January 2025
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of action video cameras rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 15 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 79 action camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
29 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 15 Jan 2025, GoPro Hero12 Black takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed action camera with 8 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 action camera' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
insta360: 8 action cameras
(#1 is Insta360 X4)
-
GoPro: 7 action cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero12 Black)
-
DJI: 5 action cameras
(#1 is DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro)
-
Akaso: 3 action cameras
(#1 is Akaso Brave 7 LE)
-
OM System: 1 action cameras
(#1 is OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
PCMag
|
WIRED
|
Camera Jabber
|
Tom's Guide
|
Wirecutter
|
Popular Science
|
T3
|
TechRadar
|
Digital Camera World
|
Pocket-lint
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $319 |
GoPro Hero12 Black
The GoPro Hero12 Black is a highly praised action camera known for its exceptional video quality, durability, user-friendly interface, and range of accessories, making it a top choice for capturing action-packed moments and stunning footage in various settings.
|
2
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $349 |
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $500 |
GoPro Hero13 Black
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Insta360 X4
|
3
|
6
|
5
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
3
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $300 |
Insta360 Ace Pro
The Insta360 Ace Pro is a high-quality action camera that offers industry-leading video quality, excellent image stabilization, durability, and user-friendly features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
2
|
|
6
|
- | $328 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
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.
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
|
8
|
- | $430 |
Insta360 GO 3S
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $280 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $279 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
|
11
|
- | $209 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $300 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $110 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $500 |
OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $286 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked GoPro Hero12 Black #1 in January 2025 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked GoPro Hero12 Black as #1.
PCMag
Best for Slow Motion / Editor's Choice
|
Class-leading video stabilization
10-bit HDR, GP-Log, and SDR video profiles
Up to 5.3K60, 4K120, or 2.7K240 recording
More useful Easy Controls than on Hero11
Front and rear displays
Pro controls and timecode sync
Tough, waterproof build
Small enough to mount in tight spots
|
Drops long-running GPS feature
Only a few headphones support wireless audio feature
One battery won't last all day
|
Camera Jabber
|
Extended Battery Life
Advanced HDR Video
Innovative Wide-Angle Lens
|
High Cost
Limited Resolution Upgrade
Complex New Features
|
Tom's Guide
The best older GoPro
|
Bluetooth support for audio
Cheaper than previous model
Outstanding video performance
Horizon lock feature
Intuitive to operate
|
Specs largely unchanged from Hero11
Premium editing features paywall
|
Popular Science
Best overall
|
Improved photo performance
Longer run times with the Enduro battery
Award-winning stabilization
Vertical video support
|
Not much of an upgrade over the Hero 11
Low-light performance is still mediocre
|
T3
Best action camera overall
|
Serious feature upgrades for pros and beginners
Improved battery life
Bluetooth audio support for headphones
Stabilisation enhancements
|
1/4-20 mounting has its limitations
Max photo/video resolution hasn't changed
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera overall
|
Mounts to tripods without an adapter
Can record audio with Bluetooth mics/earbuds
Longer battery life and better thermals
|
Very similar to the Hero 11
No onboard GPS
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro #2 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro as #1.
PCMag
Best Overall / Editor's Choice
|
10-bit 4K120 video
Class-leading battery life
Continuous recording without overheating
Extremely effective digital stabilization
Dual touch displays
Waterproof to 65.6 feet
Small, mountable design
|
Smartphones are better in dim light
App features not as strong as GoPro
|
Camera Jabber
|
Excellent image quality
Extended battery life
Built-in subject tracking
|
Incremental feature upgrades
Limited lens options
Cage can be annoying
|
Tom's Guide
The best action camera for most people
|
Lovely 4K video and strong audio
Pro recording features
Best in class waterproofing
$50 cheaper than a GoPro
Wireless DJI mic hookup
47GB Internal storage
|
Tops out at 4K
|
TechRadar
The best alternative to the GoPro Hero 13 Black
|
Good dynamic range and detail
Impressively rugged build
Long battery life
|
Video resolution tops out at 4K
SuperNight video is still grainy
|
Digital Camera World
Best Overall / Editor's Choice
|
0-bit video
Waterproof to 20m
Best battery life (beats 3 hours in real-world testing)
Built-in 47GB storage
Rational phone control app
|
No 5.3K video
Magnetic clips catch fingers on removal
Not a cheap option
|
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 January 2025 ranking
PCMag
WIRED
Camera Jabber
Tom's Guide
Wirecutter
Popular Science
T3
TechRadar
Digital Camera World
Pocket-lint
We ranked GoPro Hero13 Black #3 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked GoPro Hero13 Black as #1.
