March 2023
Action Video Cameras: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Action Camera rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.
Summary
Between 4 Mar 2023 and 7 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 89 Action Camera endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
29 Action Video Cameras were endorsed in total, only 17 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 7 Mar 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. It is followed by GoPro Hero10 Black and GoPro Hero 9 Black , with 9 and 9 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
GoPro:
7 Action Cameras
(#1 is GoPro Hero11 Black Mini )
-
insta360:
6 Action Cameras
(#1 is Insta360 ONE X2 )
-
DJI:
4 Action Cameras
(#1 is Dji OSMO Action )
-
Akaso:
3 Action Cameras
(#1 is Akaso V50X )
-
Olympus:
2 Action Cameras
(#1 is Olympus Tough TG-Tracker )
Price breakdown
At a glance - March 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Action Camera |
Wirecutter
|
Tom's Guide
|
TechRadar
|
WIRED
|
Rtings.com
|
Camera Jabber
|
PCMag
|
T3
|
Pocket-lint
|
Digital Camera World
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $449 |
GoPro Hero11 Black
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $389 |
GoPro Hero10 Black
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
2
|
|
3
|
- | $300 |
GoPro Hero 9 Black
|
2
|
6
|
6
|
8
|
2
|
6
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
|
4
|
- | $329 |
DJI Osmo Action 3
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
|
5
|
- | $415 |
Insta360 One RS
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | $289 |
Insta360 Go 2
|
-
|
4
|
12
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
|
7
|
- | $260 |
DJI Action 2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
|
8
|
- | $430 |
Insta360 X3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $112 |
Akaso Brave 7 LE
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
10
|
- | $480 |
Insta360 One R
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $339 |
DJI Pocket 2
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
12
|
- | $500 |
GoPro Max
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
+1 | $210 |
GoPro Hero8
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
+1 | $399 |
GoPro Hero7 Black
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
+1 | $460 |
Olympus Tough TG-6
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
+1 | Check price |
Akaso Brave 8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | Check price |
SJCam SJ8 Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Action Camera |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | $111.99 | Akaso Brave 7 LE [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $210 | GoPro Hero8 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $259.95 | DJI Action 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $289 | Insta360 Go 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $299.99 | GoPro Hero 9 Black [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $328.99 | DJI Osmo Action 3 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $339 | DJI Pocket 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $389 | GoPro Hero10 Black [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $399 | GoPro Hero7 Black [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $415 | Insta360 One RS [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $430 | Insta360 X3 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $449 | GoPro Hero11 Black [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $460 | Olympus Tough TG-6 [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $479.99 | Insta360 One R [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $499.99 | GoPro Max [buy] [more info] |
We ranked GoPro Hero11 Black #1 in March 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.
Tom's Guide
The best action camera overall
|
Pros
Innovative editing features
Larger image sensor
Amazing motion stabilization
|
Cons
Bulky
|
TechRadar
The best flagship action cam for social cropping
|
Pros
Versatile aspect ratio for cropping
10-bit mode useful for color grading
|
Cons
Still not great in low lighting
Budget rivals offer better value
|
PCMag
Best Action Cam Overall / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not ideal for long-form recording or macro work
One battery won't get you through the day
|
T3
The current flagship GoPro is the best action camera you can buy
|
Pros
New sensor amps up the quality everywhere
Better battery life
Same physical dimensions as the Hero 10
|
Cons
Only incremental improvements over older model
|
Pocket-lint
Best Action Camera
|
Pros
Best in class stabilisation
10-bit colour video capture with high bitrate
Extremely wide HyperView digital lens
|
Cons
Fairly bulky
Quite expensive
|
Digital Camera World
The TikTok-ready action cam adds simplicity, and a new 8:7 sensor / Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Captures versatile 8:7 content
Excellent image stabilization
Horizon locking at up to 5.3K
Simplified interface for beginners
|
Cons
Lowlight video isn't great
Front display is not touch sensitive
GoPro membership required to unlock features
|
We ranked GoPro Hero10 Black #2 in March 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked GoPro Hero10 Black as #1.
