditions
• Tip: Use an ND filter set (e.g., ND8, ND16, ND32) for different light levels
• Watch out: Some filters can cause color shifts—test them first

Color Correction Filters: Fix Underwater Colors

Underwater, colors fade as depth increases. Red is the first to disappear, then orange, yellow, and so on. Color correction filters restore these lost colors. I use a red filter for shallow dives (0–10 meters) and a magenta filter for deeper dives (10–20 meters). The difference is dramatic—no post-processing needed.

• Best for: Snorkeling, shallow dives
• Tip: Combine with an LED light for best results
• Watch out: Filters can make footage look unnatural if overused

4. Batteries & Power: Stay Filming Longer

Nothing kills a shoot like a dead battery. Action cameras have limited battery life—usually 1–2 hours of recording. Extra batteries and power solutions are essential for long trips or all-day filming.

Extra Batteries: Always Have a Backup

I always carry at least two extra batteries. On a recent hiking trip, I used one battery for the morning, swapped it at lunch, and used the third for sunset shots. It’s simple but effective. Look for batteries with high mAh ratings and check compatibility with your camera model.

• Best for: Long shoots, travel
• Tip: Keep batteries in a protective case to prevent damage
• Watch out: Third-party batteries may not last as long or charge properly

Portable Power Banks: Charge On the Go

Power banks let you recharge your camera or batteries while hiking, biking, or traveling. I use a 10,000 mAh power bank that charges my camera twice. Some even have USB-C PD (Power Delivery) for fast charging. Just make sure your power bank supports the voltage your camera needs.

• Best for: Travel, outdoor adventures
• Tip: Use a solar-powered power bank for extended trips
• Watch out: Heavy power banks can add weight to your pack

Battery Packs with Mounts: Power While Filming

Some battery packs attach directly to your camera or housing. I use one with a GoPro mount that adds 3 hours of recording time. It’s bulkier, but it’s perfect for long time-lapses or events. Look for packs with a low-profile design so they don’t interfere with your shots.

• Best for: Time-lapses, events, extended recording
• Tip: Check if the pack has an on/off switch to save power
• Watch out: Battery packs can make your setup top-heavy

5. Audio & Microphones: Capture Clear, Crisp Sound

Great video is nothing without good audio. Action cameras often have poor built-in mics—they pick up wind, handling noise, and muffled voices. External microphones fix this.

Windshields and Dead Cats: Reduce Wind Noise

Wind noise is the enemy of outdoor filming. A foam windshield or “dead cat” (furry cover) reduces wind noise dramatically. I use a dead cat on my GoPro during windy beach shoots, and the audio is much clearer. Just make sure it fits your camera model.

• Best for: Outdoor, windy conditions
• Tip: Use a windscreen even in light breezes
• Watch out: Some windshields can muffle audio if too thick

External Microphones: Upgrade Your Sound Quality

For interviews, vlogging, or ambient sound, an external mic is essential. I use a lavalier (lapel) mic for interviews and a shotgun mic for directional audio. Both connect via USB or a 3.5mm adapter. Look for mics with noise cancellation and a long cable.

• Best for: Vlogging, interviews, B-roll
• Tip: Use a shock mount to reduce handling noise
• Watch out: External mics add complexity to your setup

6. Storage & Memory Cards: Don’t Run Out of Space

High-resolution video takes up a lot of space. A 4K video can use 1–2 GB per minute. Running out of storage mid-shoot is frustrating. The right memory cards prevent this.

High-Speed MicroSD Cards: Record Without Lag

Look for cards with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30). These support 4K recording without dropped frames. I use 128 GB cards—they last about 90 minutes of 4K video. Always format your card in-camera for best performance.

• Best for: 4K, high-bitrate video
• Tip: Label your cards to avoid confusion
• Watch out: Cheap cards may fail or corrupt files

Memory Card Holders: Keep Your Cards Safe

A small card holder protects your cards from dust, water, and loss. I use a waterproof case that holds 6 cards. It’s compact and fits in my pocket.

• Best for: Travel, field use
• Tip: Store used and unused cards in separate slots
• Watch out: Avoid magnetic holders—they can erase data

Accessory	Best For	Top Pick	Key Feature
Chest Mount	First-person POV	GoPro Performance Chest Mount	Quick-release, adjustable straps
Underwater Housing	Diving, snorkeling	GoPro Super Suit (60m)	Flat port, durable polycarbonate
ND Filter Set	Bright light, motion blur	Freewell All-Day 4-Pack	ND8-ND64, magnetic attachment
External Mic	Vlogging, interviews	Rode VideoMic Me-L	USB-C, plug-and-play
Power Bank	On-the-go charging	Anker PowerCore 10000	10,000 mAh, USB-C PD

Final Thoughts: Build Your Kit with Purpose

When you buy action camera accessories, think about your needs. Are you a diver? Prioritize housings and filters. A vlogger? Focus on mics and lights. A hiker? Invest in mounts and batteries. There’s no one-size-fits-all setup. Start with the essentials, test them in real conditions, and add gear as needed.

Remember, accessories aren’t about collecting gadgets—they’re about solving problems. The right gear helps you capture moments clearly, safely, and creatively. So pack smart, shoot boldly, and let your footage tell the story. Your next stunning shot is just a mount, filter, or light away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-have action camera accessories for beginners?

Essential accessories include a sturdy waterproof case, extra batteries, and a versatile mount (like a chest or helmet mount). These basics ensure you’re ready to capture action in any environment while extending shooting time. Don’t forget a microfiber cloth to keep your lens clean!

Which mounts work best for capturing dynamic shots when I buy action camera accessories?

Flexible mounts like suction cup, head straps, and handlebar mounts offer unique angles for dynamic footage. For extreme sports, adhesive mounts or floating grips provide stability and safety. Choose mounts compatible with your camera model for a secure fit.

How do I protect my action camera in harsh conditions?

Use a rugged, waterproof housing for underwater or high-impact activities, and pair it with anti-fog inserts for humid environments. Silicone skins or protective lens filters add an extra layer against scratches and dust. Always check IP ratings for water resistance.

What action camera accessories improve low-light performance?

LED light attachments or portable RGB panels enhance visibility in dim settings. A polarizing filter reduces glare in bright conditions, improving overall contrast. These accessories help balance exposure for clearer, more vibrant shots.

Are third-party action camera accessories worth buying?

Yes, reputable third-party brands offer cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing quality, especially for mounts and batteries. Verify compatibility with your camera and read reviews to ensure durability. Stick to OEM for specialized gear like lenses or wireless mics.

How do I choose the right carrying case when I buy action camera accessories?

Look for padded, compartmentalized cases with customizable dividers to organize gear safely. Waterproof or shockproof designs are ideal for travel and outdoor use. Ensure the case fits all your accessories while remaining compact for portability.