September 2023

Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 76 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

26 action cameras were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 2 Sep 2023, GoPro Hero11 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 9 expert endorsements. 7 experts out of 9 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking action video cameras start at $79.99 (Akaso V50X) and go up to $698 (Sony RX0 Mark II). Median action camera costs $338 (GoPro Hero11 Black).
$79.99
$698

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Action Camera
TechRadar
PCMag
Rtings.com
WIRED
Wirecutter
Camera Jabber
Pocket-lint
Tom's Guide
T3
Digital Camera World
1
- $338
GoPro Hero11 Black
The GoPro Hero11 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers impressive video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it ideal for capturing high-resolution footage in various scenarios.
1
1
-
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
- $249
GoPro Hero10 Black
The GoPro Hero10 Black is a highly praised action camera that offers exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases.
9
-
1
4
1
3
5
3
3
-
3
+1 $450
Insta360 X3
The Insta360 X3 is a 360-degree camera with impressive video quality, image stabilization, and durability, making it a reliable choice for capturing high-quality footage in various environments and for different purposes.
-
2
-
5
4
-
-
-
1
2
4
-1 $329
DJI Osmo Action 3
The DJI Osmo Action 3 is a highly recommended action camera that offers impressive video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and bundled accessories for enhanced shooting capabilities in various scenarios.
4
-
-
3
-
2
-
5
6
6
5
- $249
GoPro Hero 9 Black
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, and user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for capturing action-packed footage and creating high-quality videos.
-
5
-
8
2
6
-
6
7
-
6
- $405
Insta360 One RS
The Insta360 One RS Action Camera receives positive reviews for its impressive video quality, image stabilization, flexible storage options, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a great choice for action-packed activities and professional photographers or videographers.
-
8
-
2
-
-
4
2
4
-
7
- $400
Insta360 Go 3
The Insta360 Go 3 is a compact camera with impressive video quality, user-friendly features, and a range of accessories, making it suitable for various use cases.
6
7
-
-
-
-
3
4
5
-
8
- $277
DJI Action 2
The DJI Action 2 is a versatile action camera with impressive video quality, image stabilization, and a range of accessories, but it may struggle in low light conditions.
-
3
-
9
-
-
-
-
9
4
9
- $112
Akaso Brave 7 LE
The Akaso Brave 7 LE action camera receives positive reviews for its video quality, storage options, durability, battery life, user interface, and included accessories, making it a reliable and versatile option for outdoor activities.
2
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
10
New * $500
DJI Osmo Action 4
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a highly recommended action camera with excellent image stabilization, impressive video quality, and a range of convenient features, making it a versatile choice for action enthusiasts and videographers.
-
4
-
-
-
-
2
-
8
-
11
- $349
DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact camera with impressive video stabilization and decent video quality, making it a suitable choice for vloggers and videographers, although it may not be ideal for action shots or in rugged environments.
7
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
12
- $248
GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
The GoPro Hero11 Black Mini is a highly recommended action camera that excels in video quality, durability, and user interface, making it a top choice for outdoor and sports enthusiasts.
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
3
13
-3 Check price
Insta360 Go 2
The Insta360 Go 2 is a compact camera with impressive video quality, reliable image stabilization, user-friendly interface, and a range of accessories that enhance its versatility and usability.
-
-
4
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
14
-1 $399
GoPro Max
The GoPro Max is a highly recommended 360-degree camera that offers excellent video quality, image stabilization, and durability, making it ideal for capturing immersive footage in action-packed scenarios or for creating virtual reality content.
5
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15
-1 $499
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a versatile and durable camera that offers good video quality, making it ideal for capturing action and outdoor adventures, although some reviewers have mentioned issues with audio quality in video recordings.
8
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#9 $111.99 Akaso Brave 7 LE
#12 $248.50 GoPro Hero11 Black Mini
#2 $249 GoPro Hero10 Black
#5 $249 GoPro Hero 9 Black
#13 $274.99 Insta360 Go 2
#8 $276.99 DJI Action 2
#4 $329 DJI Osmo Action 3
#1 $338 GoPro Hero11 Black
#11 $349 DJI Pocket 2
#14 $399 GoPro Max
#7 $399.99 Insta360 Go 3
#6 $405 Insta360 One RS
#3 $449.99 Insta360 X3
#15 $499 Olympus Tough TG-6
#10 $499.99 DJI Osmo Action 4

We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 7 experts ranked GoPro Hero11 Black as #1.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best action camera for most people

Versatile aspect ratio for cropping
10-bit mode useful for color grading

Still not great in low lighting
Budget rivals offer better value

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best Action Cam Overall / Editors' Choice

