10 Best Action Cameras 2025 in the United States

The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is a strong choice for anyone looking to capture immersive, high-quality action footage. It stands out with its ultra wide 177-degree lens that grabs significantly more scenery than a standard GoPro, which is perfect for adventurous outdoor scenes or POV shots that really put viewers in the moment. Video resolution is excellent, supporting up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and crisp videos, while 27MP photos deliver sharp images. Its standout feature is the advanced HyperSmooth stabilization that keeps footage steady even in rough conditions, making it ideal for fast-paced activities.

The camera is waterproof and durable, designed to handle tough environments without extra housing. The included Enduro battery improves battery life, though heavy use at high settings may still require spare batteries for extended shoots. Mounting options are versatile with standard GoPro mounts included, allowing easy attachment to helmets, bikes, or other gear. Connectivity through USB-C is standard, and storage depends on microSD cards, which are sold separately.

One downside is that while it captures impressive vertical video for social media, the ultra wide lens can sometimes cause distortion around edges, which may need editing to fix. The price might be higher compared to non-ultra wide models, but the added immersive field of view and professional stabilization provide great value for content creators focused on action and adventure. This camera suits outdoor enthusiasts, vloggers, and social media users wanting standout footage with minimal fuss.

The DJI Osmo 360 Camera is a strong choice if you're looking for a high-quality 360° action camera with impressive video and photo capabilities. It shoots ultra-high-resolution 8K videos and 120MP photos, which means you get very detailed and vibrant images, even in low light thanks to its 1-inch sensor. The 170° ultra-wide view and smooth 4K at 120fps help capture fast action clearly, making it great for sports and adventurous activities. One of its highlights is the large 105GB built-in storage, so you can record a lot without worrying about running out of space quickly. The camera’s battery life is extended by including three batteries and a charging case, which is useful for long outdoor use, though it uses C batteries rather than rechargeable lithium-ion, which some users may find less convenient.

It’s also waterproof, making it suitable for action camera use in wet conditions. The magnetic quick-release mounting system offers flexibility to switch between 360° shots and single-lens vlogging easily, good for capturing different styles on the go. Sound quality is enhanced with four microphones and good wind noise reduction, adding to the immersive experience. The DJI Mimo app, which controls the camera, can be downloaded from DJI’s website, requiring an extra step compared to standard app stores. Connectivity is via USB and storage can be expanded with microSD cards.

Though relatively compact and lightweight, the camera weighs about a pound, so it’s not the smallest action camera available. This camera is well-suited for those who want top-tier video quality and detailed 360° capture in a durable package, especially for sports and outdoor adventures, but may require some patience with setup and battery management.

The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360° action camera that excels with its high-resolution 8K video at 30 frames per second, capturing incredibly detailed and immersive footage. Its dual large sensors and advanced AI chips enable strong performance even in low light, making it suitable for shooting in challenging conditions. A standout feature is the invisible selfie stick effect, which allows for unique third-person views without the stick showing up in shots—ideal for creative filming.

This camera offers excellent image stabilization with FlowState technology and a 360° horizon lock, ensuring videos stay smooth and level during fast or rough action. It is built tough with replaceable, scratch-resistant lenses and is waterproof up to 49 feet without extra housing, making it perfect for underwater adventures and rugged environments. Audio quality benefits from a new wind guard system that reduces wind noise, supporting clear sound during outdoor use.

Battery life is solid, providing about 3.5 hours of recording on a single charge with fast charging support to minimize downtime. The 2.5-inch touchscreen is user-friendly, and although it connects via USB, it relies on microSD cards for storage (sold separately). The included 114cm invisible selfie stick and lens cap add value, but a memory card needs to be purchased separately. While the camera is slightly heavier than some other action cameras, which might be noticeable during extended use or certain mounts, its interface and AI editing tools help simplify working with large 8K files, though beginners may face a slight learning curve. This camera suits adventurers, vloggers, and creative users who desire stunning 360° footage with advanced features like invisible selfie sticks and strong low-light performance, along with ruggedness, waterproofing, and smooth stabilization.