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10 Best Budget Action Cams 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#2

GoPro HERO13 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Video, 27MP Photo + Compatability with HB-Series Lenses

Rating
9.8
Resolution
Waterproofing

Most important from
907 reviews

Resolution
The video quality is unreal—sharp, smooth, and crystal clear, even when on the move.
Waterproofing
Super easy to set up and use, with an awesome waterproof feature for beach trips and underwater shots.

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.

Rating
9.8
Resolution
Waterproofing

Most important from
907 reviews

Resolution
The video quality is unreal—sharp, smooth, and crystal clear, even when on the move.
Waterproofing
Super easy to set up and use, with an awesome waterproof feature for beach trips and underwater shots.
#3

Insta360 GO 3S - 128 GB Black 4K Tiny Portable Vlogging Camera, Hands-Free POVs, Mount Anywhere, Stabilization, 140 Min Battery Life, 10m Waterproof, Pet POV

Rating
9.6
Image Stabilization
Waterproofing
Battery Life

Most important from
846 reviews

Image Stabilization
FlowState stabilization delivers impressively smooth, gimbal-like footage that enhances the quality of 4K videos despite the compact form factor.
Waterproofing
The camera itself is waterproof up to 10 meters, but the Action Pod is not, limiting underwater use unless paired with an additional dive case.
Battery Life
Battery life supports around two and a half hours of recording, which is respectable, but the inability to swap batteries and the pod’s continuous charging drain require mindful management.
Mounting Options
The camera’s tiny size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry and mount almost anywhere, enabling unique hands-free POV shots that add a creative edge to everyday adventures.

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.

Rating
9.6
Image Stabilization
Waterproofing
Battery Life

Most important from
846 reviews

Image Stabilization
FlowState stabilization delivers impressively smooth, gimbal-like footage that enhances the quality of 4K videos despite the compact form factor.
Waterproofing
The camera itself is waterproof up to 10 meters, but the Action Pod is not, limiting underwater use unless paired with an additional dive case.
Battery Life
Battery life supports around two and a half hours of recording, which is respectable, but the inability to swap batteries and the pod’s continuous charging drain require mindful management.
Mounting Options
The camera’s tiny size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry and mount almost anywhere, enabling unique hands-free POV shots that add a creative edge to everyday adventures.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Action Cams

When choosing a budget action camera, it's important to consider the key specifications that will impact your overall experience and the quality of your footage. Action cameras are designed to capture high-energy activities, so you'll want to ensure that the camera you choose can handle your specific needs. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the video or photo. Higher resolution means more detail and clarity. Common resolutions for budget action cams include 1080p (Full HD) and 720p (HD). If you plan to use your footage for social media or personal viewing, 1080p is usually sufficient. However, if you want higher quality for larger screens or professional use, you might consider looking for a camera that offers 4K resolution, even in the budget range.
Frame RateFrame rate is the number of frames captured per second (fps). Higher frame rates result in smoother video, especially during fast movements. Common frame rates are 30fps and 60fps. For general use, 30fps is adequate, but if you plan to capture a lot of fast-paced action, such as sports or adventure activities, 60fps or higher will provide better results.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization helps reduce camera shake and produce smoother footage, which is particularly important for action shots. There are two main types: electronic image stabilization (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS). EIS is more common in budget action cams and is generally sufficient for most users. If you plan to use the camera in very dynamic environments, look for models with good EIS performance.
WaterproofingWaterproofing is crucial if you plan to use your action camera in wet or underwater conditions. Some budget action cams come with waterproof cases, while others are waterproof without additional housing. Check the depth rating to ensure it meets your needs. For casual use, a depth rating of 10 meters (33 feet) is usually enough, but for diving or more intense water activities, look for higher ratings.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use the camera before needing to recharge. This is especially important for long activities or trips. Budget action cams typically offer between 1 to 2 hours of continuous recording. Consider your usage patterns and whether you might need extra batteries or a portable charger to ensure you don't run out of power during important moments.
Mounting OptionsMounting options refer to the different ways you can attach the camera to various surfaces or gear. Versatile mounting options allow you to capture unique angles and perspectives. Look for action cams that come with a variety of mounts or are compatible with popular mounting systems. Think about how you plan to use the camera—whether on a helmet, bike, or surfboard—and ensure the camera can be securely mounted in those scenarios.
ConnectivityConnectivity features, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allow you to easily transfer footage to your smartphone or other devices. This can be useful for quick sharing and editing. Some budget action cams also offer app support for remote control and live streaming. If you value convenience and the ability to share your adventures on the go, look for models with good connectivity options.

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