Great-looking 5.3K60 video
4K120 and 2.7K240 slow-motion
10-bit color sampling
Numerous time-lapse modes
Waterproof to 33 feet
Solid touch interface and voice command support
Subscription service with useful features

Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
One battery won't get you through the day

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Overall

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The ultimate in frame rates and features

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Great quality video
Excellent stabilisation and horizon correction
4K 120p video for slow motion creation

Doesn't make a significant step-up from Hero10 Black
Can be hard to open the battery compartment
First time connection with a smartphone can be very frustrating

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best action camera overall

Best in class stabilisation
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens

Fairly bulky
Quite expensive

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best action camera overall

Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization

Bulky

Go to ranking

T3

Best Action Camera for Vlogging

New sensor amps up the quality everywhere
Better battery life
Same physical dimensions as the Hero 10

Only incremental improvements over older model

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

The TikTok-ready action cam adds simplicity, and a new 8:7 sensor / Editor's Choice

Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Simplified interface for beginners

Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch sensitive
GoPro membership required to unlock features

Go to ranking

We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked GoPro Hero10 Black as #1.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best value older GoPro still available

Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization

Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Action Camera

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Value

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best action camera

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best value action camera

The best image quality around
Incredible image stabilisation
Extreme high resolution and frame rate options

Relatively heavy
Can be prone to overheating

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera

Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality

Heavy

Go to ranking

T3

Top-specced action camera for outdoor enthusiasts

Speedy and slick thanks to new processor
Higher resolution and framerate than H9
Water-repelling lens cover
Horizon leveling up to 45-degree tilt

Most expensive option
Battery can struggle to keep up

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend action video cameras.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of action video cameras, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking

We ranked Insta360 X3 #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Insta360 X3 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice

5.7K30 HDR video
Slim, waterproof build
Big touch screen with straightforward interface
Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
Loads of capture modes

Video must be processed before editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
Mobile editing app limits resolution

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best 360 Cam for the Action Enthusiast

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The action camera to capture everything

Go to ranking

T3

Best action camera to buy right now

AI-powered in-app image editing
Solid image performance
Waterproof and rugged design
Allows you to create horizontal and vertical videos of the same footage
Can be used as a webcam

Stitching is still not perfect

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

The best action cam for all-round 360-degree action

Phone-based editing
Big touchscreen
Familiar size and shape

We wish GPS was built into
5.7K isn't much when re-framing

Go to ranking

We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best value alternative to the GoPro Hero 11

Best-in-class diving specs
Convenient mounting setup

Poor low-light performance
Video quality can’t compete with GoPro

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Budget Camera

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

A great budget GoPro alternative

Solid video quality
Innovative mounting options
More affordable than a GoPro

Photo quality is limited to 12 MP
Upload and edit process is entirely manual

Go to ranking

T3

Best value-for-money action camera from DJI

Excellent value for money
Light and compact body with two LCDs
Can shoot photos in RAW
Excellent battery life
Magnetic mounting is very convenient

Comparatively small sensor (poor low-light performance)
Lower maximum video resolution than GoPro HERO 11 Black
No global positioning (a.k.a. GNSS)

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best action camera for low light work

Dual touchscreen control
Good vlogging tool in vertical or horizontal
No module confusion (compared to Action 2)
Extreme batteries included as standard
Cheaper than GoPro
No subscription payments required

12-megapixel images and 4K maximum video resolution
No period of cloud backup included
We’d like to see a start and stop timer
Vertical format use requires frame
Voice control somewhat spotty

Go to ranking

We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers

Up to 5K quality at 30fps
Front-facing color LCD
Exceptional video stabilization
Up to 240fps HD slow motion
Time-lapse, buffering, and HDR imaging
USB-C charging
Strong app support
Compact and waterproof

You'll likely want to carry extra batteries
Subscription service adds recurring costs
Discounted pricing not available from all retailers

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best On Sale

Go to ranking

Wirecutter

The best budget-friendly action camera

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion

Mods are expensive
Not great in low light

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

An older GoPro

Front-facing screen
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality

Heavy

Go to ranking

T3

Best affordable GoPro action camera

Integrated front-facing screen
Removable lens cover
Native horizon levelling
Very easy to use

Not quite as slick as the HERO 10
No hydrophobic lens cover

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 One RS #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage

Compact design
Swappable lens modules
Waterproof to 16 feet
Stabilized 4K60 and 5.7K 360 video
HDR available at 4K30
2:35 wide-screen mode
Mobile and desktop app support

In-camera mics disappoint outdoors
Modular design can get in the way
Small touch LCD
Battery only good for 75 minutes of 4K
Heat can limit long-form recordings

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best for Those Who Want It All

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best modular action camera

The most configurable of the bunch
Robust and waterproof despite modularity
Up to three cameras in one

