10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Insta360 X5 Essentials Bundle is a powerful 360° action camera that stands out with its ultra-high 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, offering incredibly detailed and immersive footage. Thanks to dual large sensors and a triple AI chip design, it performs very well even in low-light situations, providing crisp and vibrant videos when lighting isn’t ideal. The camera’s FlowState Stabilization combined with 360° horizon lock ensures smooth and steady shots, which is especially useful during fast or bumpy activities.

Durability is a strong point here; the camera is waterproof up to 49 feet without needing an extra case, making it great for underwater adventures. Its rugged, scratch-resistant, and replaceable lenses add to its longevity and convenience. Battery life is solid, offering about 3 hours of recording with fast charging available, which is quite generous for action cameras.

The invisible selfie stick effect is a unique feature that lets you capture amazing third-person perspectives without the stick showing, plus the InstaFrame mode makes sharing quick, flat videos easy without complicated editing. The built-in four-mic array with wind guard improves audio quality, which is often a weak spot in action cameras. Connectivity via USB and HDMI and storage with MicroSD cards are standard but reliable, and the touchscreen interface is user-friendly. The camera is a bit on the heavier side at over 3 pounds, which might affect long handheld use. Also, the microSD card is not included, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.

This camera is ideal for adventurers and content creators who want premium 360° video quality, excellent stabilization, and ruggedness for varied environments. It offers advanced features and top-tier video performance in an action camera, which might exceed the needs of casual users.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a strong choice for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile action camera, especially for sports, vlogging, and outdoor adventures. It records sharp 4K video at up to 120 frames per second, which means your footage will be smooth and detailed — great for fast action moments. The 1/1.3" sensor helps capture better images in low light, so nighttime or darker scenes are clearer than with many other cameras. One of its standout features is the advanced image stabilization, called 360° HorizonSteady, which keeps your videos steady even when your ride or run gets rough.

Two bright OLED touchscreens make framing shots and reviewing footage easy and fun. The camera is waterproof, rugged, and designed to handle active use, which is exactly what you'd want from an action camera. Battery life is impressive, running up to around 4 hours on a single charge — enough for long sessions without needing to swap batteries frequently. It connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing smooth transfers and remote control through the DJI Mimo app, though downloading the app requires scanning a QR code instead of using Google Play, which could be a small inconvenience. Storage is handled through microSD cards, giving you flexibility to choose capacity based on your needs.

Audio quality is improved by support for DJI’s microphone system, which is a big plus if you want clear sound for vlogs or commentary. Some users might find the need to activate and update the device via the app a bit tricky, and the camera weighs a bit more than some ultra-compact models, but these are minor trade-offs for its strong video quality and stabilization. If you want an action camera that handles low light well, offers excellent stabilization, and provides good battery life with useful accessories, the Osmo Action 5 Pro is worth considering.

The GoPro HERO13 Black is a robust choice for anyone interested in capturing high-quality action footage. With an impressive video resolution of 5.3K at 60 frames per second, it ensures that your videos are clear and fluid, making it perfect for sports enthusiasts or travelers looking to document their adventures. The 27MP photo capability also offers vibrant still shots, so you won’t miss any great moments.

One of the standout features is its legendary durability and waterproofing, which allows you to take it underwater or in harsh environments without worrying about damage. The camera also boasts advanced image stabilization, which helps to smooth out shaky footage, a critical feature for fast-paced activities. Battery life has seen improvements, meaning you can record longer without the need for frequent recharges. Additionally, the HERO13 Black supports various mounting options, making it versatile for different activities, from biking to skydiving. Its USB connectivity and compatibility with HB-Series Lenses open up further creative possibilities.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the camera excels in many areas, the resolution and frame rate may require a powerful device for editing. New users might also find the multitude of features and settings a bit overwhelming initially. The included storage via micro SD cards is great, but you'll need to invest in higher-capacity cards to take full advantage of the high-resolution recording.