10 Best Budget Action Cams 2025 in the United States

The GoPro HERO13 Black action camera positions itself as a strong contender in the budget-action-cam category. One of its standout features is the impressive 5.3K60 video resolution, which delivers stunning clarity and smooth motion—perfect for capturing high-quality action shots. The camera's 27MP photo capability further enhances its appeal for creators who value sharp imagery alongside video features. It also boasts legendary durability and waterproofing, making it a reliable choice for adventurous users who want to film in various environments, from the ocean to extreme sports settings.

Additionally, the HERO13 Black includes advanced image stabilization, ensuring that your videos remain steady even in demanding conditions, which is a significant plus for action-packed scenarios. Battery life has also seen improvements, allowing for extended shooting sessions, which is essential for users who don’t want to miss a moment.

While the HERO13 Black excels in video quality, it may come with a higher price point compared to other budget options on the market, which could be a drawback for those strictly looking for the most affordable solution. The camera's reliance on micro SD cards for storage might also pose a slight inconvenience for users unfamiliar with managing external storage. Furthermore, the connectivity options are limited to USB, which might not cater to everyone’s needs.

The GoPro HERO13 Black is ideal for creators and adventurers looking for a reliable, high-quality action camera that can handle various challenges. Budget-conscious buyers or those seeking simpler cameras for casual use may want to explore other models that offer essential features at a lower cost.

The Insta360 GO 3S is a compact and lightweight action camera that excels at capturing high-quality 4K footage with smooth, gimbal-like stabilization thanks to its FlowState technology. Its small size and magnetic mounting system allow you to film unique angles hands-free, making it ideal for vloggers and casual adventurers. The 2.2-inch flip screen on the Action Pod makes framing shots and controlling the camera convenient, while its 140-minute battery life supports longer recording sessions without frequent charging.

Waterproofing is solid—the camera itself can go underwater up to 10 meters, and with an additional dive case, it can reach depths of 60 meters, making it suitable for swimming and shallow diving. For connectivity, Wi-Fi enables easy video transfers and remote camera control. The built-in 128GB internal memory offers ample space for videos without needing extra cards.

One drawback is that the camera uses AAA batteries included in the Action Pod rather than a rechargeable battery inside the camera, which might be less convenient for some users. Despite excellent stabilization and wide-angle views, it is best suited for casual action filming or vlogging rather than professional-level shooting. If you want a durable, easy-to-use, and highly portable camera for everyday adventures and creative POV shots, the Insta360 GO 3S meets these needs effectively.