Buyers guide

The Best Action Cameras 2023

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What are action cameras? Action cameras are specifically designed for capturing immersive photos and videos, typically with action sports or other high-speed activities. Action cameras are built with this in mind which makes them small, portable, waterproof, and simple to use. What makes an action camera great is high video resolution and photo quality, good digital image stabilization, reliable battery life and weatherproof in any conditions you find yourself in. We've compiled a detailed review guide of our picks for the best 5 action cameras on the market in 2023. Each camera in this guide are completely unique, offering different features and capabilities to fit your needs and budget.

The Best Action Cameras 2023
- Best Overall: GoPro Hero 11
- Best Value: GoPro Hero 11 Mini
- Best Budget: Akaso Brave 7E
- Best 360°: insta 360 One X2
- Best Handheld: DJI Pocket 2

GoPro HERO11 Black
9.7

GoPro HERO11 Black

Best Action Camera

5.3K Video Resolution at 60fps
27MP Photo Quality
HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization
1080p Live Streaming + Webcam
61 Minute Battery Life shooting in 5.3K at 60fps
Verified Customer Reviews

I finally took the plunge after all these years by getting the Hero 11, and I'm happy to say that I'm not disappointed. The ability to configure for frame rate, resolution, image field, and other customizations is almost dizzying with how many ways to adjust it.

What can I say, the GoPros just get better and better. The quality is unmatched as is the versatility and the built in functions like the stabilization are PERFECT.
Overall this camera is great, it has a high res sensor and out of this world stabilization. Only downside is it likes to overheat and drain the battery if you plan on using it in hotter environments.
GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
9.5

GoPro Hero11 Black Mini

Best Value Action Camera

5.3K Video Resolution at 60fps
24.7MP Photo Quality
HyperSmooth 5.0 Stabilization
1080p Live Streaming
51 Minute Battery Life shooting in 5.3K at 60fps
Verified Customer Reviews

For portability and picture quality it just can't be beat. Because it doesn't have a screen or viewfinder you must use your phone to adjust settings, but once it's set a push of the button starts recording and another push stops the recording.

I already own a GoPro 10 and this small camera will be great addition to filming from a different point of view. It will save time and it will give more choices for scene selection. It's small size makes it perfect for mounting on helmet or other equipment.
The lack of a preview screen hasn't been a problem. I was a little concerned at first, but using the Quick App preview screen allows me to confirm my framing, as well as make adjustments to the settings more easily than using the two buttons on the camera and the small screen.
AKASO Brave 7 LE
9.1

AKASO Brave 7 LE

Best Budget Action Camera

4K Video Resolution at 30fps
20MP Photo Quality
Gimbal Like 6-Axis Stabilization
Submersible up to 131 feet (max depth)
Waterproof Case + 2 Batteries Included
Verified Customer Reviews

With this Akaso Brave 7 LE i didn’t have to buy a ton of accessories like you do with the Go Pro and even if it’s not as clear as a Go Pro for stability it is perfect for a beginner like me who doesn’t want to spend $500 and up for an action camera.

Real handy for Vloggers or Selfie fanatics! The camera also comes supplied with a charger, 2 batteries, a waterproof case, and enough quality mounting accessories to mount the camera to almost anything.
I purchased the Akaso Brave LE Action Camera a few weeks ago and gave myself some time to put it through its paces. I have to say, considering the price point for this little action cam as compared to its much more expensive competitor, I am more than satisfied.
insta360 ONE X2
9.0

insta360 ONE X2

Best 360° Action Camera

5.7K Video Resolution at 30fps
18MP Photo Quality
FlowState Stabilization
360° Live Stream + Webcam
4-Mic 360° Audio
Verified Customer Reviews

I’ve used all types of 360 cameras and the ONEX2 is definitely becoming my favorite. What makes this different from the ONEX is that the ONEX2 is water proof, has a grippy casing, and is able to use the AI features.

The resolution is top notch even for 360 cams bigger than the X2. It really shines for handheld shots and sticking onto just about anything for a crazy cool perspective no matter what you're doing.
I've had GoPros and they do not compare to this. Just mount it and hit the large button to start recording. It delivers 360 beautiful image and is easy to use.
DJI Pocket 2
8.8

DJI Pocket 2

Best Handheld Action Camera

4K Video Resolution at 60fps
64MP Photo Quality + 8x Digital Zoom
3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization
ActiveTrack 3.0 Subject Tracking
140 Minute Max Battery Life
Verified Customer Reviews

One of the best handheld gimbals available! This is not a perfect product, but it is a well made, high quality, small, stabilizing 4k video platform that shoots wide enough angle, zooms, has good battery life, & will probably suit your needs if you are looking for something like it.

The best portable camera I’ve had, great video quality with lots of great features and the accessories are great as well, just the only complaint is the non removable battery, wish it had a removable to switch out and keep recording but works while plugged into a power bank.
I love how quick and easy it is to pull out and shoot with. I'm a long-time videographer and I find this to be useful to be able to pull out when i need to grab a quick shot or want some gliding gimbal shots but don't have time to set up a gimbal.

Comparison Chart

See the difference

GoPro Hero11 Black

GoPro Hero11 Black Mini

Akaso Brave 7 LE

insta360 One X2

DJI Pocket 2

Price
$349
$254
$149
$349
$349
Video Resolution
5.3K
5.3K
4K
5.7K
4K
Photo Quality
27MP
24.7MP
20MP
18MP
64MP
Live Streaming + Webcam
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Max Battery Life
61 mins
51 mins
90 mins
80 mins
140 mins