Capture the Action on a Budget: Best Cheap Action cameras

The following is a roundup of some of the top cheap action cameras. They aim to assist you in capturing your outdoor activities without putting a significant dent in your financial resources. The webcams shown on this page have all been selected because they provide a high bang for the buck.

And just because the price is lower doesn’t mean you have to give up any of the best features; thanks to trickle-down technology, some of the products in our lineup boast top-of-the-line features that were once only available on the most expensive models; we’re talking about 4K60FPS video, in-camera image stabilization, hyper-lapse video modes, HDR photography, and more.

You will want to look at our rating of the finest action cameras if you are interested in the most sophisticated models (currently topped by the outstanding but admittedly expensive GoPro HERO 11 Black). But even if your finances won’t allow you to spend so much or your requirements don’t justify such an expenditure, the inexpensive action cameras you’ll find on this page are nonetheless outstanding.

The industry leader GoPro raises the bar even higher for itself with each new product release; nevertheless, even older GoPro cameras have a vast array of capabilities and are more likely to be included in a GoPro purchase.

Now that the HERO 11 has been released, even the exceptional GoPro HERO 10 Black may be purchased at a discounted cost. And that’s not the only action camera line that’s worth a look, either, and there are lots of outstanding GoPro alternatives in our ranking – one of the leading brands to look out for is Akaso – many of which have one-of-a-kind USPs that could fit your needs even better than others.

Height:  1.6″ (4.1 cm) | Width:  2.4″ (6.0 cm) | Depth:  1.3″ (3.2 cm) | Volume:  4.8 in³ (78.7 cm³) | Weight:  0.15 lbs (0.07 kg)

AKASO is quickly becoming one of the most well-known in the market for cheap action cameras. However, the only camera in their lineup that can record at 4K at 30 frames per second is the flagship model, the V50.

The Akaso V50X is the improved version of the V50, which you have probably never heard of because it has been enhanced. On the other hand, in terms of specifications, it is considerably more analogous to the earlier V50 Pro than it is to the V50. It has a touchscreen with an IPS display measuring 2 inches, a viewing angle that can be adjusted, WiFi, and a gyroscope, just like the V50 Pro.

The 20-megapixel Sony sensor creates breathtaking footage during the day and sound video recordings throughout the night (no action camera can produce great nighttime footage because the sensors are so small). In addition, because you can record at broad angles of up to 170 degrees, you won’t be able to miss anything in the photos you take.

Compared to the V50, the touchscreen is undoubtedly the most significant and pleasant new addition. In addition, this brings it closer to other GoPro models, including touchscreens, since the HERO5 mode is already relatively old.

Screen: 2.0 inch IPS | Video Resolution: 4K 30fps/ 2.7k 30fps/ 1440P 60fps/ 1080P 60fps/ 720P 120fps | Sensor: Panasonic MN34120 Sensor | Field of View: Wide (170degrees), Medium, Narrow. | Image Resolution: 20M/ 16M/ 12M/ 10M/ 8M/ 5M/ 3M/ VGA | Storage: micro SD up to 128GB | Shooting Mode: Single Shot / Self-timer (1s/3s/5s/10s) | Time-lapse Video: 1s/2s/5s/10s/the 30s/60s | Battery Capacity: 3.7V Li-ion Battery 1350 mAh

The Apeman Two is one of the most reasonably priced native 4K action cameras you can get. It records high-quality video with electronic image stabilization and has everything you need to get started capturing video.

In the past, it had an advantage over the AKASO V50 because it fits larger 1350mAh batteries, providing it with longer battery life. However, this advantage is void because the V50X is now equipped with 1350mAh batteries. As a result, both can continuously record an impressive 180 minutes at a resolution of 1080p.

Compared to the AKASO V50X, its f 1.8 lens and Panasonic image sensor enable it to shoot better resolution still photographs at 20MP. Still, whether my action camera captures 12MP or 20MP photos doesn’t make much difference. Additionally, the price is reduced somewhat.

On the other hand, the TRAWO’s 2-inch IPS retina display does not have a touchscreen, which makes using the camera a little bit more complicated than it might be. Indeed, the vast majority of the time, all you need to do is push the record button, but for the other ten percent of the time, there’s no touchscreen to help you through the convoluted menus.

Video: UHD 4K & 2.5K at 30 fps | 1080p up to 120 fps / 720p up to 240 fps | Max Image: 12MP Photos | Max Burst: 30 fps Burst Mode | Lens: Ultra-Wide-Angle Glass Lens

It is not a secret that Yi is GoPro’s most significant rival. The image quality of the Yi 4K+ is frequently compared to that of the HERO line of cameras produced by GoPro.

