10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Insta360 X5 is a high-end 360° action camera that shines with its impressive 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, capturing incredibly detailed and immersive videos. It stands out in low-light conditions thanks to a triple AI chip setup that reduces noise and improves clarity, making it reliable even when lighting isn't perfect. Image stabilization is handled very well through FlowState Stabilization and a 360° horizon lock, so your footage stays steady without extra equipment.

The camera is built tough, with waterproofing up to 49 feet without needing a case, making it great for underwater adventures or rough outdoor use. Battery life is strong, offering about 3 hours of shooting time and quick charging to 80% in just 20 minutes, which is convenient for long outings. The lens is replaceable and sturdy, adding to durability and versatility. While the camera supports microSD cards for storage, the card itself is not included, so you'll need to buy that separately.

Connectivity options are good, and the camera features a touchscreen for easy control. A neat feature is the invisible selfie stick effect, which lets you film without the stick showing up in your shots—although the stick is sold separately. The Insta360 app also helps by using AI to make quick edits or exports for sharing your adventures fast. If you want an action camera that combines top image quality, smooth video, and ruggedness for extreme environments, the Insta360 X5 is an excellent choice. Just keep in mind some accessories like the selfie stick and memory cards are extras to plan for.