PCMag
Best for Conversion Lens Support
|
Superb digital video stabilization
10-bit HDR HLG, GP-Log, and SDR profiles available
Continuous 5.3K60, 4K120, and 2.7K240 capture
Short slow-motion clips at up to 400fps
Dual displays
Rugged, waterproof chassis
Small enough to mount
|
New battery provides minor improvements
Accessory lenses and mounts add to cost
Rear screen is overdue for an upgrade
|
Camera Jabber
|
Outstanding video quality
New magnetic clip
Part of a larger ecosystem
|
Still expensive
|
Tom's Guide
The best for pros and creatives
|
Great video and stabilization
Pro recording features
Versatile lens mod mount
Magnetic mounting (finally)
Upgraded battery
|
Few major updates over predecessor
Battery and displays lag behind DJI
|
TechRadar
The best action camera for most people
|
Useful auto-detected Lens Mods
Excellent 5.3K video quality
Improved battery life
|
Unchanged sensor and resolution
Processing time of slow-mo clips
Low light results aren’t the best
|
Digital Camera World
The GoPro Hero 13 Black puts GoPro back at the front – just – with useful lens adaptors
|
Lenses offer new creative opportunities
GPS is back
400fps burst mode
A wealth of recording options
|
No significant spec updates
Poor low-light performance
Almost everything new costs extra
|
We ranked Insta360 X4 #4 in January 2025 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice
|
Up to 8K video capture
Easy to hold and use
Waterproof build
Large touch screen
Capable editing software
|
Accessories add to cost
Runs hot
|
Camera Jabber
|
Easy 360 design
Large global community
|
Over complex app
Editing footge requires steep learning curve
|
Tom's Guide
The best 360 action camera
|
8K/30p 360 recording (reframes at 2.7K)
4K/60p single lens recording
4K invisible selfie stick mode
Bullet time slow motion mode
Incredibly battery life & thermal performance
Insta360 app ideal for 360 footage
|
Pricey
Bulky compared to action cameras
|
T3
Best 360° action camera
|
Upgraded to 8k max resolution and 100 fps max frame rate
Lens cover and carry pouch come in the box
Serious improvements in battery life
Rugged housing and Gorilla Glass touchscreen
|
Hardware is bulkier and heavier than before
|
TechRadar
The best action camera for shooting in 360
|
Detailed 8K resolution
Superb battery life
Plenty of video modes
|
Average low-light quality
Stitch line in 360 footage
Huge 8K file sizes
|
Digital Camera World
Best 360 action camera might be the only action camera you need
|
8K resolution makes a significant difference to 360
4K60 single camera means it can be your only action camera
Rugged design including detachable lens covers
Can connect to external mics like DJI Mic 2
|
Battery life when shooting 8K could be better
You need an invisible selfie stick to get the best shots
"Shoot first, frame later" isn't for everyone.
|
We ranked Insta360 Ace Pro #5 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Insta360 Ace Pro as #1.