The Yi 4K, the younger brother of the 4K+, may frequently be obtained at a price lower than $100. In addition, the Yi 4K is a highly reliable action camera since it can record in 4K at 30 frames per second, it can take 12-megapixel raw still images with electronic image stabilization, and it has a great scratch-resistant, 2.2-inch touchscreen display made of gorilla glass.

The total cost of the bundle is somewhat high considering its contents. In addition, it does not come with an accessory pack, which is often included when you purchase an inexpensive action camera.

Even if most of us don’t intend to put our action cameras to our heads or take them swimming, that isn’t the point of having them in the first place. Unfortunately, it does not provide the same excellent value for the money it did in 2017, even though it is a camera that is not superior to the AKASO V50X or the Apeman TRAWO.

Dimensions: 71.5 × 42.7 × 29.5 mm | Weight: 99g | Display: Built-in 2.4-inch touchscreen, 960×480pixels | Processor: Ambarella A12S75

In just a few short years, Xiaomi has rapidly built a solid name for itself as a maker of Android phones that are both of good quality and affordable price. It would appear that they are also attempting to get into the market for action cameras now.

The Xiaomi MI Mijia 4K is a top-tier native 4K action camera that the company offers. The quality of the capture is comparable to that of the V50X and the Yi 4K. Additionally, the camera body has a very sophisticated and seductive appearance.

Although there was a great deal of excitement surrounding the launch of the Mijia 4K, the product’s sales have not been very impressive. This is partly because it is prohibitively costly (it costs over $100 and does not support 4K at 60 frames per second), and somewhat, its maximum field of vision is restricted to 145 degrees.

Product type: Action camera | Max Resolution: 4K@30fps | Screen: 2-inch touchscreen | Controls: Direct, Touch, Voice | Waterproof: 40m with housing

It’s possible that utilizing a remote or fumbling about with the buttons on the action camera itself will become too cumbersome to bear at some point.

I’ve recently started using voice commands to manage my GoPro, but I’ve found that it’s a beneficial function.

Action cameras have recently added the capability to be controlled by speech through the use of a variety of spoken commands. However, even the most affordable action cameras have not yet implemented this capability in most models.

Regarding entry-level action cameras that support voice commands and cost less than one hundred dollars, your sole option is the AKASO Brave 6. (besides the more expensive ThiEYE T5 Edge I discussed earlier).

The voice commands are often comprised of brief words such as “Akaso Take Photo,” and the microphone inside the camera will pick up these phrases.

The AKASO Brave 6 comes equipped with a respectable 20-megapixel sensor, which is analogous to the one found in the AKASO EK7000. However, nothing particularly remarkable about it; it is typical of a good budget action camera.

Camera type: Action cam | Maximum video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps | Stills resolution: 20Mp | Stabilization: 6-axis | Screen: 2-inch rear touchscreen, small front screen | Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, HDMI | Weatherproofing: IPX7 water-resistance, waterproof case for down to 40m

Next up on our list of the best cheap action cameras is the Akaso Brave 7, a budget camera that yet manages to include a ton of enticing features and for which we believe the suggested retail price is more than justified. For example, it can record 4K video at 30 frames per second (although the image stabilization isn’t excellent), and it can capture still photographs at up to 20 megapixels, with a burst mode that can shoot up to 12-megapixel pictures at up to 15 frames per second.

It is waterproof up to 10 meters without the case, it features a 2-inch touchscreen on the back for straightforward controls, and it comes with a remote and supports voice commands in addition to being waterproof up to 10 meters. There are many cameras for the price, but don’t expect it to feel as lovely in your hands as a GoPro.

Video: 4K30, 2.7K30, 2K60, 2K30, 1080P90, and more | Photo: 20MP, 16MP, 12MP, 10MP, 8MP, 5MP | Burst: up to 12MP at 3 to 15 shots per second | Time Lapse Video: 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60-second intervals | Timewarp Video: None | Night Photo: 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 second exposure times | Waterproofing: 10 meters or 33 feet without the case | Touchscreen: 2″ rear LCD | GPS: None | Voice Control: Yes | Stabilisation: Electronic image stabilization

The Akaso Brave 7 LE is number Seven on our top affordable action cameras list. The palm of your hand is the perfect size for holding this camcorder. It weighs 127 grams, giving it a substantial feel, and the body, which is curved and made of metal and plastic, makes it seem and feel like a camera that would cost far more.

Voice control, time-lapse capabilities, and six-axis image stabilization are some of the features included in the Brave 7 LE, in addition to its most notable attribute, which is a screen located on the front of the device. However, this feature is usually reserved for more expensive models.

