10 Best Budget Action Cams 2025 in the United States

The Insta360 X5 Get-Set Bundle is a standout option for those wanting a budget-friendly action camera with premium features. It shoots ultra-high-quality 8K video at 30 frames per second, capturing detailed 360° footage with sharp colors and great clarity, making it ideal for adventurous users who want immersive videos. Its advanced triple AI chips help the camera perform well even in low light, a feature not common in many budget cams. The FlowState Stabilization and 360° horizon lock keep videos smooth and level without extra equipment, which is great for action shots. Waterproof up to 49 feet without needing an extra case means it's ready for swimming or diving. The battery lasts about 3 hours, which is quite generous, and it charges quickly to 80% in 20 minutes, so downtime is minimal.

The invisible selfie stick effect and AI-powered editing tools make framing and sharing your videos easy, even if you're new to video editing. It connects via USB only, which might limit wireless sharing options some users expect, and it uses MicroSD cards, which you have to buy separately. The camera is a bit heavier than some competitors at over 2 pounds, which might affect portability. Also, while it has mounting options via the included invisible selfie stick, additional mounts may be needed for versatile setups. This camera suits users looking for high-quality 360° video with great stabilization and waterproof features without breaking the bank, especially if they value easy-to-use AI tools and solid battery performance.

The GoPro HERO13 Black Ultra Wide Edition is designed to deliver immersive and high-quality action footage, especially appealing for outdoor enthusiasts who want a wider view of their adventures. Its standout feature is the Ultra Wide Lens Mod, which expands the field of view to 177°, capturing more of the scene than typical action cams. This makes it ideal for those who want dramatic landscapes or more dynamic point-of-view shots. It records sharp video at up to 5.3K resolution and 60 frames per second, which means smooth, detailed footage that’s great for replaying fast action. The HyperSmooth stabilization is excellent, keeping videos steady even during rough activities, so you don’t get shaky or blurry results. The camera is waterproof, letting you confidently take it in water-based activities without extra housing.

Battery life is improved with the included Enduro battery, offering longer use in cold or demanding conditions, although heavy use of high-res video will still drain it faster. Mounting options are versatile with included mounts and standard GoPro accessories, making it easy to attach to helmets, bikes, or other gear. Connectivity is straightforward through USB-C, and the compact 2.27-inch screen allows easy framing and settings adjustments. On the downside, while this model offers impressive specs, it might be pricier than other budget options, and beginners might find the variety of settings a bit overwhelming at first. Also, although it excels in video quality and stabilization, the ultra-wide lens may introduce some distortion at the edges of the frame, which might not suit all shooting styles.

This GoPro represents a strong choice for those wanting high-quality, immersive videos with reliable stabilization and waterproofing, especially if you value a wider field of view and are willing to invest a bit more to access these enhanced features.

The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a solid budget action camera, standing out with its impressive 4K resolution at 120fps, offering crisp and smooth video quality. The 1/1.3″ sensor is excellent for low-light environments, making it great for nighttime adventures. Enhanced subject tracking with the 4nm chip ensures that fast-moving subjects remain in focus, which is beneficial for action-packed sports and vlogs.

The image stabilization feature, 360° HorizonSteady, provides ultra-stable footage, minimizing shakes and jitters even in intense activities. It’s designed to be waterproof, allowing underwater shooting without additional housing, ideal for water sports enthusiasts. The long battery life of up to 4 hours supports extended recording sessions without frequent recharges. Dual OLED touchscreens offer vibrant and precise control, enhancing the user experience during both recording and playback.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, facilitating easy sharing and control via the DJI Mimo App, although the app's unavailability on Google Play might be inconvenient for some users. The standard combo includes basic accessories, with the flexibility to upgrade for more extensive use. The camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to mount in various scenarios. However, while professional audio capture is a plus, it might require additional purchases like the DJI Mic for optimal performance. It caters well to sports enthusiasts, vloggers, and those looking to capture daily adventures with high-quality video and reliable performance.