Tom's Guide
GoPro's older, but still very capable action camera
|
Pros
Excellent image stabilization
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Heavy
|
TechRadar
Best overall action camera
|
Pros
Powerful new processor
Handy 4K/120p mode
Class-leading stabilization
|
Cons
Same sensor as Hero 9 Black
Pricier than rivals
|
T3
The GoPro Hero 10 offers almost everything the new Hero 11 boasts, for a considerably cheaper price
|
Pros
Speedy and slick thanks to new processor
Higher resolution and framerate than H9
Water-repelling lens cover
Horizon leveling up to 45-degree tilt
|
Cons
Most expensive option
Battery can struggle to keep up
|
Pocket-lint
Still a great buy
|
Pros
The best image quality around
Incredible image stabilisation
Extreme high resolution and frame rate options
|
Cons
Relatively heavy
Can be prone to overheating
|
Digital Camera World
The best traditional action cam all round with 5.3K video and 23MP stills
|
Pros
Faster user interface
Increased frame rates
Hydrophobic lens coating
|
Cons
Incremental upgrade on Hero9 Black
Bigger than the Hero8 Black and Hero7 Black
Not compatible with older batteries
|
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 March 2023 ranking
Wirecutter
Tom's Guide
TechRadar
WIRED
Rtings.com
Camera Jabber
PCMag
T3
Pocket-lint
Digital Camera World
We ranked GoPro Hero 9 Black #3 in March 2023 because:
- 9 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
An older GoPro
|
Pros
Front-facing screen
Removable lens
Media “Mods” add functionality
|
Cons
Heavy
|
TechRadar
An excellent GoPro action cam if don't need 4K slo-mo
|
Pros
5K video captures lots of detail
Front display for vlogging
Improved battery life
New software skills
|
Cons
Rear screen currently unresponsive
Little improvement to 4K video
|
Camera Jabber
|
Pros
No need for waterproof housing
Dual Screen
8X Slow-motion
|
Cons
Mods are expensive
Not great in low light
|
PCMag
Best GoPro for Budget Shoppers
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
You'll likely want to carry extra batteries
Subscription service adds recurring costs
Discounted pricing not available from all retailers
|
T3
Not quite the newest GoPro, but still an outstanding action camera
|
Pros
Integrated front-facing screen
Removable lens cover
Native horizon levelling
Very easy to use
|
Cons
Not quite as slick as the HERO 10
No hydrophobic lens cover
|
Digital Camera World
It might have been released in 2019 but specs wise, it's not fat off the GoPro Hero 10 and it's cheaper!
|
Pros
Front-facing screen
20MP photos
14.7 MP grabs from video
|
Cons
Larger physical size than other GoPros
5K video takes up a lot of memory
|
We ranked DJI Osmo Action 3 #4 in March 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A great budget GoPro alternative
|
Pros
Solid video quality
Innovative mounting options
More affordable than a GoPro
|
Cons
Photo quality is limited to 12 MP
Upload and edit process is entirely manual
|
TechRadar
The best value action camera for most people
|
Pros
Best-in-class diving specs
Convenient mounting setup
|
Cons
Poor low-light performance
Video quality can’t compete with GoPro
|
PCMag
Best for 4K120 on a Budget
|
Pros
Front and rear color touch displays
Easy to change lens filters
Continuous 4K60 recording without overheating
Up to 4K120 and 1080p240 slow motion
75-minute battery
Waterproof to 52 feet
|
Cons
Smartphone activation a strict requirement
Video limited to 4K, 8-bit quality
|
Pocket-lint
A super choice
|
Pros
Excellent magnetic mounting solution
Extremely wide FOV
Handy front touchscreen
|
Cons
Needs a bracket for vertical shooting
The rubber lens protector can easily be lost
|
Digital Camera World
Does DJI’s 3rd generation action camera have what it takes?
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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
|
We ranked Insta360 One RS #5 in March 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
This 360 camera has a modular design
|
Pros
Innovative modular design
Multiple lens options including 360 lens
Reversible screen for front facing option
Impressive in-camera stabilization
|
Cons
Small screen size
Needs frame for mounting
|
PCMag
Best for Mixing 360 and 4K Footage
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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
The most flexible action camera
|
Pros
Compelling modular design
Outstanding image quality
Good battery life
|
Cons
Fiddly SD/Charge port cover
|
Pocket-lint
Three-in-one transformer
|
Pros
The most configurable of the bunch
Robust and waterproof despite modularity
Up to three cameras in one
|
Cons
Small screen
Can't compete with GoPro on image quality
|
Digital Camera World
You might find the ONE RS's modular design more fiddly, but you get an action camera AND a 360 camera in one!
|
Pros
4K and 360º lens options
RAW photos and 100mbps video
Optional 1-inch action cam mod
|
Cons
Small-ish touchscreen
|
We ranked Insta360 Go 2 #6 in March 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best really small action camera
|
Pros
Very small
Takes good photos and videos for size
Charging case doubles as remote
|
Cons
Gets hot in use
Shorter battery life than other action cameras
|
TechRadar
A tiny action cam with a very clever case
|
Pros
Truly tiny form factor
Tripod charging case
|
Cons
No display for framing
Only waterproof to 4m
|
Camera Jabber
|
Pros
Miniscule size
Easy to use
Waterproof
Good video quality
|
Cons
No 4K video
No microSD card slot
|
Pocket-lint
Tiny but mighty
|
Pros
The tiniest action camera around
Versatile magnetic mounting options
Great stabilisation
|
Cons
Battery life can be limiting
Maxes out at 1440p 50fps
|
Digital Camera World
It's not 4K or waterproof, but this tiny magnetic camera can go where others can't!
