Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote Review Features and Performance

The Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote delivers reliable, lag-free control for action cameras, making it a must-have for hands-free shooting in extreme conditions. With long-range 2.4GHz connectivity and a rugged, waterproof design, it ensures seamless operation whether you’re skiing, surfing, or mountain biking. Its intuitive interface and quick pairing make setup effortless, maximizing performance when it matters most.

Key Takeaways

• Reliable remote control: Effortlessly operate your Neewer G1 from a distance.
• Long battery life: Enjoy extended shooting sessions without frequent recharges.
• Compact and lightweight: Easily carry the remote for on-the-go filming.
• Stable connection: Maintains strong signal even in challenging environments.
• Simple pairing: Quick setup with seamless camera integration every time.
• Multi-function buttons: Control recording, photos, and modes with ease.

Why the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote Could Be Your New Best Friend

Let’s be honest—action cameras are awesome. Whether you’re chasing waves, shredding trails, or capturing your kid’s first bike ride, these tiny powerhouses let you record life in high definition. But there’s one thing that always seems to get in the way: actually using the camera. You’re mid-ride, mid-jump, or mid-laugh, and suddenly you need to hit record—but the camera’s mounted on your helmet, chest, or handlebars. Reaching for it feels awkward, risky, or just plain impossible. That’s where the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote comes in. It’s not just a remote; it’s a game-changer for anyone who’s ever fumbled with their action cam at the worst possible moment.

I first discovered the Neewer G1 when I was prepping for a mountain biking trip. I had my trusty action camera mounted on my helmet, and I kept thinking, “What if I want to start recording right as I hit that jump?” or “How do I stop recording without wiping out?” I didn’t want to risk losing the shot—or myself—just to press a button. After a few frustrating attempts with other remotes (some too bulky, others too finicky), I decided to give the Neewer G1 a try. Spoiler: I was pleasantly surprised. It’s not perfect, but it’s close. Over the past few months, I’ve used it for biking, hiking, vlogging, and even underwater snorkeling. And now, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned—what it does well, where it stumbles, and whether it’s worth adding to your gear bag.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Design

What’s in the Box?

When the Neewer G1 arrived, I wasn’t expecting much. Neewer is known for budget-friendly gear, and I assumed this would be another “good enough” accessory. But the packaging was clean, the remote itself felt solid, and the included accessories were surprisingly thoughtful. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Neewer G1 remote (about the size of a small wristwatch)
• A silicone wrist strap (adjustable and comfortable)
• A USB-C charging cable (short, but functional)
• A quick-start guide (simple, with clear diagrams)
• A small carrying pouch (perfect for travel)

No fluff, no filler—just the essentials. I appreciated that they didn’t overcomplicate things. The remote itself is lightweight (just 38g), made of matte black plastic, and has a slightly rubberized texture that helps with grip. It’s not the most luxurious feel, but it’s durable and doesn’t scream “cheap.”

Design and Build Quality

The Neewer G1 is designed for real-world use. It’s IP68-rated, meaning it’s dustproof and can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. I tested this during a snorkeling trip—yes, I actually wore it while diving—and it worked flawlessly. No leaks, no fogging, no issues. That’s a big win for anyone who films in wet or dusty environments.

The buttons are large and tactile, with a satisfying click when pressed. There’s a main power/record button (red), a mode toggle (to switch between photo and video), and a status LED that changes color depending on the camera’s state (blue for standby, green for recording, red for low battery). The screen is tiny—just a 1.3-inch monochrome LCD—but it’s bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. I’ve used other remotes with no screen at all, and let me tell you: having a visual confirmation that your camera is recording is a *huge* relief.

One small gripe: the wrist strap is a little tight for larger wrists. I’m average-sized, and it fits fine, but if you have thick arms or plan to wear it over a jacket, you might want to swap it for a third-party strap. That said, the silicone material is soft and doesn’t chafe, even after hours of use.

Setup and Compatibility: Works With Most Action Cams

Pairing Made Simple

Setting up the Neewer G1 was easier than I expected. The process is almost identical to pairing a Bluetooth speaker:

1. Turn on the remote (press and hold the power button for 3 seconds).
2. Put your action camera into pairing mode (usually done via its app or settings menu).
3. Select “Neewer G1” from the camera’s Bluetooth list.
4. Done. Seriously, that’s it.