Small screen
Can't compete with GoPro on image quality

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

This 360 camera has a modular design

Innovative modular design
Multiple lens options including 360 lens
Reversible screen for front facing option
Impressive in-camera stabilization

Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting

Go to ranking

T3

Best action camera for versatility

Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life

Fiddly SD/Charge port cover

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best modular action camera with a tiny design

Action Pod adds lots of functionality
Convenient magnetic mounting

Lower resolution than rivals
Weak low-light performance

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best Wearable Action Cam

Stabilized 2.7K30 video
Versatile, ultra-compact design
Waterproof to 16 feet
Action Pod attachment has flip-forward touch LCD

Action Pod housing isn't submersible
Non-removable battery and no storage expansion slot
Some video modes require post-processing
Wearable footage looks unsteady

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best micro action camera

Tiny and unobtrusive
Remote monitoring with the Action Pod
Excellent mounting options

Quality can't compare to larger cameras
More expensive than its predecessor

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best tiny action camera

Incredibly small
Good looking 2.7K video
Great auto mode and filters
No recording time limit

No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support
Poor low light performance

Go to ranking

T3

Best action camera for POV shooting

Versatile shooting modes
New magnetic mount system works with or without Action Pod
Action Pod allows for smoother on-the-go operation than GO 2's clamshell pod

Resolution doesn't match full-size action cameras
It would be great if the action cam had a replaceable battery so you could record POV footage for longer

Go to ranking

We ranked DJI Action 2 #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Most Innovative Design

Tiny, go-anywhere form factor
Magnetic mount and snap-on accessories
Effective digital stabilization
Up to 4K120 video
12MP photos
Waterproof to 33 feet
Works as a webcam

Front screen option pushes price high
Overheating is a concern
No card slot or charging port on main camera module
Front screen and battery aren't waterproof

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Ultralight

Go to ranking

T3

An innovative, modular action cam

Compact and lightweight
Modular, magnetic system is inspired
Excellent image stabilisation

Overheating cuts off video clips
Not great in low light

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

The Best Modular Action Camera

Use compact or with combo unit
Dual touchscreen interface
Live streaming

Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Secondary unit must be attached to charge or use memory cards

Go to ranking

We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best cheap action camera you can buy

Dual screens
Case-free water resistance
Class-leading build quality

Poor 60fps footage
Jumpy electronic stabilization
Cheaper options have better 4K

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Budget Action Camera

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best Budget action camera

Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price

Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof

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We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Low-Light Action Cam

Wide-angle lens with excellent digital stabilization
Front and rear touch screens
Up to 4K120 slow motion
10-bit D-Log color
Waterproof to 59 feet
Works as a webcam

Smartphone-based product activation
Quick-release mount is easy to lose
Rear display isn't visible through polarized sunglasses

Go to ranking

Pocket-lint

Best action camera for low-light

Unmatched low-light performance
Brilliant front-facing touchscreen
Awesome magnetic mounting system

Very similar to its predecessor
On the pricey side

Go to ranking

T3

Best action camera for

Improved low-light performance
Goes 18m/59ft underwater without a case
Front and rear LCD touchscreens
Accessory can collect GPS data
Easy to swap between horizontal and vertical

No 5.7K video resolution
Small upgrade on predecessor

Go to ranking

We ranked DJI Pocket 2 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best action camera for handheld vlogging

Useful gimbal stabilization
Impressive tracking

Poor low light performance
Can get hot while filming 4K

Go to ranking

Rtings.com

Best Handheld Action Camera

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Digital Camera World

Best gimbal-stabilized action camera

Sensational stabilization
Fantastic pocketability
Simple operation

Relies heavily on extras and accessories

Go to ranking

We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Camera Jabber

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

best mini action camera

Up to 5.3K video
4K at 120fps and 2.7K at 240fps
Dual mounting points

No touchscreen
Still bigger than Hero Session
Battery can't be swapped

Go to ranking

We ranked Insta360 Go 2 #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Rtings.com

Most Portable Action Camera

Go to ranking

Camera Jabber

Miniscule size
Easy to use
Waterproof
Good video quality

No 4K video
No microSD card slot

Go to ranking

We ranked GoPro Max #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best action camera for shooting in 360

Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video
In-camera stitching

Low-resolution 2D footage
Not the best in low light

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best Audio in a 360 Cam

360-degree capture
Also works as a single-lens camera
Intuitive software tools
Strong stabilization
Good in-camera audio
Waterproof without a case
Integrated mounting clips

Effective resolution is really 1080p
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage

Go to ranking

We ranked Olympus Tough TG-6 #15 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best tough compact camera for action

Internally stacked zoom lens
Up to 4K video resolution

Quality drops in bright conditions
Small sensor at its core

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best for Underwater Action

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