Camera Jabber
|
Excellent video quality
Easy-to-use flip screen
Huge range of features
|
Over complex App
Screen design won't appeal to all
|
T3
Best action camera overall
|
Perfect for vlogging, thanks to the large, pivoting display
Large sensor for better low-light performance
A variety of shooting modes, up to 8K and 120 fps (in 4K)
Lens co-engineered with optics-giant Leica
Magnetic quick-release attachment is pretty cool
|
Vertical shooting requires the camera to be tipped on its side
|
TechRadar
The best premium action camera with 8K recording
|
8K video resolution
Great stabilization
Good HDR shooting
|
More expensive than rivals
Heavier than other options
|
Digital Camera World
Best Vlogging
|
Shoot at up to 8K
Flip-screen is (surprisingly) useful
Has dash-cam mode
|
8K is limited to 30fs
Slightly bulkier than some premium action cams
|
Pocket-lint
Best action camera for low-light
|
Truly unmatched low-light performance
Handy flip-up screen
The best app in the business
|
The most expensive action camera on the market
FOV not as wide as the Hero 12 or Action 4
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 4 #6 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Camera Jabber
|
Solid build
10-Bit D-Log Video
4K @ 120fps
|
No huge leaps in technology
Cage required for vertical mounting
|
Tom's Guide
The best budget action camera
|
Great image quality
Large sensor
D-Log recording
Decent internal audio
4K/120p slow-mo
Awesome mounting options
|
GoPro Hero12 Black similarly priced
App missing core editing features
No resolutions over 4K
|
Popular Science
Best for vlogging
|
Image quality has been improved
Waterproof down to 52 feet
Front and rear touchscreen
High-capacity battery for long recording sessions
|
Video quality tops out at 4K
Limited photo quality
|
T3
Best mid-range action camera
|
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
|
Digital Camera World
Best Value Premium / Editor's Choice
|
Waterproof to 18m
Image stabilization and horizon balancing at up to 4K
DJI's accessories include a long, light extension pole
Noise-cancelling three-mic system
Excellent phone control app
|
The horizon balance feature doesn't reach maximum frame rates
No 5.3K video
Magnetic clips catch fingers on removal
|
Pocket-lint
Best GoPro alternative
|
Superb low-light performance
Brilliant front-facing touchscreen
Awesome magnetic mounting system
|
Very similar to its predecessor
On the pricey side
|
We ranked Insta360 Go 3 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Popular Science
Best for beginners
|
Stabilized video
Unique magnetic mounting options
Versatile modular design with the Action Pod
Tiny size is very convenient
|
Photos are only INSP or DNG
Built-in memory is limiting
|
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
|
Digital Camera World
A tiny camera that pops in and out of a flip-screen vlogging case
|
Versatile design
Strong magnet
Easy to use
Excellent app
|
Maxes-out at 2.7K video
Average image stabilization
Lots of accessories
|
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
|
We ranked Insta360 GO 3S #8 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best small action camera
|
Incredibly small
Good looking 4K video
Great stabilization
Strong auto exposure
Fantastic app
|
No removable storage
Camera gets warm
No external mic support
|
TechRadar
The best modular action camera with a tiny design
|
Tiny design and versatile mounting
Shoot first, frame later in 4K
|
Action Pod isn’t fully waterproof
Image quality isn’t the best out there
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #9 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #10 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
The best GoPro for most people is not the newest
|
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
|
Pocket-lint
Best value action camera
|
Now excellent value
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens
|
Fairly bulky
Misses out on some of the latest features
|
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black Mini #11 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Popular Science
Best small
|
Tiny form factor is less intrusive
Award-winning stabilization
Excellent video quality
Two mounting points
|
No display for framing
No dedicated photo mode
|
Digital Camera World
Super compact and durable option for helmet cam and FPV
|
Compact size
Two sets of folding fingers for mounting
Excellent video quality
Effective image stabilization
|
No LCD displays
Built-in battery
No photo mode
|
We ranked Insta360 One RS #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
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
|
T3
Best hybrid action camera (wide angle/360-degree)
|
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Popular Science
Best budget
|
Comes with waterproof housing
Front and rear-facing screen
Stabilization is fairly effective
Affordable
|
Photo and video quality are lacking
Image stabilization results in heavy crop
|
Digital Camera World
You don't need to break the bank for a 4K action camera
|
Selfie screen
Effective image stabilization
High resolution photos
Endless mounts
Two batteries provided
|
Can’t capture 4K at 60fps
Selfie screen is very small
Not natively waterproof
|
We ranked OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best tough compact camera for action
|
Durable yet pocket-friendly
Fun to shoot with
|
Image quality is average
Screen isn’t touch-sensitive
|
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best action video cameras” rankings.
Camera Jabber
|
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
T3
Best budget 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
|