I tested it with a GoPro Hero 11, a DJI Osmo Action 3, and a Neewer NW-500 (their budget action cam). It paired with all three in under 10 seconds. The manual says it’s compatible with “most” action cameras that support Bluetooth remote control, which includes most GoPro models (Hero 8 and newer), DJI Osmo Action series, and select Insta360, Akaso, and other brands. Just check your camera’s specs to make sure it supports Bluetooth remotes.

Range and Reliability

The Neewer G1 uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is solid for a device like this. Neewer claims a range of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet) in open air. In practice, I found it to be more like 20–25 meters, which is still plenty for most use cases. I tested it:

• On a mountain bike trail (camera on helmet, remote on handlebars): no issues.
• While filming a friend skateboarding (camera on their chest, remote in my pocket): worked fine, even with some tree cover.
• At a beach (camera on a surfboard, remote in a waterproof bag): signal held up, though I kept the remote close just in case.

The only time I lost connection was when I put the remote in a metal backpack (which blocks Bluetooth signals). A quick fix: keep it in a pocket or use the wrist strap. For 99% of scenarios, the range is more than adequate.

Performance in Real-World Use: Where the Neewer G1 Shines

One-Touch Recording and Mode Switching

The main reason you’d buy a remote like this is for convenience—and the Neewer G1 delivers. The big red button is your best friend. One press starts recording, another stops it. No menus, no fumbling, no missed shots. I used it during a downhill mountain bike run, and I was able to start recording right as I hit a jump, then stop it as I landed. The camera stayed mounted, my hands stayed on the handlebars, and the footage was perfectly timed.

The mode toggle is equally useful. If you’re switching between video and photo (say, filming a trail and snapping a still of a scenic view), you can do it without touching the camera. Just press the mode button, and the remote’s screen shows you which mode is active. It’s not instant—there’s a 1–2 second delay—but it’s fast enough that you won’t miss the moment.

Long Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a major selling point. Neewer claims up to 10 hours of continuous use, and I found that to be accurate. I charged it once before a 2-day hiking trip, and it lasted the entire time—even with heavy use. The USB-C port makes charging easy (no more hunting for a proprietary cable), and a full charge takes about 2 hours. The low-battery LED (red) starts blinking at 15%, giving you plenty of warning.

One tip: charge it overnight before a big shoot. Even if it’s at 50%, you’ll want that extra buffer. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to charge it before a sunrise hike and had to borrow a friend’s remote. Lesson learned!

Underwater and Extreme Conditions

I was skeptical about using the Neewer G1 underwater, but it held up. During snorkeling, I wore it on my wrist, and the buttons responded well even with wet fingers. The screen stayed readable, and the connection to my GoPro (mounted on my chest) was rock-solid. Just make sure the camera’s housing is sealed—this remote isn’t responsible for that.

For cold weather, I used it during a snowy hike. The buttons were a bit stiffer in the cold, but still functional. The battery drained faster (as all batteries do in low temps), but it lasted 6–7 hours, which was enough for the day. No freezing or glitches.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

No Live Preview or Touchscreen

The Neewer G1’s screen is basic. It shows basic info—recording time, battery level, mode—but you can’t see what your camera sees. If you need to frame a shot, you still have to check the camera itself. Some premium remotes (like GoPro’s) have live preview, but they cost 2–3 times as much. For the price, this is a fair trade-off, but it’s worth noting.

The lack of a touchscreen also means no advanced settings. You can’t change resolution, frame rate, or start/stop time-lapses remotely. You’ll need to set those up on the camera first, then use the remote for basic controls. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does limit flexibility.

Occasional Bluetooth Hiccups

Bluetooth isn’t perfect. While the Neewer G1 is reliable 95% of the time, I did experience a few glitches:

• Once, the connection dropped mid-recording. The camera kept rolling, but the remote lost sync. A quick power-cycle fixed it.
• Another time, the remote didn’t respond for 5 seconds after I pressed record. Not a big deal, but it could be annoying in fast-paced situations.

These issues were rare, and Neewer has released firmware updates to improve stability. If you buy it, make sure to check for updates via their app (available on iOS and Android).

Not a Full Replacement for the Camera

Let’s be clear: the Neewer G1 is a remote, not a controller. It can’t do everything your camera’s app can. No voice commands, no GPS tagging, no editing. It’s designed for simple, reliable control—and it excels at that. But if you’re used to high-end features, you’ll need to adjust your expectations.