Considering that it also comes with a remote control, two batteries, a wide variety of mounts, and a waterproof enclosure, you’ll see that this camera offers an incredible amount of bang for your buck. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to find a camera that can compete with the Akaso Brave 7 LE in terms of its sturdy design, extensive feature set, and wallet-friendly pricing.

Video quality: 1440p30, 1080p60 | Battery life: 2 hours | Waterproof: 10m without case

The GoPro HERO 7 White is currently the best affordable action camera available. This handy camera was initially introduced in October 2018 as a cheaper alternative to GoPro’s flagship HERO 7 Black model.

Even though it is far from being the greatest GoPro currently available, the HERO 7 White still provides some excellent action cam technology in streamlined packaging that is, most importantly, relatively easy on the pocketbook.

The H7 White is compatible with most GoPro accessories, such as the company’s extensive range of mounts and housings. However, in contrast to the more recent GoPro models, there is not a ‘bunny ear’ mounting system built in, which means that you will need to place your camera inside of a frame before you can mount it to anything. The camera is also resistant to stress and can withstand water pressure up to 10 meters.

The two-inch touchscreen is snappy and can be used in bright sunlight. It offers quick access to the playing and settings functions. A built-in battery that cannot be removed provides approximately two hours of operation on a single charge.

Weight: 220g | Waterproof: Yes, to 3 metres | 4K video: No | 1080p video: No | 720p video: Yes (frame rate unspecified) | Stills resolution: 5 megapixels | Battery life: Not specified

This more conventional-looking and cheap action camera from Vivitar, available in various body colors, ticks most of the boxes despite offering a fairly pedestrian level of specification. It captures images at 5.1 megapixels, records video at a high definition 720P, and is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet or three meters.

This equipment keeps things straightforward by including a lithium-ion battery and charger, in addition to a helmet and bike mount, for recording video while the user is moving around. While this camera may not have a lot of bells and whistles, it does have a 1.8-inch LCD screen; like most other cameras in its class, it writes photographs to a microSD card.

Weight: 649g | Waterproof: Waterproof case supplied | 4K video: No | 1080p video: No | 720p video: Yes | Stills resolution: 1 megapixel | Battery life: 150 minute per charge

Children can use this exciting action camera when young as five, so parents can start their children a head start in filmmaking. But, unfortunately, the fundamental camera specifications are nothing to write about; it can only shoot in 720p, which only narrowly meets the criteria for high definition (HD). Moreover, the resolution of the still images is a mediocre one megapixel.

However, this camera is all about having fun, and it makes capturing action footage simple thanks to the fact that it comes with a floating handle, a waterproof shell, and a clamp that can be used to connect the camera to a bike. The camera has an internal capacity of 128 MB. However, it is highly recommended that you get a microSD card to ensure plenty of space for video recordings.

Weight: 67g | Waterproof: Yes, to 40 metres with dive case | 4K video: At up to 60fps | 1080p video: At up to 120fps | 720p video: At up to 240fps | Stills resolution: 20 megapixels | Battery life: Up to 80 minute per charge

This model falls in the center of Wolfang’s lineup of inexpensive action cameras, with a marginally lower price than our benchmark of one hundred dollars. It has a wide variety of resolutions and frame rates, letting you shoot 4K at either 60fps or the conventional 30fps, and for slow-mo lovers, the choice of a 240 frame-per-second option at 720p is also wanted. It impresses with its wide range of resolutions and frame rates on paper.

The camera comes with an entire package of mounts and accessories, one of which is a free underwater housing that can withstand depths up to 40 meters. This freebie is quite helpful. Check out our comprehensive review of the Wolfang GA300 here.

When looking for the best action camera, there are several factors to consider:

1. Resolution: The camera’s resolution will determine the footage’s quality. 4K key is currently the highest available and offers the best quality.
2. Photo Quality: If you’re planning to take still photos with your action camera, look for one with high resolution and advanced features such as burst mode and time-lapse.
3. Stabilization: Look for cameras with built-in image stabilization technology to help produce smooth, steady footage.
4. Waterproof and Durability: Most action cameras come with a waterproof case and are rated in meters to go underwater. Check if the camera you’re considering is durable enough for your intended use.
5. Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the camera. A camera with a long battery life will allow you to capture more footage without stopping and changing batteries.
6. Additional features: Some cameras have built-in GPS, voice control, or live streaming capabilities. Decide which features are important to you and look for cameras that offer them.
7. Brand & Price: Finally, you can check for the brand reputation and read reviews from other users. Compare the prices and features and choose the one that fits your budget and needs.

It’s also a good idea to compare different models and read customer reviews to get a sense of the pros and cons of each camera before making a decision.