|
Pros
Tiny when used 'naked'
High resolution for its size
Charge case and mounts included
|
Cons
Short run time
Can 'flick' out of mounts
|
We ranked DJI Action 2 #7 in March 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
A unique action cam that's very modular and expandable
|
Pros
Versatile, modular design
Handy horizon-leveling
|
Cons
Overheating limitations
Not great in low light
|
PCMag
Most Innovative Design
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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
|
T3
An innovative, modular action cam
|
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Modular, magnetic system is inspired
Excellent image stabilisation
|
Cons
Overheating cuts off video clips
Not great in low light
|
Digital Camera World
DJI's groundbreaking modular design makes the Action 2 a very clever bit of kit
|
Pros
Use compact or with combo unit
Dual touchscreen interface
Live streaming
|
Cons
Internal storage in camera (microSD cards need secondary unit)
Secondary unit must be attached to charge or use memory cards
|
We ranked Insta360 X3 #8 in March 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
PCMag
Best 360 Camera for Creators / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
5.7K30 HDR video
Slim, waterproof build
Big touch screen with straightforward interface
Robust desktop and mobile editing tools
Loads of capture modes
|
Cons
Video must be processed before editing
A bit of a learning curve to grasp 360-degree editing
Mobile editing app limits resolution
|
T3
The best all-in-one 360 action cam you can buy
|
Pros
Easy to use
Solid image performance
Waterproof and rugged
|
Cons
Stitching still not perfect
Not a generational leap over the X2
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 7 LE #9 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best action camera on a budget
|
Pros
Dual screens
Case-free water resistance
Class-leading build quality
|
Cons
Poor 60fps footage
Jumpy electronic stabilization
Cheaper options have better 4K
|
Digital Camera World
You wouldn't put the Akaso Brave 7 LE in the same class as GoPro, but it's way, way cheaper
|
Pros
Front LCD screen
4K video capture
6-axis stabilization
Low price
|
Cons
Needs to be put in case to be fully waterproof
|
We ranked Insta360 One R #10 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
An impressive, if imperfect, modular option with great quality
|
Pros
Modular design offers unrivaled versatility
Solid 4K and 360-degree image quality
|
Cons
Very small screen
Significant bugs at launch
|
Camera Jabber
|
Pros
Modular design
Incredible image quality
Both standard and 360º video
|
Cons
Joins get filled with mud
App home screen cluttered
|
T3
A cheaper version of the RS
|
Pros
Clever modular system
360-degree live previews on device
Flippable screen for vlogging
Easy to upgrade or replace modules
|
Cons
Stitching errors on 360 content
|
We ranked DJI Pocket 2 #11 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
What it lacks in ruggedness it makes up for with great stabilization
|
Pros
Useful gimbal stabilization
Impressive tracking
|
Cons
Poor low light performance
Can get hot while filming 4K
|
Digital Camera World
Not your traditional action camera, but we think the Pocket 2 is amazing
|
Pros
Sensational stabilization
Fantastic pocketability
Simple operation
|
Cons
Relies heavily on extras and accessories
|
We ranked GoPro Max #12 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
The best waterproof, 360-degree action camera
|
Pros
Shoots 5.6K, 360-degree video
In-camera stitching
|
Cons
Low-resolution 2D footage
Not the best in low light
|
PCMag
Best Audio in a 360 Cam
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Effective resolution is really 1080p
Single-lens capture tops out at 60fps
Requires more editing time to get the best results from spherical footage
|
T3
The best dedicated 360-degree camera on the market
|
Pros
Stunning 360-degree video
360 degree photos
Sturdy construction
|
Cons
Conventional video resolution is lower than rival
Image stitching can look glitchy
|
We ranked GoPro Hero8 #13 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
A good all-rounder if you don't need a front-facing screen
|
Pros
Best-in-class digital stabilization
Time-saving Capture Presets
Built-in mounting arms
Improved mic
|
Cons
Poor low-light performance
No front display
|
T3
There's no front-facing screen, but this camera delivers plenty of bang for your buck
|
Pros
Extremely capable and easy to use
Frameless design with folding mount fingers
Feature-packed and hugely robust
|
Cons
No front-facing preview screen
Not quite as good as the H10 or H9
|
We ranked GoPro Hero7 Black #14 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
An older GoPro flagship that's more now affordable
|
Pros
Great 4K video and image quality
HyperSmooth is very effective
|
Cons
Can struggle with voice commands
Screen unresponsive at times
|
T3
Not new,but still great
|
Pros
Great image quality and stabilisation
Waterproof without housing
|
Cons
No frameless design, so cases needed
|
We ranked Olympus Tough TG-6 #15 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
TechRadar
An action camera disguised as a hardcore compact
|
Pros
Internally stacked zoom lens
Up to 4K video resolution
|
Cons
Quality drops in bright conditions
Small sensor at its core
|
We ranked Akaso Brave 8 #16 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Camera Jabber
|
Pros
Good range of specifications
High-quality video
Touch Screen
|
Cons
Not great in low light
SuperSmooth is limited
App good but limited
|
T3
A well-specced action cam that's worth a look
|
Pros
Strong spec list
Excellent package of mounts
Decent stabilisation
|
Cons
Buggy launch software
|
We ranked SJCam SJ8 Pro #17 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Action Video Cameras” rankings.
Camera Jabber
|
Pros
Excellent value
Large clear screen
Decent video quality
|
Cons
Waterproof housing
The app interface can be clunky when used with Gimbal
|
T3
Pro video quality on a tighter budget? This is the action cam for you
|
Pros
Excellent video quality
Large 2.33-inch IPS touchscreen
Includes dashcam ‘car mode’
USB-C charging
|