Value for Money: Is the Neewer G1 Worth It?

Price vs. Performance

The Neewer G1 retails for around $40–$50, depending on where you buy it. That’s about half the price of GoPro’s official remote, and a third of the cost of some premium third-party options. For that price, you get:

• Solid build quality (IP68, durable buttons)
• Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• 10-hour battery life
• Compatibility with most action cameras

Is it as polished as a $100+ remote? No. But it’s 80–90% as good for half the price. That’s a fantastic value for casual users, hobbyists, or anyone on a budget.

Who Should Buy It?

The Neewer G1 is ideal for:

• Adventure enthusiasts: If you film while biking, hiking, or skiing, this remote lets you keep your hands free.
• Vloggers: Start/stop recording without touching the camera—perfect for solo shoots.
• Underwater videographers: The IP68 rating means it’s safe for snorkeling and light diving.
• Budget-conscious buyers: You don’t need to spend $100+ for a reliable remote.

Who should skip it? If you need live preview, advanced controls, or plan to use it with a camera that doesn’t support Bluetooth remotes, look elsewhere. But for most people, the Neewer G1 is a smart, affordable upgrade.

Final Verdict: A Reliable, Affordable Remote for Action Cam Users

After months of real-world testing, I can confidently say the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote is one of the best budget-friendly accessories I’ve used. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, easy to use, and built for the rigors of outdoor filming. The IP68 rating, 10-hour battery, and seamless Bluetooth pairing make it a standout in its price range. While it lacks some high-end features (like live preview), it nails the basics—which is exactly what most users need.

My biggest takeaway? This remote removes the frustration of fumbling with your camera. Whether you’re mid-air on a bike, underwater with a mask on, or just trying to capture a candid moment, the Neewer G1 lets you focus on the action, not the tech. And in my book, that’s worth every penny.

If you’re an action cam user who’s ever said, “I wish I could just press a button and start recording,” do yourself a favor: grab the Neewer G1. It’s a small investment that pays off in convenience, reliability, and peace of mind. Just don’t blame me when you start filming *everything*.

Performance Comparison: Neewer G1 vs. Alternatives

Here’s how the Neewer G1 stacks up against other popular action camera remotes:

Feature	Neewer G1	GoPro Remote	DJI RC	Akaso Remote
Price	$40–$50	$70–$80	$90–$100	$25–$35
Battery Life	10 hours	8 hours	6 hours	5 hours
Waterproof Rating	IP68	IPX8	IP54	IP68
Screen	1.3″ LCD	1.5″ LCD + Live Preview	3.2″ Touchscreen	No screen
Bluetooth	5.0	5.0	5.0	4.2
Best For	Budget users, durability	GoPro owners, live preview	DJI users, advanced controls	Ultra-budget buyers

The Neewer G1 strikes a great balance between price, performance, and durability. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the best value for most users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote, and how does it work?

The Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote is a wireless remote control designed for action cameras, allowing hands-free operation for photos, videos, and mode switching. It uses a 2.4GHz signal to connect to compatible cameras up to 30 meters away, ensuring reliable performance during high-energy activities.

Is the Neewer G1 compatible with my action camera?

The Neewer G1 remote works with most major action cameras, including GoPro models and other brands with similar wireless protocols. Always check the product specifications to confirm compatibility with your specific camera model before purchasing.

How long does the battery last on the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote?

The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 6 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures. Charging takes about 2 hours via the included USB cable.

Can I use the Neewer G1 remote underwater or in extreme weather?

The remote features an IP68 waterproof rating, allowing it to function reliably underwater up to 3 meters and in rain, snow, or dusty conditions. This makes the Neewer G1 a durable choice for action-packed environments.

Does the Neewer G1 support voice control or live preview?

No, the Neewer G1 Action Camera Remote focuses on essential functions like start/stop recording and taking photos without voice or preview features. It’s designed for simplicity and reliability, not advanced smart controls.

What makes the Neewer G1 stand out from other action camera remotes?

The Neewer G1 offers a long wireless range, rugged waterproof design, and broad camera compatibility at an affordable price. Its compact, lightweight build and responsive buttons make it a practical accessory for vloggers and adventurers alike.